SMARKDOWN FOR MARCH 31ST!

April 1, 2003

SWF SMARKDOWN! March 31st, 2003!

Due Date: Monday, 5pm EST.

Venue: Skyreach Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada!

Send To: Suicide King

OPENING PROMO: -For Rent-

HARDCORE GAMERS TITLE

HARDCORE MATCH

Nielsen of the Junge vs Mike Van Siclen vs Judge Mental©

Judge sucks. No, seriously. With partner in tow--and being tag team champions, none the less--Justice and Rule, Ejiro Fasaki and Judge Mental, couldn't knock off Frost. How embarassing. As punishment for disgracing the tag titles, Judge now must do double-duty, defending his other title, the HGC, against Neilsen of the Motherfuckin' Jungle, who proved he hasn't lost a single step. Or "stalk", as the case may be. Also, the floundering MVS has been included, hoping to find some direction in the WF... or at least avoid getting his head ripped off.

Rules: As is the hardcore doctrine, a blind eye has been turned towards those silly "rules" things.

Word Limit: 4500

Send To: chirs3

UNITED STATES TITLE

SINGLES MATCH

Michael Craven vs "The Franchise" Mak Francis©

After knocking off the vaunted "Deathwish" Danny Williams with a taste of his own medicine in a hellacious 60-minute Iron Man match, Mak has set out to proove he's a fighting champion. With a single defense against MVS in the books, Francis now turns toward Michael Cravel; licking his wounds after a sadistic match against Neilsen, and looking to cash in on a shot eared a while back...

Rules: Standard singles match. Pinfall, DQ, countout and submissions apply.

Word Limit: 5000

Send To: TheBostonStrangler

TAG TITLE CONTENDERSHIP

ELIMINATION MATCH, THREE WAY TAG

Instruments of Destruction (Janus and Fugue) vs Deja Vu vs Wild and Dangerous (Johnny Dangerous and Wildchild)

The tag division looks to be set alight, with a defense scheduled tonight, in addition to this! Janus and Fugue, coyly coining their team "Instruments of Destruction", proved to be an effective if inexperienced duo against Deja Vu. Not that it's hard, but still. Wild and Dangerous, with Johnny unsuspended, look to have their first tag match together in the WF... and finally, Deja Vu have proven to float like rocks in the world of professional wrestling. But hey, it's the tag division and they're warm bodies. Looks like chaos, so have fun, guys.

Rules: Standard DQ, pinfall, submission, countout rules apply. Three men are in the ring at once, they may tag out to ANYONE. This means that partners can be in the ring at the same time. When a man is eliminated, his partner, or failing that, the first man through the ropes, becomes the legal man. Once the first three men are eliminated, it becomes a three-way where the first fall wins the contendership.

Word Limit: 6000

Send To: chirs3

INTERCONTINENTIAL-TELEVISION TITLE

LADDER MATCH

"Deathwish" Danny Williams vs Jay Dawg

Perhaps the best in-ring technician in the SWF, versus one of its most solid for the ICTV title. One, coming off a shattering loss to Mak Francis on PPV, before rebounding and beating Ejiro Fasaki. The other, finally earning an ICTV shot after 2 and a half years in the fed. Naturally, it has been decided the best stage for both of these men to show their talents... is with the belt hanging 15 feet above the ring, and a ladder the only way to retrieve it. Mua'hahaha. No-one said I was a nice guy.

Rules: Ladder match rules, that is to say there aren't any except the only way to win the belt is to climb the ladder and pull it down.

Word Limit: 5750

Send To: Suicide King

TAG TITLES

TAG MATCH

Chilly Chilly Bang Bang (Frost and "TNT" Taylor Nicholas Thompson) vs Justice and Rule© (Judge Mental and Ejiro Fasaki)

And lo, the tag team champions woes continue. Not only did they lose to Frost, single handedly, but with that win the Iceman garaunteed a shot at the tag titles with a partner of his coice! And so, the re-union of Chilly Chilly Bang Bang is upon us. And honestly, if Justice and Rule couldn't beat Frost on his lonesome, how are their odds supposed to improve with the world champion at his side?

Rules: Standard tag rules. Mark's started a good trend, so to remember the tag ropes.

Word Limit: 6000

Send To: realitycheck

MAIN EVENT

WORLD TITLE CONTENDERSHIP

SINGLES MATCH

"The Superior One" Tom Flesher vs El Luchadore Magnifico

...bwa ha ha ha. What, you thought it was going to be that easy, Magnifico? Overwhelmed with anger from being knocked off his championship pedestal, ELM looks to channel his anger at anyone... and is turned toward the leader of his new stable. The words the former champion spoke on Lockdown about trust and loyalty will now be put to task. Will Tom Flesher attempt to preserve the relationship with his new ally? Or will his true, conniving nature and lust for the title he was groomed to win overcome him...?

Word Limit: 6500

Send To: Suicide King

April 1, 2003

Inside his plush office, complete with a digital cable hookup, furbished with black leather chairs and a large leather couch, the Suicide King sits at his solid oak desk, reading over the latest ratings, a smile on his lips as he looks over the buyrates for From the Fire. He hears a scuffle outside, but simply ignores it, undoubtedly another backstage brawl between two of his stars. “They are so infantile,” he muses. He scribbles down some notes and…

Crash!

His previously locked door flies open, the frame shattered and the actual door swinging free. Suicide King bolts to his feet, startled by the sheer gall of this man, barging into the commissioners office, HIS office. This bastard standing in his doorway, smoke seeming to appear around him. This person wearing brown and black shoes, blue jeans, a red and grey sweater and a black patchwork leather jacket. This icon known as Neilsen.

The Jungle King roars into the room, filling it with his presence. He charges at King’s desk, the wheeler and dealer braces himself for an attack and-

NotJ: “What the f**k is wrong with you Suicide!?! I come back after a f**kin’ year and you book me in a match for the ICTV Title! I win that goddamned match, which shouldn’t have shocked anyone, seeing as I was facing the f**kin’ Snowman from Sweden, but I won that match and what did you give me? A match against Wildchild!?! A f**kin’ furniture match!?! And then the opening match tonight!?! What the f**k is that Heart? I am the greatest superstar to ever enter this sport, proving it by beating one of the very best your federation has to offer after I missed over a year of action and what do I have to show for it? A match against a f**kin’ wrestler even Jay Dawg could beat! Not to insult Wildchild, whose got more ability than you ever had, but none the less, I am a f**kin’ champion, through and through. My entire f**kin’ career here there were only a handful of months that I didn’t have gold around my waist and you booked me against a man yet to taste true f**kin’ gold! I am the Hardcore Icon and I get a “hardcore” match where half the arsenal is off limits! I’ve had Main Event battles against Rane, Stubby, Comet, ELM, “Grand Slam,” damn near everyone you’ve ever known and I get booked in the first match of the night! What is your f**kin’ problem!?! I AM Neilsen, the numbers for the From the Fire PPV would’ve f**kin’ sucked if I hadn’t shown and I get placed in matches against f**kin’ mid-carders or worse! Sure, the best mid-carders in the federation, but f**kin’ mid-carders none the less. Is it any surprise I threw down that f**kin’ title!?! Any surprise that I didn’t want to be forced to battle mid-card after mid-card f**kin’ bitch! And then, instead of moving up the ladder, which would be f**kin’ obvious, I get moved down to facing a tag team specialist! A novelty match specialist! A Hardcore Champion that doesn’t believe in hardcore! What the f**k is that!?! What is your problem? Why the f**k are you booking the biggest name you’ve ever had against these lower ranked foes? What’s the deal? Sure, you envy me, you desire to be me, you f**kin’ fear me, but I deserve better, sh*t I deserve the f**kin’ best and Lord knows f**kin’ Neilsen-”

SK: “-was supposed to be a face!”

Neilsen staggers back, shocked by Suicide King’s announcement and the passion behind it.

SK: “You were gone for a year, in your own words, for a fuckin’ year! As you yourself said, one of the biggest names in this company’s history returns, and what does he do? He turns on the fans! He turns his back on everyone that was overjoyed at his return. He throws down the second most important title in the SWF and-”

NotJ: “I didn’t throw down the f**kin’ Hardcore Gamer’s-”

SK: “No shit! Neilsen, don’t you realize none of these wrestler’s care for that belt except for you! No, you throw down the ICTV Championship and…and just hand it back to the man that lost the match! We have the Mag 7! We have a stable of heels ready and waiting, poised to take over the title scene and TNT, ELM, they were huge but they were not enough and now ELM has joined the M7! Faces make money and dammit Neilsen, you could’ve been the best! Your antics, your ability, even your cheating and your very moves get you over! Why the hell did you have to go out and insult our, your fucking fans!?! Neilsen of the Jungle is a legend! Everyone these up-and-coming SWF superstars admire, everyone they look up to, they all looked up to you first! I give you a title shot, one a lot of these young guys deserved more than you and you throw it down! I gave you that shot not to hold you down, but to ease you back into the SWF. I never thought that you’d actually do so well after being gone so damn long! But you don’t follow my gameplan, you don’t do what I desire, you pay the price and the price you will fucking pay Neilsen. Dammit, next I may just have you face Johnny Dangerous just to piss you off! You do what I say because I will not stand for any man thinking he’s bigger than this federation, bigger than me! Neilsen, I will not stand for it!”

NotJ: “Then sit the f**k down!”

Neilsen palms King’s face and throws him back into his chair! The Suicide King hits the leather, it flips over, the Jungle King grabs his desk, throws it high and it crashes down on Suicide, pinning him beneath! Neilsen leaps onto the desk, looks down at the King and starts shouting-

NotJ: “I will not be held down! I AM Neilsen of the Mother F**kin’ Jungle! You can’t stop me! You can’t silence me! You can’t control me and that’s why you fear me! You are a lying son of a bitch! You wanted me to be a face, not for the company’s sake, but so, with TNT or that Mexican f**k as champion, I would never get the World Title shot I f**kin’ deserve! Throwing that title down is just the excuse you use to placate the f**kin’ boys in the back! You hate me! You hate the fact that the only reason you are praised as the greatest heel ever is because these SWF f**ks never…met…me! By holding me down, you hope I look like a little schmuck so these people that sing your f**kin’ praises never see past this low-card status you’ve given me out of fear that the star will gain more power than the man in charge! Stubby knew to give me what I f**kin’ wanted, Jayson knew he needed to have me on his side, you, you dumb little f**k, you aren’t even half as smart as Drew if you actually think I’d just stand back and let you mock my f**kin’ career with matches that aren’t worth my f**kin’ time! You are the only boss to ever f**kin’ piss me off, to ever be stupid enough to f**k with me! Don’t forget who the first King was you little bitch. I was the man before you had your first f**kin’ match Queen. This is war f**ker, and you don’t stand a chance. The SWF has a new name, a new face and a new reason to f**kin’ fear! Before I am through, I will control this damned Federation.”

SK: “You…nnnggghh…(Strains in attempt to lift the desk.)…you can’t do it alone.”

NotJ: “Watch me.”

As King’s eyes go wide, Neilsen hops back, kicks the desk, the top cracks King in the face and Neilsen walks out the door, looks back one last time at King bruised beneath the desk and disappears.

A number of SWF employees storm the office, lifting the desk off the Suicide King and helping him to his feet. After they make sure he’s okay, he orders them to get out. Suicide staggers over to the mirror, places the icepack a young woman named Michelle gave him on his face and mutters as he stares at himself…

SK: “He’s going to f**kin’ pay…”

April 1, 2003

“Ladies and gentlemen," greets the SWF's own "Grand Slam" Mark Stevens, welcoming us back from break. "Tonight has all the makings of a gangbusters edition of SWF Smarkdown, with this evening's main event being a singles match between Tom Flesher and El Luchadore Magnifico, new stablemates who at one point were bitter rivals. And they'll be going one-on-one for a shot at Taylor Nicholas Thompson's SWF Heavyweight championship!"

"Absolutely correct you are, Mark," Stevens' broadcast partner, Bobby Riley, replies. "Also going down this afternoon is tag team goodness, with the Instruments of Destruction, Deja Vu, and Wild and Dangerous all squaring off early in the evening to determine who will get a shot at the tag team championships. And those titles will also be contested tonight, as the team of Justice and Rule go toe-to-toe with Chilly Chilly Bang Bang!"

"Speaking of Justice and Rule," Stevens interjects, looking to make a segway. "Judge Mental, the oldest double champion in SWF history at the age of forty-five, has to put both of his titles on the line tonight. The aforementioned tag titles, and the Hardcore Gamers' Championship, which he'll defend in the opening match against Neilsen of the Jungle and Mike Van Siclen."

"Neilsen is a very dangerous man," Riley comments, "And the Jungle man is easily the favorite coming into this match."

"Indeed he is, Bobby, but I wouldn't count out Mike Van Siclen. He's had some troubles as of late, but he's always a force to be reckoned with."

"Sure, Mark. Sure."

.:Ding Ding Ding:.

"And it looks like we're ready to begin the Hardcore Gamers' title match!'

We shift to the middle of the ring, where announcer Funyon stands, microphone in hand. He clears his throat and raises the mic to his lips. "Ladies and gentlemen, WELCOME to SWF SMARKDOWN! Tonight's first contest will be a triple threat, HAAAAAARD-COOOOOORE rules match for the ESS-DOUBLEYOU-EFF HAAAAAAAAAAAAARD-COOOOOOOOOORE GAMERS' CHAMPIONSHIP!"

"Introducing first, the first of the two challengers!"

The four quick cymbals and even quicker guitar riff that begins “Damage Done” by Dark Tranquility blasts throughout the arena, as the lights go out and blue strobes begins to flash in time with the music. Mike Van Siclen steps onto the ramp, his arms extending in a bent crucifix under his acid-green jacket. He spins around the on the ramp, grinning like a madman as he breaks out of his spin cycle and steps cockily down the entrance ramp, sliding into the ring and extending his arms to the side, dropping his arms and letting his jacket slide off and to the mat. Tonight's referee, Billy Chioda, jogs over and picks up the jacket, tossing it nonchalantly out of the ring as Funyon announces Van Siclen's arrival.

"Weighing in at two-hundred and thirty-seven pounds, he hails from Harrison, Illinois! The most Spectacular superstar in the history of the SWF, he is MIKE VA-AN SIIIIIIIC-LEN!"

The crowd pops for Van Siclen's arrival, but their cheers are quickly turned to boos as "Sickness" by Disturbed starts up, and the arena's lights change from blue to forest green as Neilsen of the Jungle steps to the top of the rampway, the crowd pouring out their boos for the Jungle man as he walks down the ramp, chair under one arm as he points at Van Siclen with the other. Van Siclen looks a bit nervous in the ring, but he goes back to shadowboxing as NotJ steps into the ring, setting a chair down in his corner before starting to stretch a bit for his match.

"Introducing second, the second of two challengers! Weighing in at two-hundred, forty-five pounds, he hails from Chicago, Illinois! He is an SWF LEGEND, so give it up, for NEILSEN... of the JUNGLE!"

The crowd gives it up in boos, but Neilsen simply flips them off, causing them to roar even more! The crowd quiets down, however, as the lights dim to a harsh red, and the drumbeats from beginning of Rage Against the Machine's "Testify" softly, slowly crescendoing up. The drumbeat gets louder and louder, and as the drum hits the cymbal there is a split second of silence before....

"NOW TESTIFY!"

The song skips to midway through and continues on as three sets of red pyros shoot up all across the stage, and the Judge, William Hearford, appears on the entrance ramp, the Hardcore Gamers' title slung over his right shoulder while the Tag Team Championship is strapped firmly around his waist. He walks down to the ring in a very precise and deliberate step, occasionally stopping to give a small taunt to the crowd.

"And finally, the champion! Weighing in at two-hundred and forty-two pounds, he hails from Royal Oak, Michigan! He is YOUR Hardcore Gamers' champion, representing the Magnificent Seven, the Judge, WILLLLLLIAM HEEEEEEEEAR-FOOOOOOOORD!"

Hearford walks slowly up the steps, ignoring the glowering look that Neilsen of the Jungle gives to him as he steps between the ropes, slowly unstrapping the Tag Team title from around his waist... but out of nowhere, NotJ charges across the ring and lays the Judge out with a menacing clothesline! The Judge falls straight back, the Hardcore Gamers' championship sliding across the ring while the Tag Team championship lays across his waist. Neilsen continues to stomp at the Judge, while Billy Chioda grabs the strap of the Tag Team title and yanks it out of harms' way. He tosses it to the timekeeper as Neilsen continues to stomp away at Judge, looking like nothing will stop him...

...until Van Siclen charges over, catching Neilsen with a clothesline of his own! The bigger man stumbles back and into the corner, and Van Siclen continues the barrage, catching Neilsen with one, two, three, four, five punches to the face, the crowd counting with every one! Van Siclen backs up a bit, close enough to Hearford so that the Judge can wrap his arm around Mike's inside leg and look for the rollup! Chioda makes the count -

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THR- NO!" Van Siclen manages to roll backwards out of it, and he stands up, staring at the Judge as he gets to his feet.

"Van Siclen looks to have the advantage early, Bobby, and all three of these men have come into this match with a certain competitive fire that just can't be taught."

"Indeed they have, Mark, and I hope it doesn't cost Judge later on tonight, when he has to defend his Tag Team championship with Ejiro Fasaki!"

Van Siclen goes over to Hearford as the big man gets to his feet, but he gets caught by Neilsen, who charges at Van Siclen and catches him with a knee to the gut! The Spectacular one doubles over, and Neilsen takes advantage of this, grabbing Van Siclen's head and bringing him down to the mat with a vicious DDT! Neilsen stands up quickly upon delivery, only to be caught from behind with a forearm to the back of the head by Hearford! The champion turns Neilsen around, making sure the the Jungle man can see as he delivers a precise forearm dead into his face! Neilsen stumbles back, once again falling into the corner, and Judge follows up, licking his chops and looking like he wants to tear Neilsen's head off.

Hearford approaches Neilsen, lifting his chin up with his right hand and bringing his left across Neilsen's chest!

"WHOOOOOOOOO!"

Neilsen grabs his upper body, doubling over but the Judge doesn't allow him to do so, grabbing him under the chin and using his left hand to SLAP! him across the chest!

"WHOOOOOOOOO!"

Judge grabs Neilsen under the chin once more, looking for another chop but he's distracted by Van Siclen, who comes from behind and drills Judge in the back of the head with a forearm! Judge stumbles into Neilsen, but Mike grabs him, turning him around. He grabs Hearford by the arm and whips him into the opposite corner, causing Judge's sternum to impact on the turnbuckle! Judge bounces out of the turnbuckle, but Mike, following, turns him around and whips him into the other corner, looking to make him impact Neilsen... but as Judge comes at him, Neilsen charges out of the corner and nearly DECAPITATES Hearford with a lariat! Judge's neck slams against the mat, and Van Siclen walks over to his body, yelling at him. The mic picks it up...

"Yeah, job me to a mother<bleep>ing ref, you <bleep>hole."

"Van Siclen's showing a bit of anger here, Bobby!"

"I can't believe he talked that way to the great Judge Mental! Somebody should wash his mouth out."

Van Siclen looks up, seemingly only now noticing Neilsen standing next to him. Mike grins at the veteran, extending his hand while thanking him for the clothesline. The crowd, somewhat surprised, decides they approve and begin to cheer, and they cheer even louder as Neilsen appears to accept the handshake! The two shake a couple of times, and Mike looks up... to see Neilsen, a sick grin on his face. Mike's eyes widen in horror as Neilsen pulls him in, wrapping one arm around his neck in an L shape, the setup for the Book End! The crowd boos for the setup, and they boo even louder as Neilsen lifts Van Siclen off the mat and slams him right back into it! Neilsen pops up like Batista after the spinebuster, looking at Mike and debating whether or not to go for the pin... but he waits a second too long, and Hearford, seeing an opportunity, rolls him up! Chioda quickly hits the mat to make the count -

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"TH- NO!" Neilsen rolls backwards out of it this time, and the champ, a bit upset, pulls himself to his feet, looking down at Neilsen with utter disdain as he lifts the Jungle man up. Behind him, Van Siclen is rolling out of the ring, hoping to buy himself time to catch his bearings. Back inside, Judge grabs Neilsen by the arm, whipping him into the ropes. Neilsen comes back, right into a Judge belly-to-belly hold! The Judge bends his knees slightly and then hoists Neilsen up, throwing the big man over his head with a vicious overhead belly to belly! Both men, a bit out of it from the move, take a little longer than usual to get up, and Van Siclen on the outside, having finally gotten back into it, lifts up the ring apron, pulling out various weapons, all of which he throws into the ring - three chairs, a baseball bat, and a garbage can filled with various signs. He looks to put down the ring apron, but he lifts it up once more, pulling out a ladder! The crowd erupts for the ladder, and Van Siclen takes a mock bow for them.

"Van Siclen introducing the weapons into the match, taking advantage of his adversaries being down!'

"I'm as surprised as you are, Mark - I wasn't sure that Van Siclen remembered how to strategize, after the last couple of matches he's had!"

The Spectacular one slides the ladder into the ring before sliding into it himself, picking up one of the chairs. He goes over to Neilsen, now getting to his feet, and stands him up even more, setting the chair down right underneath Neilsen's face. The Jungle man, still a bit out of it from the throw, has nowhere to go as Van Siclen catches him with a boot to the gut, doubling him over! The crowd roars as Van Siclen puts him into a DDT position, raising one arm for the fans' benefit, as they know what to expect now - the Code Red, right onto the steel, a definite match finisher! Van Siclen spins around, looking for the bulldog... but the Judge is right there to kick him in the stomach! Van Siclen, now, doubles over, and Judge grabs him and quickly brings him down in a DDT! The fans boo, having been robbed of the high impact move they so desired, but Judge simply waves at them a bit - earning him even more boos. Judge, undaunted, goes over to Neilsen, lifting the jungle man up and whipping him into the ropes.

Neilsen bounces off of them and comes back, Judge looking for a huge clothesline - but Neilsen ducks it, running over to the other side of the ropes! Judge, confused, turns around... and right into a headscissors from Neilsen! The crowd erupts for the Jungle man as he looks for the quick cover on Judge - Chioda counts.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THR- NO!" Broken up by Van Siclen, and an angry Neilsen stands up, stalking Van Siclen. The Spectacular one stands up straight, staring Neilsen straight in the eyes... only inciting the Jungle man more, and giving him reasoning for grabbing Mike by the hair and throwing him over the top rope! Neilsen slides out too, following, and yelling at Van Siclen "You WILL <bleep>ing fear me, <bleep>!"

"Van Siclen showing no respect for Neilsen, and it costs him there!"

"Eh, Mark, who cares - watching Neilsen pound some poor sucker's teeth into his lungs, man, that's like a holiday for me!"

"You have some sick holidays, Riley."

The former leader of the Pack grabs Van Siclen by the hair on the outside, leading him over to the barrier behind which the fans stand. He grabs Van Siclen and lifts his head way back... then slams it right down onto the barrier! The fans in front of Neilsen pop while the rest of the arena boos, causing Neilsen to elicit a sharp "<bleep> you!" Nobody really cares, though, as Neilsen grabs Van Siclen by the hair once again, lifting his head way up... and getting an elbow to the face, courtesy of Van Siclen! Neilsen lets go of Mike, choosing instead to grab his face, and Mike grabs Neilsen by the back of the head and slams him face-first into the barrier! The fans all over the arena pop for that one, as Mike waves to them for a second or two before grabbing Neilsen and turning him around so that the two are face-to-face. He gives Neilsen a kick to the gut, then lifts him up as for a suplex. However, instead of actually suplexing Neilsen, Van Siclen drapes his body over the barrier, so that his head faces the ring while the rest of his body is in the crowd.

Van Siclen climbs up onto the apron, turning around and facing the crowd. Ripping a page straight out of Rob Van Dam's book, and in doing so recycling a spot used in his first World title match with Janus, Van Siclen points to himself three times, the crowd chanting along - "Next. Hardcore. Champ." Van Siclen leaps off of the ring apron, rolling over in midair and coming down, his leg slicing across the back of Neilsen's neck and causing him to flip right over the barrier, onto the thin padding on the outside of the ring! Neilsen grabs his back, but Mike stomps him once in the face, silencing him long enough to make the cover. Chioda counts -

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THRE- NO!" Neilsen still has the strength to get the shoulder up, and the crowd boos, wishing he didn't. Van Siclen, seemingly laboring, stands up, his hands on his knees as he tries to catch his breath.

"Van Siclen with the helicopter legdrop on Neilsen, a move that the SWF hasn't seen but helped win Mike his first JL title!"

"Oh, who cares, Mark - it's not like it'll help Mike win anything here."

Van Siclen hears the ropes move inside the ring and turns around - only to see Judge Mental, charging straight at him! Mike can do nothing but open his mouth as Judge slides, catching Mike with a baseball slide dropkick straight to the teeth that causes Riley to call out "S! L! I! D! E!" The arena groans as Judge slides outside, grabbing Van Siclen by the hair and lifting the Spectacular one to his feet. Hearford, face-to-face with Van Siclen, holds his head up with his left hand while leveling his right hand... and WHAM! Catching him with a stiff right hook, right to the face! Mike tries to fall down, to regain his bearings, but Judge refuses to let that happen, his iron grip on Van Siclen's head not giving out. He stares at Van Siclen, eyes cold and unforgiving as he rears back... and WHAM! Levels a shot right at Van Siclen's jaw, this time letting go! Van Siclen falls backwards, nursing his jaw in pain as Judge, hearing boos, waves to the fans, very nearly inciting a riot.

"Judge with some stiff shots on Van Siclen there, and I think, Riley, that Mike's getting exhausted."

"Well, you may be right, Mark, but I also think that Judge is very fresh - he wants to make sure he exits with at least one title tonight, so he's going after the weaker man in this match - Mike Van Siclen."

Van Siclen gets to his feet slowly, grabbing on the apron as a way to pull himself up. Hearford comes over to help him up, lifting Mike to his feet only to quickly go behind him, grabbing Van Siclen in a full nelson! The crowd boos, knowing that the full nelson suplex is to come - but they cheer as Mike levels a kick to Judge's nads, causing the Judge to break the hold! Mike turns around, catching Judge with a punch to the face of his own and sending the big man reeling! Judge shakes his jaw out, coming back at Van Siclen - but the Spectacular one puts his head under Judge's neck, sitting out with a huge Jawbreaker! The crowd erupts as Van Siclen grabs Judge by the legs, lifting them up and spreading them apart! The crowd roars as Van Siclen jumps into the air - and comes down, his legs landing square on Judge's genitals! Van Siclen stands up, pumping his fist as Judge gets to his feet. Van Siclen turns around and looks to give Judge a boot in the gut, but Hearford catches it! He spins Mike around, catching him on the way out of the spin with a diamond cutter, the Surprise Witness! Judge leaps on top of Van Siclen for the cover as Chioda makes the count -

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THRE- NO!" Neilsen breaks up the count with an elbow to the back of Judge's neck! Judge rolls off of Van Siclen, facing up at Neilsen with an "Oh-<bleep>" expression plastered on his face.

"Van Siclen looks to make the comeback but he gets shut down by a Judge Mental Surprise Witness - Bobby, we were mere moments from a retain by Mental!"

"It's not like Neilsen breaking up the count will change anything. Really - Judge is honorable, and honor always wins out over the brutes."

Neilsen grabs the Judge and lifts him to his feet, grabbing him by the head and leading him over to the barrier. He grabs ahold of the barrier with his right hand, his left hand having a clawlike grip on the back of Judge's head. Neilsen lets out a mighty roar, then yanks Judge's head back - and whips it forward, slamming it against the barrier! Judge's head bounces off like a basketball and the rest of his body goes like one too, hitting the floor hard. Neilsen, grinning like a demon, slides into the ring, grabbing one of the chairs Van Siclen threw inside of it and sliding it out of the ring. Neilsen slides out after it, taking the chair and setting it on Judge's face. Neilsen kicks Hearford a couple of times, causing the big man to squirm a bit into a position parallel with the barrier and the chair to slide off. Neilsen readjusts it, then goes over to the barrier and climbs on top of it.

The fans roar in preparation for the move, wanting to see some heavy impact and hoping that Neilsen can provide. The Jungle man flies off, his legs coming straight out and then splitting, his left one like a knife, ready to slice right through butter, bread, a person's heart...

Or in Judge's case, ready to slice into the chair and into his face. WHAM! Neilsen's left leg lands perfectly, square across the chair, and the chair in turn smashes into Judge's face! A "HO-LY <bleep>!" chant breaks out, and the chair slides off of Judge's face to reveal a trickle of blood beginning to turn into a lavaflow across his face. The crowd erupts as Neilsen staggers to his feet, a bit of a limp developing as he walks over to Judge, not about to let him off with only that much hardcore.

"LEGDROP ONTO A CHAIR! ONTO JUDGE'S FACE! GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY, RILEY - Neilsen could've DECAPITATED Judge!"

"You mean he didn't? That looked so painful - I'm surprised Judge is still conscious!"

Judge rolls over onto his stomach, struggling to even get to his feet as Neilsen grabs him by the head and lifts him up, bringing him to a standing position, face-to-face with the Jungle man, standing over the chair that Neilsen just drove into Judge's skull. Hearford, dazed, can do nothing as Neilsen knees him in the stomach. Judge doubles over, and Neilsen grabs him around the neck, bringing him straight back with a DDT - into the very same skull Judge was just introduced to! The crowd erupts as NotJ makes the cover on Judge, apparently elementary! Chioda makes the cover -

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THRE- NO!" Mike Van Siclen, finally back in the game, jumps over and makes the save, catching Neilsen in the back with a double axe handle! The Jungle man, running off of nothing but pure adrenalin at this point, gets up, staring daggers into MVS, and the look on Van Siclen's face says it clearly - uh oh.

Neilsen stands up, walking towards Van Siclen ever so slowly, trying to get in the Spectacular one's head as he hunts him down like a true jungle warrior would. Van Siclen, trying to prove his mettle, stops, face to face with Neilsen. The two stare at each other - and then Neilsen kicks Van Siclen straight in the stomach, causing Mike to double over! Neilsen takes advantage, wrapping one huge arm over Mike's neck in position for a Twist of Fate, the setup for the Neilsen McTwist! Neilsen roars to the crowd, and they boo back as Neilsen turns around, grabbing Van Siclen in Stunner posiiton and sitting out, causing Mike to bounce back, stunned and out of it from the Neilsen McTwist! Van Siclen flops back, and Neilsen jumps on top, making the cover! Chioda makes the count!

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THRE- NO!" William Hearford, now, makes the save, kicking Neilsen in the back!

"JUDGE WITH THE SAVE! The McTwist nearly gets three, and if it wasn't for Judge Hearford it would have!"

"Well, at least one of my guys will win - there's no way Van Sucklen will get up after that."

Judge, angry now, grabs Neilsen, his second wind kicking in as he lifts Neilsen to his feet, kneeing him in the gut and putting him into a standing headscissors! The crowd roars in boos as Judge crosses Neilsen's arms below him in an X, then lifts the Jungle man up into powerbomb position, his arms still in an X across his neck! Van Siclen begins to stir as Judge lifts Neilsen high into the air...

AND SLAMMING HIM DOWN, with the sitout straightjacket powerbomb, the Capital Punishment! The crowd boos the move and boos more as Judge bridges forward for the pin. Chioda counts...

"ONE!"

In his world, Van Siclen stands up, brushing the hair out of his eyes and seeing Hearford with the pinfall on...

"TWO!"

Van Siclen staggers over, hoping to break up the pin...

"TH..."

Closer...

"RE..."

And he's there in time, leaping over Neilsen and catching Judge with a flying lariat, between Neilsen's legs! Judge falls back, but Van Siclen lifts him up, looking for the finish.

"CAPITAL PUNISHMENT ON NEILSEN - BUT VAN SICLEN BREAKS IT UP!"

"I can't believe this, everything's going wrong!"

Van Siclen grabs Judge, punching him in the ribs to double him over and putting him in a standing headscissors. The crowd roars for the setup, and they roar even more as Van Siclen lifts Judge up, keeping a hold on his head between his knees as he makes Judge's body parallel to his own - the only difference is that Judge is facing straight down! Mike steps forward, over Judge's arms... and falls down to his knees, driving Judge's head into the thinly padded concrete with the Riot Act! The crowd erupts as Van Siclen lets go of Judge, rolling him over onto his back and making the cover! Chioda makes with the count -

"ONE!"

Neilsen, beginning to stir from the Capital Punishment, sees Mike with the cover...

"TWO!"

He gets to his feet, slowly, but he's a bit far away!

"THR..."

He runs over...

"E..."

Closer..

"E!"

Too late, Neilsen drops the double axe handle across Mike's back! The crowd erupts as Chioda signals for the bell and Funyon makes it clear.

.:Ding Ding Ding:.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, and the NEW! HARD-CORE GAMERS' CHAMPION... MIIIIIIKE VA-AN SIIIIIIC-LEEEN!"

The crowd erupts as Neilsen stares at Mike in shock, anger starting to creep across his face as Van Siclen gets to his feet, Chioda handing him the Hardcore Gamers' title and he holds it close to his chest as he starts to leave, Neilsen staring after him angrily as we...

...fade out...

April 1, 2003

The Smarktron fizzles as the cameras in the arena go backstage, showing a dimly lit - as per usual - locker room. It appears to be empty, but then the camera pans to the floor, where Janus is seen doing pushups, the seven footer pausing in his exercise when he hears the ringing of his mobile phone. In digital form, "Princes of the Universe" bleeps through the air as the giant checks his bag and picks up his phone. The voice on the other end is audible, for some reason...

"Hello, Terrence."

The look on the giant's face goes from impatient to - for lack of a better term - displeased.

"There is no Terrence here. You have a wrong number."

The giant takes his mobile phone away from his ear and is about to press the 'end call' button when the voice on the mobile phone speaks again.

"Testy, testy, Janus. Why don't you let me talk to Terrence?"

The giant is visibly trembling now. He tightens his grip on the mobile, trying to keep the rage out of his voice. The camera catches the way the giant's chest heaves, the way his pupils contract in fury as he yells at the phone.

"HOW DID YOU GET THIS NUM...."

*click*

".....BER!?"

Whoever was on the other end of the line had hung up. Janus growls, then looks at his mobile phone again. Although the phone call is over, the screen has lit up with a 'return call?' function, highlighting the phone number that had just rang him - and the number was in his mobile's address book.

The giant pressed the buttons on his phone to look at the address book...and four letters stared back at him...

C...R....O....W.

April 1, 2003

As we come back from a break in the action, the camera zooms around the SOLD-OUT Skyreach Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, taking in legions of rabidly cheering SWF fans. It finally comes to rest on that dynamic duo of SWF announcers, sitting as usual at ringside.

Stevens: Welcome back to SWF Smarkdown, coming to you from Edmonton!!! The Capital of Alberta! The City of Champions!!! The City-

Riley: -Of Boredom!!!

Stevens: Now cut that out, Riley.

Riley: There’s nothing to do here. Why can’t we just leave?

Stevens: Because you’d miss our next match!

Riley: And what would that be?

Stevens: Why don’t you let me explain?

Riley: *sigh* Fine. But be quick. “Will And Grace” is on in a bit, and I just love Jack! He’s the best character of all. I wish I could be like him...

Stevens: *sigh* That’s Bobby riley for you, folks. But enough of this silliness, as up next is a match of great importance!!! After knocking off the vaunted "Deathwish" Danny Williams with a taste of his own medicine in a hellacious 60-minute Iron Man match, SWF US Champion Mak Francis has set out to prove he's a fighting champion. With a single defense against Mike Van Siclen in the books, Francis now turns toward Michael Craven; licking his wounds after a sadistic match against Neilsen, and looking to cash in on a shot eared a while back! Can The Nightmare add another title to his collection, or will it be another sucessful title defense for The Franchise? Let’s find out as we send it off to Funyon!!!

This cues Funyon, who stands in the ring, microphone in hand:

Funyon: The following is a standard singles match for the SWF US CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

The crowd pops loudly as Funyon continues on.

Funyon: Introducing first...

“BOOM-BOOM BOOM... BOOM...”

The lights cut out, the crowd begins to boo like crazy, and the announcers just shut up for a sec. Strobe lights pulse to the beat of the guitar in the background 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. This is when golden waterfalls of pyro similar begin flowing from the top of the SmarkTron and the crowd really begins to raise their boos louder. A huge pyro blast kicks up from the front of the stage at the guitar drop, about 50 seconds into the song, strobes still going. Suddenly, as Chris Cornell begins to sing, a spotlight shines down on Michael Craven, standing on stage. He stops turning to look at the fans, and quickly, he spins around twice, finishing by pointing to himself and flexing as the crowd begins to boo so loud, it hurts. He follows it up by walking down the ramp in a half-strut, like the cocky SOB that he is.

Funyon: ...from Tampa, Florida, weighing in at 280 pounds... he is your next SWF US Champion... ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome...

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Funyon: ...MICHAEL CRAAAAAAVEN!!!

He enters the ring by hopping over the top rope, landing on his feet. He climbs the turnbuckle closest to the crowd, points to himself, and then does a Steiner-like flex with his biceps, smiling as the crowd continues to boo him. Mike then hops off the turnbuckle, walks across the ring to another turnbuckle, climbs this, and repeats the whole damn thing, hopping off the turnbuckle as he focuses his attention on the stage, waiting for the champ.

Riley: Craven is totally focused on this match, and there’s no reason why Mak Francis should not be run flat over by The Nightmare.

Stevens: Bobby, this man defeated Danny Williams, a nearly unbreakable, invincible force in the SWF with the US Championship!!!

Riley: You’re kidding. The only move Danny Williams can do is an armbar!!!

The house lights shut off as the wispy sounds of a digital xylophone echo throughout the arena. You can feel the pulsation of the light dings, as a hard beat done by violins, suddenly strikes up slightly overshadowing the original background rhythm.

“So do you wanna’ be a Franchise… And live large… A big house… five cars…”

The SmarkTron flares up with a blue and white photonegative image of Mak Francis, which is followed by ‘The Franchise’ in large green lettering, flashing on the screen in time with the beat.

“The rent charge… Comin’ up in the world, don’t trust nobody… Gotta’ look over your shoulder constantly!”

As the opening lyrics from Rock Superstar by Cypress Hill, slightly altered of course, blare over the PA system, it takes a bit but eventually Mak Francis makes his way through the curtain. The lights come back up and Francis comes out onto the stage, tilting his shades down on the bridge of his nose, looking left and then right…

“I remember the days, when I was a young kid grownin’ up… Lookin’ in the mirror dreamin’ about blowin’ up!”

That cues multiple short bursts of green pyrotechnics erupting from either side of him. He readjusts his shades with a smirk, before slowly strolling down to ringside.

Funyon: And his opponent, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing in at 225 lbs., he is the SWF US Champion, ladies and gentlemen... “THE FRANCHISE” MAK FRANCISSSSSSSSSS!!!

After walking up the ring steps, he cockily wipes his feet on the apron, giving a mock salute to the crowd, before entering through the middle ropes. Francis stares down Craven before he climbs the nearest turnbuckle and poses with both fists raised in the air.

Stevens: Mak Francis comes in fresh off a victory over Mike Van Siclen, but this Mike might not be such an easy opponent!

Riley: Mark, beating Craven is like trying to dam Niagara Falls with a pebble: impossible.

As Francis hops down, Craven steps out to meet him. The two men stare each other down briefly, intensity shown in the faces of both men, before Referee Timmy Thompson intervenes and sends the men back into separate corners for the quick pre-match inspections.

Stevens: I don’t know... Mak might not be the monster Craven is... but there’s always the crowd factor.

As Thompson checks Craven for brass kuncks or any other illegal weapons, his eyes remain focused solely on Francis. The Nightmare’s clean of any foreign objects, and as Thompson moves over and checks Francis briefly, The Franchise takes the time to stare down Craven, the former 4-time Hardcore Champion only smirking in response.

Riley: What? You’re kidding me! Just because Francis thinks inside the box, and these morons like it, doesn’t mean he’s automatically going to win!!!

After determining both men are cleared to go, Thompson signals for the bell...

DING DING DING!!!

Stevens: And we are under way!!!

The two men begin by circling each other, Craven lunging in to fake the collar and elbow tie-up, then quickly returing to circle. Francis follows suit, and only a second or so later, it’s for real as the two men throw down in a collar and elbow tie-up. Each man scrambles greatly for leverage, feet firm against the ground, but a sudden burst of power from Craven knocks Francis back. The hold is broken, The Franchise landing back first against the turnbuckle. He quickly pops out, and the two men once more tie-up, with the same result. Francis lets out a small, unnoticeable grunt as his back hits the turnbuckle. The Franchise yet again hops out of the turnbuckle, readying for a third collar and elbow tie-up. Craven lunges out as he tries to grab Mak, but Francis bows down intentionally, having planned this as he came out of the turnbuckle, and grabs hold of Craven’s leg. He pulls back, flipping Craven off his feet as he loses balance.

Stevens: Francis seems to be a bit quicker than Craven early on...

Riley: Hey... is that legal? Can he do that?

Stevens: Yes, Bobby... it’s legal.

Riley(with sarcasm): Sure thing, “Mr. Referee”...

The electrified crowd throws their support behind Francis as Craven trips up and goes back first into the mat, Francis still holding onto the leg as he drags Craven over onto his chest. With Craven on his stomach, Mak pulls backwards, applying pressure to Craven's back with a single leg crab!!!!

Stevens: SINGLE LEG CRAB!!! Craven’s clawing for the ropes, but he’s too far away!!!

Riley: And as long as he keeps that hold locked in, our Neilsen rating is dropping...

Craven cries out in pain as the hold continues to remain locked in. Craven’s hands claw into the mat, grasping for any available space as he attempts to break free. He twists and tugs, eventually slipping his boot through Francis’ arms, breaking the hold.

Stevens: And Craven breaks free of the hold! Both men quickly rising to their feet now-

Riley: Phew. That’s a relief! I thought I was going to die of boredom from 30 minutes of rest holds!

As Craven gets to his feet, Francis catches him across his shoulders and flips him across them into a fireman’s carry takedown! Craven’s back hits the mat as Mak floats over, pinning Michael to the mat!

One-

Craven violently kicks out, throwing Mak off The Nightmare and onto his back! Both men rise quickly back up to their feet, determined to let neither man gain the advantage.

Riley: Did he really expect to down The Nightmare with a fireman’s carry?

Stevens: Probably not, Bobby. Craven’s taken many of those during his career, and there’s not a chance that, this early in the match, it’s gonna put him down for the three-count.

Riley: Then why the hell should he bother? It’s obviously not going to wear Craven down. What a dumbass...

As they get to their feet, Mak grabs a wrist of The Nightmare and whips Craven across the ring, Mike hitting the ropes, which act like a slingshot. As Craven charges hard off the ropes, he lifts his leg up into Mak’s face for a huge big boot!

Stevens: Big boot from Craven-

While the move should flatten Francis to the mat, arms laid out, The vigilant Frachise ducks just in the nick of time!!

Stevens: -NO! Francis ducks!

Craven looks around in confusion, having lost the smaller man for a second...

...until Mak Francis catches Craven in the side of the head with a forearm smash! Craven hits the mat hard, popping back up onto his feet. As he does, Mak Francis leaps into the air, flipping as he catches Craven in the chin with a flipping dropkick to a pop from the crowd! Craven flies back, hitting the ropes and bouncing forward off them as Mak begins to get to his feet. Pushing himself up onto his knees, he awaits Craven’s return, and upon it, drops to the mat, grabbing Craven around the ankles with his own ankles as the crowd pops for a Mak Francis drop toe hold!!! The electrified crowd throws their support behind Francis as Craven trips up and goes face first into the mat, the hold released as both men quickly get to their feet, The Franchise taking a bit longer than expected. As Francis pops back onto his feet, Craven has gotten up faster and is already on his feet, quickly drawing his arm back like a shortstop scopping up a grounder and throwing it to first before he draws his hand close to his head and drives his forearm into the head of Mak Francis with amazing force! Francis is slammed hard down onto the mat, grabbing his head as Craven stands tall, the crowd booing him profusely.

Stevens: WHAT A FOREARM SMASH!!!

Riley: Now THAT’S what you need to do to wear someone down!!!

Craven bends down, pulling Francis back to his feet, smiling with a smirk as the crowd continues to boo. The Nightmare makes sure Francis feels the pain, immediately nailing Francis with a hard right to the temple! Francis goes down stunned, dropping to the mat for a second. He quickly rises to his feet, where Craven fires off three rapid right hands and whips Francis to the ropes. Francis hits them and comes off them hard into Craven’s waiting arms as he lifts Francis up in the air as if for a back drop, but instead of tossing him over, pushes him up in the air when Francis is horizontal and forcing him to hit the mat hard on his chest and face with a huge flap jack!!! Francis bounces off the mat from the sheer recoil of the move, flipping onto his back and allowing Craven to cover him for a pinfall attempt!

One!!!

Two-

Shoulder up from Francis at barely under two and a quarter! Craven drops right back down, trying to cover Francis again...

One!!!

Two-

Abrupt kickout by Francis at two! Craven can’t believe it as he gets to his feet. He grabs hold of Francis, screaming at the ref about the “slow count” as he pulls Mak to his feet.

Stevens: Only a two-count after a monstrous flap jack by Michael Craven!!!

Riley: Damn slow count!! That was a three-count for sure!!! Timmy Thompson is screwing Craven out of a win!!!

As he is dragged to his feet, Mak is first dealt with, taking several knee strikes to the chest, then grabbed by the wrist before Craven whips him across the ring, Francis hitting the ropes and soaring back at The Nightmare. Back in the middle of the ring, Craven has his arm extended for a clothesline, and as Francis nears, he attempts to knock his head off while he swings his arm forward!

Stevens: Clothesline from Craven-

But Mak Francis ducks, sliding around to the other side, using his speed to his advantage while grabbing Craven around the head. As soon as he’s got the reverse headlock in, Cravenis thrown back as Mak sits down, executing a beautiful reverse neckbreaker!

Stevens: Hangman’s neckbreaker from Mak Francis after he ducks a powerful clothesline!

Riley: My God!!!! That’s the sloppiest neckbreaker I’ve ever seen!!!

Stevens: It was pretty damn good, Bobby-

Riley: It was most certainly not!!! He might have actually hurt Chibi-Flesher, I mean, Michael Craven!

Stevens: Chibi-Flesher? Craven is most certainly NOT a smaller version of Tom Flesher!!!

Craven is allowed to get up under his own power, staggering back a bit as Francis gets up, cheers abound for the fan favorite and US Champion.

Riley: Meh, they both wrestle similar. How can I tell them apart?

Stevens: Because one is 6’6”, 280 pounds, and the other is much smaller?

As Craven turns around, staggering forward for a second, Francis waistlocks Mike, lifting him up into the air before relasing him in mid-air, Mike flipping over and slamming onto his back via a overhead release belly-to-belly suplex!

Stevens: WHOA!! Big belly-to-belly suplex from Mak Francis!!!

Mike hits the mat hard on his back and shoulderblades, clutching his spine before Francis drops down on top of him, trying desperately to cover him, the ref counting as the fans hold their breath in wait...

One!!!

Two!!!

Kickout by Craven! The crowd lets out a sigh of despair, but Francis quickly pulls Craven up, and sliding behind him, instantly locks in a reverse chinlock, going to work on wearking Craven’s head and neck down. Craven’s teeth clench as he tries to fight through the hold. With a free arm, he plants it on the mat and pushes upwards, forcing himself up against Francis’s wishes. Francis attempts to force him back down, but his force is not enough to keep him down. As soon as he gets to his feet, Craven begins to jab his free elbow both hard and rapidly into the ribs of Mak Francis. Francis takes the first with a grunt, the second with a small cry, the third with another cry, but on #4, he releases the lock on Craven’s chin. Craven grabs Mak’s arm and whips him hard to the ropes in response, Francis once again finding himself hitting the ropes and bouncing off them.

Riley: Mak Francis seems to like getting whipped... maybe he’ll like getting his ass whipped!!!

Stevens: Bobby, he’s straight-

Riley: I DIDN’T MEAN IT LIKE THAT, YOU MORON!!!

Michael Craven awaits him, arms extended as he tries for a possible belly-to-belly overhead suplex, but before he can grab Mak, he ducks, sliding down between Craven’s open legs. He hops up behind The Nightmare, Craven turning to catch Francis. But just as he starts to move, Francis jumps forward and unleashes a massive superkick that catches Craven right under the jaw!! He flies back and lands hard on the mat, one hand immediately checking to see if his jaw is still located where it's supposed to be!!

Stevens: Superkick by Francis, and it looks like Craven might be a bit sore after that one-

Riley: See?!?! Craven’s jaw is broken! Mak Francis is a danger to anyone he faces! Fire him now, King!!!

As Craven lies on the mat, Francis runs and drops a quick knee into Craven’s side, then quickly covers him, the ref dropping to make the count...

One!!!

Two!!!

Kickout by Craven! The crowd lets out another sigh of despair, but continues to cheer Francis on as he gets up, delivering a series of quick stomps into the head and neck of Michael Craven, the crowd building to a loud chant.

Crowd: LET’S GO MAK! LET’S GO MAK!

Stevens: Mak Francis on a roll, the crowd behind him as he begins to pull Michael Craven up onto his feet!

Riley: Aw, shut up! Save your voices for cheering Michael Craven to victory!!!

As Craven is pulled up, though, he pulls his head back, freeing himself from the hands of Mak Francis.

Riley: Aha! He has escaped!

Craven steps forward as he breaks out of Mak’s clutches, swinging his arm forward as he tries for a punch. Mak, though, ducks, stepping behind Craven before he wraps his arms from behind Mike in a waistlock. Then, The Franchise lifts Craven off the mat as he drops back and releases Craven, Mike fliying through the air thanks to a release German suplex!!!

Stevens: Beautiful German suplex from Mak Francis!!!

Riley: Beautiful? BEAUTIFUL?!?! That’s DANGEROUS!!! He’s going to snap Craven’s neck in two!!! Someone stop him before we lose this great talent to the SWF!!!

“THUD!!!” The crowd gasps in shock as Craven lands on his neck and the back of his head!

Riley: SEE?!?! He could be another Kurt Angle!!! He could end up a vegetable!!! And all because of you, Mak Francis!! Damn you!!!

Stevens: For God’s sake, Bobby, just shut up and watch!

While Craven lies on the mat, limbs sprawled out, Francis makes sure to take the opportunity to cover Craven, the ref dropping down to count as the crowd comes to their senses and roars alive in cheers:

One!!!

Two!!!

...

Kickout by Craven at two and a half!!! The crowd boos at the ref’s count, some idiot launching a crumpled up hot-dog wrapper at Timmy Thompson. Francis, though, goes to work as he gets up, lashing Craven’s face with a rapid cluster of right hands before he grabs him and pulls him up onto his feet. Francis tries to wear the neck down, repeatedly jabbing it with elbows, Craven grunting with each shot to the back of the neck.

Stevens: Mak Francis has been toying with Michael Craven all night long!

Riley: Toying? I think not. Craven’s just... laying low.

Stevens: And now a quick whip form Mak Francis! Let’s see how this develops!

Craven by now has hit the ropes, slingshooting off them. Francis waits for him to return, and upon the rebound, he swings his arm around stiffly, attempting to decapitate Craven with a stiff lariat, but Craven, full expecting that, ducks the blow, sliding behind Francis. Mak and Mike both quickly turn around, The Nightmare one step ahead of The Francise. He draws his arm back, hand flat as he swings it forward. “SLAP!” A chop falls upon the chest of Francis, sending him staggering back with a “Wooooo!” from the crowd and Bobby Riley. Craven draws his arm back again. “SLAP!” “Wooooo!” Another chop to Mak Francis, and he staggers further and further away from the ring’s center.

Riley: Looks like, yes, another chop from Craven! Listen to that slap! I love it!!!

Stevens: You’re really making me sick...

Crowd: WOOOOO!

Riley: WOOOOOOOOO!!!

Stevens. Stop that.

“SLAP!” Another chop sends Francis closer to the ropes!

Crowd: WOOOOO!

Riley: WOOOOOOOOO!!!

“SLAP!” Francis can’t be pushed farther frm being chopped out of the ring, his back nearly against the ropes as Craven continues his assault!

Stevens: And one more chop for good measure from Michael Craven!

Crowd: WOOOOO!

Riley: WOOOOOO!!!

Stevens: ENOUGH.

As Francis’s back hits the ropes, Michael Craven clutches Francis by the wrist, and with a quick step back and a tug, Mak Francis is sent flying towards the ropes opposite Craven, bouncing off them and flying back at Mike.

Riley: Craven finally getting in an offense. I thought for a second it was gonna be boring!

On the rebound, Craven charges forward, making his mark as he attempts a clothesline, but Francis ducks. Craven turns around as Francis hits the ropes, flying back at Craven. Upon rebounding, he leaps into the air, thrusting his legs out and catching Craven in the chin with a swift front dropkick!

Stevens: Well executed dropkick-

Until Craven jumps back, causing Francis to flip through the air and land hard on his chest, missing the dropkick all together!

Riley: Ha-ha!!! He can’t even hit a dropkick properly!!! He should be fired, like I said before!

As Francis lands on the mat, Craven drops an elbow into Francis’s back, and quickly, he grapevines one of Francis’s arms with his legs, locks his hands across Francis’s face, and pulls back, locking in-

Stevens: CROSSFACE!!! CROSSFACE ON FRANCIS!!!

Francis cries in pain as Craven locks in the hold, but calming himself down, he happens to notice that Craven has not properly grapevined the leg, allowing him limited mobility in between Craven’s legs. The tactical error allows Francis to move his arm around, reaching out, and clasp hold of the bottom of Craven’s boots. Francis screams in pain as Craven continues the hold, pulling back even further in an attempt to end the match.

Stevens: MY GOD!!! He’s gonna break Mak’s neck if he keeps it up!!!

Riley: GO CRAVEN, GO!!! SNAP THE NECK!!!

Stevens: You bitch when Craven gets dropped on his neck, but when Mak is in danger of getting hurt, you encourage it? What a hypocrite!

Riley: Eh, sue me.

As Francis lies on the mat, pain surging through hsi body, he rocks from side to side, slowly at first, then a little faster, barely noticeable until he picks up speed. Craven continues to have the hold locked in as he is rocked back and forth more and more, but suddenly, in the middle of it all, Francis gains enough momentum to propel himself onto his back, and lainding on it, pulls the grapevined arm towards his body, Craven landing on his shoulders while Mak screams out in pain as he counters INTO A ROLL-UP PIN...

...WITH THE CROSSFACE STILL LOCKED ON!!!

One!!!

Mak screams in pain, Craven refusing to let go of the hold!!

Two!!!

Mak continues to cry out in pain as Craven continues to hold on!!! Could this be it?

T

H

R-

HOLD BROKEN BY CRAVEN, ALLOWING HIM TO ESCAPE!!! Both men fall to the mat, exhausted from the last exchange!

Crowd: HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!!!

Riley: You damn right that’s “Holy Shit”!

Stevens: In all my years, I’ve never seen anything like that!!!

Riley: Francis won the title a while back doing something similar to Danny Williams, but Craven must have realized what was going on!

The first man up is Michael Craven, looking extremely exhausted. Bending over, he slowly grabs Mak Francis, ready to make him pay now. Slowly pulling him up, and nearly dropping him, he pulls Francis to his feet, grabbing his wrist, and whips him to the corner. Mak slams back first into the corner, but Craven charges in, ducking down before he sandwiches Francis between steel and flesh with a huge spear in the corner!!!

Riley: SONIC BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!

Craven immediately goes nuts, starting off with a rapid series of ten shoulder thrusts to the ribs, then a couple of heavy, hard kicks to the chest. Francis falls to the ground, where Craven places his foot across Mak’s throat and presses down as he holds the ropes, purposely choking him as the ref tries to break the hold. When Thompson comes near, though, Craven swings at him, then turns back to Francis, stomping his chest violently before he goes back to choking Mak. This pattern cotinues for almost a minute, until the ref gets in between and breaks up the choke.

Stevens: Craven’s gone mad!!! I’m glad someone stopped him!!!

Riley: Well, looks like Craven’s pulling him up... how helpful... and he’s backing up...

Mak staggers forward out of the corner, Craven ducking behind him and hooking his arms. He lifts Mak into the air for a full nelson front slam, but Francis frees an arm in mid-air and grabs Craven around the head as he drops to the mat, countering into a bulldog!! Craven hits the mat face first and bounces over onto his back as Mak hops up, crowd hyped as Mak struts around Craven, throwing in a pelvic thrust or two before he drops his fist into Craven’s chest!

Stevens: THAT’S MAK’S “THE TRUTH HURTS” COMBO!!! AND HERE’S A COVER!

One!!!

Two!!!

THREE-

KICKOUT BY CRAVEN AT THE LAST SECOND!!! The crowd can’t believe it; neither can Mak Francis, who gets up slowly onto his feet, but falls over before stabilizing himself!

Stevens: Francis almost had him!!! But it looks like he’s tired now!

Riley: He’s wasted! He’s not getting up now!!!

Stevens: Both men slowly trying to get up, nearly falling over... this match has been spectacular so far!

Both men slowly get up, but Craven, who grabs his neck in pain, delivers a knee to Francis, causing him to double over. Francis remains bent over forward as Craven backs up a few feet, then takes a step forward, lifting his leg straight up in the air before he drops it down on the back of the head of Francis with a scissors kick!!

Riley: And there’s your Craven Kick! A super-powerful scissors kick, and it’s all over-

Bobby is cut off in mid-sentence as Francis pulls up, duckign the blow! Craven lands on his other foot, allowing Francis to knee him in the gut. As he doubles over, Craven feels two arms envelop him from behind, holding him firmly in place. He leaves his feet and flies into the air courtesy of Mak Francis, who drops back into a gut wrench suplex, until Craven flips over in mid-move, landing behind Francis, but before he has a chance, Mak turns around, grabbing Craven around the neck and under the arm as he locks in a cobra clutch from behind Craven!!!

Stevens: MILLION DOLLAR EXEMPTION!!! FRANCIS HAS HIM!! CRAVEN’S GOT TO TAP!!! HE’S GOT TO TAP!!!

Craven cries out in shock as Francis locks in the hold, losing his breath every second he remains locked in... hoping to escape... and exercising his only option...

“WHAM!”

...Kicking Francis hard in the balls with an unseen low blow!!!

Stevens: GOD NO!!! NOT LIKE THIS!! NOT WITH THAT!!!

Riley: YES!! That’s my Craven!!!

Francis releases the hold immediately, dropping to his knees in pain, but Craven turns slowly around, and drawing his arm back, lunges it forward, clasping it around Mak’s throat. Craven then lifts Fugue off his kinees, holding him in the air for a second before he slams him to the mat with a ring-shaking-

Stevens: CHOKESLAM!!!

As Francis hits, his head whips back hard into the mat, hepling to knock the wind out of him for the moment.

Riley: CHOKESLAM!!! CHOKESLAM!!! FRANCIS IS LAID OUT COLD ON THE MAT!!!

With Francis laid out on the mat, Craven wastes no time, staggering slowly forward to the nearest turnbuckle and slowly climbing up it. Once up there, he turns around, and after steadying himself, leaps off. There is no delay today as he flips the full 360-odd degrees, legs whipping around, ankles tucked under his thighs like he was praying as he smashes into Francis with tremendous force, nailing a Shooting Star Knee Drop into Francis’s ribs! The resulting blow lets out a thunderous thud!

Stevens: NO!!! GOD NO!!!

Riley: YES YES YES!!! THAT’S IT!!!

Upon impact, Craven purposely falls forward onto Francis, hooking the champ’s leg with quite possibly the last of his energy. The ref, watching the match closely, begins the count as the crowd starts to boo...

ONE!!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

DING DING DING!!!! The crowd bursts into boos as Thompson springs to his feet, claling for the bell... and the belt.

Funyon: The winner of this contest by pinfall, AND YOUR NEW SWF US CHAMPION... MICHAEL CRAVEN!!!

Stevens: God dammit!!! Craven’s US Champion!!! Mak should have won this, but he got screwed!!

Riley: Get the hell over it. The better man won!

“Cochise” kicks up in the background as Craven gets to his feet, ripping the title from Thompson’s hands and holding it close to his chest like a mother with her newborn baby, staring at it with that evil grin on his face. Then, he falls back, arms spread out, laughing softly as assorted pieces of garbage fly into the ring.

Riley: Whew! What a match new champion!!! And in celebration, we’re going to commercial before my dumbass partner can say anything stupid!

Stevens: It should be the other way around...

Riley: I heard that.

The crowd continues to boo and toss garbage into the ring as the EMTs rush down before we fade to commercial...

April 1, 2003

“Aww Naw, Hell Naw Boy”

“Y’all done up and done it.”

“Aww Naw, Hell Naw Boy”

“Y’all done up and done it.”

The bright spotlights zip around the arena bowl while the “Aww Naw” remix by Nappy Roots blares through the speakers. The fans pop a bit as the camera finds Kross pushing through the crowd on the left side of the ring.

:Stevens: And we’re back on Smarkdown, live from the Skyreach Centre! Later tonight, we’re going to see the SWF Tag Titles on the line as Justice and Rule will be defending against a blast from the past, as Frost teams up again with SWF World Champion, TNT!

Kross jumps the crowd barrier, while at the exact same time, his brother Kris performs the feat on the right side. Both twins slide into the ring and jump around with excitement while the fans actually seem to enjoy both their exaggerated antics and their status of underdog in whatever match they participate in.

:Riley: And what the hell is that about?? I mean, Chilly Chilly Bang Bang is back in the SWF…what the hell? I prayed every night that we didn’t have to see them again.

:Stevens: It’s apparent that God hates you Bobby, but that’s another issue. Anyway, before we get to that huge matchup, we’ve got a match coming up right now that will determine the next challenger for the winner of tonight’s tag title match.

:Funyon: The following contest if a three-way elimination tag team match, and is for the number one contendership to the SWF World Tag Team Titles! Introducing first…weighing in at a combined weight of 413 pounds, from Las Vegas, Nevada…KRIS…KROSS…DEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYJJJJJJJAAAAAAA VUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!

The fans give the twins a hopeful cheer, while the brothers of mediocrity start to practice and go over moves, awaiting their much more experienced opponents.

:Riley: You mean to tell me these guys still have a contract?? What is King doing??

:Stevens: You know, I had a talk with King last week about them, and he assured me that over time they’d learn what it takes to be successful here.

:Riley: They need to start with learning how not to get completely killed in the ring, because they’re damn close to that right now.

:Stevens: Well, King says the fans seem to like the brothers of Déjà Vu, so he’s going to keep them around for a while.

:Riley: They may not last a while.

The instrumental from “In Da Club” by Fifty-Cent starts up, getting the audience rocking. However, more fans seem to care when the Barracuda himself comes bursting through the curtain and out to the stage.

:Stevens: And here’s a man that I thought we’d never see in the SWF again!!!

:Riley: Here’s a man I think we all HOPED we’d never see in the SWF again.

Before Funyon performs his little spiel, a very excited and jacked up Wildchild explodes onto the stage, and the fans show their love for the Bahama native. Wildchild meets his tag partner at the start of the ramp, and then two head down towards the ring while the fans cheer them on.

:Stevens: And the man who saved his career!

:Funyon: Their opponents, weighing in at a combined weight of 427 pounds…from Las Vegas, Nevada…JOHNNY DANGEROUS…and from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas…WILDCHILD…THEY ARE WIIIILLLDDDDD AND DAAAANNGGGEERRROOOUUUUUSSSSS!!!

:Stevens: It seems that these fans have a different opinion than you Bobby because they seem to love the fact that Johnny Dangerous is back in the SWF, and Wild & Dangerous lives on.

:Riley: You know what? It just doesn’t matter…because neither Johnny Dangerous or Wildchild or Déjà Crap can stop the Instruments of Destruction and the immeasurable power and strength of Janus.

Wildchild and Johnny Dangerous slide into the ring, and in an act of either ultimate respect or ultimate stupidity, Kris and Kross meet them in the center of the ring. Being the rookies that they are, Kris and Kross extend their hands to the two experienced tag wrestlers, and to the delight of the crowd, Wildchild and Johnny take their hands in a gesture of goodwill. The four men switch partners and shake hands with them while…

“HEEEEEERE WE ARE!”

“BORN TO BE KINGS!”

“WE'RE THE PRINCES OF THE UN-I-VERSSSSSE!”

Darkness fills the arena, except for the occasional dim, red flash. The boos come almost instantaneously from the fans in attendance, and probably those at home as well, as Fugue steps out onto the stage, followed by the ominous Janus, who stands behind his lanky tag partner, engulfing the flyer in his shadow.

:Funyon: And their opponents…weighing in at a combinied weight of 501 pounds…they are members of the Magnificent Seven…FUUYYYYYGGE…JAAAAAANNNNNUUUSSS…THE INSTRUMENTS OF DEEEEESSSSSSSTTTTTRRRRRRUUUUUCCCCCTTTTTTIIIIIOOOOONNNNNN!!!!!

:Stevens: Well, that’s good…no words of wisdom from Fugue this time. We can all breathe easy.

:Riley: Hate if you want, but the fact remains that the team of Janus and Fugue have what it takes to challenge their stablemates for that tag title. I mean, they’ve got everything you need…the acrobatic and speed-demon Fugue, and the brute strength and power of Janus. What more do you need?

:Stevens: How about some integrity or respect?

:Riley: Overrated.

Fugue and Janus begin their descent to the ring, amidst a cloud of hatred spewing from the mouths of every fan in the arena. Inside the ring, the four members of the other two teams converse with one another while taking glances up at the team headed towards the ring.

:Stevens: Whatever. I will say that Janus is one intimidating sight, and Fugue is just plain insane…definitely a dangerous combination.

Fugue and Janus enter the ring and the staredown begins with Wildchild and Johnny Dangerous, while Kris and Kross converse with each other.

:Stevens: For those who don’t know, the rules of this match are as follows. Three individuals will start in the ring, while their partner waits in their respective corners. The difference between this and a normal tag team match is that you are allowed to tag anyone you want. For example, one of the members of Déjà Vu may tag a member of Wild & Dangerous, so that both members of that team are in the ring at once.

:Riley: Ok, that’s just confusing…

:Stevens: No, you’re just slow.

Wildchild exits the ring at the far left corner and one member of Déjà Vu, let’s say Kris, ducks out of the ring in the far right corner.

:Stevens: And we’re all set…here we go!

DING DING DING

And like they were shot out of a cannon, Johnny D and Fugue charge each other, meeting at the center of the ring and coming to some seriously intense blows. A hard right by Fugue is ignored by Johnny, who answers with hard right of his own. Fugue comes back with a right of his own, and Johnny answers with a sort of thrust to Fugue’s throat, staggering the insane flyer.

:Stevens: And, like an explosion, Fugue and Johnny Dangerous go at it, each scoring with right hands.

:Riley: And, as you would probably expect, one half of the Bopsie Twins just stands there like a moron.

Fugue shakes off the blow, and he reengages with Johnny via a collar and elbow tie up, while Kross (since we said Kris went out) just stands there. The grapple quickly turns into a side headlock by Fugue on Johnny, but Johnny breaks it by pushing Fugue to the far ropes. Fugue rebounds and Johnny hip tosses him across the ring. Fugue skids and popes right back up to his feet, charges again, and is, again, hip tossed across the opposite side.

:Stevens: They’re just going for it…

:Riley: And he is still just standing there!

:Stevens: Who?

:Riley: Him.

:Stevens: Who’s him?

:Riley: That guy from Déjà Vu…

:Stevens: Oh lord…look, lets just decide right now…he’s Kross, ok?

:Riley: Sure…like it matters…they have no shot anyway.

Johnny walks over to Fugue as he rises, grabs his arm, and gives it a good twist. Fugue, immediately does a backflip to untwist his arm, and then throws a roundhouse kick at Johnny’s head, who is standing beside him at this point. Unfortunately, Johnny ducks and then sweeps for Fugue, who jumps over Johnny’s sweeping leg.

“Dude, what am I supposed to do?”

:Stevens: Well, I think you’re right though…Kross looks extremely confused while his opponents engage is this fast paced action.

Meanwhile, instead of waiting for Johnny’s next attack, Fugue performs a quick back handspring to put some distance between himself and Dangerous, but, upon landing, he backs directly into Kross, startling both men. Fugue turns and throws a wild punch, but Kross ducks and Fugue goes stumbling into the Déjà Vu corner where the alert Kris reaches out and pokes him in the eyes!

:Riley: Did he just poke him in the eyes?

:Stevens: I think he did…I suppose that’s a heads up play from the other twin, albeit illegal.

Fugue staggers out of the corner with his hands over his eyes, and he walks right at Kross, who drops to one knee and begins to tickle Fugue at his sides!!

“TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE!!!”

:Riley: And now Kross is tickling him?? What the hell is this?

:Stevens: I don’t know, but Johnny seems to be amused.

After a few seconds, Fugue goes down, and Kross goes down with him, continuing to tickle him. Over in the Instruments Of Destruction (IoD) corner, the monster Janus puts his hand on his forehead as he can’t believe his partner is down from a tickle.

:Riley: This is a joke right?

:Stevens: I’m afraid not Bobby.

:Riley: This is wrestling for god’s sake! There’s no tickling in wrestling!

Suddenly, Johnny gets an idea, and sprints over to the far left corner. Once there, Johnny jumps up to the top turnbuckle and screams out at Kross…

“Move out the way!”

Kross looks up and sees Johnny perched, so he dives to the side, and Johnny takes flight…

WHAM!!

…and drives his elbow right into Fugue’s sternum!!

:Stevens: OH!! What a huge flying elbow drop from Johnny Dangerous, and that’s a heads up play to use Kross’s bizarre move to land a solid move against Fugue.

Johnny bounces off after landing the elbow, which sent the fans into a solid round of pops, and Kross performs the smartest move of his short career…he covers Fugue…

:Stevens: And Kross with the cover!!

ONE!

:Stevens: This could be it right here!

TWO…

:Stevens: No, not quite, but what a smart thing for Kross to do. Don’t waste time waiting for Johnny to get back over to cover, but Fugue kicks out at two, and avoids elimination.

Fugue remains on the canvas to recover a bit, while Kross gets to his feet and looks at Johnny…

“Now what?”

“Go tag Wildchild.”

“But dude…”

“Trust me…just do it!”

Not knowing any better, Kross goes over to the Wild & Dangerous corner and tags in the much more experienced Wildchild, who hops over the turnbuckle and into the ring.

:Riley: What the hell is this??

:Stevens: It’s perfectly legal in this match Bobby. He’s allowed to tag someone from the other team.

:Riley: It’s simple…he wants to double team Fugue, and I don’t see how that is fair.

As Kross exits to the corner, Johnny goes to a rising Fugue, and helps him up. Wildchild meets his partner and the two whip Fugue to the right side ropes, where he rebounds and runs back at Wild & Dangerous. Johnny bends down as Fugue approaches, and when Fugue is upon him, Johnny stands up quickly, launching Fugue into the air for a high back drop. Fugue soars in the middle of his back meets a waiting knee air, flipping onto his back, and when he comes down, the that belongs to Wildchild!!

:Stevens: What a move from Wild & Dangerous!!! A Back Drop Backbreaker of sorts…that’s gotta get Fugue’s back all knotted up!!

:Riley: They’re freaking cheating!!!

:Stevens: It’s not cheating Bobby…it’s legal…it’s in the rules of the match!

“Dude, tag us back in!”

Wildchild and Johnny ignore Déjà Vu and, instead, grab Fugue up and drape him across the middle of the near ropes. Johnny runs to the far ropes, followed closely by Wildchild, bounces off, and when he returns to Fugue, he drapes his leg across Fugue’s back, choking the M7 member on the rope. Merely seconds later, Wildchild nearly baseball slides between the bottom and middle ropes, but instead whips his legs back around so that they connect square into Fugue’s face!

:Stevens: Wild & Dangerous are truly clicking on all cylinders right now! That rope choke followed by the Chicklet Buster!! They’ve got these double teams down to a science.

:Riley: This is ridiculous…honestly.

“Dude, this is boring…we’re not doing anything.”

“That’s it, I’m going in.”

However, before he can even get close to the action, referee Eddy Long runs over and meets him.

:Stevens: Looks like the kids are getting annoyed with having to be spectators while Wild & Dangerous pick apart Fugue…

This act of frustration opens up the door for Janus, who quickly sees the referee distracted and steps into the ring, just as Wildchild drops down for the pin, completely unaware that the referee is now dealing with Kris.

:Stevens: Oh crap! Here comes that monster Janus!

:Riley: About time they caught a break!

Johnny is the first to see Janus, and he quickly runs to the big man, jumping into the air for a spinning heel kick. Not only does Janus catch Johnny foot, he catches his entire body in mid air, and then quickly dumps him over the top rope and to the floor below. The fans boo as Wildchild finally realizes something is wrong and jumps up to his feet, only to have his face impaled by the hardest right hand he’s ever felt!

:Stevens: And Janus is wrecking shop in the ring…and Bobby, this IS illegal because Janus isn’t even close to a legal man in the ring.

While Kris tries to push past the referee to help out against the Janus, Kross is free to do just that, but with nothing better to do, Kross just runs over just jumps on Janus’s back!

:Stevens: Even Kross is getting in the action to take down the giant…but I doubt that’s gonna do it.

Unfortunately for Kross, Janus easily pulls him from his back to over his shoulder, and then Janus takes a few steps and crushes Kross into the canvas with a power slam!

:Stevens: Good god!! I think he might have broken that kid in half, or most certainly damaged some internal organs! That’s the hardest powerslam I’ve ever seen!

:Riley: Ugh…yeah…even I felt that one.

:Stevens: No you didn’t…

:Riley: Oh…right, yeah…I didn’t, but that sounded cool to say didn’t it?

:Stevens: Whatever Bobby…

Wildchild jumps to his feet and as the giant turns around, he slams a hard right hand right into Janus’s face…THAT DOESN’T EVEN FAZE HIM!!

:Stevens: Uh oh…

Janus clinches up his face in anger, and then kicks the wild one in the gut, doubling him over. Without and ounce of hesitation, Janus grabs on a front facelock and lifts Wildchild up for a vertical suplex…but instead of dropping him backwards, he turns Wildchild so they are stomach to stomach, and then…

WHAM!!

…compresses Wildchild’s spine with a huge sit out Tombstone!!!

:Stevens: OH MY GOD!! RAGE UNLEASHED!! OUT OF NO WHERE…JANUS JUST HIT THAT HUGE FINISHING MANUEVER ON WILDCHILD, AND I THINK HE’S DONE!!

:Riley: Oh hell yeah!! And now you see what Janus brings to the table and why IoD will be so hard to beat!

With his damage done, Janus returns to the corner, just as Kris stops arguing with the referee (HA…what a coincidence). Just as the referee is free, the recovering Fugue climbs atop Wildchild, who remains motionless, and the Eddy Long dives in to count the cover…

ONE!!

:Stevens: Fugue’s got the cover!!

TWO!!

:Stevens: Just like that! Janus is going to eliminate Wildchild from this contest!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

DING DING DING

:Stevens: He’s gone!! Wildchild’s been eliminated!!!

:Riley: Now what?

:Stevens: What do you mean?

:Riley: Well, Johnny, Wildchid’s tag partner, was already the other legal man, so who gets to come in and take Wildchild’s place as the legal man!

:Stevens: Wow…good question. I think it’s whoever gets in the ring first.

:Riley: Better hope it’s not Janus.

Unfortunately, Kross is down on the outside, and Kris has absolutely no clue what to do. Eddy Long stands there with his arms out waiting for someone to take Wildchild’s place, and alertly, the first man in the ring is the giant Janus!

:Stevens: Oh no…this is not good for Johnny!

:Riley: What’s he going to do now…there’s no one to save him.

Suddenly, Johnny has a revelation and he sprints over to the far right corner and…

SLAP!

…slaps Kris across the arm!!

:Stevens: That cowardly son of a bitch!! He’s gonna feed one of the Déjà Vu twins to Fugue and Janus! That’s just not right!

The twin we’re calling Kris looks around like a deer in the headlights, but he is still ushered in by referee Eddy Long. Kris gingerly climbs into the ring just as the destroyed and eliminated Wildchild rolls out. Fugue and Janus start over towards Kris, with Janus in the lead. Kris backs up to the far ropes…

“Dude…I am SO screwed…”

BAM! A hard right hand from Janus knocks Kris for a loop and bounces him against the ropes. Kris staggers forwards, and is turned around by Janus, who locks on a Full Nelson. As he lifts up on Kris, his partner in Destruction springs off of the freshly bounced ropes and nails a Dropkick right to the face of the twin! WHAP, and WHAM! Janus takes Kris over in a hard Full Nelson Suplex!

:Stevens: It’s becoming evident who the experienced teams are here. Did you see the impact of that move Riley?

:Riley: Fugue is covering, I think the twins are out of this one!

ONE!!

TWO!!!

THREEEEEEEEE!!!!

NOOOO!

:Riley: Holy hell!

:Stevens: That kid kicked out! He actually got his shoulder up after that!

:Riley: Well whaddya know, that twin’s got some resilience after all.

Fugue smiles, even as he holds up three fingers at Eddie Long. But the referee shakes his head. Fugue rises, leaving things in the capable hands of Janus while confronting the referee. Kris looks a little bit like he’s lost what little brains he had, but that doesn’t slow the big man down one bit. The monster Aussie immediately wrenches back on Kris’ arms, pulling them both back and locking his own arms around.

:Stevens: Some technical prowess there from the big man. Kris is REELING with pain!

:Riley: He sounds like a stuck pig!

And indeed he does. His squeals seem to intrigue Fugue, who now turns around. Fugue begins to wave an imaginary baton in the air, conducting the dissonant shouts into an orchestral cacophony. Janus responds to the motions with increasing and lessening pressure, causing Kris to go into a one man opera of pain. SLAP! Fugue brings his hand down on the chest of Kris! SLAP! Again!

:Riley: Now that’s original.

:Stevens: If not unnecessary.

:Riley: You’re just jealous because you don’t have the poise to conduct such a symphony.

:Stevens: And you’re just a color commentator. What the hell do you know about music?

:Riley: I know that the fat lady won’t be singing for Kris and Kross tonight.

“BRAH! Tag me IN!”

“I CAN’T!” Kris wails as Fugue SLAPS him again. His big, brutal friend backs up to the ropes. Fugue runs to the opposite side, and then bounces back, fast as a thoroughbred! Janus holds his victim helpless!

“Dude… the jumpy flippy thing!”

As if on cue, Kris pushes himself up with his legs, over Janus and landing in the same position to wrench the big man, with little effect, of course. But Kris lands on the ring apron. Fugue has already jumped up, and he accidentally nails Janus with the HUGE Dropkick meant for Kris! Janus goes tumbling over the ropes, as Kris pulls the top rope down, and spills to the outside with a grunt!

:Stevens: WOW! I’m impressed with those two! A coherent strategy executed in perfect timing!

:Riley: A little sloppy, but I’m sure they’ll take it! Although it looks like… WHOA!

Riley is interrupted by the unlikely! Kris literally uses the spring from the rope he pulled down to propel him into the air. On the way down he grabs the apologetic Fugue behind the head, and pushes Fugue’s face downward! The crowd actually pops. Loudly!

:Stevens: A Bulldog off of that spring! The surprises keep coming!

:Riley: Eh, Fugue was just more concerned with his partner’s safety, that’s all.

“Tag me in!” both Johnny and Kross yell. Kris looks at Johnny and shrugs. He walks over to his brother, still a little chestsore, and gives him the high five! Immediately, he races to another turnbuckle, and scales it, but not with nearly the anticipation of Kross, who is already atop his corner.

:Stevens: The look-alikes are going to FLY!

The crowd begins to cheer again, as Kross points to his climbing brother.

“You Da Man!”

“No… YOU Da Man!”

Kross LEAPS off of the turnbuckle in a perfect Jackknife position, extending his body in mid air as his brother also comes off of the top rope! Cameras flash! Brothers fall! Fugue moves! Nobody home! WHAM!!

:Riley: HA! Now THAT was classic!

WHAM! Kris lands on top of his brother!

:Crowd: OOOOOOOOOH!!

:Stevens: That was the Déjà vu! And it didn’t connect. Those twins have got to learn when and where to celebrate, Fugue recovered with time to spare!

:Riley: Fugue is a genious, more calculating than anyone gives him credit for. And a snazzy dresser!

The twins are pretty much dead now, turning over to their backs, and Fugue scales the cross turnbuckle while Janus shakes off his earlier spill and reaches under the ropes, grabbing Kris and pulling him out of the ring. Immediately Fugue comes off of the top rope and flips over one and a quarter full times, landing with HUGE impact on top of Kross!

:Riley: Now THAT was high flying!

:Stevens: Did you see the impact on that one! The Grand Finale for Kross!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREEEE!!!

NO!!

YESSS!!!

DING DING DING

:Riley: There goes twin number one!

:Stevens: The methodical nature of Janus and Fugue are tough to beat… but here comes revenge, in the form of Johnny Dangerous!

:Riley: Look out Fugue!

Dangerous is already in and wailing on Fugue with kicks! Fugue tries to stand up, but The Barracuda lays into him with his boot before helping him stand, and whipping him to the far ropes. On the rebound, Johnny takes the 181 pounder over his hip with a Judo throw!

:Stevens: Johnny is wrecking shop in the ring.

:Riley: But Janus is wrecking the house!

The big man is punishing the already sore chest of Kris with thunderous right hands against the crowd barrier! He then lifts the twin up, and drops him chest first onto the barrier with a THUD! The nearby spectators boo at him, but he pays no heed as he continues to disassemble the only remaining brother. But inside the ring, his partner is receiving just punishment at the hands of The Barracuda!

:Stevens: Johnny Dangerous might be able to take out his nemesis before Janus realizes it!

But unfortunately, Fugue is mounting a comeback! A strike from Johnny is blocked by the newly risen Fugue, and returned! Another one blocked! Wham, Fugue connects! And another! And another- NO! Blocked by Dangerous. Johnny gets the whip, and sends Fugue right into…

:Riley: Kross!

:Stevens: He’s still in the frickin’ ring?

:Riley: Someone get him out of there!

The Referee admonishes the twin to leave, and Kross shrugs, and slides out of the ring, while Fugue sighs at the interruption. He turns around to engage Johnny again- WHAP!!

:Stevens: Good God! Johnnykick out of NOWHERE!

:Riley: Maybe if those two idiots knew what they were doing, stuff like that wouldn’t happen!

:Stevens: We all know what’s coming next… YES!

Johnny bounces off of the far ropes, and comes back swiftly! He leaps, rolls in mid air, and lands, connecting with a hard punch…

:Stevens: …right to the STERNUM of Fugue! ARMED AND DANGEROUS!!

:Riley: No way!

:Stevens: Johnny covers!

ONE!!!

TWO!!

WAIT!!!! Janus slides into the ring to break up the pinfall…

NOOOOOOOO!!! Janus is a millisecond too late!

THREE!!

DING DING DING

:Riley: What a screw-up!

:Stevens: Hey, Dangerous saw the opening, and he took it! Fugue is out of this one, and only three men remain, next fall takes all!

:Riley: It’s up to Janus to get payback! And honestly, I like his chances!

Fugue inches his way out of the ring. Kross goes over to check on his brother as Janus lifts Johnny up to his feet and starts the punchfest, each right hand thunderously knocking the Barracuda back! Janus grabs Johnny, and whips him to the corner, charging in after him, but MISSING! Johnny moves out of the way! Dangerous immediately scales the turnbuckle, waiting for Janus to turn around…

:Stevens: The quickness of Johnny Dangerous is astounding!

:Riley: He’s not that impressive…

Johnny flies off of the post… and NAILS Janus in the face with a Missile Dropkick!

:Stevens: The big man goes down! Cover!

ONE!!

:Riley: Kickout! Janus JUST gets the shoulder up, how in the hell did he do that?

:Stevens: It was only a one count, Riley!

:Riley: Hey, if you can make everybody sound like the most amazing athlete in the world, then so can I!

Dangerous immediately nails the big man with a leg drop! Followed by a short elbow drop, and then some stomps. But the big man is still getting to his feet! Once there, he grabs Johnny’s neck with a SLAP! Immediately, Johnny places his own head underneath Janus’ chin, and drops to the mat HARD!! WHAM!

:Riley: He almost got the chokeslam!

:Stevens: Before he could get him up, Johnny counters with the Jawbreaker! Janus is reeling!

:Riley: But he’s still standing!

That doesn’t actually appear to be too good for Janus. Dangerous maneuvers behind the hoss, catching him in an inverted facelock. He immediately steps to the corner, and scales up!

:Stevens: Johnny is on a roll! He might be able to put the big man out of it all here!

But at that very moment, Kross leaps up onto the apron, prepared to take vengeance for his poor defeated brother! Referee long walks over to the twin, turning his back on the goings on in the ring!

:Stevens: What is that MORON doing?

:Riley: Heh heh, payback is a mother.

It’s all the cue Fugue needs to rush up onto the apron. Recovered from the Armed and Dangerous, he exacts a little revenge of his own, leaping up and grabbing Johnny dangerous! The distraction does little, but is enough for Janus to break out of the hold, and turn around. Johnny elbows Fugue, causing him to fall, and looks up just in time to see Janus coming for him! Without half thinking, he leaps!

:Stevens: Ref! There was an interference!

:Riley: Eddie is busy with your newfound friends Kris and Kross. What goes around, always comes around!

Dangerous gets his legs around Janus’ neck for the hurricanrana, but the big man grabs onto his body, and holds him in mid air. He turns, and then sits out in a HUGE Powerbomb! The impact bounces the ring!

:Riley: He holds on for the pinfall!

ONE!!!

TWO!!!!

NOOOO!!!

:Stevens: Johnny gets that shoulder up, and he has no one to tag now!

:Riley: Yeah, all thanks to Fugue, Janus should mop up easily!

And mop up, Janus does! He immediately lifts Johnny up in the air in an amazing display of strength, and pushes him over his head before locking the neck! He holds him like this, then brings him down while twisting his body to face him! He sits out, WHAM!!

:Stevens: Good lord! ANOTHER ONE!!

:Riley: RAGE UNLEASHED! That’s all she wrote!

:Stevens: What a brutal move! How can anyone even survive after taking that?

Janus covers lightly, while the ref drops down to count!

ONE!!!

TWO!!!!

THREEEE!!!!

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!

:Stevens: Kris! Kris just slid in and interrupted the last fall!

As the Crowd cheers, Johnny is pushed out of the ring by Janus. Kross leaves the ring apron, circling it while his brother still a bit disoriented, challenges the big man! Janus looks over at his only remaining opponent and backs into the corner, beckoning. Fugue begins to take it to Johnny, but the Referee is blind of course…

:Stevens: This just isn’t right! Last time these guys were in the ring together, Janus dominated, and I think the big man has the psychological advantage.

:Riley: The twin is about to get a lesson in PAIN!

Kris approaches Janus, who stands there, taunting him! Still groggy, Kris hits a right hand!

:Riley: Yeah right.

Janus isn’t fazed at all. Instead, he smiles, inviting another. So, Kris obliges him, fatigue showing in the slowness of the punch!

:Stevens: He’s toying with him! This isn’t a contest at all!

Janus shakes his head no, and gives him one more opening. The tired Kris rears back with all of his might to strike, taking the chance that might very well be his last. Unfortunately, it is a chance that never comes!

WHAMMM!!

:Riley: HOLY LORD OF WRESTLING! Did you see that Right hand?

:Stevens: That was closed fist, and right to the damaged chest of Kris!

Kris falls to the canvas, while the referee pushes Janus and warns him about those blows. But the JKB has done its damage, and Janus picks Kris up, lifting him, and bringing him down in a Whirl before bringing him down sideways! WHAMM!!

:Riley: Now that’s power! This one is all over!

Janus covers!

ONE!!

TWO!!!

THREEE!!!!

NOOOOOO!!!!!

:Stevens: I don’t believe it!

:Riley: He got the shoulder off?

:Stevens: I tell you, this twin has more heart than I thought!

:Riley: Yeah, and a lot less brains!

Janus angrily glares at the twin! He mouths the words “Stay Down!” but Kris tries to get up! The crowd boos heartily, as the big man kicks Kris in the gut and brings the twin to his knees!

:Stevens: What is he doing now?

Janus immediately puts him in a standing headscissors, and crosses his neck with his thumbs! Kris tries to escape, but is completely helpless!

:Stevens: Stop this match! This is too much!

:Riley: It’s a lesson in the school of hard knocks, my friend!

On the outside, Kross screams frantically, looking over at Fugue, who continues to harangue Dangerous! He runs over to Fugue, and delivers a punch to the funny bone, which annoys the sadistic lightweight. Fugue immediately chases Kross, who runs around the ring, while Janus lifts up Kris on the inside!

:Riley: The end is near! DARK BOMB!!

:Stevens: Call the damn match!

But just as Janus prepares to drop Kris with the force of god, Kross runs into the ring, followed by Fugue. The ref isn’t fast enough to catch the running Kross, but he does stop the M7 member as he jumps onto the apron, and yells at him to get down! Immediately Kross continues his run, charging at Janus, and WHAMM!!! He nails a HARD Gore right into the ring post!! The crowd is going nuts!!

:Stevens: I don’t believe it! That was the Double Take! Double Take to Janus!!

:Riley: CHEATERS!!

:Stevens: But it was Fugues cheating that got Dangerous outside!

Kross pushes his brother out of the ring and immediately locks his arm around Janus’ neck. The big man, having already lost wind because of the Double Take, now finds he cannot breathe. Kross holds on for dear life, as Janus searches for a rope to grab onto!

:Stevens: SLEEPER!!

:Riley: You’ve got to be kidding me!

Janus starts to rise, but can’t find the strength to push himself all of the way up! Kross gives it everything he’s got, as Fugue shouts at the referee to look at the cheating. But, of course, Eddie Long is more concerned with Fugue leaving! Janus grabs the rope and rises, but no one comes to call for the rope break, and Kross continues to apply pressure!

:Stevens: I don’t believe it! Kross could take the big man down!

:Riley: But he’s not the legal man.

:Stevens: But he sure looks a lot like the legal man! In fact, I’d say they were identical!

Riley scowls while Janus tries to reach back and grab Kross. His consciousness slips as he lets go of the rope and falls back down to his knees. With one last surge, Janus pushes back into the turnbuckle with all of the force he has left, banging into Kross’ back! But the twin maintains the hold, and Janus slumps forward to all fours, finally collapsing.

:Stevens: I can’t believe it! Kross might have this one!

Suddenly, Johnny Dangerous nails Fugue in the back with a forearm! The ref turns around and all he sees is one of the twins applying the sleeper on Janus. Assuming that it is the legal man, he goes over and lifts up the arm!

:Stevens: This is it…

The arm falls as Eddie Long shouts “ONE!”

:Riley: It’s the wrong man, Eddie!

:Stevens: What was that you were saying about payback?

While Fugue and Dangerous brawl, the arm is lifted again, and it falls… “TWO!!”

Fugue is outside slamming into the mat, while the crowd is cheering their hearts out! Kross seems to have fatigue in his arms, and is so close to letting go of the hold, but he grits his teeth, and the ref lifts up Janus’ hand one more time…

:Stevens: This is it!!

:Riley: I can’t watch…

The audience holds their breath as the ref lets go of the hand, which remains suspended in air…

:Riley: YES!

And then falls limply to the mat, just as Johnny pulls away from his rival and slides in!

“THREE!!!”

DING DING DING

:Stevens: They WON!! They actually did it!!!

:Funyon: Here are your winners, the number one contenders for the SWF Tag Team Titles… Déjà VUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!

Fugue continues to smile as he glares at Kross in the ring, and the referee raises his hand in victory! Janus is still face down on the mat, while Kris gets into the ring and sighs, shrugging at his brother, and mouthing “Better luck next time” to Kross while Kross nods. Johnny dangerous looks at them.

“You won guys.”

Kris looks at him, confused, while Kross hears their music being played.

“Dude, we won?”

“We did not win,” Kris says, looking down at Janus! “Brah!”

“Brah!” Kross repeats.

“We SOOOOO WON!!!” they both say at the same time!

The two brothers hug excitedly! And all the while, the Crowd cheers along with them, shouting encouragement, or just singing along with the theme music!

“You Da Man!”

“Nah, Dude, YOU Da Man!”

The two scale the turnbuckle, showing their signs to the audience while Janus comes to, completely surprised.

:Stevens: I guess all that studying of the basics really paid off for the twins. That was the perfect opportunity to use that sleeper hold!

:Riley: Cheaters. Dirty rotten cheaters. That’s what they are!

:Stevens: But good technique nonetheless. And who knows, maybe they’ll get their flow right be the time they have to face Justice and Rule!

:Riley: Doubt it!

:Stevens: Well, this was a surprise, but we’ve got bigger and better stuff for you coming up, folks.

:Riley: Travesty.

:Stevens: Oh get over it Bobby! We’ll be right back!

The show cuts to commercial while the two twins, and the audience, continues with choruses of “Dude,” “Man,” “Brah,” and “Awnaw.” Finally, it fades, and Pepsi Max fills the screen. But still, no one can believe that the two slackers actually got a win.

Dude.

April 1, 2003

The camera returns to the Skyreach centre, to a roaring crowd as they see the ladder set up to it's vertical stance, standing in the centre of the isle. The camera provides a close up of the height assistor, before returning back to it's usual pre-match spot in front of the announce table. Stevens and Riley sit there with some excited expressions!

Stevens: "We are halfway through the show and it only gets better from here! Folks, coming up is a ladder match for the ICTV title featuring two of the toughest combatants in the federation!"

Riley: "Hell maybe in the world!"

Stevens: "Maybe... and they will showcase this in a ladder match! Jamie Drazon and Danny Williams are about to compete for the ICTV title, which will be hanging above the ring a total of fifteen feet. They must climb the ladder and retrieve the title!"

Riley: "An interesting note. Despite their styles being very similar, Jamie Drazon and Danny Williams have never fought each other in the ring, or outside for that matter that we know of!"

Stevens: "Williams, who was recently dejected from the Magnificent Seven defeated his former stablemate Ejiro Fasaki, while Jay Dawg defeated another M7 member in the name of Fugue. The Magnificent Seven who once held all the gold but the World Title, are now struggling to keep hold of one, or even earn a shot at one."

Riley: "Flesher still owns you ass."

The arena darkens down, and shortly after, an explosion from each turnbuckle goes off, separated only by a half second.

BOOM

Many more fireworks begin to explode around the arena, showing an explosive display around the rafters and they carry up to the entrance ramp. On the corner edges of the ramp, two more explosions shoot off. The flame still alive it only signals for an explosion on top of the ladder! The second the top of the ladder explodes in a fireball...

"THIS!!

IS!!

MAH!!

HOOOOUSE!!"

The fireball on the ladder is now a mere flame and is promptly extinguished upon the arrival of Rammstein's 'Du Haste' as it plays lyric less throughout the arena. The heavy beats thunder 360 degrees, surrounding the arena with it's pulsing sounds, seeping it's way into the audience's mind. Jamie Drazon steps through the curtains to a shower of boos. His head is lowered, as he proceeds to walk along the ramp. Standing where the ramp top of the ramp ends, he slowly raises his head. His facial expression is very mellow as he observes the crowd who thinks he needs to get his ass kicked. He calmly lowers his head again, although his grin returns as he chuckles at the thought of how meaningless they are, finally sauntering down the ramp, not taking his eyes off the bulky structure in front of him.

Funyon: "Ladies and Gentlemen! The following contest is a LADDER MATCH for the vacant ICTV Championship! Introducing first... he defeated Fugue to earn this spot! He hails from Vancouver, British Columbia! He stands at Six feet Four inches and weighs in at 243 pounds! A Number One Contender to the ICTV title! JAMIE 'JAY DAWG' DRAZON!!!"

Jay Dawg pauses by the ladder, stepping to its side. He places his hand on the ladder then looks into the ring, reminding himself what he is in for. He looks up at the ring that will hold the ICTV title, at the moment in the hands of the referee. Jay Dawg hops onto the ring apron, dusting his feet off before entering the ring. He again looks up above him, before resting back, placing his hands on his thighs, and slowly cricks his neck. He finally falls back into the corner, and rests on the turnbuckles with little worry as he waits for his opponent.

Stevens: "You know, to the best of my memory... this is both Jay Dawg and Deathwish's first ladder match in the SWF!"

Riley: "That's because these men prefer to just beat their opponents into submission! They don't need to grab a title to win! They'd rather knock you out, or make you tap out!"

Stevens: "With their track record, I can only agree with you!"

As Drazon rests on his turnbuckles, he doesn't even flinch as the gentle melodies of In Flame’s “Jester’s Dance” echoes through the arena, triggering a chorus of “boos”. After waiting a little longer then normal, Williams pushes his way through the heavy curtains draping from the locker room entrance, and slowly makes his way out to the platform. As Deathwish stands in plain site, the audience gets even louder, taunting the former U.S. champion. Williams lets the negative reaction bounce right off of him, and slowly makes his way down to the ring and takes his sweet time doing it.

Funyon: "And his opponent! He defeated Fasaki to earn this spot! He hails from Louisville, Kentucky! He stands and Five feet Ten inches and weighs in at 238 pounds! A number one contender to the ICTV title! 'DEATHWISH' DANNY WILLIAMS!!!"

Danny gives a slight tap to the ladder, letting the crowd know that it's him being announced. They respond with a wave of boos. In random spots around the arena, small groups can be seen cheering for Jay Dawg and Deathwish, and not in the way that it's better to like one due to hate for another. Williams slides into the ring, giving a quick glance to Jay Dawg, who hasn't moved from his previous stance. Williams shakes his legs and arms out a bit, double-checking to see if he's in prime condition. Jay Dawg steps out of the corner; the referee only separates the two men, as he holds out the title. Eddy Long holds the title above his head, letting the crowd get a good look at what the fight is for and then attaches it to the cable. Both Drazon and Williams watch the title be carried into the air, dangling in it's final resting place. They observe the gold as the camera catches a close up of both their faces, despite all their raw emotion, and heartless attitude, they are clearly eager to go and give their all for the title.

Stevens: "These two both want this title! I know from first hand experience, it IS a stepping stone into the Main Event!"

Riley: "I agree, these two are some of the best in the fed! They just want the world to know it!"

Stevens: "No argument there! I know these two are obsessed with being the best and a win here will only solidify their status!"

The bell rings, and the ref steps away, allowing the two men to step up to each other. Jay Dawg is clearly larger, looking down Six inches, but they are able to go chest-to-chest. Jay Dawg sticks his head down while Danny rises on his toes, getting into each other's face, their foreheads touching in. The audience looks on, expecting a cheap shot but neither man strikes. The intensity begins to grow, as the audience starts to clap, hoping to ignite the start of the contest. They remain in their current states, Danny's eyes are wide open as he stare into Jay Dawg, whose eyelids remain close, but his face does all the talking for him. Their bodies begin to shake, both men itching to just flat out nail other.

Stevens: "These men may have never faced each other, but their reputation precedes them!"

Riley: "Yeah, let's see a match!"

As if Riley's words have a hypnotic effect, they suddenly lock up. Jay Dawg tries to leverage Williams down, but the powerful brawler holds his own, using his position to shove Jay Dawg back a step. The lockup intact, JD shoves back, pushing Williams back two steps. They push each other back and forth, the lockup retaining their balance. The struggle continues as they try and gain control, JD hits a small cheap shot; head butting Williams in the forehead. Williams drops to one knee and Jay Dawg powers him down to the second. JD throws out a knee, but Williams’s blocks with his and Jay Dawg's arms. Feeling the resistance in his leg, JD has no choice but to let Williams climb back up. Their muscles begin to rip out as do their veins as they continue to struggle for control.

Stevens: "These guys are matching power!"

Riley: "They look like they are ready to explode!"

Stevens: "They best not wear each other out in a battle of strengths! They will need their energy for that ladder!"

Riley: "These are two of the toughest, most vital competitors out there... I don't think they are worried about that!"

Williams finally shoves Drazon's arms aside, and shifts his weight in before throwing Jay Dawg with a hip toss. Jamie lands on his feet right in front of Danny, and hooks his arms around his waist. In this position many times, Danny isn't taking the risk, lifting his right elbow up above both men, and drives the point down in Jay Dawg's forehead. JD drops to a knee, his arms still wrapped around William's legs. Thinking quickly, Jay Dawg yanks on the legs, pulling Williams down to a good pop. Upon impact, Williams immediately lifts his head only to receive a punch to the face! The crowd applauds the first strike of the match, and hope for more. JD grants their wish as he begins to pummel Williams with right hands. JD stands up part way only to change his offence to stomps. After four consecutive stomps, JD pulls Deathwish to his feet and instantly sends him to the ropes. Danny bounces back, recovering from the strikes and rushes for Jay Dawg. Standing in wait, JD suddenly steps in, and the two collide on a shoulderblock! Both men stagger back from the impact as the audience laughs.

Stevens: "That just proves it! Neither man could knock each other off their feet!"

Jay Dawg regains his balance, shakes off the blow and calmly walks toward his adversary. Williams isn't as patient, frustrated he didn't train wreck Jay Dawg, he charges back for him, throwing out a clothesline that, Jay Dawg effortlessly ducks. JD stands back up, only to see Williams pause and swing his arm in reverse for an elbow, JD barely sidesteps that one! JD exhales, knowing that was close to a broken nose. Williams doesn’t stop, propelling his arm out with a clothesline, but Jay Dawg ducks then hooks his arms around Williams waist. JD cradles the leg, but Williams breaks the waistlock, slips in behind and applies a waistlock of his own.

Stevens: “These two are still looking for the first big move of the match!”

Riley: “A German suplex would definitely give an advantage!”

Although the thought was in his head long before, the fans watch Williams take Riley’s advice and lift for the German, but JD grapevines his leg. He grips onto the wrists that are holding him shut, and begins to pry apart. Jay Dawg breaks free of the grip and holds the wrist as he stretches his body apart. Determined to defeat JD in the battle of strength, Williams begins to crush down, powering his adversary slowly to his knees. Thinking fast, Jay Dawg drops to the mat, releasing his grip on Williams and hooking his legs inside, taking him down with a drop toehold. Williams face frustratingly hits the mat and the brief stun from impact allows JD to roll forward and latch on with a Fujiwara armbar! Knowing full well of his predicament, Williams presses his free arm up, and turns his back to Jay Dawg, preventing any entrapment to the dangerous submission.

Stevens: “Jay Dawg came really close into giving himself an advantage!”

Riley: “That’s one thing, submissions may not be the way to win the match, but they are sure an effective key!”

Williams doesn’t take to kindly to the close entrapment, and punts Jay Dawg in the ribs, knocking the Dawgmeister back a foot. JD rests on his hands and knees, only for Danny to scissorlock his arm and fall back first to the mat! “Awe shit!” slips out of the mouth of Jay Dawg as he frantically closes his elbow, rolling his body over before Danny can hyper-extend the elbow. Jay Dawg swings with his spare arm, popping Williams in the jaw. The blow loosens Williams grip allowing JD to roll all the way over, letting his arm slip out to safety. Deciding to be a dick, Williams latches his legs around Jay Dawg’s neck with a headscissors, and muscles Drazon to the mat with a takedown.

Stevens: “And Williams looks to be in control at the moment!”

Jay Dawg pounds the mat with a hammerlike fist, cursing to himself that he got caught. Williams chuckles in amusement as JD struggles in-between the grip of his legs. JD does a forward roll, landing on his ass; he is free of the headscissors. The two men return to their feet at the same time, and with no moment of hesitation, they clock each other in the face with stereo right hands! Both men stagger back from the blows, only to return for more. Danny a hair faster, makes the swing, only for JD to duck the blow and rear waistlock him on his spin. Jay Dawg lets Williams side headlock him as he lifts up, and drops him to the mat with a belly-to-back suplex. Williams lies stunned as Jay Dawg rolls to his feet. He takes a glance down at Danny, then out to the ladder. He turns to the ropes and steps out of the ring, figuring it is time. The audience gives applause for JD going for the ladder.

Stevens: “I think Jay Dawg just remembered that it is a ladder match!”

Jay Dawg grabs a hold of the ladder and folds the massive contraption up, before walking towards the ring with it. Williams returns to his feet, taking a look at JD with the steel, he makes a run for the ropes. A bounce back and Williams is rushing for JD and the ladder, he leaps out, driving his front two legs outward…

SMASH!!

Dropkicking the ladder through the middle ropes! The ladder directly impacts Jay Dawg’s face as he is knocked flying backward, collapsing on the outside with the ladder on top of him. Williams rolls under the bottom rope, and drops down to the floor. He stands over top of Jay Dawg, and drives his boot into the chest-covered area of the ladder! “OOOF!!” is all JD can slip out before Williams pulls the ladder off him and slides it into the ring.

Stevens: “Ah Williams played it smart, making Jay Dawg go get the ladder, and then he flattened him the second he got it!”

Riley: “We might have a winner right here!”

Danny slides into the ring himself as JD sits up on the outside. He clutches his chest while Williams picks the ladder up and decides on where to set it. JD stands up with purpose as he glares inside the ring. The crowd can sense the mode Jay Dawg is getting into and begin to cheer, not for JD, but for the promise of violence. JD spots Williams climbing the ladder and slides into the ring. Insulted that Williams thought he was down that quick, JD just flat out front kicks the ladder, knocking the contraption over. Williams jumps off, landing on his feet. JD fires with a haymaker right.

CRACK

The stiff contact echoes throughout the arena as Williams absorbs the blow just enough to fire back at Jay Dawg with an elbow.

CRACK

Jay Dawg staggers backward, as Danny checks his jaw. Danny makes a run off the ropes, on the bounce back he throws his elbow out…

But he is caught in mid swing by Jay Dawg, who latches onto his leg and upper body before throwing him over his head with a T-Bone suplex! Danny crashes into the mat, and springs out, letting his body expand while his left leg dangles on the bottom rope. JD sits up; rubbing his jaw as well before taking a look at the ladder he kicked mere moments ago.

Stevens: “Danny went for what looked to be a Running Elbow only to get thrown with that T-Bone!”

JD stands up, looking unharmed as he coldly walks toward the ladder, which is balancing itself on the top rope. JD grabs the ladder, folds it up, and places it in the corner within seconds. He turns back to the fallen Williams, who is now back to one knee. JD grabs the back of Danny’s neck and helps him to his feet. Taking advantage of Williams not being all there, JD runs to the ladder, taking Williams with him! Jay Dawg stops right in front of the ladder, and throws Williams forward…

SMASH

He crashes face/chest first into the ladder and bounces off, only for JD to grab him and throw him into the ladder again!

Stevens: “Jay Dawg is taking advantage of his surroundings!”

Riley: “A ladder match with the hardcore maniac! You damn right that thing is a weapon!”

JD grabs Williams from behind and locks on a waistlock, and starts to lift, but…

CRACK

A reverse elbow by Williams straightens that out. JD releases the waistlock, and Williams spins around, firing out another elbow, but Jay Dawg blocks! He fires with one of his own, blocked! They hold each other’s wrists down, preventing more swings. A battle of strength pursues as they both try to get the next swing in. Danny is the one to break free, and clobbers JD with a right elbow! JD breaks his grip and stumbles back a step, only to burst back with a boot to the gut. Williams doubles over only to be brought into a facelock. JD tosses his spare arm over the shoulder, the vertical suplex is ready to follow… except JD pauses. Getting an idea, he turns around, so his back is to the ladder…

Stevens: “Don’t tell me!”

Riley: “Suplex his ass!”

Jay Dawg starts to lift, but a struggling Williams prevents that. JD is unable to lift Williams farther then a foot before the resistance pays off. Williams returns with a knee to the ribs, lifting JD in the air from impact. He pulls Jay Dawg into a standing headscissors to a nerve-wracking pop! The audience goes insane as Williams lifts JD up off the mat, onto his shoulders…

CRAAAAAAAAAAAASH

-and drops him onto the diagonal ladder with a powerbomb!

Stevens: “OH MY GOD!!”

Jay Dawg lies sprawled out on top of the ladder, his body feeling fucked up now. Williams grabs a hold of a ladder rung above Jay Dawg’s head. He yanks on it, pulling the body of Jamie Drazon with it. Jay Dawg slides off the ladder and falls chest first to the mat. Williams picks the ladder up over his head, measuring his fallen opponent, before slamming the lengthy steel into the back of Jay Dawg!

SMASH

“ARRGH!!” shouts out JD, as he curses under his breath. JD crawls away, clutching his back as Williams stands the ladder up, in perfect position for under the title belt. He grabs a hold of a rung above the centre. He starts to climb as JD gets to his hands and knees. He rubs the back of his back as he reaches for Williams. Getting a hold of his boot, but it easily slips through his grip. JD grabs the ladder, using it to help himself up. He considers knocking the ladder over, but changes his mind. JD begins to climb the other side of the ladder, going at a slightly faster pace then Williams! Williams reaches for the gold, but Jay Dawg drives his fist into his ribs! His body already stretched out, Williams doubles over winded, and JD grabs the back of his head and slams it into the top of the ladder! JD keeps a hold of the head, and slams it in again! “You like that!” a much more arrogant JD shouts, slamming the head in one more time!

Stevens: “Jay Dawg and Williams are scrapping on top of the ladder!”

Williams takes a step downward, trying to protect his facial area from further bruising. JD swings with a right hand, but Williams blocks, and on the other side of the ladder he clobbers JD with a right hand of his own! Williams pulls JD by the hair along the right side of the ladder, not even sure himself if this will work, Danny applies a facelock, and spins off the ladder!

CRASH

Driving Jay Dawg into the mat with a super spinning neckbreaker! The ladder begins to teeter from their fall, and timbers on top of him! JD rolls onto his chest, moaning in pain as the ladder only adds to the pain. Williams pushes up to his hands and knees, lifting the ladder with him.

Riley: “An unusual move from Williams! He almost never does attacks like that!”

Stevens: “He’s never been in a ladder match! You gotta improvise my friend!”

Danny pushes the ladder aside, and grabs a hold of JD by the hair. He pulls the hardcore maniac to his feet and into a waistlock. Williams looks back at the ladder, then a sadistic look turns over his face. The crowd gasps as they know what he has planned, but still go insane with the applause. Maybe it’s the cheering, maybe it’s the fact that he is trapped in another man’s arms, or maybe he wasn’t out that long, but Jay Dawg wakes up…

DING

And mule kicks Danny Williams right in the junk! Williams instantly releases his waistlock and holds his family jewels. JD spins around, applying a waistlock himself, and the audience curses at what he is about to do! Jay Dawg lifts a compliant Williams up over his head…

Stevens: “OH NO!!”

-And bridges perfectly over the ladder with a German suplex! Sighs of relief can be heard for Williams as JD, despite crushing him with the suplex, saved his ass. The bridge still intact, JD rolls over the ladder, then pulls Danny back to his feet. JD lifts again…

DING

-but Danny returns the favour with a low blow of his own! Jay Dawg’s eyes roll into the back of his head, as he prays to the devil down below that he can absorb the blow. But Williams breaks the waistlock and ducks in behind, re-applying his earlier waistlock. Not looking for the ladder this time, a pissed off Williams flat out throws Jay Dawg over his head, and spikes him should/neck first into the mat with a Dangerous German! Jay Dawg’s body folds up, and he is barely able to roll his broken body onto his chest. Williams lies on his back, exhaling as he takes the time to recover from his lumps and bumps tonight. Finally he rolls onto his hands and knees, looking at the fallen Jay Dawg. The sweat beads pour into the mat as he shakes his head off, wiping the rest of it off and dropping a small puddle onto the mat. He pushes JD onto his back, looking down at the fallen adversary. He stands up and walks to the ladder, pulling it up off the mat and stands it up.

Stevens: “Danny just needs to climb the ladder, and this match is his!”

Riley: “That Dangerous suplex just knocked the shit out of Jay Dawg!”

Stevens: “I don’t think Jay Dawg has ever felt something like that!”

Riley: “He fought a pissed off Thugg last summer!”

Stevens: “I take my previous statement back.”

Danny touches his forehead into the ladder rung, taking a breath before he starts to climb. As he climbs, Jay Dawg sits up! A pissed off expression firmly planted on his face, his eyes rolled into the back of his head. He looks to his left, staring at the ladder. He stands fully to his feet as Danny again reaches for the gold. JD takes a look at his wrist, as the audience wonders if he can tell the time. He knocks on the ladder for a second, getting Williams attention. Danny looks down and curses in his mind and out loud…”OH SHIT!!” is all the words Danny can assemble before Jay Dawg pushes the ladder over! Danny saves himself as he leaps off the ladder, only to stungun himself on the top rope! Williams bounces off the top rope, somehow keeping his balance.

Stevens: “Oh no! Williams has just stunned himself and is at Jamie Drazon’s mercy!”

Williams stumbles as he grasps at his throat. He looks over to JD, and his eyes bulge out. JD mimics this impression, letting his eyes fly open as he flips the double bird to Williams, kicks him in the stomach, and pulls him into a standing headscissors. Jay Dawg crosses the arms over Danny’s throat, leaps into the air, and smashes him face/chest first into the mat with JD’s Revenge!

Riley: “Booyah! It’s over!”

Drazon’s eyes remain open as he grabs hold of the ladder, pulling it up. The ladder stands perfectly in front of the corner, and the positioning of it, combined with the flattened Williams… gives Jay Dawg an idea. JD steps to the outside, standing on the apron, he walks to the corner and climbs to the top. JD steps off the top turnbuckle and onto the ladder. He looks down at the motionless Williams, whose body lies in a crucifix position. JD steps all the way up the ladder, making it to the top and steps over, so he is sitting on top of the steel contraption, at least ten feet over top of Williams.

Stevens: “Jay Dawg could have just climbed the ladder to the gold!”

Riley: “I know! What is Jay Dawg trying to do! This is the ICTV title we are talking about!”

Drazon pierces his eyes down into the fallen Williams, straightening up on top of the ladder. Letting the whole crowd get a look at his body elevated into the air, he leaps off! JD soars through the air, letting his body extend like a swan…

Stevens/Riley: “Holy shit!”

DRIVING HIS FOREHEAD INTO THE REAR OF DANNY’S CRANIUM WITH A DIVING HEADBUTT!!

Stevens: “Jesus Christ! Jay Dawg did that off a cage not too long ago! What is he thinking!”

Riley: “I don’t think he no longer gives a <BEEP>!”

Stevens: “Ha! They caught you that time!”

Riley: “Shit!” clues in that it wasn’t beeped out… “Ha smarty pants! Didn’t catch me that time!”

Jay Dawg lifts his head up, his eyes open, but the lids are blinking multiple times. JD shakes his head off, trying to shake off the blast, but has no choice but to rest beside his fallen victim. JD presses up, making it to his hands and knees. He continues shaking his head, looking cross-eyed as he stands up. He staggers toward the ladder, picking it up and carrying it to the centre of the ring. JD turns the ladder upside down, and drives it into the head of Danny Williams!

SMACK

JD lifts the ladder up about a foot and a half, then drives it down again into William's shoulderblades!

SMACK

JD lifts again, and once more into the shoulderblades!

SMACK

Stevens: "Jay Dawg is going to make Williams remember this ladder match!"

Riley: "If he hits him any harder, Danny won't be remembering his own name!"

JD raises the ladder again, and drives the top right into the back of the skull! Tired of abusing Danny's body with the ladder, Drazon turns it right side up and unfolds it. He looks in between the ladder, Williams arm begins to move, but so slow that JD doesn't even bother giving it a second look. He turns to his left side and begins to climb the ladder. After two steps, he rests his head into a rung. Taking a breath as he absorbs some of the pain he has suffered. He steps up one more, where Williams begins to press up to his hands and knees to a huge pop! JD sucks up the air, and climbs another step, hoping to go faster as he notices Williams coming for him. Williams gets to his feet and walks toward JD, but gets a boot to the face! Williams takes a step back but walks totters back to JD, only to get another boot to the face! Williams absorbs the blow, sucking it up as he lets himself recover, then leaps into the air straight for JD! Before Drazon can respond with a boot, Williams raises his right leg for a high kick, connecting right under the jaw of JD with it!

CRACK

Stevens: "DYNAMIC KICK!!!"

Drazon's head snaps to the side as he desperately clings onto the ladder. The ladder begins to rock, but remains balanced as JD drops his head onto the rung, not able to climb any higher or even strike in defense. Williams climbs the ladder behind Jay Dawg, turns his back to the ladder and grabs a hold of Jay Dawg's legs while two steps up the ladder. JD is unable to defend himself as Williams leaps off the ladder, taking Jay Dawg with him...

CRAAAAAAAAAAASH!!!

-SLAMMING HIM INTO THE MAT WITH A LADDER ASSISTED DEATHBOMB!!!

Drazon's body bounces off the surface, and flips over onto his chest. Williams collapses to his hand and knees, staring at his folded up opponent with a sense of pride.

Stevens: "Danny just returned the favor with that massive Deathbomb!"

Riley: "That shook the freaking ring!"

Williams rests on his hands and knees, breathing deeply as Jay Dawg begins to roll onto his back. Drazon makes it onto his vertebrea, then stops moving, his chest is the only movement as he begins to take deep breaths. Williams steps to his feet, rubbing the back of his head, he turns to the ladder. Williams starts to climb, while Jay Dawg raises an arm, reaching back, he grabs onto the middle rope. As Williams makes it to the second rung, JD grabs the middle rope with his other hand, and reaches to the top. JD stretches his back out and bridges to his feet while Danny makes it to the fifth rung! JD bounces off the ropes and leaps at Williams, grabbing onto his legs and hugging them tight.

Stevens: "It's not over yet!"

Jay Dawg tugs on the legs and Williams reluctantly starts to climb down. Jay Dawg yanks Williams off the ladder, falling only a meter, Williams lands on his feet, shuffles his hip into Jay Dawg's chest and hooks his arm, only to throw him over his shoulder with a Judo Throw! Jay Dawg bounces off the mat, and rolls to his hands and knees as the crowd begins to roar for the ferocious Williams!

Stevens: "Danny is ready to finish him off!"

Riley: "He usually follows that with his scissored armbar... but a submission won't win this match!"

Stevens: "I think he has something else in mind!"

Williams looks to the crowd, for the first time in a while, they are cheering his name!

"Dan-ny! Dan-ny!"

He begins to nod in approval for their roars. He lifts his hand up and slices his thumb over his throat, the end is near. He holds his arm out, encouraging the sluggish Jay Dawg to return to his feet a little quicker. Jamie Drazon steps to one foot, then the other. Williams walks up, grabbing him in a waistlock, sticking his head under Jay Dawg's arm that sends the crowd into a frenzy!

"DAN-NY!! DAN'NY!!"

But Jay Dawg fires an elbow back, cracking Williams in the side of the head! Williams stumbles backward, rubbing his temple. Jay Dawg makes a dash to the ropes..

Stevens: "Williams is still a little out of it from that headbutt!"

-Jay Dawg ricochets off the ropes, rushing straight for Williams, but Danny sends his right foot into the air and flattens Jay Dawg with a big boot!

Stevens: "Or maybe not! Williams just coldcocked Jay Dawg with that boot!"

Acting very irritated, Williams wipes some sweat off his forehead, and helps Jay Dawg to a vertical base. But suddenly, Drazon swats Williams’ hands off, and fires a wild Spin Kick....

Stevens: “Jay Dawg, fighting back!”

that is caught! Jay Dawg helplessly bounces up and down on one leg, completely at Danny’s mercy. Williams coldly shoves his off balance foe to the mat, and takes position on the ropes. While Drazon struggles to find a vertical base, Williams leans back into the ropes and pats his elbow, causing the crowd to rise to their feet in anticipation!

Stevens: “Williams, preparing to level JD with a Running Elbow!”

Riley: “If Danny connect, JD might be out long enough for him to climb the ladder, and claim the title!”

Once Drazon is up, Williams explodes off the ropes, his arm drawn back for a big elbow....

Riley: “HERE IT COMES!”

but before it can connect, Jay Dawg gets off a desperation Thai Roundhouse Kick.....

Stevens: “SPIN KICK!”

that catches Williams square on the forehead!

CRACK!

The crowd quiets down as both men go down, crashing into the mat at the exact same time!

Riley: “DEAR GOD, HE TOOK WILLIAMS HEAD OFF WITH THAT ONE!”

Stevens: “BOTH MEN ARE DOWN!”

Glassy eyed and blank looking, Williams mechanically climbs to his feet, takes a few sluggish steps, and flops into the ropes. Danny drapes both his arms over the ropes so he can stay on his feet, and starts shaking his head from side to side like he’s trying to gather his senses. Jay Dawg remains on the mat, breathing hard and grimacing.

Riley: “Oh man, Williams looks like he’s hurt pretty bad.”

Stevens: “Danny is desperately trying to cling to consciousness, refusing to give up control of this match up!”

Out of the corner of his eye, Williams catches Drazon attempting to get on his feet. With a sigh, Danny turns off the ropes, and slowly makes his way over to his delirious opponent. Williams grabs Drazon by the hair, and strains to pull him up to a single knee. Out of nowhere, Jay Dawg blindly swings a wild Haymaker that nails Williams right in the mouth, making a sick-popping sound!

POP!

“Oooooooooooooooooooooh!”

Stevens: “WHAT A SHOT!”

Riley: “I think Danny just lost another tooth!”

His hands covering his mouth, Williams awkwardly walks backwards, and flops on his BUTT! Still feeling weak, Drazon rests on his hands knee, trying to summon enough power for one more offensive burst. Despite being shaking up by the stiff punch, Williams rushes to his feet, and speeds after Jay Dawg! With a “holy shit” expression on his face, Drazon scrambles to his feet, but he’s too late! The crowd roars with approval as Williams palms the back of JD’s head with his one arm, while elbowing the shit out of him with the other!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

The assault leaves the JD reeling, giving Williams the perfect opportunity for his favourite strike! Danny shuffles his feet into a counter clock wise spin, firing a close range......

Stevens: “ROLLING ELBOW!”

that is ducked! Realizing he only hit air, Williams spins around to find JD waiting for him with his legs spread shoulder length apart in a picture perfect punching stance! JD balls up his fist, draws back, and fires........

CRAAAAAAACK!

Drazon slams fist into Williams’ jaw with bone shattering power! Wobbling on rubber legs, Williams back paddles into the ropes, leaning against them for support.

Riley: “ HE’S HURT! WILLIAMS IS HURT!”

Smelling blood, Drazon rushes in, pounding the head of his cornered opponent with lefts and rights! Williams brings his hands up in a vain attempt to protect himself, but still, most of the Dawg’s punches find their mark!

Stevens: “THE ROPES ARE THE ONLY THING KEEPING DANNY UP!”

Finally, JD brings a big uppercut up the middle, connecting cleanly with Williams’ chin!

CRACK!

Williams head snaps back, spewing salvia into the air behind him! And just like that, Williams transforms from living breathing human being into a corpse! Danny plummets forward like a hacked down tree, JD steps to the side, letting Williams’s land face first on the mat, where he remains motionless and unresponsive! The shocked crowd, gasps in horror as if they had witnessed some terrible atrocity.

Riley: “OH MY (bleep)ING GOD!”

Stevens: “DANNY WAS OUT BEFORE HE HIT THE CANVAS!”

Dripping sweat and breathing hard, JD staggers back a few steps, and rests with his hands on his thighs. With his head down, Drazon sees the shadow of the belt dangling from side to side on the mat, reminding him of the task he has to complete in order to win the match. Seeing that Williams still hasn’t moved, JD turns his attention back to the ladder, which is lying near the ropes on the other side of the ring. JD turns his back to Williams’ body, and starts making his way towards the ladder.

Stevens: “Having obliterated Danny with some of the hardest punches I have ever witnessed in this sport, JD is gonna risk climbing the ladder!”

Upon hearing the crowd give a huge pop, a surprised JD turns around to find Danny pushing his way to his feet. With his teeth clinched and veins bulging out of his neck, a crazy eyed Williams forces himself to a vertical base, snarling like a wild beast!

Riley: “What the hell?”

Stevens: “WILLIAMS IS REFUSING TO STAY DOWN!”

Drazon puts his fighting face back down, greeting Williams as he gets up with a welcoming right hand!

CRACK!

Williams’ knees buckle like he’s going to go down again, but instead, he forges ahead, catching JD with a couple of weaker than usual but still hard Elbow Smashes that sends the crowd into a frenzy!

Crack! Crack!

Stevens: “WILLIAMS IS SOMEHOW FIGHTING BACK!”

Drazon shakes them off, and answers Williams’ attack with yet another stiff Right Cross to the jaw....

CRAAAACK!

The next thing Williams knows, he’s sitting on his ass drawing, silencing the crowd!

Riley: “This match is over, Danny has nothing left!”

JD breathes a sigh of relief, but his security doesn’t last, as Danny lets out a frustrated growl, and pops right back up! Hardly a threat, Williams wobbles at JD on shaky legs, walking face first into a Thai Roundhouse Kick!

CRAAAAAAAAAACK!

Needless to say Williams goes down like a sack of bricks, while the crowd sympathetically “ohs”.

Stevens: “SPIN KICK, SPIN KICK! WILLIAMS IS OUT!”

His eyes dilated and glazed over, Williams lies on his back for a few seconds, but than shockingly starts straining to climb to his feet. JD’s eyes light up with fear and shock, unable to comprehend why he can’t keep Danny down!

Riley: “This is getting ridiculous, how much head trauma can Danny Williams absorb”

Drazon returns to a kicking stance as Williams somehow stumbles to his feet, only to go back down, collapsing on his hands and knees! Getting an idea, JD bounces back into the ropes, keeping a close eye on Danny.

Riley: “JD is sizing Williams up for something, here.”

Slowly but surely a trembling Danny Williams climbs up on one knee, and at that instance, JD flies off the ropes like a bat out of hell! JD plants his boot on Williams’ knee, using it as a launching pad to springboard himself in the air, and slam a lethal kick into Danny’s head!

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

“Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!”

Williams just crumbles to the mat, while JD safely lands on his feet.

Stevens: “SHINING BLACK! SHINING BLACK! SHINING BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!”

The crowd is quiet as a church as JD calmly walks over to the ladder, pulls the bulky contraption upright, and starts anxiously setting it up! Before climbing, Drazon checks on Williams to make sure he’s still out…

He is.

JD begins climbing the ladder rung by damn rung, while the crowd watches on in disbelief.

Stevens: “And a hush has fallen over this sold out crowd, I don’t think the fans or anyone could have predicted this. There is no race up the ladder, no crazy hardcore move to end the match, JD has simply beat Williams until he stayed down.”

The ladder teeters under JD’s weight, however he keeps his cool, reaching the final step. Careful to maintain his balance, JD stands up at full height, and stretches his arm towards his dangling prize. With relative ease, Drazon snatches the belt down, setting off a bombardment of “Boos!”

Riley: “HE’S GOT IT! JD GOT THE TITLE!”

Stevens: “IT’S OVER! WE HAVE A NEW ICTV CHAMPION!!”

DING! DING! DING!

Jay Dawg holds the title high into the air with his right arm, staring coldly out to the crowd as Williams remains in his cataleptic state on the mat. The fans look on in awe, wondering if Danny is alright. Jay Dawg drops the ICTV title to the mat and begins to slowly climb down the ladder. The majority of the fans continue to boo the brand new ICTV champion, but some can't help but cheer out of respect.

Funyon: "THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH...AND NEW SWF INTERCONTINENTALTELEVISION CHAMPION!!! JAMIE 'JAY DAWG' DRAZON!!"

Jay Dawg picks up the title, holding his body as he takes deep breaths while raising the title. Williams still remains motionless, and the fans concerns begin to show.

Stevens: "Someone get help! Williams isn't moving!"

As if reading his mind, two paramedics run down to the ring, carrying a stretcher with them. Jay Dawg looks at the EMT's then down at Williams. He shakes his head and buckles the title around his waist. He holds his arms up in victory as the crowd continues to boo the brand new ICTV champion. They begin to cut down on the boos as their concern for Williams begins to grow. Jay Dawg shows some courtesy and holds the ropes open for the EMT's to get the stretcher in, then walks out of the ring, walking up the ramp. In a surprising action, he shakes some of the fans hands as he continues to walk up the ramp.

Stevens: "Some help is here for Williams! This must be serious, because Williams started moving slow shortly after that headbutt!"

Riley: "I think he might have a concussion, or worse! Jay Dawg just pounded the hell out of him!"

An EMT begins to lift Williams for the stretcher, but a lifeless Williams swings his arm, smoking the EMT with a stiff elbow! Danny rolls onto his hands and knees to a massive pop as the EMT lies outcold on the mat.

Riley: "He's kicking ass in his sleep! Ha ha!"

Stevens: "Danny just flattened someone trying to help him!"

Danny suddenly grabs the back of his head again, and falls facefirst onto the stretcher must to the disapppointment of the fans. Another EMT comes to the ring, and they pull the stretcher out of the ring and haul Williams up the ramp. As Williams gets a standing ovation by the crowd.

Stevens: "Danny Williams may be hurt... but he impressed the crowd tonight with his resilience and fighting tenacity!"

Riley: "By getting the crap kicked out of him!?"

Stevens: "As disappointing as that is! Jay Dawg is now the new ICTV champion!"

Riley: "It looks good on him!"

Stevens: "He did earn it with this battle... but folks, stay tuned! We are not done yet! We still have the tag title match, as well as Flesher and Magnifico!"

Cut to commercial

April 1, 2003

The shot fades back in to one of the Skyreach Centre in, Edmonton, Alberta as we return to SWF Smarkdown! The hot crowd roars as the camera pans over the crowd, showing off a few signs like “CCBB, CCBB, CCBB WE LOVE YOU!”, “STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK MY BONES, BUT JUSTICE AND RULE CAN’T HURT CCBB!”, and the ever popular “HEARFORD: WINGS GOING DOWN IN A FIRST ROUND SWEEP, BITCH!”

“Well, tonight has been a card fit for a PPV with the matches we have lined up here! We’ve already seen 3 title matches tonight, and now we are on to the biggest one of them all, the Tag Team Titles!” says Mark, and an excited Riley agrees.

“This is a MOUNTAIN of a match here. We have the Tag Team Champs defending their titles against a pair that used to rock the rings like no other back in the days.”

“Definitely Bobbie,” says Stevens with a smile as he shuffles through a few of hits notes, “Justice and Rule will certainly have their work cut out for them here. Chilly Chilly Bang Bang ruled the roost back when these two were only around US Title level. Now both of them are either right at the World or holding it at the moment. I don’t think Hearford or Fasaki stand a chance in hell here.”

“Sorry, Mark, but you are definitely wrong there. While they are far higher right now, you have to remember that these two just don’t have the killer instinct they used to have. I mean, Frost lost his ‘snarl’ when he vacated the ICTV title. When you don’t care about titles anymore, you just don’t have ‘it’ anymore…”

“Which is why he beat the Tag Champions…”

“Yeah, the Tag Champions let him win. They WANTED the match here.”

“And why in God’s name would they want a match with Chilly Chilly Bang Bang?”

“Because they haven’t teamed for HOW long now? 4 months? Maybe 5? Justice and Rule have been teaming constantly the last month or so. TNT and Frost haven’t worked with each other in a long while. Remember, the sum of these Tag Team Champions is greater than the sum of its parts.”

“I’m sorry, Bobbie, but Chilly Chilly Bang Bang is just one of those teams that doesn’t get ring rust. You get those special combos like the Fallen or DVD that just naturally blends well; those are the people who don’t forget how to work with each other. Hell, I’d argue that either of those pairs could come down to the ring right now after being out of action for God only knows how long and take Justice and Rule down.”

Grand Slam is quickly overruled by the sound of AC/DC’s “TNT”, and the crowd begins to chant along with the “Oy!”s as Funyon brings the mic up to his mouth. “The following match is ONE FALL for the SWF TAG… TEAM…. TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITLES!! Entering first, the challengers…” He says as the SWF World Heavyweight Champion walks out from behind the curtain to a massive ovation! His title around his belt, he walks down to the ring looking determined as ever while Bon Scott yells “WATCH ME EXPLOOOOOOOODE!!” over the PA system.

“Weighing in at 266 lbs and hailing from Anaheim, California… He is the SWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGH CHAAAAAAAAAAAMPION and one half of the challengers…. TEEEEEEEEE! ENNNNNNNNNN! TEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

The Champ hands off his belt to some lowly little guy nearby and waits at the foot of the ring for his partner as “TNT” is segued into “Snowblind” by Black Sabbath while silvery pyros light off from the rafters. An icy blue spotlight shines down on the entrance, revealing what looks to be snow falling down. The lyrics start up, and the Iceman from Iceland steps out onto the ramp, his bad shoulder seriously taped up after being mauled by Justice and Rule on Lockdown. He raises a fist as well, and the crowd gives him a great welcome.

“Weighing in at 296 pounds and hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland…. A Former ICTV CHAMPION… FROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOST!”

He steps down next to TNT, where both of them look at each other and nod before stepping up and going through the ropes together, and each of them takes a turnbuckle, raising a single hand into the air.

“Weighing at a combined 562 pound… forming a Former TAG TEAM CHAAAAAAMPION combination… CHILLY!... CHILLY!.... BANG BAAAAAAAAAANG!!”

The crowd goes wild at the name of the former tag champions while they go over to their side of the ring. The two look at each other, saying a few words before Frost steps out of the ring.

“It looks like CCBB will be starting off with TNT, which is a smart move. Frost may be strong, but he’s walking wounded, which makes him vulnerable when Justice and Rule are fresh. But if he gets in later in the match he’ll be running rampage through those two.”

“I can’t believe a guy who was Tag Team Champion knows NOTHING of Tag Team wrestling. It’s sad when you have to have someone like Mistress Sarah carry you to titles. Anyways, even I have to admit that Frost would be the better choice here. TNT doesn’t have the size nor the strength to dominate someone like Hearford, who has the technical know-how and experience to nail Ejiro to the ground. Frost, on the other hand, has traditionally done well against grapplers and mat wrestlers like these two. I suppose, though, you decisions are the first to go when you lose your killer instinct…”

“And now entering, the champions…”

The discordant guitar riffs Rage Against the Machine’s “Sleep Now in the Fire” play on as the red words “JUSTICE” flash on the screen, followed by “RULE”. The drumbeat comes in, and the SWF Tag Team Champions enter while short clips of them nailing tag team moves, taunting the crowd, and cheating like bastards to get a victory over anyone who faces them. The two walk down, showing off their Tag Team Titles with confidence as they step down the ramp.

“Weighing in at a combined weight of 430 pounds…. they are the CURRENT… TAG… TEAM… CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMPIONS!!!..... JUSTICE! AND! RUUUUUUUUUUUUUULE!!”

“The Judge doesn’t look all too bad from that match earlier in the night,” Notes Grand Slam as the pair hand their belts to a short ring attendant before sliding into the ring together, “Though giving up his title after holding it for so long has to be on his mind right now.”

“Good riddance to bad garbage. They can keep that belt for all I care,” Says Riley, getting slightly defensive, “Hearford was way above it. It’s not like he needed it anymore.”

After taking a few moments in their corner, Rule comes out to start against the World Champion. Eddy Long looks over at TNT, asking him if he’s ready. Thompson nods and Fasaki does the same, and Long looks over to the time keepers table to signal for the bell.

*DING DING DING*

And the match is on! Ejiro begins moving back and forth, looking for an opening as TNT cautiously approaches him. With a quick burst of speed, Ejiro comes in and gives a quick kick to TNT’s knee. Taylor remains unphased, and swings back with a hard punch to the side of the temple. Fasaki takes a step back, and TNT goes for a follow-up swing, but ‘Rule’ ducks it instinctively. TNT’s arm sails over his head, and he comes up with a big elbow right in Thompson’s jaw! The Champ’s head shoots up as he takes a few steps back before recovering, and he looks Ejiro, who wears a cocky grin after catching the Champ off-guard.

“Figures TNT would make a stupid mistake like that,” says Riley dryly, watching as TNT comes in on Ejiro again, “Ejiro has the best elbows out of anyone today, bare NONE. He is not the guy you want to engage in a striking battle with.”

“Ever heard of Danny Williams? And I would rather go after Ejiro than TNT,” Says Grand Slam as TNT rushes forward and slams an elbow of his own into Fasaki’s temple, “Taylor has one of the most diverse striking sets around. He’s good with punches, kicks, and very good with elbows, having learned from the master Danny Williams himself.”

Fasaki strikes with an elbow of his own and the two exchange strikes once again before TNT nails Ejiro right in the nose, enough to send the small guy back peddling. It doesn’t stop there, though, as TNT continues with another pair of elbow strikes, backing Ejiro into the ropes before he sends him off with an Irish whip! ‘Rule’ goes off running full speed, and he comes back at the raised boot of the Champ… and ducks right under it! Coming off the ropes again, he raises an elbow up and nails TNT in the chest with a running elbow, turning the Champ around and putting him on the ground chest-first.

“And Fasaki wastes no time in getting to the mat, which is right where he wants to be.”

“An excellent float-over there to cinch a headlock. This kid is the modern wrestler. He’s smart, constantly studies his opponents, a brilliant technical wrestler-”

“-And dirtier than a 50-Year old hobo. Look at him pulling on TNT’s dreadlocks while the ref isn’t looking!”

“Why the hell did you think I said smart?”

The dastardly Florida-born wrestler continues to pulls on TNT’s hair while shielding it from the view of the never-vigilant Eddy Long. But Thompson pushes himself off the ground, and as Ejiro stops the hair-pulling as TNT begins to break away. He tries to tighten the hold, but Thompson’s power breaks the grip on his head, and he holds onto one of Ejiro’s arms and spins around, twisting it into a wristlock. He pulls the arm back and bends it, turning it into a Hammerlock and grabbing for a him around the waist for a big Hammerlock Suplex! The crowd gives a nice cheer as Ejiro arches his back and holds his arm for a moment before getting back up and making the tag over to Hearford.

“And there’s the tag out to Hearford. It looks these two aren’t going to take any chances with changes here; Ejiro could have stayed in a little-TNT throws a big elbow as Hearford runs out at him!-”

“-Missed! BAM! BIG CLOTHESLINE! Whoo!” Cheers Riley where Stevens left off as TNT hits the mat. “Hell yes they want to stay fresh, Mark. Gotta divide and conquer.”

The Champ rolls up to his feet, but right as he does, Hearford nails him with a knife-edged chop right in the chest (“WHOO!”). He hits him with another one (“WHOO!”), and while TNT puts a hand to his chest he goes in for the lock-up. Hearford gets a small early advantage from nailing Thompson a few times before, but that’s quickly gone as TNT begins to put his size and power into the equation, and soon he’s pushing Hearford back a little. The Judge pulls away a little, and he is able to throw TNT off balance enough to do a duck under and lock in a waist lock. He tries to lift him over for a German Suplex, but TNT quickly breaks the hold and executes a standing switch on him. The Judge throws a few back elbows, and he breaks TNT’s waistlock before switching and going back to where they started, and he lifts him up and over for a Bridging German Suplex!

ONE!

TWNO! A strong kickout by TNT, kicking so hard he flips himself over onto his belly as the Judge rolls up to his feet.

The Judge goes in quickly, landing a hard knife-edged chop (“WHOO!”) to keep TNT away from Frost, who stomps his foot on the mat like a hockey goalie beating his stick on the ice, wanting to get into the action. He lands two (“WHOO!”) more (“WHOO!), and grabs TNT’s head in a front facelock, trying to set up a quick Suplex… but TNT gives him a knee to the gut for his efforts. He puts a facelock of his own on Hearford and spins him around, taking both of them to the mat with a Swing Neckbreaker! The Judge holds his neck for a moment, but it’s enough time for TNT to get to his knees and make a tag to Frost!

“A big tag to the Velvet Hammer and the crowd is behind him 100%!” Says Grand Slam as the entire crowd gives an impressive “BRRRRRRRRRRR!” while Frost levels Hearford with an off-arm clothesline.

“‘Brrrrr’? What the hell?”

“Oh, come on. You know, ‘Brrrrr’. The sound you make when you get cold?”

“Dumbest. Cheer. Ever.”

“Well, I’m sure the Judge is saying that to himself right now, ‘cause it looks like Hell Just Froze Over with that lariat.”

Hearford pushes himself off the ground, but as he gets up off his knees he receives a kick to the gut from the massive leg of Frost, and the Icelandic Giant takes the stunned old man up with a quick Snap Suplex. The veteran curls up as he lands with a deafening impact, and he begins to go towards the corner, where a worried Ejiro reaches over the ropes for a tag… but the Velvet Hammer grabs Hearford by his foot and begins to pull him back out to the center of the ring.

“It doesn’t look like the Judge will be getting a recess anytime soon,” Says Grand Slam as the Judge struggles to get away from Frost.

“Oh shut up you smug-” Riley says, but cuts himself off as Hearford turns himself around and tries to kick Frost in the head. “Oh yeah! There we go-AW CRAP!”

To Riley’s obvious dismay, Frost catches the second foot, putting it under his arm and pulling him over to one of the neutral corners. The Judge looks all like ‘Oh please don’t do this’ and Frost is all like ‘Oh yeah I’m doing this bitch’ as he falls backwards, slingshotting ‘Justice’ face-first into the turnbuckle! He snaps back from the impact and stumbles backwards as Frost gets back up to his feet. Wrapping his arm around the back-peddling ‘Judge Mental’ he drops back for an Inverted DDT before hooking his leg for a cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THRNO! The Judge gets a shoulder up!

“A close fall, and the HAS to be hurting right now.”

“Thanks a lot, Captain Obvious!” says an angry Bobbie as Frost pulls a slightly dazed ‘Justice’ to his feet for a huge punch to the gut. “Get the hell out of there, Judge! Come on, cheat to win, damn it!”

Frost nails Hearford with a hook, and the punch sends the Judge spinning, and Frost grabs him right around his neck with his massive paw. He raises a hand in the air to signal the upcoming move.…

… But the Air Calvary arrives in the form of a missile dropkick from Ejiro Fasaki! ‘Rule’ nails Frost right on his bad shoulder, taking him and the Judge down with Frost yelling in anguish at his sore shoulder. Long shouts at Ejiro to get out of the ring, which he does without hesitation as he reaches out for his tired tag teammate! The Judge shakes his head as he gets onto his hands and knees, and he crawls over as quickly as he can while Frost begins to move towards TNT, and *SLAP* Fasaki comes rushing in to a torrent of boos!

“Hell yes!” Cries Riley as Ejiro does a diving elbow onto Frost’s back, stopping him from going anywhere. “Let’s see some justice for ‘Justice’!”

Fasaki begins going right after the taped up shoulder as he gets up, pulling down his knee pad and nailing him with a few knee drops, causing the Iceman from Iceland to give a grunt of pain. He pulls Frost up, locking in a wristlock, and dragging him over unwillingly to the heel corner, where he tags off to the Judge, who gives a sharp elbow to Frost’s bad shoulder.

“Frost got in trouble during the Handicap match when Justice and Rule were able to get some quick tags off like this. He’s gonna have to find some way to get himself out of there.”

“Pfft. Frost is dead as the dodo now,” Remarks Riley confidently, “Thankfully after this we won’t see him trying to steal Flesher’s spotlight anymore.”

Grand Slam looks at his watch. “Wow, that’s a new record for not mentioning Flesher.”

The Judge instantly goes to work on Frost, nailing him with a few solid elbows to the shoulder before whipping him at the ropes. The giant runs back, and the Judge grabs his arm and pulls him down in a Fujiwara Armbar! The crowd boos as Hearford torques Frost’s arm back, trying to pull it from his bad shoulder. Long goes down to the mat, asking Frost continually “Do you want to give up?” while Frost shakes his head, his face straining from the pain.

“Fujiwara Armbar! With that bad shoulder, Frost can’t last long against a submission hold like that.” Grand Slam says as Frost inches slightly closer to the ropes as the Judge tries to get a rope break.

“Ha! Time for the big monster to some good ‘ole technical wrestling.”

The Judge continues to pull the arm back, putting more and more pressure on the shoulder, but Frost doesn’t relent as he gets closer and closer to the ropes. He reaches out with his arm… and makes it! The ref begins to count, but Hearford immediately breaks the hold, choosing to pull Frost up and into a Hammerlock/Half-Nelson Combo, bringing him over to the partner and making a quick tag.

Ejiro nails the Velvet Hammer in the stomach with a hard elbow, allowing ‘Justice’ to let go. Frost doubles over, and Fasaki quickly pulls out his arm and wraps his leg around the Icelander’s bad shoulder, bringing him to the ground with a Fasaki Fuser! Ejiro goes for the quick cover…

ONE!

TWO!

THRENO! Frost grabs the bottom rope just in time, breaking the pin!

“Another close call for Frost there, you have to wonder how long he can hold out with the punishment his shoulder is taking.”

Fasaki, slightly miffed, goes down and lays some knee drops on bad shoulder before the Judge yells over something to him. Fasaki comes over, and Hearford whispers something to him, making him smile devilishly. He tags out, and the Judge comes right in as Frost shakily rises to his feet. He goes to grab him, but Frost throws out a big right hand, nailing ‘Justice’ across the face! The crowd gets behind him as he gives tired strikes at the Judge, but Hearford ducks one, hooking his arm under Frost’s and palming his face before taking him to the mat in a brutal STO!

“Wow! I’ve never seen that move before...” Says Stevens, looking through his notes, “It must be ‘Closing Arguments’; A modified high-angle STO of sorts…”

As Frost slams to the mat, Hearford shifts behind him, pulling over the underhooked arm while putting on a half nelson as well. He sits him up, showing off his skills with an incredible transition into a Cobra Clutch!

“Ha! Their using Frost’s own move against him!” Laughs Riley as the Judge pulls on Frost’s arm, making his shoulder an open nerve for pain. The big man tries to stand, but the Judge is able to keep him on the ground.

“Well, Hearford better keep him on the ground. He doesn’t have the size to keep Frost from moving around while standing.” Notes Grand Slam as the Velvet Hammer tries to rise again, but the Judge keeps him down against his will.

“FROST! FROST! FROST! FROST!”

Throughout the arena the chant rings out, and the giant hears it loud and clear. It makes something inside of him click, and with a newfound strength he begins to rise. The Judge tries to make the big man sit back down, but nothing can stop the Human Blizzard from getting up. He begins to grunt as he tries to pull his arm back instead of making his way to the ropes!

“He’s actually trying to break the hold! He doesn’t want the rope break, he wants to break the hold!”

“What the hell? Does his brain have freezer burn or something?!”

The crowd’s chanting grows more intense the giant man strains with all his might to break the hold… and with a primal yell, he does it, throwing back the old man like nothing! The monster turns around in his massive adrenaline rush, and he grabs Hearford unthinkingly and nails him with one of his old moves, the Ice Shelf! Both of them are left on the ground, and Frost slowly begins to crawl towards the corner while the Judge makes his way towards Ejiro. Hearford moves a little faster, and makes the tag! Ejiro goes running as Frost reaches out....

*SLAP*

“Frost makes the tag!”

And as TNT comes into the ring, he smashes Ejiro across the top of the head with a hard right hand that sends the smaller falling into the canvas. Another fist collides with the top of Ejiro’s head and sends him down as TNT starts to roll and get momentum on his side. Whipping Fasaki into the ropes, Taylor gets some bounce off the ropes himself before smacking into Ejiro with a hard flying forearm. Loading up once again as Fasaki gets back up to his feet, Taylor runs forward once and hammers Ejiro across the ring with a running elbow strike to the head!

WHAM!

Thankfully for Fasaki though, the strike sends him flying all the way to his corner close enough for Hearford to reach over and make the tag. But as soon as he gets inside the ropes, TNT is there to batter him across the head with a series of measured right hands to the head. Using the blows to stagger The Judge back, TNT grabs a hold of him by the arm and uses it to whip him into the ropes. Turning on a dime, The Judge sends Taylor into the ropes and drops his head for a backdrop, but the wily SWF Champion stops short and immediately locks Hearford up around the body! The crowd rises as one as Thompson looks back and forth to them for just a moment before lifting the Judge high into the air!

“TNT has The Judge all set up! WAY UP!” shouts Stevens as the SWF World Champion pulls Hearford up onto his shoulders. “And he’s going to come ALL THE WAY DOWN”

Steadying himself for a moment as Hearford grabs blindly into the air, Thompson holds The Judge up high before lowering the mighty boom of the “mushroom cloud” sit-out powerbomb! Hooking Justice’s shoulders with his legs, TNT holds on tightly as Eddy Long counts down.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE ... WHAT? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

As his hand goes down for the final count, Eddy Long immediately feels his whole body sliding backwards out the ring and to the floor! Looking about for a moment in confusion as the Canadian crowd boos at what was sure to be a Chilly Chilly Bang Bang victory.

“The referee just got pulled out of the ring by... TOM FLESHER!” shouts out Stevens as the referee lands on his feet on the floor from one tug from Tom. Looking right into the eyes of this interfering element, Long immediately orders Flesher to get away from the ringside area.

While inside the ring, Thompson tosses Judge’s legs to one side to break his cover and immediately slides to the outside to confront one of his major enemies. But the referee is not about to allow another match to break out during this tag team title confrontation and he slips in between both of the angered athlete’s that are struggling to get into each other’s personal space. Pushing and prodding, TNT and Flesher move down the aisle towards the entranceway as a flock of officials come streaming out from backstage. Three of the referees immediately step in to separate the men as another story takes place within the confines of the ring ropes.

Coming into the ring as The Judge staggers up to his feet, Frost eyes up his opponent for just a second before making his move. Charging forward like a bull after a rodeo clown, Frost propels the angry advocate over the top rope with a crushing clothesline. Turning his eyes to the confrontation in the aisle, Frost looks out towards Flesher with a sneer as he steps through the middle ropes and stands on the apron. Yelling at Flesher from even that far away, Frost’s thick voice cuts through the arena as Ejiro Fasaki slides into the squared circle behind the Icelander with a little special something that he retrieved from underneath the ring.

“He’s ... He’s got a baseball bat! The very weapon that Chilly Chilly Bang Bang cut a swath of terror through the tag team ranks with, and Justice and Rule have brought it back right here!”

“And Frost doesn’t see it coming,” laughs Riley, “This is like someone lobbed a softball to Barry Bonds!”

With a smile on his face and an unsuspecting target, Fasaki rears back with the aluminum weapon of choice and mashes Frost across the back of the head with the length of the weapon!

CRACK!

“Back, back, back, back, back, back, back, back ... GONE!” shouts Riley, “That one is out of here... HOLY COW!”

Flying off the apron like a shot, Frost takes a header into the hard arena floor to the shock of the assembled crowd. And it is there on the floor that Frost stays, unmoving as Fasaki cleverly removes the baseball bat from the ring and places it back underneath the ring’s skirting. Seeing this all transpire from the ramp way is none other than the mastermind who put it all together himself, Tom Flesher. With a little glint in his eye, Tom immediately stops resisting the efforts of the reinforcement referees and allows them to pull his smiling body backstage. Finally getting Thompson’s attention once more as Flesher is removed from ringside, Referee Eddy Long threatens the world champion with an immediate disqualification if he does not get back to the ring immediately. Pointing a finger at the already departed Flesher, TNT turns back to the ring and immediately notices that not all is well.

Running back down the aisle with the referee only a few steps behind, Taylor rushes up to the comatose form of the Iceman who has yet to move even a little since taking that shot across the head with the bat. Kneeling in front of his partner, TNT moves in close to try and find some sign of life as Justice and Rule wait in the center of the ring. Looking up from Frost with a highly puzzled expression, TNT looks one way and then the other for some clue as to what has befallen his partner. Finding none, Taylor immediately turns his back on the ring and starts to move back towards the aisle to call for some sort of medical assistance. But the call is interrupted immediately, as Justice and Rule is there to provide a rapid disconnection!

“Pearl Harbor from behind,” shouts Stevens as a pair of axe handles plow TNT down to the hard arena floor. “The Magnificent 7 obviously had this planned out all along. Those guys create more conspiracies than a room full of Men in Black.”

“No kidding, Stevens. Now, Justice and Rule have the World Champion all on his lonesome and have also managed to knock Frost a few bubbles out of plum. This match is all theirs now. The old is going to get plowed under by the new and I just love it!”

Pulling the struggling TNT along with them, Judge and Ejiro take him towards the ring and send him running strait into the ringside steps with a crushing impact! Hearford immediately picks TNT off the floor once again and sends him into the ring as Ejiro moves around the outside of the ring and back towards the unconscious Frost. Pushing The Velvet Hammer over to his back, Ejiro stands above him and does something no one could have expected.

SLAP!

The sound resounds through the arena as Ejiro paint brushes Frost across the face. Leaning down over his opponent, Fasaki yells out, “Wake up you bastard. We don’t want you to miss this! I said wake up!”

SLAP!

Slowly, Frost starts to stir as Ejiro smiles down on him. Turning his back on the ailing superstar, Fasaki heads back his corner as The Judge continues to work over the World Champion. Slamming a forearm against the back of TNT’s skull, Judge cinches up from behind and sends Thompson flying overhead with a crushing German release suplex. Smashing against the mat with just his neck, Taylor folds up like Mike Tyson fighting someone who will hit him back. Hopping up to his feet with a spry motion, William Hearford smiles to the people before reaching over to pull Thompson back up to his feet.

“Justice and Rule might just have this defense all wrapped up here, Riley. With Frost still hardly moving and TNT stuck all alone in the ring, the tag team champions have everything going their way.”

Standing Thompson up, The Judge lowers a shoulder and grabs him around the waist for what is sure to be a Northern Lights suplex. But before Hearford can send TNT up and over again, Thompson counters with a stunning knee to the forehead. Losing his grip, Hearford stumbles back a step or two before Thompson grabs a hold of his own and uses one of his favorite suplexes.

“Watch TNT EXPLODAHHHHH!”

Sending The Judge flying overhead with one swift blow, Thompson roars up to his feet as Hearford crawls back up to his feet despite the pain of the throw. Running forward, Thompson brings a boot up high and drives The Judge back down to the mat with a staggering blow! Rushing over to the corner of his opposition as soon as William hits the canvas, Taylor knocks Fasaki off the apron with a right hand before going back to town on his legal opponent.

“Great move! Taylor has to deal with two men and has to keep them off balance if he has any chance of pulling this match out!”

Coming back to Judge, TNT pops him in the chest with a rapid boot to the gut that doubles The Judge over just long enough for Thompson to grab him around the head and twist him into the mat with a spinning neckbreaker. Looking out at Frost, who has finally pulled himself up to his knees outside of the ring, Thompson knows that he’s going to have to carry this thing by himself. Stepping to the apron, Thompson climbs upstairs to draw a bead on his unmoving opponent. Sadly, TNT should have kept the eyes on the back of his head open as well. Running across the ring, Ejiro Fasaki grabs a hold of Thompson by the ankle and pulls the World Champion strait down on the buckle!

“OH! And that’s why TNT tried to take out Ejiro! Too bad he wasn’t able to accomplish that the wanted to, because Fasaki just proved just what he will always do if you give him an opening.”

Riley says, “And that opening for Ejiro is rapidly turning into an opening for The Judge as well!”

Staggering up to his feet, Hearford stumbles over to the corner of the now tenor voiced TNT. Climbing up the ropes, The Judge hooks TNT around the head and pulls him up until both men are standing on the top turnbuckle. Locking Thompson up tight, ‘Judge Mental’ leans backward and both men go slamming into the canvas with a top rope...

“SUUUUUPERPLEX! Good god almighty!”

Stymied by the impact of his own blow, Hearford lies on his back for a moment as TNT rolls his body into a fetal ball. Sitting up and shaking his head, Hearford makes eye contact with his partner for a moment and nods his head in understanding. Pulling his aching body off the canvas The Judge collects the battered World Champion and pushes him over to Ejiro Fasaki’s corner. Ducking down low, The Judge lifts Thompson up high and places him on the top rope once again but this time, facing the crowd!

“Oh no,” whispers Stevens, “If this is what I think it is, TNT just may be in some deep trouble.”

Climbing up behind Taylor, The Judge hooks his legs into the ropes just before reaching out and making the tag to his partner. Climbing up to the top in front of TNT, Ejiro laughingly looks down at Frost, who has just now pulled his battered body up to the ring apron. Putting his elbow against the chest of the World Champion, Fasaki counts down with The Judge until both come off the top with TNT in tow for what has become known as the...

“RULE OF LAWWWWWWWW~!” death metal growls Stevens as Justice and Rule spike TNT into the mat with the same move that won the tag team titles.

And as The Judge hangs from the middle rope and puts his hands on his head, Fasaki covers TNT with a deep leg hook as Frost falls through the middle ropes, too far to make a save!

ONE!

TWO!

THREEEEE!

DING! DING! DING!

With the ring of the bell the crowd begins to boo as the Hearford slides down off the top rope and Ejiro gets off top of the battered TNT. They exit the ring, grabbing their tag belts and making sure to show them off nicely to the crowd. Ejiro grabs the mic from Funyon as they run up the entrance ramp.

“And you winners and still TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS…. JUSTICE! AND! RUUUUUUUUULE!” He says with a delightfully evil tone that just sets the crowd into a furious fervor. TNT begins to move on the mat and Frost sits himself up against the apron, starring at the space in front of him as Ejiro goes on.

“Hey Frost, did that feel familiar? Like, it’s happened before? Get a touch of Déjà vu from that?... And I don’t mean from that stupid tag team.” Ejiro gives a laugh. “It’s just like at From the Fire, only more pathetic. You failed there, and you failed here.” The Judge motions for the mic, which Ejiro tosses over to him with a chuckle.

“After we got this match, Tom came up to us and asked us a favor. He wanted to see if he lost the Tag Titles because you didn’t like him, or because you just didn’t have it in you to win. So what better way to test the theory out than to try the same thing with your best friend?” Another toss back to Ejiro.

“So, now we got our answer. You couldn’t save Tom with the title even though you hated him, and you couldn’t save TNT even though he was your best friend. You are just a loser.” He finishes that last word with a laugh as he and Justice leave the stage with their titles.

“That’s disgusting…” Says Grand Slam with a frown as Bobbie laughs away.

“Hey, they speak the truth! Frost is such a choke artist.”

“He got hit by a damn BASEBALL BAT!”

The two continue to argue on the subject the camera shifts over Frost, who still sits up against the ring, barely holding back his anger. Someone is going to pay for what happened tonight, and they were going to pay for it in spades…

April 1, 2003

SWF Smarkdown returns from a commercial for Axe Body Spray featuring Matt Myers (“For a long time, I couldn’t get girls. I tried everything, up to and including wearing sweaters and writing songs about it. But now, thanks to Axe Body Spray….”) and the camera pans the Skyreach Centre in scenic Edmonton, Alberta, Canada! The fans cheer, and some are holding signs. They include, “Watch Out For That F**in Tree!,” “Craven Sucks!” and, held by a particularly well-endowed young lady, “Tom, Kiss My Ass! TNT, Sign My Breasts!” Also, a skinny, preppy Edmonton teenager with bad hair sits next to a sixty-year-old woman in the front row, looking absolutely disgusted and holding a “Who Booked This Crap?” sign.

Oh well. Can’t please everyone.

Meanwhile, “Grand Slam” Mark Stevens sits at ringside at the announcers’ table with a bottle of water, next to Bobby Riley, who, as always, has his cup of coffee sitting in front of him. Riley has a whiteboard as well, and is making notes even as they fade in.

“Welcome back to SWF Smarkdown,” says Stevens. “We’ve seen one hell of an exciting night of action, including an absolutely menacing performance by Nielsen of the…”

“Motherf**king,” Riley mutters, interrupting while still concentrating on his whiteboard drawings.

“… Jungle in the Hardcore Title match.”

“Uh huh,” murmurs Riley. “Listen, shut up for a second so I can show everyone the Bobby Riley Tale of the Tape.” Riley turns the whiteboard around, showing two stick figures, one drawn in blue and the other in red and green. The blue figure has, instead of the standard thin line for a neck, two lines sloping off the head and onto the arms, as well as an arrow pointing to it that says “Tom.” The red and green figure has a grotesque, poorly-drawn mask in lieu of the head, as well as an arrow that says “ELM.”

“Now,” says Riley, taking a black marker, “in the past, Tom’s strategy has focused on Magnifico’s knees.” Riley circles both of Magnifico’s knees. “Now, in light of the fact that Tom’s back has been bothering him lately…” He draws a few lines radiating from the Flesher figure’s midsection. “… and the fact that the submission strategy is easy on the back, whereas suplexing is not, Flesher should continue to work Magnifico’s knees.” Riley draws in a few lines radiating from ELM’s knees. “Magnifico, on the other hand, needs to move from his usual strategy of focusing on Flesher’s arms…” Riley circles the left arm of the Flesher figure. “… and move down to the back, consistent with the more mat-oriented offense we’ve seen from him lately.” Riley adds an exclamation point next to Flesher’s pain lines. “However, I think the dealbreaker here is going to be Flesher’s enormous neck, and that’s going to lead to a marked difference in the mouthal area.” Riley draws a smile in on Flesher’s face, and a frown in on Magnifico’s, then grins stupidly at the camera.

Stevens pauses for a moment. “Bobby, this is why we wouldn’t let you use the telestrator.”

With that, Funyon enters the ring. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he says, “the following #1 Contender match is scheduled for one fall, and it is YOUR MAIN EVENT!” Funyon stays in the ring as the SmarkTron glows bright white, with the words “SUPERIOR ONE” and “MAGNIFICENT SEVEN” fading in on it slowly. Then…

BOOM!

An explosion of blue pyro lights up the arena, and with that, “Kashmir” begins to blare over the speakers. Without wasting a moment, Tom Flesher steps through the curtain in his trademark blue warmup suit. He strides purposefully to the ring, not wasting a step and keeping his focus solely on the center of the ring. He climbs up the stairs, wipes his Doc Martens on the apron, and then steps into the ring. He positions himself in the center, with his head bobbing, until the symphonic hook. With that, he throws his arms into the air and stands in silhouette against a background of blue and white pyro in machine-gun blasts. With that, the music fades.

“Currently in the ring,” says Funyon as he pulls the index card from his pocket, “is the leader of the Magnificent Seven. With six separate title reigns in the SWF, two Genesis awards and a barely-blemished win-loss record, this man is very close to being the best the SWF has ever seen, so bow down to 213 pounds of Buffalo-born-and-bred beef, bow down to the Superior One, TOM FLESHER!!!!!!!!!!!!”

The fans boo loudly as Flesher smirks, trying to get them to join in his golf clap. Soon, however, the arena goes dark, lit only by red, white and green spotlights. As the Mexican National Anthem kicks up, the fans’ booing only intensifies. As El Luchadore Magnifico, three-time SWF World Champion, swaggers out from behind the curtain, the betrayed fans reactively begin a “WHERE’S YOUR PASSPORT” chant. Magnifico sneers, sauntering to the ring with his Mexican flag over one shoulder. Magnifico stops next to an excited child, who reaches out to high-five the Mexican superstar… only to pull his hand away at the last second and leave the youngster confused and hurt. ELM continues walking to the ring, smirking, and eventually makes his way up the stairs.

“And his opponent, from Mexico City and weighing in at 201 pounds, the former and future SWF World Champion, El LUCHADOOOOOOOOORE MAGNIIIFICOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

ELM waves the Mexican flag, drawing another wave of boos from the crowd. Once he tires of inciting the audience, he sets the flag in the corner, and as both men stretch out in the corner, referee Eddy Long calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!!!

Flesher and Magnifico meet in the center of the ring. They eye each other up, each acting cautious. “These two can’t be too careful with each other,” says Mark Stevens. “As we all know, the score is at one win for Flesher, one win for Magnifico and one draw, so it’s clear that Flesher and Magnifico are VERY evenly matched.”

Magnifico steps forward, locking up first to gain a mental edge over the hesitant Flesher. Flesher doesn’t try to back out, instead stepping forward to assert his dominance, and they fight in the collar-elbow tie. Magnifico reaches up and locks his hands behind Flesher’s head, then snaps his head down toward the mat. With Flesher off-balance, Magnifico grabs him in a front facelock. Flesher struggles to get out, but before he can escape, Magnifico arches back and throws Flesher over with a snap suplex! Flesher hits the mat hard, arching his back and wincing before he rolls over. He starts to get to his feet, but Magnifico drops onto him and quickly attempts to lock on a camel clutch. As he reaches down for Flesher’s jaw, though, the Superior One grabs at his wrist and blocks the hold. Magnifico tries to pull back, but Flesher keeps his grip on the wrist and spins to the front. The two workers face off, and Tom takes a step back to create space. He throws his Doc Marten up and kicks ELM in the thigh. The Luchadore picks up on Flesher’s standard strategy as he absorbs a second kick to the thigh. Flesher swings his leg back for a third kick, and ELM steps out of the way… but Flesher kicks his shoulder instead! Magnifico reels backwards, surprised by the kick to the underarm that shocked his shoulder, and Flesher takes a step back to watch for his opponent’s next move.

“Did you see that?” says Riley, far too ecstatic with the shoulder kick than he should be. “He caught him completely by surprise!”

“Of course, it IS the first sequence of the match,” replies Stevens. “I’m sure they’re still working out their strategies.”

“That, my gullible friend, is where you’re wrong. I know for a fact that Tom Flesher always comes into a match with a plan and at least two backups. Probably six or seven for someone as talented and intelligent as Magnifico.”

“And what about Magnifico?”

“Oh, he sort of makes it up as he goes along.”

Stevens sighs, “and Bobby Riley takes his blatant favoritism to a new low.”

The Magnificent Luchadore shakes out his arm and steps forward, looking for another lockup in hopes of duplicating his earlier success without getting caught this time. As he comes forward, Flesher hooks his arm and swings him over to the mat with an arm drag! Magnifico hits the mat while Flesher keeps his hold on the arm and stands up into an arm bar. He torques the arm slightly, and Magnifico winces. The camera zooms in to Flesher’s face, expecting to catch his standard smirk, but instead sees only a look of complete concentration.

“Well,” says Riley, “we certainly have a change in plans for Tom Flesher today! He seems to have thrown away his usual neck- or leg-based strategies, and Magnifico’s not quite sure what to do. And you can tell that Flesher’s been watching him in the practice room.”

“I’m not sure if you can really judge the match yet, Bobby. El Luchadore Magnifico was caught off-guard early on, but he hasn’t even had a chance to react yet.”

Flesher continues working Magnifico’s shoulder with the standing arm bar, but after a moment or two is satisfied with the amount of stress he’s put on it and releases the hold. Magnifico withdraws his arm and rolls to the side, coming up to his feet and falling into a defensive stance. Flesher pushes forward, trying to continue the dominance of the early part of the match. When he does, though, Magnifico catches him, and in the blink of an eye, throws him to the mat with a side belly-to-belly suplex! Flesher’s back bows upward as Magnifico holds him on the mat with a lateral press, and Eddy Long counts

ONE!

KICKOUT! Flesher kicks out of the cover and rolls to his stomach, then spins out to face Magnifico. Magnifico gets to his feet first, and as Flesher gets up, the former World Champion boots him stiffly in the face! Flesher grabs his jaw and stops on his knees, giving the Luchadore a chance to grab him by the hair, yank him to his feet and bring an elbow down hard across Flesher’s back! Flesher winces as Magnifico grabs him once again in a front facelock, lifting Flesher into the air for another snap suplex! They hit the mat with a THUD, and Magnifico tries to roll through into a second snap suplex. Flesher, however, hugs the mat and refuses to be lifted, instead sliding out of the ring to get a quick breather.

“And Flesher retreats to the floor!” says Stevens. “It looks like, even after dominating the first flurry of this match, he’s overwhelmed by El Luchadore Magnifico’s wrestling skill. It’s something we haven’t seen for a long time, but Magnifico has revolutionized his plan of attack and is showing off a lot more talent than he used to.”

Flesher gets to the floor and takes a few steps, shaking off the shock of the suplex and trying to get his bearings back. Magnifico, meanwhile, watches him like a hawk. As Flesher shakes off the cobwebs, the Luchadore decides to make his move. He sprints to the opposite side of the ring, bounces off the ropes, and as the fans begin to cheer, he runs at top speed to the ropes! Stevens excitedly says, “What are we going to see from the Luchadore? A tope? A plancha? A tope con hilo?”

Magnifico runs as fast as he can at the ropes, and when he gets there….

… stops short, holding the top rope. He pauses, smirks, and nods at the crowd as if to say, “You’re not getting it yet,” and then grabs the middle rope. He leans back, and then swings forward and hits Flesher in the chest with a baseball slide dropkick! Flesher reels backwards, and Magnifico slithers out of the ring like a snake rather than leaping over the top and hitting Flesher with a body block like the fans want him to. As the crowd boos mercilessly, Magnifico grabs the shaken Flesher’s arm and pivots, sending him crashing into the ringpost. Flesher staggers backwards, put heavily off balance by the impact with the steel, and Magnifico takes the opportunity to step in and smash his knee into the small of Flesher’s back! The Superior One lets out a scream, and grabs at his back as he drops to his knees. Callously, El Luchadore Magnifico simply smirks and grabs Flesher by the head, guiding him to apron and taking a second to slam his face against the canvas before rolling him back into the ring. Flesher lays on his back as Magnifico slides into the squared circle and makes the cover.

ONE!

“Magnifico takes advantage of his surroundings and goes for the pin,” says Stevens.

TWO!

KICKOUT! Tom Flesher kicks out of the pin long before Eddy Long’s hand even gets close to the mat. He’s far from done.

“See, Stevens, that’s the thing. You know better than to think someone as tough as Tom Flesher is going to go down that easily. You’re just letting yourself get wrapped up. Admit it, you’re still a Magnifico fan.”

“I don’t think anyone here is a fan of El Luchadore Magnifico, Bobby, especially after what he did to TNT and CIA. Magnifico is a despicable person, and I hope he never gets his hands on the SWF World Title again.”

“Then why are you rooting for him?” asks Riley smugly.

“Well, I’m no-”

“Heh heh heh… dumbass….”

Flesher begins to roll out of the pin, but Magnifico grabs him by the head once again and lifts him into a front facelock. Rather than trying to complete another snap suplex, however, Magnifico changes his grip and grabs Flesher’s tights at the leg. He lifts Tom up to about a 45-degree angle, and then sends him crashing to the mat with an implant DDT! Flesher lands hard on the very top of his forehead, then bounces up slightly before coming to rest on his stomach. Magnifico stands up and dusts his hands off in an accomplished manner, looking utterly satisfied with the damage he did to Flesher. The Superior One, however, quickly rolls to his back and sits up. Though dazed, he simply cracks his neck and grabs the ropes to pull himself up.

“Eh?” says Riley happily. “Did I call it? Did I?”

“Bobby, Flesher has NEVER been one to go down to a straight head drop. Sure, you mentioned his neck, but it hasn’t made the difference in the match yet by any means.”

Magnifico sighs visibly, obviously put off by Flesher’s relatively painless reaction to the implant DDT. As Flesher gets back to his feet, still a bit shaken up but essentially unharmed, Magnifico steps forward and whacks him across the chest with a knife-edge chop!

CRACK!!!! (WHOO!)

Flesher steps backwards, his balance off and his eyes a bit foggy, but Magnifico continues pressuring him and hits him with another knife-edge!

CRACK!!!! (WHOO!)

Magnifico grins evilly at his opponent, who simply breathes deeply and seems largely unable to generate any offense. The Luchadore winds up for one more chop across Flesher’s exposed chest…

NO!

“Flesher counters it!” shouts Bobby Riley. “He just caught Magnifico’s hand! He’s not going to take any more of this abuse!”

Flesher catches Magnifico’s arm as it comes in, and with an effortless twist of the hips he takes his opponent to the mat with a Fujiwara armbar! A few of the Edmonton fans pop loudly for the innovative counter, and Flesher torques the arm as hard as he possibly can. Magnifico struggles, but Flesher’s senses haven’t fully returned yet, and so despite Magnifico’s constant skittering toward the ropes, Flesher is unable to stop him. Flesher continues yanking El Luchadore Magnifico’s arm up at a sickening angle, but before he can secure the tap, Magnifico manages to pull himself within range of the ropes. He tries to hook a boot over the bottom rope, but fails. Flesher’s face shows the great concentration as he strains to keep the Fujiwara armbar hooked in and the pressure on Magnifico’s left shoulder. The former World Champion flails for the ropes, reaching with more and more urgency with every passing second. His arms are out of reach, and so he makes one final strain to catch his boot over the bottom rope… and makes it! A few fans applaud, and some boo loudly, but Eddy Long administers the standard five-count, and Flesher breaks on four.

“Wonderful way for Flesher to escape Magnifico’s onslaught,” says Bobby Riley. “I swear, between switching his game plan to focus on the shoulders, and knowing all of Magnifico’s moves coming in, Flesher’s already won himself this match in the video room.”

“Oh, that’s ludicrous,” says Mark Stevens. “Magnifico has been holding his own, and in fact has dominated much of the match to this point. I can’t believe you’re only paying attention to what you want to see.”

Well, apparently Stevens is a little slow on the uptake.

Flesher rolls to the side, his mental faculties apparently back at full strength. El Luchadore Magnifico milks the ropes for all they’re worth, taking many extra moments to stop, breathe and relax before going back into the match. Flesher stays on his knees, with Magnifico at eye level. These men, two of the top workers in the SWF today and two men at the head of the strongest faction the federation has ever seen, stare at each other. There’s no diplomacy between these two… not now. They may have been tag team partners last week. There’s a good chance they will be next week. But tonight, it’s nothing but warfare.

Magnifico starts to get to his feet, but Flesher reaches over to him and grabs his wrists. The Luchadore makes an attempt to escape, but Flesher’s grip on his left wrist is too much. The mat wizard from Western New York switches to a two-handed grip on the arm and pivots on his knees, wrenching the bony part of his shoulder underneath the joint that keeps Magnifico’s arm attached to his body. Using this for leverage, Flesher stands up, pulling Magnifico to his feet powerfully off-balance. With his opponent unable to get enough footing to counter, Flesher whips the arm over and slams Magnifico to the mat with a textbook ippon! The Luchadore sits up, wincing in pain, and Flesher keeps his grip on the arm. He steps over the shoulder into a pumphandle armbar and pauses for a few seconds to think through his next few moves. As always, he looks serious, his mind on only one thing: destroying Magnifico’s shoulders to get the submission.

“Tom Flesher is just being relentless,” says Bobby Riley with more than a hint of admiration in his voice.

“He’s being a selfish, conniving son of a bitch, is what he is,” says Stevens, getting slightly flustered. “He’s got no sense of loyalty to the Magnificent Seven. This isn’t the way allies are supposed to behave.”

“Why would he be loyal to the Mag Seven, Stevens? He’s the leader! He doesn’t owe them anything! If anything, THEY owe HIM!”

“So you think a stable is just a stepping stone for Flesher?” asks Stevens, disgusted. “You think he has that much shameless disregard for his stablemates?”

“YES!” says Riley with an exasperated sigh. “Have you not been paying attention since Genesis? Sometimes I wonder about you, Stevens.”

Flesher’s face is a mask of focus and concentration as he yanks upwards on Magnifico’s arm, taking full advantage of the pumphandle armbar he trapped his stablemate in. Quickly, though, he takes a step forward to create a small amount of space between the two bodies. He takes a stutter-step, and then executes a beautiful forward roll before coming up with his opponent trapped in a jujigatame! Magnifico panics and flails, caught completely by surprise with the deadly crucifix armbar, and immediately reaches the ropes and locks his legs securely in a scissors grip around the bottom rope. Eddy Long gives Flesher a five-count, slightly faster than usual, and forces the Superior One to break the hold. Magnifico bails to the outside and shakes his shoulder out for a few moments.

“Magnifico has all the ability in the world,” says Mark Stevens. “I just don’t understand why Flesher keeps catching him a step or two early.”

“Because Flesher’s superior, you fruit,” replies Riley without a trace of irony.

After taking a moment to collect himself, much as Flesher had to earlier in the match, Magnifico slides into the ring. However, since Flesher chose not to follow him out, he has perfect positioning to boot the Luchadore in the shoulder as he tries to slide back in. Eddy Long tries to push him away to allow Magnifico back into the ring, but Flesher forces his way back to Magnifico and continues stomping. Finally, Mags gets back into the ring, but not without significant damage done to his sore shoulder.

As he starts up to his feet to get into his stance, Flesher leans into him and whacks him in the chest with a stiff palm strike. Magnifico staggers backwards, and Flesher grabs his left arm. He spins around and yanks the arm over his shoulder, snapping it so hard that the Mexico City native tries to jerk it back. Flesher, though, mercilessly snaps the arm over his shoulder again… and again… and once more, for good measure. With the fourth armwringer, Magnifico screams out loud and withdraws his arm, obviously favoring it. Flesher guides him to the center of the ring, then ducks down and reaches around his body to secure a hammerlock. Flesher strains upwards, going for a northern lights suplex with a hammerlock in order to drop all of Magnifico’s weight right onto his shoulder. Magnifico sandbags, though, and Flesher can’t quite get the strength to arch over. He tries again, but grimaces in obvious pain from the undue strain on his sore back. El Luchadore Magnifico feels the pressure let up and, like a shark smelling blood in the water, immediately takes advantage by rolling Flesher into a small package! Eddy Long counts

ONE!

TWO!

THR- NO!!!!!!! Flesher breaks the small package at the last possible second and rolls to his knees, disoriented and flustered. Magnifico comes back up much calmer, falling into a defensive wrestling stance. Flesher stands back up, trying not to let Magnifico get any more momentum. Magnifico, though, shoots in and grabs his ankle in a low single leg takedown, sending Flesher spilling to the mat! Without missing a beat, the newest member of the Magnificent Seven locks both his arms around Flesher’s ankle and steps over into a half Boston crab! With his back bowed painfully, Flesher winces and tries to kick to break the hold. Unable to, he begins to crawl to the ropes.

“Magnifico, out of nowhere, gets a cover on Flesher, and with that, the tempo of the match changes!” marvels Mark Stevens. “I tell you, as much of a bastard as Magnifico has shown himself to be over the past few weeks, he still has some amazing talent in the ring.”

“Ah, shove it up your ass and die,” says Riley. “He caught him with a lucky small package, couldn’t even PIN him with it, and now he managed to get Flesher stunned. Big freakin’ deal.”

"Well it looks like Flesher's luck has run out, since Magnifico has him locked up like Fort Knox with that half crab! With his back as battered as it is, I can't imagine he can take much more of the abuse that Magnifico is dishing out!"

Flesher writhes on the mat, only inches from his salvation but just barely unable to reach the ropes.

"Come on, Stevens. This is for a shot at the World Title. Tom's gonna stick it out and then blow TNT to bits!"

With one final, desperate lunge, Flesher extends his whole body and reaches the bottom rope. Long begins the five-count and Mags breaks early. He stands behind Flesher, waiting while he strains to get to his feet. When he does, ELM quickly grabs him from behind to go for a German suplex. Before he can even lock his hands, though, Flesher reaches back and executes a picture-perfect standing switch, looking for a German of his own! Not to be outdone, Mags leans back, controls Flesher's arm and pops back into a rear waistlock! Looking more desperate than technical, Tom pops backward frantically to avoid taking the impact on his tender back. Instead of going for a German, though, Flesher keeps ELM from switching again by locking up a double chicken wing! As Riley gushes, "What a strategic maneuver!" Flesher arches backwards. Just before landing, Tom throws his arms out to release Mags and add impact to the landing. ELM lands stiffly on his shoulders and rolls to the side, in obvious pain. Tom, however, isn't any better off.

"He lifts him by the shoulders, then slams him right down onto them," marvels Riley. "Brilliant."

"Looks like Flesher got the worst of it, though," says Stevens. "The strength it took to lift and throw Magnifico may have sapped him."

Nevertheless, Flesher gets reoriented before ELM does. Slowly, he crawls over and drapes an arm over Magnifico's carcass. Long counts

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!!!

NO!!!!! Magnifico gets a shoulder up! Flesher looks up at Eddy Long as if to say, "What do I need to do to him?" With that, Flesher pauses on his knees and rolls Mags to his stomach. He reaches around the Magnificent Luchadore’s arms and underhooks them both, then stands up.

“What the hell does he think he’s doing?!” asks Stevens.

“Looks like he thinks he’s doing an Early Winter, boyo,” replies Riley. “And he’s going to yank Magnifico’s shoulders out of their sockets when he does.”

Flesher tightens his grip around Magnifico’s arms and starts to lift him up. Mags sandbags, though, and Tom just can’t get him up with his injured back. Despite more pulling and trying by Flesher, he is unable to execute the move when Magnifico resists. The Luchadore then goes a step further, regaining his wind and standing up to throw Flesher overhead with a back body drop! Flesher lands flat on his back, letting out a painful yelp. Magnifico drops onto him and lazily hooks the leg, smirking at Long, as the referee counts

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!!!!!!!!

NO!!!!!! Flesher bridges up out of the pin!!! The crowd begins applauding as Flesher braces on his neck, achieving a picture-perfect high bridge despite the strain on his back. ELM stays on him, trying to force him back down into a pinning predicament. Flesher balances on the top of his head and his feet, refusing to be pinned. Magnifico tries once more to force him down… before resorting to driving a stiff elbow straight into Flesher’s ribs. Tom collapses back to the mat, holding his chest, and the fans begin to boo the cheap shot loudly.

“Now that was just unnecessary,” says Stevens. “I mean, hate Flesher all you want, but it takes a real bastard to sucker-elbow someone like that.”

“See? Doesn’t it feel GOOD to be on the Flesher bandwagon?”

“I’m hardly-”

“Come on. We all have those feelings sometimes. Admit it. You’ve got a Superiority Complex.”

“No.”

Riley sighs as Magnifico stays on Flesher. Flesher tries to roll to his stomach and escape, but Mags hooks his arm and controls his head. With that, he stands up and pulls Flesher into a standing position, locking on an abdominal stretch!

“Uh oh,” murmurs Riley.

Magnifico leans on the abdominal stretch as Flesher winces and grimaces. Eddy Long drops to one knee to ask if Flesher wants to submit. As soon as he sees Long occupied, Mags reaches over and grabs the top rope. The fans begin to boo, not caring WHO Magnifico cheats, only that he does. Flesher, meanwhile, screams in agony. Long looks up, suspicious, but Magnifico lets go of the rope just an instant before Long could see it. The fans begin another “WHERE’S YOUR PASSPORT” chant, but Long simply drops down to ask the aching Flesher if he wants to submit. Again, Magnifico grabs the top rope, and immediately Flesher begins to cry out. “ASK HIM!” shouts Magnifico. Long obliges, and Flesher shakes his head. Mags leans harder on the rope, then shouts, “ASK HIM!” Flesher thinks, not wanting to submit, but not sure whether his back can endure any further assault. After a moment, he shakes his head, despite looking like he’s in unbearable pain. With that, Magnifico lets go of the top rope to throw another elbow into Flesher’s ribs. Acting purely on instinct, Tom feels the pressure let up and does the only thing he can do… he throws a hiptoss.

“What a counter!” shouts Riley. “Amazing! Simply brilliant!”

Magnifico hits the mat, but Flesher lands and doesn’t get up. Magnifico rolls through the hiptoss, only slightly dazed, and pops back up to his feet. Getting behind Flesher, he grabs the Superior One by the arms, hooks them, and puts him in position for a backslide.

“Fans,” says Stevens, “this is it. El Luchadore Magnifico has Tom Flesher in position for the Baja California Crusher, and there’s just no way Flesher can take that move and continue. He’s in too much pain already, and so there’s nothing to stop Magnifico from becoming the #1 Contender to the SWF World Title.”

Magnifico moves toward the ropes… but wait! He can’t get to the turnbuckles! The camera zooms in to show Flesher, his face a mask of suffering, standing his ground and refusing to be moved. Magnifico tries to pull him toward the turnbuckles, but Flesher keeps his Docs planted firmly on the mat. He takes a deep breath, and then uses all his strength to pull his arms together. Magnifico cries out as Flesher strains his shoulders, and with the Luchadore off-guard due to the sudden pain, Flesher leans forward into a tripod and counters the Baja California Crusher with a backslide! Long counts

ONE!

Magnifico struggles, trying to escape.

TWO!

Magnifico manages to roll out backwards, breaking the backslide but taking his shoulders slightly out of position and twinging them painfully. He rolls away, and as Flesher comes up, Magnifico backs away and stands up straight. Flesher keeps staying near him, trying to capitalize on his adrenaline rush. Mags catches him, then pivots and whips him to the ropes. Flesher rebounds, focusing and ready to nail his opponent with a shotei… but no, Magnifico catches him before with a solid kick to the groin! The crowd erupts in a chorus of boos as Tom drops to the mat in the fetal position. Eddy Long, incredibly pissed off, blocks off Magnifico and begins admonishing him.

“Terrible,” spits Stevens. “Just shameful! What unethical treatment of the testicles.”

“How can he be so damn happy that he’s ruining the future of our next generation?” moans Riley.

Flesher begins to slowly regain his equilibrium as Magnifico smirks and denies everything. Long, turning beet red, threatens the Magnificent Luchadore with disqualification. Flesher, meanwhile, crawls up behind Long. As Magnifico lets his guard down and is about to tell the official to shove it, Tom quickly moves Long out of the way and slams his forearm into Magnifico’s crotch! Magnifico collapses, and a few fans pop for Magnifico getting a taste of his own medicine.

“How do you like THAT?” says Mark Stevens with all the force of a Carnie scorned. “Magnifico gets the tables turned on him, and you can bet he’s wishing he hadn’t pissed the official off!”

“Turnabout is fair play, baby! Go get him!”

Flesher takes a deep breath and pauses to make sure his cojones are still in the right place, and then grabs the crumbled Magnifico by the arms. He once again locks his hands in a double underhook, this time yanking Mags to the center of the ring. He once again strains to get his opponent into the air for his version of Frost’s Early Winter, but Magnifico somehow finds the strength to sandbag! He drops to one knee, hugging the mat. Flesher strains to pull him back to his feet and complete the move, but in the blink of an eye, Magnifico stands up and sends Flesher overhead with another back body drop! Flesher once again lands on his back.

“Things do not look good for the Superior One,” says Mark Stevens. “He’s been working for the whole match, presumably, to set up the Early Winter, but it looks like his plan wasn’t deep enough. El Luchadore Magnifico, as much as I hate to say this, may just be a better wrestler than Tom Flesher.”

“Come on! It’s just one match, Stevens! You can hardly hold that against him!”

“Think about it. This will make the overall record 2-1-1 in favor of Magnifico, and it will give Magnifico another shot at the World Title he held forever. Flesher just can’t beat him when it counts.”

Magnifico reaches down, smirking cockily, and grabs Flesher in a gutwrench. Immediately, the fans start to boo, knowing what’s coming.

“You don’t REALLY think he’d go for an Ego Buster, do you, Mark?”

“I think right now, El Luchadore Magnifico would do anything to get his World Title back from TNT, up to and including embarrassing his stablemate. I mean, he’s been cheating the whole time.”

“I know,” sighs Riley, “that’s why I’m so torn up about it.”

Magnifico lifts Flesher up, looking for the deadly sheer drop gutwrench that Tom Flesher calls the Ego Buster. He nearly gets Flesher up, but has to pause to shake out his injured, spasming shoulders. Flesher takes the opportunity to go for the classical Greco-Roman counter to a gutwrench, curling his body around and standing up straight to lock up a gutwrench of his own. The fans pop, eager to see Flesher drive Magnifico onto the back of his neck for the win! Flesher starts to lift Magnifico… but MAGNIFICO COUNTERS THE SAME WAY! Flesher, not expecting it, looks like he just shit his pants as Magnifico spins around and lifts him into the air before he even knows what hit him! The wide-eyed, gaping expression stays on his face even as Magnifico spikes him to the mat on the back of his neck! Flesher pops up, looking sick to his stomach, and takes a few steps, throwing an unbelievably sloppy lariat into the air and hitting the ropes instead. He takes a step back and crashes to the mat belly first, laying there completely disoriented and dazed. Magnifico swaggers over and rolls him to his back, covering him. Long counts

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Long nearly calls for the bell, but just BARELY sees Flesher’s foot draped over the bottom rope! The crowd explodes, amazed at the ring awareness and perseverance of the Superior One! Magnifico stands up, glaring at Long, but opts instead to deal with the glazed-looking Flesher.

“Unbelievable!” shouts Mark Stevens. “Simply unbelievable! Tom Flesher takes an Ego Buster and doesn’t get pinned! El Luchadore Magnifico is wondering what it’s going to take!”

“I TOLD YOU!” says Riley. “You can’t hurt Flesher by dropping him on his neck! Come on!”

Flesher’s chest rises and falls shallowly. Magnifico, still shaking out the burrs from his shoulders after lifting the 97-kilo Flesher straight up, grabs the pile of Tom by the wrists and whips him into the ropes. Then, he nails Flesher with a dropkick to the chest

… and sits him on the top rope.

“No!” cries Bobby Riley, practically weeping. “No, no, no!”

“I’m afraid so,” sighs Stevens. “El Luchadore Magnifico is about to take Tom Flesher off the top rope with the superplex that nearly killed him at SWF Holds Down Christmas. With Flesher’s back the way it is, fans, you might as well turn on the Simpsons. This one’s over.”

Magnifico climbs to the top rope and locks on a front facelock. He pauses to look out at the fans, and then starts to arch backwards… but can’t get Flesher up! Flesher hooks his legs in the ropes! Magnifico tries to lift him again, but Flesher holds on to the top rope for dear life! He opens his eyes, looking completely glazed, but somehow manages to muster the strength to send one incredibly stiff shotei into Magnifico’s aching left shoulder! Magnifico starts to sway on the top rope, fighting the pain, and Flesher simply shoves him backwards! Mags lands on his feet, but Flesher reaches out and grabs his left arm. Taking a deep breath, Flesher stands up on the top rope, holding the arm.

“We don’t see Flesher come off the top much except to do the Boilermaker,” says Stevens. “This is really a high risk for him.”

Flesher exhales, then leaps off the top rope. He swings toward the center reminiscent of his old Spin Cycle tornado DDT, but instead keeps Magnifico’s arm tight to his body, hitting a tornado single-arm DDT, aka a falling armbreaker! Magnifico screams out as he hits the mat and his arm gets pulled nearly out of the socket. Flesher, meanwhile, looks down, and his eyes look clearer. It’s clear that he’s getting another adrenaline rush.

Without a word, he stands up. He reaches down, grabbing Magnifico by the arms and lifting him once again to his feet. He tightens the double underhook, and letting out a scream of effort as he does, pulls El Luchadore Magnifico into the air for the Early Winter. He sits out, and Magnifico crashes to the mat at a sickening angle, landing almost entirely on his scapulae. Flesher holds him in place as Eddy Long counts…

ONE!

TWO!

Magnifico winces, trying to get out of the pin.

THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DING DING DING!!!!!!!!!!

Funyon announces, “Your winner, and NUMBER-ONE CONTENDER TO THE SWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, the SUPERIOR ONE, TOM FLESHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!”

“Oh my god!” says Mark Stevens. “Tom Flesher comes from behind and gets El Luchadore Magnifico in Frost’s Early Winter for the pin!”

“I knew he could do it!” says Riley, thrilled. “Tom Flesher just keeps it coming!”

“Not to take anything away from his stablemate, who very nearly had him taken out on several occasions.”

“Screw that,” says Riley. “Flesher won! Today we celebrate, for tomorrow, he may die!”

“How morbid. Fans, we’re out of time! Join us next time when we’ll have more exciting SWF action!”

SWF Smarkdown, March 31, 2003

"SWF: Raising Workrate By Writing Faster"

April 1, 2003

Results!!!

Neilsen punks out King in a promo! I am sure that won't come back to haunt him!

New HCG champion! Read the match!

New US Champion! In other news, the Four Horsemen are riding this way and I ain't talking about Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard, kids.

The team that... well, just couldn't, did! Deja Vu are your new NUMBER ONE SMACKDOWN ANNOUNCAH!!! I mean, tag title contenders.

New ICTV Champ! But we knew that. Who was it is the question... read the match.

Justice and Rule face Chilly Chilly Bang Bang! Someone won! Read the match!

And your new Number One COntender to the World Title.... Tom Flesher!

SMARKDOWN FOR MARCH 31ST!

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