SJL Crimson - July 3rd!

July 4, 2003

That crazy Crimson opening plays and then...

Pyro explodes everywhere in the Baton Rouge Arena! SJL Crimson is live on the air on ! After the opening array of Wrathful pyrotechnics finishes, the crowd is scanned, showing signs reflecting the current action-packed state of the Smarks Junior League!

“I want to have your children, DURAN!”

“McLennan's on fire” (alongside its mate) "Seriously, he's on fire. Get an extinguisher!"

“I WANT TO BE IN THE REVOLUTION”

And finally, a row of twelve people hold up a “G-R-A-P-P-L-E-R R-U-L-Z” one-letter-per-person sign, and the camera focuses on that for a bit before heading to the announce table where Axis and Suicide King are waiting for us.

Axis: Welcome everyone to the sold out Baton Rouge Arena in Baton Rouge, Louisiana! I'm Axis with the Suicide King at ringside!

King: It's storming outside, but we're liable to have a stormy night in here tonight, Axis!

Axis: You ain't kidding, King. We've got a stacked card tonight! Craig McLennan takes on S. J. L. Television champ Shawn Tybalt for the title! Bloodshed and "Hollywood" Spike Jenkins take on European champion Leo Breslin and Tim Dillon! Viktor Tarakanov returns to take on the "Arsenal" himself, Scott Solomon. And what a main event.... John Duran vs. Aecas for the number one contendership for the S. J. L. World championship.

King: And the kicker of that match is that the champ himself, Charlie Matthews is the special guest referee. It's gonna be some fun in ol' Baton Rouge tonight! I'm definitely ready--

King is cut off as "My Way" by Limp Bizkit cues up on the loud speaker! Scott Solomon emerges from the back and immediately starts down to the ring. The fans immediately start to boo as he quickly slides in to the ring where he grabs the STICK!

Axis: What in Hades? Scott Solomon's not scheduled to be out here yet!

King: I don't think he cares, Axis.

Solomon flips his mic on as the crowd settles down.

"Thank you for that rousing introduction, Baton Rouge! I knew you had to be good for something."

The crowd once again boos loudly at Solomon. A "SCOTTY SUX" chant starts up.

"Thank you. Thank you. Good to see my fans are all in attendance tonight. I'm out here for a simple reason here tonight. I'm sick and tired of the bull *BEEP* that the S. J. L. has put me through since my debut here. I've been screwed out of the European title twice, and my request for a World title shot following my defeat of Hollywood Spike Jenkins fell on deaf ears. I decided to take matters in to my own hands.

"Tonight, I'm scheduled in a farce of a match with Viktor Tarakanov. I respect Viktor, the guy's a good Communist and all that. But the stipulation for the match is what bothers me. If I win I get a European Title shot. Seems cool, right? Well, if Viktor beats me, which I guess is what Commissioner Raynor's looking for, tonight, he gets a shot at Charlie Matthews's World Championship.

"What, am I not good enough for the World Title? Is that what you're trying to say Raynor? Well, you want to know what I have to say? SCREW YOU!

"Tonight, here in Baton Rouge, a new revolution in wrestling begins. A revolution that will shake the very core of S. J. L. A revolution aimed at stopping the screw jobs of men like Chris Raynor. Tonight, a Dark Empire is born!!!!

"And the S. J. L. will die if we aren't obeyed."

Solomon drops the mic, climbs through the ropes, and starts to the back.

Axis: What in the blue hell was that, King?

King: I think Scott Solomon finally decided to take matters in to his own hands in S. J. L. Let's just hope that simpering fool Chris Raynor hasn't became the death of S. J. L. as we know it.

July 4, 2003

Card:

NEWBIE OPENER

“Shining Black” Tokyo X vs. Michael D. Lockwood

Description: Yes, even more newbies. Who’s going to impress new Commissioner Chris Raynor in our debut bout?

Rules: Standard singles match. DQ and Countout apply.

[HARDCORE STYLEZ

Dominic Korgath vs Doug Sienkenwicz vs Danny Conklin

Description: There’s nothing humanity enjoys more than sex and violence. However, only one of these is allowable on primetime cable television. Perhaps tearing into each other’s flesh is what these three superstars need to give their careers a boost.

Rules: DQ and Countout do not apply.

TV TITLE CONTENDERSHIP

Todd Royal vs. Jimmy “The Demon” Liston

Description: Well, Todd Royal was victorious, and in impressive fashion. Liston is near the top of his division, so let’s he who deserves the dupe. The dupe, the dupe, the dupe is on fire.

Rules: Standard singles match. DQ and Countout apply.

TV TITLE MATCH

Craig McClennan vs. Shawn Tybalt

Description: Craig McClennan’s getting a shot at SJL gold in only his second match in the fed. But Tybalt likes his shiny shiny precious shiny gold gold shiny gold shiny belt

Rules: Standard singles match. DQ and Countout apply.

HONEY, I BOOKED A TAG MATCH

Bloodshed & “Hollywood” Spike Jenkins vs. Leo Breslin & Tim Dillon

Description: Breslin won the European championship on Wrath, a match in which Tim Dillon did not win. Now, these two are on the same side, going up against Spike Jenkins and Blooshed. These two have varying levels of experience, but perhaps they can come to an understanding.

Rules: Standard tag match. DQ and Countout apply.

EUROPEAN TITLE CONTENDERSHIP/WORLD TITLE CONTENDERSHIP

Viktor Tarakanov vs Scott Solomon

Description: No strings attached, but Solomon wins himself a nice shot at a nice European title. Viktor has returned from getting drunk a lot, or wherever he went. I’m going with drunk. But! If Viktor wins, he gets a shot at the World Title!

Rules: Standard singles match. DQ and Countout apply. Read Description for Contendership Rules.

MAIN EVENT - WRATHAPALOOZA CONTENDERSHIP

With Guest Referee “Grappler” Charlie Matthews

Aecas vs “The Sinner” John Duran

Description: The match didn’t happen on Wrath because of... well, none of you wrote. So here we go again, but the man you’ll be facing in about a week is your judge and your jury. Who will he side with in this contest?

Rules: Standard singles match. DQ and Countout apply. Matthews may write a match if he feels like it.

July 4, 2003

Axis: Our opening contest is between the two newest members of SJL, Michael Lockwood and “The Shining Black” Tokyo X. Neither man has endeared themselves to the fans, so it will be interesting to see whom they support in this contest.

FUNYON: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Osaka, Japan, weighing in at 226 pounds, SEO TAIJI!

(“Tank” by Seo Taiji blares through out the arena as the new competitor from the Orient emerges from the entranceway. A mild pop from the audience greets him, but it is quickly drowned out by the booing!)

King: Xenophobic fans Axis, showing absolutely no respect for our newest star from the Orient. They should be LUCKY that a Japanese competitor of such skill has decided to grace our rings from overseas!

Axis: How do you know he has any skill, you haven’t even seen him yet!

King: All Japanese competitors are great, Axis, don’t you read the Internet?

(Seo Taiji nears the ring when he sees a sign, made by a young fan no older than 11 years old, that says “Lockwood will Break You!” Taiji SNATCHES it from the boy’s hand and RIPS the sign right in half! As the boy starts to break down in tears, Taiji calmly enters the ring, stares at the slightly apprehensive official in the corner, and walks to the corner, awaiting his opponent.)

Axis: What a disgusting display by the newcomer!

King: In Japan, the wrestlers demand respect! That kid should feel HONORED that Seo Taiji even acknowledged him!

(The dulcet tones of “The Face of the Bass” by Ornette Coleman play over the speakers, as Michael D. Lockwood casually emerges from the entranceway.)

FUNYON: And his opponent, weighing in at 201 pounds, from Chappaqua, New York, Michael…D…Lockwood!

Axis: Well, this is an interesting choice of music, to say the least.

King: Michael Lockwood is a man of class, Axis, he has a far more refined taste than you do.

(As Lockwood strolls down to the ring, without a care in the world, he sees the crying child in the front row. Lockwood smirks at the boy, and enters the ring, coldly assessing his opponent.)

Axis: Did you see that? That boy came to SUPPORT Lockwood, and his crying AMUSED him?

King: Like Michael really needs that kid’s support-he’s a MILLIONAIRE! He needs no one.

The bell rings, and Lockwood and Taiji stare each other down in the middle of the ring. Lockwood appraises the foreign star, and almost contemptuously, offers his hand. Taiji ignores it and RIPS Lockwood’s expensive silk shirt in half!

King: HAHA! I love it! Classic psychological warfare, make your opponent mad and get him off his game!

Axis: But, uh, King, Lockwood doesn’t appear mad. He’s smiling!

Indeed, the golden-haired Lockwood is grinning, he calmly removes his tattered shirt and in fact offers his hand again! Taiji, slightly perplexed, decides to take it this time. Big mistake, as Lockwood DRILLS Taiji in the head with a Koppo Kick! Taiji, taken by surprise, falls immediately to the outside of the ring to collect his bearings. As Taiji cautiously walks around the ring, wit the ref administering a count, Lockwood says, “Sir, after that little display, don’t hope to survive, pray for pity!”

Axis: This man genuinely scares me, beneath that cultured exterior lays a loose cannon!

King: With that kind of attitude, he’ll go far here!

Taiji calms himself down on the outside as the referee's count hits "5" and rolls back slowly into the ring, only to immediately be pounced on by Lockwood! THWACK! THWACK! – Lockwood starts raining STIFF~! open-handed chops on the back of Taiji’s neck!

Axis: You can here these chops from the nosebleed seats in the arena! I’m not sure Lockwood is doing business right now!

With alarming quickness, Lockwood brings the stunned Taiji to his feet, and sends him into the ropes with an irish whip. Taiji bounces off the ropes, leapfrog by Lockwood, Taiji hits the ropes again, Lockwood has put his head down too early! Seizing the opportunity, Taiji grabs Lockwood’s head and sets him up for a DDT!

Axis: Uh oh, Lockwood telegraphed that one!

Lockwood, in the blink of an eye, reverses into a Northern Lights position, but instead of a suplex, he hangs Taiji upside down on his back- AND DROPS HIM STRAIGHT ON HIS HEAD!

Axis: OH MY GOD, Lockwood may have ended Taiji’s career just seconds into his first match!

King: He calls that move the Deal Breaker Axis! And what’s broken looks to be Seo Taiji’s neck!

Lockwood, showing no mercy, lifts up the prone Taiji’s head, and starts firing off soccer-style spinal tap kicks right to his neck! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SHOTS IN RAPID SUCCESSION!

Axis: This is making me ill.

King: Lockwood told me before the match that he was going to target the C1 vertebra in Taiji’s neck, to set him up for his submission finisher, the False Move, and he’s carrying his plan out brilliantly, with surgical precision!

With the badly injured Taiji still in a sitting position, Lockwood decides to grab his neck from behind and lock in a Dragon Sleeper! Not only that, Lockwood is jamming his knee into Taiji’s upper back to increase the punishment!

Axis: Just end this match! Seo Taiji may be a disrespectful asshole, but NO ONE deserves this!

Taiji, however, is still aware of his surroundings despite the punishment. He uses his free hand to reach for his 4-inch long spiky hair, and takes something metal out of it. He JABS the foreign object right in Lockwood’s cheek!

Axis: He had a SPIKE hidden in his spiked hair!

King: That was brilliant! Seo Taiji came well prepared for this matchup!

Taiji has opened a gash on Lockwood’s cheek from the spike! As Lockwood staggers in pain, holding his matinee idol face, Taiji uses his inner reserves of strength to grab Lockwood’s head and deliver a KOJI CUTTER! COVER BY TAIJI!

1!

2!

KICKOUT!

Axis: Desperation maneuver by Seo Taiji for a near fall!

King: Michael Lockwood spent years in a Muay Thai dojo getting tortured with Kendo sticks and scalding water; it’ll take more than one maneuver to put him down!

Taiji picks up Lockwood and starts hitting him hard in the ribs with martial arts kicks. Taiji, with a second wind, whips Lockwood into the ropes-PANCAKE BY TAIJI! As his opponent comes down, Taiji hangs onto the legs, he sits up and crosses them into a SHARPSHOOTER!

King: Excellent chain wrestling by the star from overseas, and we may have a submission right here!

Lockwood grimaces in pain from the sharpshooter, but he’s close to the ropes! He crawls over, and gets a hand on the bottom rope! The referee administers the count- 1, 2, 3, 4! And Taiji reluctantly breaks. However, Taiji continues to rain stomps down on his fallen opponent.

Axis: Seo Taiji trying to match aggression with aggression, this match is brutality DEFINED, and the show has just started! What could be coming next!?

Seo Taiji, not letting up for a second, drags Lockwood to his feet, grabs his head and PLANTS him with a DDT! He’s STILL not done- STANDING MOONSAULT AND A COVER!

1!

2!

KICKOUT!

King: KEEP ON HIM! KEEP ON HIM!

Axis: Who are you rooting for in this match anyway!

King: I’m rooting for the violence!

Taiji, frustration showing on his face, stomps Lockwood in the face a couple of times, opening that gash, and drags him close to a corner, and ascends the turnbuckle…

Axis: Seo Taiji is famous in Japan for his dynamic aerial offense. What could he have planned?

Taiji jumps off- IT’S A PHOENIX SPLASH!

THAT HITS KNEES!

Lockwood KIPS UP!

Axis: HE WAS PLAYING POSSUM!

King: I love this guy more by the second!

Taiji shoots up to his feet, clutching his chest. Lockwood takes advantage by picking up into a military press- and IMMEDIATELY DROPPING HIM ACROSS HIS KNEE!

Axis: GUTBUSTER! GUTBUSER! Two straight shots to the stomach may knock the wind out of Taiji enough to keep him down! Here’s a cover!

1!

2!

KICKOUT!

King: What resiliency by the man from Tokyo! What’s going to keep him down?

Lockwood politely disputes the count with the referee, then nonchalantly slashes his index finger across his neck…

Axis: We may be about to find out King, he’s signaling for the Win’s Credo straightjacket powerbomb!

Lockwood roughly grabs Taiji by the hair, and puts him between his legs. He crosses the arms of Taiji, and grabs the arms to lift him-HE’S GOT HIM UP!

NO!

TAIJI CLAMPS HIS LEGS DOWN ON THE HEAD OF LOCKWOOD AND ROLLS THROUGH WITH A HURRICANRANA! HE HOLDS ON FOR THE COVER!

1!

2!

2.9! SO CLOSE!

Axis: The action coming too fast to call in the opening contest on SJL Crimson! Taiji almost had him in the blink of an eye!

Both men are up, Taiji is to his feet first, and he takes advantage with a LOW BLOW! The referee is getting in Taiji’s face for the blatant violation!

Axis: Why the hell wasn’t he disqualified for that?! The ref’s letting it go!

King: He wants to see the brutality continue as much as I do!

As the ref angrily holds Taiji back from further gonadal assault, the camera focuses in on Lockwood, still doubled over in the corner. Lockwood is seen pulling something out of his pants- IT’S A CUP!

Axis: He’s not hurt at all-he’s playing possum again!

King: Only a man with a Harvard degree could have brains like that!

Lockwood discards the cup, out of the sight of the distracted referee, and pulls something out of his pocket! It’s a ring, with a golden H jutting out from it!

Axis: Speaking of Harvard, that’s his class ring! Modified with a blunt spike!

Meanwhile, Taiji has broken away from the ref and if playing to the crowd, showing them they’re number one! But Lockwood is back to his feet! He charges and NAILS Taiji right in the back of the neck with his ring-adorned fist!

Axis: Right in the back of the neck!

King: The C1 vertebra, to be exact.

Lockwood, having hit the spot he wanted, watches Taiji collapse to the mat. Taking advantage, Lockwood grabs Taiji’s chest in a body scissors, turns him over, and LOCKS ON THE FALSE MOVE!

Axis: FALSE MOVE, FALSE MOVE! TAIJI IS GOING LIMP!

The referee also notices that Taiji is not moving and raises his arm. It drops once! He raises it again! IT DROPS TWICE! He raises it a THIRD TIME…

IT DROPS A THIRD TIME!

King: IT’S OVER!

*DING DING DING!*

Funyon: YOUR WINNER OF THE MATCH, AS A RESULT OF A SUBMISSION, MICHAEL…D…LOCKWOOD!

Axis: What a debut for Michael D. Lockwood, he just systematically broke down Seo Taiji!

King: I have a feeling Michael Lockwood isn’t going away anytime soon, and that should make everyone else in the SJL very, very afraid.

As the soothing notes of “Face of the Bass” play, Lockwood gets to his feet and casually dusts himself off, and wipes the trickle of blood off of his face. He takes a look at his unconscious opponent as the referee raises his hand, smirks, and just…leaves.

Axis: I don’t say this about many people, but Michael Lockwood makes me genuinely, genuinely afraid. He’s just sick.

King: Well, if you don’t want to feel his wrath, maybe you should get down with the sickness!

Axis: We’ll be right back, with even more intense action, on SJL Crimson!

July 4, 2003

Axis: What a match we have coming up next folks tonight on Crimson. It’ll be a Hardcore Match pitting Dominic Korgath, well known for his unhardcore ways against Doug Sienkenwicz and Danny Conklin, two men who fought hard against each other last week in a very solid match.

King: You’re right Axis, something big is going to go down in this match, especially since Doug and Danny have already battled it out once on Wrath and throw in a man like Korgath who is set against using hardcore weapons and it may just turn into mayhem…. or oh god…a normal wrestling match.

Axis: Well, let’s hope some weapons get used. Now let’s go down to Funyon who is ready to announce the participants in this Hardcore match.

Funyon: Ladies and Gentleman, this next match is 1 fall and is a Hardcore Match. Making his way to the ring, weighing in at 210 pounds from Lexington, Tennessee…Doooooooooouuuuuuggggggg Siiiiiiiiiieeeennnnnkenwiiiiiiiiiccczz!

The Sien’s metal-esque theme kicks in as Doug walks out, nose in the air as the fans jeer him and call him names. Doug walks up the steps and enters the ring. Doug walks towards a corner and leans back against it, placing both hands on his hips and awaiting his opponents.

Axis: Doug is always a dangerous man and as we saw from last week, willing to use anything to pick up the victory.

King: No doubt about that Axis. You have to love the kind of guy Doug is, loud, brash and willing to cheat to win.

Axis: Well he certainly is a tough youngster.

Funyon: Now making his way to the ring, accompanied by Janet, weighing in at 220 pounds, from Dublin, Ireland, Daaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnyyyyyyyy Coooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnkllliiiiiiinnn!

“Danny Boy” – Off Kilter strikes up as the crowd lets out a loud cheer. Danny walks out onto the ramp, raising both arms into the air as Janet walks out clad in a black mini-skirt and a white “Conklin” t-shirt. She makes her way down the ramp behind Danny handing out clovers to the ringside fans. Danny slides into the ring and climbs onto the 2nd turnbuckle, blowing a big kiss to his fans as he steps down, keeping his eyes completely on Sienkenwicz.

Axis: What a fiery kid Danny Conklin is.

King: I still can’t believe those are plastic clovers. I mean, coming from Ireland you’d think they could be real Axis.

Axis: Oh come on King, stop with the damn clovers already.

King: It bugs me Axis.

Axis: Not as much as you bug me King.

King: I take offense to that comment.

Axis: I bet you do.

Suddenly, the lights black out as a loud Oriental gong bangs loudly, echoing through the arena. The fans stand on their feet, expecting The Undertaker when another gong hits. Finally the third gong hits and then silence. Quickly, the lights snap back on to reveal Dominic Korgath clad in his signature mask and black pants standing in the ring. Both Danny and Doug look at each other.

Axis: Dominic easily has the weight advantage and height advantage in this match.

King: If I were Danny or Doug, thankfully I’m not; I’d be running for the hills right now.

Axis: As would I King.

The bell rings as Doug and Danny look back and forth between each other and Dominic. However Dominic just stands there, apparently not looking at either man. Danny charges forward at Dominic, only to eat hip toss. Doug tries to nail Dominic in the back with a series of axe handle shots but Dominic turns around and arm drags Doug to the mat. Doug scrambles out of the ring as Danny does the same. Both men begin to converse, occasionally glancing at Dominic.

Axis: Dominic showing his strength and surprising wrestling skill.

King: Looks like Danny and Doug are going to team up to take down this monster.

Axis: Looks like they’re going to try and use equalizers as a matter of fact King.

Danny pulls out a broomstick from underneath the ring as Doug shoves Funyon off his chair and picks it up. Doug slides into the ring first and swings hard at Dominic but Dominic dodges it and nails Doug with a clothesline. Dominic picks up the chair, setting it up in a sitting position as Danny slides in. Danny charges, broomstick out straight forward but Korgath sidesteps it, sending Danny over the top rope hard. Doug looks at Korgath as Dominic locks Doug in a side headlock and takes a seat on the chair! The crowd is booing noisily at this action. Danny slides back into the ring and nails Dominic with a running bulldog, as Dominic nails Doug with a bulldog as well!

Axis: My, Danny managed to put the big man down with a bulldog.

King: And Dominic still put Doug on his face too.

Danny stomps away at Dominic and slides out, tossing in the broomstick. Danny also pulls out a trashcan, kendo stick, fire extinguisher and leather whip as he tosses all the items into the ring. Doug picks up the kendo stick and smashes it over Dominic’s back, sending a resounding THWACK throughout the arena. Danny slides in with the whip and swings it at Dominic but Dominic catches it in his big hand and whips Danny hard into Doug! Doug shoves Danny off, only to have Danny meet a hard Yakuza Kick nearly taking his head off. Doug grabs the kendo stick and swings again but Dominic catches it against his side and nails Doug with a side belly-to-belly suplex. Dominic stands over both wrestlers as the crowd boos heavily.

Axis: My god, what a monster Dominic is!

King: Man, Dominic is just taking apart both Danny and Doug!

Dominic lifts Danny up and looks for a back suplex but Danny lands on his feet and low blows Dominic, sending Dominic down to the mat clutching his groin. Danny turns around, only to eat a hard kendo stick shot to the face from Doug. Doug repeatedly nailing Danny in the ribs now as the crowd boos. Doug lifts up Danny, only to nail a snap suplex. Doug is now making the cover.

1…

2…

And Dominic makes the save with a hard shot to Doug’s skull from his boot.

Axis: Doug finally using a weapon effectively, it seems he’s taking a liking to that kendo stick.

King: Looks like it Axis. Seems like Danny also found an equalizer against Korgath in that low blow.

Doug rolls away in pain as Dominic lifts up Danny in a power bomb position but Danny has the trashcan in his hands and brings it down hard against Dominic’s cranium! Dominic falls to one knee as Danny nails Dominic again, this time harder! Danny turns and blocks a right hand from Doug with the trashcan before nailing Doug with an enziguiri. Danny makes the cover.

1…

2…

3...kickout by Doug.

Danny gets up, setting the trashcan over Doug’s stomach. Doug slowly makes his way up onto the top rope. Danny looks over the screaming crowd, chanting “Danny” before setting his eyes on Doug. Unfortunately, Danny doesn’t notice Dominic who’s lumbering his way over to Danny. Dominic grabs Danny and slams Danny off the top rope, causing Danny to land hard onto the trashcan, splatting Doug!! Dominic places a foot on Danny’s chest.

1…

2…

3..! No, Danny with a kick out despite the intense pain coursing through his back.

Axis: What a match King, Dominic continuing to assert his strength and power over both Doug and Danny.

King: What an effective move Dominic made. Proves that wrestling can still do well in a hardcore match!

Axis: You are probably right there King.

King: Probably Axis? I’m always right and don’t you ever forget that.

Dominic picks up Doug and tosses him over the top rope as Doug lands hard on the mat outside. Dominic turns as Danny is back on his feet, peppering the big man with rights and lefts trying to knock him down. Danny with a kick to the gut and he whips Korgath hard into the ropes. Dominic bounces back and nails a bent over Conklin with a hard kick to the chest as Danny straightens up. Dominic wraps his arms around Danny, looking for a Belly to Belly Suplex however Danny manages to get out of it with a few forearm shots to the face. Danny with a kick to Korgath’s gut and he nails him with a piledriver, planting his skull into the mat with force. Danny begins to make the cover however Doug is in the ring and he nails Conklin with the fire extinguisher to the back of the head! Doug now with the cover on Dominic.

1…

2…

3!!

Axis: No, Korgath gets the kickout at the last second.

King: That’s it, come on Korgath! This guy’s a monster Axis and nothing will put him down.

Axis: Well, Conklin’s low blow seemed to have him down for a period of time King.

King: Well, that’ll put anybody down except maybe you Axis.

Axis: Oh shut up and call the damn match why don’t you.

King snickers as Doug gets up, steel chair now in hand. Doug is waiting for Dominic to get up however Danny is also up and grabs the steel chair as well. Both men are tugging hard, trying to wrestle the chair away from the other’s grasp when Danny smiles and lets go of the chair! Doug is pulling with such force that the chair swings and nails Korgath in the skull, putting him back down to the mat. Doug turns, chair still in hand only to get nailed with a dropkick from Danny! The chair meeting Doug directly in the face. Danny places the chair on Dominic’s face and climbs out onto the ring apron. Danny now leaping onto the top rope, springboarding off and looking for a legdrop and it connects! Danny quickly making the cover now.

1….

2…..

3..!!

No! Doug breaks it up with a dropkick to Danny’s face, breaking the count.

Axis: What a match King. All three men taking advantage…erm….well two men are taking advantage of the weapons littered at ringside.

King: I’m just waiting for Janet to get herself involved Axis, you know since Conklin loves to cheat so much.

Axis: What in the world are you talking about King?

King: It was obvious Danny paid the ref off at Wrath and he probably paid Eddy Long here off as well.

Axis: Oh give me a break! It’s times like these where I wish Zed fired your ass.

Doug picks up the broomstick and nails Danny hard in the face with it. Danny falls to the mat seemingly dead as Dominic slowly makes it to his feet, looking quite pissed off. Doug glances at his broomstick and waves it, similar to a baseball batter. Doug watches Dominic as Dominic slowly lumbers towards him. Doug quickly turns and slides out of the ring, hightailing it down the ramp as Korgath is in hot pursuit! Danny rolls out of the ring and staggers after them! Doug turns around at the top of the ramp and swings the broomstick hard, cracking it over Korgath’s head! Korgath barely budged! Good god, Korgath wrapping his hand around Doug’s throat, he’s lifting him up and Danny nails Dominic with a shot to the back with the steel chair! Dominic and Doug now lying on the ramp in pain as Danny looks over the cheering crowd, blood spilling down his face from a cut on his forehead presumably from the broomstick shot.

Axis: Danny Conklin is busted wide open King! All three men are taking it to one another here on the ramp way now and it looks like the action could be spilling backstage.

King: This match is exactly what these fans thirst for Axis. Blood, violence and the sex object at ringside.

Axis: Sex object? At least show her some respect King.

King: She’s there to ogle at Axis, that’s all.

Danny lifts the chair up but Doug nails a sweeping low kick, sending Danny down onto his back. Dominic is up as is Doug and both men are currently in a slugfest, Dominic apparently winning. Danny makes it to his feet and knocks both men to the ground with a double clothesline. Danny stumbles through the curtain, heading backstage as Doug follows, the first one up. Dominic is now to his feet, in pursuit and dragging Eddy Long along with him! Doug spots Danny and charges as Danny ducks the clothesline and looks for one of his own but Doug catches Danny and plants him hard onto the cement with a samoan drop! Doug gets up, only to get a boot to the midsection from Dominic and get spiked into the floor with a DDT! Dominic makes the cover on Doug now.

1……..

2……..

3!! No!!!

Axis: Doug barely kicked out of that cover. The action spilling all over this arena tonight.

King: These three men all want to win with whatever it takes. I still think Dominic’s got this thing won Axis. He has the height advantage and a weight advantage of over 115 pounds on both Doug and Danny.

Axis: Maybe so, but never count out Conklin or Sienkenwicz.

All three men are on their feet now as Doug and Danny are double teaming Dominic with right hands! Danny grabs a shovel and swings, looking to nail Dominic in the back but Korgath gains the momentum, swinging Doug around and letting Doug take the brunt of the shot to his back! Doug crumples to the floor in major pain as Dominic and Danny stare each other down. Danny looks at the shovel and tosses it to Korgath who catches it, not sure what to do. Danny suddenly climbs onto the crate beside him, nailing Dominic with a moonsault, putting the standing Korgath to the ground! Danny stays on for the cover now.

1……..

2……..

3!! No, Doug breaks it up with an elbow drop to the back of Danny’s skull.

Axis: All three men taking it to each other, trying to get a pinfall victory.

King: These men are going to the limits and are trying to pick up the victory by any means necessary.

Axis: Indeed King, however with the amount of blood that Danny’s lost, one must worry about fatigue settling in on these competitors.

Dominic’s on his feet, looking down at Danny as Doug leaps off the same crate Danny leapt off of and Doug locks Dominic in a sleeper! Oh!! Doug just drove Korgath’s head into the pavement hard with a sleeper drop right there. Doug climbs onto the 3rd rung of a ladder leaning against the wall and he nails Conklin with a legdrop right across the throat! Doug smiles as “Doug Sucks” chants ring out from the crowd. Doug makes the cover, hooking the leg.

1…….

2……..

3………No! Danny kicks out at 2.9999!

Axis: Such a close near fall there for Doug Sienkenwicz. You know that soon one of these men are going to look for their finisher King.

King: You are right Axis and it looks like Doug has the advantage right now. He could hit either finisher at any moment!

Doug picks up Danny and whips him head first through a glass window, causing it to shatter amongst Danny’s head. Doug turns and picks up Dominic. Doug locks Dominic into a front facelock before flipping Korgath over and slamming him onto and through the crate with a snap suplex. Both men are down as Doug’s exhausted from the pressure exerted on that snap suplex.

Axis: Doug sending Dominic crashing through that crate hard with a snap suplex.

King: You know Korgath will be feeling that for quite a while when the sun hits tomorrow morning.

Axis: You know it King and it looks to me like Danny is trying to makie his way back to ringside!

Indeed, Danny is stumbling back towards the black curtains signifying where the wrestlers should enter on their way to the ring. The crowd lets out a loud cheer as they see Danny stumbling onto the ramp. Doug slowly crawls to his feet and looks for Danny, spotting Eddy Long waving for Doug to follow him and pointing at the entrance. Doug walks out onto the ramp where Danny tackles Doug down. Danny now nailing Doug with right hands to the cheek and jawline as Dominic lumbers out, nailing Danny with a kick to the upper back. Dominic picks Danny up and delivers a backbreaker as Danny rolls in pain, clutching at his back. Korgath lifts up Doug and locks him in a dreaded Bearhug!!! Dominic is squeezing hard, trying to drain the life out of Doug as Danny remains down. Eddy Long continually asking if Doug gives but Doug shakes his head. Danny finally gets up to his feet as Janet is now at the base of the top of the ramp where the three combatans are. Janet tosses a baseball bat up to Danny as Danny catches it, nailing Dominic hard in the back but Korgath maintains his hold of Doug. Another solid shot, complete with WHACK sound and a 3rd finally gets Dominic to relinquish the hold. Dominic turns around in a little pain and grabs the bat with both hands. Dominic pulls the bat and tosses it aside and grabs Danny by the throat, tossing him off the ramp and onto Janet!! Both Danny and Janet are out, Janet probably the worse for wear as Doug nails Korgath with a low blow, trying to regain his senses.

Axis: OH MY GOD! Danny thrown off a 10 ft. high ramp at the very least and landing hard on his valet, Janet!

King: Man, Dominic sure knows how to utilize his strength for his advantage.

Axis: Doug however manages to get the man down onto his knees and Doug's just picked up a piece of cable wire attached to our camera crew.

Doug quickly wraps the piece of cable wire around Dominic's throat repeatedly and is now trying to choke him out. Doug places his right foot on Dominic's back to add leverage and make it more difficult for Korgath to get out of. Dominic manages to fight to his feet as Doug is hanging a good inch or so off the ground now. Korgath is teetering on the edge of the ramp and Dominic grabs the wire and slings Doug over his shoulder! Doug goes flying through the air and lands hard on an electrical setup! Wires spark out as the arena lights go out! Sparks continue to fly, occasionally illuminating the scene. Finally, the lights come back on as arena officials race out to attend to Danny, Janet & Doug!!

Axis: Oh god, you don't ever like to see something like this happen folks.

King: Let's hope Doug turns out to be alright but landing on those electrical sets are never good.

Axis: Look at Dominic, not even showing a trace of emotion for his fellow competitors!

King: Can't really show much emotion through a mask Axis.

Axis: He could at least see how they're doing King.

King: Every man for himself Axis, Doug & Danny could just be playing possum.

Axis: Yeah right King, playing possum form a 10 foot fall.

The crowd cheers as Danny and Doug both shake off the help from the officials. However, officials help Janet out of the area as Danny is still on his knees trying to catch his breath and Doug is looking up at Korgath. Dominic makes his way down the ramp as Danny charges, nailing Dominic with stiff right hands repeatedly, quite pissed at what's happened to Janet. Doug grabs a piece of the railing, nailing it across Danny's back before nailing Dominic in the gut and then a shot right to the face!! Doug makes the cover!

1.........

2.........

2.99999!

Axis: Danny just pulled Doug off of Dominic!

King: What a cheat, that's no excuse to steal a man's victory.

Axis: As you said King, all is fair in love and war.

King: Oh bah...

Doug kicks Danny hard in the face, causing Danny to fall onto his back. Doug stands over Danny and stomps away at his chest. Dominic is slowly getting up but Doug turns around and nails Doug with a stiff clothesline, sending Korgath back down to the floor. Doug picks up Danny and throws him onto the ramp, kicking Danny all the way down the ramp and onto the ringside mats. Dominic is now lumbering down the ramp as Doug rolls Danny into the ring and pulls out another trash can, tossing it into the ring. Doug slides in and picks up the trash can, slamming it hard onto Danny’s back. Doug raises the trash can once more but gets stopped by Korgath who nails him with a side slam. Dominic lifts up Doug and sets him up for the torture rack and it’s locked in tight, Doug with nowhere to go!! Eddy Long is repeatedly asking if Doug gives up as Dominic slowly wrenches harder and harder!

Axis: There’s the torture rack! It could be all over for Doug!

King: Dominic is using his pure strength right now and considering how deadly the torture rack is, it’s only a matter of time before Doug gives up!

Danny rolls into position so that he’s behind Dominic. Danny gets to his feet, trash can in hand as he swings hard, nailing Korgath right in the back of his knees! Korgath falls to the mat as Doug lands on top! Eddy Long hits the mat immediately.

1………..

2……..

Danny breaks the count up with a hard shot to Doug’s back using the trash can. Danny is climbing onto the top rope as he looks at Doug who’s lying on his back in pain. Danny leaps off, looking for his Highlight finishing move but out of nowhere Korgath catches Danny out of mid-air, planting him with a powerbomb! The crowd is booing wildly now as Dominic makes the cover!

1………..

2………..

3!!

Axis: No! Danny kicks out but what a move by Dominic to catch Danny out of mid-air and just spike him with that powerbomb.

King: I’m amazed Danny’s still breathing Axis.

Axis: So am I King. Doug is now up on his feet and he’s got a steel chair in hand!

Doug nails Korgath hard in the back repeatedly with the steel chair until the big man stops moving. Doug lays the chair down on the mat and picks up a limp Danny Conklin. Doug sets Danny up and delivers a crisp Sien of the Times!!! Danny just got smashed right down onto the steel chair back first as Dominic is still out from those repeated chairshots. Doug hooks the leg tightly now.

1……….

2………..

3!!!!!!!!

Axis: Doug wins the ma…no, Eddy Long says Danny kicked out!

King: See Axis, I told you Danny paid off Eddy this week! Next event, he’ll have probably paid us off too!

Axis: Give me a break King, you’re just jealous that Danny beat Doug on Wrath.

King: Like you would know the feeling of winning.

Doug is irate, totally unbelieving of the call! Doug slides out of the ring and sets up the table! Doug lifts up Danny and places him onto the table as he walks over to the top rope and begins to ascend. Doug looks at his right hand and balls it into the fist before looking at his left and bringing his fist into his left hand, there’s Dominic! He wraps a hand around Doug’s throat and lifts him off the turnbuckle, CHOKESLAM! Dominic just sent Doug smashing through both Danny Conklin and the table with a chokeslam off the top rope!!!!

Axis: What carnage King, absolute carnage! My god, both men could be dead!

King: My god, Dominic is a ruthless machine Axis and nothing will get in his way!

Axis: I just hope that after tonight, both Danny and Doug will be able to walk again after the suffering they have been put through in this hellacious battle.

Dominic stares down at both competitors and makes the cover on Sienkenwicz. Eddy Long hits the mat!

1……….

2………..

3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Axis: It was a formality King…

King: Wait! Eddy Long is…look Axis! Doug got his foot on the bottom rope!

Axis: What else could possibly happen in this match!

Dominic is really upset and begins to back Eddy Long down into a corner. Danny slowly stumbles to his feet as does Doug. Both men are standing, looking like corpses. Dominic charges forward but Danny drop toeholds Dominic down onto the mat. Doug lifts up the steel chair and smashes it hard against Korgath’s skull and the mat! Doug drops the chair and turns around, only to eat a dropkick from Danny! Danny grabs the steel chair and clocks Doug so hard that the seat is bent back into a sitting position!!! Danny quickly locks Doug into the Irish Peace as Korgath is still out from the chairshot. Eddy Long quickly slides in front of Doug, waiting for a response but there is none. Eddy lifts Doug’s hand up once, it drops! A second time, it drops again! A third time and the hand falls to the mat!!!

Axis: Danny Conklin picks up the victory!!

King: What a hell of a chairshot from Conklin though Axis, Doug must have an easy concussion after that.

Axis: What a hellacious match that was, all three men with probably concussions, Danny has been bleeding for a good 8 minutes and even Janet was taken to the back! Folks, we’ll be back with more from Crimson next!

July 4, 2003

We are afforded a view of what appears to be a rather well furnished dressing room. The room is equipped with all the amenities of a comfortable home, but the room does not look much lived in, as do those of most other wrestlers who are afforded such rooms. Usually the leather sofa is imprinted and worn from the company of many people sitting around, watching television, or playing video games as most wrestlers are known to do. There are usually empty beer cans and food wrappers lying about the room, left from invited and uninvited guests who were too lazy to look the extra three feet from the coffee table for the trashcan. Something else that is interesting... there is no television. The room itself feels rather cold, not only in temperature (which the AC is expected to be during a July in Louisiana) but in atmosphere.

Indeed the room looks to be rather stark, contrasting with the plush if somewhat unused amenities inside. Without warning, the camera quickly moves to the left, giving us a view of an uncomfortable looking Ben Hardy holding a microphone. Hardy is standing in front of the most used point of the room, the bar. As if from some unseen signal, Ben begins to speak. “I’m Ben Hardy standing by with a returning Viktor Tarakanov. I’m being sent around to give every JL superstar some interview time as per the orders of our new commissioner, Chris Raynor. Viktor, what have you been doing with your time off?” asks the too-affable Hardy, trying to sound as nonchalant as is humanly possible. Almost completely unseen, Viktor turns around from the refrigerator with a cold grin on his face. “What is your drink, Hardy?” is his reply.

“Oh, I’m afraid I’m not much of a drinker... sir” responds Ben, swallowing hard, almost afraid of what the consequences will be for his response. “Not much of a drinker?” says ‘The Red Rage’ “Do you know what we call a man who doesn’t drink in Russia? A woman.” The smile on Tarakanov’s face shows that he enjoys berating Hardy with no consequences as he pours himself a rather tall glass of Vodka. The label on the bottle shows to us that he has had the finest liquor imported from his homeland. Trying to maintain some semblance of control over the interview, Ben tries to put forth another question, struggling to find something to discuss to warm the chilly atmosphere in the room.

“Umm... do you have any plans for this Fourth of July weekend?” is all that Hardy can manage to blurt out, forgetting the fact that Viktor is from Russia. His face immediately grows wide as he realizes what he just said. Tarakanov slams down his drink upon hearing the inexcusable question just posed. Glaring out from beneath his brow, Viktor’s hand shoots over bar and grabs Hardy by the collar of his SWF polo shirt. The chubby man’s knees immediately buckle out of fear as he tries desperately to squeeze out an apology but he cannot manage to get his vocal chords to vibrate fast enough to make a single discernable word. Tarakanov nearly roars at the quivering man “PLANS?! Why would I have any PLANS for the day of independence of the country which I DISPISE?!”

“sorry” Ben manages to utter.

“Is there any reason in particular that prevents me from not crushing your face into a jelly of fat this instant?” Tarakanov blatantly asks, his fist no more than six inches from Hardy’s face.

“sorry”

“Once more. I could not decipher a word from your unintelligible mumbling!”

“Sorry.” he finally manages to say, with the conviction of a man on death row.

“Better.” states ‘The Red Rage’ “Now, let us try interview again. This time, I speak, you listen. Da?” Ben Hardy frantically nods his head, causing Viktor to release his iron grip on Hardy’s uniform. “Now, do you know when the ‘Independence Day’ of Russia is?” Hardy attempts to answer but is cut off by an angered Viktor “I said, ‘you listen’. I thought we understood that. The answer is: no one knows. The land of the Rus, was founded long, long ago. So long ago that no one can say exactly when. The birth date of my country is lost in the sea of time, but... the date of independence is slightly clearer. October the twenty-fifth, nineteen hundred and eighteen. That is the date of the second revolution of Soviets against the government; the day when Russia was finally free...”

Hardy, either stupid or very bold, feels the need to reply “Interesting.” This causes Vik to shoot another glare towards Ben but he hesitates against physical assault. “Now, it is your turn to ask yet another question. Make sure it is sufficient enough to stay my hand from your face.” Ben thinks long and hard about the question, not wanting to receive anything that has to do with Viktor’s hand. Finally, he is visibly struck by inspiration as he takes a deep breath and asks with the enthusiasm of a child “What are your plans for your opponent tonight, Scott Solomon?” Viktor instantly rears back his hand as if feigning for a big punch, causing Hardy to throw up his arms over his face in a defensive position.

There is a pause.

And finally Tarakanov lets loose a deep, gravelly chuckle, amused at the weakness of the man before him. Hardy then realizes it was all a joke and slowly lowers his arms. “You’re fear got the best of you, Hardy. That question was suitable enough.” Viktor reassures his plump companion with a pat on the back. Ben is quick to trust the oddly comforting voice of the Soviet confederate and smiles somewhat. “In truth, that question was so pleasing to my ears, that you will now receive a gift.” At the word gift, Hardy realizes that he has made a mistake, but his realization comes too late. Tarakanov then stifles his anger by pouring his tall glass of Vodka on the head of Ben Hardy, who looks like a rat who got zapped by the electric food bowl... again. “Now leave my room at once, your presence raises my ire. Not you, Cameraman.”

Vik points at Gus as a dejected Ben Hardy walks out of the chilly dressing room. The camera stops leaving and focuses on Tarakanov’s face. “Now I am answer the question. Scott Solomon is but a stepping stone for me. He is insignificant. A mere speck of dust in my way. He will fall at my hand like all who cross my path. Indeed he is a stepping stone... to something bigger. To the World Title that has been within my reach before but never in my grasp. The men contending for it now? Aecas, whom I have beaten. John Duran, whom I have beaten. And the Champion, Charlie ‘Grappler’ Matthews, whom I have given his only loss. It just shows how easy my rise to the title will be.”

The camera fades out as Viktor refills his glass and drinks it authoritatively in one gulp.

*fade*

July 4, 2003

As we return from commercial, the camera pans the crowd in Baton Rouge. Seeing an opportunity to be on camera, the Louisiana fans spring to their feet- throwing up their signs and screaming unintelligible nonsense and messages to their family and friends. As the Smarktron briefly recaps the last segment, the airwaves come alive with the voices of Axis and Suicide King.

Axis: Welcome back to Crimson!!! We’re live from the --- on a night where we’ll see the crowning of a number one contender to Charlie Matthew’s title AND a TV Title defense by Shawn Tybalt.

King: We’ve already seen the debuts of Michael Lockwood and Tokyo X tonight, but now a man who debuted last week, Todd Royal, will take on former TV Champ Jimmy Liston for a shot at the Television belt.

Axis: Todd Royal was impressive in winning his debut match last week, but if he wants to get a shot at a title he’ll have to go through a former TV champion in the Demon who will do anything to get the belt back.

Funyon: The Following contest is scheduled for one fall, with a 30 minute time limit, and is to determine the #1 contender for the SJL World Television Championship…

With that, the lights dim and a single white spotlight drops from the ceiling, illuminating the entrance as a heavenly chorus sings slowly. Suddenly - Motley Crue’s “Livewire” kicks in as blue and white strobe lights shoot across the arena. Megan Skye, wearing a black sports bra emblazoned with “TODDESS” and a short blue skirt, split’s the curtain as Todd Royal struts down the aisle, spinning around to reveal a vest that reads “In TODD We Trust”. The fans, remembering his cheating tactics of last week, boo him as he makes his way to ringside.

Funyon: Announcing first…Accompanied to the ring by Megan Skye and weighing in at 235 lbs…from San Diego, California…TODD ROYAL!!!

As Royal enters the ring and removes his vest, the lights fall dark again, and vague chanting can be heard in the background. A series of white spotlights shoot across the crowd, darting back and forth before stopping on the entrance way. A mysterious voice comes over the chanting, uttering “Why Don’t You Ask Me What It Feels Like To Be A Freak?”. The crowd begins to chant “Demon” as Rob Zombie’s “Demon Speeding” drowns out the chants and Jimmy Liston appears at the top of the ramp, he is joined by his former tag partner Tyler Sullivan and the two rush the ring. The crowd is a sea of appreciative cheering, pock marked with boos by fans who hate the Demon’s cheating ways.

Funyon: And his opponent…Accompanied to the ring by Tyler Sullivan and weighing in at 228 lbs…From Boston, Massachusetts…JIMMY “THE DEMON” LISTON!!!

Liston slides into the ring and immediately goes after Todd Royal. Royal slips between the ropes as referee Matthew Kivell steps in and backs Liston up, checking his boots and tights for foreign objects. Royal smirks at Liston’s halted momentum, but Kivell follows up by checking the rookie as well. Royal scowls at this and demands that the official towel off his hands before touching his footwear. With the pre-match formalities out of the way, we’re ready for action.

Axis: The Demon firing right out of the gate, looking to take Royal down even before the match!!

King: I have a feeling neither of these guys are going to let up all match. There’s a lot on the line tonight, and both of these guys want to win badly.

*DING* *DING* *DING*

As the match begins, Royal and Liston charge forward and lock up. The men see-saw back and forth, but Royal spins down with an arm drag, spinning Liston across the ring. Royal immediately raises his arms and leaps into the air, celebrating the minor victory of executing a move. The Demon immediately springs to his feet however and springs on Todd from behind, slamming him face first into the corner.

Axis: OH! Royal trying to celebrate an arm drag like he did last week, but Jimmy Liston is no rookie, and he is NOT going to let this kid get away with that.

King: Heh, I’m going to LOVE this match…both of these guys are going to play by their own rules and its going to be brutal!! Bring it on baby!

Liston, still on the attack, shoves Royal to the ropes and chokes him against the top cable. Todd starts flailing his arms and protesting, drawing the referee over. Liston holds on to the choke till 5 before breaking, but as Royal demands the ref check his neck for abrasions, Skye chokes Liston against the ropes as well. The crowd boos incessantly at the cheating of both men, as the ref backs the two men apart.

Axis: This is ridiculous, there is a title shot on the line here, and both men are risking disqualifications very early on!

King: This is my kind of match! Both of these guys are used to winning a match by chea….by um, using the rules to their advantage.

Axis: By cheating their butts off. Hopefully, we can restore order here relatively soon…

King: Bah. Order is for pansies. Pansy.

Liston charges again, slamming a shoulder into Royal’s gut and doubling him over. The Demon goes to work with a knee to the head, and follows up with a series of forearms and punches to the face. As Liston tries a kick however, Royal catches his foot and spins him around, shoving him in the back hard and sending him stumbling across the ring.

“OOOHHHH”--The crowd reacts to the show of disrespect by Royal, but Todd just smirks and towels the sweat off his forehead. His break is quickly interrupted however, as The Demon spins around and growls, charging in again and pummeling Royal to a smattering of cheers from the crowd.

Axis: Jimmy Liston is absolutely incensed at Royal. Todd is disrespecting The Demon, and Liston is making him pay for it by beating the tar out of him. Maybe this will be a wake-up call for the young Royal.

King: I sure hope not…

Liston lifts Royal into a fireman’s carry and spins him around, but drops him onto his face and slaps him HARD across the face, sending Todd rolling from the ring.

“OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH”-- The crowd reacts in awe to the shot, and cheers the move for the pure brashness of it, and for the impact on Royal.

Axis: Oh Boy! Liston just slapped the taste out of Royal’s mouth. He’s out to teach Royal a lesson about respect, but maybe at the expense of the match. It would have made more sense to finish the move than to put him down to slap him.

King: Would you quiet down already…I want to watch these two beat the hell out of each other.

On the outside, Megan attends to Royal. The pair regroup and decide to leave, but Tyler races after them, grabbing Todd and tossing him back into the ring. Royal begs off and tries to escape through the other side of the ring, but Liston drops an elbow and lifts Royal up, head butting him in the back of the head. Royal looks dazed as the crowd begins to count along with the head shots.

“1”…”2”…”3”…”4”…”5”…”6”…”7”…”8”…”9”…”10!!”

After ten shots, Liston hits a huge German Suplex, sending Todd crashing to the mat on his now tender neck and head. Stalking the fallen Royal, The Demon pulls Todd back to his feet and Spears him, holding on and driving him into the turnbuckle.

Axis: The Hunt! Liston got Todd Royal in his sights and fired, driving Royal into the turnbuckle with that brutal move.

King: No! The match can’t end yet, we haven’t seen enough dickish brutality!

Liston pulls Royal back from the turnbuckles and hit’s a belly to belly suplex, hooking the leg and going for the first cover of the match.

ONE!

.

TWO!

.

Kickout!

King: Aha! The match continues by the will of Todd!

Axis: Royal kicks out at two, and we still have more of this contender’s match to go!

Liston picks up Royal and whips him to the corner, but his charge is met by a desperate boot from Todd Royal. Royal hit’s a stiff shin strike to the face of Jimmy Liston and grabs the leg of his fallen opponent. Royal leaps forward, flipping over Liston and straining the leg of the Demon. The resurgent Royal hit’s a body slam and then steps on Liston’s face, spinning around and scraping his boot across his forehead.

King: Yes! I Love it! Win if you can, lose if you must, but ALWAYS wipe your boots on your opponent’s eyebrows!

Axis: Apparently Liston’s brutality didn’t teach Royal anything. It seems to have just made him angry.

King: Yep, The Demon’s about to feel the wrath of Todd!

Royal locks a front chancery on Liston and lifts him to his feet, quickly snapping him off into a Snap Suplex. Continuing to hold on, he rolls his hips and gets back to a standing position, this time firing of a simple Vertical Suplex. Another roll of the hips and the pair are standing again, but this time when Royal lifts Liston up, he keeps him there, delivering a delayed Vertical Suplex to complete the Trinity.

Todd celebrates and towels off instead of covering however, drawing a huge chorus of boos from the crowd. When Megan goes to retrieve the towel however, she is cut off by Sullivan who grabs the towel and hurls it into the stands, much to the delight of the frustrated fans.

King: AH! How could he do that?!? Now our Todd and Savior won’t be able to wipe away his perspiration!

Axis: Good. Maybe he’ll learn to actually FOCUS on the match at hand…

King: Never mention that, think of the guy in the stands who has an actual towel covered in the sweat of Todd!

Axis: Yech…

A clearly shocked Royal turns around to pick up where he left off, but Liston boots him in the chest and sends him to the ropes. The Demon leaps up for a leapfrog, but Royal grabs his legs as he goes under, and kicking his own legs out, drops down and rolls into a Boston Crab. Liston crawls to the ropes, but Todd breaks the hold and drops an elbow on Jimmy’s head. Royal picks the Demon up, and crossing his arms, delivers a brutal Straight Jacket Suplex. Royal floats over, and we have our second pin attempt.

ONE!

.

TWO!

.

Kickout!

Axis: Neither one of these men will say die! Liston suffers through a brutal suplex, but still kicks out at two!

King: Whatever…More brutality for me…

Undaunted, Royal tries to Irish Whip his opponent into the ropes, but Liston reverses, sending Todd to the opposite side of the ring. As Liston hits his ropes to meet Royal head on, Megan Skye interjects herself again, tripping him up and sending him sprawling to the mat. As Sullivan chases Skye off, Royal rebounds off the far ropes and hit’s a neck whip on the fallen Demon.

Royal nails a super kick on Jimmy Liston and heads to the top rope, turning around before posing and taunting a group of fans in the ringside seats. Before he has a chance to attempt a moonsault however, Tyler Sullivan grabs his leg from under him, crotching him on the top turnbuckle. The fans let out an “AWWW!” as Royal drops backwards into a Tree of Woe.

Axis: This is getting ridiculous! First Megan Skye interferes, and now Tyler Sullivan is getting involved in the match!

King: The winner of this match gets a title shot Axis! We need as much cheating as possible to ensure that the better man wins!

Axis: Couldn’t they just support their charges morally?

King: HUH?

With Royal hanging upside down from the turnbuckle, Liston takes an opportunity to deliver a series of stiff kicks to the face of his opponent. Climbing up the turnbuckles, Liston stands with his foot in Royal’s groin while pumping his fist at the crowd, drawing a solid reaction from the fans in attendance. Jumping down, Liston lifts Royal from the turnbuckles and hit’s a rotating power slam. Liston tries to hold on for a cover, but that draws Megan Skye to the apron once more. Tyler Sullivan quickly follows, and a screaming match follows, distracting the ref and preventing a count. Kivell, frustrated, throws both Sullivan and Skye from ringside, causing a huge cheer from the fans.

Axis: Finally, referee Matt Kivell is putting an end to the interference and tossing both Sullivan and Skyr from ringside.

King: That Kivell always was a trouble maker…

Royal and Liston both make it to their feet and briefly stop to watch their respective partners leave ringside. Turning towards each other, The Demon fires off a fist to the head of Royal. Todd staggers back, but retaliates with a punch of his own. Liston wastes no time in firing another one off, but Royal hangs in with a second shot of his own. Liston reels back and swings for a third time, but Royal ducks the blow, hooks Liston’s waist and spins him around in a Blue Thunder Power Bomb.

ONE!

.

TWO!

.

THR…

.

KICKOUT!

Axis: An absolutely BRUTAL exchange of fists there, leading into a pretty Blue Thunder Bomb by Royal, but Jimmy Liston was STILL able to kick out before the count of three!

King: This match may not end until one of these men physically cannot stand up and walk out of here!

Royal turns Liston over onto his face and grabs his arms, crossing them across his neck. Pulling back, Royal locks on the Todd’s Eye- the Straightjacket Camel Clutch hold. The fans begin to clap and chant “DEMON” again however, trying to will Liston to his feet. Royal tries to break the momentum by simply lifting his opponent up and hitting a Straightjacket Suplex, but Liston frees his right arm, spins around, and decapitates Todd with a vicious short-arm lariat.

Axis: OH! Royal may have just lost his head there on that clothesline by Liston. Royal tried, as he did last week, to turn that Todd’s Eye into a Straightjacket Suplex, but Liston once again showing that he has Todd well scouted and will not let Royal play around with him!

King: Liston’s back on the offensive now, but I would be shocked if Royal is done yet…I Believe In TODD!

Liston scoops Royal from the mat and hooks him in a reverse front chancery. As Todd flails his arms to try to escape, The Demon lifts him perpendicular to the mat and scowls, dropping Todd down on his head in a stiff Gourdbuster! The crowd verbally winces in pain as Liston effortlessly floats over into a cover.

ONE!

.

TWO!

.

THR…

.

E.

.

KICKOUT!

Axis: An amazing show of strength by the Demon, lifting Royal up vertically before dropping him with that Gourdbuster.

King: All the strength in the world doesn’t compare to the force possessed by the hand of Todd however! Royal’s still alive!

Liston lifts the limp body of Todd Royal from the mat and into the air, pressing him three times in military fashion before dropping him face first onto the mat. The crowd cheers as Liston steps over the fallen Royal (And on his head) and casually falls backwards, dropping an elbow on the skull of Royal. The Demon follows up by sending Royal to the turnbuckle, but Todd looks to regain momentum by springing off the turnbuckles with a high cross body block. The flying Royal is intercepted by Liston however, who hits a fall away slam to send Royal sliding across the ring.

Axis: Royal desperate to regain the advantage, trying a body press, but he ran into a Brick wall named Jimmy Liston.

King: What was that? “Brick wall named Jimmy Liston”? Geez man, you must be getting tired. That was the worst simile I’ve ever heard.

Axis: It was a metaphor moron.

King: Shut up.

Liston, re-energized, grabs Royal and wraps his hand around Todd’s neck, drilling him with the TORMENT! Liston pops back to his feet as the crowd stands and chants again.

“DEMON!” “DEMON!” “DEMON!” “DEMON!”

Liston contemplates a cover, but decides to go for more punishment, sending Royal hard into the turnbuckle. The Demon mounts Todd and starts slapping Royal hard across the face, as the crowd joins him in counting the shots.

“1!”…”2!”…”3!”…”4!”…”5!”…”6!”…”7!”…”8!”…”9!”…”OHHH!!!”

Right before the count of ten Royal charges from the corner, dropping Liston across the top turnbuckle with a Snake-Eyes. As Liston slams to the mat, Royal pops up and spits in his face before collapsing himself.

King: YES! I Love It! Bitchslapping, spitting this an absolutely awesome show of disregard for rules!

Axis: Well, the winner gets a title shot after all. Matt Kivell is being lenient on the rules because we do need a #1 contender after all…

King: We already have a #1 contender.

Axis: Huh?

King: English Dragon…remember buddy?

Axis: Shut up.

King: HAH!

Kivell: “1!”…”2!”…”3!”…”4!”…”5!”…”6!”…”7!”…

At the referee’s count of seven, Royal makes it to his feet. Grabbing Liston by the arm, he Irish whips the Demon to the ropes, rebounding off the opposite side with a huge Spear that sends Liston to the mat and rattles the ring! Royal re-positions his opponent in the middle of the ring and heads up to the top rope. Todd smirks at the crowd before springing off the top rope with a Moonsault…..and crashing to the mat, as Liston rolls out of the way.

The fans pop as Liston picks Royal up and hit’s a fireman’s carry slam. Pointing down at Todd, the Demon pulls his thumb across his throat in an executioner’s style before lifting Royal to his feet. Planting Royal’s head between his legs, he smiles at the crowd and draws the fans to their feet. He shrugs, looks down and spits on the back of his opponent, drawing a huge wave of cheers from the audience.

Axis: This could be the end of the match right here ladies and gentle men! Jimmy Liston is looking for the Descent! If he hits this move, Royal will NOT be coming back!

King: And he very well may! Todd could be stunned by that vicious loogie!

Liston grasps Royal around the waist and raises him onto his shoulders. As the Demon looks to spin Royal around into the face buster however, Todd launches himself over his opponent’s head and rolls him up into a Sunset Flip pin. The crowd deflates- then boos- as Royal rolls through and plants his feet on the middle rope. Kivell drops down to make the count…

ONE!

.

TWO!

.

THR…

.

E..eee..e..e…e…

.

THREE!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”

*DING* *DING* *DING*

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”

Funyon: The winner of this contest, and the number one contender for the SJL Television Title…TODD ROYAL!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”

King: AHA! There is a Todd!! Royal is victorious, and is one step closer to becoming the TV Champ!

Axis: And fittingly, the match ends with BLATANT cheating, as Royal gets the pinfall with his feet on the ropes.

King: And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Axis: I don’t doubt it for a minute…

As the bell rings and the fans jeer, Royal hightails it from the ring. Liston immediately springs to his feet and gives chase. Todd makes it most of the way down the aisle before being caught and dragged back between the ropes. Royal makes a desperate leap for the ropes, but The Demon pulls him back into the center of the ring and hits him with the DAMNATION, shaking the ring!

Liston smirks and leaves the ringside area to the praise of the fans, pissed off at his loss, but satisfied at his redemption. Megan Skye rushes to the ring, and helps Todd crawl up the ramp as we swing back to Axis and Suicide King for the last word.

Axis: Jimmy Liston gets a measure of revenge, but it will be Todd Royal who will go on to meet the winner of the Shawn Tybalt/Craig McClennan match for the SJL TV Title!

King: When we come back to Crimson, we’ll have that very match. If it’s anywhere near as brutal as our last two matches, I’m in for an awesome night!

Axis: Stick around, because Crimson will be RIGHT BACK!

July 4, 2003

The camera pans across the screaming fans as we return to S. J. L. Crimson! It cuts momentarily to show signs reading "I LUV DURAN DURAN!" and "BITE MY THUMB ANYTIME". It twirls across the arena for several more seconds before we switch to Axis and Suicide King at ring side.

Axis: BAH GAWD! We're having some fun tonight, King!

King: If you say so, Axis. I'm hoping for a real winner of a match tonight, Axis.

Axis: Well, King, I think you're going to get one, as we have to undefeated S. J. L. wrestlers duking it out for the gold. The S. J. L. Television title is on the line as "The Rebel" Shawn Tybalt takes on Craig McLennan!

King: Craig McLennan has really came out of nowhere for this shot. He won his number one contendership just five days ago at Wrath in only his second match. It'll be damn interesting to see if he can score the win here tonight.

Axis: The competition is definitely tough, Craig. Shawn Tybalt may be one of the fastest rising stars in S. J. L. today. He's already taking it to several of S. J. L.'s top stars, not be mentioned scored the TV title. Though he's held the title for two weeks, this will be his first title defense here tonight. Let's see if he can pull it off.

King: Well, Axis, I think its about time for some pyromania!

Rammstein's "Feuer Frei" cues up on the arena sound system and Craig McLennan immediately walks out of the back and starts down the ramp towards the ring.

FUNYON: From Duncan, British Columbia in Canada, weighing in at one hundred and ninety one pounds, he is Craig McLENNAN!!

As he approaches the ring, McLennan pulls a Zippo from his jacket. He stands in place for several seconds staring at the pretty fire. Craig puts the lighter down in the corner of the ring, than hops up on the apron. He back flips over the ropes to the ring. McLennan has a maniacal look on his face as he awaits his opponent.

Axis: That man is crazier than a pet coon!

King: You say that before the pyromaniac goes in to a match with a man who apparently things he lives in Shakespearian Verona. Haven't you learned that in pro wrestling everyone's crazy?

The entrance lights turn red as Tybalt is heard saying "Peace? I hate the word. As I hate hell, all these fans, and thee."

A black smoke from backstage floods the entry way as "Clint Eastwood" by the Gorillaz cues up. Tybalt emerges with Dangeress only a step behind.

FUNYON: Being accompanied to the ring by Dangeress, from fair Verona where he lays his scene, weighing in at two hundred and nineteen pounds, he is the S. J. L. Television Champion, "The Rebel", Shawn TYBALT!!!

Shawn and Dangeress walks to the ring, making various rude gestures to the fans. He rolls in to the ring, climbs the ropes, then does a "Suck it" crotch chop.

Axis: Tybalt's disregard for the fans is quite obvious here tonight. Let's hope Craig McLennan can teach the cocky rebel a thing or two.

King: Do you really want a pryomaniac teaching anybody anything? You really want this arean to burn down, don't you?

Referee Sexton Hardcastle moves in to tell the two men the rules of the match, than steps back and waves for the bell.

DING DING DING!

The match is on, as Craig McLennan immediately brings his foot up and around at Shawn Tybalt's head with a nasty roundhouse. Tybalt drops backwards to the mat to avoid the blow, than kicks up with both legs to catch McLennan in the chest. Craig stumbles back at the blow, and Tybalt kippups to his feet. Both men stare each other down as they start to circle.

Axis: No doubt in my mine, that I'm going to have trouble calling this match with the psychotic speed of both these men.

Shawn Tybalt moves in and drops around and behind Craig McLennan, but McLennan moves out of the way to break the attempt at a waist lock. McLennan catches Tybalt's arm as he twirls around to face his opponent. McLennan twists Tybalt's arm back and in to an armbar. Tybalt cries out at the sudden pain, than immediately goes to work trying to break the hold. Tybalt twists himself back and behind McLennan, reversing the armbar behind McLennan's back. McLennan doubles over at the pain of the hold. McLennan drops himself face first to the mat, where he gets his knees under him. He rolls himself over and takes Tybalt over with him. McLennan pins Tybalt's shoulders to the mat.

ONE!

T.... NO!

Tybalt just barely throws his shoulder up, breaking the pin. Craig McLennan tries once again to lock an armbar on Shawn Tybalt, but Tybalt pushes his way to his feet. McLennan, still locked on to Tybalt from behind, tries to hook on a waist lock, but Tybalt struggles out of the hold, reversing around behind McLennan. McLennan rolls himself forward, bringing Tybalt up and over his shoulder, and down to the mat. McLennan moves to roll in to the cover, but Tybalt rolls him up and over, landing just right to pin McLennan's shoulders to the mat.

ONE!

T.... NO!

Craig McLennan kicks out, breaking the hold. McLennan tries to again roll Tybalt off of him, but Tybalt holds on, locking McLennan in a hammerlock. Tybalt moves in to get a rear chin lock, but McLennan powers up to his feet. McLennan tries to reverse the headlock in to a snapmare, but Tybalt backs in to the ropes, releasing McLennan as he hits them. McLennan drops to the mat, and rolls back up to his feet. Tybalt runs in for the clothesline, but McLennan brings his knee up in to Tybalt's gut. McLennan flips Tybalt back to the mat with a snapmare and goes for the cover.

ONE!

TW.... NO!

Shawn Tybalt kicks out, forcing McLennan off of him. Tybalt rolls up and to his feet, and again attacks McLennan with a right hand. McLennan drops down to the mat, catching Tybalt's arm, and flipping the Rebel in an arm drag. Craig McLennan holds the arm, and rolls over Tybalt for the reverse armbar.

Axis: What a match! Craig McLennan is really working that arm from what I can see here, King. These two move as fast as lightining!

King: These are two amazing competitors here tonight, Axis.

Shawn Tybalt slowly starts to roll himself over, than brings his feet up and around Craig McLennan's head. Tybalt slams his legs and McLennan's head down towards the mat, squeezing the head scissors to cut off McLennan's oxygen.

Axis: A headscissors submission! That's amazing.

King: I think we're just getting started, Axis...

McLennan rolls up on to his knees to try and break the scissors, but Shawn Tybalt holds on with the tenacity of a pit bull. Tybalt pounds on McLennan's back in hopes of making the Canadian quit, but McLennan rolls himself up and over Tybalt to break the scissors. McLennan rolls all the way over Tybalt, locking a crossface on to the Rebel.

Shawn Tybalt lifts himself up to his feet, forcing McLennan up behind him. Shawn Tybalt drags McLennan up and over with a snapmare, dropping to the mat with him. Tybalt goes for a headlock, but McLennan rolls him over on to his shoulders for a pin.

ONE!

NO!

Tybalt rolls back over and in to the headlock. McLennan powers his way to his feet, still locked in Shawn Tybalt's headlock. McLennan backs both Tybalt and himself in to the ropes, springing off of them. McLennan tries to whip Tybalt across the ring, but Tybalt grabs McLennan's arm and flips him back to the mat, where he locks on an armbar.

Axis: Shawn Tybalt is really showing his superior mat wrestling technique so far tonight.

King: Craig McLennan really needs to bust out his high spots if he's going to overcome Shawn Tybalt.

Craig McLennan pounds Tybalt in the back of the head with his shoulder to try and break the armbar, but Tybalt just increases the pressure on the armbar. McLennan slowly powers himself up to his feet, while Tybalt keeps the armbar locked in. Craig McLennan brings his leg up in to Tybalt's gut. Shawn Tybalt releases the armbar, allowing McLennan to whip Tybalt towards the far rope. Shawn Tybalt rebounds off the ropes, right in to a standing dropkick by McLennan. Tybalt drops to the mat, and McLennan immediately rolls on top of him for the pinfall attempt.

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Shawn Tybalt throws the shoulder up, but Craig McLennan immediately rolls over and in to a squatting position, where he locks on a reverse armbar submission. McLennan locks his knee over Tybalt's head to increase the pressure on the Rebel's arm. Shawn Tybalt powers himself up and to his feet, than rakes Craig McLennan across the eyes. McLennan releases the armbar, as Tybalt goes for a D D T. Tybalt gets the head locked, for the DDT, but McLennan reverses the move by grabbing Tybalt's tights and hoisting him back and over in a vertical suplex. McLennan rolls Tybalt over for the cover.

ONE!

TWO.... NO!

Tybalt throws his shoulder up and off the mat. Tybalt flips himself up and over Craig McLennan, locking on a rear chinlock. McLennan works his way back to his feet, where he flips Shawn Tybalt over his head and to the mat. Tybalt rolls right back up to his feet, and turns to meet the book of McLennan. McLennan grabs Tybalt's arm and whips the Rebel across the ring. McLennan leaps in to the air as Tybalt charges, planting a standing dropkick right in to Tybalt's forehead. Tybalt drops hard to the mat.

Craig McLennan runs back and hits the ropes, than chages back at the downed Shawn Tybalt. Tybalt brings his legs up and around McLennan's head as he reaches the Rebel. Tybalt twists the head scissors around to bring McLennan down to the mat with him. Tybalt climbs to his feet than stumbles back in to the nearest turnbuckle to catch his breath.

Axis: Both men's winds are beginning to fade now, King. It's only a matter of time before we find our winner.

King: Where's the chair shots? Oh, the humanity...

Craig McLennan pulls himself to his feet, and moves in to Shawn Tybalt who is still in the corner. McLennan lays a couple of tough boots in to Tybalt's chest. McLennan grabs Tybalt's arm and whips the Rebel across the ring to the far turnbuckle. McLennan runs across the ring after Tybalt, leaping in to the air to smash in to the Rebel with a body splash. Tybalt stumbles off of the turnbuckle. McLennan grabs Tybalt's arm again and whips him back towards the first turnbuckle. McLennan charges back in, but Tybalt ducks under McLennan's clothesline. Tybalt whils around bringing his leg up in to a spinning crescent kick alongside McLennan's cheek. McLennan stumbles back in to the turnbuckle, where Tybalt lays in a couple of stiff boots to the midsection. Tybalt tries to whip McLennan across the ring, but McLennan locks his feet midring to stop the momentum. McLennan pulls Tybalt back in to him, than flips up and around in to the air to bring his legs around Tybalt's neck. McLennan flips back and down to the mat, bringing Tybalt head first in to the mat.

Axis: This could be it, King....

Craig McLennan heads to the turnbuckle, where he leaps to the top in one swift motion. McLennan leaps in to the air towards his opponent, doing a full 360 degree rotation, befire straightening out towards Tybalt elbow first. Tybalt brings his knees up as McLennan lands, and McLennan crashes arm and head first right in to them. McLennan rolls off of Tybalt's knees to the mat, where he lies motionless.

Shawn Tybalt immediately takes advantage, rolling up and on to Tybalt's back. Tybalt hooks McLennan's arm in a leg scissors, than wraps his hands around McLennan's head to lock in the crippler crossface. McLennan writhes in pain, but he can't find a way to escape. McLennan struggles his way towards the nearby ropes, but across the ring, Dangeress leaps up to the apron. Hardcastle walks over to here, and yells at her to get out of the ring and go backstage, just as McLennan locks his hand on the bottom rope. Tybalt releases the headlock long enough to bach McLennan across the back of the head with an elbow, than yanks McLennan back in towards the center of the ring. Dangeress drops off the ropes and heads towards the back as Tybalt locks the crossface back on. McLennan has nowhere to go as Hardcastle turns back around to the men in the ring. Craig McLennan throws his arm up in to the air and....

TAPS.

Sexton Hardcastle calls for the bell, as Shawn Tybalt releases the hold. Dangeress runs back in to the ring to congratulate her man as "Clint Eastwood" cues up.

FUNYON: The winner of this match by submission and still S. J. L. Television champion... "The Rebel" SHAWN TYBALT!!!!

McLennan raises his title in the air, as McLennan lies motionless in the ring.

Axis: Shawn Tybalt has retained his Television title. I really thought McLennan had him there for a moment...

King: Tybalt's a savvy ring general, Axis. That pyromaniac didn't stand a chance.

Craig McLennan slowly struggles his way to his knees as Crimson fades to commercial.

July 4, 2003

As Crimson returns from it’s commercial break, the crowd is at a fever pitch for the next match up. Fans are running back from the bathroom at such a speed that more than one camera catches fans slipping on beer and rolling down stairwells. They land in the lower seating areas before they are grabbed by security as if to be an anti-Grappler sign and tossed back up into the upper decks.

Before anymore of this crowd melee is captured on tape the cameras switch over to Axis and Suicide King…who also both seem to be pumped, though neither slipped on any beer.

Axis: Coming up next we have a tag team match with the veteran Spike Jenkins teaming with the newcomer Bloodshed…

King: And going against them are the newly crowned European Champion Leo Breslin and a man that lost in the match that got Breslin that title…Tim Dillon.

Axis: This match raises a lot of questions, King. How are Spike and Bloodshed going to get along and how will Bloodshed react to losing in his debut match on Wrath?

King: Don’t forget about the other side…how are Dillon and Breslin going to co-exist with all this trouble in their past…?

Axis: Hopefully both teams will be able to work out some kind of plan to go into this match….

Almost before Axis can get out that sentence “Barroom Hero” hits and out walks Tim Dillon, holding his head high and strutting to the ring. Funyon is in the ring for the introductions.

Funyon: This next match is a tag team contest. Introducing first…from Limerick, Ireland…100 percent Irish and 200 proof…he is TIM DILLON~!

Dillon rolls into the ring and stands up, brushing himself off and waving to the crowd as if he mixed Bailey’s Irish Cream and some Uppers before the show.

Axis: Dillon looks to be ready for this fight and doesn’t even seem to mind that he is teaming with the champ.

King: Must be that drunken haze…

“Wont Back Down” by Fuel suddenly hits and from behind the curtain steps Leo Breslin, ready to fight. Scarlet trails closely behind as flames appear in the entranceway and the lights go out. Funyon then continues the introduction…

Funyon: And his tag team partner…being accompanied to the ring by Scarlet Minjonet…hailing from Cleveland, Ohio…he is YOUR SJL European Champion…………LEOOOOOOO BRESLIN~!

Just as Funyon trails off, Breslin slides under the rope and Scarlet takes her place on the outside. Breslin walks to Dillon and puts out his hand, which Dillon shakes and then takes his place on the apron, apparently wishing that Breslin start the fight. Breslin simply smiles back and shows off his new European title before handing it to an outside ring attendant.

Axis: Well it seems they’ve put their differences aside for tonight, King…

King: Maybe they just want to work together and try to pin Spike down and give that guy some more humiliation.

Axis: What about his partner, Bloodshed…you don’t think they are worried about him?

King: That nut job? What can that do that me or you couldn’t?

King’s voice is almost drowned out by the opening chords of “Revolution Revolucion” fire up…but after about 10 seconds the music comes to an abrupt halt. The Smark-Tron shows Bloodshed standing facing a camera with a wireless microphone coming around his face…

King: Where does he think he is? Say What Karaoke?

Bloodshed: Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls…you have a special treat tonight. The following match is going to have two very special guest commentators for your enjoyment….

Spike Jenkins walks into frame with a smile on his face.

Bloodshed: …they are the team of Bloodshed and “Hollywood” Spike Jenkins…The Secondary Announce Team!!

The crowd shows their approval of this idea, letting loose a few cheers.

King: Can he do that?

Axis: I guess he can…

Bloodshed: You are right I can…and I can hear every single word you two are saying in this lovely little earpiece. Now if you don’t mind…we have a fight to start….

Suddenly the lights in the arena go out and when the come back on a moment later, both Spike and Bloodshed are in the ring, with Bloodshed on the apron and Spike just a few feet away from Leo Breslin. Breslin jumps back, almost knocking over Mathew Kivell, who was simply minding his own business. Kivell notices all four men in the ring and starts the match…

*DING DING DING*

Leo and Spike begin to circle each other as Bloodshed and Tim look on. They go right to a collar-and-elbow tieup, but Spike breaks away and connects with a forearm to Leo’s jaw that sends him back a bit. Another follows behind it and Leo takes another step back. Spike tries to irish whip Breslin but it is reversed and Breslin tries for a back body drop as Jenkins comes off the ropes, but Spike sees it coming and hooks him in a front facelock and drops him down with a quick DDT.

Bloodshed: A fabulous DDT there from Jenkins! Had that of been me there would be blood everywhere!

King: (sarcastically) …And we know everyone wants to see that!

Bloodshed: Of course they do!

(Axis laughs to himself)

Spike is up, holding Leo by the neck. Jenkins connects with a few elbows to the back of the head but suddenly Breslin pops up to a standing position and kicks Spike right in the gut. He hooks a front facelock and tosses Spike over with a snap suplex. Breslin is back up and he tags out to Dillon, who comes into the ring and catches Spike just as he reaches his feet and sends him into the ropes with a dropkick to the back. Jenkins hits the ropes and falls back right into a rollup from Dillon!

ONE…….Kickout at one by the veteran. Bloodshed acts overly dramatic in the corner.

Bloodshed: Come on, Spike! Tag me! He almost had you for a two count there! We can’t be having that! Come on, Spike!

King and Axis: Oy…..

Dillon is back up and reaches down to pick up Jenkins, but instead Jenkins kips up and hits a hard clothesline that puts Dillon on the mat. Jenkins gives Dillon a few kicks and then picks him up and tosses him through the ropes and to the floor. As Dillon is recovering Spike has tagged out to Bloodshed and has gotten Bloodshed’s headset on. As Dillon slides into the ring he is met from above by Bloodshed, who begins to almost savagely pummel Dillon into the mat.

Spike: Hey guys…what’s up?

King: Why…..why did you agree to do this?

Spike: Well I’ve done everything else in the SJL……why not be part of the announce team too…one day I may even have my own little table.

Axis: We don’t need any help here, Spike.

Spike: Sure you do, guys…I’m a master at this stuff. Look at Bloodshed now. He just picked up Dillon and let him tag out to the European Champion…and now Breslin is in and they start going at it like two hot girls trying to get a piece of “Hollywood”…

King and Axis: …..

Breslin catches Bloodshed in a hammerlock and wraps his right arm around Bloodshed’s body. Before Bloodshed can react he is over Breslin’s head and then bouncing off the mat hard.

Axis: A hammerlock into a belly-to-back suplex…what a painful looking combo that was. Bloodshed could be hurt…

King: Or bleeding.

Axis: Spike…is Bloodshed bleeding any down there?

Spike: Well from my vantage point Bloodshed appears to have a few drops rolling down his forehead, but that is entirely normal for him. Let’s see what happens next.

Bloodshed is still down from the suplex as Breslin uses the time to capitalize. He drops, putting his weight over Bloodshed’s body and connecting with hard shots to his head.

Spike: And Bloodshed is BUSTED OPEN GOOD, NOW!

King: Shouldn’t you help him?

Spike: And deprive the fans of my voice? …I’m sure he can get out of it…he’s used to the blood by now I’m sure…

Bloodshed is indeed busted open, with a few trails of blood dripping down his face. Breslin smiles to himself before tagging out to Dillon, who stands behind Bloodshed and goads him to get up. The fans are having a tough time deciding who to cheer for, with constant cheers and boos echoing around the building.

King: It seems this crowd is torn between the two teams, Axis.

Axis: We can only have one winner though, King.

Spike: And that’s me, guys! Really, come on? Who do you think is going to win this match?

King and Axis: ………..

Bloodshed is finally to his feet, and as he spins around to face Dillon he is doubled over with a knee shot to the stomach and then another violent fury of punches to the face.

Spike: Come on Bloodshed! Wake up!

When Dillon steps away his hand is dripping with blood. He reaches down and wipes it off calmly on the mat as Matthew Kivell looks on. Before Dillon can return to a vertical base, however, Bloodshed has lunged across the ring and connected with a dropkick to the knee that sends Dillon down to the mat and into the blood he just wiped across the mat. Bloodshed wipes the blood from his face and rubs it on his chest as he begins to work over the lower back of Dillon, hitting a flurry of kicks before dropping down across Dillon’s back and hooking him into a Camel Clutch.

Spike: You might want to look behind you...

Bloodshed is attacked from behind by Breslin and knocked to the mat, releasing the hold. Both men lift Bloodshed off the mat and into the air before dropping him down in a hard slam. Spike pulls his headset off and climbs to the top rope and dives into the ring, splashing down both opponents and rolling off of them and to the outside. He rushes around the ring and back to the apron just as Bloodshed makes it to the ropes for the tag.

Axis: What a move by Jenkins to help out his partner….and now he is in!

Bloodshed rolls out of the ring after the tag just as Spike connects with quick DDT on the almost standing Dillon. Bloodshed finally makes it back to his feet and puts the headset on, partially bloodying it in the process.

King: Oh god…Bloodshed just got the headset all bloody!

Axis: I’m sure he doesn’t mind…

Bloodshed: Nope…thanks, Axis.

King: But what about Spike? He can’t wear that!?

Bloodshed: Sure he can…it’s not that bad. But look at him now. He is really wearing down the back of Tim Dillon. 420 LEGDROP TO THE LOWER BACK! ROLLS HIM OVER! THE COVER!

ONE!

TWO….KICKOUT!

Jenkins is up once more, pulling Dillon up as well. Spike whips Dillon into the corner and follows up with a Tidal Wave…

Bloodshed, King, and Axis: TIDAL WAVE~!

….but Breslin makes a blind tag on the back of Dillon and comes in, catching Spike with a Straightjacket Suplex as he celebrates. The cover…

ONE…

Bloodshed: NO!

TWO…

THR……Bloodshed breaks up the count just before the three, pulling Breslin off of Spike and dropping him with a quick Rocker Dropper. Bloodshed stands, mic still on…

Bloodshed: That was for you, Hollywood!

Kivell tries to restore order, pushing Bloodshed out of the ring as Spike crawls over and throws an arm over Breslin’s chest…

ONE…

TWO…

THR…NO! Broken up by Dillon! Bloodshed runs in and tries to get in Dillon’s face but Kivell pushes him away and back to his corner, allowing Spike to be pulled into the opposing corner and get beat on for a few moments while Bloodshed tries reasoning with Mat…

Bloodshed: Would you turn around, idiot! They are beating up my partner! Turn around! Fine I’ll get out of the ring! TURN AROUND!

Just as Kivell turns around Dillon is back on the apron and is waiting for a cocky tag from Breslin, who obliges as Spike sits in the corner looking a bit beaten up.

Bloodshed: Why wouldn’t that stupid ref listen to me?

Axis: It’s just the way things are, Bloodshed…

King: And it’s the way we like them!

Dillon pulls Spike out of the corner after a few more well placed kicks to the jaw and whips him into the ropes. Spike comes off the ropes and his hit with a GORE~! from Dillon, who follows up with hard punches to Spike’s face.

King: What a Gore! And now Dillon is trying to make Spike REALLY look like Bloodshed’s partner.

Bloodshed: He is my partner…

King: ………nevermind.

Dillon is back on his feet, pumping his fists to the crowd for appreciation, but the crowd is still torn on who to root for, so his pop is a bit less than anticipated. Now a bit angry, Dillon hits a quick elbow drop the back of the head and then goes to the top rope.

Axis: Dillon…going high risk here…

Dillon comes off the top with a beautiful ledgrop…again to the back of Spike’s head. Spike is in agony once again, rolling around on the mat and holding his head in pain. Dillon stands and quickly tags in Breslin, who comes in and lifts Spike off the mat once more.

Bloodshed: (nervous) Oh man…come on Spike!

Breslin shoves Spike’s head between his legs and looks to go for the Breslin Deluxe.

Axis: This could be the end of Spike right here…

Bloodshed: Don’t say that!!

Breslin lifts Spike up and throws his body over his head and has it set up…

….but Spike is able to pull himself free and get back to a vertical base…Breslin turns around and is met with a hard kick to the kneecap that causes Leo to double over in pain. Spike hooks a front facelock and follows with the ROLL THE JOINT~! putting both men down and out…

Axis: ROLL THE JOINT ON LEO….but Spike can’t capitalize! He needs to make a tag or try for a cover…

King: …Or Both!

Bloodshed: Come on Spike…Tag! Cover! Do Something!

Kivell starts the count as both men trying to make a tag as their partners on the apron rally for them to make it first…

1….2….

Bloodshed: Tag me, Spike! Tag me!

3…..4…..

Both men crawl a bit closer to their goals…

5……..6……….7……….

Axis: Spike looks to be closer!

King: No…Leo is!

Bloodshed: …Keep going Spike! You’re almost here!

8………….

9………………………………..

AND SPIKE MAKES THE TAG TO BLOODSHED!

AND SO DOES LEO!

The crowd explodes as Bloodshed and Dillon leap into the ring. Dillon goes to unleash a right hand, but Bloodshed stops him in mid-motion with a right hand of his own. Dillon stumbles back, as Bloodshed lets out another right hand, and a third. Bloodshed pushes Dillon back into the ropes, and whips him across the ring. Dillon bounces into the ropes and comes charging back, as Bloodshed drops his head down, and flips Dillon backwards with a big back body drop! Bloodshed continues steam rolling over the opposing team as he charges towards Breslin, who is just starting to get to his feet. Bloodshed pushes him backwards into the ropes, and whips him across the ring, much like he just did to Dillon. Breslin bounces into the ropes and comes running back, as Bloodshed ducks his head, and flips Breslin over in the air with a big back body drop! With all the excitement running through Bloodshed and the crowd cheering behind him, Bloodshed charges at Dillon, who is getting to his feet, and pulls him into the center of the ring. Bloodshed throws his leg up at Dillon, allowing to Dillon to catch is purposely, and Bloodshed leaps sideways into the air, connecting with a Enziguri to the back of Dillon’s head, knocking them both to the mat. Bloodshed quickly gets up to his feet, shaking his fists, drawing energy out of the crowd to keep going, when he notices Breslin pulling himself up, using the ropes. Breslin turns towards Bloodshed, as Bloodshed charges at him, connecting with a clothesline that has enough force behind it to send Breslin over the top rope!)

Axis: Bloodshed is a House En Fuego~! As Damian Gonzalez of The Smart Marks would say!

Suicide King: Stop shilling, you stooge.

(Bloodshed, with all the excitement, smacks his tag team partner, Spike Jenkins on the arm, tagging him into the match...)

Spike: Wait...WHAT ARE YOU DOING? DON’T TAG ME IN, DAMN IT! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

Axis: Looks to be some tension between Spike and Bloodshed...

Spike: SHUT UP, AXIS!

Axis: Eeeep.

(Bloodshed charges back over to where he knocked Breslin out of the ring. Breslin begins to make his way up, as he looks up, as Breslin slingshots himself over the top rope, crashing down onto Breslin with a cross body!)

Suicide King: And Bloodshed is flying all around the ring!

Spike: Damn it, Bloodshed! Now I have to get back in the ring. Jesus...

(Spike tosses the microphone earpiece out of his ear, and to the floor, as he steps into the ring. Spike hurries over to Tim Dillon, as he gets up from the previous assault by Bloodshed. Spike hits Dillon with a right hand, and another, knocking him backwards into the ropes. Spike pushes Dillon back, and whips him across the ring, but Dillon reverses it, sending Spike across the ring into the ropes. Spike bounces into the ropes, and comes charging back towards Dillon. Dillon ducks his head, but Spike stops short, and sends a quick kick to Dillon’s face. Dillon stumbles back, and Spike attempts to capitalize with a quick clothesline, but Dillon ducks under it, getting behind Spike. Spike turns around towards Dillon, who uses Spike’s shoulder as a springboard up into the air, wrapping his legs around Spike’s head, and flipping backwards for a hurricanrana.....

But Spike holds onto Dillon, and stands in place, as Dillon hangs upside down from Spike. Spike pushes his arms through Dillon’s legs, and locks them around his ankles, and begins pulling back in The Smoke Out!!)

Axis: Spike has The Smoke Out locked in on Tim Dillon!

Suicide King: Tap out, Dillon! There is no way you are getting out of it!

(The referee dives into action, checking to see if Dillon taps out, but Dillon refuses, while screaming in pain. Dillon holds his arms out, trying to reach for anything, but is dead stuck in the middle of the ring. Dillon has no choice, but to struggle his way to the ropes.)

Axis: Tim Dillon knows that the only way to get out of the Smoke Out is to get to the ropes.

(Dillon uses all the strength in his upper body to pull his way towards the ropes. Spike, on the other hand, tries to maintain his balance, and keep the hold locked in for as long as possible. Dillon lets out a few yelps of pain, as he struggles to make it to the ropes....

Dillon’s almost there....

The pain rips through his back.....

Dillon tips the ropes....

AND YES! Dillon grabs the bottom rope! The referee jumps right into action, and begins shouting at Spike to break the hold. Spike, being the asshole that he is, holds Dillon down in The Smoke Out, causing the referee to scream at him, and to begin the five count.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIV....Spike lets go of The Smoke Out.)

Axis: What a cheap way to wear down Tim Dillon!

Suicide King: Cheap? Yes. Smart? You’re Damn Right!

(Spike reaches down, grabbing Dillon by his ankles, and turning the exhausted Irishman over onto his back, and pulls him into the center of the ring. Spike wraps his arms around Dillon’s ankles, and goes to turn him over, to lock him back in The Smoke Out once more. But Dillon sees it coming, and grabs Spike by the hair, and lets the self-proclaimed King of the World eat a right hand. This temporarily stuns Spike, but Spike holds his own, trying to turn Dillon over, but Dillon counters it again with another right hand, and another, and a third. Spike stumbles back, almost falling to the mat, but Dillon quickly grabs his head, and pulls him over with a Small Package!)

ONE!

TWO!

THRE......NO! Spike kicks out of it! Spike quickly gets back up to his feet, as Dillon tries the same, but Spike stops him in his tracks with a quick dropkick to the side of the head, knocking Dillon face first to the mat.)

Suicide King: Come on Spike, put him away some how!

Axis: The Smoke Out took a lot of out Tim Dillon, but he almost picked up the win with that small package!

Suicide King: BUT he didn’t!

Axis: Well, right here in front of us, both Bloodshed and SJL European Champion, Leo Breslin are starting to get to their feet.

(Both Leo and Bloodshed use the ring apron to get to their feet, both exhausted from the high flying antics of Bloodshed. Bloodshed grabs onto the middle rope, and begins to pull himself onto the apron, into the ring, but Breslin pulls him down off the apron, and quickly spins him around. Breslin wraps his arms around Bloodshed’s head, and drops down onto his back, driving Bloodshed face first into the mat with a Diamond Cutter!)

Axis: Nasty looking Diamond Cutter on the floor by Leo Breslin to Bloodshed!

(Back in the ring, Spike Jenkins charges at the ropes, leaping onto the middle rope, and springboards backwards off of it, hitting a springboard moonsault onto Tim Dillon!)

Suicide King: Spike with the Lion-Sault!

One!

Two!

Thr....No! Tim Dillon gets a shoulder up! Spike looks at the referee in pain, as he himself is feeling the effects of the earlier attacks on his neck. Spike slams his fists against the mat, and rolls under the bottom rope, to the outside of the ring.)

Axis: Where is Spike going?

Suicide King: Spike is frustrated. He is going to hurt somebody!

(Spike walks over to the ring announcer, Funyon, and grabs Leo Breslin’s SJL European Title away from him. Funyon, knowing from past encounters with Spike, lets him have it without a struggle, as Spike turns back, and slides back into the ring. Spike holds the title belt back, waiting for Dillon to get to his feet. Dillon begins to struggle his way up, holding his lower back in pain from the previous Smoke Out. Spike, ready to strike, gets the belt almost pulled out of his hands from behind by the Referee! They both pull on the belt, trying to get control of it. From in between them, on the apron, Leo Breslin reaches in, and grabs his title belt, trying to get it back for himself. All three men have a small tug of war, none of them wanting to give the belt up.)

Axis: What is going on in there?

Suicide King: They are all fighting for the belt! It’s like a big game of Tug-Of-War!

(They continue pulling the belt, but after the long struggle, Leo Breslin is finally able to pull it away. Spike pushes the referee down in between them, as he tries to get the belt back from Breslin, but Breslin leans back...

AND SWINGS THE BELT!!!

BUT SPIKE DUCKS!

AND BRESLIN NAILS TIM DILLON OVER THE HEAD WITH THE TITLE BELT!

Dillon falls like a sack of bricks, as Breslin looks stunned at what he just did. Spike, capturing the opportunity, grabs Breslin by the head, and drops down, driving Breslin neck first across the top rope. Breslin falls into a sitting position on the apron, holding his throat and trying to catch oxygen, as Spike grabs Dillon’s legs, and flips over with a Jackknife Hold for the pin!)

One!

Two!

Three!

*Ding Ding Ding*

(Spike lets go of Dillon, and quickly rolls out of the ring, as Bloodshed comes too, and walks around towards Spike, as they both begin to walk towards the back, but not without posing, of course.)

Funyon: Here are your winners, The Secondary Announce Team, “Hollywood” Spike Jenkins and Bloodshed!

(The crowd boos at the finish of the match, as the winners go to the back, leaving Tim Dillon out cold in the middle of the ring, and Leo Breslin looking shocked at what happened.)

Suicide King: Leo Breslin defeated Tim Dillon to win the SJL European Championship, and we knew that there was tension between the two, but when Tim Dillon wakes up, Leo Breslin will have hell to pay!

Axis: But it was an accident, King! He was aiming for that no good scum, Spike Jenkins!

Suicide King: I think he meant to hit Dillon the whole time.

Axis: He was clearly aiming for Spike!

Suicide King: I saw what I saw, Axis.

(Leo grabs his title, and makes his way around the ring, and up the ramp, shaking his head in anger, and confusion. Leo turns towards the ring, looking on as officials check on the status of Tim Dillon, as SJL Crimson goes to a commercial break.)

July 4, 2003

The camera pans across the eager, screaming faces of the crowd as they are still tingling, electrified from the previous tag bout. They leap to their feet and turn to one side at the same time, hoping in vain to see their own faces looking back at them on the SmarkTron. Indeed these slow-witted, but die-hard SJL fans are having the time of their lives at SJL Crimson. The camera switches over to a shot of the enduring announcing team of Axis: the Australian Avenger, and the Suicide King: breaker of hearts and rules alike.

Axis: Welcome back to SJL Crimson! If you’re just joining us, then you’ve already missed a hell of a lot of action, including a hellish hardcore three-way and...

King: Did you just say “hardcore three-way?”

Axis: Umm... yes I did, King. But as I was saying, they...

King: Axis, do you even realize what you just said?

Axis: Well... I was just referring to that hot threesome we just...

King: There! You did it again!

Axis: I beg your pardon?

King: You used a sexual innuendo when describing the hardcore match!

Axis: ...

King: Forget it... dolt...

Axis: Well, if I may get back on track. Tonight has showcased us some fine wrestling, but it isn’t near over yet! In our main event we’ve got the two biggest, and possibly the most sadistic men in the SJL, Aecas and John Duran, kicking the crud out of each other for the right to face their referee, Charlie “Grappler” Matthews for his World Title at Wrathapalooza! But right now, we’re gonna take it down to Funyon at ringside!

At ringside, the announcing legend Funyon is already poised and ready to go. The combination of his dazzling purple suit and pearly white teeth cause the fans to applaud him warmly, even though they’ve seen him do the exact same thing several times before in the same night. “Ladies and gentlemen! Our next bout is scheduled for one fall and is for the right to face the European and World Champions respectively for their respective titles. Introducing first... vying for a shot at the European Title... he weighs in tonight at two hundred and fifty six pounds... hailing from the East side of St. Louis, Illinois... he is Scott SOLOMOOOON!!”

The lights fade down as Limp Bizkit’s “My Way” kicks in and a light is shown on Solomon as he bounces from foot to foot at the top of the stage. He receives what could best be described as a mixed reaction from the fans. Scott gets some cheers for his never-say-die attitude but also a bit of boos. Not concerned with catering much to the fans in the first place, the focused superstar suddenly sprints down to the ring as the song kicks into its chorus. He bounds down the ramp, focused intently on not losing tonight’s match and his European title shot.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Solomon leaps under the bottom rope and into the ring, moving towards the far turnbuckle where he bounces from foot to foot again, keeping his blood flowing and his energy high. With his eyes fixated on the entrance, Scott keeps his mind sharply on the difficult task to come.

Axis: Whether you love him, hate him, or you couldn’t give a damn, this young man is definitely going to be one of tomorrows top stars in this business.

King: Well, he’s got the potential... he just needs to start showing a complete disregard and utter loathing for the fans. Then he’ll be a superstar.

Axis: That remains to be seen, King. But if Scott Solomon keeps doing what we‘ve seen him do thus far, he’ll be on top in no time.

“My Way” fades from the speakers as the arena’s energy hesitates for a beat and a half before...

*KABOOM!!*

The enormous explosion of red pyro and the loud orchestrated chord of the Soviet National Anthem herald the arrival of its SJL representative. The crowd recognizes the opening and immediately begins to boo the man to whom it belongs. As the lyrics of the anthem begin, Viktor Tarakanov himself steps out from the back to meet the hatred of the crowd. As cold as his homeland, “The Red Rage” walks down the ramp without paying any heed to the noise emanating from the crowd.

Funyon speaks up from inside the ring “And his opponent, vying for the World Title shot... he weighs in at two hundred and eighty pounds... fighting out of Astrakhan, Russia... he is ‘The Red Rage’ Viktor TARAKAAAANOOOOV!!”

As he walks down the ramp, he is visibly struck by several empty (or partially empty) paper cups, all adorned with the American flag for the holiday season. At the bottom of the ramp, one such cup strikes him in the face and turns his usual frown into a scowl. Viktor bends over to pick up the cup, likely purchased from the same Piggly Wiggly as the others, and examines it briefly... before crushing it in his powerful hand in a very symbolic gesture. This draws from the crowd more heat than a furnace on overdrive as Tarakanov walks to the steps and enters the ring, tightening his wrist tape.

King: You know, I love my country as much as the next guy, but I find it tremendously entertaining when Vik disrespects it!

Axis: A patriot to the end... Well, Tarakanov looks to be in top shape, looking to have no ill effects from his time off.

DING!! DING!! DING!!

Upon hearing the bell, both men come to attention and prepare to do battle. Solomon cautiously approaches his opponent, sizing him up. Suddenly, Scott and Viktor lock arms and struggle to get control of each other. The lock-up is fairly even until Tarakanov uses his brute strength and shoves Solomon backwards. Scott is still standing and thinks quickly of his situation before approaching his opponent again and reinitiating the lock-up. Not willing to play this game any longer, Viktor puts his right leg behind Solomon’s and pushes him backward, taking him to the mat.

Tarakanov immediately drops to one knee and begins to lay in some heavy right hands to the face of Scott Solomon. After five brutal blows, the referee signals for Viktor to allow his opponent to rise. Begrudgingly, he abides by the order and gets to his feet and backs up, but only for a moment. As soon as the ref is placated and turns his back, “The Red Rage” charges forward and delivers several blows to the midsection of the fallen Solomon. The referee orders Viktor back again and this he does, but not before quickly taunting the crowd.

Axis: Viktor Tarakanov using some of that Sambo training to take down Scott Solomon.

King: Then look at the way he taunts the crowd. Brings a tear to my eye *sniffle*.

Axis: Should I leave you alone?

King: Haven’t I been asking you to do that for about a year and a half?

The referee moves to inspect Solomon, but “The Arsenal” pulls resiliency out of his bag of tricks and gets up quickly, brushing off the ref’s help. Before Viktor can even turn around, Scott crouches down and then sprints forward at the Russian, driving his shoulder into his back and spearing him against the turnbuckle. This prompts a rather large positive reaction from the crowd and garnishes him some applause. The reaction though, barely seems to affect him as he quickly stands up and turns Viktor around so his back is resting against the turnbuckle.

Scott quickly grabs Tarakanov by the arm and whips him into the opposing turnbuckle, causing a loud thud. That thud is quickly followed by another as Solomon charges at Viktor and nails him with a huge clothesline. The cheers of the crowd swell even further as Scott then scales the turnbuckles as “The Red Rage” attempts to recuperate against them. Standing on the middle rope, Solomon raises his right arm high in the air, signaling to the crowd and triggering them to cheer and count as he punches in sequence.

“ONE!!”

“TWO!!”

“THREE!!”

“FOUR!!”

“FIVE!!”

“SIX!!”

“SEVEN!!”

“EIGHT!!”

“NINE!!”

“TEN!!”

Axis: Even if he doesn’t usually cater to the fans, they seem to be feeling his energy tonight!

King: Feeling his energy? Pisshaw, he probably promised them all some candy after the show if they counted for him.

Solomon begins to climb down the turnbuckles, a slight smirk on his face. His showboating costs him though, as Viktor promptly wraps his arms around his opponent’s midsection and squeezes as hard as he can, bearhugging the life out of him. A stunned Scott is given no time to even attempt to free himself, as before he can try, Tarakanov moves him to the right and slams him to the mat. Viktor quickly positions himself at Solomon’s feet and grabs his right leg, positioning himself for a half Boston crab. But instead of grabbing the leg and leaning back, Viktor turns it to the side.

Scott Solomon instinctively cries out in pain as his leg is twisted and hyper-extended to the left in a way never intended by nature. A rather calm looking Viktor simply leans back and to the left, content in a position of such brutality. Scott writhes in pain but finds himself in even greater pain when he attempts to free himself. It appears as if Solomon is on the verge of tapping out, but the clever man suddenly realizes he has another way to free himself: his left foot. With all the might in his pained body, “The Arsenal” jams his free left leg into Viktor’s right knee, catching him off guard and forcing him to release the hold to writhe in pain.

Axis: Nice reversal out of the modified half Boston crab by Scott Solomon. The crowd really seems to be getting behind “The Arsenal” tonight, for some reason.

King: Maybe it’s because he’s facing Tarakanov, who makes damn near everyone seem like a good guy.

Axis: How do you know that the fans aren’t just starting to take a liking to him?

King: I know things...

Viktor backs off, still standing, clutching his own knee as Solomon does the same. Slowly, Scott Solomon stands, shaking off the pain of his knee as best he can (not an easy feat to accomplish.) Feeling more than a little aggravated, Viktor stands and cracks his neck to the side, ready to fight again. Tarakanov decides that he wants to go on the offensive now and approaches Scott with no signs of stopping. With the motivation of a Sherman tank, Viktor throws a stiff right jab at Solomon’s head, but Scott sees the fist coming and has time to duck and dodge the blow.

His keen eyesight only goes so far as he manages to deflect the right jab, he is caught dead on by Viktor’s left uppercut to the solar plexus. Barely having time to recover, Tarakanov grabs Solomon by the head with both hands and brings his face hard into Viktor’s Soviet knee. The force of the blow is sickening but surprisingly it doesn’t cause Scott to go down. As Solomon staggers backwards, dazed, Tarakanov grins and decides to go in for the kill. He charges at his opponent with his arm outstretched, looking to hit the Iron Curtain, but Scott finds it somewhere within himself to duck and move behind Vik, locking his arms around him and hoisting him up and back with an incredible German suplex. The crowd quite accurately explodes with excitement.

Axis: OH MY!! A German suplex out of NOWHERE from Scott Solomon! This man can do great things when he’s put in a position to do so!

King: Gah... that took some power...

Axis: Tarakanov with a missed right hand, catches Solomon with the left to the breadbasket, then brings his knee square into Scott’s face, but Solomon doesn’t go down! Viktor attempts the clothesline, but Solomon reverses it and simply PLANTS Vik with a German suplex! This is great wrestling right here, folks!

Both men lie on the mat, the move took a lot out of both participants. The suplex obviously took its toll on Tarakanov, but the strain of lifting him and the weight it put on the knee made it painful for Solomon as well. After several long moments of stillness in the ring, save for the heaving of chests, Solomon begins to stir and eventually gets to his feet. With the roar of the crowd behind him, he quickly makes drops back down to the mat and hooks Viktor’s leg in a pin attempt. The referee quickly complies with Solomon and makes the count.

~1~

.

~2~

.

~NO!!~

Tarakanov kicks out unbelievably and leaves nearly everyone in the arena with gaping jaws, including Scott Solomon, who is more shocked than anyone that such a maneuver didn’t take out the raging Russian.

Axis: WHAT?! How in the world could Tarakanov kick out of something like that? That move was pure dynamite!

King: Easy. He’s got one hell of an aspiration to motivate him, Axis. The World Title motivates men like nobody’s business to do extraordinary things.

Axis: You’re right about that, mate. The chance to fight for any title is enough to make people wrestle just a little but harder.

The Illinois native is not put off so easily though. Instead of griping and complaining about a slow count to the ref, Scott Solomon simply stands up and picks up his opponent as well. Determined as all hell to get that pinfall, Scott grabs Vik by the arm and whips him into the ropes with authority. As soon as the dazed Soviet bounces back, he gets absolutely nailed by a spear by Solomon, delivered with the force and accuracy of a cruise missile. The crowd pops at the exciting and spontaneous move and Solomon stands quickly afterwards and grins to himself and nods, before walking to the corner.

The crowd now cheers even louder as Scott Solomon begins to ascend the turnbuckles, looking for that one trump card to put Tarakanov down for good. Viktor begins to rise slowly on the mat as “The Arsenal” begins to steady himself on the top turnbuckle. The excitement in the Baton Rouge Arena is so thick it could be cut with a sponge, as Viktor Tarakanov begins to turn around to face the turnbuckle. The energy of the fans now at its apex, Solomon leaps off the top, just as Viktor Tarakanov turns around to face his sure destruction.

Axis: Someone had better locate the local airport, because that is not a UFO, it’s SCOTT SOLOMON!! “The Arsenal” is cleared for TAKEOFF!!

King: Who gave him air clearance?

Viktor’s face is that of utter fear and panic as the two hundred and fifty six pound pterodactyl comes swooping down upon his helpless prey. As the fans roar their approval, Viktor Tarakanov suddenly realizes the danger of his situation and realizes how to capitalize on it. Scott leaps down onto Viktor with his arm outstretched, but “The Red Rage” steps to the side and grabs Solomon’s right leg in mid-air. And as Solomon helplessly soars to the ground, Viktor quickly crouches to one knee and allows Scott’s right knee to come crashing down on his own, making his knee the fulcrum for a sick lever.

The rest of Solomon’s body crashes to the mat as the cheers crash to a halt, but he can only feel the pain coming off of his right knee. Tarakanov is unwavered by Scott’s cries of pain and insistently bends his leg the opposite way that it is supposed to be bent. This time though, “The Arsenal” remembers the old “They’ve got my right leg, dislodge them with the left” strategy from before and brings his left leg up and against Viktor’s neck three times before he finally releases the makeshift submission hold. Scott scrambles to his feet, but finds that it is now difficult to stand effectively as he wobbles and waves, favoring his right knee.

Axis: I don’t know what kind of shape Scott Solomon is going to be in for the rest of the match. That right knee of his is about done, thanks to a sort of levered knee breaker submission hold.

King: That’s one of Vik’s many good attributes, he can throw on any sort of unorthodox submission maneuver whenever and wherever. One hell of a guy!

Axis: And the fact that he hates your country has absolutely no bearing on how you perceive him?

King: None whatsoever.

As the shaky Solomon steadies himself in a corner, Tarakanov backs off holding his neck, attempting to shake out the cobwebs. Determined now to end this bout without further injury to his knee, “The Arsenal” shuffles over to his opponent and delivers a sharp and decisive left boot to the gut, causing Viktor to double over. Without wasting any time, Scott takes two steps back and tosses his fist in the air, signaling for a piledriver. The crowd responds enthusiastically, thoroughly behind Solomon, if just that little bit extra for the fact that his opponent shows anti-American sentiments on this holiday weekend.

Scott Solomon attempts to fall backwards into the piledriver, but finds he cannot, no matter how much he pulls on Viktor’s trunks. “The Red Rage” is unwilling to move and go down so easily. With an unexpected burst of speed and strength, Tarakanov charges forward with all his might, his head still between Solomon’s legs, crashing Scott’s back against the turnbuckle, trying to eliminate the threat “The Arsenal” poses. Unfortunately for him, the futile attempt to stop Solomon has failed. With a new sense of focus, Scott Solomon is unaffected by the blow and steps forward with his opponent still between his legs and falls back, driving Viktor’s head into the mat, his neck already weakened from the Solomon’s furious kicks. The crowd begins to cheer again and steadily louder.

Axis: PILEDRIVER!! Scott Solomon just annihilated Viktor Tarakanov’s neck with a piledriver! I believe it’s safe to say that Scott Solomon has just about earned himself a European Title shot.

King: It does look that way. As long as he doesn’t do anything stupid.

Scott Solomon stands and... points at the turnbuckle.

King: I guess I spoke too soon.

Axis: WHAT?! Is he NUTS?! There’s no way he can manage to climb to the top rope, just look at how he’s limping! Its a wonder he can still walk on solid ground, let alone stand on the top rope!

King: Well, it doesn’t look to be slowing him down much. Give him an E for effort. What would motivate a man to try something like that... again... this time with a crappy knee?

Axis: I guess I’d have to chalk it up to his drive for the European title, but even that’s a stretch.

The crowd explodes in cheers for the not usually too popular wrestler as he literally limps over to the turnbuckles, in a fashion similar to the way a prisoner walks with a ball and chain and tries to ignore it, and gingerly steps through the ropes to the ring apron. With the agility likened to Gerald Briscoe or Terry Funk, Scott Solomon begins to climb the turnbuckles slowly, using only his left foot for resting his weight. His face is horribly pained as he attempts to take what would usually be about two steps for the six foot five superstar.

As he reaches the top, after a very long and difficult time, he is forced to rest there for a moment, exhausted and pained as he has never been before. When he is about ready to prepare himself to leap, he looks in the ring and sees that Viktor is about on his feet and is approaching the corner. He also factors in the incredible pain in his right knee and decides it best that he were to go with a plan B. Scott begins to climb down the turnbuckles (which he finds much easier than scaling them) as Tarakanov approaches closer and closer, and gets to the ring apron in time.

King: Well at least he didn’t try another top rope suicide leap.

Axis: That young man has tremendous tenacity in him. He can pull off just about anything, he’s definitely earned the nickname “The Arsenal!”

With a sadistic gleam in his eye, Viktor grabs Solomon and attempts to push him off the apron, which would be an easy task were it not for the young man’s determination. Instead of taking what he has coming to him, the fiery young wrestler turns himself around and grabs his opponent’s neck and leaps to the floor, still holding on to Viktor. Tarakanov’s neck is strained and his windpipe is about crushed as he is flung backwards and to the mat, grasping at his throat and coughing. The fans cheers never falter, but as Scott Solomon lands on the floor, he lands with both feet, including that injured right leg.

Upon landing, a raw and guttural noise wells up from inside of Solomon as he explodes his anger and pain in the best way he knows how “FUCK!!” The coarse language from the superstar employed in a company that endorses its program as “Fun for the whole family” strikes several young fans ears and causes them to giggle while their parents cover their ears. Now, Scott limps even worse than before as he “walks” in a circle before getting back to the ring. Several fans who have been digging his wrestling pat him on the back and shoulder as he passes by. He shrugs them off uncomfortably, leaving them a tad offended.

Axis: Scott Solomon using some rather harsh language, there. But that’s understandable, the pain inflicted on his right knee must be excruciating.

King: And did you notice the way he ignored those fans? Maybe this guy’ll be headed for the Dark Side after all.

Axis: Solomon has GOT to capitalize in this match right now! It’s a difficult task to take Tarakanov down, but even tougher to keep him there.

Rolling gingerly into the ring, Scott Solomon stands and approaches the now just kneeling Tarakanov. Looking to take his opponent out for good, Solomon hobbles to the other side of Viktor and puts his head in between his own legs. The crowd starts to buzz in anticipation of what is to come. Still thoroughly dazed, Viktor is of no threat at the moment, leaving Scott Solomon all the room in the world to take the win. The hum of the crowd grows louder and louder as “The Arsenal” finally sends his hand in the air with his index finger raised, telling the fans that he is going to hit something big.

Axis: OH MY!! SCOTT SOLOMON IS GOING TO HIT THE BLASTER!! If he hits this it’ll be all over and he’ll get a shot at the European title!

King: w00t!

There is even a slight hint of a smile buried beneath the anguish affecting the face of Scott Solomon as he bends over and wraps his arms around Viktor’s midsection. Then with the might of ages, “The Arsenal” lifts Viktor up in the air, setting him up for his finishing maneuver The Blaster as the roar of the crowd engulfs the ring...

...

And promptly falls over to his side. The emotion of the crowd changes as Solomon’s changes and the crowd oooh emphatically as his right knee simply gives out.

Axis: Oooohh! Scott Solomon almost hit The Blaster on Tarakanov, but his right knee just couldn’t take the extra weight of the Russian on it.

King: Yes! Now Viktor’s got carte blanche to do what he pleases! This is what wrestling is all about!

King’s statement appears to be true as Viktor Tarakanov looks up from his fallen position unharmed by the short fall. His face turns from disbelief to sheer enjoyment as he realizes that “The Arsenal” is drained of its weapons. With a cocky grin on his face, Viktor stands and looks down at his weakened opponent. He slyly walks around him, inspecting him from every angle as the crowd boos his arrogant attitude. “The Red Rage” then decides what he is to do with his opponent. Viktor steps over Solomon, who is face first in the mat and grins at the crowd before hooking Scott’s right leg in his half Boston crab, putting even more excruciating pressure on it.

Axis: Just pin him dammit! Don’t ruin his knee for good!

King: Gotta make him tap! That’s how its done, good show Vik!

Axis: Scott Solomon is only twenty five years old, his career is only three years old. And Viktor Tarakanov wants to end it right now!

With a calm and placated grin on his face, Tarakanov keeps a rather firm but constant, amount of pressure on the leg. Solomon is now screaming in pain, not only physical pain, but the mental anguish of not getting his Euro title shot. It is the latter of these pains that keeps him from tapping out. Viktor now looks somewhat surprised at the young man’s resilience, and decides to up the ante of pressure on the knee.

Axis: Solomon is in the middle of the ring... there’s no way to reach the ropes! He’s a cooked goose.

King: Or ostrich in your case.

Now making a face himself, Viktor leans back even farther, wrenching the knee and tearing it’s internal fibers. Grunting and screaming even louder now, Scott Solomon finds it deep within himself, he finds the motivation deep down... to start to crawl. Slowly at first... but then more effectively. Tarakanov does not realize the struggle of his opponent as an attempt to escape at first, however. He merely sees it as an opportunity to renew his footing. Soon Scott Solomon is very near the ropes and is within a hairs breadth of grasping them.

Axis: I cant believe it! Scott Solomon is beating the odds! He is almost at the bloody ropes! The reaction of this crowd is indescribable!

King: What the hell? TIGHTER VIK!! Squeeze TIGHTER!!

Suddenly, Viktor realizes that he’s been duped into moving backwards while his screaming opponent neared the ropes. Solomon reaches out his hand and almost grazes the bottom rope while the crowd’s energy fills up inside of him. Tarakanov now realizes that he needs to rectify the situation and attempts to drag him to the middle of the ring, but finds it difficult to do so. Scott Solomon is actually dragging his fingernails on the canvas, using whatever strength he has in his hands to prevent his opponent from displacing him.

Axis: I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS!! Scott Solomon is literally clawing his way to those ropes! This is incredible! That young man has a hell of a reserve on him!

The effort is too little too late though, as with his highly conditioned strength, Viktor Tarakanov yanks Solomon back to the middle of the ring. Instead of simply reapplying the same half Boston crab, this time Viktor turns it to the right as he did before to first injure the knee. As if that weren’t enough, Viktor now applies his left boot to the back of Scott’s head, pushing his face into the mat.

King: Here we go! This’ll do it. Vik turned it to the right AND put the boot on the head! He’s done.

Unfortunately for Solomon, the Suicide King is correct as the excruciating pain is now overwhelming and with his hand hopelessly outstretched towards the ropes that are so far away... he begins to strike the mat repeatedly as the referee signals to the time keeper to ring the bell.

DING!! DING!! DING!!

“Your winner of the match and contender to the World Title...” announces Funyon “as a result of a submission... “The Red Rage” Viktor TARAKAAAANOOOOV!!”

As a surprise to no one, Viktor Tarakanov does not release his submission hold upon hearing the bell or the referee’s command. He milks the hold for all its worth for as long as he possibly can. Better to eliminate a future opponent while he can, to avoid any threat in the future. Finally, Viktor releases the hold and stands up victorious. The referee crouches down to check on Solomon who is still unconsciously tapping his hand on the mat. Viktor yells at the man in the striped polo to come and raise his hand in victory. A request which he begrudgingly obliges to.

The fans boo like mad as the terrible Tarakanov has his hand raised in mid ring, making sure that not a damned fan in Baton Rouge forgets who won the match. Shoving away the referee’s hand after he’s through with it, he turns back to his opponent and mockingly offers to help him up. Then to pour salt on the wound, he delivers a firm kick to the knee, just to prevent any further encounter. Tarakanov then confidently exits the ring and walks up the ramp with the World Title on his mind as several ring officials and EMTs help Scott Solomon out of the ring.

Axis: Well, Viktor Tarakanov defeated Scott Solomon tonight and may have permanently broken his damned knee.

King: But you’re missing the big picture, Axis. Vik now gets his shot at the World Title and he’ll take it away from the damned “Grappler”.

Axis: I’m not so sure about that yet, King. John Duran and Aecas are up next and they’ll be battling it out for contendership too. The winner of that match will be fighting the champ at Wrathapalooza just two weeks away. Where will that put Tarakanov in the loop for the title? I don't know, but up next we’ll get to see who is the umm... other contender for the belt, and to throw in a bit of spice, we’ve thrown in the champ, Charlie “Grappler” Matthews as the special guest referee!

*commercial*

July 4, 2003

SJL Crimson comes back from its final commercial break, the fans packed into the Baton Rouge Arena are still buzzing from the matches they have witnessed so far and are impatiently awaiting the Main Event, the final match of the night. The cameras swing over the crowd highlighting a few signs one of which being, “Johnathan Clarke was screwed!” Eventually the cameras focus down on the announcer’s table, Axis and the Suicide King still seated at ringside and ready to call the action for the final match of the night.

Axis: Welcome back to SJL Crimson! It’s been a wild night so far ladies and gentlemen and the Main Event is now just moments away! And the stakes are high for Aecas and John Duran tonight!

King: That’s right Axis, both these men are fighting for the right to face the SJL World Champion at Wrathpalooza! And just to make this match a little more interesting, the current SJL World Champion Charlie “The Grappler” Matthews will be the special Guest Referee for this match!

Axis: I have to question whether Matthews will be a fair official here tonight King. He and Duran have had some wars in the past so it’s a possibility that problems may arise in the duration of this match.

King: Matthews is the law in this match Axis, whether those two like it or not, he’s calling all the shots tonight and nobody can change that.

Abruptly the arena lights dim slightly and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” begins to play, the fans rising to their feet as Charlie Matthews steps out of the entranceway and starts to walk down the ramp to the ring. A camera follows him down clearly showing a wide smile on his face as he nods to the fans either side of him, he is clad in a pair of plain black tracksuit bottoms and a referee’s shirt, the material stretched across his huge chest. Climbing up the ring steps, The Grappler enters the ring as Funyon lifts the microphone to his lips, raising his voice over the cheers of the fans.

Funyon: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and the winner of the match will go on to face the SJL World Champion at Wrathpalooza!

Funyon lets his words sink in for a moment before continuing.

Funyon: Introducing in the ring at this time, the special Guest Referee, Charlie “The Grappler” Matthews!

The arena lights suddenly drop into total darkness and a graveyard bell starts to toll mournfully through the darkness as the fans start to come alive once more, cheers rippling through the arena along with a small star like field of flickering lights, as some fans hold up lit cigarette lighters. The Smarktron shows a huge figure, almost totally shrouded in darkness a few small slivers of light highlighting pale white flesh and snaking black scales. Slowly the lights move up, highlighting hard muscles and a snarling draconic face before resting on the figures face, a dead white orb of an eye staring out of the screen.

“Are you scared?”

“He’s here….”

Lighting flashes on the Smarktron, clearly highlighting Aecas’ face, an evil sharklike grin splitting the lower half of his face, red alert lights suddenly shatter the darkness of the arena, flashing like an alarm system gone wrong or a warning of imminent carnage to come. Dark Funeral’s “Arrival of Satan’s Empire” hits the speakers as a huge cloud of smoke boils out of the entranceway, giving the aisle an eerie almost ethereal look. A blood red spotlight snaps on, penetrating deeply into the coils of smoke and highlighting a massive figure standing in the centre of the artificial mist, the fans explode into cheers as Aecas starts to stride down the ramp towards the ring. As he walks the spotlight begins to flicker, each time it flickers a different expression crosses Aecas’ face.

Funyon: Introducing first, weighing in at 315lbs and hailing from Shrewsbury, England. He is the Black Angel! AECAS!

The crowd roars its approval as the Black Angel jumps up onto the ring apron, standing there for a moment, his gaze locked with Matthews’ before he slowly steps through the ropes, no sooner has he placed both feet in the ring than he starts to pace up and down the length of the squared circle impatiently awaiting the arrival of his opponent.

Aecas does not have long to wait as “Sinner” by Drowning Pool hits the speakers next, the attitude of the fans immediately shifting from support to hatred as The Sinner himself enters the arena. John Duran starts to walk down the aisle, glaring at the fans as they boo and heckle him, anger creasing his face as the taunts hit home.

Funyon: And his opponent! From Champaign Illinois, weighing in at 265lbs. He is The Sinner! JOHN DURAN!

Duran lashes out at some of the fans that line the aisle as the boos and taunts continue to fly through the air, stepping in close he grabs a plastic glass of beer from one fan, taking a slug before spitting it back into the face of the man and tossing the glass away. The boos become thunderous as Duran gets up on the apron, stepping through the ropes and standing in the centre of the ring, raising his arms in a mock salute to the crowd as Charlie Matthews positions himself between Duran and the still pacing Aecas. Duran lowers his arms slowly, moving back into a corner locking eyes, first with Matthews and then with Aecas as Funyon exits the ring.

Axis: All three of these men look ready for their respective roles in this match King.

King: It’s all about a chance at the gold Axis, and you have to wonder which of these two men The Grappler would rather face at Wrathpalooza.

Axis: He’s beaten both of them King, but we’ve not heard anything about his preferences for an opponent at Wrathpalooza. Still I’m hoping that he’ll call this match right down the middle.

King: That’s what a ref should do Axis, but Matthews and Duran are fast developing a rivalry here, it should be interesting to see how this match progresses.

Axis: Not to mention how Duran just blasted Matthews with a chair on Wrath, there’s a lot of bad blood brewing between these two and no mistake.

Matthews makes sure that both men are separated from one other before looking out of the ring at the timekeeper, motioning for him to ring the bell.

DING! DING! DING!!!!!

As soon as the bell rings Aecas ceases pacing about the ring, standing stock still his eyes locked on John Duran as The Sinner advances warily towards his opponent. When Duran gets close enough both men start to circle each other for a few moments before they slam together in a collar and elbow tie up. Both men strain against one another for a moment pushing against one another until Aecas’ greater strength prevails and he back Duran up into a corner. Matthews is quickly at the corner forcibly interspersing himself between the two as he shouts for a break, Aecas steps backwards his hand held up as he makes a clean break from Duran.

Axis: Rather slow start here.

King: This is the first time these two have been able to go one on one Axis; they’re trying to get a feel for the other before they commit themselves to the match.

Aecas and Duran circle each other once again before locking up for a second time, both men testing their strength and Aecas once again prevailing, forcing Duran back into the corner, this time however Duran swings Aecas around pressing the Black Angel into the corner. Once again Charlie Matthews tries to force himself between the two men, once again both men raise their arms but Duran’s right hand quickly flashes towards Aecas’ face. A large arm blocks the punch as Aecas’ responds with a stinging right hand of his own, sending Duran lurching back away from the corner, The Sinner pressing a hand to the side of his face hate burning in his eyes from the insulting blow.

Axis: That break wasn’t so clean King. Duran tried to sucker punch Aecas!

King: If the ref can’t see if you have to try for it Axis.

Duran charges straight back towards Aecas, crashing into the giant and burying his shoulder into the Black Angel’s gut as he spears him straight into the turnbuckle, doubling his huge opponent over. Extricating himself from the corner, Duran rears up and starts to hammer punch after punch into Aecas’ face and body, each hammer blow rocking the giant’s body as Duran pounds away in a frenzy. Suddenly a pair of arms wrap around Duran’s waist as Matthews bodily drags him away from Aecas, releasing The Sinner once they are clear of the corner. Duran rounds on Matthews, both men standing toe to toe as Matthews points at his ref shirt telling Duran in no uncertain terms that he’ll obey the rules or get disqualified.

Axis: A confrontation between these two rivals already King.

King: Matthews was doing his job Axis, and we better hope Duran has his head screwed on tight here; he doesn’t want to forfeit his chance at the title by attacking Matthews tonight.

Duran’s attention is suddenly forcibly dragged away from Charlie Matthews as a massive hand lands on his shoulder and spins him around, straight into a huge punch from Aecas, the Black Angel starts to beat The Sinner across the ring with blow after blow of his fists driving his opponent back into the ropes. Grabbing an arm Aecas hurls Duran at the far side of the ring, The Sinner rebounds off of the rope ducking a huge Lariat attempt by Aecas and rebounding for a second time, gaining speed and slamming full tilt into Aecas. The giant rocks backwards from the force of the Shoulderblock but remains on his feet as Duran backs himself into the ropes trying for another Shoulderblock.

This time however Aecas is ready for him and The Sinner runs straight into one of the giants New Rock boots, the hard sole of the boot catching him square in the side of the head, dropping him to the canvas like a sack of bricks. Duran wastes no time in trying to get back to his feet, shaking his head slightly from the force of the blow as Aecas steps towards his rising opponent, scooping him up onto one shoulder with ease, the Black Angel holds his opponent for a moment before dropping down to one knee slamming Duran’s shoulder into the hard bone of his kneecap.

Axis: Aecas not showing much damage from that brutal assault in the corner in the early goings of this match up.

King: Duran will have to do a lot more than that if he wants to even slow Aecas down Axis, we’ve seen it before and we’re seeing it again right here.

Still holding Duran on his shoulder, Aecas lets his opponent slip further down his back until The Sinner’s feet are touching the mat, as soon as he feels his opponent standing on his own two feet the Black Angel locks on a ¾ Facelock and tries to drop Duran into a Diamond Cutter. This time it is Duran who is ready, planting both his hands on the giants back and pushing Aecas away from him, sending the big man running back into the ropes. Duran pulls out all the stops as the Gothic giant charges back towards him, one arm going between Aecas’ legs as the other wraps around the Black Angel’s head, The Sinner executing a HUGE Powerslam on his opponent, the impact shaking the ring to its foundations as Duran quickly hooks a leg.

Axis: What a Powerslam by Duran!

King: He’s got a leg hooked!

ONE!!!!!

…

KICKOUT!!!!!

Aecas kicks out strongly of the first pin of the match, Duran glaring at Matthews and complaining of a slow count, to which The Grappler gives a slight shrug, knowing that his count was straight and fair. Duran drags Aecas’ head off of the canvas, kneeling behind the giant and quickly wrapping an arm around his throat, trying to choke off the giant’s air supply.

King: Time tested manoeuvre being applied by john Duran here Axis, take the air out of the big mans lungs and he won’t be able to do anything.

Duran cinches the hold in as tight as he can as Matthews checks on Aecas, the giant’s arms move upwards and latch onto The Sinner’s head as Aecas slowly pushes himself back upwards, despite Duran desperately tightening the hold. When Aecas is about halfway to his feet he suddenly sits down sharply, driving the top of his head into Duran’s chin, sending his opponent reeling from the impact and once again clutching at his jaw.

Axis: Modified Jawbreaker by Aecas! The Sleeper hold ma be a time-tested manoeuvre but it’s by no means inescapable!

Aecas is back up on his feet in a moment using Duran’s distraction to his advantage as he sends the toe of his boot into his opponent’s gut, doubling him over. Wrapping a huge arm around Duran’s neck, Aecas hooks one of his opponent’s arms over his own neck before reaching down to grab a handful of Duran’s tights. Bending his knees Aecas lifts Duran up into the air, The Sinner’s legs making a smooth arc through the air as Aecas executes a textbook Suplex on his opponent, the Black Angel holds on to Duran, slowly making his way back to his feet before lifting Duran high up into the air once again and slamming him back first to the mat with another straight up Suplex.

Slowly climbing to his feet one more time Aecas hoists Duran aloft for a third time and holds him there, Duran’s feet pointing straight up towards the ceiling. As if to prove a point Aecas lets go of Duran’s tights and makes a thumbs down motion as he holds Duran aloft with one arm, getting a huge pop from the crowd before he drops Duran South to the canvas with a Brainbuster. Duran’s head hits the canvas hard and Aecas finally releases his opponent as he floats over onto the Sinners prone body, hooking a leg as Matthews hits the deck for the count.

ONE!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!

…

THRREEE-NO!!!!

Axis: Kickout by Duran! Even after those Suplex’s and a huge one-armed Brainbuster he kicked out!

King: John Duran is tougher than you might think Axis, its going to take a lot to put away either of these men tonight, they both want a shot at the title and where better than at Wrathpalooza!

Aecas is quickly back to his feet, wasting no time after the near count, dragging Duran up with him and Irish Whipping him hard into the nearest corner, shaking the ring with the impact before charging his opponent. To his credit Duran quickly gets his feet up and Aecas eats boot, staggering backwards out of the corner, giving The Sinner all the opening he needs to rush out of the corner and level the giant with a hard clothesline. Aecas regains his feet quickly only to be knocked down by a second hard clothesline, as he climbs back to his feet for a third time Duran swoops in behind him hammering several hard shots into the giant’s kidney’s.

Aecas flinches slightly from the hard blows a slight twinge of discomfort passing over his face before he smiles slowly, the smile growing wider as Duran hammers yet more blows into his lower back. Aecas swings backwards with an elbow but Duran ducks out of the way, popping up as Aecas spins around and locking his arms underneath Aecas’ armpits and with a tremendous heave he hurls the Black Angel up and over his head with a Belly to Belly Suplex. Aecas crashes down to the canvas almost right on his head and shoulders, the kinetic force snapping his body back upright into a sitting position.

Axis: John Duran showing some impressive strength here King, he’s tossing Aecas around like a rag doll!

King: That’s as maybe Axis but he needs to keep the pressure on, he can’t afford to let Aecas have any time to recover.

Seeing Aecas sitting up on the canvas and already starting to rise, Duran goes back to the ropes using the cables for extra momentum as he hurtles towards Aecas, and slams his knee HARD into the side of his opponents head. The fans scream and boo as Aecas flops almost bonelessly down onto the canvas, Duran wasting no time in dropping to his knees and covering Aecas with another lateral press.

ONE!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!!

…

THREEE-NO!!!!

Aecas kicks out a fraction of a second before Charlie Matthews can count three, shoving Duran off of him as he rolls over onto his front slowly getting back up to his feet, his efforts are hindered by The Sinner dropping a hard elbow on the back of his head flattening him onto the canvas once again. Aecas is pulled up bodily by Duran, seemingly dazed from that hard knee to the head as he barely resists as The Sinner Irish Whips him into the corner turnbuckles. John Duran wears a sight smirk on his face as he senses the momentum of the match fully swinging his way, he drops into a crouch before rushing across the ring and diving at Aecas with a second spear as the giant lays draped in the corner. At the last possible second Aecas leaps out of the corner and Duran careens into the turnbuckles his left shoulder slamming into the steel ring post with an audible smack. Duran slowly pulls himself out of the corner holding his shoulder; The Sinner staggers backwards and turns around straight into Aecas’ less than gentle clutches. The Black Angel grabs his opponents injured left arm lifting it out straight before spinning around and letting his weight drag Duran with him to the canvas, The Sinner screams in pain as Aecas starts to pull his arm in completely the wrong direction with a vicious Fujiwara Armbar trying to pull the already injured shoulder out of its socket.

Axis: Fujiwara Armbar! Aecas has got the Fujiwara locked in tight!

King: You can see the pain written all over Duran’s face Axis! An Armbar like that is bad enough on its own, after that impact with the ringpost it has to be pure hell!

Axis: A great display of guts from Duran here the pain has to be excruciating!

Duran screams out in pain as Aecas tightens the hold pulling his arm slowly further and further back, Charlie Matthews is on his knees in front of John Duran, asking him if he wants to quit watching Duran’s free arm for a tap out as the cheering of the fans gets louder and louder as they can see Duran’s stamina slowly bleeding away. Slowly, painfully Duran inches his way to the ropes and after what seems like an eternity of pain manages to hook a foot over the bottom rope, Matthews orders Aecas to release the hold but the Black Angel doesn’t respond still keeping the hold applied as Duran’s feet drum on the canvas.

ONE!!

TWO!!!

THREE!!!

FOUR!!!!

Aecas finally releases the hold before Matthews gets to five, standing up slowly hardly paying attention to Matthews shouting at him to follow the rules, his attention solely focused on John Duran and the chink in his armour that can be exploited. Aecas tries to move back towards Duran but Matthews stops him, giving him a verbal warning as Duran uses the ropes to pull himself back up to his feet.

Axis: Charlie Matthews giving Duran a brief respite here but The Sinner is at a real disadvantage right now, with his arm already damaged he’s going to have to suck it up to pull off any kind of offence against Aecas.

King: Smart move by Aecas Axis, he went for that left arm straight after Duran hit the post, its possible he might be softening him up for the Wings Of Fire. If that happens that injured arm is going to make the tap out all the swifter.

Charlie Matthews finally moves out of the way as Duran regains his feet, slowly turning around as Aecas thunders towards him, thinking on his feet The Sinner grabs the top rope with his uninjured right hand dragging it forcibly down and sending the Black Angel hurtling over the top rope. Aecas smacks against the apron hard before he falls down onto the thin mats outside the ring, Duran rolling quickly out of the ring now that he has his opponent off balance once again. Duran grabs Aecas by the hair pulling him upright, using all his strength he hurls his opponent into the ring steps with an almighty crash as the two metal halves dislodge from one another.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Duran slams Aecas’ head into the steel steps as Charlie Matthews starts to work the 10 count for both men, The Sinner drags his opponent over to the announce table bashing Aecas’ face of the top of it as Axis and the Suicide King hastily back away from the action.

King: Dammit Axis I hate it when they get this close!

Axis: Me too King there’s no telling what can happen when they get outside the ring!

Matthews abandon’s his 10 count as Duran heaves Aecas onto the announcers table and starts to climb up himself and steps through the ropes dropping down to the floor. Matthews drags Duran off of the announcer table ordering him to get back into the ring, Duran glares at The Grappler for a moment before placing his right hand in the ref’s face and shoving him away. Matthews stumbles over the disjointed stairs and goes sprawling as Duran climbs back onto the announcer table pulling Aecas up slowly and shoving the giant’s head between his legs, raising both arms and making a pumping motion in the universal sign for a Piledriver.

Axis: This could end it right here King! I think Matthews hit his head after Duran shoved him over!

King: If he can’t see it Axis he can’t disqualify it Axis! Just like I said before!

Duran reaches down and hooks both his hands into the back of Aecas’ belt before leaning backwards, destroying the announce s table as he Piledriver's Aecas straight through the wood to the concrete floor!

Axis: Oh god!

King: That’s it Axis! That has to be it!

Duran pulls himself out of the intertwined wreckage of Aecas and the announce table and slides back into the ring, raising his good arm to the crowd provoking a huge wave of boos and jeers as Charlie Matthews slides back into the ring slowly. Duran gestures outside the ring at Aecas who is stirring slightly amid the wreckage of the table and seems to be telling Matthews that he should be counting out the Black Angel. The Grappler shakes his head violently pointing at the steel steps and yelling right into Duran’s face giving him a final warning as The Sinner gets more vocal, angrily demanding a Countout as Mathews just shakes his head folding his arms and staring at Duran as the crowd starts to pop for the referee.

King: Matthews is refusing to count Aecas out!

Axis: Are you surprised King? Duran shoved him over outside of the ring, lets just hope that this doesn’t escalate for Duran’s sake or he could forfeit the match right here!

Duran and Matthews continue to stand toe to toe as they argue fiercely before Duran leans backward bringing a fist up in preparation for a punch, Matthews stands his ground one hand pointing at the referee shirt while the other taps his chin.

Axis: He’s daring Duran to take a swing at him!

For a moment it looks like Duran is going to cut loose on Matthews but thinks better of it lowering his fist and contenting himself to spitting on The Grapplers boots, the blatant insult sending thunderous boos echoing through the entire arena as The Sinner exits the ring once more heading towards Aecas once again. Duran slowly lifts Aecas back up to his feet grabbing one of the giant’s arms and trying to Irish Whip him into the apron, the Black Angel still has enough fight left in him to reverse the Whip attempt with authority sending Duran crashing back first into the hard apron of the ring, The Sinner arching his back from the impact and staggering forwards straight into another Fujiwara Armbar!

Axis: Aecas has got that Armbar locked in again! On the outside of the ring!

King: Look at the pain on Duran’s face! That’s gotta be ripping his arm out of the socket!

Duran cries out in pain as Aecas leans almost all the way back with the hold, his mouth bared in a wide open snarl as he roars indiscriminately over the cheers of the crowd, looking for all the world like he’s trying to rip off Duran’s arm. Duran’s right are flails wildly before starting to quickly and desperately tap out, the action prompting Matthews to exit the ring once again, but to the crowd’s delight he stands there for a moment and lets it happen.

Axis: My god look at Aecas! I think he’s snapped King! And Duran is tapping out!

King: But he’s tapping on the outside Axis, it doesn’t count! And Charlie Matthews isn’t breaking the hold yet! I think Duran made the biggest mistake of his life when he attacked The Grappler on Metal!

Finally Charlie Matthews interdicts, forcibly pulling Aecas off of Duran and ordering him to take Duran back into the ring, leaning down, the Black Angel grabs his opponent buy the hair rolling him into the ring before leaping up onto the apron, stepping through the ropes as Matthews slides underneath the bottom rope.

Duran claws his way back up to his feet, cradling his left arm against his body, trying to keep it as far away from isolation as possible as he feels a pair of large arms wrapping around his waist. Before The Sinner can react, Aecas heaves him backwards, bouncing his head and shoulders off of the canvas with a nasty German Suplex, the impact jarring Duran’s injured shoulder once again. Aecas slowly moves back up to his feet keeping the waistlock applied on his opponent as Duran forces his way forwards pressing into the ring ropes and hooking his right arm over them, grimly hanging on as Aecas tries to pull him away. Charlie Matthews moves in to order a break from Aecas, as soon as the referee gets close enough Duran slams a foot backwards and up between Aecas legs catching the giant with a sharp low blow.

Axis: Low blow! And Matthews didn’t see it!

King: Duran is going to do anything to win here Axis! He can’t trust the officiating anymore so he’s got to be desperate to pull off a victory here!

Aecas barks out a cry of pain, instantly releasing Duran and clutching at his crotch, staggering as The Sinner smashes a hard elbow shot into his head, The Sinner follows up with another…and another before Irish whipping Aecas into the nearest corner. Aecas slams into the corner hard but walks right out of it as Duran charges towards him, a split second before the two men collide Aecas grabs Duran under his armpits, throwing him up high into the air. The Black Angel steps forwards as Duran hangs high in the air, positioning himself between his opponents legs, his hands go up, each one grabbing a fistful of Duran’s tights before Aecas forcibly throws Duran back into the canvas with an almighty THWACK! As he Powerbomb’s Duran from seven and a half feet in the air!

Axis: Descent into Darkness! Did you hear the impact of that move King?!

King: Aecas has got the leg hooked this has to be it Axis!

ONE!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!!

…

TWO AND THREE QUARTERS!!!!!

…

THREE!!!!!!!

DING! DING! DING!!!!!!

Matthews rears up signalling to the timekeeper as Funyon raises his microphone to his lips, fighting to make himself heard over the crowd and Dark Funeral’s “Arrival Of Satan’s Empire” as Aecas moves up to his knees raising his arms in victory and roaring with the crowd.

Funyon: The winner of the match by pinfall! THE BLACK ANGEL! AECAS!

Charlie Matthews raises Aecas’ left arm in victory as the Black Angel slowly gets back up to his feet, the cheers of the fans increasing tenfold as the victor and the referee stand side by side for a moment before Aecas moves to the ropes, stepping though them and jumping down to the floor, slowly making his way up the aisle. The cameras follow Aecas as he walks to the entranceway turning around and slowly raising his arms in victory a satanic grin plastered all over his face.

Axis: What a war that was King! And its going to be the “Black Angel” against “The Grappler” at Wrathpalooza!

King: Its going to be a hell of a fight between these two men Axis, but you’ve got to believe that the rivalry between John Duran and Charlie Matthews is far, far from over!

Axis: Its been a great show from the Baton Rouge Arena in Louisiana folks! This is Axis and the Suicide King signing off, but we’ll be back soon with SJL Metal! Goodnight folks!

The cameras show Charlie Matthews standing over Duran’s prone form as it lays in the centre of the ring before it switches back to Aecas. The Black Angel lowers his arms before drawing a thumb across his throat and staring eerily into the camera lense the microphone picking up his deep threatening voice.

“Darkness claims another….”

The sharklike grin returns and he laughs evilly before swooping through the curtain backstage, the last shot of the show, is Aecas disappearing into the darkness backstage.

July 4, 2003

Results:

Results are for the weak!! Read teh show, fewls.

In a stunning swerve, Frost will be posting the Metal card this week instead of myself! So expect it in a little while.

SJL Crimson - July 3rd!

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