SJL METAL - August 5, 2003

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

SJL Metal Card, August 5th, 2003!

Venue: Skyreach Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada! The Canadian tour heads down the stretch!

 

SINGLES MATCH

Jay Morrison vs "Canadian Thunder" Chris Trepanier

Description: Both losers on Crimson, these two look to turn it around here.

Rules: Standard singles match, yadda yadda yadda

 

TV TITLE MATCH

TODD BLESS US ALL MATCH

Todd Royal© vs Landon "La Cucaracha" Maddix

Description: Two defenses down, and another one on the horizon. Can the man with Todd given talent retain his title for the third show in a row? Espectially with the... interesting stipulation?

Rules: There is a special, one-of-a-kind, Todd Royal edition of the Holy Bible hanging on a pole in one of the corners. First man to grab the bible is declared the winner.

 

TAG TEAM MATCH

Two Drink Minimum (Danny Conklin & Tim Dillon) vs Hybrid & Tommy Nguyen

Description: It's a tag match! It's Two Drink Minimum testing the waters before taking a run at the Urban Decay! It's two relatively new guys looking for direction! It's going to be a good match, dammit!

Rules: Standard tag team match.

 

EUROPEAN TITLE CONTENDERSHIP

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH

Dominic Korgath vs Scott Solomon

[/i]Description: The title tempts you. The violence tempts you. My lame ass descriptions this card do not tempt you, but I'd appreciate it if you pretended.[/i]

Rules: Falls count anywhere in Edmonton. DQ, pinfall and submission apply, however.

 

EUROPEAN TITLE MATCH

SINGLES MATCH

Bloodshed© vs English Dragon

Description: And now, for something completely different for the European champion... a straight singles match! (Gasp). Also in store for Bloodshed: Unquestionably his toughest opponent to date. Can the loopy Bloodshed retain? Or will the Dragon tick off another name and another title on his list? One thing's for certain: At least Bloodshed's opponent will actually show this time.

Rules: Standard singles match, as noted.

 

MAIN EVENT

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH

Manson vs Viktor Tarakanov vs Aecas

Description: Commission Raynor is most pleased with the progress that the Urban Decay and John Duran have been makiing recently. So in return, Raynor has given Duran the show off, and pitted "his little playthings" against each other to determine the next challanger to Duran's belt.

...that's all there is to it, really. Yes, I'm tired and uncreative, sue me. Now fight!

Rules: Elimination stylez. DQ, pinfall, and submission rules apply.

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

[sJL Metal comes back from the commercial breaks to pan across a cheering audience; the camera cuts to the announcers’ desk.]

 

Annie: Fans it’s time for our opening match, scheduled for one fall, in the battle between two rising stars.

 

Ejiro: Talented rookie Jay Morrison faces his stiffest competition as he goes up against a competitor who has been kicking American ass since his arrival in the SJL.

 

William: “Canadian Thunder” Chris Trepanier is a silent, violent giant. He like jay is coming off a big loss and will want to set the record straight that Canada is number one.

 

Annie: Lets go to ringside.

 

Funyon: This match is scheduled for one fall with a 30-minute time limit.

 

[Crowd pops for the opening match]

 

Funyon: Introducing first…

 

[The drum & bass intro to “We Took Pelham” kicks in over the PA, as a blue strobe lights flickers around the entrance way. This ends once the trumpet kicks in as slowly fireworks shoot in a line down the entrance walkway forming an arc. As the cacophony of instrument finally play in the track Jay walks out in a gold robe with diamond encrypted into it.]

 

Funyon: He comes into the match 6 feet 1 inches, weighing in at 239 ½ pounds, from London, England…Jay Morrison.

 

[The Smark Tron flashes his name in gold as Jay looks up at the crowd and raises his arm as he proceeds down the aisle. Once on the ring apron when the violins are rapidly playing Jay scale the top rope and holds his arms out to jeers of the crowd.]

 

William: The crowd may hate him but I love that entrance!

 

Annie: He looks confidence considering massive loss against Royal last Thursday.

 

Ejiro: I was talking to Jay in the back and he told me he has been training hard for this match and is confident his A game will be enough to defeat Chris.

 

[Jay’s music fades out as the ring announcer once again place the microphone to his lips to speak.]

 

Ring Announcer: His opponent...

 

[The arena lights go out, suddenly “This is the New Shit" by Marilyn Manson erupts over the PA system, as the intro kicks into Manson’s lyrics Trepanier steps out from the back with his ever-present menacing facial.]

 

Funyon: He enters this battle at a height of 6 feet 8 inches tall, weighing in a 272 pounds, from Grand Rapids, Manitoba, Canada… Chris Trepanier!

 

[Trepanier just walks down the aisle as Funyon speaks; he merely focuses his attention on Morrison who’s waiting in the ring for him.]

 

Ejiro: Trepanier reminds me of John Doe in Seven. Ruthless, calculating and too steal a phrase from another announcer; cerebral. Talk about a juxtaposition of characters

 

Annie: I didn’t know they were gay?

 

William: I beg your pardon?

 

Annie: Isn’t that chapter 17 in the homosexual karma-sutra?

 

William: I bet you own a copy too.

 

[The referee calls both men to the middle to explain the rules; Trepanier stands still glaring at Jay without a hint of character on his face, Jay smirks at him and starts speaking.]

 

William: Get a close up so we can hear what he’s saying

 

[The camera closes in as Jay begins to speaks]

 

Jay: What with the expression? You just seen a picture of your birth mother?

 

[Trepanier stands emotionless at Jay]

 

Jay: Oh you’re one of those “big, tough” Canuck’s eh? Well come on Captain Charisma hit me!

 

[Jay starts doing jumping jacks in front of Trepanier, shouting pussy at him.]

 

William: Why do I feel Jay’s going to regret this?

 

Ejiro: A crazy Scot once said: you don’t throw rocks at a guy holding a machine guy

 

[Jay stops the jumping jacks and lays on his back, he then starts doing sit ups repeatedly, shouting ‘pussy’ when in seated position, again Trepanier doesn’t move.]

 

Annie: Why doesn’t Trepanier destroy him?

 

William: Trepanier won’t respond to petty antics like that, he does his talking in the ring.

 

 

[Jay leaps up and spits in Trepanier face and gets laid out with a stiff forearm.]

 

Ejiro: Trepanier using his experience to catch Jay off guard there, but Jay’s antics may have lit a fire under Trepanier’s ass!

[Jay quickly bails outside the ring to avoid any more punishment. Trepanier signs deeply and slides under the ring after Jay, but Jay rolls his way back into the ring. Trepanier rolls back in after Jay but is met with a series of stomps to keep him grounded.]

 

Ejiro: Very old school tactic by Jay and I’m shocked Chris fell for it.

 

[Jay hits a sequence of elbow drops and goes for an early cover.]

 

ONE!

 

KICKOUT!

 

William: Rookie mistake from Jay, it’s two early for the pin.

 

Annie: Elbow drops won’t do it either.

 

[Jay is quick to his feet, but so is Chris. They move right in for each other and begin to exchange blows in the ring, Chris starts to gain an advantage so Jay moves into the attack and grabs Chris, Jay whips him into the ropes, where Chris comes running back, at an alarming pace, he ducks a clothesline attempt from Jay. Chris catches Jay back on the attack and in a quick motion lifts him up in a fireman’s carry position and drops his backwards for a Samoan drop, with the force of the weight of Trepanier crushing Jay square on the chest, knocking some wind out of him. Jay flips up off the mat the attack, however Chris grabs Jay by the arm and whips him into the ropes, but instead he doesn’t let go and yanks hard, pulling Jay back to him. Chris hooks his arms around Jay’s waist and spins him 360 degrees before driving his back into a mat with a side slam.]

 

Annie: I’m getting knackered watching this match

 

William: They are wrestling at a tremendous pace, for a match that could go the distance.

 

Ejiro: Chris’s experience is shining through here with his early domination of the match

 

[Chris goes for the cover but Jay is too near the ropes that before the ref can count his foots on the ropes. Chris pulls Jay off the mat and hooks him in a front chancery. Chris lifts Jay up and drops him with a smooth suplex. Chris without wasting a second leaps to the top turnbuckle and waits as Jay gets to his knees; he leaps of the top rope arms together and drives down hard on Jay’s head with a double axehandle. Chris covers Jay and hooks the leg.]

 

ONE!

 

TWO!

 

NO!

 

[Jay has enough energy to kick out of the pinfall. Chris doesn’t hesitate in continuing the assault as he pulls Jay up from the mat. Before he can strikes Jay stumbles backwards into the corner.]

 

Ejiro: Jay’s on Dream Street.

 

[Chris sizes up his opponent as he grabs Jay by the chin and pulls him up straight in the corner. Chris pulls back his arm and destroys Jay's chest with a stiff chop! ]

 

Crowd: Whooo!

 

William: Whooo!

 

[Jay howls in pain as Chris continues to shower Jay’s chest with hard chops, only to be broken by jay collapsing in the corner, his chest a shade of purple. Chris shakes his hand in pain from the force of the attack. Chris steps over the fallen Jay and pulls back his leg to stomp him in the corner, however Jay grabs onto his leg. Jay pushes his legs against the turnbuckle and swings his body around, the momentum from holding the leg causing Jay to leg whip Trepanier to the mat to get some breathing time.]

 

Ejiro: Wonderful counter from Morrison who’s fighting to survive in this battle.

 

[Chris gets up before Jay who struggling for air from the chops, Chris closes in on the crouching Jay but is caught off guard by Jay who explodes with a thunderous lariat that almost takes Chris’s head off. Jay hammers Chris on the ground with some forearms, although Jay backs off after striking two forearms holding his wounded red wincing in agony.]

 

Annie: Those chops did their damage

 

William: Chris may be on the defence but Jay has an obvious weak point for attack.

 

[Chris slowly begins rolling to his feet, a bit of wind taken from his sails as Jay moves in on him by hooking his arm around Chris’s head and dropping Chris back for an inverted bulldog. Chris’s head lands hard on the canvas, as Jay quickly darts in, and drops a knee drop on the left arm of Trepanier Chris. Jay repeats this attack as Chris screams in agony holding his arm; Jay clutches his chest to suck in some arm, but notices Chris starting to move. Jay grabs the right arm of Chris and places it between his legs, he then places his left knee behind Chris’s neck. Jay scissor locks Chris’s legs around his arm and behind his neck, hyper extending the injured left arm across Jay’s body. Trepanier screams in agony, but Jay isn’t done as he as he rolls forward forcing Chris to roll as well, pulling on the arm even more...

 

Annie: What the hell is Jay doing?

 

Ejiro: A textbook rolling crucifix armbar, what occurs is he hyper extends the injured arm of Chris, and then before Chris can think of a counter for the pain he rolls into another position leaving Chris not only in dire pain but also without a game plan.

 

[Jay wrenches back with the move, on his third roll as Chris fights the pain he’s in. The referee moves in to check on Chris’s condition, to see if he wants to give up. Chris tells the referee where to go but this only infuriates Jay to roll again and twist the arm even more, however he accidentally rolls into the ropes forcing a release of the hold. Jay gets to his feet instantly so as to preserve the advantage, but again finds himself short of breath from the chops earlier in the contest. Jay sees Chris rising favouring that arm, as Trepanier uses the ropes to get up and find his way in the corner. Jay spots Chris in the corner and sprints across the ring to where Trepanier is, about five feet away he leaps and splashes Chris in the corner. Chris stumbles out of the corner as Jay hooks him heads under Chris’ left arm, he snaps backwards with a Northern Lights Suplex and bridges for the pin.]

 

ONE!

 

TWO!

 

TH-NO!

 

[Chris rolls his stronger right shoulder up from the mat as Jay bridges backwards from the attempt.]

 

William: That was as tight as a monkey’s fanny! Jay has weathered the early storm of offence from Chris and is finding a way to victory.

 

[Jay moves in to attack Chris as he’s getting up, but is blocked by the referee as Chris is against the ropes, this provides Chris an opportunity as the referee forces Jay back, Chris explodes from the ropes and spears Jay hard to the ground with his stronger right arm that you can hear the sound of a bone cracking.]

 

Annie: Did you hear that?

 

Ejiro: I saw it! He tore Jay in half with that one.

 

[Chris rolls out of the ring to recover as Jay is caught on camera struggling for breath the referee check on Jay’s condition to see if the match should be stopped but then administers.]

 

1[Chris is massaging his arm to try and get it better condition]

 

2

 

3

 

4 [Chris is on his feet though in pain watching Jay crumpled on the mat]

 

5

 

6

 

7 [Trepanier shakes his arm and grimaces slightly, he rolls back in to break the count.]

 

[Chris back on his feet in the ring, while Jay is still down clutches his chest. Chris decides to sacrifice a pin attempt and go for something else. Showing no repentance for the health of his opponent, Chris pulls his right foot back and kicks Jay in ribs as if he was Roberto Carlos striking a free kick. Jay coughs up some blood-tainted mucus as the air escapes his lungs at the same time as he flips over onto his other side from the impact of the kick. Chris is not done as he balls up his hand and drops a punch to the left lung of Jay’s body.]

 

Annie: Oh my god this is a vicious assault.

 

William: You mean ‘Oh my Todd’

 

Ejiro: Trepanier is a vicious Canadian killer and what’s more Jay isn’t American! Jay’s a fellow Commonwealth member imagine what would he do to an American? Such as the aforementioned Royal, or another titleholder. Trepanier could really be a contender after this assault.

 

[Chris then grabs Jay and brings him back to his feet, Trepanier moves standing next to Jay and hooks his neck, at the same time he hooks his leg around the nearest one of Jay and falls backwards with a Russian leg sweep. The impact from the move takes the air out of Jay as he rolls out of the ring to catch a breather, but Chris is there to meet him. He sees that Jay is doubled over near the solid steel ring post, so he round house kicks him from behind, sending him flying head first into the steel. Jay is now busted open on the floor from the attack, as Chris laughs sadistically from the sight of Jay in a bloody mess. The crowd is confused whether to cheer Chris for this badass assault, or to jeers him for going to far on someone so young. Chris notices the mixed reaction just shrugs it off.]

 

Annie: I can’t blame the crowd for the confusion. It’s like choosing Hitler or Stalin.

 

William: Bit of an extreme example.

 

Annie: Hey my love life is extreme!

 

Ejiro: Meanwhile back at the wrestling match…

 

[soon Jay’s forehead is fully crimson (yes a SJL pun!) from the attack. Chris pulls Jay up from the mat to show him some member in the front row with anti-Chris signs, but this surprising out of character egotism costs him as Jay returns the favour by holding onto Chris’s left arm and swinging it into the steel post. The arm crunching against makes a sick ping as Chris hits the deck clutching his arm. Neither man has noticed the referee is counting them out, until Jay hears ‘nine’ shouted by the referee, so he rolls in and out of the ring to break it. Jay staggers holding onto the guardrail trying to inhale as much oxygen as possible.]

 

William: Wow Jay’s really sucking wind.

 

Annie: Bet that’s not all he sucks

 

Ejiro: Would you comment on the freaking match women! Trepanier is showing what a vicious machine is bloodying jay for no reason other than a lack of remorse.

 

[Jay spots Trepanier struggling to get up, as Chris turns his head towards Jay, he sees Jay’s middle finger pointing at him]

 

William: Red flag to a bull.

 

[Chris has a furious look in his eye as he stumbles to his feet. Jay sees this and slowly rolls back into the ring. Chris comes in after him, Jay takes a few steps back and waits until Chris is on his knee when he steps forward and hits Chris to the mat with a Yakuza kick. Chris hits the mat hard and is flat out, but Jay can’t get the pin right away as when tries to cover Chris as chest hurts from the attack earlier. Blood drips down on Chris from Jay’s head as Jay sucks it in and collapses on top of Chris as the referee counts.]

 

ONE!

 

TWO!

 

THREE!

 

NO!

 

Annie: It’s over! Wait no!

 

[Trepanier rolled his right shoulder at the 11th hour to escape the pin. Jay sits back up, almost in tears, he questions the speed of the count but the referee won’t hear anything of it. Jay wipes the blood from his head with his right forearm, as his left arm clutches his chest. Jay once again turns his attention back down to the fallen Chris. Jay grabs the left arm of Chris and places it on the bottom rope, holding it in place it his left foot, Jay bounces with his right foot on the second rope and sit down crushing the left arm of Chris with his backside. He repeats this again as Chris shrieks in agony and protects his arm with his body.]

 

Annie: This is one ruthless match

 

Ejiro: Why do you sound so surprised? Do you realise the magnitude of this match? If Jay wins he has established himself as a player in the SJL at such a young age, whereas Chris is proving his wealth as a future world champion, a loss will cripple the reputation he’s been building up.

 

[Jay tries to reach under the body to get the arm of Chris, but the manoeuvring around the body, winds Jay that he doubles over to catch a breath while over Chris. Trepanier notices this and twists is body so his back’s on the mat, he then scissors his legs around Jay’s waist. Trepanier digs his heels into the chest of Jay causing him to fall back in a sunset flip style pin.]

 

ONE!

 

TWO!

 

THRE-NO!

 

[Jay rolls his shoulders off the mat to kick out and rolls to his left to escape Chris. Chris starts to move off the mat, but Jay puts his boot on the face of Chris and twists it to keep him on the mat. Chris sits up for avoid a pin, but Jay thinks ahead as he reaches under the arms of Chris and locks his hands behind the Chris's back. Chris's arms are then pushed back behind him. Jay applies pressure and pushes Chris's head forward, applying pressure to the Chris's neck.]

 

William: Inverted full nelson by Jay, a move made famous in the Japanese WAR promotion.

 

Annie: Why is he not working on the arm?

 

Ejiro: Women! If Jay can hurt Chris neck enough, he won’t have enough strength to dodge the physical attacks on his arm, as his upper body will be too stressed.

 

William: Then should he attempt his Sideliner chicken wing, the pressure on neck, in additional to the overwhelming pressure on the arm, will practically force Chris into submission.

 

Annie: Wow Jay’s desperate to get a win here.

 

[Chris screams in agony as he edges his legs closer to the ropes, you can see the vein in Jay’s arms pushes out as he adds as much pressure as he can. Chris moves within a foot of the ropes when Jay leaps over the head of Chris into a bridge and applies more pressure the neck. This proves to be a downfall on his part as it leaves his ribs open, Chris forearms the ribs of Jay twice forcing a break of the hold. Chris pushes Jay into the ropes, as he moves to his knees, as Jay comes back off the ropes his back to Chris, Trepanier reaches up with his weaker arm and hooks it around Jay’s head. Chris pushes his knees forward as Jay’s neck crushes against Chris’ shoulder, causing Jay to crumple on the mat. Chris has a dazed look on his face as he shuffles his body around to where Jay’s is as he attempts the pin. ]

 

ONE!

 

TWO!

 

THREE!

 

NO!

 

Ejiro: I really thought Chris had him there, with that modified neckbreaker.

 

[both men lie spread eagled on the mat, as the referee makes a count]

 

1

 

2

 

3 [Chris starts edging himself up with his right arm]

 

4.

 

5 [Jay slowly gets to crawling position as Chris is 1/3rd of the way to his feet.]

 

6

 

7 [Trepanier breaks the count by reaches his feet as Jay gripping his chest with his arm get 2/3rd’s of the way to his feet.]

 

William: What a battle we are seeing.

 

[Chris goes onto the attack unleashes a chain of uppercuts to the head of Jay with his right arm. Chris follows that up with another huge open hand chop to Jay’s chest that sends Jay to his knees. Noticing his position Trepanier kicks Jay hard in the chest, once, then twice in quick succession, before Jay can collapse to the mat Chris pulls his right kicking leg back, he pivots 90 degrees and strikes Jay in the head with the heel of his foot.]

 

Ejiro: Chris replying from Jay’s earlier attack with a faultless Triple Entente!

 

[Jay head crashes to the mat as the blood from earlier gushes out even more, as Chris makes the cover.]

 

ONE!

 

TWO!

 

THREE!

 

NO!

 

[Jay some how kicks out but seems to be in trouble as Chris is experience an energy buzz.]

 

Annie: We were half a second away from Chris Trepanier walking out the victor.

 

Ejiro: Jay is out; I swear the kick out was a fortunate body spasm, as he looks dead.

 

William: Chris is showing the type of form that as made him one of the threats for the gold in the SJL so far

 

[Chris looks down at Jay who is passed out on the mat again after the kick out. Chris elects to allow Jay to get up in order to strike him with a move to finish the match. Jay slowly gets on his hands and knees, blinking, shaking his head and trying to recover from the Triple Entente. The wound on Jay’s head is slightly bigger now, from the landing and more blood is seeping out of his forehead. Chris walks over to Jay and hooks his waist from behind; he hooks on tight with his stronger right arm as the left one still hurts from earlier, as the crowd buzz sensing the beginning of the end for Jay Morrison.]

 

Annie: Is he going his trademark rolling German suplexes

 

William: If he is, then put a fork in Jay…he’s done!

 

[Chris elevates Jay mainly with one arm and tosses his back top the mat, Jay lands hard on his back but isn’t on it for long as Chris pulls him up again and throws him backward for another German suplex. Trepanier rolls through but this time elects to use only his stronger right arm, due to some pain in his left one, and tosses Jay over his head to the mat for his third German suplex. Jay coughs up more bloody mucus as Trepanier still on the attack left him up to his feet and one arm German suplexes Jay again.]

 

William: Someone please call 9-1-1

 

[Chris still not finished pulls Jay up to his feet, this time using to hands again his tosses Jay over his head but releases him. Jay rotates 270 degrees in the air from the power of the throw and lands hard on his face passed out on the mat.]

 

Ejiro: What strength from Chris despite a badly injured arm and a sore neck, he’s destroyed Jay five German suplexes.

 

William: Cue up Marilyn Manson!

 

[Chris drops to his knees supporting his left arm, which felt the effect of the suplexs itself. Chris kneels next to Jay who lies not moving on the mat with dried blood around him on the canvas. Chris grabs the right leg of Jay and goes for the victory, as the referee hits the mat.]

 

ONE

 

TWO

 

THREE!

 

NO!

 

CHRIS TREPANIER PULLS JAY’S LEFT SHOULDER UP!

 

Annie: Why did he do that?

 

Ejiro: Dammit Chris! Pin the man and take that giant leap toward title gold.

 

[Chris lets go of Jay’s crimson soaked head and shakes his head from side to side. Chris gets to his feet and points to top rope.]

 

William: What is he thinking about doing?

 

[Chris slowly exits through the middle ropes and ascends the turnbuckles slowly, until he reaches the top. He looks down upon Jay’s broken down carcass on the mat and smiles. Trepanier turns away from Jay and leaps majestically in the air, as he completes his mid air turns Chris looks to land with the moonsault but at the last second Jay rolls out of the way and Chris Trepanier lands hard on his head and arms.]

 

Annie: He missed the top rope moonsault!

 

Ejiro: I swear I heard a bone snap on impact either his neck or left arm.

 

William: He took a huge risk and missed and now Chris is unconscious.

 

[Chris lies flat out on the mat not moving. Jay lifts his head off the mat and sees this, he uses all his strength left in his body and turns it over so his belly hits the mat, as he does this he stick out his arm so when he lands the arm falls on Chris’s body. The referee spots the pin and counts.]

 

ONE!

 

TWO!

 

THREE!

 

[DING! DING! DING!]

 

Annie: He did it!

 

Ejiro: Unbelievable lets get official conformation from ringside.

 

[both men lay in the position of the pinfall as both as out cold, the referee talks to Funyon.]

 

Funyon: The winner of the match…Jay Morrison!!!

 

[The referee pulls Jay off Chris by the arm and places him in seating position. The referee raises Jay’s arm who just sits with a glazed look, on his blood-ridden face clutching his ribs. ‘We Took Pelham’ strikes up again as the fans stand up and applaud the match out of respect for the competitors.]

 

Annie: The fans dislike both guys, but they respect wrestling.

 

William: All it took was one moment of over confidence from Chris to cost him the match; I don’t think the moment of how big an upset this is has hit Jay yet.

 

Ejiro: The fall out intrigues me. I expect Chris to recover and go for the European title, where Jay has gone one step to a rematch for the SJL Television Title or maybe even bigger things.

 

Annie: The night is young and so’s my girlfriend! What a show already and there’s still more to come. See you after the break!

 

[Cut to commercials]

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

As we return to SJL Metal, SJL’s loveable, if a little ‘toolish’, backstage reporter Ben Hardy stands backstage in front of one of the locker room doors. Waiting for a couple of seconds, eventually he gets his cue to start and turns to the door as he speaks.

 

Hardy- Behind this door, sits a man…a man moments away from the biggest match of his career. The biggest night perhaps, of his entire life. A man…ready to become a superstar. Landon Maddix sits behind this door, preparing to face the SJL Television Champion of the World, Todd Royal. Nobody in this business has given him a snowball’s chance in hell of becoming the new SJL Television Champion… And one can only imagine the pressure there must be on this kid. I don’t want to disturb his obviously focused mood…but I would like to get a word with him…

 

Hardy knocks on the locker room door before turning back to Gus and the camera. Waiting…Ben silently waits for Maddix to open the door. A good few seconds pass, as Ben just smiles in a very phoney-presenter-that’s-just-been-embarrassed way, and turns back to the door. Clenching his fist again, Hardy raps his knuckles across the wooden door…slightly louder than last time. Still, there appears to be no answer, as Ben is becoming more and more embarrassed.

 

Hardy- Ah…ah ha, well…I’m SURE Landon is in this room…

 

…Hardy turns and knocks on the door a third time, this MUCH louder than before…

 

Hardy- But obviously, he does not want to be disturbed. Which is understandable, considering the various thoughts going through his mind…

 

Suddenly the door opens behind Hardy, and a rather confused looking Landon Maddix sticks his head out of the door…two headphones sticking out of his ears. Seeing Landon’s head, Hardy breathes a sigh of relief…which soon disappears as Landon opens the door further, wearing nothing more than a towel.

 

Hardy- Oh…I…I’m sorry to have interrupted…

 

Obviously Landon doesn’t hear what Hardy says, before shrugging his shoulders and showing Hardy he isn’t wearing a watch so he doesn’t know the time. The glowing red reporter pulls the headphones forcibly out of Maddix’s ears, as the kid reaches for the pause button.

 

Hardy- I said I’m sorry to have interrupted…whatever you were doing.

Maddix- No sweat Ben. What did you want?

Hardy- Well I wanted to see how you were doing, knowing you have to face Todd Royal in a matter of minutes for the SJL Television Title!

Maddix- Oh…I’m doing cool. Thanks for asking.

 

Turning to go back into his dressing room, a hand falls on Maddix’s shoulder, as Hardy obviously isn’t done yet.

 

Hardy- Are you not…worried? After all, this is the biggest moment in your career…in your life.

Maddix- Yeah…it is. But I’m not worried. After all…it’s just one match. All I have to do is climb a pole and grab a book.

Hardy- Well…I suppose…

Maddix- Look, I understand Todd Royal is a GREAT athlete, and I’m a rookie around here. But the fact is, I have no need to be worried. I’ve got nothing to lose, and everything to gain. And I know that when I step out into the arena…I’m going to have the fans behind me. Nobody likes Todd Royal…and that includes me, and that includes EDMONTON ALBERTA CANADA!!!

 

Cheers from the Edmonton crowd can be heard in the background, as Landon smiles and throws his head back, sending sprays of water over Ben’s face, but being the typical professional he is Ben just ignores it.

 

Maddix- So with the fans behind me…I CAN win. Nobody thinks I can. Todd doesn’t, you don’t…hell, the smart part of my brain says I can’t. But then again, the smart part of my brain is also the smallest part of my brain. And remember, nobody thought ‘The little train that could’ could do…whatever he did. But he did…‘it’. I’m like that train Ben. I’m the SJL kid that could. The kid that could, and can, kick Todd Royal ass and take his title.

Hardy- So we can expect you do go all out tonight for this belt?

Maddix- You saw me last week…you saw me the week before. I do some pretty crazy things sometimes. But that’s the way I am, the way I live. But I’ll answer your question, in the form of another. Did Shawn Michaels ever hold back in the ring? No. I’ve learnt from his wrestling style…and believe me, you ARE going to see me go all out to win…and I will do whatever it takes to beat Todd Royal and take his title. After all, what’s the point of living if you’re not able to take a few risks along the way?

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

With the camera focused in on the heart warmingly religious sight of the front of the Holy Bible…before panning out to reveal the heart warmingly less religious view of the ‘good book’ hanging from a Vince Russo cast off pole in the corner of a wrestling ring…SJL Metal returns to our screens ready for the Television Championship to be put on the line…but not before our commentary team get their say…

 

Annie- Welcome back to SJL Metal…as moments away, the SINGLE biggest night in the life of Landon “La Cucaracha” Maddix, as he takes on the reigning SJL Television Champion…Ejiro, your buddy Todd Royal.

Ejiro- First off, he is not my buddy…he is my Todd and my Saviour. Nobody is ‘buddies’ with Todd…only followers. And speaking of followers, tonight is going to be perhaps the biggest walkover in the history of professional wrestling. I mean seriously…Landon Maddix, ‘the little kid that could’. And Todd Royal. That my friends is a mismatch.

Judge- Not to mention the fact you win by grabbing the Holy Bible…

Annie- Well I can see you two are in your bias mode as far as Todd Royal goes, but I think the kid could steal it here.

Ejiro- NO! Don’t’ tell me you are abandoning your ‘wikkle Toddess’.

Annie- Well…err…no…

Judge- Ejiro…don’t confuse her. She’s near intolerable as it is.

 

The commentary team’s opening argument is ended as Funyon is now in the ring, ready to introduce us to the competitors.

 

Funyon- Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is for…the SJL WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP…with the winner being the first man to take possession of the Holy Bible.

Judge- I tell you, this has GOT to be a wrestling first. A Bible on a Pole Match?

Ejiro- I know…since when did Russo start working here?

 

Suddenly “The Fight Song” by Marilyn Manson begins to blare out around the arena, as Landon Maddix runs out from the back…stopping suddenly in shock at the reaction he is getting, both from his new found fans and from the many anti-Todd sections of the crowd. Getting over the slight shock, Landon bounds down the aisleway and starts to slap the outstretched hands of the fans making up the front row of the aisle.

 

Funyon- Introducing first, the challenger this evening. Hailing from Huron, South Dakota and weighing in at 206 pounds…LANDON…“LA CUCARACHA”…MAAADDIIIX

 

Maddix gets to the apron, and rolls into the ring before spinning around with arms outstretched, before stopping and staring up at the Holy Bible hanging from the pole in the top right corner of the ring.

 

Annie- Todd had better not be taking Landon Maddix too lightly, because this kid is unbeaten…

Ejiro- WOAH WOAH WOAH! He’s unbeaten sure. But he has had TWO matches. And neither of them was against someone with anywhere near the abilities of Todd Royal.

 

Seemingly transfixed, Landon continues to look up at the Holy Bible until suddenly the lights dim, catching Landon’s attention. A solitary spotlight shines down on the entrance way, as a soft ‘aaaaaaaahhhhhhh’ sound can be heard in the background.

 

Funyon- And his opponent…Accompanied to the ring by Megan Skye. He is from San Diego, California and weighs in at 220 pounds…the reigning and defending SJL…WOOOOORRRRRLLLLDD TELEVISION CHAMPION….TODD ROYAL!!!!!

 

As soon as Funyon gets those final words out, Motley Crue’s “Livewire” hits as the blue and white strobe lights have started up. The crowd are booing away in the background at the typically over-lavish Todd Royal entrance, as Todd’s “Toddess” Megan Skye walks out through the curtain. Pointing back she waits as out steps the Television Champion himself, ‘TODD BLESS YOU’ vest and black sunglasses on as ever. Handing a towel to Megan, the two walk down the aisle slowly as Landon is having to wait and watch all of this lavish entrance.

 

Ejiro- Why do these fans INSIST on booing the great Todd? I mean look at that….an excellent physical specimen.

Annie- Yeah…she is isn’t she.

Ejiro- I was talking about Todd…

Annie- Todd? Todd who? The only person I see walking down that ramp is…(sighs)…Megan.

Judge- Man…you really are sexually deprived, aren’t you?

Annie- I am where Megan is concerned!

 

Megan gets onto the apron first, and holds the ropes open for the ‘Great Todd’ to enter without having to exert energy to hold the ropes himself. Megan then enters and ‘de-vests’ Todd, as the music dies down and the lights return to normal, enough to see Todd with the ribtape on again. This time Todd seems to have focused on the match in hand, with ‘COCKROACH KILLER’ on the front…turning around to reveal the words ‘I’M YOUR DADDY’ on the back which seem to aggravate Landon.

 

Maddix manages to control his anger enough to keep his head, as Megan leaves the ring with towel in hand. Obviously the Holy Bible is a captivating sight, as now Todd is looking up at the book hanging from the pole. Clasping his hands together, Todd looks like he’s about to say a prayer…to himself, obviously…but is cut off as Landon dropkicks him in the back, sending Todd crashing into the turnbuckles.

 

Ejiro- Oh come on…that’s sacrilegious!

 

Shaking off the blow, Royal looks more angry than he does hurt, as Maddix looks a little worried that he may have pissed off Todd. Indeed, walking forward Todd looks ready to seriously hurt Maddix, and lunges at him with a right hand in the corner where Landon has backed up to. Seeing it coming, Landon ducks and weaves, sending Royal into the corner as he misses the punch. Suddenly the fury in Landon from the ribtape taunts erupts, and he fires away with right hands to the jaw, a series of them connecting with Royal to cheers from the Edmontonians. Landon grabs the great Todd by the arm and whips Royal to the corner, the corner where the Holy Bible is situated. Somehow Todd manages to put on the brakes before he connects with the corner with a baseball slide, and looking up at the good book manages to find some divine inspiration, allowing him to hoist Landon in the air as he charges towards Todd, and drops him face first across the top turnbuckle with a flapjack.

 

Ejiro- Oh my, if that isn’t proof…that’s divine inspiration my good buddy. From saviour to saviour, a little help is always there.

Annie- Oh please…the only thing that’s divine around here is…

Ejiro and Judge- (mockingly) ‘MEGAN!’

 

Maddix holds his jaw in pain as from behind Todd gives a mocking slap across the blond haired head of “La Cucaracha”, before throwing Landon’s arm over his head and taking him backwards with a high angled back suplex. The move is met with boos from the Edmonton crowd, as Todd just sticks his head through the top and middle ropes, allowing Megan to towel him off to more boos.

 

Annie- Oh…oh yeah reach, reach baby…

Judge- Would you care to give it a rest.

Ejiro- Yeah…the thought of two women going at it is arousing, but the thought of you involved is starting to change my views on lesbianism.

 

Getting back to the match, Todd pulls Landon up to his feet, and hits another embarrassing slap across the head before hooking the arm again, this time from the front. Popping the ‘heavenly hips’, Todd takes Landon over with a fast snap suplex, keeping a hold of the head as he lands. Lifting his legs, Todd spins around and up to his feet again, still with Landon’s head and arm hooked. Bringing Landon over again, Todd this time hits a regular speed vertical suplex, as the back still weakened from his match with Tommy Nguyen, is being worked on again. Still Todd keeps the hold on, and spins up to his feet for a third suplex. Before hoisting Maddix up the thrid time, he takes a moment to flip off the fans in the direction from where a ‘TODD SUCKS’ chant is now coming from. Todd eventually hoists Landon up into the air for the third time, and this time holds Landon in the air, letting the blood rush to his head…

 

Ejiro- Oh…beautiful. Strength, technique, intensity…it’s all here baby.

Judge- And Maddix is two thirds of the way through The Trinity. As soon as Royal hits this he’s got to go for the Bible…

 

As he hangs Maddix in mid-air, Todd has a big smile on his face, obviously now expecting the easy victory. He eventually falls back nailing the hanging vertical suplex and completing The Trinity, as the crowd are again on their feet in boos. Landon is now out on the mat, and Todd seems in two minds, not knowing whever to punish Landon further or go for the Holy Bible. Grabbing Landon by the hair, Royal adjusts his boot slightly before scraping down with the laces across the eyes of Maddix, not gaining the favour of the crowd who start booing once more.

 

Ejiro- That’s a thing of beauty.

Annie- That’s an illegal move…

Judge- Well It WOULD be if there were no disqualifications in this match. Only way to win is to grab the Bible. And that’s what Todd is going to do right here!

 

Royal checks that Landon is suitably hurt before walking over toward the corner, ready to grab the Bible. Every so often, Todd checks back to see if Landon is getting up, but he shows no signs of movement, so Royal continues on.

 

Ejiro- It’s all plain for To…TODD DAMN HE’S UP!

Judge- Behind ya Todd!!!

Annie- Oh quit it!

 

Landon Maddix is indeed up, and Todd doesn’t see it. He’s already reaching for the Bible, trying to stay steady on the top rope. On the outside, Megan is trying desperately to get Todd’s attention, but he isn’t listening…he’s close to the book, until Landon superkicks the right leg from under Todd, crotching him backwards on the top rope!!!

 

Ejiro- NO!

Judge- NO!

Annie- MEGAN!

 

Ejiro and Judge stare over at Annie at the commentary table, as Landon climbs up to the middle rope behind Todd. Grabbing Todd by his short, brown hair Landon throws Todd’s head forwards, sending it bouncing off the pole!!! Adjusting himself on the ropes so he is sideways on to Royal, Landon again slings Royal face first into the steel pole, Todd’s head snapping back on impact.

 

Judge- This pole has more uses than just holding a Bible obviously.

Annie- You know what I like poles for…dancing. I wonder if Megan’s ever pole danced.

Judge- Why is it so hard for you to concentrate on a match when there’s a chick out here.

Ejiro- Megan isn’t just a chick, she’s a Toddess! Don’t forget that!

 

Landon rams Todd’s head into the pole again, before cheekily pushing Todd, and Todd falls backwards but his leg gets caught behind the turnbuckle, and suddenly he’s caught in the tree of woe! Seeing this, Maddix’s eyes light up…he’s got a chance!

 

 

Maddix steadies himself on the ropes…

 

 

Todd is still in the tree of woe…

 

 

 

And Maddix is close…

 

 

Within touching distance…

 

 

But not for long, as Megan leaps onto the apron and shoves Maddix, causing him to go FLYING off the top, to the outside, crashing jaw first into the barricade!!!

 

Ejiro- Ah ha ha!!! Beautiful!

Annie- You’re telling me!

Judge- Err…Annie, I thought you were routing for Landon here.

Annie- I am…but there’s routing for someone, and then there’s fancying the hell out of someone else.

 

Whilst on the apron, Megan quickly helps Todd get untied from the tree of woe, to admonishment from referee Sexton Hardcastle despite the no disqualifications ruling. Megan jumps down from the apron, as Todd is now looking angry as he rolls to the outside rather than going for the Bible. Maddix meanwhile tries to pull himself up on the railings, and almost does so before Todd comes over and throws Maddix face first into the steel. Rebounding off, we get a shot that shows Landon is now bleeding from the mouth. This only spurs Todd on more, and he picks “La Cucaracha” up and throws him face first into the apron this time.

 

Shoving Landon into the ring, Royal seems in total control…but he has to go for the Bible. For some reason, he doesn’t do so, and decides to dish out some more punishment to Maddix, hitting a couple of stomps to the back of the head of the floored Maddix. Pulling Landon up to his feet, Royal grabs Maddix’s jaw in between his index finger and thumb, and starts to talk trash to the young kid before nailing a knee to the gut. Royal then makes a gesture to Landon about the championship being his, before hitting a right hand to the kneeling youngster

 

Ejiro- The almighty Todd is in control good buddies.

Annie- Well you’ve changed your tune from last week…last week it was all about Jay Morrison.

Ejiro- Yeah…yeah, well…I’VE SEEN THE LIGHT!

Annie- Yes…well…I guess I walked right into that one.

 

Back in the ring, Todd takes a couple of steps back and dives forward, connecting flush to the back of the head with a diving shining wizard, the ‘SMACK!’ of the blow loud enough for all to hear. The knocked silly Maddix slumps face first forward, as Todd follows the shot up with a legdrop across the back of the head to add further damage.

 

Judge- I wouldn’t be surprised if this kid has a concussion after that kick…that just ECHOED around this arena.

 

A chant of ‘LET’S GO LANDON’ is started up around the arena, Todd glaring at any fan he can see chanting before hitting another legdrop to the back of Maddix’s head. Finally he stops and turns to the pole, and begins to move over…but suddenly stops and stares intently at Landon. A smile on his face, Todd starts to sarcastically applaud as he walks back over to Maddix.

 

Judge- Well, at least he’s learnt his lesson…Todd thinks Landon’s playing possum again.

 

Checking to see if Maddix really is out, Todd grabs the taped wrist of Landon Maddix and drops the arm down…it hits the mat once.

 

 

Wanting to make totally sure, Royal picks up the hand and drops it a second time…

 

 

And then picks it up a THIRD time…but this time the arm breaks away from Royal’s grasp and nails a LOW BLOW TO TODD!!!

 

Annie- He was right…Landon was playing possum.

Ejiro- Oh…you think?

Annie- Oh…do I detect SARCASM in your voice.

Judge- I’d call that touché buddy.

 

Holding his groin area, Todd is now doubled over. Still favouring his head, Landon manages to get to his feet and grab Todd in a headlock. Maddix suddenly runs forward, keeping the headlock on, and using the turnbuckle to propel himself round into a swinging bulldog driving Royal face first to the mat. The crowd are now on their feet, trying to encourage Landon to go and get the Bible, but Maddix has other ideas, and pulls Todd up onto all fours. With a smile on his face, Landon suddenly hooks his hands into the ribtape, and the crowd love it.

 

Ejiro- NO! HE HAS HURT RIBS!

Annie- He’s about to have exposed ribs!

 

Megan jumps up onto the apron, imploring Landon to leave the tape alone, but this just brings a smile to Maddix’s face and spurs him on…he tears the tape, and Maddix slowly unravels it all from the ribs of Todd…and as he does, a pair of brass knuckles falls to the mat!

 

Ejiro- Ah crap…

Judge- No no…Ejiro, he can’t get DQed remember.

Ejiro- Oooh…oh yes, yes, Todd Damn YES!!!

Annie- ‘Todd Damn’…Maddix is going to use them…

Ejiro- Oh…wait, that’s not fair!

 

Landon picks up the brass knuckles with a smile, slowly slipping them onto his right hand as the fans are now going crazy, the support Maddix has built up and Todd has shunned grouping together. Holding the knuckled hand in the air, Maddix looks for a little more crowd approval, but as he does Todd is up from behind and grabs Landon’s right hand with his left. Hooking the arm under the opposite armpit, Royal does the same with the left arm as Maddix is now ‘straitjacketed’. Landon drops down to his knees to find an escape, but Royal senses it early, and steps into a ‘Straitjacket Camel Clutch’!!!

 

Judge- He’s got it slapped on perfectly, Maddix has no escape!

Ejiro- Submissions count right? Please say submissions count.

Judge- No they don’t.

Ejiro- TODD DAMN IT! Why not?

Annie- Don’t you think this whole ‘Todd Damn’ stuff is getting old already?

Judge- No…

Ejiro- Not really.

 

Maddix tries to crawl away for an escape, even trying to force a break by grabbing the ropes by his teeth, but can’t. Eventually Todd drags up Maddix, still keeping the straitjacket on, and throwing Landon backwards hits a release Straitjacket Suplex! The move is met with applause…if only from Megan, but applause nonetheless.

 

Todd glances over at the Bible yet again, and again remembers Landon’s history of playing possum. As such, Todd drags Maddix to his feet, removing the brass knuckles from his hand as he does so, and pushes him up against the ropes adjacent to the pole. Forcing Landon’s arms over the top rope, Royal grabs the middle rope also and tries to tie Maddix up in the ropes!

 

Ejiro- Oh this is great strategy. Landon won’t be playing possum with his arms tied to the ring.

Annie- If you ask me, it…

Ejiro- Nobody did!

 

Landon tries to wriggle free before he can be tied in the ropes, but Todd manages to drive an elbow to the temple, staggering him enough to grab the two ropes again, and tie Landon’s arms up. The Edmonton crowd boo Todd’s cowardice, as he smiles and gives Maddix a playful slap to the face, taunting the young kid mercifully. Royal turns to go for the Bible, but his attention is diverted by the shining brass knuckles laying in the middle of the ring, and looking back at Maddix a grin adorns Royal’s face.

 

Judge- Ok…this may be a bit too far…

Ejiro- What are you talking about? This going to be great. That cut on Landon’s lip is gonna be nothing compared to the cuts Todd’s going to slice into Maddix with!

 

Todd slowly walks over, and picks up the brass knuckles before placing them on his right hand, and looking longingly at them, before walking back over to Maddix. Sexton Hardcastle stands in front of Landon, trying to do his job and protect the helpless kid despite the no DQ rules. Doing the right thing, Hardcastle stands his ground as Royal begins to close in, yelling at Hardcastle to move. Refusing to do so, Royal forcibly moves him by grabbing a hold of the referee’s jacket and sending him hurtling off to the left. Royal shouts down at Hardcastle, and raises his arm ready to use the knux, but the distraction allows Landon to lean back against the ropes, giving him leverage to nail a boot to the gut to Todd! Maddix leans back again as Royal moves in again, this time Landon hooks both his legs around Todd’s head and rolling backwards. With his head hooked, Royal goes flying over the ropes, Maddix hurricanrana-ing him over the top rope!!!

 

Annie- That’ll teach that cocky SOB for laying his hands on an SJL official…

Judge- And Maddix is free! Landon Maddix, by leaning back to hit the hurricanrana, untied his arms and can get to the Bible!!!

 

Landon is indeed untied, laying on the apron, but slowly crawling towards the turnbuckles on the outside. The crowd are now on their feet, cheering him on, as the young kid is beginning to make it towards the turnbuckles. Megan is looking on, a look of sheer horror on her face as she tries to revive Todd, but he’s still seeing stars from his bump off the concrete. Wiping some of the blood from his lip, Landon reaches his arm up and grabs a hold of the top turnbuckle and tries to haul himself up.

 

 

Now on his knees, Landon is looking up at the Bible, trying to will himself on to go further. The crowd cheers begin to do their job, as seemingly Landon finds a surge on energy…

 

 

 

 

 

Landon’s back on his feet…

 

 

 

 

 

…and getting ready to climb the buckles…

 

 

 

 

…Megan suddenly leaves Todd’s side, jumps onto the apron and starts choking the hell out of Landon with the trusty towel carried with her!!! She leaps up onto Maddix’s back to try and get a little more leverage on the choke, but suddenly Landon reaches back, grabs Megan’s hair and pulls her over his back sending her crashing into the ring. Again the crowd are almost deafening, as Maddix now steps into the ring, with a little revenge on his mind.

 

Ejiro- Oh no…TODD! TODD, GET UP!!!

Judge- Don’t do it Landon!

Annie- No, do it! Rip her top off!!!

 

Landon grabs Megan by the hair again, ‘The Toddess’ on her knees begging for mercy.

 

 

 

Suddenly, the cheers from the crowd turn into shouts, trying to warn Landon that Todd is back up on the apron and is trying to go for the book!!!!!

 

 

Landon doesn’t see it, as he hooks up Megan’s head ready for a suplex…before hooking her leg and looks to hit the Fisherman’s Buster…but suddenly, he notices Todd is up and is just inches away from the book!

 

 

 

 

Ejiro- TODD’S GOT IT!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Judge- No…no he hasn’t!!!

 

Todd touches the book with his fingers…

 

 

 

…but suddenly loses his footing at the worst possible time. Cursing under his breath, Todd begins to climb again…

 

 

…as Landon Maddix runs up the turnbuckles with amazing balance, and takes Todd off the top rope with super armdrag, Megan only just avoiding being squashed by Royal!!!

 

Annie- Come on kid…come on, live your dream…

Ejiro- Give it a rest with the dream crap Annie. At least the Todd Damn stuff is creative.

 

Landon jumps through the middle and top rope to the apron, and looks to go up top…but goes to the wrong corner, not going for the Bible. Suddenly a big smile appears on Landon’s face, and giving the cutthroat signal the crowd instantly explode with noise, all knowing what’s coming next!

 

Judge- Listen to this crowd!!! In the home of the great Chris Benoit, Landon is going to the top rope for the CockroachDive Headbutt…

Ejiro- The WHAT!?! What sort of a move name is that!?! This kid’s an idiot.

Annie- This ‘idiot’ is about to become the new Television Champion.

Ejiro- Then why isn’t he going for the Bible? He’s an idiot!

 

Getting to the top rope, Maddix extends his arms, and propels forward for the diving headbutt…but at the last moment, Megan drags Royal’s prone body out of the way, and Landon SMACKS face first into the canvas. Almost deafening boos fill the arena as Megan is chastised by Hardcastle and sent out of the ring. Todd, groggy and dazed, gets up to his feet once more, and a little confused Todd grabs a hold of Landon’s right leg, spins around with his own leg, places Maddix’s legs in the ‘4’ position and locks on the Wrath of Todd!!!

 

Ejiro- No…TODD GO UP!!!

Judge- I think Royal is letting the anger get the better of him here. He should go for the book instead of trying to punish the kid.

 

Wrenching back with his legs, Todd is trying to punish Landon even more than he already has. Despite the fact there are no submissions in the Todd Bless You Match, Royal continues to wrench away in the Wrath of Todd…and Landon begins to tap out in desperation and pain.

 

Sensing ‘La Cucaracha’ is done, Royal finally releases the hold, and is greeted by familiar boos from the many Edmontonians. Slowly, Todd raises his own right arm to his throat…and gives the cutthroat signal himself!

 

Judge- Oh…he wouldn’t!

Ejiro- Todd…don’t do it!

 

Royal begins to climb up to the top rope again, but Landon is desperately pulling himself up, gritted teeth he is determined not to give in on his opportunity. Todd stops, gives up and goes for the Bible again, but Maddix is up and crawling over again. Royal has the advantage, he’s almost at the book already as Maddix is only just getting to the corner.

 

Ejiro- He’s seen the light…Todd is going to do it…

 

 

 

With both hands clasped around the pole, Todd climbs to the top rope itself to get to the book which is hung higher than he’d expected.

 

 

 

 

Maddix is trying to pull himself up, seeing his dream slipping away…

 

 

 

 

 

ROYAL HAS HIS HAND ON THE BOOK…

 

 

 

 

…CLASPS THE FINGERS…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MADDIX SHAKES THE ROPE!!!

 

Todd crashes groin first across the top turnbuckle, as Maddix backs up and takes a deep breath. Suddenly charging forward, Maddix springboards off the middle rope, and nails the SUPER shining wizard kick FLUSH to the back of Royal’s head!

 

Todd slumps forward…and crashes down to the mat, bouncing his head off the apron on the way down.

 

 

 

Maddix has a clear run suddenly. Megan runs around the ring, and tries to revive Todd. But it seems all over…

 

 

 

 

Maddix is climbing…

 

 

 

…to the middle rope…to the top…the book is within reach…

 

 

 

 

HIS HAND IS INCHES AWAY…

 

 

Megan jumps to the apron…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IT’S TOO LATE!!!!!!

 

 

 

*DING* *DING* *DING*

 

Judge- We have a NEW CHAMPION~!

 

 

Funyon- Ladies and gentlemen…the winner…and NEEEEEWWWWW SJL WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIIIOOON…LAAANDOON MAAAAADDIIIIIX!!!

 

Absolute ELATION overtakes Maddix, as Sexton Hardcastle goes the outside and retrieves the SJL Television Championship belt from the timekeeper’s table. Maddix jumps down from the top rope, and kisses the Bible in his joy. Hardcastle rolls back in, and passes the new champ his belt to deafening cheers.

 

Judge- Incredible. This kid is the SJL World Television Champion, after three weeks in the SJL…and he has beaten Todd Royal…

Ejiro- He would NOT have won if this wasn’t such a STUPID stipulation. Maddix tapped out to Royal during the damn match!!! If this was a normal match, Todd Royal would still be the SJL Television Champion Todd Damn It!!!

Judge- Well that may be the case, but…HEY!

 

Maddix is on his knees, in a moment mirroring his idol Shawn Michaels from Wrestlemania XIII, belt cradled in his arms and tears in his eyes.

 

On the outside, Todd is beyond mad, fuming on the outside as suddenly he picks up a steel chair. Rolling back in, the elated Maddix doesn’t see him coming…

 

 

CRAAAAACK!!!

 

Todd crashes the chair over the back of Maddix’s head. Landon is knocking out INSTANTLY, as the fuming Todd turns Maddix over…and shouts into his face…

 

 

NOBODY GETS ONE OVER ON ME…TODD DAMN IT…NOBODY!!!

 

 

…before spitting down on Maddix, and storming off, glaring at Megan despite all her help, as the crowd are incensed, booing the hell out of Todd for his dastardly actions.

 

Annie- Damn it, that’s not right. This is Landon’s greatest moment of his life…

Ejiro- At the expense of Todd Royal. And NO-ONE gets the better of Todd Royal…nobody. Let’s go to a Todd Damn break!

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

Two Drink Minimum vs. Hybrid & Tommy Nguyen

 

 

 

 

NO

 

 

NO

 

 

NO

 

 

NOT TODAY

 

 

NOT TOMORROW

 

 

NOT EVER

 

 

THIS

 

 

IS

 

 

A

 

 

MATCH..... EN FUEGO~!

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

Cut to the backstage area where SJL Champion John Duran and his fellow stablemates of Urban Decay are sitting in the dressing room.

 

Solomon: "Can you believe that Raynor booked Korgath against me?"

 

Duran: "Don't worry about it, man. In fact, look at it this way. We've beaten everyone else, so Raynor's run out of opponents for us!"

 

Solomon: "That might be true, but couldn't he have brought back Tokyo X for a one-time appearance? I'm sure that guy would've taken food scraps for one more chance in the spotlight."

 

Trepanier: "Nah, Raynor would've got Mark Kinxx. Now that's a talent."

 

All the members of Urban Decay have a laugh at the expense of the now-departed Kinxx, and then Duran speaks up again.

 

Duran: "Listen, just go out there tonight and enjoy yourselves. Both of you. Have a nice fun match, rough each other up a little bit, hell, you're both used to that. No reason to go into Wrath without a full stable, but let's pretend we care about the fans tonight."

 

Solomon nods and slaps hands with Duran, then turning to shake hands with Korgath.

 

Solomon: "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go, Dominic."

 

Solomon and Korgath walk off camera as Duran smiles and then goes back to giving English Dragon a pep talk about the European Title match.

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

Dominic Korgath vs. Scott Solomon

 

 

 

WHAT

 

 

IS

 

 

GOING

 

 

ON

 

 

I CAN'T SEE

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

Coming back from the break, we take a swift tour around the crowd packing out the Skyreach Centre. Poorly spelt signs, drunken unruliness and rapid support are the usual tell tale signs that the SJL is in town. We pan around and take in our commentators.

 

Judge: Welcome back to SJL Metal! As ever we’ve treated YOU, the loyal viewer to an outstanding evening of wrestling-

Ejiro: Outstanding compared to an amoeba, perhaps.

Judge: Well, they’re no patch on a certain two members of a certain commentary team, that’s for sure.

Ejiro: Who could you possibly mean?

 

Judge and Ejiro nudge each other and grin. Annie rolls her eyes and jumps in.

 

Annie: You done, boys? We do have a European Title match to call?

Judge: Right, right. English Dragon beat Tim Dillon on Crimson for the right to challenge Bloodshed…or should we say, The Apostle?

Ejiro: Either way, the guy’s a little nuts, which I have no problem with, but I’m going to have to back English Dragon to pick up the victory here. After all, he IS European. You’re with me, right Judge?

Judge: Well…Bloodshed has been a powerful and formidable European Champion to date.

Ejiro: Whaaat?

Annie: Aww, lover’s tiff boys? Never mind. Let’s get to it, shall we? The sooner this is over, the sooner we get home and make sweet love to our women. Well, maybe not you guys…

Ejiro: (huffily) Let’s just get to Funyon, eh?

 

In the ring, the legendary announcer raises the mic and obliges.

 

FUNYON: Ladies and Gentleman, the following contest is set for one fall and is for the S…J…L EUROPEAN TITLE!

 

The noble strains of “Land of Hope and Glory” rise throughout the Centre, bringing most of the crowd to their feet and disapproval from their throats as the English Dragon walks out, closely followed by his huge butler, Robertson. Tonight the Dragon is clad in all gold, his tights and mask glittering under the bright arena lights. Robertson, impeccably turned out in a tuxedo, steps slowly two paces behind his employer, no expression on his rugged face.

 

Annie: Dragon had to bring Lurch out with him, didn’t he.

Ejiro: He’s a valued employee, and Dragon needs him out there!

Annie: To cheat, yes, I know!

Ejiro: No! To…er…make tea!

 

Dragon climbs to the ring apron and wipes his feet before entering the ring. The challenger strolls over to our referee for this match, Sexton Hardcastle, and extends his hand for a shake. Sexton reaches out, only to see Dragon pull the hand away and pat Sexton’s cheek…the ring mic picks up the Englishman’s mocking voice.

 

“Now now, my good man, know your place.”

 

Annie: That guy is such a dick…

Judge: How would YOU know what a dick looks like?

Ejiro: Ha!

Annie: Believe me, working with you two, I know. A few drinks after work and you’re showing it to anyone. Anyone with a microscope to find it, anyway.

Ejiro: (whispered aside) She means you, Judge!

 

The Dragon’s music cuts out abruptly as a heavy voice intones "It’s.......FATE”, the words echoing through the area as the lights drop out. We pass a few seconds in darkness before a metal beat blasts out and bursts of fire swathe the entranceway. The man formally known as Bloodshed, now The Apostle, walks out confidently.

 

FUNYON: Aaaaaaaaaand his opponent….from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing 225lbs….he is the reigning and defending S…J…L European Champion…Blooooood- The Apostlllllllllllllllle!

 

Ejiro: Ha! Even Funyon got it wrong!

Judge: Well, this guy is pretty damn confusing.

Annie: Only to the more retarded members of the SJL announce team.

Judge: (whispered aside) She means you, Ej!

 

A cavalcade of religious imagery plays across the SmarkTron as the Apostle, clad in a long dark robe, makes his way to the ring. The Apostle steps calmly into the ring and disrobes, revealing the European Title belt strapped firmly around his waist. Wearing black tights with a white cross on one leg, the man formerly known as Bloodshed stands motionless in the middle of the ring as Sexton gingerly takes the belt.

 

Judge: Bloodshed took a piledriver onto the hard ringside floor from Craig McLennan last week, and it was that assault that led to this transformation. We don’t know much about this “Apostle”, and neither will Dragon. That has to be a disadvantage for him.

Ejiro: Meh, it’s the same man. How different can he be?

Annie: I have to agree. Men ARE all the same, after all.

 

Dragon strolls over, looks the Apostle up and down, and shrugs. Apostle doesn’t react to Dragon at all. Hardcastle stands between the two men and briefly goes through the standard rules before holding up the European title belt for all to see. A swift signal to the timekeeper and we get our:

 

DING DING DING

 

Judge: Here we go, European title on the line.

Ejiro: C’mon Dragon!

Judge: C’mon Apostle!

Annie: My god…does that mean I’m left with Sexton?

 

The challenger extends his right hand to Apostle, looking for a shake to start things off. Apostle however, no doubt aware of Dragon’s usual handshake shenanigans, simply leaps the short distance between the two men, with his right arm extended to one side, and SLAMS his forearm across the chest of Dragon. The force of the blow takes the Englishman off his feet and Apostle follows him down, sitting on the Dragon’s chest and throwing a flurry of stiff punches into his head and upper body. The crowd, a little unsure how to react to the Apostle earlier, now get heartily behind his assault on the enduringly despised Dragon.

 

With his opponent stunned, Apostle steps off Dragon, grabbing him by his mask and pulling the Englishman up with him. The European Champion takes hold of the right arm of Dragon and whips him off towards the ropes. As EngDrag comes flying back, Apostle steps to one side and drives his knee upwards hard, connecting with the gut of Dragon and sending him tumbling over hard to the mat.

 

Judge: A vicious looking knee lift from Apostle takes Dragon down again.

Ejiro: These are good tactics from English Dragon.

Annie: How exactly? Never mind, I just remembered how little I care.

 

With his opponent flat on his back, Apostle stands next to his head and leaps into the air, extending his right leg out horizontally in front of him. As Apostle falls back to the mat, he brings his leg slicing down upon the exposed throat of the English Dragon, who bounces off the mat, holding his neck. Apostle doesn’t relent however, but quickly gets to his feet and jumps into the air once more, again slamming the leg down onto Dragon. The former-Bloodshed still isn’t satisfied, and propels himself up once more for a third standing leg drop! Dragon is left rolling on the mat, both hands grasping his throat.

 

Judge: The Apostle has started this match like he doesn’t just want to defeat Dragon, he wants to annihilate him!

Annie: There’s no doubt there’s a difference between the Apostle and Bloodshed. This man is more vicious, angrier…just plain nastier. And considering Bloodshed already possessed those “qualities” in abundance, that results in one sick individual.

 

Following the third leg drop, the Apostle rolls over on top of EngDrag and hooks his left leg for the first cover of the match. Sexton Hardcastle slides over to count:

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

KICKOUT!

 

Apostle wastes no time in getting back to his feet and, again holding Dragon by the mask, brings his opponent up with him. Again, the European champion sends Dragon to the ropes with a hard whip. This time Apostle hooks his right arm under the returning Dragon’s left and pulls hard back, using his own strength and the challenger’s momentum to bring Dragon flying over hard to the mat with an arm drag. Apostle manages to keep a hold of the arm and, with Dragon lying on the mat on his back, grips it tighter and pulls back, applying an armbar. Dragon sits up slightly, trying to get into a better position, but Apostle merely adds his knee to the shoulder of EngDrag, punishing the arm further.

 

Judge: Nice take down from the Apostle. So far this change of character doesn’t seem to have had any kind of negative effect on his skills in the ring.

Annie: Maybe I could try giving you guys piledrivers onto the floor. See if it has an effect on your skills.

Ejiro: Phh, I’d like to see you try, bi-

 

At a sharp look from Annie, we never discover the final letters of Ejiro’s rejoinder. In the ring, Dragon tries to reach around with his free right arm, but can’t get a grip of anything. EngDrag decides on a new escape tactic and manages to slowly get up to one knee. Apostle keeps the armbar locked in, but Dragon acts swiftly, spinning around to his left. Perhaps taking Apostle a little by surprise, Dragon is able to scoot around his opponent, breaking the armbar and immediately wrapping both arms around Apostle’s waist. Dragon immediately lifts up firmly, bringing the champion off his feet.

 

EngDrag twists to his right and drops forward, using an amateur style take down to slam Apostle face first onto the mat. The Englishman breaks the waistlock and quickly moves up Apostle’s body, slapping his right arm around his opponent’s head and tightening it into a headlock.

 

Judge: Dragon managed to turn that around quite effectively.

Ejiro: Of course…Dragon can work the mat as well as anyone in this sport. The Apostle shouldn’t have allowed himself to fall into Dragon’s clutches.

 

On the mat, Dragon hooks his hands together, creating extra pressure on the head of Apostle, who kicks his legs, trying to power out. Dragon is at close enough range that he can simply drive his forehead into the top of Apostle’s head, once, twice, three times.

 

Annie: The challenger seems to be targeting the obvious body part already.

Judge: The head of Bloodshed…Apostle…has got to be susceptible. If the injury he received was enough to change his very identity, Dragon would be wise to attack the head.

Annie: I just said that!

 

The Apostle absorbs the headbutts and his efforts to escape seem to drop a little. Dragon nods his head in approval as the crowd, slightly muted by Dragon’s immobilisation of the match, boo him half-heartedly. Dragon decides to step up the attack and moves his body so that he is able to step up, first to one knee and then completely upright, bringing Apostle with him. Dragon wrenches the headlock once more, but Apostle now has the use of his legs and pushes forwards strongly, getting his left arm into the small of Dragon’s back and shoving him off into the ropes. As Dragon rebounds back, Apostle drops his head and body down, looking to back drop Dragon, but the Englishman merely swings his right boot up and kicks the champion straight in the face!

 

Ejiro: Well, the shift in personality sure didn’t help his IQ any.

Judge: The Apostle can’t afford to leave him self open to someone as dangerously skilled as the English Dragon.

Annie: Please. I’ve seen more dangerous kittens. English Kitten, that would be a better name, in fact.

 

With the Apostle staggered, Dragon stands to his left and grabs his head with both hands. The challenger pulls forwards and drags Apostle over face first with a snapmare takeover. Apostle hits the mat hard on his behind and sits on the canvas. Dragon bounces up and - SMACK! Dragon cracks his boot into the upper back of Apostle, who shouts out in pain. SMACK! Dragon kicks again into the back.

 

Apostle grimaces and clenches his fists as the kick connects, but then puts the palms of his hands on the mat to try and push himself up. Dragon is having none of this however, and sends a third kick flying at Apostle, but this one is aimed a little higher and Dragon’s boot CRACKS into the back of the Apostle’s head! The blow draws a sharp intake of breath from the crowd, as Apostle’s head is snapped forwards before he slowly falls back onto the mat.

 

Dragon quickly gets down and hooks the left leg, pulling it up and high and entwining his hands around the leg:

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

KICKOUT!

 

The Englishman continues on the attack, and gets behind the Apostle, bringing him back to a sitting position. Dragon puts his right leg over Apostle’s right shoulder, and then drops back, simultaneously moving his left leg around his opponent’s left shoulder and wrapping both legs around the head of the European Champion. Dragon crosses his lower legs and locks in a headscissors.

 

Judge: Dragon again looking to put pressure on the head of the Apostle. Ordinarily a move like this would just be used to rest and wear down your opponent, but in this situation, in addition to doing that, there may be unknown ramifications of attacking the head.

Annie: Unknown? So you’re saying Dragon doesn’t know what he’s doing?

Ejiro: Can we just turn off her mic?

 

Sexton Hardcastle gets to his knees on the mat and checks on Apostle. With Sexton’s attention diverted, Dragon is able to fall back, and is close enough to the edge of the ring to grab the bottom rope. EngDrag pulls hard on the rope, giving himself extra leverage to wrench his legs on the head of the Apostle, who kicks his legs at the mat.

 

The crowd do their best to alert Sexton, but when the hapless official eventually looks up, Dragon has released the ropes and is sitting up, nodding his head. Sexton drops back to look at Apostle, and Dragon immediately grabs the rope again. This time Sexton can barely miss the ropes shaking, and, after a heated debate, forces Dragon to let go after a count of 3.

 

Dragon still has the headscissors locked on, but the Apostle, taking advantage of Dragon’s argument with Sexton, manages to turn around in the headscissors so that he faces Dragon. Apostle manages to get up one to knee….then half stands, dragging Dragon along the canvas a little. Before the Englishman can releases the lock, Apostle reaches down and grabs him around the waist, and STANDS! Apostle is shaking but keeps his balance!

 

Dragon shakes his head in confusion as he hangs off Apostle, who pulls up hard, flipping Dragon into the air, and the drives forwards, slamming Dragon down to the mat with what develops into a POWERBOMB!

 

Judge: What power from Apostle! He seems to be much stronger than Bloodshed, and Dragon certainly wasn’t expecting that!

Annie: He’s got a clear advantage in power over Dragon. This could be it!

 

The Apostle falls on top of EngDrag for the cover:

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THRRRRRRRR-NO!

 

Ejiro: When your little Apostle fan club meeting has finished, I’d like to point out that the English Dragon was never in trouble there, and in mere minutes will be walking away with the European Title.

Judge: Ej, I’d be perfectly happy to see that happen.

Ejiro: (mollified) Well, ok then.

Annie: He really likes Apostle though.

Ejiro: Seriously, her mic? Please?

 

The Apostle stands, pulling Dragon up by an arm. Still holding the arm, Apostle whips Dragon towards the far corner of the ring. Dragon turns in the whip and goes back first into the corner. The champion sprints straight after him and jumps forwards, extending his leg out in front of him and planting his boots hard into the stomach of Dragon. The Apostle grabs Dragon’s shoulders and keeps his balance, before dropping backwards and bringing Dragon flying out of the corner with a monkey flip! The Englishman somersaults over in the air and comes down HARD onto the mat.

 

Apostle ignores the opportunity of a cover and simply brings himself and Dragon back up. Once again, Apostle uses Dragon’s left arm to send him flying towards the ropes. As he bounces back, Apostle steps to the side and runs along side Dragon, extending his right arm, grabbing Dragon by the mask on the back of his head, and then leaping forwards! Apostle slams Dragon’s head face first into the canvas, and Dragon bounces off and lands flat on his back. Apostle gets to his feet, standing next to the fallen Englishman with his back to him.

 

The former Bloodshed leaps high into the air, somersaulting backwards and completing a beautiful 270 degree turn in the air, coming CRASHING down chest first onto the body of Dragon! The crowd POPS for Apostle’s athleticism.

 

Judge: AMAZING standing moonsault from the Apostle! Here’s the cover:

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-SHOULDER UP!

 

If the Apostle feels any disappointment at Dragon’s narrow escape, he doesn’t allow himself to show it. The champion stands and gathers the Londoner up and in, grabbing him around the head with his right arm into a headlock. Dragon’s left arm goes over Apostle’s left shoulder, and Apostle takes a grip on the top of EngDrag’s trunks.

 

Apostle heaves the Englishman high up into the air, getting him extended vertically above the mat. Apostle keeps his opponent up in the air, the crowd heating up for the eventual release with every passing second. After ten seconds, Apostle drops back, completing the suplex and slamming Dragon down hard. Apostle rolls over and goes for the cover once more:

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENO! KICKOUT!

 

Judge: Apostle comes within an inch of retaining his coveted European Championship!

Ejiro: He shouldn’t even be allowed to be champion! He’s from LAS VEGAS, for the love of God!

Annie: Well, the European title could be renamed. Say, to the Women’s title. Or the women’s naked-oiled-up title.

Judge: Interesting idea…I’ll speak to my people…

 

After consecutive kickouts from Dragon, Apostle seems to want to up the pace further and finish off his challenger. Once more, the Englishman is whipped off towards the ropes, but Dragon ducks under Apostle’s lariat as he bounces back. EngDrag flies away to the other side of the ring and returns again. Apostle swings again, and this time Dragon drops down, sliding along the mat and zips through Apostle’s legs, rolling up to his feet behind the champion.

 

As Apostle turns, Dragon bounces into the air, snapping his legs out in front of him and driving the soles of his boots into the jaw of his opponent. Apostle is knocked back down to the mat as Dragon also falls to earth. The damage Dragon has previously sustained is clearly still effecting the challenger, and the dropkick seems to have been a desperation move. Both men are moving upwards, but very slowly. Apostle rolls onto his hands and knees and starts to rise, as Dragon gradually staggers upright.

 

Apostle pushes up with a final effort and is about to turn to Dragon when the Englishman, with a burst of energy, leaps forwards and snakes his arms around Apostle’s waist. Before Apostle can fight out of the waistlock, Dragon pulls up and back hard, swinging Apostle over and driving his upper back and shoulders onto the mat with a German suplex! Dragon maintains the waistlock and turns to get back to his feet, dragging Apostle up with him.

 

Ejiro: That’s it Draggy! Keep bouncing that freak off the mat!

Annie: Draggy? That’s just…disturbing.

Judge: Some professionalism please, children? This match is reaching a crucial stage.

 

Dragon is about to try for another German, when Apostle fights back, swinging his right elbow back and connecting with the Englishman’s jaw. Stunned, the Dragon is unable to prevent Apostle breaking the waistlock and sliding round behind Dragon, where he applies his own waist lock. Apostle swings Dragon back and hits a German suplex to the approval of the crowd! The champion grimaces with the effort, but manages to bring both men back to their feet and execute the move again, slamming Dragon down hard with a second German suplex! The crowd roars on the champ for more.

 

Annie: No one seemed to know how to react to the new personality of Bloodshed, but it appears this crowd is taking to him…or at least, they like him better than Dragon. But then, Dragon’s only friend is his butler.

Ejiro: That’s not true! I’m his friend!

Annie: Now you’re embarrassing yourself, Ej.

 

Apostle has Dragon up and is about to execute a third suplex, when Dragon, desperate to avoid it, kicks his right leg back, driving his upper leg into Apostle’s groin. The blow’s effect is immediately apparent, as Apostle crumples away from Dragon, down to his knees. With the angry crowd hurling abuse at the challenger, he spins around behind Apostle and slips his right arm under Apostle’s left, repeats on the right side, and puts his hands on the back of Apostle’s head, locking in a full nelson. Dragon pulls Apostle up to a standing position and then suddenly and sharply swings Apostle back, SMASHING his head and neck into the mat with a Dragon Suplex! Dragon holds the cover!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TWO!!

 

 

Annie: Not like this!

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NO! KICKOUT!

 

Annie: Damn that dirty Dragon!

Ejiro: That was three! Sexton’s arm is just too slow!

Judge: Dragon just slammed Apostle onto his head again- can he recover from that?

 

Dragon slaps the mat in frustration and stands, grabbing a hold of the Apostle by the scruff of his neck and pulling him up. Apostle’s legs almost give out from under him, but Dragon pulls him in and places his head between his leg. Dragon wraps his arms around Apostle’s waist and prepares to lift him up.

 

Judge: A piledriver to Apostle could be the final nail in the coffin of his title reign!

Ejiro: BREAK HIS HEAD OPEN, DRAGON!

 

Dragon pulls Apostle up, but the champion starts to kick his legs hard, and before Dragon can get him vertical, Apostle drops back down to the mat. Apostle frees his head and, still crouched, lunges forward, driving his shoulder into Dragon’s gut! The blow doubles up the Dragon, and Apostle takes his chance, trapping Dragon’s head between his legs and swinging him up vertically! Apostle flicks his legs out and drops down, and Dragon’s head DETONATES onto the mat! The crowd POPS for the piledriver as Apostle slowly hooks a leg:

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NO! KICKOUT!

 

 

Judge: What will it take to end this!

Ejiro: A Dragon Driver!

Annie: We’ve seen Apostle use much the same moves as Bloodshed…perhaps one of his finishing moves?

 

The crowd roars louder as Apostle gets to his feet. The European Champion hooks his forearms under the arms of Dragon and pulls him up so that Dragon is bent over in front of him, still with the arms hooked up in a Pedigree position. Apostle vocalises for the first time in the match, shouting in a booming voice “THE ANSWER!”, before attempting to spin to one side. As he moves however, Dragon fights back, twisting his body and freeing his left arm. Dragon turns behind Apostle and, with his right arm still linked with Apostle’s left, applies a hammerlock! Apostle reacts immediately by rotating fast and hard, breaking the hammerlock and throwing his right elbow towards Dragon. The elbow connects hard with Dragon’s jaw and he falls back.

 

Judge: Apostle calling for “The Answer”, which appears to be a variation on the Angel’s Wings…and Dragon escaped by the skin of his teeth!

Ejiro: English people have skin on their teeth? That’s disgusting!

 

Apostle goes to hook the arms up again, but this time, as Dragon’s left arm is being hooked, his right hand reaches up…Dragon extends two fingers and pokes Apostle straight in his right eye! Hardcastle is furious with Dragon but the Englishman pays no attention. Dragon stands up and pulls the stunned Apostle’s head between his leg, swiftly pulling him up into a vertical position. EngDrag balances himself, before hooking back Apostle’s dangling right arm with his right leg…the same on the left side…and Dragon lunges forward, smashing Apostle into the mat with the Dragon Driver!

 

The crowd BOO heartily as Dragon slowly uses his legs to turn Apostle onto his back and pin his shoulders to the mat. Sexton reluctantly counts:

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

Ejiro: NEW CHAMPION!

 

 

 

 

TWO AND A HALF!

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NO!

 

KICKOUT!

 

The crowd erupts in relief!

 

Judge: Apostle just kicked out of the Dragon Driver! That’s the first time anyone has done that here in the SJL!

Annie: Beautiful! It’s about time that happened. Look at Dragon!

 

The Englishman has clambered up, and stands, shaking with rage! EngDrag looks at Apostle, lying flat on his back, and SPITS straight into his face! The Londoner drags Apostle by the arm a short distance towards the nearest corner, and steps out of the ring onto the apron. Dragon slowly climbs the ropes in the corner as the fans implore Apostle to get up.

 

Ejiro: Damn that Hardcastle! Another slow count!

Annie: It was perfectly fair- far more than Dragon deserves!

 

Dragon stands on the second turnbuckle and waves to the fans before turning the wave into a pointed one finger salute. Dragon moves both hands across his waist, miming a belt, and steps onto the top turnbuckle. Apostle is stirring…and Dragon is about to leap into the air when Apostle rolls half to his feet and just falls forwards, knocking the ropes hard! The reverberation unbalances Dragon, and he slips, coming down hard, legs either side of the top turnbuckle!

 

Annie: At last, some justice!

Ejiro: Low blow! Low blow!

 

Apostle uses the ropes to pull himself up, and, seeing Dragon helpless and in pain on the top, seemingly gets a last burst of energy. Apostle walks quickly over and stands on the second turnbuckle in front of Dragon. The champ throws a couple of punches to the Englishman’s face and then grabs him around the head and lets out a savage cry!

 

Judge: What’s he going to try?

Annie: From his position, it looks like a-

 

Apostle bounces up, throwing his legs up and around the neck of Dragon, looking to drag him of with-

 

Annie: A RANA OFF THE TOP ROPE!

 

-but Dragon DOESN’T MOVE! The camera pans around and we see Robertson, the Dragon’s butler, holding the seat of Dragon’s tights in both massive hands, immobilising him! Apostle’s grip with his legs was strong, and for a split second he merely hangs off Dragon! The challenger sees his chance, and before Apostle can drop away grabs him firmly around the waist! EngDrag stands on the second rope and slowly, carefully, hooks Apostle’s left arm back with his left leg! Apostle is starting to struggle as Dragon does the same on the right! The champion’s body is shaking as he tries to escape, but Dragon holds on and DROPS FORWARDS….

 

Judge: Holy-

 

---EXPLODING Apostle onto the mat with the Dragon Driver from the second rope!

 

Fans: -SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

 

Apostle’s body twitches, and Dragon merely lies on top of him, seemingly absorbing a significant impact himself. Slowly, ever so slowly, Dragon stirs and starts to turn the Apostle over with his legs…with a final effort Dragon gets his opponent onto his back and pushes up his legs for the cover:

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO AND A HALF!

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DING DING DING

 

Ejiro: YES! THE EUROPEAN TITLE IS GOING HOME!

 

“Land of Hope and Glory” swells through the arena as Funyon intones:

 

”The winner of the match…….and NEEEEEEEEEEEEEW S..J..L EUROPEAN CHAMPION….THE ENGLISH DRAAAAAAAAAAAAAGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!”

 

Dragon and Apostle lie in a heap on the mat, as Sexton Hardcastle tries to give the title belt to Dragon. Robertson comes into the ring and snatches the title, putting it over his huge shoulder and extracting Dragon from the mat. The butler supports Dragon as they leave the ring. The crowd, recovering from the dramatic finish, resume their enthusiastic booing of the Englishman.

 

Annie: That damn butler! I knew he’d been too quiet in the match!

Judge: These two men had a WAR in the ring, but Dragon narrowly came out on top thanks to-

Ejiro: Thanks to Apostle’s poor leg strength failing on the rana attempt!

 

Apostle is slowly climbing up in the ring and earning a good reaction from the fans, but it’s Dragon who the camera lingers on, as he grasps the European title belt and kisses it.

 

Judge: It’s Dragon’s title, but I’m sure Apostle, Bloodshed, whoever, will be in line for a rematch. Believe it or not, there’s still MORE to come here on Metal, don’t go ANYWHERE!

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

The Skyreach Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is simply electric as we return from the commercial break. The fans are cheering loudly, anxious to find out the number one contender to John Duran’s World Title. The question on everyone’s minds though, is who do they want the belt pinned on? Manson? A withdrawn freak with a sadistic streak a mile long. Tarakanov? An anti-American and pretty much every government besides his own fallen one. Aecas? The favored choice, but what will this unstable man do once he has the belt on his shoulder? Unsure about the possible placement of the belt but sure that they are in store for one hell of a match, the fans excitement never falters.

 

Judge: Welcome back. Our next match pits the three top contenders for John Duran’s World Title against each other to determine his opponent to defend the belt against on Wrath. These three have wrestled their tails off lately to get their shot at the belt, and here they will have just one final hurdle to leap until they get their shot.

 

Ejiro: Smartly spoken words, Bill. All three of these men are ready for a shot at the belt, but, none of them being a member of Urban Decay, I don’t think that they are quite up to facing “The Sinner.”

 

Annie: So, you’re saying that anyone from Urban Decay has what it takes to beat Duran for the title?

 

Ejiro: Yes. I mean, no. Well, what I was trying to say was...

 

Annie: I know, I know. It’s difficult to get out an intelligent thought, isn’t it?

 

Ejiro: Shut up, Woman! *gets slapped upside the head by Annie* OWWW!!

 

Judge (apparently already numb to his colleagues’ antics): Any one of these three men could step up and grab that brass ring, but only one of them will be allowed to try in this elimination style bout tonight.

 

Funyon steps into the ring and his smile flashes as bright as the sequins on his coat as he receives a small pop from his adoring (read: Canadian) fans. “Ladies and gentlemen! The contest is scheduled for two falls and is conducted under elimination rules! Introducing first... he weighs in at two hundred and fifteen pounds... from Denver, Colorado... he is Hate Personified... MAAAANSOOOON!!”

 

The lights illuminating the arena instantly drop to blackness and after a pause “Hate Song” by The Haunted hits the speakers and red lights flash rapidly about the arena. The strobing effect and distinct music causes the fans to begin to make noise for the immanent arrival of The Hate Machine. True enough, at the proper point in his theme song, Manson throws back the curtain and steps through, met with a light amount of boos, certainly not what he expected. The fans usually loathe him, but now they pay very little heed to his past actions as he is met with a surprisingly docile reaction.

 

Annie: Hmmm... that’s odd. The crowd isn’t showering Manson with garbage. Heck, they’re barely even booing him... Is the crowd really THAT drunk?

 

Judge: I’d say that’s a good possibility, Annie, but it could very well be that Manson really hasn’t done anything against the crowd lately.

 

Ejiro: Yeah, it’s been a while since he was in a heel stable or brutally sliced someone open for no reason.

 

But since when has Manson cared about the fans? Throwing their remarkably mild reaction toward him to the wind, Manson raises up the Devil’s horns to the sky and quite literally forces the good, God-fearing folks of Edmonton to boo him. There‘s no smile upon his face, but it’s plain to see that Manson is pleased. He continues to walk down the ramp and rolls into the ring quickly. As soon as he’s in the ring, Manson instantly rolls to a corner and sits staring deeply into the abyss. Funyon takes a quick look around at the crowd before raising the mic to his face again and attempting to speak but he is caught off guard by the sudden absence of light and the eerie face in the SmarkTron.

 

 

“Sanity is just a weird form of madness...”

 

 

“KAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

 

 

Adema’s “Immortal” hits the loudspeakers and cause the fans to begin to cheer softly, building up. Red lights flash in the arena as though all hell is about to break loose and as if a warning would be of any use. On the SmarkTron the word “AECAS” begins to fill with blood. It is suddenly replaced by clips of several impressive wrestling moves being displayed. The stage fills up with a thick, boiling smoke as the video continues. The blood drips halfway down the word as it switches to brutal weapon shots and sadistic bumps. Finally, the blood begins to pool at the bottom of the word and a deep red spotlight pierces through the smoke to find Aecas walking down the ramp to which the crowd cheers loudly.

 

“Next... he weighs in at two hundred and eighty five pounds... hailing from Shrewsbury, England... ‘The Black Angel’ AAAAEEEECAAAAS!!”

 

Annie: Here’s one man who’s reaction from the fans never surprises me! Aecas’ psychotic antics always warms my heart.

 

Judge: He’s a disturbed individual, that’s for sure. The fans like him, but I for one am a little leery of sitting with the man at lunch.

 

Ejiro: Especially since we don’t have to eat lunch with JLers.

 

Judge: Well, that too.

 

The spotlight shows Aecas face for only a moment as the smoke rolls past him but in that brief time, his countenance appears to shift from indifference to anger to a sadistic grin to a vague expression. Aecas moves past the smoke and steps up to the ring apron, throwing his foot over the top rope with ease. Entering the ring in near darkness, Aecas almost trips over Manson, who still sits in his corner, staring at Aecas. As the music fades, the house lights are brought up on Aecas standing in the middle of the ring, staring intently at Manson, who stares back. Neither man moves so much as an iota of their being until the silence is broken by a massive red explosion on the stage.

 

 

*KABOOM!!*

 

 

*TAAAAAA!!*

 

 

The fans instantly recognize the combination of a giant red explosion of pyro and a loud instrumental chord as the entrance of Viktor Tarakanov and hail down boos upon the stage before even seeing the wrestler. The lyrics begin and “The Red Rage” steps through the curtain, prompting the fans to boo even louder at the sight of the Russian. The sound of the boos is nearly encompassing the sound of the loud music, and the genuine hatred of the crowd is uncanny. The impressiveness of the reaction is all but lost on Tarakanov as he simply blocks them out as he walks down the ramp as though he were wearing a set of headphones... really, really loud headphones.

 

Annie: Well, I knew he had to come out sometime...

 

Ejiro: Tarakanov has got to be the favorite in this match. He is the only man to have beaten both the champion, and the champion before him.

 

Judge: I’m inclined to agree with you, Ejiro. Viktor has the talent, the determination, and the killer instinct that I believe will be the deciding factor in this match.

 

Annie: I’m gonna go with the eclectic choice of Aecas for this one. The man is simply huge, he has absolutely NO qualms about hurting himself or anyone else, and he has the fans behind him. Methinks he’ll be the one to go on to fight Duran.

 

“And the other opponent... he weighs in at two hundred and eighty pounds... fighting out of Astrakhan, Russia... ‘The Red Rage’ VIKTOR TARAKAAAANOOOOV!!”

 

As Viktor re-adjusts his wrist tape, he walks up the steel steps and onto the ring apron, wiping off his feet before entering. The music fades with the booing of the crowd and all three men stare at each other for a long moment, constantly re-adjusting their glances at one another. Manson stands up in his corner but his gaze never falters. The tension in the ring is so thick one could cut it with a knife as they pause before ringing the bell to start the match.

 

 

DING!! DING!! DING!!

 

 

As the bell rings, Manson and Tarakanov make the first move and charge Aecas, pummeling him with lefts and rights. The two then whip the big Brit into the ropes and charge after him, but Aecas holds out his arms for a double clothesline and knocks Manson to the mat much to the delight of the crowd. Tarakanov ducks the clothesline and keeps running, but Aecas turns around to take down Viktor this time. Tarakanov comes charging back with what looks to be a clothesline and Aecas looks to be ready for it, but as Tarakanov approaches, Manson yanks Aecas’ foot out from below him and causes him to fall face first to the mat. Then, instead of hitting a clothesline, Tarakanov instead drops his elbow into Aecas’ back.

 

Judge: Nice bit of teamwork by Manson and Tarakanov.

 

Annie: I know that these two were in a tag match together a couple weeks back, but I didn’t know that the two even knew how to work as a damn team. Neither of ‘em look like they like people much.

 

Ejiro: Oh, you’d be surprised how well a pair of separately great wrestlers can do as a team. *Ejiro and Judge give each other a high five behind Annie’s head*

 

The impromptu team continues the punishment on their opponent as they both lock in an armbar on Aecas as he’s down on the mat. The wicked team is met with many boos as they wrench away on Aecas limbs. Tarakanov goes to readjust his grip but Aecas takes advantage of it and pushes Viktor out of the way. Now Aecas has enough space to get leverage and he makes full use of it by getting to his knees, almost forcing Manson out of the hold, but Manson simply stands up and keeps the hold on as best he can. Aecas though gets to his feet and sees his opening. Aecas catches Manson off guard and spins the rest of his body so that he is facing Manson.

 

Now face to face, Manson gets a twinge of fear in his eye as Aecas grabs him around the midsection and hurls him up and over his head with a belly-to-belly suplex, crashing into Tarakanov. Aecas made it clear that teamwork will not work well tonight and yells at the two on the mat “Is that all you’ve got?” and eggs them on with his hands, causing the crowd to cheer on their psychotic hero. The two stand up and look at each other aggravated with each other. They exchange a few inaudible words, the last few of which aren’t very kind, and they start to exchange right handed blows, leaving Aecas to simply watch and shrug his shoulders in the middle of the ring.

 

Judge: So much for teamwork.

 

Annie: With two volatile personalities like that attempting to team, it’s a wonder they got as much done as they did.

 

Ejiro: I guess not everyone can work out as a team as efficiently as us, eh Bill? *Ejiro and Judge give each other a high five behind Annie’s head*

 

Annie: Ugh, do you girls wanna be alone?

 

Viktor finally levels Manson with one big punch and then turns his attention back to Aecas but gets a big boot for his efforts. The foot to his face staggers Vik back into the ropes and “The Black Angel” grabs his opponent’s arm and whips him to the ropes. Tarakanov bounce back and gets s stiff boot to the gut, causing him to double over. With his opponent in position, Aecas tucks Viktor’s head between his legs and hoists him onto his shoulders. Showing his incredible strength, Aecas then spins around with Viktor on his shoulders before stopping suddenly and slamming the Russian into the mat. This gets a huge pop from the crowd and causes Aecas to throw up his arms for them.

 

But his celebration is short lived, as Manson quickly attacks Aecas from behind with a chop-block to the knee. Aecas crumples to his knee and Manson draws from his martial arts knowledge and delivers a stiff wheel kick to the back of Aecas’ head. Aecas hits the mat quickly and Manson looks to get a little air time. The Hate Machine walks over to the corner and steps through the ropes onto the apron, climbing the turnbuckles the cautious way. As he reaches the top and is about to soar through the air, Viktor Tarakanov makes his presence know by trying to wrestle Manson off the top. After several close calls, Manson delivers two swift knees to Viktor’s face and causes him to back off.

 

Annie: What’s gonna happen here?

 

Ejiro: I think Manson is gonna fly!

 

That appears to be the consensus thought, but not the thought of Aecas. Recovering astonishingly quickly from the kick to the back to the head, Aecas stands up and runs forward at the turnbuckles at top speed. “The Black Angel” certainly appears to have wings as he literally jumps in the air and spears Manson off the top turnbuckle to the ground below! The crowd gasps at the incredible maneuver and at the devil-may-cry attitude of Aecas. The fans cheer indescribably loud at the sight before starting on a unanimous “HOLY SHIT!! HOLY SHIT!!” chant. With an entire arena chanting two simple words, it is clear that something special just happened.

 

Judge: Good GOD!! Aecas just speared Manson from off the top rope!

 

Annie: That was fuckin’ cool!

 

Ejiro: How are either of those men even alive? That was simply incredible!

 

It doesn’t look like either man is either alive or very happy at the moment, as they both lie in a heap on the “protective” mats outside. The referee, previously too stunned to even think about counting either man out, now has no choice but to begin to count.

 

 

“ONE!!”

 

 

Annie: Now I see why all those people are complaining about “The Violence on TV.”

 

 

“TWO!!”

 

 

There is no movement from the pile.

 

 

“THREE!!”

 

 

Judge: Viktor Tarakanov may have one this match without even having broken a sweat.

 

 

“FOUR!!”

 

 

The pile begins to move.

 

 

“FIVE!!”

 

 

 

 

 

“SIX!!”

 

 

Aecas is now crawling towards the ring.

 

 

“SEVEN!!”

 

 

He grabs onto the ring apron and tries to stand but falls.

 

 

“EIGHT!!”

 

 

Aecas again tries to get into the ring but falls back down.

 

 

“NINE!!”

 

 

Aecas finally gives just one more heave and gets himself into the ring, breaking the count for himself, but not for Manson. The Hate Machine is still nowhere near Consciousville and several officials check on him as he simply lies there.

 

 

DING!! DING!!

 

 

The bell signifies to the fans that Manson has been eliminated from this contest, but it has no effect on Manson himself, lying motionless on the outside. Viktor Tarakanov looks down at Aecas, who lies just inside the ring, breathing heavily, and chuckles to himself. He’s not even going to have to struggle to beat this worked down shmuck. Viktor sniffs and then feels under his nose, there is a small amount of blood running down from it after those knees to the face from Manson. Looking at the red on his hand, Tarakanov gets more than a little pissed and decides to take out his frustrations on the fallen Aecas. Vik drops to one knee and lifts Aecas up by his black hair with his left hand and begins to deliver sharp right hands to the face of his opponent with the right.

 

Judge: Those punches are thrown with expert precision. If Viktor wants to have you bleed, all he needs is his fists.

 

Annie: And that appears to be exactly what Tarakanov is going for: blood.

 

Ejiro: I guess he doesn’t like to see himself bleed. I’m surprised to see him take it out on someone else though.

 

Annie: Ah, that’s nothing. Happens to me every month.

 

These slow deliberate punches to the fragile facial area of Aecas are beginning to take their toll as the crowd boos louder than usual. Aecas face is now visibly bloody, with blood coming from both his nose and his mouth which is literally leaking blood. The crowd begins a chant now, a chant which greatly agitates Tarakanov. The chant is mumbly at first, but as the rest of the crowd catches on and sees Viktor’s agitation, it becomes much clearer. Now at full volume, the rather creative chant of “STALIN SUCKS!! STALIN SUCKS!!” causes Viktor to lose his composure and get up from his kneeling position, dropping Aecas on the mat. Tarakanov is beat red now and screaming at the crowd to stop their chanting.

 

The fans show no signs of wavering as long as they see that Viktor is irritated by the chant insulting a founding father of his country. With veins popping out of his head, Tarakanov turns around only to see Aecas in full standing position behind him. Aecas takes the excess blood from his mouth and spits it in Viktor’s face, like a green mist from a Japanese wrestler. The reaction from the crowd is half cheers and half disgust as Viktor staggers around trying to remove the volatile and probably unhealthy substance from his eyes Aecas grins with his bloody smile and whips Viktor into the ropes. Tarakanov unknowingly chugs along and bounces back and Aecas grabs him from beneath his armpits and hoists him up into the air, spinning facing the ceiling as the crowd explodes.

 

Annie: DECENT INTO DARKNESS!! DECENT INTO DARKNESS!! AECAS IS GOING TO HIT THE DECENT INTO DARKNESS AND THIS MATCH WILL BE ALL OVER!!

 

Judge: That does appear to be the case. Though don’t count out the Soviet. We never thought that their country would last a month and it lasted more than three quarters of a century. They’re a resilient race.

 

Flung up eight feet in the air, Viktor Tarakanov begins to fall and Aecas is there to catch him... and fling him down to the mat with a powerbomb! The force of the bomb causes Viktor to flip over to his stomach as the crowd roars their approval. Aecas crouches down to pin Vik, but seeing him lying on his stomach gives him another idea. Instead of pinning Tarakanov, Aecas is going to hook on the Wings of Fire and extract a little retribution for the blood-letting on his face. So that he does. Aecas grabs up Viktor’s arms and then places his legs in a Full Nelson position on him. Pulling the arms back for that little added something, Aecas wrenches away on Viktor’s powerful arms. Tarakanov actually screams in the hold, having never felt a submission hold from anyone stronger than himself.

 

Viktor cannot struggle to free himself from such a hold because every way he turns his body is agony. Getting panicked, and not about to tap out Tarakanov begins to flail his legs about in a desperate attempt to get them to the ropes. With the hold thoroughly locked in and the crowd intently watching the action in the ring, no one seems to notice the disturbance at ringside. Manson is now conscious and is simply infuriated at the manner in which he was eliminated from the contest. Many officials surround him, trying to calm him, but The Hate Machine is more pissed than usual. With Manson being dealt with, the action in the ring is focused on.

 

Judge: That’s an excellent submission hold that Aecas is using there. It seems to be holding Tarakanov in line, which is an accomplishment in itself.

 

Ejiro: That is a good move. We should steal it.

 

Annie: Is that all you two think about? Submission moves?

 

Judge: Certainly not. We also think about calling the match. Which is more than I can say for you.

 

Tarakanov is now on the verge of tapping out and Aecas can feel it as he pulls back Viktor’s arms even farther than before, to positions they were never even meant to be in. Finally with one final grunt and a pull... Viktor gets his feet on the ropes. The referee tries telling Aecas that the hold needs to be broken, but the massive Limey refuses to release the hold. The referee begins his customary count to four and at the very last second of the word “Four”, Aecas releases the Wings of Fire. Milking the hold as long as he can as something to subdue “The Red Rage.” With the hold broken, Aecas stands and looks down at his opponent, contemplating what to do next.

 

Finally Aecas spits out a big glob of blood and moves back over to Viktor’s feet and turns him back over, perhaps planning on dragging him back to the center of the ring to pin him. But no luck though, as Viktor simply uses the strength in his legs to kick and push Aecas back. Tarakanov stands up, not using his arms much in doing so, as they are nearly useless from the Wings of Fire. Even raising up his arms exerts excruciating pain, it’s possible that his shoulders are out of socket. Viktor decides to go with what he can use and charges at Aecas, nailing him in the gut with his knee. As Aecas doubles over, Viktor then raises his boot and slams it back down onto the back of Aecas’ head, sending him down flat to the mat.

 

Annie: Tarakanov usually wrestles entirely with his arms. It’s good to see that he can adapt when he cant throw punches. How’s THAT for calling the match?

 

Ejiro: I think it sucks.

 

Annie: Listen, boy! If I ever decide to wrestle again, you’re gonna be the first one on my Bitch List. You know, my list of people to make my bitch!

 

Judge: Children...

 

Having little else to resort to, Viktor is forced to drastic measures. He actually goes to the corner and begins to climb the turnbuckles. The crowd is shocked to see Tarakanov even thinking about attempting a top rope maneuver. Vik then turns around, with a very unsure look on his face. Outside the ring, Manson is beginning to get out of hand and he starts to throw punches at all of the officials surrounding him. The fans at ringside gasp and boo, but after flooring enough refs, Manson then goes over to the command center and grabs a steel chair from out beneath Funyon. The man called Hate Personified quickly moves back to the ring and leaps up to the ring apron, slamming his steel chair across Tarakanov’s back, causing him to tumble into the ring.

 

Annie: MANSON’S LOOSE!!

 

Ejiro: So are you!

 

Annie: FUCK OFF!!

 

Manson then quickly steps into the ring and holds his chair ready until Aecas turns around. As “The Black Angel” turns around, he is smacked clear across the face with the chair, making him a fallen angel. Manson then yells at Aecas for a moment until the referees all hop into the ring and mob The Hate Machine, restraining him. Finally, Manson is either overpowered or simply too pained to care anymore, and the swarm of black and white stripe shirted men clears out of the ring, leaving only the two men lying helplessly on the mat. Even the referee has cleared out of the ring, helping to restrain Manson. And all that is in the ring with them... is Manson’s steel chair.

 

The only movement in the ring is the heavy breathing of both men. Tarakanov rouses first, as he only took a chairshot to the back. Still not very well off, Tarakanov sits up and finds that his arms now work, or at least more than they did a minute ago. The jolt of the fall must have snapped something back into place, because his arms are now functional as are his eyes that spy the steel chair. Viktor gets to his feet and begins to walk over to the chair. At this same time, Aecas is beginning to stir as well, though taking a chair shot to the face is a bit more brutal than one to the back, causing Aecas to move a bit slower than his counterpart. Tarakanov grabs the chair and then backs up, waiting for Aecas to do the same.

 

Judge: You see these men take enormous amounts of punishment and keep on going, you’d think it was the norm. But these two men are so conditioned to punishment that they can take abuse like this and make it seem like nothing.

 

Annie: Yeah, I suppose the adage is true. The bigger you are, the more punishment you can take.

 

Ejiro: I thought it was: The bigger they are the harder they fall.

 

Annie: Yeah you would think that, wouldn’t ya.

 

Aecas helps himself up by means of the ropes and his face is even bloodier than before, the chair not only reopening the old wounds, but making a new laceration on his forehead. Looking even a bit forlorn, Aecas finally gets up and turns around just in time for Tarakanov swinging the steel chair at full force! Aecas instinctively grabs it though and blocks the swing. He quickly wrestles it away from Viktor and then swings it himself, catching Tarakanov right upside the head with the chair! Viktor falls holding the side of his head and leaves himself open. Aecas then sees his opportunity and grabs it, climbing up to the top rope, tossing the chair to ringside on his way up.

 

Resorting to drastic measures, “The Black Angel” turns around on the top rope and faces the ring. With a mighty push, Aecas leaps off and flips over in mid-air landing on Tarakanov with a beautiful senton bomb! The crowd cheers like mad as the near seven foot Aecas leaps off the top with the agility of men two feet smaller than him. Aecas quickly rolls to his feet and then drops to the mat to make the pin on the thoroughly subdued Tarakanov... but there is no referee to make the pin! Aecas realizes this suddenly and gets to his feet, having to switch gears to something else to keep Viktor down. Aecas quickly picks Viktor up in and tucks his head between his legs. Aecas signals to the crowd that he is going for the Executioner and they almost literally explode!

 

Annie: HE’S GOING FOR THE EXECUTIONER!!

 

Ejiro: It seems like Aecas is just stalling until the ref gets back now.

 

Judge: Indeed. Going for three finishers in this match does seem a bit extreme.

 

Aecas attempts to hoist Viktor up, but Tarakanov refuses to go. Remarkably recovering quickly from the senton bomb from the top rope. Again Aecas tries but again Viktor stalls from going up. Finally, Aecas lifts Tarakanov up, but Viktor dislodges Aecas’ hands and he lands on his feet. Tarakanov then throws a quick left jab into Aecas’ bloody face and grabs Aecas’ head and tucks it between his legs. Viktor lifts up Aecas onto his shoulder in preparation for the Bolshevik Revolution but Aecas slides down Viktor’s back and quickly turns around and grabs Vik from behind in German suplex fashion. Aecas quickly lifts Viktor up but Tarakanov slips out and lands behind Aecas where he also grabs around Aecas’ waist in a German suplex.

 

Viktor too lifts his opponent but Aecas escapes the move in mid air and tries to lock his own German on but Tarakanov counters with several stiff elbows to Aecas’ face. Aecas is forced to release the hold and Viktor grabs his opponent up by the hair but the big Brit knocks Viktor’s hands out of the way and punches him square in the face. Viktor takes the hit, pauses and then throws one of his own. Even though Aecas’ face is already covered in blood, “The Black Angel” seems to feel very little pain. Aecas smiles from beneath the crimson mask and retorts with another punch. Viktor returns the favor swiftly as the two begin to trade blows rapidly until the crowd is worked into a frenzy.

 

Judge: This has turned from a wrestling match into an all out brawl!

 

Annie: Yay for brawling!

 

Ejiro: Nay for no wrestling!

 

The crowd is cheering wildly now as Viktor’s punches stop and it is Aecas alone who is throwing the punches at his dazed opponent. After several of the hard rights, Viktor’s nose is now bleeding again and profusely this time. Aecas quickly gets Viktor in suplex position and hoists him up, now walking back to the middle of the ring. Aecas holds his opponent up high for a long moment before dropping him down nearly on his head with a brainbuster. Aecas now makes the pin, but again there is no referee. Instead of releasing the cover though, Aecas keeps it on, hoping that Viktor will be out until the referee returns. The crowd idly cheers until they see the referee coming back from the back.

 

Aecas too sees the man and yells at him to run faster so that he can make the count. The relatively out of shape man trudges along until he hits the ring and rolls inside slowly. It makes one wonder what good he did in keeping Manson subdued. The referee then makes the pin fall, extremely winded and slow.

 

 

~1~

 

 

.

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

~2~

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

~KICKOUT!!~

 

 

The fans recoil from their excitement at the slow count by the ref and the resulting kick out by Viktor Tarakanov.

 

Annie: Oh! He was so CLOSE!!

 

Judge: I don’t think that referee is suited to be working with us.

 

Ejiro: I think he’s Raynor’s third cousin twice removed on his mother’s side. Not a good chance he’ll get fired.

 

Aecas gets up and attempts to raise up Viktor once again, but now “The Red Rage” is together and has everything where he wants it to be. Tarakanov smacks Aecas’ hand away and hits a big punch to Aecas’ chest, taking the man back, clutching his chest. Viktor then bends his opponent over and flips him up onto his shoulder, even having the audacity to turn around slowly with Aecas on his shoulder, showing him off to the crowd like a trophy. Tarakanov then flips his opponent forward and slams him face first into the mat with the Bolshevik Revolution. The crowd boos loudly as Viktor grins and holds up his fist in show before dropping to the mat and pinning Aecas, taking no chances with trying an arrogant cover. The referee, now not as winded counts normally, to the displeasure of the crowd.

 

 

~1~

 

.

 

.

 

 

~2~

 

.

 

.

 

 

 

~3~

 

 

DING!! DING!! DING!!

 

 

Annie: DAMMIT!! Aecas almost had this match one. Now that friggin’ America hater Tarakanov will be going up against Duran for the title.

 

Judge: Well, he won fair and square, Annie. Think about it, Aecas was the one who used Manson’s chair. In this match, Tarakanov went by the book.

 

Ejiro: I for one couldn’t be happier with this outcome! It’s not often that we get to see two fine and honorable athletes fighting against each other for a belt, but next week, we’re finally going to see some good, clean, family-friendly wrestling.

 

Annie: You make me sick sometimes.

 

Funyon announces as the referee holds up Viktor’s hand “Your winner of the match, and number one contender to the World Title... ‘The Red Rage’ Viktor TARAKAAAANOOOOV!!”

 

The crowd boos even louder Tarakanov’s anthem hits the speakers. The unadulterated hatred in the arena is a sight to behold as the Canadian fans boo the Soviet with every ounce of displeasure they have in their bodies. He walks up the ramp with a big grin on his face, despite the pain in his arms and his head. Nothing can waver this Russian’s good mood, he gets a shot at the World Title.

 

Annie: That commie bastard...

 

Ejiro: Quit whining! *gets slapped upside the head by Annie* OWWW!!

 

Judge: Thanks for watching SJL Metal! For Ejiro Fasaki and Annie Eclectic, I’m Judge William Hearford. See you on Wrath!

 

The camera fades out on an image of Tarakanov walking up the ramp with his arms outstretched and grinning as behind him on the SmarkTron there shows an image of the bleeding face of Aecas.

 

*SJL Productions 2003*

 

*fade*

[Guest Longdogger_Pete]

Too many damn no shows. And that's it.