Genesis Thread of Defeat

[Rawknight 0]

::oK I know why my match lost. I'm not even anywhere CLOSE to asking for marking notes on my loss. Ejiro's just fucking ruled, was a TON longer than mine and had a far, FAR better and more equivocal finish.

 

I do however consider I'd be doing the world a idsservice if the live rendition of the Ejiro song and the special guest stars are omitted form your lives.

 

I also want comments.::

 

The arena drops to pure blackness, lit only by the occasional flash bulb firing, and the crowd noise drops to a low hush.

 

Riley: Who killed the lights?

 

Comet: Well this could be a super heroic entrance. Or something like that.

 

There is a low murmur across the near hushed crowd as the lights stay down for a good 20 seconds before a single sound echoes through the arena.

 

TAKATU!

 

The darkness is pierced by a luminous pattern, the circles and swirls that form the traditional te Moko tattoo patterns of the Maori peoples. The complex tribal patterns cover the spaces of a human face and arms, and the sound emanates from them again.

 

TAKATU!

 

PAE!

 

From the darkness more patterns appear. Each individual and personal, each a proud statement of the tribal roots of the bearers. The luminous designs draw a round of awed “oohs” from the gaping masses.

 

RAERE…. MANA!

 

And the lights around the arena go up to reveal Va’aiga standing proud in the middle of the ring, sleeveless hooded top showing off all his tattoos, covered in a thin layer of fluorescent paint. Flanking Va’aiga are a team of 12 other Maori, all dressed in traditional tribal gear, painted up as the warriors they are. Va’aiga steps forward and readys himself and with a nod, the Maoris move, led by the Maori Badass in front…

 

KA MATE, KA MATE! KA ORA, KA ORA!

KA MATE, KA MATE! KA ORA, KA ORA!

TENEI TE TANGATA PUHURUHURU

NANA I TIKI MAI WHAKAWHITI TE RA

A HUPANE! A HUPANE!

A HUPANE KAUPANE WHITI TE RA!

HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

 

Comet: The Haka Te Ra! The Traditional Maori Wardance. What a way to open up this, the fourth year of SWF Genesis.

 

With a final leap into the air the Maoris scream out the last call of the Haka, The Maori contingent falls silent and begins to slowly file out as an easily recognisable bassline fires up. The crowd goes ballistic as Va’aiga points to the entrance ramp, and through the great pillars steps METHOD MAN!

 

Method Man: Wazzzzzzup New York!

 

The bassline booms through the arena as the Mizza walks slowly down to ringside, rapping along to the beat of his own god damn tune….

 

Method Man: I came to bring the pain hardcore from the brain

Let's go inside my astral plane

Find out my mental's based on instrumental

records hey, so I can write monumental

Methods, I'm not the King

But niggaz is decaf I stick em for the CREAM

check it, just how deep can shit get

Deep as the abyss and brothers is mad fish accept it

In your Cross Colour, clothes you've crossed over

Then got Totally Krossed Out and Kris Kross

Who da boss? Niggaz get tossed to the side

And I'm the dark side of the Force

Of course it's the Method, Man from the Wu-Tang Clan

I be hectic, and comin for the head piece protect it

Fuck it, two tears in a bucket, niggaz want the ruckus

Bustin at me bruh, now bust it

Styles, I gets buckwild

Method Man on some shit, pullin niggaz files

I'm sick, insane, crazy, Drivin Miss Daisy

Out her fuckin mind now I got mine I'm Swayze

 

And VA’AIGA GRABS FOR A SPARE MICROPHONE!!

 

Method Man & Va’aiga: Is it real son, is it really real son

Let me know it's real son, if it's really real

Something I could feel son, load it up and kill one

Want it raw deal son, if it's really real

 

Va’aiga: C’MON!

 

Method Man: Brothers want to hang with the Meth bring the rope

the only way you hang is by the neck nigga poke

off the set comin to your projects

Take it as a threat, better yet it's a promise

Comin from a vet on some old Vietnam shit

Nigga you can bet your bottom dollar hey I bomb shit

And it's gonna get even worse word to God

It's the Wu comin through sickin niggaz for they garments

Movin on your left, southpaw em it's the Meth

Came to represent and carve my name in your chest

You can come test realize you're no contest

Son I'm the gun that won that old Wild West

Quick on the draw with my hands on the four

nine three eleven with the rugged rhymes galore

Check it cause I think not when this hip-hops like proper

Rhymes be the proof while I'm drinkin 90 proof

Huh vodka, no OJ, no straw

When you give it to me aiy, give it to me raw

I've learned when you drink Absolut straight it burns

Enough to give my chest hairs a perm

I don't need a chemical blow to pull a hoe

All I need is Chemical Bank to pay da mo'

 

Va’aiga: All my fans, can I have a BOO-YAH for the MEEEETHHOOD MAAAAAAAAAAN…

 

The crowd as one rises with a massive call of “BOO-YAH!”

 

Riley: Well, that’s ONE way to make an entrance, I’ll admit.

 

Comet: Va’aiga starting this evening off with a bang.

 

Riley: How is Ejiro going to top that?

 

The arena drop to darkness again, and two spotlights focus on the entrance area as three figures walk out into the entrance gate. The first spotlight picks up the cut Asian figure of Ejiro Fasaki, and assisting him as he has had to recently, Wildchild. The second picks up, armed and deadly with a microphone in her hand… AVRIL LAVIGNE! The pair stride down the entrance

 

Avril Lavigne: OOOOOOOOOOH EJIROOOOOOOOOO

YOU’RE MY HEROOOOOOOOOOOO

NOTHING RHYMES WITH FASAKI

EXCEPT MAYBE EPOXY

SO I HOPE THIS STICKS

WITH ALL THE KRAUTS AND THE MICKS

 

WELL I GUESS YOU’RE IN HEAVENNNN

IN THE MAGNIFICENT SEVENNNNNNN!

TOM FLESHER IS COOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

AND YOU’RE IN JUSTICE AND RUUUUULE!

 

OOOOOOOOOOH EJIROOOOOOOOOO

YOU’RE MY HEROOOOOOOOOOOO

NOTHING RHYMES WITH FASAKI

EXCEPT MAYBE EPOXY

SO I HOPE THIS STICKS

WITH ALL THE KRAUTS AND THE MICKS

 

TOOOOO BAD JANUS WENT NUTS

AND FUGUE GOT IN A RUT

ATLAS LEFT TO GO MOPE

WHILE WILDCHILD SELLS DOOOOOPE

 

OOOOOOOOOOH EJIROOOOOOOOOO

YOU’RE MY HEROOOOOOOOOOOO

NOTHING RHYMES WITH FASAKI

EXCEPT MAYBE EPOXY

SO I HOPE THIS STICKS

WITH ALL THE KRAUTS AND THE MICKS

 

HEY HOW ABOUT A TIP

THIS SONG IS SUCH A JIP

I FEEL LIKE A JERK

BECAUSE EJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRO WROTE IT AT WORK

 

After holding the Ejiro note for a LOOOONG time in the centre of the ring, Avril takes a brief rest to grab her breath. Ejiro produces a microphone of his own and announces to the crowd…

 

Ejiro: Please stand for the American National anthem, as performed by the two finest singers ever to enter the SWF. That would be Avril Lavigne. And me.

 

And they start, in almost perfect disharmony, Ejiro almost, but not ENTIRELY as off key as Roseanne Barr. Wildchild stands behind them with a distant look on his face, holding a US flag framing the two “singers”.

 

Avril & Ejiro: Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

 

The crowd boos heartily at the near massacre of the American tune, and Ejiro pauses and smiles out into the audience, beginning again…

 

Avril & Ejiro: On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes…

 

…and Va’aiga SMASHES an lariat across the back of Ejiro Fasaki’s neck! Avril runs screaming form the ring and Va’aiga grabs the impeccably dressed Funyon and grabs him firmly by the throat.

 

Va’aiga: DO the formalities now or I’ll kick your ass as bad as I’m gonna kick his!

 

Funyon: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one fall, and is for the SWF UNIIIIIIIIITED STAAAAAAAATES CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAMPIONSHIIIIIIIP! Your referee is Eddy Long. Introducing first, from Rotorua, Aotearoa. He stands six feet and nine inches tall and weighs in tonight at three hundred and five pounds. He is a former SWF Tag Team and Hardcore Gamers champion. He is the master of the Maori Drop, and tonight is representing the Unholy Trinity stable of wrestlers. He is the Maori Badass… THIS IS VAAAAAA’AAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAA!

 

Va’aiga raises his fists to the crowd who cheer wildly for the massive Maori! Va’aiga stares across the ring at Ejiro who is dusting himself down and picking himself up.

 

Funyon: And his opponent, hailing from Sarasota, Florida. He stands five feet and eight inches tall, and weighs in at one hundred and eighty-eight pounds. He represents the Magnificent Seven and is one half of Justice and Rule, he is the master of Ejirocation, and of the Cobra Crossface. This is the Reigning SWF UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD, EJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIROOOOOOOO FAAAAAAAAAAAASAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKIIIIIIIIIIIII!

 

Ejiro salutes the crowd, who respond with a hearty round of boos. Eddy Long signals for the bell, and the timekeeper starts this, the opening match up of SWF Genesis IV.

 

Comet: And here we go!

 

Riley: This is it, this is the biggest Pay Per View spectacular in the whole of SWF history. And this isn’t your average wrestling hyperbole. This really is it.

 

Comet: I get tingles just being here, Robert.

 

Ejiro and Va’aiga walk into the centre of the ring, and Va’aiga offers a test of strength. Ejiro goes for it, much to the surprise of everyone, but Va’aiga stands back in the test and avoids Ejiro’s entirely predictable kick. Va’aiga steps up and powers down, forcing the Japanese American down to his knees, and then applying a strong side headlock. Va’aiga works the headlock with a pair of sharp locking motions, but Ejiro fires Va’aiga off to the ropes, and Wildchild trips the Maori Badass up, sending Va’aiga face first to the canvas.

 

Riley: Wildchild could well be the difference in this match.

 

Comet: You’re advocating the bending of rules again, aren’t you Robert?

 

Riley: I’m not advocating it. I’m IMPLORING it.

 

Ejiro smiles to himself as Va’aiga picks his big Maori form up off the mat. Va’aiga throws a vicious snarl at Ejiro, and Ejiro counters with a sharp smirk. Va’aiga lunges for the cruiserweight across the ring, but Ejiro grabs quickly for an arm of Va’aiga and wrenches the Maori round with a top wristlock, flowing effortlessly into a hammerlock. Va’aiga reaches back, looking for a snapmare, but Ejiro wheels round and down quickly, taking Va’aiga back to the mat with a drop toe hold and then floating round amateur style over the downed Maori to lock in a grounded front chancery.

 

Riley: Ejiro TOTALLY outmatches Va’aiga in wrestling ability. If the Sarasota Superstar can keep the big lug down on the mat and keep wearing him down, that whole power advantage thing is gone.

 

Comet: There’s still well over 100lbs weight difference and a clear foot of height to deal with though.

 

Riley: Well, there’s no height difference if Va’aiga is horizontal.

 

Ejiro works on the headlock for a few seconds before Va’aiga shakes himself a little leverage and rolls over, loosening the pressure. Ejiro looks to lift Va’aiga off the canvas for a short inverted DDT, but Va’aiga springs up, gaining enough purchase behind his legs to get to his feet, back to Ejiro, and as Ejiro tries for a back waistlock, Va’aiga fires off a quick series of back elbows to free himself. Va’aiga shoots Ejiro to the ropes with a lightning fast Irish Whip, but as Va’aiga sets off in the opposite direction, looking to set for a running shoulderblock, AGAIN Wildchild trips him up, and Ejiro drops an elbow into Va’aiga’s upper back and sets in the grounded front chancery again.

 

Comet: So you want to see the larger, more muscular man lying face down, flat at floor level.

 

Riley: Yes I do, why?

 

Comet: Just wondering, Robert.

 

Ejiro slowly levers Va’aiga to his feet and transitions from a chancery to a full side headlock, firing a pair of stiff knees up into the solar plexus of his opponent. Turning to the crowd and sneering, Ejiro pushes Va’aiga off, and as the Maori stumbles, Ejiro fires off a stiff kick to the rear of the Maori’s kneecap, taking Va’aiga down to his knees. Ejiro backs off and rushes at Va’aiga but as Ejiro leaps, looking to hit a knee to the Maori Badass’ face, Va’aiga stands and grabs a tight bearhug on the cruiserweight! Va’aiga sends Ejiro down HARD back first to the mat with a Bearhug slam, almost a Farooqesque spine buster.

 

Comet: And Ejiro goes down to the mat with that tremendous slam from the Maori Badass.

 

Riley: Are you going to be cheerleading for the Maori all the way through this match?

 

Comet: Are you going to be cheerleading for Ejiro?

 

Riley: I am a fair an unbiased journalist of unparalleled moral standing.

 

Va’aiga drops a quick elbow on the Japanese American beneath him and stands again quickly. Va’aiga shoots himself against the ropes, only to be stopped in his tracks, kicking out at Wildchild who makes a THIRD grab for his legs. Va’aiga backs off a half step, only to fall prey to a sneak attack from Ejiro, who schoolboys the Maori! Eddy Long drops to count…

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

T.. a VERY short one count as Va’aiga kicks out. Eddy Long goes to the ropes and points at Wildchild dramatically, then dressing-room-wards. Wildchild doesn’t look overly unhappy about being thrown out, but Ejiro resists the temptation to protest, using the distraction to the referee to plant a FIRM kick between the legs of Va’aiga. The crowd’s cheering is replaced by a round of boos as Ejiro moves to pin again…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

T.. and Va’aiga kicks out.

 

Comet: Well I guess Wildchild isn’t going to be a factor in this match any more. He did however allow one low blow to be fired at the Maori Badass, and that could have sealed the Maori’s fate early.

 

Riley: It doesn’t matter if you have balls of New Zealand Extreme Weather Resistant Granite™. Ejiro can low blow ANYONE in enough ways to ensure victory.

 

As the pair stand, Ejiro fires off a quick pair of kicks and whips the Maori to the ropes, grabbing the Maori’s arm as he rebounds and hitting a single arm DDT on the big guy. As Va’aiga impacts shoulder on canvas, Ejiro holds on with a short armbar. Va’aiga shakes loose enough to put his foot on the ropes and Eddy Long orders a break, Ejiro taking 4.9999 of his five count to break. Ejiro stands and fires some quick kicks to the grounded Maori’s shoulder and bicep and Va’aiga is forced to roll away out of the ring to recuperate. Ejiro strikes a pose in the ring to draw ANOTHER round of boos, and Va’aiga finds a camera at ringside to growl into.

 

Riley: Ejiro already starting to work on the arm of the Maori Badass, looking as ever to limit a bigger man’s offence with skilful and well placed attacks.

 

Comet: I’ll admit, Robert, it’s a sound strategy.

 

Va’aiga takes five to get back into the ring, and Ejiro is prepared, firing away AGAIN at the shoulder of the Maori, clean precise shots designed or the most impact with the least effort, each shot sending a resounding crack throughout the arena. Ejiro stops to turn and leer at the audience, who respond with a small “Ejiro sucks” chant, badly out of time.

 

Riley: You know the morons can’t chant more than three syllables without losing their tiny little minds.

 

Ejiro lifts Va’aiga up off the canvas and steps through the Maori, snapping Va’aiga down with a modified STO, spinning through a little to land Va’aiga solidly on his shoulder. Va’aiga winces a little as he lands and Ejiro pounces, locking in a high scissors, almost a shoulderlock on the Maori Badass, grinning as he sees the Maori actually show some small signs of pain.

 

Riley: Ejiro Fasaki, like a coiled tiger, ready to strike.

 

Comet: Don’t you mean snake?

 

Riley: Ejiro Fasaki, like a coiled tiger, ready to snake? You’re an idiot, Comet.

 

Va’aiga spasms on the mat, slamming himself back first into the mat, trying to release the grip of Ejiro’s legs on his shoulder, slowly working his way towards the ropes. Ejiro grips tight, wrapped around Va’aiga’s arms, trying his best to rip Va’aiga’s arm clean from it’s ball and socket joint. Va’aiga tries to free himself, reaching his other arm over to prise himself free and somehow the big Maori unlocks himself engouh to slide his arm half out of Ejiro’s grip, leaving the Floridian with barely enough purchase to hold on, and Va’aiga scoots to a rope and sticks a leg out, Ejiro AGAIN taking 4.99999 to break on Eddy Long’s command.

 

Comet: Is it just me or is Ejiro Fasaki a little reticent to break on the referee’s command.

 

Riley: If you have a hold, you don’t want to break it just because some idiot above you starts counting. If I had my way the referee would only be there to count pinfalls, and that’s it. Anything else is overstepping their bounds.

 

Comet: So you’d have every match a no DQ match?

 

Riley: Certainly not. Those things are dangerous. Who do you think I am? Jamie Drazon?

 

Comet: The resemblance is stunning. No Really.

 

Riley and Comet continue bickering as Ejiro fires off more kicks down at the grounded Va’aiga, grabbing hold of the rope to add a little height and bounce to a couple of shoulder aimed stomps. Placing the heel of his boot directly into Va’aiga’s shoulder, Ejiro grinds away, placing his full body weight, rope assisted onto his downed Maori opponent. Eddy Long orders Ejiro away from the ropes and gets a concise and entirely rude answer, and the crowd sticks up for Eddy with another boofest.

 

Comet: The crowd really getting on the back of Ejiro Fasaki today.

 

Riley: I see Eddy Long’s fan club and his mother are sharing the same seat again.

 

Bolstered by the crowd Eddybrigs Ejro off the ropes and points to his badge, holds his shirt and gives the whole “I’m the official here, you do as I say” speech as Va’aiga slowly drags hiself up on the ropes. Ejiro gives a look of disdain as he turns form Eddy Long, STRAIGHT INTO A BACKDROP OVER THE ROPES! Ejiro flies clean over the ring apron and lands in a crumpled heap on the outside. Va’aiga back up and rushes the ropes on the opposite side of the ring and as Ejiro stands slowly, dusting himself down Va’aiga SAILS OVER THE ROPES WITH THE DISGUSTINGLY UGLY AND HORRIFICLY EFFECTIVE MAORI SLINGSHOT PLANCHA!

 

Comet: PLANCHA! PLANCHA FROM VA’AIGA!

 

Riley: I haven’t seen that ugly a pile of bodies lying on the floor since.. umm.. err… never mind.

 

Va’aiga stands slowly, clutching his shoulder as one member of the crowd shouts out “¡UNO MAS!” to some laughter from the front sections of the audience. Eddy Long starts the count on the people on the outside as Va’aiga grabs an arm of the man known as RULE~! And whips him straight towards the ring steps, sending Ejiro clattering into them with a resounding clang! Va’aiga charges at Ejiro but the wily Asian positions himself round far enough to DROP TOE HOLD VA’AIGA INTO A PIECE OF RING STEPS! Va’aiga thuds off the steel and Ejiro rolls quickly into the ring and out again.

 

Riley: Ejiro resetting the count there. Sound strategy again from the Magnificent Seven stalwart.

 

Comet: Did you hear the clang of Maori on Steel as Va’aiga hit those steps.

 

Riley: I think his head bounced off. Nowhere that could do serious damage to the Stone Headed Idiot.

 

Ejiro kicks away AGAIN at Va’aiga’s shoulder and stands, looking at the guardrail. Ejiro lifts Va’aiga up and leads him by a headlock over to the guardrail. Ejiro smashes Va’aiga down into it, adds a knee to the gut to make Va’aiga bend double over the guardrail. Ejiro stands back and then swings his leg up, over where Va’aiga is hunched and brings it down DRIVING VA’AIGA’S SHOULDER INTO THE GUARDRAIL! Va’aiga reels away in pain clutching at his shoulder as Ejiro bows to the booing front row.

 

Riley: FASAKI FUSER INTO THE GUARDRAIL!

 

Comet: A stinging attack from the master of psychology, Ejiro Fasaki.

 

Riley: El Gigante would look like a master of psychology fighting the Maori Dumbass.

 

Ejiro drags Va’aiga to his feet and slings the big Maori back into the ring. Sliding in under the bottom rope himself, Ejiro reaches across for a quick cover…

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

THR.. and Va’aiga kicks out. Ejiro curses quietly and stands, considering his options. Dropping his level of subtlety further Ejiro fires off a quick kick, kick, knee, knee, elbow smash series onto the Maori as he stands, and watches in glee as Va’aiga is left standing stunned. Ejiro taps his elbow, drawing the ire of the crowd again, and spins round, whipping his arm round into a SCREAMING ELBOW TO VA’AIGA’S SHOUDLER! Va’aiga staggers back, clutching the arm to try desperately to relieve the pain and EJIRO FIRES OFF A SECOND SCREAMING ELBOW, RIGHT IN THE SWEET SPOT AGAIN!! Va’aiga reels and slumps backwards in the corner, grimacing and clutching hard on his arm.

 

Riley: TWO SCREAMING ELBOWS! I think Ejiro Fasaki wants that arm as a trophy.

 

Comet: You know something else. I think that’s Va’aiga’s Lariating arm that Ejiro is working on.

 

Ejiro stands on the second turnbuckle and uses it as a springboard up to a snap kick into Va’aiga’s arm, before grabbing hold and hitting an armbar takedown out of the corner, holding on for a Fujiwara armbar. Ejiro screams for Va’aiga to tap, but the takedown didn’t take the Maori Badass far enough away from the ropes and Va’aiga slides a toe over the bottom rope, forcing another break, AGAIN held to the max before Eddy Long has to physically pull Ejiro off Va’aiga to make the Justice and Rule member obey the rules.

 

Riley: On that last point, let’s have a look at the first time Ejiro Fasaki faced the Maori Badass.

 

The picture in picture shows Ejiro still stomping away at Va’aiga’s RIGHT arm in the corner, as the main shot shows Va’aiga charging at Ejiro and making the poor unfortunate Japanese Expatriot swing 360 degrees round his tattooed arm with the JUST AS GUTWRENCHINGLY PAINFUL TO WATCH THE SECOND TIME RIGHT ARM LAAARIIATTOOOOH…

 

Riley: I’ll admit you have appoint there Comet. Ejiro is being more cunning than even I imagined.

 

Ejiro lifts Va’aiga up off the mat again by the damaged arm and smiles at the wincing Maori as he moves round to a top wristlock, then to a standing armbar. Ejiro smashes the back of Va’aiga’s skull with a vicious roundhouse enzuigiri, and as Va’aiga falls forwards to the mat Ejiro holds onto the Maori’s arm, locking in an armbar on Va’aiga as he falls! The crowd starts it’s first “VA-ING-UH!” chant of the match as Va’aiga slams his free arm against the mat, trying to work both himself and the crowd up as Ejiro asks Eddy Long to check on Va’aiga.

 

Comet: Va’aiga locked up in a deadly armbar from the master of arm submissions Ejiro Fasaki.

 

Riley: Fasaki seems to be the master of many styles tonight, grasshopper.

 

Ejiro Fasaki grabs on tight to the arm of Va’aiga and screams out as he tries his hardest to hyperextend every joint he can wrap his arms and legs round. Va’aiga grimaces and lets out a low growl as he himself focuses his energies on escaping, twisted to a defiant NO! as Eddy Long asks him if he wants to submit. Ejiro screams a massive “ASK HIM!” in his slightly trans-Pacific accent and Va’aiga rocks with the pain, trying his hardest to power his way out of Ejiro’s vice like grasp.

 

Riley: Va’aiga is going to have to tap out soon. All the pressure on his arm from the tonight spectacular Ejiro Fasaki is going to tell in the end.

 

Comet: Va’aiga is a tough cookie in any fight tough. He doesn’t crumble. He rearely breaks.

 

Riley: Not much like a cookie at all then.

 

Comet: Well a REALLY REALLY tough one.

 

Ejiro again calls for Eddy Long to check on Va’aiga, and again Eddy checks on the Maori Badass. Again the screamed “NO!” replay leaks nothing but defiance from the Maori Badass’ emotions. Ejiro draws breath and lets out a frustrated howl as he grabs TIGHT on the arm of the Maori and desperately tries to force a tap, swinging his body round to make the position the armbar is being applied more powerful, and more comfortable himself.

 

Riley: From a standard armbar to a Fujiwara armbar again! Ejiro is going through the A-Z of armbar related hurt. Not even the Lionheart himself could have THIS great a knowledge of the fine art of armbaristry.

 

Comet: A master wizard in the dark arts of Armbarmancy

 

Riley: An ambarophile who leaves every victim armbarphobic.

 

Ejiro wrenches back, Va’aiga sweating at the brow and straining every last muscle in his body to find some way, any way to escape the lethal hold Ejiro has on him. Va’aiga wriggles one way and another but Ejiro is like a Florida Gator with it’s jaws locked round it’s prey and there is NO WAY that the Asian-American is letting go. Eddy Long asks again, and this time to “NO!” form Va’aiga is a little quieter.

 

Riley: This HAS to be the point where the Maori Badass gives up. HAS to be.

 

Va’aiga tries to break but his wriggling is lessening and lessening with every second passing, as Ejiro cranks and cranks on the pressure. Va’aiga gives another negative replay to another Eddy Long ask, and Ejiro jaws with people in the front row giving him aggro, as the confidence of near certain victory boots his spirits.

 

Comet: Va’aiga looks to be fading here. Ejiro has this match totally in the balance as the Maori Badass is stuck in the vicious armbar of Ejiro Fasaki, the Rembrandt of Armbaristry.

 

Riley: While Va’aiga is looking more an more like a Picasso with his face all scrunched up in pain there.

 

Ejiro wrenches again, and the unnatural bend in the arm in Va’aiga’s arm is near sickening, but the Maori still refuses, ever more softly mind, to tap. Ejiro screams at Eddy Long to check Va’aiga again, and Eddy lifts Va’aiga’s free arm as the Maori Badass fails to respond to see if the Maori hasn’t just tapped, he’s passed out through the pain. Sucking wind and wracked with pain, Va’aiga closes his eyes and the arm falls to the canvas.

 

Riley: This is it! This really is it for the Maori Badass! Ejiro has the retention of his US title totally in the bag.

 

Ejiro adds a little bitter “He’s done for now” to guide the crowd into booing him, rather than riling up Va’aiga. The crowd decide to go back to their original intentions, as a “VA-ING-UH!” chant builds slowly around the arena, and Ejiro’s face turns to a scowl out to the audience. Eddy Long again lifts Va’aiga’s arm, and again the arm drops limply, lifelessly to the mat below. The crowd noise builds as Ejiro screams out a “SHUT UP!” to the packed MSG house.

 

Comet: The crowd getting on the back of Ejiro Fasaki.

 

Riley: Yeah but that’s not gonna matter. They can boo all they damn well like, but when that arm hits the canvas again, it’s goodnight Vienna, arrivaderci, goodnight, goodbye and maybe even kia ora.

 

Comet: Nice to see you’ve learned a little Maori for our Va’aiga fans out there.

 

Riley: I’m sure they’re both very happy about it too.

 

Eddy Long moves round to lift Va’aiga’s arm for one last time as Ejiro nods frantically, knowing that soon the match will be over and he’ll be able to walk out of the arena, still US champion. The chants for Va’aiga are now up to the near deafening levels, and as Eddy Long releases the hand it drops…

 

 

 

 

 

…and stabilises about three inches above the mat, fist clenched! Va’aiga’s eyes open and he convulses on the mat, drawing his legs ion closer to his stomach. Ejiro’s head changes from nodding in agreement with what’s going on as he nears victory, to shaking his head furiously, with a look of shock on his face! Va’aiga draws his legs in near enough to plant his feet down and slowly begins to stand as Ejiro is now holding on for dear life, but Va’aiga gets enough purchase to swing a MASSIVE left cross punch into the face of Ejiro Fasaki, and Ejiro staggers backwards, releasing the hold. Sensing what’s going on the crowd calls “ONE!”

 

Comet: OH MY GOD! Va’aiga breaks the hold!” Va’aiga breaks the hold! Va’aiga…

 

Riley: …breaks the hold, we know.

 

Va’aiga draws his massive meat hook like fist back for a second time as the semi stunned Ejiro, taken aback by both the breaking of the hold and the suddenness of the blow finds his face assaulted with a second massive punch. The crowd calls “TWO!” as Va’aiga draws his arm back again and readies the third punch.

 

Comet: here we go. It’s approaching that time of day again.

 

Riley: What time?

 

Va’aiga smashes a third punch into the staggering Ejiro Fasaki (“THREE!”) and still favouring his right arm he draws it back and places his fist to his lips. The crowd warms up an oooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA as Va’aiga prepares his swing and with a sickening thud Va’aiga’s right uppercut hits Ejiro… (“BOO-YAH!”)

 

 

Comet: BOO-YAH TIME!

 

 

 

 

…and the blow sends BOTH men staggering backwards! Ejiro steadies himself on the ropes and feels around inside the side of his tights as the referee checks on Va’aiga and asks if his arm is ok, and if he wouldn’t mind awfully not using a closed fist.

 

Riley: See there’s always going to be this problem with Va’aiga. Intelligence. He just lacks it.

 

Comet: That’s a harsh criticism!

 

Riley: Would YOU fire off a punch from you injured arm?

 

Comet: Well… no.

 

Va’aiga turns back to Ejiro and charges but Ejiro fires off a punch, and Va’aiga drops to the canvas with all the grace and poise of your average earthquake. Ejiro slides something inside his tights as he turns and puts on a back press, facing AWAY from Eddy Long as he drops to count…

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

THR… and Va’aiga kicks out!

 

Comet: Ejiro Fasaki just hit Va’aiga with a foreign object!

 

Riley: Va’aiga IS a foreign object.

 

Comet: He cheated!

 

Riley: Did he get caught?

 

Comet: No.

 

Riley: He DIDN’T cheat.

 

Clearly frustrated Ejiro slides back into his tights and pulls out his chain, wrapping it round his fist (again? Dear reader, YOU decide!) but Eddy Long spots Ejiro flagrantly breaking the rules and grabs the chain off the Floridian and throws it clear of the ring, landing the chain on the timekeeper’s table to a smattering of ironic applause from that section of the New York crowd. Ejiro rants and raves to Eddy Long and even goes so far as to push the referee, who promptly spills over Va’aiga as he gets up, and Ejiro uses the opportunity to PLANT Va’aiga with a massive, MASSIVE low blow. The males of the crowd wince.

 

Comet: Well you HAVE to consider THAT cheating Robert!

 

Riley: Did the referee see it?

 

Comet: No.

 

Riley: Well then. Learn the ways of the dark side.

 

Ejiro drops to pin Va’aiga, but as he gets the cover, the cunning Fasaki realises that knocking over the ref is a double edged sword, and breaks as Eddy Long takes a fair amount of time to stumble to a counting position. Ejiro stands over Va’aiga, still laying on the mat and stomps his feet, calling out to the crowd “THAT’S IT!” and flipping Va’aiga over like a burger, Ejiro grapevines the injured arm of Va’aiga, locks in a half nelson and wraps his arm around the neck of the Maori Badass…

 

Riley: COBRA CROSSFACE! COBRA CROSSFACE!

 

…but as Riley calls the move, Ejiro can’t quite get his crossfacing arm around the bridge of Va’agia’s nose as the Maori Badass slowly rises to one knee, shaking Ejiro free from the grapevine. The Maori just gets enough purchase to jump a little off the ground and fall backwards, landing directly on Ejiro with his full body weight! After landing n a sort of ugly back press, Eddy Long drops to count…

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

TH.. and Ejiro kicks out.

 

Riley: NO!

 

Comet: Va’aiga counters the Cobra Crossface with a modified Samoan Drop!

 

Va’aiga rises slowly to his feet, anger rising in his expression, veins slowly bulging out on his forehead, eyes bulging too, hatred laced stare pointing straight at Ejiro Fasaki’s form on the canvas. Ejiro stands slowly, half backing off the Maori Badass as Va’aiga approaches him. Ejiro leaps up and goes for a spinning heel kick, and Va’aiga swats him away like an irritating little housefly with his left arm, sending Ejiro crashing back to the mat.

 

Comet: Va’aiga is recovering. Va’aiga is coming back into this match, and this could mean big trouble for Ejiro Fasaki.

 

Ejiro, still half shying away from Va’aiga recovers his feet, to be greeted by a “COME ON!” from the massive Maori, growing in confidence. Ejiro cautiously attacks, firing off a chop into the stomach of the Maori Badass, who doesn’t budge an inch…

 

Riley: I can’t watch…

 

…Ejiro backs off and takes a second savage swipe at the chest of Va’aiga, drawing little more than a grunt from the Godfather of Booyah. Ejiro tires a third time and.. GETS HIS HEAD NEAR RIPPED OFF WITH A STOMACH TURNING, MILK CHURNING, NITRO BURNING AND FUEL REACTION, BURY ME A LARIAT VICTIM I NEED SOME SPINAL TRACTION *LEFT* ARMED LAAAAARIIIIIIIIAAAAATOOOOOOOOOOOOH!

 

Riley: …Ow.

 

Comet: Well what do you know. Va’aiga CAN use both arms. Lets have a double feature on THAT.

 

As Va’aiga stalks Ejiro, waiting on the Sarasota native’s wobbly legs, The main picture shows Ejiro being turned inside out and flipping 360 degrees as Va’aiga’s arm makes contact with his throat at scary, SCARY speed. As the PiP fades out and the match happening fills the screen, the thooooooooooousands in attendance and miiiiiilions watching around the world are treated to seeing Ejiro BLASTED with a running tackle, left shoulder first, sending the Asian star crashing down to the mat, and Va’aiga holds on for a mount position, firing off left hands into Ejiro’s head. Eddy Long forces Va’aiga to break and as he starts a lecture on the use of a closed fist, Va’aiga makes the crowd pop and Long back off with a…

 

Va’aiga: BOO-YAH!

 

Riley: Is Booyahing a ref a disqualifiable offnse?

 

Comet: I’m not sure, would you like to go ask the Maori if it’s ever happened before?

 

Riley: Ummm. No.

 

Va’aiga, fire in his belly for the first time in this match lifts Ejiro off the mat IN a back waistlock and suplexes him practically from the mat, almost a modified wheelbarrow suplex, sending Ejiro flying across the ring. Va’aiga recovers first and brings the stomps, then drops an elbow and covers…

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

THR… and Ejiro kicks out. Va’aiga stands, dragging Ejiro up with him and forcing the Japanese descended cruiserweight into a standing head scissors. Va’aiga wrenches Ejiro up onto his shoulders and SMASHES the cruiser down to the mat with a release powerbomb!

 

Va’aiga: AH YEAH!

 

Comet: Va’aiga really has the wind behind him.

 

Riley: So would you if you saw his high carbohydrate diet’s contents while he’s been adding muscle mass.

 

Va’aiga scrapes Ejiro back off the mat again and slams him down HARD, with a nice old fashioned bodyslam. Peeling Ejiro off again, Va’aiga whips the current US champion into the ropes and as Ejiro rebounds Va’aiga pushes him up into the air and then SPIKES him down to the mat with a massive left arm Flapjack! Va’aiga drops to cover…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THR.. and Ejiro kicks out.

 

Comet: Va’aiga is hitting his stride here. When the Maori Badass gets a head of steam behind him, he’s one of the most brutal competitors you could ever face.

 

Riley: Yeah but Ejiro is tough, Tough, TOUGH. It’s going to take more than going through your arsenal of big power moves to take out a Magnificent Seven stalwart like Mr Fasaki.

 

Va’aiga lifts Ejiro up again and fires off a knee into his opponent’s stomach. With Ejiro bent double, Va’aiga half suplexes Ejiro up over his shoulder, maybe looking for a southern lights bomb, but Ejiro slips down, rolls through and scissors up Va’aiga’s body, looking for a double leg rollup! Va’aiga gets rolled over and his shoulders down…

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THR.. and Va’aiga kicks out, shocked and annoyed. Mostly annoyed. Va’aiga dismisses Ejiro with a punch, but from the mat Ejiro reaches up and grabs a leg, schoolMaoriing Va’aiga and drawing Eddy Long down to count again…

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

THR… and Va’aiga kicks out again, MORE annoyed this time. Ejiro curses himself.

 

Comet: It looks like Ejiro is looking to finish off Va’aiga any way he can!

 

Riley: It’s a sound strategy to break up Va’aiga’s pattern of thought and slow his momentum.

 

Va’aiga stands first, but Ejiro is quick to his feet as well, and Ejiro leaps, looking to calf kick Va’aiga and stagger the big man, and Va’aiga… CATCHES EJIRO FASAKI ACROSS HIS CHEST! Va’aiga turns four quarter turns, showing where Ejiro is trapped before SNAPPING OFF A MAORI DROP! Va’aiga hooks the leg…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THR… and Ejiro kicks out!

 

Riley: Wow! Ejiro kicked out of the Maori Drop!

 

Comet: Ejiro is Tough, as you said Riley.

 

Riley: I’m always right.

 

Va’aiga keeps hold of Ejiro and lifts the Japanese American up across his chest again, looking to fire off a second Maori Drop, but Ejiro slips round and grabs the bad arm of Va’aiga, and getting an armbar takedown! Va’aiga groans and Ejiro slides round looking to grapevine the arm, looking for the Cobra Crossface! Va’aiga is wise to a second attempt however and slips loose, catching Ejiro looking for the half nelson too early and wrenches Ejiro down to the mat, tying him up in HIS OWN COBRA CROSSFACE HOLD!

 

Comet: Va’aiga has the Cobra Crossface! Va’aiga has the Cobra Crossface!

 

Knowing the hold like the back of his hand Ejiro easily slips out, and has time to hammer another shot away at the arm of Va’aiga. Va’aiga reels from the blow and EWjiro lifts him off the mat and wrenches the big Maori up across his chest… and promptly collapses backwards under the weight of the 305lber. Eddy Long drops to count…

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THR… and Ejiro kicks out.

 

Comet: Well Va’aiga failed miserably with the Cobra Crossface, but even with adrenaline, skill, technique and a vicious streak the size of Lake Superior, Ejiro Fasaki cannot Maori Drop the Maori Badass.

 

The pair stand again, and Ejiro uses his edge in speed to beat Va’aiga to the first strike. Ejiro grabs STRAIGHT for the arm and applies a quick top wristlock, moving through to a hammerlock, and then looking for a standing armbar, and an armbar takedown. Va’aiga counters quickly, fearing for his arm’s safety and drags Ejiro back in looking for a short arm clothesline, which given the foot’s height difference Ejiro ducks with ease. Ejiro tries to drag Va’aiga back round, and gets as far as extending Va’aiga’s arm out for a whip, but Va’aiga spins and twists Ejiro back round, locking Ejiro’s arm across his own throat! Va’aiga steps through, and bends down, racking Ejiro Fasaki up across his back in a modified Argentine Backbreaker, Ejiro’s arm still trapped across his own throat.

 

Comet: Uh oh. Va’aiga has Ejiro in a half straightjacket choke torture rack thingy. I can’t say precisely what the Maori Badass has planned, but MAN is that a lethal looking submission.

 

Riley: Make it stop, please God make it stop.

 

Va’aiga keeps Ejiro racked for a good ten seconds, and then SITS OUT, DROPPING EJIRO OVER HIS SHOULDERS AND SENDING THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN MEMBER HEAD FUCKING FIRST INTO THE CANVAS, TOTALLY UNPROTECTED. Va’aiga hooks a leg of the totally sparked out Ejiro and Eddy Long drops to count…

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREE!

 

Comet: Va’aiga wins! Va’aiga wins.

 

EMTs rush out to the ring and put Ejiro on a stretcher, and purely for safety’s sake his head in a gurney, as half of the SWF’s most successful tag team, EVER is still woozy looking. The ringside doctor gives him the basic concussion check and thumbs up to the back indicating that Ejiro is not only not dead, but for a man dropped on his head VERY hard, basically OK. Meanwhile in the ring Va’aiga pushes Eddy Long away as he attempts to raise his right hand, and forces Long to raise the Maori Badass’ left instead.

 

Funyon: Your winner, and NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION, VAAAAAAAA’AAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIGGGGAAAAAAA

 

Va’aiga grabs Funyon’s mic off him as Eddy Long helps tie the US title around the massive New Zealander’s waist. Breathing heavily into the mic, exhausted from the brutal match and his right arm drooping by his side Va’aiga prepares to speak.

 

Riley: god no. Not only does he win, but he’s grabbed the stick.

 

Va’aiga: THIS BELT…. THIS BELT…. ANYONE… ANY TIME. And Ejiro. You’re welcome to come face me first. Just take a few days to heal up from that STINGER…. BOO-YAH!

 

Comet: Blunt and to the point.

 

Riley: And ending in Boo-yah.

 

Comet: That’s Va’aiga, and that’s your NEW SWF US Champion.

 

Riley: Well just look at what’s left to come on this card. Tom Flesher! The tag titles! Tom Flesher! The commissionership decided! Tom Flesher! It’s such a packed night, no need to dwell on the US title leaving such an upstanding American citizen as Ejiro and being placed around the waist of a large, uncouth psychopath like Va’aiga.

 

Comet: And word from the back says that Ejiro is perfectly okay folks. He’s just had doctors advice not to get “Stingered” by any psychotic Maoris in the next couple of days. Or ever again, for that matter.

 

Riley: I have to concede that’s a VERY special move the Maori pulled out to win. Now let’s never speak of this match again.

 

Comet: Well let’s talk about the future then. The Future of the SWF. English Dragon vs John Duran is up next.

[Justice 0]

Bah, why not? I know my commentary and my first half were really weak; they were the parts I rushed most. I couldn't really think of a good way to turn Bobbie on Tom (Though Tom did very nicely), which really hindered me, but I tried. More detailed wrestling, a bit more technical sparring, and definitely a bit more of a cohesive body would have helped.

 

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

The choral and orchestral powerhouse O Fortuna blasts over the PA System as Madison Square Garden quiets down a bit after the last spectacular match. The ring crews clean up some of the mess caused from the brutal match as the camera zooms down to the announcer table, where we meet a suit and mask-clad Cyclone Comet sits next to Bobbie Riley.

 

“An incredible contest of strength, endurance, and will right there,” says Comet, looking to give the ring crews a bit more time to clean up, “And indeed, it’ll be interesting how this effects STORM~! next week…”

 

“Who cares? We are up to the Main Event, where Tom Flesher is defending his World Title! He’s reached the top of the mountain, Comet,” says Bobbie with all the pride of a father or a girlfriend, “The peak of his career! Gah, he’s grown so much from the boy we once knew…”

 

“… Er, yes, Bobbie. At any rate, it’ll be a battle between the mega-powers of eVil© as the two villains from the Magnificent 7 square off in only a few minutes,” remarks Comet somberly, “And allow me to say that this is truly a sad day for the fans of the SWF when two of the most hated men in the league face each other in the Main Event of Genesis.”

 

“Oh shut it up, you masked ninny. Hearford earned his way here, and so did Tom!” says Bobbie defensively, obviously offended at Comet’s statement.

 

“Earned? The man bribed a referee to dispense with a veteran, stole another from a young up-and-comer, and constantly cheated throughout the whole ordeal. The thief didn’t earn a thing!”

 

“Bah. It’s not cheating if the ref didn’t catch it.”

 

“That doesn’t make it any less wrong, Bobbie.”

 

“Whatever, Comet. At any rate, it’s all lead up to what could be the best Main Event in SWF History! The Superior One! The Judge! Two

 

The Garden gives a light pop as Funyon, clad in his best tuxedo, climbs gingerly through the ring ropes. Stepping out to the center of the ring, he smiles in front of the amiable fans of New York.

 

“And now it’s time for our MAIN EVENT!” he bellows to a massive pop, “This match is scheduled for ONE FALL for the SWF WORLD! HEAVYWEIGHT! TITLE!”

 

Another monster pop, but it quickly falls off, turning to huge heat as the arena begins to turn a deep red. The intro to “Testify” by Rage Against the Machine begins to hum over the sound system of the Garden, while the SmarkTron begins to show the words “JUSTICE” in red letters. The beat begins to crescendo, coming up and reaching a peak-

 

“NOW TESTIFY”

 

*BOOM*

 

*BOOM*

 

*BOOM*

 

A triumvirate of red pryos fire off into the air as the images on the big screen change to that of various painful submissions, impact suplexes, and other technical moves. Onstage steps out the Judge, but not in his recent attire; instead, the Judicial robes of old have come back as he solemnly steps down the entrance ramp, eyes closed as he ignores all the heat he garners from the crowd.

 

“Now entering the ring, weighing in at 242 pounds and hailing from Royal Oak, Michigan, he is the winner of the GENESIS TITLE TOURNAMENT! A former Tag Team, Hardcore, and SJL World Champion… THE JUDGE, WILLIAM HEAAAAAARFOOOOOORD!”

 

The old man silently reaches the ring, taking off his flowing black robes and handing them off to one of the nearby ringside attendants. He doesn’t even where the “Justice” football jersey, sliding into the ring barebacked while the crowd watches on.

 

“Citizen Hearford no longer dawns his Magnificent 7 attire,” notes Comet, “It would seem as though he doesn’t want of his ties to Tom to get in his way tonight.”

 

“I’ll give the old guy credit, it’s a smart idea. You don’t want to be thinking about friendship when your opponent is Tom Flesher. Granted, it won’t help him much, but the thought counts.”

 

Hearford goes over to his corner and begins stretching his legs out via assistance from the turnbuckle as the lights begin to dim down again. A legendary guitar melody begins to play over the boos as Funyon speaks up.

 

“And now entering second…”

 

Suddenly the SmarkTron turns white, flashing the blue words “SUPERIOR ONE”, “AWARD WINNING”, and “WORLD CHAMPION” as “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin plays on, hitting the first repeat and causing a mass of blue pyros to launch from the stage. They die down, but two blue fountains on either side don’t die out, keeping the arena in a pale blue light as Tom Flesher steps out onto the ramp, World Championship affixed on his waist. A small minority of the people who came out from Buffalo does cheer the hometown boy, but it’s easily drowned out by the heat from the rest of the Garden crowd.

 

“Now entering the ring, weighing in at 213 pounds and hailing from Buffalo, New York, he is the greatest wrestler the SWF has ever seen. He has held the US, Tag Team, ICTV, currently holds the SWF WORLD TITLE, and is going to prove why he his the most dominant champ in SWF History… TOM ‘SUPERIOR ONE’ FLESHER!!”

 

On the SmarkTron appear half-second clips of his favorite moves and moments, with words like “SUPERIORITY COMPLEX”, “MAIN ATTRACTION”, “WORLD CHAMPION”, and “FUTURE HALL OF FAMER” appear between the switches. Tom goes down the entrance ramp slowly, and as he does pyros of greatness fire off on either side of him.

 

“And here’s our champion of eVil©,” says Comet in disgust as the Superior One hands his belt off to a ringside attendant, “Never in all my years have I seen a villain so obsessed with himself, Bobbie. I feel so sickened by it I can feel my stomach churn.”

 

“That’s probably because you drank seven PepsiMAXs during the break. Hopefully that’s an ulcer developing…”

 

Tom steps into the ring, sparking the Judge to turn around from his stretching. He looks over at the young man entering the ring, emotionless despite being a close confidant of his for nearly a year. The lights come back up to normal as referee Matty Kivell calls them into the center of the ring, going over the rules of the match for the two. He briefly goes over all the regulations set forth in the books, though the two seem more concerned with each other. They keep their eyes focus on each other, just waiting for someone to make a quick underhanded move. Kivell finishes up, and asks both men if they understand what he just said, to which they both nod blankly. He backs up and calls for the bell as the two continue to stand in the middle of the ring, looking at each other.

 

*DING DING DING*

 

The bell rings, getting a small pop as the Main Event of Genesis is now underway… But in reality, the action still hasn’t started; the two men still stand, waiting for the other to make the first move. Finally, Flesher extends out his hand for a handshake, breaking the silence.

 

“Well, Bill,” he says in reserved tone, “Just business?”

 

To that, Hearford shakes his head and slaps the hand away.

 

“No, tonight it is more than just business for me…” he responds with a grim voice.

 

The crowd boos at the slapped hand, and the two go back to the silent staredown for a moment… before both men surge forwards, locking up forcefully in the center of the ring! The Judge tries to push Flesher back with strength, but Tom isn’t willing to give up any ground, and the two try to get an advantage over the other. Seeing the stalemate the Judge is the first to make a move, swinging his arm around for a headlock. But Tom instinctively tucks his head in, allowing him to get a waistlock on. But Hearford quickly locks his hands on Tom’s, straining his fingers to break the Superior One’s lock around the Judge’s stomach… and he does, quickly pivoting on one foot and making the standing switch. As he locks his arms, though, Flesher’s amateur experience shows through as he begins to crouch down, bringing the two men down onto the mat. He leans forwards as Hearford tries to pull him up and maintain the hold, but Tom keeps pushing his body forwards, finally rolling out of the Judge’s grip and onto the mat. He quickly rolls back up to his feet after the Granby as Justice stands up in his normal grappling stance.

 

“A small bit of what will be a fantastic technical bout tonight,” says an excited Bobbie Riley, “Counters, grapples, mat wrestling, pinning each other to the canvas… I’m sweating just thinking about it!”

 

Comet shudders for a second before speaking up. “Indeed, a typical exchange between the two, but not before a very unfriendly moment. I believe there are cracks beginning to form in the armor of the Magnificent 7.”

 

“Bah, they’re just trying to psyche each other out. It’s all in good fun.”

 

“Good fun? This is for the SWF WORLD TITLE~!, Bobbie, and these two certainly aren’t the friendly types. I believe they are dead serious, and that doesn’t bode well for their small stable.”

 

Tom gets to his feet and moves back into another tie-up, this time with Tom the first to make a grab. The amateur wrestler breaks his arm away from the Judge’s grip and bends it around the back of the Judge’s head, turning it into a front facelock. He pushes his right arm through, trapping one of Justice’s arms. But before he can complete the takedown Hearford immediately reaches out with his free appendage and hooks the Superior One’s thigh. Tom hops on one leg as he tries to force Hearford down, but he doesn’t quite have enough leverage with his leg up in the air. Meanwhile, the Judge reaches up to try and grab Flesher’s head, but just can’t seem to get a good grip on it.

 

“Interesting situation here,” notes Comet, “The two are locked up together like a Gordian Knot of EVIL~!”

 

“A Gordian wha?”

 

Hearford, though, holds the sword in this confrontation as his arm finally gets around Tom’s 18-inch neck. The old man immediately crouches in and pivots his body, using the leverage from the trapped leg to flip Tom onto his back with a Fireman’s Carry! He immediately tries floats over for a grounded headlock. He gets is, but Tom’s bends his legs over top and scissors Hearford’s head, bringing him back to the mat with head scissors. The old man immediately kicks his body outwards, getting enough force to break the lock and yet again another standoff.

 

“How can the crowd be silent after that great exchange?! That was technical wrestling at it’s fricken’ BEST!”

 

“I would wager, Bobbie, it is because they are the most evil persons this side of the Suicide King.”

 

“Or maybe New Yorkers are just morons. I did forget that these people cheer for the Knicks…”

 

The two get up, but this time they don’t lock up immediately; after two failures it’s obviously not working well and neither wants to make a mistake against his opponent. They circle for a moment, looking for an opening… and Hearford finds one, stepping in with a Knife-Edged chop!

 

WHOO!

 

His arm hits hard on Flesher’s chest, but Tom doesn’t budge and responds with one of his own!

 

WHOO!

 

Hearford doesn’t move either, and he strikes back harder this time!

 

WHOO!

 

Taking a step back, Flesher puts on a frown as he cocks his arm…

 

*POINT*

 

Allowing just enough time for the Judge to poke him right in the eyes! The Superior One stumbles back as the fans unleash their ire on the old man, who follows up (Despite Kivell’s reprimands) with another chop!

 

WHOO!

 

CHOP!

 

WHOO!

 

CHOP!

 

WHOO!

 

Flesher stumbles back into the ropes and the Judge grabs the smaller man by the wrist, using the rebound to help him with an Irish Whip! Traveling across the ring, bouncing off the other side and returning with more momentum, Flesher seems lined up right a huge clothesline from the Judge. But Hearford’s lariat misses, giving Flesher the chance to bounce off the ropes yet again and puts running shotei right into his face! The old man falls to the ground as Flesher gets back up.

 

“And a huge strike from Flesher there.”

 

Trying to get the jump on the old man, Tom quickly moves in and gets a few boot heels into the old man’s leg and knee before he manages to roll out of the ring. Hearford gets up on the outside as Flesher stays in, and the old man shakes off his leg for a moment before entering back into the ring. He gives a frown as he moves back rolls back in and gets back up, squaring off against Flesher. The two take a moment to prepare before the Judge moves in for another lockup. Tom, though, almost immediately sweeps his arm across, catching the Judge’s head right in a side headlock. He wrenches the hold hard, putting tons of pressure on the old man’s neck. Hearford has a solution to this as he moves his body towards Matty Kivell…

 

*DING*

 

And uses it to block his low blow from sight! The fans furiously heap heat on the old man as Tom suddenly weakens, allowing Hearford to pull his head out of the hold. He grabs Tom with one arm around his waste, pulling him perpendicular to his knee as he hits him with a huge Pendulum Backbreaker!

 

“And once again, the Judge shows his penchant for shortcuts with that blatant low blow!

 

“DQ! DQ, DAMN IT!”

 

As Tom arches his back in pain on the ground, Hearford doesn’t waste any time into putting boots right into his ribs and stomach, pounding away at the midsection of the Superior One. He tries to defend himself, but the low blow has made him a bit too weak to do that effectively. After finishing up with the boot heels, the Judge grabs the stunned Flesher by the shoulder and pulls him up, grabbing him around the wrist and tossing him at the ropes! Tom comes back towards him off the rebound, and gets hit with a dropkick right to the ribs, putting him right down on the mat!

 

“The Judge is trying to pulverize the ribs of Flesher,” notes Comet as Flesher grimaces on the mat but begins to get up.

 

“The heartless freak! He tried to do this last time he faced Flesher, you’d think he learned his lesson when he lost so soundly!”

 

“How did Flesher manage to win, Bobbie? I’m still a bit uninformed on most of the wrestler’s past matches.”

 

“Well, it was a rollup… BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN TOM ISN’T GOING TO CRUSH HIM LIKE THE BUG HE IS!”

 

Flesher struggles to quickly get back up to his feet before the Judge, but Hearford is still a bit fresher than him, and he goes to pull him back up to his feet… but Tom breaks away from his grip and grabs both his legs with his arms, putting Hearford suddenly to the mat with a two-legged takedown! Justice falls to the ground suddenly as Tom puts him to the canvas and Flesher floats over onto the Judge’s head with a grounded side headlock. He wrenches the hold hard as the Judge tries to power out of it. He shifts himself onto his belly as he begins to push up off the ground into a standing position. He backs up and quickly tosses the Superior One off his head, moving out to the middle of the ring for a lariat… but Tom comes back and ducks under it, locking his arms around Hearford’s head and taking him down with headlock again! The Judge doesn’t panic, pushing off the ground again and pushing Tom right off his head with a push. The Superior One hits the ropes and comes back, and this time he doesn’t get a headlock. Instead Hearford grabs Flesher’s arm, trying to take him down Fujiwara-style. But Tom won’t go, keeping his feet in front of him as Justice tries to take him down to the ground. Instead of continuing with the Fujiwara, though, Hearford holds onto Tom’s arm and swings behind him, grabbing his other arm and pulling him back into a sitting surfboard!

 

“An interesting transition there by Hearford, but not for the crowd,” Comet notes as the crowd continues to sit on their hands.

 

“They are here to win the damn match, Comet, not to please the crowd…” says Bobbie, a bit of his anger towards the Judge rubbing off on Comet.

 

Tom struggles with the hold in the ring. He manages to get up to his feet, and slowly he begins to reverse the hold on the Judge. Pushing to the side, the pair manages to switch positions once, but end up right in the same spot again. Tom presses again, and as they switch Hearford releases his grip on Tom, allowing him to stand still as Flesher spins around. He immediately palms Flesher’s face as he kicks the Superior One’s feet out from under him, hitting a huge STO!

 

“Closing Arguments, and Tom doesn’t seem to be able to get much offense in against him determined friend,” says Comet as Flesher lands hard on his back and neck.

 

“You mean FORMER friend,” says Riley spitefully, “The guy is being utterly ruthless in there. I mean, he’s cheated twice already! TWICE!”

 

Flesher curls up in pain as Hearford begins to get back up to his feet. He flips the young World Champion over onto his back, and placing his knees right into his spin he grabs both his head and feet, flipping onto his back for a Bow and Arrow Backbreaker! The crowd boos at the sadistic submission style of Hearford as he continues to try and break Tom Flesher’s back.

 

“Bow and Arrow Backbreaker!” announces Comet, “Putting more pressure on that back of Flesher!”

 

“Damn it! Come on, Tom,” calls out Bobbie, “Fight out! You can do it!”

 

Indeed, Flesher is still strong, and his hands claw at Hearford’s grip on his face as the Judge tries to maintain the hold. But he can’t as Flesher’s hands are able to pry himself away from Justice’s hands, allowing him to slide out of the hold. His back stinging with pain, Flesher hurriedly crawls over to the ropes to help him up. The Judge begins to climb up as well, and he pries Tom off the ropes. But Tom isn’t gonna go quietly, spinning around and nailing Hearford in the chest with a hard palm strike. The old man takes a step back, allowing Flesher to follow up with another hard strike. He goes for a third, but the old man desperately reaches forwards, grabbing Flesher across the face and ripping his hands to the side, getting another negative reaction from the Madison Square Garden crowd!

 

“Face rake! The FIEND~!” says Comet as Flesher instantly gets hit with a European uppercut, spinning him around, “Oddly enough, though, the equally-fiendish Flesher hasn’t responded with cheating of his own…”

 

“Maybe they should cut some ear-holes in that mask,” snipes Bobbie, obviously not in a good mood at the moment, “Tom said on SmarkDown someone was going down fair and square. He wants to beat the Judge clean, damn it.”

 

“Good for him! He finally realizes that cheating will get you nowhere in life!”

 

“Well… Eh, sure, why not. COME ON, TOM!”

 

As Tom spins around, Hearford takes the chance to grab on a waistlock on the World Champ. Justice keeps the hold locked in as Tom quickly tries to counter the upcoming move. It’s to no avail, though, as the Judge brings him up and over the top for a German Suplex! Tom hits hard on his back and shoulders as Hearford holds the bridge for a pin!

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

T-And a strong kickout from Flesher… which, oddly enough, gets a small cheer from the fans. Flesher may not hear it, but the Judge does raise an eyebrow to it. He gets back up to his feet as Tom slowly pushes off the ground, and gives him a few sharp kicks right into his back. Flesher falls back to the mat and Hearford follows up, mounting his back while locking his arms between his legs and his body before pulling back in a high angle Camel Clutch!

 

“And now a high angle Camel Clutch, bending the back of Flesher at intolerable angles,” comments Comet, “One wonders how can someone be so ruthless to a friend?”

 

“Maybe because he lacks a backbone of his own?” snipes Riley, actually drawing a smile from his masked compatriot.

 

In the ring Tom cries out in pain as his tender spine is stretch backwards at agonizing angles while Kivell continues to ask whether he gives up or not. Flesher tells him “No! No!” as he reaches out for the nearby ropes, and actually getting encouragement from some of ringside fan; he hasn’t been near the prick Hearford has in the match. As Flesher gets closer and it looks obvious that the hold will be broken, the Judge decides to steal something out of Flesher’s book. He curves his finger and hooks in on the inside cheek of Flesher, pulling it outwards! The Superior One yells out in distress at the cruel move as Kivell immediately calls for a break of the hold. The Judge doesn’t, and Kivell starts a 5-Count.

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

THREE!

 

 

FOUR!

 

 

FI-And Hearford removes his finger and breaks the Camel Clutch just as Kivell requested. Meanwhile the crowd pours heat onto the old man as he goes over to young champion, who holds his mouth with one hand and his back with the other.

 

“That… that bastard!” says Riley as Hearford goes to pick the young champ up, “That’s even one of Tom’s moves!”

 

“Indeed, move thievery is not above this malevolent magistrate. He seems hellbent on getting the World Championship even if it means putting Flesher through a hellish amount of suffering.”

 

The Judge pulls Flesher off the ropes and up to his feet, turning around to face forwards… and eats a face full of palm as Flesher lets loose with a huge blow to the head! The angered Flesher keeps up his assault, letting some of his pent up rage from the Judge’s actions do the talk.

 

“What the hell is wrong with you!” he yells, obviously angered at the old man as the crowd begins to get a little more behind Flesher, “I’m your God-

 

SHOTEI!

 

“-damn-“

 

SHOTEI!

 

“-friend!”

 

With that last word he grabs the stunned man’s wrist and hurls him at the other side. Flesher backs up against the ropes himself for momentum and comes back towards the center of the ring with his foot raised up chest-high, connecting a huge Yakuza kick! The old man hits the ground, and Flesher takes a moment to catch his breath before moving on again. Tom looks down at the old man for a moment before deciding to pull him back up into a lockup. Hearford tries to quickly take advantage with his strength, but Tom manages to push the Judge’s left arm into an underhook. This pushes Hearford’s head down a bit and front facelock. Justice immediately reaches for Tom’s leg like he did at the start of the match, but before he can Flesher pulls it away, using his leverage advantage to put the Judge on the canvas with a lateral press pin!

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

THRNO! Kickout by Hearford, and he breaks away from the hold. He quickly steps back up again, quickly followed up by a newly energized Tom Flesher. They lock up once again, and Tom quickly breaks away from the Judge’s grip, grabbing his legs as he pushes the Judge backwards. Hearford can’t brace himself quickly enough as Flesher pushes his back to the mat, flipping over with his legs in tow for a Jackknife Pin!

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

THRENO!

 

The crowd gives a few cheers as Flesher gets back up to his feet, panting a little, but still ready for more.

 

“Flesher says enough is enough and pins Hearford with two quick amateur takedowns!” says Comet with some amazement, “And the crowd continues to get behind what seems to be a different Flesher tonight!”

 

The Judge gets back up, a bit stunned by the Superior One’s suddenly blitzkrieg, and quickly steps away from a lockup attempt by Flesher. A bit more aggressive now, Tom moves in for another lock up, catching the old man before he can back away. The Judge tries to shield himself from any of the takedowns Flesher could throw at him, but leaving him completely open for the knee to the stomach from the Superior One. Pulling the Judge’s own arm through his legs, Tom wraps his other arm around the Judge’s head and arm before pulling him over the top and dropping on his head with an Exploder ’98! The World Champ holds his back for a moment, still aching, but moves in and makes a cover!

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

THRENO! The Judge manages to get a shoulder up! The old man stays down for a few seconds while Flesher gets back up, pulling Hearford up with him. He grabs the old man by his wrist and swings him over at the ropes, giving him enough momentum for Tom to grab him and hurl him overhead with a Belly to Belly Suplex! The crowd gives a small pop as Tom takes a few seconds before getting up while the Judge just lies on the ground holding his shoulders and neck.

 

“Citizen Flesher has come back with a vengeance!”

 

“Hell yes! I’m all for that stuff!” yells Bobbie as Tom goes over to the Judge, flipping him onto his back and threading his arm around his face, “Yes! Make him tapout!”

 

“By Thoth, a Dragon Clutch!” says Comet as Flesher pulls the Judge’s head back with a back-mounted Dragon Sleeper!

 

“Superior Stretch Beta! Last year at Genesis III Perfect Bo tapped out to this move!”

 

Hearford cries out in pain as the crowd gives a mild pop for the well known submission move. The old man pushes towards the ropes as Tom pulls back, stopping only a foot or so out of reach as the crowd eggs him on to tap out!

 

“The Superior One may not have worked the neck much, but that is a submission that needs little setup,” notes Comet from his vast wrestling experience, “And if it can make someone as tough as Perfect Bo tap out, Hearford just might be done for…”

 

The Judge reaches out, clawing a few more inches and just out of reach of the ring ropes. The fans jeer at him, and Tom cocks it an inch back, causing the Judge’s arms to strain even more for the ropes…

 

 

 

 

… And he gets a grip on one! The crowd boos as the Judge holds on for dear life, not wanting to tap out. Tom releases the hold as soon as Kivell asks for the break, and he watches with a frown as the Judge is slowly to get up, his neck feeling like an accordion. The Judge seems to be getting up a bit too slow for Flesher’s liking, and he pulls up the old man by the shoulder into a quickly lock-up…

 

*DING*

 

And gets a concealed knee to the groin for his help! The crowd boos, but Kivell is oblivious as Flesher quickly begins to crumble.

 

“Tom, for me this is far more important that friends,” the old man whispers as he pushes Tom backwards and nails him with a big knife-edged chop!

 

BOOO!

 

CHOP!

 

BOOO!

 

CHOP!

 

BOOO!

 

The empty pain from the groin shot threatens to put Tom on the mat, but he manages to stay on his feet and tries to counter-strike with a shotei… but Hearford easily sidesteps it, putting a knee into his stomach. Tom doubles over reflexively, and the Judge grabs him around the head with a facelock, putting him into the mat with an implant DDT! The crowd gives a loud as he lies on the ground for a moment, catching his breath.

 

“It looks like the Judge just used his powers of Judicial Review to declare Flesher’s chance of a victory here unconstitutional,” says Comet as Riley begins to fret.

 

“He can’t do that! It’s not within his Jurisdiction!”

 

Hearford doesn’t make a cover, though, choosing to use the moment to get back up to his feet. He walks over to Tom’s feet, picking them up and putting them under his armpits as he begins to turn Tom over…

 

“He’s going for the Liontamer! No!” says Riley, “He tried this in their last match! Tom countered it last time, but if he gets on him right now it could…”

 

“… Could?”

 

“Don’t make me finish that sentence, Comet.”

 

Tom tries to put his arms up in a desperate attempt to stop the Judge from flipping him over but it just doesn’t work as Hearford powers him over, locking on the Liontamer! Tom’s back is bent to its breaking point as the old man pulls the hold further back. The crowd boos at the old man, smiling sadistically as he applies the hold to his former friend. The World Champion pushes his head into the mat as the referee harasses him, asking if he gives up or not, to which he shakes his head. The ropes seem too far away to possibly reach as the Judge torques the hold even more, eliciting a yell of agony from the young man.

 

“That back of his can’t hold out for much longer,” says Comet, “He has to be at his breaking point!”

 

But Flesher doesn’t give up. He plants his hands into the ground and begins to pull himself forwards towards the ropes. Hearford isn’t smiling now as he puts his feet into the canvas trying to stop Tom, but the Superior One is determined to get to the ropes. He moves closer and closer, the crowd calling for it him to make it. He gets within a few inches reach… but the Judge begins to pull him back! The crowd begins to boo, but Tom keeps his hands on the canvas, only allowing the Judge to get a foot or so away instead of carrying him out to the middle of the ring. The World Champ keeps moving out towards the ropes again, only a few inches away…

 

 

…He brushes up against it…

 

 

 

 

… his fingers slip off it…

 

 

 

 

 

 

… and he hooks it with his index finger for a break! A nice-sized pop comes from the crowd as Hearford is forced to release the hold! He does so, but he doesn’t give Tom much rest. Instead he pulls Tom by his leg back out to the middle of the ring, and gets ready to put on another Liontamer… but Flesher pulls away with one of his legs and kicks Hearford in the stomach with it! Hearford takes a few steps backwards, and Tom tries to get up to his feet quickly, but his back just won’t let him; it’s just too sore from the recent pounding and he can’t stand up straight. He bends forwards, his back aching like no other as the Judge comes from behind, grabbing him in a waist lock. Just as he does, though, Tom locks in a ¾ Headlock.

 

 

*CRACK*

 

“Surprise Witness! Tom may have just bought himself some valuable recovery time with that maneuver.

 

The two men lie on the mat for a moment, Tom getting some overdue rest while the Judge clutches his neck in as pain shoot through his body. The crowd watches and waits for the first man to get up, but neither does as Matty Kivell starts a 10 Count.

 

ONE!

 

…

 

 

TWO!

 

…

 

THREE!

 

…

 

FOUR!

 

…

 

FIVE!

 

The Judge is the first to start getting back up, getting to his knees…

 

SIX!

 

“Get up, Tom! Don’t let this old fogey beat you like this!”

 

SEVEN!

 

Flesher begins to get up as well, rolling over and pushing off his hands…

 

EIGHT!

 

The Judge gains a footing, and is almost up to standing…

 

NINE!

 

Flesher gets a foot down as well, and pushes up, too, as both men are standing in time to break the count! The two stumble towards each other, and Tom is the first to strike back with a hard shotei to the Judge’s head! The old man back peddles, but he stops himself and lines up a huge forearm… that Flesher dodges! Hearford goes sailing right past the World Champion as he grabs his arm… and locks on an inverted Facelock! The crowd cheers as the Judge tries to moves towards the nearby ropes, but is stopped as Flesher puts his foot in between, dragging Justice down into a sitting position for a Stretch Plum! The crowd gives an actual big cheer for the move as Flesher locks it in, but the Superior One seems indifferent to it as he concentrates on making his old expatriate-compatriot tap out.

 

“Held Without Bail! That move made even Strangler quit!” says Bobbie ecstatically, “He’s got to quit now!”

 

“I don’t think someone like Hearford will want to tap out to one of his own moves, Bobbie.”

 

“I wouldn’t say he has a choice in the matter, Comet.”

 

Hearford yells out in pain as he stretches out his leg towards the nearby ropes, trying to get under it. Meanwhile Flesher puts as much pressure on the hold as he can, telling the Judge to tap out as loud as he can. Kivell asks him if he wants to submit, and the old man labors out a “No…” as he continue to kick out his leg towards the nearby rope that is only inches away…

 

 

 

… And gets it! The crowd boos furiously as referee calls for the break! Tom releases the hold, frustrated but not done yet. He gets back up to his feet, slowly pulling the Judge up and giving him a hard slap across the check! The MSG crowd gives a big pop as he pushes the Judge back towards the ropes, whipping him at the other side. Hearford runs down there, and he comes back right into a Yakuza Kick… that misses! The Judge ducks under it, coming in from the other side and wrapping his arms around Flesher’s neck for a Sleeper Hold… but Tom quickly moves out of the way, ducking under Hearford’s grip and locking in a waistlock! Before the Judge knows it Flesher is lifting him up and over, dropping him right on back, shoulders and neck! Tom stretches out in a tentative bridge as Kivell goes down for a count!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THRENO! Hearford kicks out! Flesher falls to the ground, his back aching and throbbing in pain. But he manages to start standing up again, much to the crowd’s delight. They cheer as he slowly moves over towards the old man. He pulls him up to his feet, giving him a hard blast across the face. He begins pushing him back towards the turnbuckle, and the crowd begins to get louder in anticipation. He backs the old man up into the corner, delivering a few more strikes before cinching on a front facelock. He strains to lift up the old man to the top rope, but he manages to do it despite the bad back. Tom climbs up again, putting his feet on the second rope as he cinches a front facelock...

 

“This could be it…”

 

…pulls the Judge straight up into the air...

 

“It IS it!”

 

*CRUNCH*

 

“BOILERMAKER! BOILERMAKER!” cries Bobbie Riley like a spastic Bush Sr. as Flesher drills the Judge’s head into the mat from the top rope! The Garden explodes into cheers, but Tom arches his sensitive back in pain after he lands on the canvas. Meanwhile the Judge rolls over a few times out of instinct, unconsciously trying to put distance between him and Tom.

 

“But he hasn’t made the cover yet! Flesher has to make the cover NOW!” says Comet as the crowd quickly changes their tone from elation to urging Tom to move and make the cover. Flesher crawls up now, his body aching but the will to win moving him through the pain. He ignores the crowd as he goes over and covers up the Judge for a pin!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THREE-HAND ON THE ROPES! Kivell breaks the count as the Garden shows their disappointment!

 

“Hearford rolled just close enough to the ropes to get a hand on it! The villain!”

 

“NO! That was supposed to be the end! Call the bell, damn it!”

 

Tom looks at Kivell in disbelief, and pounds his fists into the mat with frustration. He slowly gets back up to his feet, slowly staggering over to Hearford and pulling him out to the middle of the ring by his legs. Glaring daggers into the old man, he begins to wrap up his legs…

 

“SUPERIOR STRETCH!”

 

“He’s going for a roll-up!” calls Comet as Hearford manages to find the strength to reach up and grab Tom’s head, pulling him into a Small Package!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEENO! Tom rolls it through into a Small Package on Hearford, and the Garden lets up a cheer!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THREEENO! Hearford barely kicks out in time with his reserve energy, and the two men are left panting on the mat.

 

“By Galatea’s Ghost, these two men are going all out against each other!” calls Comet, shouting into his microphone, “And it looks like the fans love it! They’ve somehow gotten behind Tom Flesher, all of all people!”

 

“Hey, I was cheering Flesher before it was cool!”

 

“Bobbie, are you suggesting it wasn’t cool to cheer Flesher before?”

 

“Well, no but… um… Shut up, Comet! All that matters is Flesher is getting the respect he deserves!”

 

Flesher begins to get back up, breathing heavy and slouching as his back stings him with pain. Meanwhile, Hearford slowly begins to push off the ground, hurting but a man still driven to take the title away from his former friend. He gets up, but not quite quickly enough as Tom is able to nail him in the face with an angry shotei! The NYC fans cheer as Flesher grabs the old man around the waist, lifting him up for the Ego Buster… but Hearford manages to keep himself grounded, bringing the smaller man over the top and tentatively bridges himself out in a pin!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

THRENO! Flesher, fighting his bad back, actually bridges himself back up! The crowd gives a huge cheer as Flesher flips back around, and straining with the last bit of power he has, he manages to pull Hearford off the ground and plant him with the Ego Buster!

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

THREENO! Shoulder up! The crowd gives a huge disappointed sigh as Tom falls onto his back, trying to figure out how to beat the damn old man.

 

“Hearford is running on his bitterness and resentment alone,” says Comet gravely, “But that can’t keep going for long. He’s been pounded and pounded on his cranium enough that another of Flesher’s head-dropping maneuver has to finish the old man off!”

 

Flesher begins to get back up off the ground first again, receiving a big cheer. He shakes his head, trying to ignore the distraction caused by the thousands of people in the stands as he moves over to towards Hearford. He pulls him up from behind, putting his head under his arm while grabbing his waist.

 

“He’s going for a Backdrop DRIVAH~!” says Bobbie, reverting to Puro as Flesher tries to lift him up… but can’t! Hearford brings his elbow down on Flesher’s head, stunning him for a moment. Just long enough to lock in a ¾ Headlock.

 

*CRACK*

 

 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

 

“Surprise Witness! Hearford just called up a Surprise Witness on Tom Flesher, and sadly I don’t think he has enough to muster up a rebuttal!”

 

“Come on, Tom! You and your 18 Inch neck better kick out now!”

 

Hearford lies on the ground for a few moments, exhausted after the beating he’s been through. But he slowly turns over and drapes one hand over Tom’s chest for a cover!

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THREENO! NO NO NO! HE PUTS A SHOULDER UP, AND THE ROOF BLOWS OFF THE GARDEN!

 

“GREAT GODREAS! HE ACTUALLY KICKED OUT!”

 

“YES! HA! I CALLED IT! I CALLED IT!”

 

“Well, Bobbie, technically he did get a shoulder up, so you didn’t actually-“

 

“You know what I mean!”

 

Hearford looks at Kivell, holding up three fingers, but Matty shows him two back, saying Flesher got the shoulder up just in time. Hearford glares daggers at the referee, but all he does in response is slowly pulls up Tom to his feet. The Garden tells Hearford to give it up, but it only drives him more as he delivers a hard forearm blow to Flesher’s face. The World Champion stumbles backwards, and Hearford drives him towards the ropes before whipping him towards the other side. He comes back on the rebound and gets planted into the mat with a huge lariat! Flesher lies on the mat as the Judge falls over him for a cover.

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

THRENO! Kickout at the last second! A sigh of relief comes from the New Yorkers, but it doesn’t last long. The old man stands back up, obviously not happy with Tom’s resistance. He sits him up, saying something to him before kneeling down near him.

 

“Sorry, Tom, but it’s time to end this…”

 

He begins to put his foot around Tom’s leg, and instinctively Flesher begins scooting towards the ropes, but the Judge stops him as he wraps his arm around Tom’s face and wrenches him backwards!

 

“HELD WITHOUT BAIL!” calls Comet as the crowd gives off boos towards the old man, “The move Tom used to make Strangler quit! The move the Judge used to make Craven tap out! It just may be the one thing the evil old man can pull out to beat Flesher!”

 

Tom yells out in pain, trapped away from the ropes as the Judge wrenches back on the hold, smiling sadistically the whole time. The crowd hopes against hope for Tom to hold out as Kivell continually asks whether or not Flesher wants to give. Then he does it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Scoot*

 

*Scoot*

 

*Scoot*

 

*Scoot*

 

Slowly but surely, Tom Flesher begins scooting forwards on the match, inch by inch, slowly closer towards the ropes. Hearford tries to stop him, tries to wrench the hold back even more, but Tom’s determination is just too much to cope with.

 

“Flesh-er! Flesh-er! Flesh-er!”

 

A small chant breaks out in the stands as the World Champion inches closer and closer towards his salvation, the crowd watching in anticipation as his foot gets nearer…. And nearer…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And makes it! A huge cry from the fans comes out as Flesher’s toe gets under the ropes, and Kivell immediately begins telling the Judge to break the hold!

 

“Amazing Angelous, Flesher actually made it to the ropes! What willpower!”

 

“Yes! He just used that beautiful ass of his to scoot to salvation!”

 

“…”

 

“Well, it’s true.”

 

But Justice isn’t quite ready to yet, still wrenching the hold back as hard as he can, sparking a count from the zebra.

 

ONE!

 

TWO!

 

THREE!

 

FOUR!

 

FI-And Hearford releases the hold, leaving Tom lying on the ground. The old man rests up against the ropes, no longer his normal, emotionless self; he’s seething now. He slowly walks over to the young man, yanking him up with what remaining power he has right into a standing head scissors.

 

“FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER!”

 

 

The chants get slightly louder as Hearford looks around at the crowd with obvious disdain, and begins to pull his arms up into a straitjacket… but Flesher pulls his arms away! Pushing Hearford back to break the head scissor, Tom begins using every last bit of strength he has in him, nailing the Judge with shotei after shotei to the head and pushing him right into the corner. Hearford doesn’t even put up a fight, too out of it and too stunned to defend himself. Tom delivers a final shotei to knock the Judge right into the turnbuckle before he grabs the Judge’s head in a facelock, sitting him up on the top rope. The chants keep going on, but Flesher’s not listening… or is he?

 

“Boilermaker time! Boilermaker time! And this one is gonna be good to the last God dam drop!” says a vengeful Riley as Flesher slowly climbs up the turnbuckle and tries to lift him… but can’t! He just doesn’t have the strength with his worn back and tired muscles to lift up the Judge. He tries again, but the Judge has recovered, pulling Flesher in and giving him a hard shot to the head! Flesher’s head whips back, but he comes back with a strike to Hearford’s face as the crowd watches the two titans battle on the top rope. Justice strikes again with a labored blow, and the Superior One responds, barely hanging on to the top.

 

”FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER!”

 

This time, though, Tom strikes before Hearford can, knocking his head back again…

 

”FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER!”

 

And again…

 

”FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER!”

 

And a third time before the Judge slumps down to the second rope, and Flesher begins to climb up and around and the crowd just keeps chanting.

 

“This is it! Ego Trip!” cries Riley, barely audible over the voices of the fans all round him.

 

”FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER! FLESH-ER!”

 

The Superior One climbs to the top rope, the entire Garden chanting his name… and he stops. He looks out to all the fans around him slowly, his name on all their lips. He can’t ignore it now. He’s listening.

 

And he likes it.

 

But for the man below him, that’s enough to fuel his anger and his body for one last desperation move. He grabs either side of the ropes and shakes them as hard as he can, crotching Flesher on the top, and the fans suddenly begin to boo. Tom gives a pained, betrayed look as Hearford moves up a little, locking on a ¾ Headlock before leaping off the turnbuckle!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*CA-RACK*

 

 

The hearts of the Garden sink as Hearford impacts on the mat with his massive trademark Diamond Cutter! He holds his own neck for a moment after the pounding it’s taken all match. He slowly moves over towards Tom’s lifeless body, and drapes one arm over top for a pin.

 

ONE!

 

“Come on, Tom…” pleads Bobbie…

 

TWO!

 

The crowd yells everything they can think of, trying to get Flesher to kick out…

 

THREE!

 

 

*DING DING DING*

 

The crowd goes into a rancorous riot as Kivell calls for the bell and yanks the old man up by his arm.

 

“The winner of the match and NEW SWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAAAAAMPION…. THE JUDGE, WILLIAM HEAAAARFOOOOORD!”

 

Funyon can barely be heard over the boos as Hearford manages to stagger up to his feet, and Kivell hands him his World Title. An evil grin comes across as he pulls away his arm and holds his new prize in both hands. “Testify” plays as Hearford slowly grabs his Judicial robes from the ringside attendant holding them before slowly walking up the ramp victorious.

 

In the ring, though, the referee has begun to help Tom up to his feet. His face is blank, emotionally drained from the experience. Somewhere in the back, someone begins clapping as the new hero begins to reach his feet, and it spreads across the place; soon everyone is standing and clapping for the former 2-time World Champion. “Testify” dies out as “Kashmir” comes in while Flesher slowly begins to exit the ring his head down in disappointment.

 

“Well, that was certainly an incredible Main Event for Genesis, and it’s definitely not over yet.”

 

“… He… he lost...” says Bobby, looking even more broken up than Flesher is right now, “I can’t believe after all that… he lost.”

 

“Bobbie, he may have earned something even more valuable…” says Comet as Flesher reaches the top of the ramp, turning around for a moment to the clapping fans with a tear in his eye…

 

 

 

 

 

… and gives a simple wave and cracks a heartbreaking half-smile before stepping off the stage.

 

 

 

 

New Champions have been crowned.

 

 

 

 

New Heroes have risen up.

 

 

 

 

New Threats have made themselves known.

 

 

 

 

A New Era has been kicked off.

 

 

 

 

And on the 7th day, God rested.

 

 

 

 

----

SWF Genesis, September 28th, 2003.

© 2003 White Apple Productions.

All Rights Reserved

“SWF: Raising Workrate By Typing Faster.”

----

 

*FADE OUT*

[Coffin Surfer 0]

This match probably features the best build I've ever written.........and of the most lackluster finishes since I was in the JL. I'm very proud of the opening Test of Strength, it isn't quite on the same level as the Surfboard spot from my previous match with TNT, but it's still an excellent battle of wills. Sadly, the Burning Lariat transition was over used, and by the end it was tiring. The last 5000 words or so were very rushed, and the details very uncreative to say the least. Still some stuff worked like the Burning Hammer, miss Lariat to German transition.

 

 

Surrounded by bloody thirsty Wolf Zombies, Cyclone Comet does what any super hero would do.............SING! A Rock N Roll piano starts up out of nowhere as Cyclone Comet bursts into a ridiculous over the top musical number reminiscent of “Bat out of Hell” era Meat Loaf. Unable to resist the rocking beat, the Wolf Zombies start to break dance in the background as Comet belts out non-sensible lyrics about staying in school, and drinking milk.

 

The bizarre clip ends, and we soon find ourselves back in the sold out, jam packed, sea of people of that is Madison Square Garden. The dumfounded New Yorkers are left in a state of shock, unable to comprehend what they just witnessed on the Smarktron. Comet is proudly smiling, while Riley scratches his head in confusion.

 

Comet: That’s right my fair citizens, “Cyclone Comet Fights the Wolf Zombies of Neptune” has found an American distributor, and this winter, it will be coming to a theater near you!

 

Riley: So...uh...your new movie...it’s a musical of some sort?

 

Comet: Ha, ha! Don’t be ridiculous, citizen Riley, the film is obviously a modernized update of the Shakespearean tragedy,”Macbeth”.

 

Riley: Bwahahahaha, good one!

 

Comet:.......

 

Riley: Oh my god, your serious aren’t you?

 

Thankfully, the sight of Funyon entering the ring, snaps the crowd back into reality. Like any true showman, Funyon gives a dramatic pause, waiting for the crowd to settle down before he does his thing. Catching on, the crowd quiets down as much as realistically possible, giving Funyon his cue.

 

Funyon: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is set at a 45 minute time limit. Introducing first.........

 

Cue riff of Angus Young’s Gibson SG guitar.

 

Cue crescendo of Phil Rudd’s ear-splitting drums.

 

Cue Bon Scott’s shrill voice shouting “Oi!” as only he can.

 

And again.

 

And again.

 

And so on, and so forth, until the first verse comes in, and then the chorus…… and then……

““WATCH ME EXPLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODE!!!!!!!!!!!””

 

A towering mushroom cloud forms from an explosion on the stage, and the bulky mass of Taylor Nicholas Thompson steps right through it, striding confidently down the entrance ramp towards the ring! There is no fear in his eyes, not even a hint of doubt, this is a man who doesn’t think he can win, this is a man who knows he will win. Unlike the Lockdown crowd, tonight’s audience gives a far more mixed reaction, in fact, many people are lowering their thumbs and “booing.”

 

Funyon: Weighing in at 275 pounds and wrestling out of Anaheim, California…… Taylor Nicholas Thompson, or as you may know him…… TEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-ENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN-TEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

As if his boots were spring loaded, TNT leaps straight up on to the ring apron in a egotistical display of athleticism. Turning to face the crowd, TNT raises his fists above his head, and without warning, he violently pulls them to his sides with a rousing...

 

“KA-BOOM!”

 

Stepping through the ring ropes, TNT bounces around like a boxer, warming up for what is sure to be a long, grueling contest.

 

Riley: TNT looks extremely confident coming into this match, and why shouldn’t he when it was just last month that he cleanly pinned Danny Williams’ shoulders to the mat for the big three?

 

Comet: Confidence is a good thing, but much like anything else, too much of it can be bad. Always remember, the underestimation of one’s foe will almost lead to disaster.

 

Riley: If you ask me, TNT doesn’t have a thing to worry about. TNT is in some of the best shape of his life, and his execution has never been better, hell, he actually hit a Moonsault last week! Meanwhile, you got Danny Williams who’s been sitting on his ass for the past couple of weeks, crying like a little bitch about how he’s scared of losing.

 

Comet: Well chum, I’m gonna have to agree with you there. TNT may very well be the most athletic big man the world has ever seen, his combination of power and speed is unmatched, and with his new found sense of agility and self esteem he is ready to snatch the World Title from the forces of evil!

 

Riley: Hey, don’t you talk about my Tom Flesher like that!

 

Comet: However, I must strongly disagree with your estaminet of Danny Williams. Make no mistake my trusty side kick, TNT won’t run over Danny Williams like he did Xcalibur. Williams is gonna make this more than competitive, he’s gonna make this into a war!

 

Riley: Wait, wait, wait. Did you just call me your side kick?

 

Sadly, AC/DC must fade out, but on the bright side, it does give the fans a chance to regain their sense of hearing. The Garden isn’t silent for long though, as the soothing sounds of key boards begin to dance out of the load speakers. The familiar melody lights up the crowd, and a “DAN-E!” chant almost instantly starts up!

 

Funyon: And his opponent, weighing in at 243 pounds, hailing from Lousiville, Kentucky......................DANNY WILLIAMSsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!

 

The heroic power chords of “The Jester’s Dance” kick in, and the short, hulking figure of Danny Williams appears at the entrance way. The crowd goes totally insane as Williams marches out of the locker room, down towards the ring. Williams isn’t exactly oozing confidence, but what he isn’t lacking in is determination. Just in the way Williams is walking, it’s obvious that he’s a man on a mission, driven by his desire to win.

 

Comet: Twice, TNT has prevented Danny Williams from getting a shot at the World Title. The first was in a noble singles victory, while the second was a cowardly sneak attack in which TNT dropped Williams head first on the concrete floor with a Half Nelson Suplex, taking him out of the number one contendership tournament with a concussion.

 

Riley: Well, fair is fair. Williams prevented TNT from getting his shot by giving him a concussion, so he simply returned the favor.

 

Comet: That is not justice, super side kick Riley, that is revenge which is wrong. TNT intentionally tried to take Williams out of the sport for good, giving him his second concussion this year.

 

Riley: All those concussions should be a wake up call to Williams, if he don’t retire soon, he’s gonna end up in diapers. And did you just call me your side kick again!?

 

Comet: Though his body is failing him, Williams spirit is stronger than ever. This could very well be his last shot at the World Title, his last shot at greatness, and he isn’t about to miss for it anything.

 

Williams and TNT are now in their corners, staring across the ring at each other, patiently awaiting the start of the match. Not wanting to keep the crowd, and the fighters waiting any longer, Soapdish quickly calls for the bell!

 

 

DING! DING! DING!

 

A hooting and hollering, the crowd works up a ruckus as the anticipated match begins!! Eerily calm, Williams glides out of his corner, his emotions hidden behind his long dark bangs. Snorting like a hungry animal, TNT methodically makes his way to the center of the ring. Williams and TNT only turn but one circle before clashing together in a collar elbow tie up, nearly giving the over excited fans a heart attack!

 

Comet: Not much of a feeling out period this time around, their gonna take the fight right too each other!

 

Riley: Well if they don’t know each other by now, they never will.

 

Both men grunt and strain, flexing their muscular backs as they battle for control. Williams fights hard, but it isn’t long before TNT successfully powers his smaller adversary into a suffocating headlock. Dropping to one knee for leverage, TNT precedes to grind away at Williams’ neck, crushing his skull between his might biceps. Using all the power of his short stalky legs, Williams manages to gain enough speed to run TNT into the ropes! Williams pushes TNT deep into the ropes, and shoots him off!

 

Comet: And TNT is going for a ride!

 

The ring trembles as TNT darts across the ring with the grace of a rhinoceros, while Williams rushes to position in the center of the ring! TNT gets a good bounce off the ropes, rumbling back at Danny like a Semi-Truck!

 

KA-BOOM!

 

TNT runs right threw Williams, splattering him across the mat with a devastating Shoulderblock! The sympathetic souls in attendance let out a collective, “Oooooooooooooh!”

 

Comet: I bet the cosmos shook with that hit!

 

Riley: TNT may be the Unstoppable Force, but Williams sure as hell an’t the Unmovable Object.

 

TNT peels his flattened opponent of the mat, pushes him into the ropes, and sends him flying across the ring with an Irishwhip! Williams gets a good bounce of ropes, and comes charging back at TNT against his will! To the astonishment of the crowd, Frost catches Williams and hoists him over his head with a ridiculously perfect Military Press!

 

Comet: What power, sometimes I wander if TNT was born not on earth, but on Krypton!

 

Riley: Danny is no small man mind you, he drifts around 250 these days, and TNT has him hoisted over his head like he’s weightless!

 

Purple faced, TNT starts to tremble with strain, yet he somehow keeps his elbows locked, keeping Danny elevated high over his head. But Williams shockingly slips off TNT’s pedestal like hands, and slides down to the mat! Williams smoothly secures TNT in a rear waistlock, and runs him into the ropes, using the momentum to roll TNT back into a reverse cradle!

 

Comet: Holy goat’s milk, this match is over before it even began!

 

Caught off guard by the flash roll up, the fans don’t even have time to jump out of their chairs as Soapdish starts the count!

 

 

ONE!

 

 

Using his horse like legs, TNT pushes Williams off, and into the ropes! Williams sling shots off the ropes, and TNT dives down in front of him, forcing Danny to hurdle over him! Hitting the ropes a second time, Williams bullets back at TNT, who avoids him with a high leap frog! As Williams speeds towards him, TNT dips his head down for the Back Body Drop! Seeing this coming from a mile a way, Williams dives over TNT’s lowered head! On his way to the mat, Williams hooks TNT by the legs, and pulls him down with a Sunset flip! Taking a seat, Williams rests his legs atop of TNT’s arms, pinning his shoulders to the mat!

 

 

ONE!

 

 

Collecting his wits, TNT frantically kicks out of Williams’ clutches!

 

Comet: Williams is a step quicker than he was at Ground Zero, easily avoiding moves he once fell pray to.

 

Before TNT can get up, Williams acrobatically back rolls into handstand, and pushes off the mat, springing back to his feet in dazzling fashion. Impressed with Williams’ athleticism, the fans howl and whistle like horny construction workers. As if he became possessed by the spirit of some snobbish Shakespearean actor, Williams elegantly bows to the crowd. Not to pleased with Williams’ attempt at showing him up, a scowling TNT sarcastically claps.

 

Riley: What a show off, was that black flip thingy really necessary?

 

Comet: Williams is sending TNT a message, letting him know that he is more than capable of matching his athleticism.

 

Knowing full and well that this isn’t the time or place to goof off, Williams puts his business face back on, and TNT does the same. With out stretched hands and wiggling fingers, Williams and TNT begin to nervously inch towards each other. Once they get within arm’s reach, they cautiously bring their palms together, binding their fingers in a Greco Roman knuckle lock. As soon as both men’s hands are secure, the beefy grapplers start violently bumping their chests together in a vain attempt to push the other man back.

 

Comet: I think were about to bear witness an epic test of strength the likes of which the free world has never seen!

 

Riley: This is going to play right into TNT’s hands! Aside from countering a back body drop, it appears that Williams learned absolutely nothing at Ground Zero.

 

Comet: Yes, but if Williams wins it could give him a huge psychological edge over his cocky opponent.

 

Beginning to pour sweat, Williams desperately tries to hold his own, but there’s nothing he can do to stop the much larger and stronger TNT from winning the battle of leverage. Gaining the upper hand, TNT starts to push Williams down to the mat. No longer able to keep his spine straight under the bone crushing power of TNT, Williams arches back on the top of his head with a sexy high angle bridge.

 

Riley: I told you that Williams didn’t stand a chance in hell of matching raw power with TNT.

 

Not letting the bridge stop him, TNT continues to press down on Williams’ arms with all his body weight in hopes of pinning his shoulders to the mat. Feeling like his neck is going to snap at any second, Williams lets out a painful cry, yet he some manages to keep his shoulders off the mat. Showing their support, the crowd encourages Williams to hold on by chanting....

 

“DAN-E! DAN-E! DAN-E!”

 

Not wanting to let down his fans, Williams strenuously holds the bridge even as his thick stocky neck starts to bend under the pressure. Though the crowd is loud, Williams’ neck isn’t strong as his heart, leaving him with no choice but to break the bridge, and let TNT push his hands down into the mat. Having made sure that Williams’ shoulders are down, Soapdish starts the count.

 

 

ONE!

 

 

While still maintaining the knuckle lock, Williams shockingly returns to his feet with a jaw dropping kip up!

 

Comet: Much like a super hero, that pin escape broke the laws of physics!

 

Riley: Williams’ superior agility may give him a temporary advantage over TNT, but as proven at Ground Zero, it’s not enough to keep him ahead in the long run.

 

Having already expended a great deal of energy, TNT is powerless to prevent Danny Williams from snatching control of the knuckle lock from him! Lacing his leg behind TNT, Williams suavely takes him to the mat with a back heel trip! Taking advantage of TNT’s surprise, Williams swiftly holds his hands down, pinning his shoulders to the mat!

 

 

ONE!

 

 

Not letting some scrawny 243 pound roided up midget manhandle him, TNT forcefully pushes a shoulder off the mat. Dripping sweat, Williams makes an attempt at shoving the shoulder back down, but to his disdain, TNT’s other shoulder pops up off the mat as well. Demonstrating the power of his massively muscular legs, TNT bridges up off the mat, and begins to slowly rise back to his full height.

 

Riley: Do you know how hard it is to do that?!

 

Comet: TNT’s power is unmeasurable! Williams is a beast of a man, but not even his unnatural strength can hold TNT at bay!

 

Purple faced and running low on gas, Williams tries in vain to keep TNT down, but there’s just no stopping him! Now back at his full height, TNT towers over Williams, staring down at him with a combination of rage and desire, the desire to prove that he’s the better man. Despite Williams’ brave resistance, TNT almost effortlessly rotates his arms out to his sides, and brings them up over his head. With a snort, TNT pushes Williams’ arms down in front of him, forcing Danny’s wrists to painfully bend back in the wrong direction. Williams cries out in agony as the stinging pain in his wrists brings him down to his knees!

 

Riley: TNT has won the test of strength, now all he has to do is win the game of mercy.

 

Comet: I’m really surprised by how much restraint Williams has shown here tonight, it’s very admirable. You would think that after all TNT has done to him, he’d be looking for a cheap shot or something, but instead he’s wrestling clean and honestly, and I applaud him.

 

Riley: Brown noser!

 

With his swollen triceps bulging out from underneath his skin, TNT shoves down on Williams’ hands with all his might, hoping to inflict enough pain to warrant a submission. Though his hands are about to be severed from his wrists, Williams blocks out the pain long enough to form an escape plan. In the blink of an eye, Williams slickly back rolls to his feet, reversing the pressure on TNT’s wrists! The crowd pops as TNT ironically drops down to his knees in anguish!

 

Comet: Never count Williams out, just like Batman, he can think his way out of any perilous situation the villains of Gotham City put him in.

 

Riley: Yeah, but this isn’t some cheesy 60's T.V. show.

 

Comet: T.V. show?

 

Riley: What, you mean the comic book?

 

Comet: Comic book?

 

With a sadistic glare in his eye, Williams pushes TNT’s hands back as far as they will go, and than some, forcing his wrists to gruesomely pop and crack. Not really sure how to do that weird rolling reversal that Williams just used without tearing his own arms off, TNT falls back on what he’s always fallen back on, the same thing that allowed him to reverse the Standing Surfboard two months ago, sheer will power. The adrenaline starts pumping, and TNT’s limps start a flaring, as he dramatically fights his way up to one knee. With a roar, TNT pushes his way back to his feet!

 

Comet: TNT, looking to exploit his strength advantage, and muscle his way back in control.

 

Even though Williams is giving him hell, TNT brings his arms out towards his sides, and from there he vigorously raises them up over his head as if he’s doing Military Presses with an extreme amount of weight. A stalemate ensues as both men hold their ground, using all the power they have to keep their elbows locked above their head. Exposing every muscle in his wide upper body, TNT laborious pushes Williams’ wrists back down in the mercy position. As if he’s turning a rusty old bath faucet, TNT slowly twists Williams’ hands upside down. Sensing his desperation, the crowd gets behind Williams with an emotional chant...

 

“DAN-E! DAN-E! DAN-E!”

 

Thanks to the energy of the crowd, Williams finds his second wind. With his teeth tightly clinched, Williams begins to spread his arms out horizontally, gradually bringing them up higher and higher. Shaking his head in defiance, TNT desperately tries to stop Williams from completing his mission, but it’s useless. The crowd applauds as Williams completes the full circle, raising his arms over his head. TNT screams in disbelief while Williams lowers his arms down directly in front of him, forcing the dynamic one to his knees for the second time tonight. Though he is overcome with exhaustion, a sweat soaked Danny Williams manages to faintly smile at the crowd, a small celebration of an enormous task.

 

Riley: This is totally inexcusable! How in the hell can TNT let a guy that’s twenty pounds lighter than him, beat him at a test of strength?!

 

Comet: Sometimes it takes a little more than pure brawn to win, it takes desire, courage, and the will to push yourself further than the other man. TNT was able to do that at Ground Zero, but tonight, Danny Williams is the one who’s pushing himself harder. He’s the one, who’s willing to sacrifice the most.

 

Not making an effort to reverse the circumstances, TNT rests on knee, shaking his head as if he still cannot accept what just happened. Snapping out of his trance like state, a determined TNT stands up, and attempts to bring his arms up and around over his head again. Despite looking like he’s at the point of death, a re-energized Danny Williams is more than ready to meet to challenge, experiencing little difficulty in muscling TNT’s hands back down to his waistline. Without warning, an enraged TNT slams his boot into Williams’ bread basket!

 

“Booooooooooooooo!”

 

Williams releases TNT’s hands, and doubles over, clutching his stomach as if he’s about to hurl. Taking advantage of Williams’ vulnerability, TNT snatches him up in a front facelock, and drops back to the mat!

 

CRUNCH!

 

In sickening fashion, Williams bounces off the top of his head, and flops over on his back! Disillusioned, TNT sits up with a look of uncertainty on his face.

 

Riley: Now that’s how you win a test of strength!

 

Comet: No longer certain of his victory, TNT had to take a short cut to stay ahead. TNT may be in the driver’s seat for now, but Williams has delivered a serious blow to his once glowing confidence while giving himself a much needed boost of self esteem.

 

Riley: Bah, self esteem doesn’t mean a damn thing if you just got dropped your head.

 

Worn out from the grueling test of strength, TNT takes his time in climbing to his feet. TNT pops his knuckles a few times before dragging Williams up by his hair. TNT tucks Williams’ head down in another front facelock, and without hesitation, kicks his legs out!

 

BOOM!

 

Williams keeps his boots anchored to the mat, letting TNT splat on the canvas all by his lonesome!

 

Comet: Williams was aware that time!

 

Confused, TNT attempts to cover up his mistake with some good old fashioned hustle. TNT tries to hurry to his feet, but...

 

SMACK!

 

Williams viciously punts him in the back as he tries to get up! Though the kick is hard enough to whelp TNT’s thick back, it doesn’t stop him from reaching a vertical base. Sucking up the pain, TNT tightens every muscle in his body, as he unleashes a fearsome battle cry!

 

Riley: I’d hate to be in Williams’ boots right about now.

 

Comet: Emotions are boiling over, and the restraint and mutual respect that highlighted the early portion of this match is about to be thrown out the window!

 

Not easily frightened, Williams snatches TNT by his dread locks, and yanks his head down. With bad intentions, Williams slams a series of brutal knee strikes into the side of the Dynamic one’s skull! Shockingly, a pissed off TNT rises up, and looks Williams dead in the eye! As Williams and TNT engage in a Mexican stare down, the excited crowd starts stomping their feet like war drums!

 

Comet: TNT’s skull must me made from adamanteum!

 

Riley: This is a stupid move by Williams. The last time he traded knees with TNT, he was the recipient of a first class ass kicking, and there’s little doubt in mind that tonight will be any different.

 

Refusing to back down from his intimidating adversary, Williams jerks TNT”s head down, and starts kneeing him some more! Running out of patience with Williams’ annoying offense, TNT pops up with a beastly roar! Grabbing Williams by the back of his neck, TNT drives him into the nearest corner with a series of gut busting knees! Shockingly, Williams wraps his gorilla like arms around TNT, and throws him into the corner! Showing no mercy, Williams snarls like a rabid dog as he relentlessly slams knee after knee into TNT”s gut while the crowd goes absolutely bonkers!

Succumbing to Williams’ brutal assault, TNT sinks down to the mat, only to get knees driven into

his head rather than his abdomen!

 

Comet: All that pint up rage that Williams has harboring over the past couple of months is finally being unleashed in a very, very unhealthy way!

 

Riley: Unhealthy all right, unhealthy for TNT.

 

Soapdish finally steps in, forcing Williams to cease his attack. Williams gingerly raises his fists to the approval crowd, before grabbing his stomach which is no doubt still sore from TNT’s razor sharp knees. TNT on the other hand is totally out of it, looking at Soapdish like he’s some sort of an alien creature rather than an SWF official.

 

Riley: I don’t think TNT knows where’s he’s at right now.

 

Williams pushes Soapdish aside, and drags TNT up by his hair. Williams stuffs TNT’s head down in a front facelock, tosses his arm over his shoulder, and grabs a handful of tights. Not having enough space to get TNT in the air, Williams walks his victim out of the corner, and into the center of the ring.

 

Comet: Williams, looking for the Vertical Suplex.

 

With a grunt, Williams tries to get TNT’s fat ass off the mat, but the Dynamic One doesn’t cooperate. Determined to get TNT up, Williams tries again, but once more, he comes up short. TNT grabs Williams by his tights, and the fight for the Suplex is on! The crowd gets into it, predictably siding with Williams. Refusing to lose another battle of wills, TNT summons power form god’s knows where, and focuses all his power into one last lift!

 

“DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

 

With a burst of raw power, TNT gruelingly hoists Williams up high over his head,.....

 

Riley: It’s about time TNT stood up to Williams, and put him in his place!

 

but Danny slips out of clutches, and glides down behind him! Before TNT can react, Williams hooks his arm under his chin, and drags him down to the mat! Williams promptly wraps his strong legs around TNT’s torso with a tight, unescapable, body scissors.

 

Comet: DOUSHIME SLEEPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

 

Conditioned to pop for the rest hold, the crowd makes some big noise as Williams starts cranking the hold, squeezing TNT’s head to the bursting point! Not ready for bed time just yet, TNT frantically rolls into the ropes, carrying Williams along on his back.

 

“Break!”, commands Soapdish.

 

Frustrated by the quick rope break, Williams jumps to his feet, draws back his boot, and repeatedly slams it into TNT’s exposed back!

 

SMACK!

 

SMACK!

 

SMACK!

 

The crowd collectively “ohs” as each kick connects with an alarming amount of stiffness.

 

Riley: That ought to take the wind out of TNT’s sails, that is if it doesn’t sink him entirely.

 

Guiding TNT back to his feet, Williams walks him away from the ropes, and positions him for the Vertical Suplex again.

 

Comet: I suspect that Williams shouldn’t have any difficulty in hitting the suplex now.

 

With no resistance, Williams muscles TNT”s wide body off the mat, and into the air. But before Williams can slam him into the mat, TNT shifts his weight, landing atop him with a crushing lateral press! Caught off guard, Soapdish swiftly dives to the mat, and starts the count!

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TW-NO! Williams rolls out from underneath TNT, and curls up in the fetal position.

 

Riley: Can you imagine what it would feel like to have 300 pounds come crashing down on your chest like that?

 

Comet: It could cave in the chest cavity of a normal of man, but Danny Williams is an SWF super star, capable of absorbing more punishment than your average crime fighter.

 

After taking a brief break to catch his breath, Williams stomps his way over TNT, and starts to guide him to his feet. Once Williams gets him on one knee, TNT suddenly catches him off guard with a haymaker to the stomach! Already running low on air, Williams doubles over, and starts gagging, allowing TNT to draw back his hand once more,....

 

CRACK!

 

and his bust his jaw with a right hook! Bringing both hands to his mouth, Williams awkwardly walks backwards a couple of steps, before collapsing in a heap. Soapdish scorns TNT for the closed fist punch, but the Dynamite Warrior pats his forearm, insisting that it was an elbow smash.

 

Comet: Honesty is apparently a moral that TNT is ignorant of.

 

Riley: Bah, Soapdish is just being an ass anyway, I mean who in hell enforces the closed fist rule in this day and age?

 

TNT takes a second to gather his wits, before standing up, and going after Williams, who is blindly feeling for the mat on his hands and knees. Grabbing Williams by the hair, TNT helps him to he his feet, only to replant him with a monstrous Scoop Slam!

 

BOOM!

 

Hooking Williams’ boots under his arm pits, TNT turns him over, and sits back!

 

Comet: TNT, going to work on Williams with THE BOSTON CRAB!

 

Exposing every muscle in his chiseled upper body, Williams pushes his chest off the mat, and starts walking on his hands towards the ropes. TNT struggles to keep pressure on Williams’ back, but it’s done too late as Danny takes hold of the bottom rope. Throwing Williams’ legs down in disgust, TNT steps behind his victim, and grabs him by his ankles. TNT urgently drags Williams off the ropes, and quickly mounts his back in the center of the ring. Locking his hands underneath Danny’s chin, TNT sits back for the Camel Clutch! The ex finisher gets a nostalgic pop from the crowd.

 

Comet: TNT is taking his time and picking his moments, a strong contrast to when he was desperately attempting the Mushroom Cloud every other second at Ground Zero.

 

Riley: Besides, he already knows that it takes a shit load of damage to get Williams prone for the Powerbomb anyway.

 

Williams screams as TNT starts to lean back further and further, threatening to snap him in half like a tree branch.

 

“LET’S GO, DANNY! LET’S GO!” Clap!Clap! Clap!Clap!Clap!

 

Concerned, Soapdish asks Williams if he wants to go on. Unable to speak properly, Williams spits out a barely coherent “No!”. Not accepting this as an answer, TNT drops all the way back to the mat, painfully jerking Williams out from underneath him. TNT fluidly applies a body scissors, stunningly segueing the Camel Clutch into a Doushime Sleeper! Impressed with the transition, the crowd actually gives a small ovation out of respect.

 

Riley: Now that was just...beautiful. Never in my broadcast career have I seen TNT execute that well.

 

Comet: TNT knew that Williams isn’t gonna give up anytime in the near future, so he’s gonna settle for wearing him down instead.

 

TNT squishes Williams’ head between his mighty biceps, making it violently shake like it’s about to pop. Under able to withstand the extreme pressure being put on his head, Williams wearily rolls into the ropes. TNT calmly releases Williams, and helps him to his feet. Grabbing a front facelock, TNT walks his drowsy opponent away from the ropes, positions him for a Vertical Suplex, and violently snaps back!

 

BOOM!

 

Williams hits the mat so hard that he bounces into the air like a basketball, before permanently coming to rest! Sitting Williams up in a hurry, TNT quickly vices his head in a suffocating Dragon Sleeper! The crowd only gives a mild reaction, before quieting back down.

 

Riley: TNT is really keeping the heat on Williams, not even given himself a chance to catch his breath.

 

Comet: That’s because he knows how dangerous Williams is, just one mistake or mis judgement, and he can be right back in the match.

 

With clinched teeth, TNT rigorously twists and pulls on Williams’ head, ceasing the blood flow to his brain. In panic mode, Williams frantically scoots his way to the ropes, forcing the break! Not sweating it, TNT releases Williams’ head, and guides his drowsy foe to his feet. Popping Williams with a few forearms for good measure, TNT takes him by the wrist, and whips him off the ropes! Williams hits the ropes, and rebounds back at TNT,.....

 

BOOM!

 

who plants him with a ring shaking Spinebuster! TNT promptly leans over Williams, holding him down with a knucklelock for the pin.

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

To TNT’s disappointment, Williams shoots his shoulder off the mat! The crowd gives a luke warm reaction for the two count, while TNT climbs to his feet with a sigh. Grabbing Danny by his hair, TNT drags him up, and spins him around. With a sadistic gleam in his eye, TNT hooks Williams’ arm up with a Half Nelson, bringing the crowd to life!

 

Riley: He’s looking for the Half Nelson Suplex!

 

Not giving TNT a chance to dump him on his dome, Williams makes the ropes in a flash!

 

Comet: Though his body is worn down and broken, Danny’s mind is still working, which is all he needs to avoid TNT’s signature suplex.

 

Punishing Williams for his lack of cooperation, TNT viciously hammers his back with clubbing forearms, forcing him to release the ropes. Spinning Williams around, TNT takes him by the hand, and shoots him off the ropes! Aiming to take Williams’ head off, TNT thrusts out his arm for the...

 

Comet: BURNING LARIAT!

 

But Williams ducks under TNT’s meaty appanage, and hits the ropes a second time. Hoping to catch Williams the second time around, TNT spins around,......

 

SMAAACK!

 

only to get hammered by an uber stiff clothesline!

 

Comet: BRUTAL SHOT GUN LARIAT FROM WILLIAMS!

 

Unable to stand on his own, Williams drops to his knees with the momentum! Lying still on his back, TNT brings a single hand to his wind pipe, rubbing it as if he’s having difficulty swallowing. Pleased with the transition, Williams’ fans put their hands together in celebration.

 

Riley: And TNT makes his first big mistake of the night, the dumbass should have tried to slow things back down instead of trying to hit a big ass Lariat.

 

Comet: Excellent observation, my trusty side kick! TNT’s inability to hit the Half Nelson Suplex should have clued him into the fact that Williams wasn’t ready for the Burning Lariat.

 

Riley: Quit calling me your damn side kick!

 

Rolling into the ropes, Williams wearily uses the ring cables to pull himself up right. By this time, TNT is also climbing to his feet. Aiming to send to TNT back to the mat, Williams puts his injuries aside, and sprints off the ropes at his rising target! Pulling up a couple feet short of TNT, Williams leaps high into the air, thrusting out his leg for the Yakuza Kick!

 

CRACK!

 

Williams’ boot finds it’s mark right on TNT’s forehead, drawing a collective “oh” from the shocked crowd! A gigantic sweat cloud flies from TNT’s body, showering the front rolls fans with perspiration!

 

Comet: DYNAMIC KICK! DYNAMIC KICK!!!

 

Williams crash lands on his ass, and sits blankly for several moments, still looking drained from TNT’s earlier offense. After regaining his senses, Williams quickly crawls atop TNT, hooking a leg for the pin attempt.

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

TNT escapes with a rather dominant kick out! Starting to get warm, the crowd gives a nice little pop.

 

 

Riley: It’s gonna take a lot more than one kick to put a guy as hard headed as TNT down for the count.

 

Slowly rising to his feet, Williams wipes some sweat out of his eyes, and takes a couple of long, deep breaths. Dragging TNT up by his tights, Williams tightly clamps his arms around his wide body with a rear waistlock!

 

Comet: And TNT is about to fall prey to the German Suplex!

 

But before the fans can even get their cameras ready, TNT has already embraced the sanctuary of the ropes!

 

Riley: These guys know each other so well that’s gonna be damn near impossible for either of them to hit their trademark suplexes.

 

Refusing to give up on the move, Williams yanks TNT off the ropes with by his tights, and reapplies the waistlock! Without a second to lose, Williams hoists TNT into the air,....

 

Crack!

 

but gets caught in the temple by a sharp reverse elbow! Williams lowers TNT back to the mat, who in turn, spins behind him, and grabs a Half Nelson!

 

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

 

Williams blasts TNT’s head with cringe inducing back elbows, forcing him to release his arm! Free of TNT’s clutches, Williams spins beside him, and draws back his arm. Lunging forward at TNT, Williams swings at the back of his neck,.....

 

SWOOOOOSH!

 

but the Dynamic One ducks behind him in the nick of the time! TNT smoothly secures his off balanced opponent with a Half Nelson, and snaps back...

 

CRUNCH!

 

Williams lands grotesquely lands on the back of his neck, and rolls to the far side of the ring with the momentum! The first head drop of the night predictably gets a gargantuan pop out of the crowd!

 

Comet: HALF NELSON SUUUUUUUUUUPLEX!!!

 

Riley: That can’t be good for Williams’ concussion!

 

Comet: Just as in their Ground Zero match, Williams attempted to counter the Half Nelson Suplex with an Enzui Lariat, but TNT was able to see it coming this time around!

 

Like a corpse laid to rest in it’s coffin, Williams lies perfectly still on his back with his eyes closed and his mouth lifelessly hanging open. Slowly sitting up, TNT takes a second to shake the cob webs loose, before crawling his way over to Williams’ carcass. Hooking one of Williams’ legs, TNT leans back for the pin!

 

Riley: Williams still isn’t moving, this match be over!

 

Heating up, the crowd loudly counts along with Soapdish!

 

 

“ONE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TWO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Williams’ arm shoots off the canvas, igniting the cheers of the hopeful! Not sweating the kick out, TNT calmly gets to his feet. Letting everyone in the Garden know that the match ends when he says it ends, TNT shakes out his arm, signaling for the Burning Lariat!

 

Comet: Sensing that he has Williams hurt, TNT is gonna attempt put him away right now!

 

Grabbing Williams by the hair, TNT pulls him up, and steadies him. Taking a step back, TNT unleashes a primal scream, and explodes forward,.....

 

SMAAAACK!

 

but Williams gets his arms up, successfully blocking the crushing blow! However, the force of the Lariat does send Williams crashing to the mat with a thud! Rubbing his arm and wincing, TNT aimlessly wanders around in anguish, giving Williams the opportunity to sluggishly roll to the outside.

 

Riley: TNT’s gonna end up breaking his arm, if he keeps firing off Lariats with reckless abandonment like that.

 

Comet: Excellent reflexes from Danny Williams, managing to avoid the certain doom of the Burning Lariat despite being out on his feet.

 

Once the feeling in his arm returns, TNT climbs out of the ring, and stomps after Williams, who is laying helplessly on the floor. In raged over his inability to put Williams away when he had him reeling, TNT begins stomping a mud hole in him. Briefly sliding into the ring to get a fresh count, TNT peels up a section of the protective floor padding to the horror and amazement of the crowd!

 

Riley: It looks like things are about to get interesting.

 

Comet: What manner of foul villainy does TNT have planned for Danny Williams!?

 

Turning his attention back to Williams, TNT drags him to his feet, and slaps on a Half Nelson!

 

Riley: Alright!

 

Comet: There’s no call for this, what would posses TNT to repeat such a dastardly act!

 

Riley: He wants to win the match, you dumbass. Think about it, if a Half Nelson Suplex on the floor can take Williams out of action for a month, it can surely put him down for the three count.

 

Comet: But at the risk of ending the man’s career?!

 

The fans shriek in terror as TNT dips his knees, and springs up, lifting Williams off the floor!

 

Riley: HE’S GONNA ACTUALLY DO IT!

 

Before TNT can complete the bridge, Williams desperately blocks the lift attempt with a leg grapevine! Having bought himself some time, Williams frantically drops down to his knees, and hooks the guardrail with his free arm! TNT pulls and pulls, but Williams refuses to budge.

 

Comet: Oh thank heavens, Williams saved himself.

 

 

Riley: Ah dammit!

 

Giving up on the suplex, TNT viciously pounds Williams’ back with forearms, until his grip on the railing loosens up. Jerking Williams off the guardrail, TNT attempts to reposition him for the Suplex, when...

 

Crack!

 

Swiping TNT’s hands off, Williams pops TNT with a desperation elbow, stunning the big man! Still not able to stand on his own, Williams quickly rolls into the ring, out of harm’s way. Shaking off the effects of surprise elbow smash, a snarling TNT slides into the ring after Williams. Finding that Williams still hasn’t reached a vertical base, TNT grabs him by his hair, and helps him the rest of the way up.

 

Crack!

 

Again, a wobbly Williams catches him off guard with a sickening elbow smash! Not letting this one go unanswered, TNT blasts Danny with a hard elbow of his own!

 

Crack!

 

Williams stumbles as if he’s going to go down, but he somehow regains his balance, and returns fire!

 

Crack!

 

This one hurts TNT, however he’s still more than capable of responding!

 

Crack!

 

TNT”s forearm connects stiffly with Williams’ temple, sending tremors of pain throughout his entire body! Williams quivers in unimaginable anguish, yet he somehow sucks it up, and stands upright, daring TNT to hit him again.

 

Comet: This is madness! Both these men are recovering from concussions, yet they are somehow going at it toe to toe, trading shots in the center of the ring!

 

Taking Williams up on his offer, TNT plants his pivot foot in front of him, draws back his arm, and swings with bad intentions! Seeing it coming a mile away, Williams gets an arm up, stopping TNT’s forearm from hitting his face! Before TNT can pull his arm back, Williams counters with a blinding elbow smash!

 

CRACK!

 

The unexpected strike rocks TNT, leaving him stunned and defenseless!

 

Riley: The worst ones are the ones you don’t see coming, and that one went right underneath TNT’s radar!

 

CRACK! CRACK!

 

In the blink of an eye, Williams drops TNT with a 1-2 Elbow Combo!

 

“Oooooooooh!”, gasps the crowd as TNT hits the canvans like a K.O.ed boxer. Finally getting a breather, Williams drops to one knee from a combination of exhaustion and pain. The crowd awards Williams’ effort with a brief but loud ovation.

 

Comet: And Danny Williams has willed his way back into this match, outlasting TNT in the battle of elbows!

 

However, TNT is up in almost no time, forcing Williams to end his break prematurely, and jump on him.

 

Crack! Crack! Crack!

 

Williams sends TNT back to the mat with three straight elbows! But before Williams can catch his breath, TNT is up, and hammering him with elbows!

 

Crack! Crack!

 

Putting a stop this, Williams drives a knee into his gut, knocking the wind out of him! Going up stairs, Williams rattles TNT’s brain with a vicious elbow smash!

 

CRACK!

 

Knocked silly, TNT collapses to his knees in a punch drunk state of delirium. Sensing that TNT is on his last leg, the Garden starts to heat up.

 

Comet: Much like he did at Ground Zero, TNT is desperately trying to overwhelm Williams with a relentless assault, but despite a valiant effort,

 

Barely able to hold his eyes open, TNT roboticly climbs to his feet, a sitting duck for his waiting enemy. Taking big steps, Williams spins at TNT, firing the.....

 

Comet: ROLLING ELBOOOW!

 

Crossing his arms in front of his face, TNT blocks the would be knock out strike!

 

CRACK!

 

Before Williams even knows what hit him, TNT counter attacks with a thunderous right hand! In that instant, Williams goes rubber legged, teetering as if the slightest breeze can knock him down. Dropping back into the ropes, TNT explodes forward.....

 

CRACK!

 

leveling Danny with a big running elbow! Dropping to his knees, TNT drapes himself over the second rope, trying to summon enough power to go on finish the match.

 

Riley: TNT has just taken Danny down with his own move!

 

Comet: He probably suspected that Williams would be expecting the Burning Lariat again, so he caught him off guard with something different.

 

Won over by his monster effort, the crowd puts their markdom for Williams aside, and begin chanting for the explosive former World Champion.

 

“T-N-T! T-N-T! T-N-T!”

 

Finding the will to go on, TNT uses the ropes to pull himself up one arm at a time.

 

Comet: In spite of the fiendish actions he took against Williams leading up to this match, TNT’s raw determination has won this tough New York crowd over!

 

Riley: Big deal, now all he has to do is win the match.

 

With Williams deliriously staggering to his feet, TNT calls for the Lariat, transforming Gardens into a madhouse of screaming fans! Not sure as to where he’s at, Williams stumbles to his feet with a confused look on his face. Sizing Danny up, TNT leans into the ropes, and explodes forward!

 

SWOOOOOSH!

 

Williams ducks behind TNT, and grabs a Sleeperhold! Not giving Williams a chance to put him down, TNT drops to one knee, slinging him off his back with a modified arm drag! Still weary from all the punishment he’s absorbed, Williams causelessly climbs to his feet, unaware of the danger he’s in. TNT lets Williams get up un molested, and than charges,.....

 

Riley: HERE IT COMES!

 

but Danny catches him by the arm, and flips the big man over his shoulder with a Judo Throw! Williams swiftly tucks TNT’s arm under his arm pit, pulls him into a seated position, and locks on a smothering rear chinlock!

 

Comet: BUFFALO SLEEPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

 

 

Riley: The Burning Lariat may have lead TNT to victory a month ago, but tonight it lead him straight right into Danny Williams’ hands!

 

Shaking his head up and down, Williams strains to add maximum pressure to the hold, cutting off TNT’s air supply! Fading fast, TNT makes an epic attempt at reaching the ropes, scooting to salvation inch by inch! Encouraging the former World Champion, the crowd begins to chant again...

 

“T-N-T! T-N-T! T-N-T!”

 

Though the situation looks hopeless, TNT stays focused on his goal, reaching the ropes before passing out.

 

Riley: TNT still has some fight left in him, but history is against him. Before his injury, Danny Williams won three straight matches with this very maneuver, and with the exception of Ejiro, no one lasted more than a couple of seconds in the hold!

 

Comet: It’s time for TNT to show how much he wants to win, he’s gonna have to dig deeper than ever before, and somehow hold out long enough to make the ropes!

 

Despite his body’s numerous attempts at shutting down, TNT pushes onward, not stopping, until he finally reaches the ropes! Not giving up so easily, Williams grabs TNT by the sides of his head, and snapmares him back into the hell mouth that is the center of the ring. The fans are on their feet as Williams coldly reapplies the Buffalo Sleeper!

 

Comet: HE’S GOT IT ON HIM AGAIN!

 

Riley: This match is as good as over with, not even a crazy son of a bitch like Ejiro could make the ropes twice!

 

Soapdish is all in TNT’s face, continuously asking him if he wants to quit. Refusing to give in, TNT once again begins his perilous journey to the ropes. Wide eyed and screaming, Williams struggles to maintain maximum pressure on the hold, squeezing TNT’s head to the point that it starts to violently shake like it’s going to pop!

 

“T-N-T! T-N-T! T-N-T!”

 

Drifting in and out of consciousness, TNT stays focused on the ropes, dedicating every ounce of energy he has left to completing his mission. Though he has been depraved of oxygen to the point that his body is uncontrollably shaking, TNT still will not accept defeat. To the amazement of the crowd, TNT somehow reaches the ropes a second time! The fans turn the Gardens upside down, as they are now literally jumping for joy.

 

Riley: I’ll be damned, I guess there’s a first time for everything.

 

Comet: TNT is in uncharted territory now! What a demonstration of will power, not even Aquaman could hold his breath that long!

 

Unleashing his frustrations, Williams viciously punts away at TNT’s back, forcing him to roll to the outside! Totally spent, Williams collapses to his knees and crawls into a corner, resting his head on the second turnbuckle while Soapdish starts to count TNT out. At the count of “Eight!”, TNT groggily rolls on to the ring apron, and begins pulling himself up with the ropes. Spitting out a honker, an exhausted looking Williams staggers over TNT, grabs him by the hair, and unloads a flurry of elbow smashes up the side of his head!

 

Crack! Crack! Crack!

 

Teetering off the edge of the ring apron, TNT desperately clings to the ropes like his life depends on it. Seeing that TNT is being stubborn, Williams jogs to a corner, leaps up on to second turnbuckle, and an dazzling fashion, Danny unexpectedly spring boards back over the top rope, twists around in mid air, and clobbers TNT with a Jumping Elbow Smash!

 

CRACK!

 

Both men tumble down to the floor, while the shocked crowd gives a thunderous ovation! While both men lay motionless on the ground, the pumped crowd starts to shamelessly, “Holy Shit!” over and over again.

 

Riley: Holy shit, Danny Williams flipped off gravity with that move!

 

Comet: Williams is pulling out all the stops tonight, busting out some rarely seen high flying attacks that I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing him use before.

 

Dusting himself off, Williams stiffly climbs to his feet, where he is greeted with an overwhelming standing ovation. Not having enough time to bask in the cheers of the crowd, Williams drags his woozy opponent up, and slides him into the ring. Not entering himself, Danny crawls up on to the apron, and makes his way over to the ring post. Scaling the turnbuckles, Williams balances himself on the top rope and waits. Suffering from a killer migraine, TNT blindly stumbles to his feet, unaware of the danger he’s in. Without thinking twice, Williams dives head first off the top rope, swooping down at TNT like a bird of prey!

 

Comet: DIVING ELBOOOOOOW!

 

At the last possible second, TNT side steps Williams, and swings out his arm!

 

SMAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

 

Hooked by the throat, Williams gruesomely changes directions in mid air, before spiraling down to the mat!

 

Comet: HOLY STAN HANSEN, WHAT A LARIAT!

 

Riley: I THINK HE TORE DANNY’S HEAD CLEAN OFF HIS SHOULDERS!

 

Everyone in the building is standing, muttering amongst themselves as if there all trying to confirm that the atrocity they just witnessed actually happened! Still drowsy and beaten up, TNT crumbles to the mat, tightly holding his arm which is no doubt numb with pain. Williams on the other hand is so lifeless and unresponsive that a worried Nick Soapdish checks his pulse, making sure that his neck didn’t get snapped by that ungodly clothesline.

 

Comet: I’ve seen a lot of horrible things in my young broadcasting career, but that defiantly ranks as one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever seen. We knew when TNT would hit the Lariat it would be impact full, but even with my super hero powers I couldn’t have foreseen this!

 

Riley: I really don’t see Williams coming back from that, all TNT has to do is cover him, and we can go on with the evening.

 

Collecting senses, TNT tucks his Lariat arm into his chest, and painfully crawls his way over to Williams’ dead body. Moving ever so slowly, TNT....drapes................ his................ arm..........across Williams’ chest for the pin!

 

Comet: What a tragic ending for Danny Williams! To return from injury, and work so hard to get back into shape only to once again lose by one fluke move to his former student has to be beyond heartbreaking.

 

There isn’t a soul in the Gardens that isn’t standing and screaming along as Soapdish starts the count, each number a metaphoric nail in Danny Williams’ coffin.

 

 

“ONE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TWO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

............

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“THREE!”

 

 

 

 

 

But Soapdish stops his hand a mere millimeter from the canvas, citing that Danny has a boot under the bottom rope! The super hot crowd celebrates the near fall with a deafening pop that can be heard for miles!

 

Riley: You got to be kidding?

 

Comet: What a performance from Danny Williams, even though his body had failed him, he was still able to use his wits to escape certain defeat!

 

His face wrinkled with despair, TNT rolls over on his back, his stomach pumping in and out. Emptying his reserves, TNT summons enough power to get on his feet, and go on one final run. Grabbing the top rope, TNT painfully stretches out his Lariat arm until he gets the feeling back in it. Taking Danny by the hair, TNT pulls his half dead victim up into a standing head scissors. One at a time, TNT wraps his huge arms around Williams’ stomach prompting the crowd to go berserk with anticipation!

 

Comet: TNT, positioning Williams for the...MUSHROOM CLOUD!

 

Riley: After breaking Danny’s neck with that awesome Burning Lariat, this should be the cherry on top of TNT’s victory.

 

Summoning power from god knows where, TNT flips Williams up on to his shoulders, and sits out!

 

KA-BOOM!

 

Staring at the ceiling with glazed over eyes, Williams lies still on his back, while TNT rests his legs on top of his arms, holding him down for the pin.

 

 

 

“ONE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TWO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.............

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“THREE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Williams’ shoulder spasms off the mat, and the Gardens erupts in a sonic blast of cheers and shouts! Obviously having difficultly in accepting the kick out, TNT drops back to mat, and buries his face in hands

 

Riley: Well, I didn’t see that coming.

 

Comet: What will it take to keep Danny Williams down!?

 

Forcing himself off the mat, TNT ponders the situation for a few moments, before getting an idea. TNT scoops Williams off the mat, slams him near a corner, and extends a finger to the heavens! Jumping back out of their chairs, the crowd combusts with an explosion of cheers!

 

Comet: TNT’s gonna take the ultimate risk, and crush Danny Williams’ spirit once and for all!

 

Riley: Last week, TNT did the impossible, and actually connected with the Moonsault to defeat Xcalibur. However, you have to wonder how much of it had to do with luck.

 

Comet: Luck had nothing to do with it, my loyal side kick, it’s all about confidence. If TNT can believe he can hit the Moonsault, than hit he shall!

 

TNT clumsily climbs up the turnbuckles like only a 6'6" near 300 pounder can. Like a baby learning to walk, TNT’s legs violently tremble as he somehow balances himself on the top rope. Closing his eyes, TNT takes a deep breath, and back flips off the top rope,.....

 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 

crushing Williams with a lateral press!

 

Riley: HE ACTUALLY HIT IT!

 

Comet: TNT’S CONFIDENCE HAS WON HIM THE MATCH!

 

The crowd is nuked as Soapdish starts the fateful count!

 

 

“ONE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TWO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

..........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“THREE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NO, Williams wiggles his shoulder off the mat! The rumbling of the fan’s feet resembles distant thunder as the capacity crowd runs in place and screams! Rolling off Williams, TNT sits up on one knee, no longer confident or sad, but puzzled, and truth be told, a little scared.

 

Comet: You can tell that TNT is checking off moves in his mind, trying to find just one more bomb that can finish the job.

 

Riley: I know a move that can finish the job, and TNT’s only used it twice.

 

As if he and Riley’s minds are on the same wave length, TNT finally remembers that he has one more Ace up left up his sleeve. Tucking his head under Danny’s arm pit, TNT drags his limp opponent up, and lifts him up for a Belly to Back Suplex!

 

Comet: What’s this?

 

Instead of dropping back for the Suplex, TNT carefully sits Williams up on the top turnbuckle! Knowing what this means, the crowd goes absolutely insane, trying to make as much noise as possible!

 

Riley: TNT’S SETTING DANNY UP FOR THE BURNING HAMMER!

 

Comet: Ah yes, the move that gave TNT arguably the biggest win of his career at last year’s Clusterfudge!

 

 

Riley: That’s fuck, Comet!

 

Turning horizontal to Williams, TNT hooks him by his head, and between his legs. TNT attempts to pull Williams’ back on to his shoulders, but there’s something wrong. Confused, TNT releases Williams and investigates, finding that the man has got a death grip on the ring post.

 

Smack! Smack! Smack!

 

Frustrated, TNT pounds Williams’ back with heavy forearm shots! Already weak and weary, Williams releases the ring post, letting TNT reposition him in the inverted fireman carry set up!

 

Crack! Crack! Crack!

 

But Williams drives some elbows down into the side of his head, delaying the move again! Now really pissed off, TNT pulls his head out from under Danny’s arm pit, and slams a closed fist punch into his kidney!

 

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

Williams loudly cries out in pain and stiffens up, allowing TNT to finally pull him down across his shoulders! The crowd goes bananas as TNT walks out of the corner with Williams helplessly hoisted on his shoulders!

 

Riley: IT’S HEAD DROPPING TIME!

 

Comet: IS THIS THE END OF DANNY WILLIAMS!?

 

Suddenly, Danny flips out of TNT”s clutches, landing off balanced in front of him! Without thinking, TNT plows forward, aiming to take Danny’s head off with the....

 

Comet: BURNING LARIAT!

 

But Williams instinctively ducks underneath TNT’s trademark strike, and captures him in a rear waistlock! Before TNT can react, Williams snaps back, throwing him high over his head!

 

CRUNCH!

 

To a huge pop, TNT lands hard on his upper back, bouncing over on his stomach in grisly fashion!

 

Comet: RELEASE GERMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

 

Riley: TNT is like what....1-5 on Lariats? Just give up already, unless Williams is jumping head first at him, he an’t gonna hit it anymore.

 

 

Both men lay prone on their back, neither showing any signs of life. Left with no other option, Soapdish starts the ten count. Not showing any signs of cooling off, the crowd starts to chant for their favorites! No longer so sure of themselves, half the crowd cheers for Danny, while the other half shouts back cheers of TNT at them!

 

“DAN-E!” “T-N-T!” “DAN-E!” “T-N-T!”

 

His face etched with an expression of intolerable pain, Williams clinches his teeth as he musters enough energy to get his shaky legs underneath him. But as quickly as he’s up, Williams’s legs give out, sending him flopping back to the canvas in disappointment.

 

Riley: Well he made good on his promise, Danny did get up first this time, he just couldn’t stay up.

 

Rubbing the back of his head, a very woozy TNT pulls himself up with the ring ropes.

 

Comet: Despite giving TNT a monstrous German Suplex, Williams still has gotten the worse of this match.

 

Looking like he just stepped off a Roller Coaster, TNT dizzily steps away from the ropes, and makes his way over to Williams. TNT helps Williams to his feet, but of course, Danny swipes off his hands and fires an elbow......

 

that is blocked! In a change of pace, TNT boots Williams in the gut, doubling him over! Doing his best impersonation of a guillotine blade, TNT leaps straight up into the air, and brings his tree trunk like leg down across the back of Danny’s neck!

 

Comet: GUILLOTINE LEG CRUSHER!

 

Riley: That should kill that comeback.

 

TNT slowly gets to his feet, and grabs Williams’ by the hair. Getting Williams up on his feet, TNT spins him around, ducks his head under his arm pit, and hooks him up for the inverted fireman carry.

 

Comet: HE’S GONNA GO FOR THE BURNING HAMMER AGAIN!

 

Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!

 

Williams drives his elbows down into TNT’s head, forcing him to release him from feared set up. Suddenly, Williams spins clockwise,....

 

CRACK!

 

blasting TNT with a sharp reverse elbow! Much like Ali in the final rounds of his first match against Fraizer, TNT staggers in place with his arms dangling uselessly at his sides! Spinning back around at a full 360 degrees, Williams obliterates TNT with a jaw shattering Elbow Smash!

 

CRAAAAAACK!

 

Overcome with exhaustion, Williams drops to his knees, and flops face down on the mat! Both men are down, and the fans are going nuts!

 

Comet: ROLLING ELBOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!! Could this be the move that shifts the momentum Danny’s way.

 

Riley: I’m not so sure about that, he wasn’t even able to capitalize off the Release German a few minutes ago.

 

After taking a few seconds to pop his neck back in place, Williams sluggishly crawls to the ropes, and uses them as a crutch to pull himself up. With a goofy punch drunk look on his face, TNT stumbles to his feet,.....

 

CRAAAAAAACK!

 

only to get unsuspectedly drilled with a Running Elbow! Gradually going limp from his head on down, TNT crumbles to the mat in a lifeless pool of humanity!

 

Comet: HOLY GLASS JAW, TNT IS OUT COLD!

 

Williams collapses on top of TNT, blanketing him for the pin!

 

 

 

“ONE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TWO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

............

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“THREE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

TNT raises his arm off the mat, ceasing the count! With their arms raised high over their heads, the fans jump up and down while screaming their heads off!

 

Riley: This is the match that never ends....

 

Comet: TNT isn’t about to give up just yet, not after coming so close to defeating Williams!

 

Grabbing TNT by his tights, Williams yanks him up, and places him in a rear waistlock, further exciting the already hyper crowd! With a roar, Williams lifts TNT off the mat!

 

Comet: GERMAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!

 

Before Williams can complete the bridge, TNT shifts his weight back to the mat, and drops to one knee, flipping him off his back with a modified hip toss!

 

Riley: TNT was expecting it that time!

 

Jumping back to his feet, Williams rushes TNT at full speed, looking to catch him with a Running Elbow as he gets up!

 

CRAAAACK!

 

But TNT gets his boot up, stopping Danny dead in his tracks with a High Kick! Still unable to feel the mat, TNT stumbles back into the ropes, trying to clear his head before Danny can get up.

 

Comet: Williams went to the well one to many times with that Running Elbow, gi

[Coffin Surfer 0]

giving TNT a chance to get back into the match!

 

Nervously shaking his head from side to side like he isn’t sure as to where he’s at, Williams wearily stands up, when TNT bursts off the ropes at him!

 

CRAAACK!

 

This time it’s TNT who runs face first into an extended boot! Refusing to go down, TNT lets out a primal scream, bounces off the ropes, and charges at Danny again! Williams extends his leg again, but TNT gets up his arms, catching Danny’s boot!

 

CRAAAACK!

 

Williams acrobatically shatters TNT’s vertebra with a nasty Enzugiri! Out on his feet, a wide eyed TNT goofily staggers around like a drunk, falling back into the ropes for support! Finally feeling safe, Williams confidently rises to his feet! Shockingly, TNT regains his senses, and charges yet again.....

 

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

 

This time, Williams catches TNT square on the jaw with a horrifically stiff Elbow Smash! TNT freezes in place for what seems like an eternity, before dropping straight back like a hacked down tree.

 

“Oooooooooooooooooooh!”, gasps the disgusted crowd.

 

Riley: Live by the Lariat, die by the Lariat.

 

Comet: TNT just kept pushing the attack, hoping to turn the tide with his most reliable strike. Unfortunately for him, Williams held his ground tonight, refusing to give TNT an inch.

 

While rapidly rubbing his now blood red elbow, Williams notices that TNT is still out, so he best capitalize. With a great deal of effort, Williams rolls TNT’s totally limp carcass over, and hooks a leg for the pin!

 

Comet: Shades of Williams/Janus from earlier in the year as Danny goes for what will no doubt be the big win!

 

 

“ONE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TWO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

..........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“THREE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NO! Somehow, someway, TNT defiantly gets his shoulder up! With a look of disbelief on his face, Williams sits up on his knees with his hands on his hips. Rejoicing the fans explode with the biggest pop of the night, which quicky morphs into a dramatic “T-N-T!” chant.

 

Comet: There is not quit in TNT! He will not be defeated by a man, who he believes is inferior to him.

 

Grabbing TNT by his wrist, Williams struggles to get 300 pounds of dead weight off the mat. After a long struggle, Williams gets TNT on his feet,...

 

SMACK!

 

when out of nowhere, he get’s blasted by a weak but still note worthy Lariat! Williams drops TNT, and stumbles back into a corner on the heels of his boots.

 

Riley: There certainly wasn’t anything “Burning” about that Lariat.

 

Comet: Though his body is weak, TNT’s spirit is still strong, primitively fighting back with his most resilient weapon.

 

Now looking irritated, Williams snatches TNT by his hair, and once again pulls him to his feet. Again, TNT frees himself, and fires a sloppy Lariat! Showing little concern, Williams easily ducks underneath TNT’s noodle like arm, and grabs a rear waistlock. Showing no mercy, Williams bridges back, driving the back of TNT’s cranium into the unforgiven canvas!

 

CRUNCH!

 

The repulsed crowd groans at the gruesome sight of TNT bouncing off his noggin for the second time tonight! Though he isn’t smiling or showing any motion other than exhaustion, one can sense that Danny enjoyed giving that Suplex a little too much.

 

Riley: That’s it, this match is over!

 

Comet: Williams is just punishing TNT, making sure that there will be no doubt who the better man is after the dust is settled.

 

Skipping to his victim in the figurative sense, Williams brings his thumb across his throat in the “cutthroat” gesture. Stuffing TNT’s head between his legs, Williams links his hands around his gut, trapping him in a standing head scissors! In preparation for the lift, Williams takes several deep breaths, summoning up all his power. After warming up, Williams squats low to the mat, and springs up!

 

“DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”, screams Williams as he somehow hoists TNT all the way up on his shoulders! Completing the move, Williams deeply doubles over, slamming TNT into the mat with an inhuman amount of power!

 

KA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

 

Maintaining his grip on TNT’s thighs, Williams folds him in half, and slides down his legs for the pin!

 

Comet: POWERBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMB!!!!!!

 

“ONE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TWO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.............

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“THREE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, Soapdish brings his hand down for the third and decisive time!

 

 

DING! DING! DING!

 

Pandemonium breaks out in the Gardens, as the fans riot in jubilation! Williams rolls off TNT, and climbs up to his knees, where Soapdish raises his hand to make the win official!

 

Funyon: The winner of the match at 32 minutes and 15 seconds..................DANNY WILLIAMS!

 

The soothing sounds of the “Jester’s Dance” boom over the loud speakers, and the crowd finally calms down.

 

Comet: What a heroic performance from both men! TNT was more driven than ever, attempting to overwhelm Williams with the same relentless assault he used at Ground Zero, but this time, Williams was able to fend him off and stay clear of the Lariat!

 

Riley: Yeah, yeah, now let’s just get on with the stinking show!

 

Comet: Good, because you know what’s coming up next?

 

Riley: Flesher/Mental I hope!

 

Comet: No, it’s time for another clip from my new movie!

 

Riley: Oh dear god, no!

[Kaertos 0]

As the marker of the epic Danny / TNT match, allow me to say that I agree with what Danny said. But don;t let that fool you. This was a great freakin' match. I had a heck of a time deciding between the two. It finally came down to the endings, and I felt like the TNT match had the more emotional, more satisfying ending.

 

But if you ever wondered how a test of strength could be epic, read that match. One of the greatest sequences in my match marking history.

[Crowe 0]

And yay, here it is, the other Gladiators match. After losing this match, I've been contemplating my worth in this federation and just been thinking really. The loss stung me like I've never been stung before, and right now, I'm trying to decide about my future in this fed... Anyhow, read on and if you can be bothered, have a comment.

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

SJL GENESIS 2003!

GLADIATORS MATCH!

CROW AND DANTE VS DOUBLE JEOPARDY!

OMGODZ!

 

But first... a promo.

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

The screen fades to black, but quickly fades in and the fans around the world see a familiar sight. That of Smartmarks Wrestling Federation interviewer Ben Hardy walking a hallway as Gus, the ever steady cameraman follows him along. They're walking at a brisk pace and Ben Everytime he reaches a door, peeks in and looks around. Finally speaks up, "Hello fans, we're here at the studio warehouse where the upcoming American Gladiators match for the tag team titles will soon take place!" Ben keeps walking forward and looking back to the camera talking, "I'm trying to find the challengers Crow and Dante Crane to ask them about their thoughts on the match and their opponents... but I'm just having a little difficulty."

 

"That's because you're a moron," comes from behind the camera and Ben Hardy stops walking to put his hands on his hips and stare at Gus with a pissed off expression on his face. But his expression soon changes as looking past Gus, he sees the two men he's been looking for, the Antichrist Superstar, Crow and the Sick Boy, Dante Crane. "Look! It's them!" Quick, come on, Gus!"

 

Instantly, Ben Hardy charges past and accidentally (ssuurrree) knocks into Gus, but the cameraman, being tough veteran he is, manages to sustain his footing and turn around and follow Ben. As he runs, he keeps the camera remarkably steady and the whole world can see the chiselled figures of Crow and Dante Crane in the far distance.

 

Dante looks at Crow and shakes his head, but the Avian puts his hand on his friend's shoulder as to say that he'll handle this. Ben Hardy finally approaches and sticks his microphone in front of Crow's face.

 

"Crow, can I get your thoughts on your upcoming match?" asks Hardy with an eager tone. "What would you do if I said fuck off, Ben?" is Crow's nasty reply. This stumps Ben and he's lost for words, "Umm.. uh.." Dante chuckles a bit as Crow says, "I'm just kidding, Ben. What the fuck you want?"

 

"I'd like some comments on the match, your opponents and well, anything you have to say," responds Ben. Crow scratches his head and with a smirk begins, "Well mate, firstly I'd like to talk about Double Jeopardy. I respect their wrestling skills, but for the fuckin' life of me, I cannot understand why they're such FUCKING TOOLS!"

 

The crowd in the Madison Square Garden cheers at the top of their lungs for this comment before Crow continues, "I mean god, let's look at Show for a moment. There's a promising talent, Charlie Matthews, hell, I drove to many places in the JL with that guy! And what the hell's happened to him? He's let Quiz turn him into an ass!" After completing his sentence, Crow reaches into his pocket and pulls out his deck of Dunhill Red cigarettes. He pulls one out and offers one to Dante, Ben and Gus... they all, except Gus, decline.

 

Crow lights the cigarette and continues, "But fuck man, me and Dante here, we really don't care about our opponents at all, we've studied their matches and everything like that, so we're just gonna go out there and fuck shit up."

 

Dante steps in and adds, "Best not forget that we're going to win the tag team titles, Markus."

 

"Ha, of course not, my man," replies Crow. Ben Hardy ducks into the conversation once again, "And what do you think of the stipulation, Crow?" The Antichrist Superstar takes a rather large drag as he cocks his head at Hardy, "The stipulation? I think it's absolutely fantastic!" Ben blinks at the response, "But I thought you've never seen American Gladiators before?"

 

"You're right, Benny Boy, I have never seen that American Gladiators before but I remembered something whilst I was having a fuckin' session with Jessica the other day. I have seen such a program before... the Australian version of the program! And an idea hit me on that day and today, Dante and I pulled some strings and put that idea into works."

 

Ben Hardy is confuzzled, "What idea, Crow?"

 

"Fuckin' hell, man! Where you been, take a look inside the warehouse! Look up at the flag hanging from the rafters of this warehouse!" says Crow with his Australian accent running through.

 

Hardy turns towards Gus and motions with his arms for him to go look and the cameraman obliges, mainly to satisfy his own curiosity. We follow the camera that is being kept remarkably steady despite Gus running furiously fast. He approaches some double doors and kicks them open to reveal the live studio audience and the Gladiator set! Gus looks up at the ceiling and the camera spots what Crow's been talking about...

 

...

 

Hanging from the rafters is a huge blue flag, with the Gladiators symbol on it and below it... in huge bold text.

 

<span style='font-size:21pt;line-height:100%'>AUSTRALIAN GLADIATORS!</span>

 

Gus runs along to get a look at the course and it's differences as Crow's voice can be heard in a voice over, "That's right! It's fuckin' Australian Gladiators! It uses the same obstacles as the American Gladiators set but it has a few small differences. The first of which is that the course itself does run in a rectangle, it runs in a straight line, meaning each obstacle is right after each other. And the second difference and the one I like the most... there’s less padding. Less padding means more danger... and that’s just how we like it." The camera focuses on the first obstacle in the race, "First and foremost, we have the Versaclimber! A twenty-five foot high stairmaster!"

 

 

Gun moves out wide to get a shot of the huge obstacle that follows the Versaclimber. Crow continues, "And secondly, we have the slide, a 25 foot descent straight down!"

 

 

Gus then close in and looks upward, revealing a pair of bikes pedals it seems. "Next, we come to the hand bikes, where one must use their arms and hands to pedal them like a bike across to the next platform."

 

 

"Once you get past the hand bikes, the torture doesn't stop because the next obstacle is the spinning cylinders. These are dangerous as one slip up and you fall!" says Crow as Gus gets a good side view of the cylinders.

 

 

Gus then moves along and positions his camera so it looks up at a rope net, and Crow continues, "Then the obstacle a lot of female contestants have trouble with, so Quiz watch out, it's the cargo net!"

 

 

"And the cargo net leads up to the platform where the next obstacle is located! The deadly zipline! This is the most significant difference between the American and Australia courses, as below the zipline in the Australian course... there is NO PADDING AT ALL!"

 

 

Gus moves frantically to get shots of each obstacle as Crow speaks. "The next obstacle is the glass wall! Attached is a rope that is used to climb over the wall, so the next obstacle can be reached!"

 

 

"The second to last obstacle is often to one most have trouble with, and it is, THE TREADMILL! It's a reverse moving belt that can cost a contestant's lead very quickly!"

 

 

"And the final challenge... the rope swing through the AUSTRALIAN Gladiators paper. What a way to finish."

 

 

Crow laughs, "So Double Jeopardy, are you ready for a real challenge!? Less padding means more pain! More fucking pain you guys! Both Dante and I, look forward to your company. Come on, man, let's go warm up..."

 

The voice of Ben Hardy takes over, "Well, there you go folks, that's a swerve and a half! But we do not have to wait long to see how Double Jeopardy handles this surprise, as the match is coming up... NEXT!"

 

Fade out to SWF PPV commercial.

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

Fade in from SWF PPV commercial.

 

Cyclone Comet poses before hollering, "Welcome back citizens of the wrestling viewing public, you are watching S! W! F! GENESIS! I am the one and only CCCCYYYCCCLLLOOOONNNNEEEE COMET! Sitting beside me, is superhero wannabe Bobby Riley! Coming up right now is a battle of justice and of pride, as we are going see the evil of this world face its punishment at the hands of two SUPERHEROES!"

 

"...what? Stop confusing the fans, Comet."

 

"Confuse the fans!? Never. They understand me perfectly! They realised I was talking about the tag team match between Double Jeopardy and Crow & Dante Crane, but a slow dim-witted person like yourself, could not!"

 

Riley shakes his head, "God help me. Comet, why do you think Crow and Dante Crane are the next coming of yourself?"

 

"Because Dante Crane and Crow have been show casing their phenomenal skills to fly high and to fight through tremendous pain and adversity, just like me!" responds Comet.

 

"The only reason they fly high and fight through tremendous pain is because they're always heffed up on morphine. Oh, right, I see the resemblance between you and them now," Riley smirks.

 

"Silence! It's time to cut over to the studio warehouse for some Gladiator action!!"

 

The screen fades out, but quickly fades back into an image of the LIVE studio audience in a warehouse close to the MSG! They scream and hold up signs, ranging from the very funny, to the very shitty, to the very gay. Cut over to the starting line of the course where referee Anthony Michael Hall stands with whistle ready to go!

 

Funyon announces on voice over, "The following contest, is an AUSTRALIAN Gladiators match for the SWF Tag Team Championship! The rules are as follows, the four competitors will wrestle on the set of Australian Gladiators. There are no disqualifications, anything goes, and the only means of winning is via pinfall and/or submission. You may notice there are multiple referees around the course, this is to count the victory regardless of location."

 

The voice of Rod Roddy blares over the loudspeakers...

 

"QUIZ! SHOW! COME ON DDOOWWWNNN!"

 

Vicky Black is present in the studio warehouse and she stands next to referee Anthony Michael Hall. She turns over the words "Double Jeopardy" on the Wheel-of-Fortune board as "Come On Down" by Crystal Waters begins to play. Quiz and Show walk out of door and into the course area! The two both have microphones, Quiz dressed tonight in a black suit with a bright pink tie! Quiz raises his and speaks.

 

"Welcome to tonight's show! We have two contestants in the studio WAREHOUSE tonight, and their names are CROW and DANTE CRANE! Show, the answer is: The thing that all of these beautiful people in New York are going to see tonight!"

 

Show, with the crowd's booing behind him: "WHAT IS AN ASS KICKING!"

 

"You are correct, sir!"

 

Vicky Black reveals the words "Ass Kicking" on the board as Quiz raises the mic one more time, "These contestants have tried to swerve us! They’ve tried to worry us! Australian Gladiators!? HA! An inferior product to our American Gladiators, yet it does not matter at all! Show, the answer is: The thing that Crow and Dante Crane are still going to experience, regardless of set!"

 

Show answers, "WHAT IS PAIN!"

 

Quiz and Show throw down their microphones and pose for the studio audience, of course, boos are the response.

 

The warehouse falls to darkness and Dimmu Borgir's "Burn In Hell" begins to softly omit from the speakers. However, it soon changes...

 

*BOOM!*

 

The song explodes into a much heavier guitar riff! The studio audience roars in approval as the lights turn back on and walking towards the starting position is Crow, the Antichrist Superstar and the Sick Boy, Dante Crane! Crow lights a cigarette and with Dante Crane beside him, take their spots on the starting line. The two men laugh between themselves at how clever they've been to trick Double Jeopardy, but manage to withhold it for a bit whilst the referee explains to them the rules.

 

Cyclone Comet's voice is heard once again, "The battle of valour is about to commence and my oh my, do Double Jeopardy look angry."

 

"They have every right to be angry," begins Bobby, "Crow and Dante must have paid off King or something, as the set is now of the Australian Gladiators, where the course does not run around in a rectangle, but in a straight line! Each obstacle is followed up with another."

 

"I fail to see why that would affect this match up at all, Citizen Riley!"

 

"Don't you understand!? It's all about home court advantage! Without turning left or right in the course, it's severely disadvantages Quiz and Show because they're unfamiliar with it!"

 

Cyclone Comet poses before shooting Riley down, "It has the same obstacles as the American Eliminators set!"

 

"That it may, but it has far less padding than the American one! Those Australians are insane I tell you!"

 

The referee has finished explaining the rules and he makes the four men line up across the line and hunch over, as if they were running the course.

 

"GLADIATORS, READY!?"

 

The tension builds...

 

...

 

*WWWHHHHIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRR* "GO!"

 

Immediately Dante and Show turn towards each other and lock heads, exchanging blows, Show with the punches and Dante with the kicks. Crow does the same he turns towards his opponent and looks to start brawling, but problem is, Quiz isn't there. The game show shot has run forward, thinking he's running the course! The realisation sets in so he stops, turns around and charges back and Crow. Quiz throws out a wild arm, but no! The Antichrist Superstar ducks the clothesline and unloads a knife edge chop! Quiz retaliates with one of his own!

 

Instead of a chop, Crow nails a stiff punch to Quiz's jaw, reeling the game show host. He then hooks Quiz's hair and executes a short running bulldog, slamming him onto the ground!

 

Meanwhile, Dante is dodging Show's lumbering blows and trying to chop or kick him down, but the big man keeps coming like an unstoppable force. That is, till Crow dives back into the game against Show with a chop block to the back of the tag champ's knee! Show falls to the padding, and both Dante and Crow start putting the kicks to his head and chest, trying to keep the biggest man of the competition on his back.

 

"CHOP BLOCK...OF JUSTICE~!" hollers Comet.

 

"Sometimes I wonder if you need to up whatever prescription you're on."

 

"Are you implying I am on drugs, Citizen Riley?"

 

"It would explain your outfit."

 

Unfortunately for the Antichrist Superstar and the Sick Boy, their infatuation with kicking down Show led them to quickly forgetting about Show's partner! Quiz leaps back into the game and clotheslines Dante in the back of the head! The Sick Boy stumbles and turns around, accepting the game master's taunting and stepping away from Show that allows him to get back up. Crow calls for Dante's help, but his companion is busy exchanging chops with Quiz, and Crow turns back to his bigger opponent to nearly get decapitated with a yakuza kick to the HEAD! As he's dragged upright, the Antichrist Superstar surprises Show with a claw strike to the face!

 

With a roar, Show charges forward right into a swift drop toe hold! Crow grabs the Chevy Chase look-alike's leg and lifts it up, slamming it down into the padding. Unfortunately said padding dulls the effect of the move, and Show starts climbing back up, lifting his head straight into a picture perfect standing dropkick! But the big man ignores the pain in his head, charging forward and levelling the Antichrist Superstar with the Password Plus!

 

"What a blow! Show takes control of Crow with that nasty elbow smash!" Riley beams.

 

"It takes more than an elbow smash to stop the Antichrist Superstar...of JUSTICE!"

 

"...."

 

As Show puts the heavy stomps to his opponent, Quiz is having a hard time with the agile Dante. The Sick Boy steps back to avoid Quiz's chop, then lunges forward with one of his own! Trying to take advantage, Quiz sidesteps when Dante steps back, and shoots his leading leg out in a superkick! Crane ducks the attempt, performing a graceful back flip from his crouch and kicking Quiz square in the jaw with the aptly-named Crane Kick! Quiz stumbles back and Crane looks to follow it up with a roundhouse - but Quiz catches the leg with a smile, waving his finger as if to say "Not this time."

 

At least, until Crane kicks him in the temple with an enzugiri that sends the game show host to the ground! The Sick Boy runs a hand through his hair and looks around for his partner, just in time to watch Crow take the Big Bet from Show! Staggering from the atomic/inverted atomic drop combination, the Antichrist Superstar soon finds his arms locked in a full nelson, his body hoisted, and SLAMMED down into the padding with a slam! Dante calls out to Show, and the big man turns around, spying the Sick Boy.

 

"Dante Crane looking to get some JUST vengeance for that villainous attack on his partner!" Comet calls.

 

"He's not the one who's gonna get vengeance." Riley snickers.

 

Show takes a step or two towards Dante, then smiles and waves at the Sick Boy as if he's part of the studio audience. The Sick Boy blinks in surprise - before Quiz cracks him in the back of the skull with a painful looking roundhouse kick! Crane collapses to the padding holding the back of his head as Quiz brushes imaginary dust from his wrestling outfit. The crowd roars in disapproval for the heelish attack from behind, but Double Jeopardy pay it no mind at all. Show turns around, looking for his opponent, and gets pulled down when Crow hits a chinbreaker! Still slightly dazed from the assault, the Antichristian Phenomenon heads for the ladder that leads to the start of the Eliminator!

 

"Dante gets taken down EMBARASSINGLY with a move he perfected! What irony! And now Crow is running like a chicken into the Eliminator!" Riley chortles.

 

"Remember, Citizen Riley, JUSTICE~! will always prevail!"

 

"Sez you."

 

Crow reaches the ladder and starts to climb up it, but he's unaware of the lumbering presence of Show behind him. Show, with his huge hands, grabs Crow around the waist and throws him overhead with a german suplex! The Gothic Warrior however has just enough elevation to counter the surprise attack by flipping and landing on his feet. The game show assistant turns around expecting to find a fallen opponent, but it's not to be, as Crow jumps in the air and nails a beautiful Wunder Kick to Show's face! Then, he follows up by running forward and applying a front face lock and DRIVING Show's face into the ground! The big man isn't going to stay down for long and knowing this, the bird starts to climb up the ladder. He's getting up there and Show is already starting to get up, his vitality high for such an important match, and he looks to follow Crow up with the other ladder. Meanwhile, Dante and Quiz are exchanging kicks with each other and are moving suspiciously close to the studio audience. The audience however, encourages them to come closer with more cheers. The Sick Boy gains the advantage by dipping into heel tactics and poking Quiz in the and then following with a spinning back kick that levels the game show host!

 

"Dante Crane showing once again his tremendous physical attributes, that all superheroes must possess!" exclaims Comet.

 

"Hey! I have tremendous physical attributes, maybe I'm a superhero!?"

 

Cyclone Comet cocks an eyebrow, “Tremendous only in the sense your... 'attribute'... is remarkably small, Riley.”

 

Wrenching Quiz up by the hair, Dante Crane starts to run and picking up speed he launches Quiz into the wall of the seating area! The crowd hangs over the railing and starts cheering for Dante as he unloads the rapid fire kicks he's so known for. Quiz tries to protect himself, but it's too much and he ends up in a daze. Seeing this, Dante pushes him away from the wall and takes a couple steps back for a run up. Quiz stands stumbling looking up at the crowd that's abusing him as Dante runs forward, runs up the wall and back flips off - nailing a moonsault press onto the dazed Quiz, complete with a cover!

 

"My spidey senses are tingling, Citizen Riley! Superhero Crane just scaled the wall and flew through the air!"

 

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWNOOOO!

 

The Sick Boy stands up and doesn't question, instead, he picks Quiz up and throws him up the stairs that lead into the studio audience seating area! It's time to get hardcore!

 

Meanwhile, the Antichrist Superstar and the hulking thing we know as Show has successfully climbed the ladders and stand at the top of the slide! Almost longingly the two superstars look down on it, and then turn their attentions to each other again, Crow lashing out with a stunning Das Wunder Kick that cracks into Show's side! To keep the advantage, the Antichristian Phenomenon leaps forward as Show teeters....only to have his leg swept out and his head to meet the STEEL of the ramp top as he's brutally STO'd! The lumbering giant rubs his side as Crow clutches his skull.

 

"What a LOVELY PARTING GIFT Show gave Crow there, Comet! Haha!"

 

"Your sarcasm astounds even my superhero senses, Citizen Riley."

 

Rolling on the ground, Crow nearly rolls straight down the slide, and only quickly shifting the other way does the Antichristian Phenomenon save himself. Instead, he gets to have Show stomp him in the gut repeatedly, before dragging him upright. Cinching on a front face lock, the giant lifts Crow into the air for a huge vertical suplex...that the wily Gothic Avian reverses out of, flipping over Show's back and landing on his feet. The crowd cheers for Crow's athleticism (and sexiness) but Show will have none of it, turning around to face his opponent and taking another claw swipe to the face.

 

Crow flexes his hand after raking it across Show's face as the big game show host stumbles backward, rubbing his possibly bloody face. The Antichrist Superstar looks around at where he's standing, then steps a little to the side and cricks his neck, hitting the crucifix pose. Show lifts his head, skin red and raw from that claw strike. Seeing Crow posing, the giant roars and stomps forward for another yakuza kick, but Crow smiles and side steps, dropping down into a drop toe hold...

 

"Have a nice trip, Citizen Show!" Comet calls cheerily.

 

"And you say _I_ have bad lines."

 

"That's because this is a trip...of JUSTICE~!"

 

"Oh my god, someone kill me."

 

...and Show lets out an almost girlish scream as he trips over the Gothic Avian's legs and heads down the slide face first, head firmly presses against the glass! As he reaches the bottom, there's a bit of a bloody streak behind him that makes the crowd "Oooo." When Show rolls over his forehead has been badly skinned by the slide, and his face is a bloody mess. At the top of the slide, Crow hits the crucifix pose again much to the joy of the crowd, before looking down the slide at the battered body of Show. He takes two steps back, then runs and swings his legs out, going down the slide at top speed! Steering himself with a little leaning, the Antichrist Superstar extends his feet, to 'dropkick' Show when he hits the bottom.

 

Unfortunately for him, Show has other ideas. The bloodied giant lifts his head and sees Crow rocketing down the slide at him, and rolls over! Crow's eyes widen a fraction as he realises he doesn't have the time to re-aim at his opponent.....and his 'kick' slams full force into the solid, yet padded barrier at the bottom of the slide! Crow cringes inwardly, feeling the pain shooting up his legs, and rolls on the ground a little. As he tries to rub feeling back into his legs, an ominous shadow falls over him....Show is standing up again, and goes for his first pin of the match.

 

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO..KICKOUT!

 

"And the tag champs make their first pin attempt!"

 

"But JUSTICE~ is too STRONG~ for them Riley, because Crow kicked out!"

 

On the other side of the match up, Dante Crane and the game show host Quiz are battling it out in the small confinement of the studio audience seating area! The security has emptied most of the crowd out and is keeping them under control as the Sick Boy grabs a hold of Quiz's hair and his pants... and THROWS him through the numerous empty seats! The contact is quick and awkward and Quiz cries out in pain as a result. Dante is lightning fast in moving closer towards his opponent. Upon reaching his opponent, he unloads a quick kick to his head and then turns around to grab a chair. Crane picks up a chair and folds it together, then turns around and lifts it into the air! He brings it down across Quiz's back!

 

"OOOOOOOOOOOH!" is the crowd's response and they cheer as Dante lifts the chair up again. However, he doesn't bring it down this time as Quiz sneakily lifted his arm up and punched Dante right in the crotch! On his way up, the game show host puts his arm between the Sick Boy's legs and wraps one around the neck, lifting him up in the DVD position. Standing up now, Quiz grunts and runs towards the edge of the seating area...

 

...AND THROWS DANTE OFF! DANTE CRANE FLIES THROUGH THE AIR AND LANDS BACK FIRST ON A VERY THINLY PROTECTED AREA!

 

"HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!"

 

"Ahahahaha! Yes! Quiz makes the comeback! Dante was getting far too cocky for his own good, Comet." Riley cheers.

 

Cyclone Comet quickly rebuts, "Nonsense, Citizen Riley! His attack was consistent and sharp, but Quiz used tactics of villainy and hit Dante in the crotch! Superhero valour, Quiz has not!"

 

The Mouthpiece of Double Jeopardy takes a moment to gather his senses before walking to the seating area exit and slowly striding down the steps. We're back on level ground and Quiz walks over to the hurt Dante Crane. Sick Boy coughs a bit as he took the brunt of the fall on his back. Quiz taunts the crowd before turning his attention back to Dante and wrenching him up. Mockingly, he starts slapping the gothic high flyer across the face and then follows it up with an even more dastardly action of spitting a loogie into Dante's face. Quiz laughs as the crowd boos him wildly, but he ignores it and simply continues his attack on Crane. The game show host steps to his opponent's side and locks arms for a hip toss...

 

"Oh yes! This is going to be over very soon! Dante is going to feel the wrath of the Survivor Driver!"

 

...Quiz summons strength and tries to hip toss Dante over... but it's not to be as the gothic high flyer manages to counter and by someone FLIPPING out of the move and landing on his feet! Quickly looking to regain the advantage Dante throws his free arm forward and takes Quiz's head off with a short arm clothesline!

 

Cyclone Comet poses in glee, "Friend Fautleroy, you are wrong~! Dante's flying ability comes in to save him once again! What a role model for today's kids!"

 

"Pffffft... yeah, kids! Dress up like a freak, wear all black, flares and wear WOMEN'S MAKE UP!"

 

"That's the spirit, Riley!"

 

Quiz falls to the ground and following up, Dante lifts him back onto a standing base immediately and picks him in a reverse Death Valley driver position! Hearing the cheers of the crowd, Dante decides to spice it up a little... and runs full speed towards the Cargo Net area! Reaching the peak of his run, Dante yells as he jumps into the air and flips over - hitting the KINGDOM GONE! QUIZ HAS BEEN CRUSHED CHEST FIRST INTO THE THINLY PROTECTED MATTING!

 

Both men are down on the thinly protected area next to the cargo net area, Quiz of course worse for wear, but Dante isn't looking too sharp either. Crane rolls over and throws an arm over Quiz's chest.

 

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!

...

....

.....

TNNNOOOOOOOO!

 

Dante doesn't question the count; he never questions the count and turns his focus back on Quiz. The Sick Boy wrenches the game show host back to his feet and beckons for a collar and elbow tie up. Quiz, in a dazed state, accepts it but is immediately beaten as Dante swings around and applies a rear waistlock! But wait! Quiz sends a wild elbow back and not expecting it; Dante gets levelled by it and stumbles backwards! Using the small amount of time he has, Quiz jumps onto the cargo net and starts to climb up. Dante notices this and quickly runs forward and attempts to pull him back down, but it's not to be however, as Quiz starts kicking his legs wildly and Dante gets caught in the face by one of them.

 

This allows the game show host to climb up freely for a few seconds and get a lead. The Sick Boy snarls and jumps up onto the cargo net and starts climbing at an amazing pace! Quiz is nearing the top, but so is Dante! Dante Crane is showcasing his masterful spider scaling techniques to the glee of Cyclone Comet and he manages to catch up and be right beside Quiz on the cargo net. Quiz notices this and tries to kick Dante off, but he is unsuccessful in his struggle. Dante however, is not and unleashes a quick kick with his right leg whilst managing to hold on to the net with his hands. Quiz is stunned by the kick and holds onto the net as tight as he can, not wanting to fall. The Sick Boy has an idea, climbs those few extra centimetres to the top, and rolls onto the platform. No rest for him though, as he quickly shifts his body and wrenches Quiz up higher on the cargo net.

 

“I don’t like the looks of this, Comet,” says Riley.

 

Cyclone Comet is jumping up and down, “I do, Fautleroy! Dante is going to show some more of his flying skills!”

 

Quiz's arms and upper body are on the platform but his legs are still in the cargo net...

 

...Dante locks his legs around Quiz's head...

 

AND SPINS HIS BODY OFF THE PLATFORM! HE SWINGS AROUND IN THE AIR AND TAKES QUIZ'S HEAD WITH HIM! SWINGING HURRACANRANA OFF THE TOP OF THE CARGO NET PLATFROM!

 

"HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!"

 

Dante loses the lock on Quiz's head and lands on the padding of the cargo net area whilst Quiz flies through the air and in between the cylinders! The padding there is thick, but Quiz is still in a very, very bad way. As is Dante... but the crowd rallies him on, and rallies him on a lot. And as time passes he wakes up... and stands up! Dante Crane stands up and stumbles drunkenly towards the cylinders and peers through the middle of them to see Quiz... dead on the padding. Dante Crane yells at the top of his lungs, "THHEEE CCCUUUUURRRREEEEEEEEEE!" The crowd erupts in applause as he takes some steps back and runs forward... jumping off the platform in a swan dive!

 

 

 

 

 

...

 

 

 

 

 

 

..

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

 

DANTE CRANE MISSES THE CURE! MISSES THE CURE! QUIZ MOVED OUT OF THE WAY! HE HEARD DANTE SCREAM AND MOVED!

 

"HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!"

 

Both men are lying down on the padding under the cylinders and Quiz takes a minute to shake off the cobwebs, before he leaves Dante to his pain. Climbing to his feet, Quiz pisses the crowd off yet again by brushing imaginary dust from his outfit, stumbling a little after being rana'd so far down. He gives Dante a sharp kick as the Sick Boy sprawls on the mat clutching his head. The crowd is 'oooo'ing in concern for Dante, and a small "Sick Boy" chant breaks out as they try to motivate the other member of the non-champion team into getting back up. Confidently, cockily, Quiz leans down and shouts at Dante.

 

"The Wheel of Fortune says: Bankrupt!"

 

With a stiff kick to the side of the head, Quiz leaves Dante to ache on the mat and walks at a brisk clip around to the start of the Eliminator course, quickly scaling the ladder and standing atop the slide. At the bottom, he watches Crow nail a series of chops on Show and DDT the big man to the ground. Climbing back up, it seems the signs of weariness are making their mark on the Antichrist Superstar, as he stumbles away from Show to press a hand to his chest and catch his breath.

 

"Citizen Crow appearing to be having a little energy problem, Riley! That dastardly Show must be draining his reserves like a VILLAIN!"

 

"He’s a smoker and Show's been beating the crap out of him and he got lucky with a DDT, Comet."

 

"A DDT..."

 

"Don't..."

 

"....OF JUSTICE~!"

 

"...."

 

Behind the Antichrist Superstar, Show staggers back up, looking up and spotting his partner atop the slide. The big man mimes a military press and Quiz's charming grin tells him all he needs to know. Finally taking a deep breath, Crow turns around...right into a high knee from the big man! His wits knocked for a loop, the Antichrist Superstar feels himself lifted into the air in a gorilla press as Show turns towards the ramp, looking up at Quiz. Quiz nods sagely, and Show roars, bunching his legs and charging towards the slide! As the big man tries to run up the slide, Quiz bunches his legs and springs off, pushing himself out as far as he can go...Show's roar fills the air.

 

"NO WHAMMY!"

 

And everyone falls down in a heap as they remind Crow to Don't Press Your Luck! The Gorilla Press/Fameasser combination knocks everyone done into a heap on the slide, which makes an ominous cracking noise at the stunning impact. But the structure holds firm, and everyone slides to the bottom in a heap, Crow actually ending up with his arm across the chest of the suicidal Quiz!

 

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!

...KICKOUT!

 

Quiz kicks out, shaking his head and sitting up. Crow almost looks dead on the ground, groaning and trying to push himself up to his feet. The tag champions beat him to it however, and Double Jeopardy drag the Antichrist Superstar upright, holding him by the arms as if crucified. Crow shakes his head woozily, blinking eyes that swim in and out of focus...and he gurgles as Quiz and Show both slam knees into his gut, doubling him over. And then the brutal tag champs both lift up his chin and nail massive chops to his chest! They follow this up with double clubbing elbows to the back, and finally let the Antichrist Superstar rest in peace with a double DDT. The crowd boos, and Double Jeopardy both brush imaginary dust from their outfits.

 

"What heinous villainy! Citizen Crow is in need of heroic assistance!" Comet stands up at the announce table, posing.

 

"Sit down, you freak, you can't fly."

 

Comet almost sulks and sits back down. "But Dante can, maybe that super heroic bird can save Crow!"

 

Stepping away from the fallen Antichrist Superstar, Double Jeopardy watch him with contemptuous amusement as the Gothic Avian spits blood from his mouth. Busted open by the DDT or perhaps internally, who knows. Grimacing in pain, Crow pushes himself up to one knee, well aware of his opponents on either side of him. Black hair hangs in his face as he takes in a ragged breath...

 

...and pushes himself to his feet, charging across the platform and flinging himself out, grabbing one of the hand bikes! The Antichristian Phenomenon swings back and forth on the handholds, unable to garner the energy to peddle just yet as momentum rolls the hand bike along a little. Unfortunately for him, moving faster would have saved him from Quiz leaping off the platform and grabbing Crow's legs! The Antichrist Superstar and the game show host swing awkwardly back and forth on the hanging hand bike, suspended in what looks like the middle of no mans land.

 

The camera cuts away momentarily to reveal Dante Crane up on his feet and stumbling to a previously unseen area of the warehouse. The camera picks up the sign on the door and it reads, "Control Room". Dante barges into the control booth and there sitting on a chair watching Crow get assaulted is a young scuff of a man. Uncharacteristically, the Sick Boy punches the guy out and throws him onto the floor before sitting down on the chair himself and mucking with all the buttons and levers he can find. The sound of machinery working overtime can be heard and smiling, Dante jumps out of the chair and begins to stagger his way back to the course.

 

"Hey! What's he done, Comet!? I don't like those sounds I'm hearing," says Bobby.

 

"It matters not, Citizen Riley! I'm positive that it was done for the good of the world and for the good of our wrestling viewing citizens!"

 

Back to Crow, it seems the Antichristian Phenomenon's situation has only worsened. Swinging helplessly on the hand bike with Quiz attached to his legs, Crow feels himself being reeled back in! Turning his head, he sees Show has caught Quiz's swinging legs and is slowly pulling his partner and the Antichrist Superstar back to the platform. The platform, where Crow knew more punishment would ensue. With a death grip on the hand bike, Crow tried to pedal it away from Double Jeopardy, but Show's strength was just too great...finally letting go, the Antichrist Superstar falls to the platform on his back, taking a breath and staring up as Quiz and Show look down on him.

 

"This looks bad for the challengers, Citizen Riley! That dastardly duo have Citizen Crow isolated!" Comet cries.

 

"Oh boo hoo, it's all a part of losing the match, Comet."

 

"Your callousness is unsuitable for heroics, Citizen Riley."

 

"Go cry me a river, spandex boy."

 

While the fans are in awe over Riley's growth of non-homosexual commentary, Quiz and Show put a few boots in the fallen Crow. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the hand bike track, a hand grabs onto the platform... followed by a second that struggles to keep a hold. The head of Dante Crane rises as he uses his upper body strength to pull himself up onto the hand bike platform, sprawling there before stumbling upright. Holding his head, he looks across the hand bike track where Double Jeopardy have his partner. He reaches for a hand bike - then notices to his dismay that both of them are still on the other side of the track.

 

As he watches, the tag champs lift Crow up again and seem to discuss what to do with him. Show points to the hand bike track, and Quiz looks thoughtful before nodding. He springs up, grabbing onto the hand bike track, pulling himself up and sitting on top of it as Show sets about lifting up Crow into the position for Falling from the Aggro Crag. The hand bike track rattles as Quiz shifts his position, but he takes no mind of it, leaning forward in preparation to complete the tag team manoeuvre. Show drops Crow and yells at Quiz to turn around, and the games master turns his head...

 

...AS DANTE CRANE LEAPS ONTO QUIZ'S SHOULDERS, FLIES OFF, AND NAILS THE WORLD'S BIGGEST FUCKING TORNADO DDT ON SHOW, RIGHT OFF THE PLATFORM!

 

"HOLY SHIT!"

 

"HOLY SHIT!"

 

"HOLY SHIT!"

 

Quiz sits on the top of the hand bike track, gawking at the suicidal move Dante just did. On the ground, the battered and bloodied Antichrist Superstar begins to climb up. Quiz continues to stare, dropping off the hand bike track and walking to the edge of the platform. He stands there, staring at the fallen form of Dante Crane, with the body of Show next to him.

 

"And Superhero Crane flies in to save the day, Citizen Riley! Justice will prevail yet!"

 

"What the FUCK is up with Dante!? He just murdered himself AGAIN!" Riley exclaims.

 

"All in a day's work for a superhero, Citizen Riley!"

 

"I swear... you're just imagining him as your replacement."

 

Quiz has, unfortunately, forgotten about his opponent. Bleeding and battered, the Antichrist Superstar rises from a ground like a spectre from the grave, and brutally yanks one of Quiz's arms behind his back. The game show host yells in surprise, but before he can do anything, Crow reaches around Quiz's face with his other hand, locking his hands together at Quiz's shoulder. With a bestial sound, the Antichristian Phenomenon heaves back, and BRUTALLY drops Quiz on the top of his head with the famed, dreaded and rarely used Wing and A Prayer Suplex! He pushes Quiz onto his back and falls across him.

 

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!

...

....

.....

THR...NO!

 

Crow doesn't dispute the count at all, rising do his feet and kicking the living crap out of Quiz. Fury and adrenaline powering his moments, the Antichrist Superstar yanks Quiz upright and cinches in a front face lock with a yell! He grabs Quiz's tights in preparation for some Natural Born Chaos, but the wily tag champ drills his knee into Crow's groin! The Gothic Avian releases the face lock and stumbles back in pain, but when Quiz shoots his leg out for a superkick to slam Crow off the platform...

 

...the Antichrist Superstar catches it, and in the blink of an eye slams Quiz onto his back with a dragon screw leg whip! Holding onto the leg, Crow attempts to lock in the Sharpshooter to finish his opponent, but Quiz kicks out of it, sending the Gothic Avian reeling back. Seeing the orange fire in his foe's eyes, the game show host and mouthpiece of Double Jeopardy runs... grabbing the hand bike and peddling away across the track!

 

"And Quiz is running like the cowardly villain he is!"

 

"Nonsense, Comet, it's just pure strategy!" Riley argues.

 

"My superhero precognition tells me Double Jeopardy are going to be getting more than they bargained for, Citizen Riley!"

 

Crow isn't gonna let Quiz get away from him as he steps over to the second hand bike, grabs onto it and starts peddling too! The two men are peddling across the hand bike track to the other side... where the cylinders are. Quiz gets to the platform first and keeps running along but... stops just before the cylinders, that he notices are running very, very fast. He turns his head back and sees that Crow is approaching and so, he starts to run across them! BUT THEY'RE TOO FAST! They're too fast to run across and instead, Quiz ends up running as fast as he can... in one spot! He can't get across!

 

Bobby Riley barks, "Dammit! That Dante Crane sped up the cylinders! I knew he was up to no good!"

 

"Look, Citizen Riley! Crow is closing in on the treacherous Quiz and has a surprise in store!" Cyclone Comet chimes in.

 

Quiz is running on the spot, very close to the platform, in Crow's reach as matter of a fact. He is soon put out of his exercise misery as the Antichristian Phenomenon reaches forward and wraps his arms around Quiz's waist in side waistlock and lifts him up into the air! With a grunt Crow heaves him back onto the platform and shifts the waistlock to the rear... however! The Mouthpiece of Double Jeopardy throws an elbow back and catches the bird in the side of the face, but he still holds onto the waistlock! A few more elbows in quick succession and Crow releases the hold to clutch at the side of face. Quiz uses this to his advantage as he unloads a few quick forearms which sends Crow back a couple steps. The Antichrist Superstar is dazed by the blows and is pulled into front face lock by Quiz. Quiz grabs a hold of the pants and tries to lift Crow up and over with a suplex... and he does!

 

...

 

NO!

 

The Gothic Warrior flails his legs wildly in an effort to increase the pressure and shift the weight! Quiz grunts as he tries to keep Crow in the air, but it's too much and he has to let his opponent fall back in front of him. The front face lock is still intact, so Quiz tries the suplex again. It's not going to happen though, as Crow puts the foot in between the legs and stops the move and sucking it up himself... LIFTS Quiz up and... OOOVVEEERRRRR in a Northern Lights Suplex! BRIDGE FOR THE PIN!

 

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!

...

....

.....

T...NO!

 

Crow falls off and slaps his hand across the platform, challenging the count but eventually falls onto his back, taking a small moment of rest. Meanwhile, on the padding where we last saw the Sick Boy and the muscle of Double Jeopardy, we have movement. Show grimaces and pushes himself up to his knees, while Dante rolls onto his back and shakes his head, trying to get some sense back into his brain. Pushing himself upright first, the behemoth that is Show boots Dante like his head was a soccer ball, causing the Sick Boy to groan in pain and curl up almost in the foetal position. The big man then leaves Crane be, stumbling around towards the ladders that lead towards the start of the course, climbing them slowly and slipping down the slide.

 

"It seems that Citizen Show has beaten Superhero Dante back to his feet and is going to help out his partner once more!"

 

"Yes! We'll get some GOOD wrestling in this match once they isolate Crow again!"

 

When Show reaches the bottom of the slide and stumbles over to the remaining hand bike, the wide shot reveals the spot where Dante Crane once sprawled - and it's empty. Some fans notice, others watch as Show grabs the hand bike and starts pumping his huge hands, peddling across the hand bike track. Unfortunately for poor Show, the person who meets him on the other end is not his loving partner Quiz, but a bloodied and pissed off Antichrist Superstar, who pivots around on one leg...takes aim at Show's head, and...

 

*CRAAAAAAACK!*

 

"WHAT A DAS WUNDER KICK BY CITIZEN CROW! CITIZEN SHOW IS REELING!" Comet roars.

 

"All the way back!!" boggles Riley.

 

Indeed, as Riley had noticed, the momentum of Crow's stunning kick knocks the hand bike into reverse, and Show hangs on as it squeaks back towards where it had come from. Looking past the hanging big man, Crow notices that the other platform is also occupied and cracks a smile. Dazedly, Show sees Crow smile and looks over his shoulder, as Dante Crane pivots about on his leg, slamming a brutal roundhouse kick of his own into the back of Show's head!

 

Hanging almost limply, Show is propelled back forward, where Crow nails a second Das Wunder Kick to his chest. As Show threatens to fall from the hand bike completely, he comes back within range of Dante...who slams a FINAL roundhouse kick into the back of Show's head. This ends up knocking the hand bike back towards Crow while the muscle of Double Jeopardy collapses almost lifelessly to the padding below.

 

"LET'S GO CROW!" *clap clap clap-clap-clap*

"LET'S GO DANTE!" *clap clap clap-clap-clap*

"LET'S GO CROW!" *clap clap clap-clap-clap*

"LET'S GO DANTE!" *clap clap clap-clap-clap*

 

"Listen to the fans, Citizen Riley! They're cheering the living daylights out of the challengers! Citizen Crow and Superhero Dante have surely eliminated one of their foes!"

 

"Hah, as if Comet! Even if they did, look! The other one is coming back!"

 

Crow smiles and waves at Dante, who gives him a mild thumbs up back. The Antichrist Superstar turns around, and Quiz finally nails that elusive superkick, slamming his boot into Crow's jaw! Temporarily stunned, the battered Antichrist Superstar stumbles backwards, and Quiz looks to follow up with what seems to be the trademark strike of the match - a roundhouse kick! Unfortunately for Quiz, Crow retains enough wits to catch the kick...

 

...as well as duck the enzugiri attempt! With Quiz's back to him, Crow drops the leg he's holding, lunges forward and cinches in a rear waistlock! The mouthpiece of Double Jeopardy attempts to wiggle his way out of it, but Crow heaves back and crushes Quiz's head into the platform with a vicious German suplex! However, his body is wearing down, and instead of bridging for the pin, he and Quiz sprawl there to catch their breath. Crow gets up first and wastes no time in wrenching Quiz back to a vertical base. The Mouthpiece of Double Jeopardy tries to fight back, throwing weak punches at Crow's chest, but they're shaken off with ease. Rearing his arm back, the Antichristian Phenomenon yells as he brings forward and unleashes a devastating knife edge chop!

 

"Wooooooo!" the crowd goes.

 

Crow rears back again...

 

"WOOOOOOOO!"

 

And again!

 

"WOOOOOO!"

 

And one more time!

 

"WOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

 

Quiz doubles over clutching at his chest and Crow spreads his wings in the crucifix pose, playing to the crowd. The crowd cheers loudly as the bird drops his wings and steps up to his doubled over opponent. He opens his hand up and reveals the vicious nails at the end of his finger and with one sweet upward thrust, Crow sends Quiz upright by claw swiping his face! Crow advances and moves side on with Quiz, hooks the leg and grabs around the neck... he's gonna go for the Russian Leg Sweep!

 

...

 

NO!

 

The game show host struggles lose and smacks with a sharp elbow to the side of the head, and quickly, he reattaches the hold... and drives Crow's face into the platform with a Downward Spiral!

 

"Yes! Everyone's favourite game show host is back! And it looks like the best friend of your limp-wristed superhero is now in dire trouble!" exclaims Bobby Riley.

 

Comet cocks his eyebrow, "Limp-wristed!? You're one to talk Citizen Riley with your spy cameras in the men's change rooms!"

 

"Uh.. uhh," Riley stammers, "This coming from a guy wearing spandex!"

 

The Gothic Warrior's face slams into the platform and it jettisons straight back up! Quiz backs up a bit and waits for the dazed Crow to stand up. Crow pushes himself up onto his knees and grabs at his nose, which is oozing blood, but he knows he must continue on and keep fighting. And that he does, he stands up and staggers... turning around to face the man known as Quiz. But to his dismay, Quiz runs forward, jumps horizontal in the air with his legs bunched together, and upon reaching appropriate distance, extends his legs out...

 

...DROPKICKING CROW OFF THE PLATFORM AND ONTO THE AREA OUTSIDE!

 

The Antichrist Superstar lands awkwardly on his back on the thinly protected area... little does he know however, he is in perfect position for the Game Master Quiz to take advantage with one of his trademark moves. Quiz backs up on the platform and taunts the crowd before starting to run as fast as he can...

 

...and before he reaches the edge of the platform, he jumps off! Quiz somersaults forward two hundred and seventy degrees...

 

 

 

...

 

 

 

..

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

AND LANDS BACK FIRST ACROSS THE PRONE CHEST OF THE GOTHIC AVIAN! WHAT DEVASTATING IMPACT! Upon the connection, Crow's body jumped up in shock and the poor bastard spewed out some blood... the internal damage great. The body of Quiz is hurt as well, but the adrenaline has hit him hard and he's up instantly. Albeit, he's stumbling, but he knows where he's going. He runs over to the studio audience, pushes a poor fan off his chair, and runs back out to the course, but instead of running over to where the broken Crow lies... he runs over to the cargo net area and begins to climb up the net!

 

Cyclone Comet is confused, and so he drinks from his can of Pepsi Max© before querying, "Bobbie, you have the mind of vicious super villain, enlighten the citizens of the wrestling view public about Quiz's evil plans!"

 

"Well Comet, it's simple," begins Riley, "Quiz is using masterful tactics here, he's going to lure Crow up onto the platform where he'll take advantage with the chair! Crow will of course follow Quiz up there because he's a PROUD superhero!"

 

"Good gosh! What heinous tactics are being put into motion by that fiend Quiz! He must be stopped! Friend Fautleroy, to the Cyclone Comet mobile!" Comet stands up but is quickly shoved back down by Riley.

 

Quiz is up on the top of the platform where the ziplines are located, and it is up here where he starts yelling obscene things at the fallen Crow far away. The Antichrist Superstar has the hearing and eyesight of a hawk and turns his head to see Quiz standing on top of the platform located high on the set. Sucking it up, Crow stands up and shakes his body out... the aches still shooting pain throughout his body, but he still manages to get his foot and make his way over to the cargo net. Quiz is up the top, slamming the chair against the platform and screaming more and more obscene things at Crow, challenging him to come up there empty handed. The Antichrist Superstar is all about pride and without thinking about what is wise, starts climbing up the cargo net post haste!

 

Cyclone Comet looks at Bobby Riley, "Your psychic powers have returned, Fautleroy! I will make a sidekick out of you whether you like it or not!

 

Crow is up the top of the net and this is just where Quiz wants him as he lifts the chair up to the heavens and brings it straight back down - cracking it across the back of the bird's head! But the Gothic Warrior won't be stopped that easily and so, the Mouthpiece of Double Jeopardy lifts the chair up and brings it down again! But the Avian is still powering through and he's up the top, and as a result, Quiz repeatedly lifts the chair up and slams it back down! Unloading a barrage of metal upon Crow's already battered and beaten body! The Antichristian Phenomenon is yelping with each blow and cries out one last time as Quiz THROWS the chair onto his head! The Game Show Host turns around and looks at the zipline and then over the edge of the extremely high platform... and sees the completely UNPROTECTED FLOOR beneath the zipline!

 

"Jesus Christ almighty, Comet! Those Australians are crazy! That area is completely unprotected!" shouts Riley with shock in his voice.

 

"Indeed, friend Fautleroy! The Australians believe that padding is for the weak, like men who play American Football!"

 

Quiz steps back and gulps, but to his absolute HORROR he feels a huge force on his back!!! Crow managed to suck it up and push Quiz in the back and now the game show host is screaming as he stumbles towards the edge...

 

 

 

...

 

 

 

HE GRABS ONTO THE ZIPLINE, SAVING HIMSELF FROM A FATAL FALL! Quiz zips down the line and lands on the floor, except he doesn't stop, he continues running in the direction of the glass wall obstacle. He has his footing though and manages to run up the walls and springboard off... back flipping and landing on his feet. Quiz turns around and looks up towards Crow who now stands on the zipline platform. The cocky mouthpiece of Double Jeopardy accentuates the hand and takes a bow to the overwhelming boos of the crowd, and Crow, in response, flips him the bird. Quiz laughs wholeheartedly and cockily. But unbeknownst to Quiz, behind the wall is Dante Crane who has snuck around the side of the set after he beat up Show a bit more after his fall from the hand bikes. Crane climbs up onto the top of the wall and showing amazing balances, stands up! Quiz turns around...

 

...ONLY TO EAT THE SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE KICK! DANTE'S INFERNO, DANTE'S INFERNO!

 

"HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!"

 

Standing tall atop the cargo net wall, Crow looks down at the fallen Quiz, who sprawls before the wall. Dante stands next to the fallen mouthpiece of Double Jeopardy, and nudges him with a toe. With a half-grin, the Antichrist Superstar grabs the zipline and holds on, tucking his legs up as he whizzes down and across the padding, letting go and nearly tripping over. Regaining his balance, the Antichristian Phenomenon stands over the fallen Quiz and lifts his arms into the air, holding the crucifix pose.

 

"Citizen Crow showing his superiority to the villainous Quiz!"

 

"He won't be posing for long; you just wait for his partner!" Riley whines.

 

"Citizen Show was left lying back at the hand bikes, Citizen Riley!"

 

Over the sound of the cheering crowd and the two commentators, comes the faint sound of the other zipline buzzing, as if it were moving. Hearing the sound, Crow turns around and sees Show coming for him at top speed, and the big man lets go of the zipline and barrels across the ground like the job train that never stops...

 

...catching the Antichrist Superstar by the abdomen...

 

...and RAMMING him like a rag doll through the glass wall! The sound of shattering glass and a yell of agony from the Antichristian Phenomenon rises above the fans' horrified screams. Dante looks on in shock at the carnage as Show and the Gothic Avian sprawl in the wreckage. Show looks as if he'd expended most of his strength, and Crow looked as if he were dead, red fluid steadily pooling under him as he groaned faintly. Dante stood by the Gothic One's side, staring in blatant surprise at Show's sudden attack.

 

And then, like a monster rising from the ashes, Show begins to get up. Crow remained on his back, with blood pooling from his back and glass sticking into his exposed skin. As he gets halfway to his feet, the monster nearly collapses again, but with a growl and intensity in his eyes, Show rose up to his full height. Turning, the big man looked at the only other standing person in the contest - Dante Crane.

 

"And it seems it may have to come down to two men! The villainous monster Show, and the valiant superhero Dante! Justice shall prevail!" Comet hollers.

 

"As if, Dante is a pipsqueak compared to Show, Comet." is Riley's riposte.

 

"Just because he's bigger doesn't mean he's better." Comet grins.

 

Comet starts humming some random heroic theme, as Dante puts up a stand against the hulking Show. Not letting up for a single instant, the Sick Boy falls back on every strike he knows. He thrusts his leg forward, knocking Show back with a superkick. He follows up by leaping forward, cracking the big man across the chin with a spinning wheel kick. He springs backwards, slamming his feet into Show's chin again with the Crane Kick, knocking the big man even further away from Crow.

 

Several chops slam into Show's exposed chest. A slap mars the giant's cheek. Before Show can even counter this flurry, Dante springs up with a leaping uppercut, which slams into Show's chin AGAIN! Stumbling and reeling backwards, Show staggers and tries to keep his balance as Dante charges forward...pivots on his leg and springs into the air....

 

...NAILING A BEAUTIFUL ROUNDHOUSE KICK THAT SLAMS SHOW BACK INTO THE TREADMILL! Show slumps against the reversed treadmill and slumps into a sitting position, trying to get his wits about him. Pumped on adrenaline, Dante plays to the crowd for a split second, and then bolts towards Show with full intent on kicking him to death. Unfortunately for Dante, Show retains enough sense to move to the side and grab Dante by the arm, and a leg...

 

...lifting him up almost across the bigger man's back, twisting around...and dropping him straight down on his head with the Showcase Showdown...onto the treadmill! Dante crumples to the ground, rolling off the treadmill, and as the crowd boos, Show makes the cover!

 

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!

...

....

.....

THREE......NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

"DAN-TE! DAN-TE! DAN-TE!"

 

And Show is furious, leaping to his feet and grabbing the referee of this area - Matthew Kivell - by the shirt and shaking him. Adamant that it was a three count, Show continues to yell at Kivell, then throws the referee against the treadmill and storms away with murder in his usually cheerful eyes. He starts heading into the crowd, and ends up pushing a pair of nerdy fans off their seats. Folding the two chairs shut Show growls and stalks back to where poor Dante is struggling to his feet, leaning on the treadmill. Dropping one chair, the big man swings the other like a baseball bat, and Dante ducks!

Edited October 2, 2003 by Crowe

[Crowe 0]

Show reels back at the feeling in his arms as the chair bounces off the treadmill, and resorts to the one thing he knows will keep Show down.

 

*DING* "OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!"

 

"Superhero Dante reaching deep into his bag of tricks to discover the villainous Show's weak point!" Comet shills.

 

"He kicked him in the nuts, Comet!"

 

"Now now, Citizen Riley, do calm down with your infatuation about male genitalia."

 

"I AM NOT GAY, DAMMIT!" Riley shrieks girlishly.

 

The referee here can't admonish Dante, as the match can only be won by pinfall or submission. With Show down on the ground, the Sick Boy looks at the pair of steel chairs, then unfolds one and sets it up. Walking a short distance away, he waits for Show to get up and shakes his head to clear it...before bolting towards the big man and planting one leg on the chair, leaping into the air and wrapping his legs around Show's head for a flying headscissors! But Show grabs Dante's upper body and pulls him up onto his shoulders. And begins to rotate. The crowd begins counting along each time the giant of the tag champions completes a rotation!

 

ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

 

FIVE! SIX! SEVEN!

 

THAT'S IT! Show launches Dante off his shoulders and sends the Sick Boy crashing to the ground, before collapsing himself after making Dante Lose a Turn! Both superstars sprawl on the ground, one sore and one dizzy, before the instinct and desire to win forces both of them to struggle upright. As Show tries to shake the dizziness from his brain and sets up the other chair, Dante stumbles forward and locks his hands around Show's wrist. The big man turns just as Dante tries to whip him into the treadmill...

 

...a whip that Show reverses! Dante goes stumble-running up the treadmill, finds his feet up the top, and pivots before racing back down at double the speed, ready to take his opponent down! Unfortunately, instead of taking down his opponent, the Sick Boy finds himself airborne as Show sees him coming! The back body drop sends Crane up...and up...and down....STRAIGHT THROUGH THE SET-UP STEEL CHAIRS! The crowd shudders in sympathetic pain!

 

"HOLY SHIT!"

 

"HOLY SHIT!"

 

"HOLY SHIT!"

 

"Superhero Dante has fallen into Show's villainous trap, Riley! I cannot believe Show would be so dastardly!"

 

"I can! I can! Pin him, this is over!" Riley giggles with glee.

 

Show straightens up, seeing Dante crumpled against the steel chairs, and he stumbles towards the fallen Sick Boy, knowing that the end of the match could be right here. Kicking the chairs aside, he rolls Dante onto his back and pins him laterally! The referee drops down to count!

 

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!

...

....

.....

THR...

 

Show arches up, yelling out in pain! The referee stops the count, and sees a bloody gash down Show's back! Both the referee and Show lift their eyes to a pair of black boots. And black pants. A heaving abdomen and chest and a bloody hand clutching a large shard of glass... and Show knows who it is, as he lifts his eyes higher. Framed by wild black hair, Crow's eyes burn a bright, almost animalistic orange.

 

"You DARE to put ME through glass?" the Antichrist Superstar hisses.

 

Show powers to his feet and steps back, as the almost insane looking Crow swings the glass shard, trying to make Show bleed as well! The big man keeps away from the wild-eyed superstar, who stalks Show like a bird of prey, the glass shard held tightly in a blood-soaked hand. On the chairs, Dante groans and begins to sit up...just in time to lean forward and trip up Quiz before the game master can attack Crow from behind! Dragging himself upright, the Sick Boy takes up a position next to Crow, as Show drags Quiz to safety.

 

Across the final zone of the Gladiators set, the two teams stand staring at each other. Two rather freaked out tag champions, facing an icy cool and a near maniacal opponent. Here, at this point, it could be decided. Crow and Dante looked at each other as Crow dropped the shard of glass. Quiz and Show looked at each other with half-confident smiles.

 

"I think Crow's gone insane, Comet." Riley murmurs.

 

"Citizen Crow simply has a unique fighting style, Citizen Riley. His partnership with Superhero Dante is obviously rubbing off on him. Look how the two villains are worried!"

 

"They look confident to me."

 

"To the untrained eye, Riley. But they fear Superhero Dante and Citizen Crow far more than they let on."

 

An almost respectful silence filled the air, broken by Crow's tired, yet hard voice.

 

"Dante?"

 

"Yeah?"

 

"Let's kill these fuckers."

 

In perfect synchronisation, the duo leapt across the intervening space, pivoting and delivering a beautiful pair of roundhouse kicks to Double Jeopardy, slamming their heads together! Seeing the concerted focus in their foes' eyes, the tag champions do the only thing they can think of after having their brains rattled - retreat! Crow and Dante stalk the tag champions as they move around the Eliminator set towards the control area. Looking over their shoulders, the tag champions look between shadows and equipment, trying to see their foes as they retreat between TV screens. Seeing the burning orange eyes of Crow, Quiz nearly jumps - but it's a pair of power lights. Show points to a ladder, and the tag champs make no mistake about quickly climbing it!

 

However, the challengers come along moments later, having spotted their opponents, and find the ladder as well! Double Jeopardy look down, spotting their foes, and climb faster! But Dante and Crow will not let the tag titles get away, and ascend the ladder as well! The crowd begins to just cheer spontaneously as the foursome climb higher and higher! Double Jeopardy discover just where they are as they take careful steps out along the lighting rig above the entire set, stepping out over the slide.

 

"It seems Double Jeopardy are out of places to hide, Citizen Riley!" Comet comments.

 

"They can climb down a ladder!"

 

"The one that they came up appears to be the only one, fellow citizen."

 

And as Quiz and Show stand on the lighting rig, Crow and Dante reach the top of the ladder, blocking off their escape. They were thirty feet off the ground, maybe more, standing atop the slightly rocking metal structure, from where a fall could seriously injure anyone...the tag champions or their opponents. The crowd hushed as the two teams just stared at each other. One false slip, one wrongly executed move, and a superstar would go plummeting down onto the stage below.

 

And by the nearly psychotic grin on Crow's face, that was exactly what he was planning for Double Jeopardy. Showing absolutely no regard for his own safety, the blood-soaked Antichrist Superstar threw himself along the rig, tackling Quiz to the ground and punching him in the face! Show reaches down to drag Crow off, but Dante sprang over his friend and flips, locking his legs around Show's neck!

 

"He wouldn't!" Riley shuddered.

 

"I think Superhero Dante plans to end the villainous Show's chances once and for all!"

 

Show desperately attempts to counter, but Dante swings his body around, grabbing onto the lighting rig to prevent his own fall, and tries to swing Show off the lighting rig! Meanwhile, Quiz shoves Crow off him, but quickly grabbing the rig prevents Crow's demise! Adrenaline surging through his veins, the Antichristian Phenomenon flips his body up, white hot pain burning through his back, and he locks his legs around Quiz's neck!

 

Dante pulls with all his strength....as does Crow.

 

And Double Jeopardy falls.

 

 

All.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Down.

 

*CRAAAAAAAACKWHAAAAAAAM!*

 

The slide shudders under the impact, several large cracks appearing in the once-solid structure. Crawling back up onto the lighting rig where it's safer, Dante and Crow slowly stand up, staring down at their foes far below. They exchange looks, Crow asking Dante something. The Sick Boy steps to the edge of the lighting rig, looking down. Crow turns his back on the slide....and both of them slowly extend their arms in a crucifix pose. The crowd hushes, staring at the twosome standing on top of the lighting rig. After holding the crucifix pose for a seemingly interminable moment...

 

...they jump.

 

Crow arches himself back, body aching as he pushes his body into the flip known as the Evenflow Moonsault. Dante, falling almost right next to the Antichrist Superstar, flips his body back in one full rotation as if for a shooting star press...but adds that little bit extra...as they slam into the unmoving bodies of Double Jeopardy...

 

"EVENFLOW MOONSAULT!" Riley shrieks.

 

"FALLING STAR BOMB! THAT WAS MY OLD FINISHER! THERE IS NO DOUBT! DANTE CRANE IS A SUPERHERO!!!!" Comet almost explodes.

 

...the slide crumbles and collapses, fracturing and falling to the ground in a heap of plastic shards and bodies. Amid the rubble, nothing moves as several referees move in, pushing bits of slide out of the way. They find the superstars, still breathing...and Dante with his body back-first across Show, and Crow chest-to-chest with Quiz in perfect pinning predicaments! No one moves, and then the senior referee Brian Hebner steps forward, and drops down...

 

ONE!

...

 

 

 

....

 

 

 

.....

 

 

 

TWO!!

 

 

 

...

 

 

 

....

 

 

 

.....

 

 

 

THRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

 

 

*DING DING MOTHERFUCKING DING!*

 

 

"Ladies and gentlemen.....the winners...and NEEEEEEEWWWW SMARTMARKS WRESTLING FEDERATION TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS....THE TEAM OF DANTE CRANE AND CRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!"

 

The referees brush the carnage out of the way, helping everyone to their feet. Double Jeopardy are out cold, and Crow has bled enough blood to keep a blood bank stocked for a year. As paramedics come out, Brian Hebner drapes the tag belts over the shoulders of Dante and Crow.

 

The two, barely conscious after that stunning impact, share a smile and look at the camera.

 

Through all the inanity of Double Jeopardy.

 

Through all the bizarrity of the Gladiators match.

 

They'd come out on top and were the new tag team champions.

 

And by the fucking Gods, they were going to stay there.

 

Fade out to SWF PPV Commercial.