Deja Vu....All Over Again....July 25, 1999

(Merritt is running up the deck of a ship that is rapidly ascending. He climbs over the railing, clutching it for dear life.)

Thomas: So I see you made it?

Merritt: I guess so.

Thomas: This ship was supposed to be unsinkable.

Merritt: Apparently not. Wait a second...isn't this where we first met?

Thomas: Wrong dream, bucko. We met when you were five.

Merritt: That's not what I meant. Just...these circumstances...the feeling of sinking, the precipice of disaster, seems like we always step right up to it, ever since we started.

Thomas: Sometimes you've gotta live on the edge to get to where you want to be.

Merritt: That's convoluted logic for you. Anyway, it's all my fault.

Thomas: What, did the iceberg come outta...

Merritt: Oh shut up. (Pushes Thomas off the edge of the ship....he hits the large propeller-rudder with a thud and falls into the icy water) It's my fault because I should have been able to stop it. I should have known where it would lead...where it *has* led. (The ship begins to tilt further and further) But I was arrogant enough to think that it wouldn't matter either way. I was wrong. (The ship begins to plunge into the water) I WAS WRONG!!!!! (Merritt goes under with the bow of the large ship)

(Stephen Thomas bolts up in bed, sweat pouring from his face)

Thomas:  Falling....I was.....  (shakes his head)   No...that's all over; that was eons ago.  He's gone.... for good.

(Thomas picks up the phone)

It's me.  I want you to be at ANNIVERSARY.  It doesn't matter, I'll make a spot for you.

Sweetwater's Song....

(FADE-IN: A shot of the Windham family ranch in Sweetwater, Texas. Light piano music plays in the background as Rudy Seitzer speaks.)

RS: Sweetwater, Texas... most state maps of Texas don’t even bother to show it. However, it’s a place that’s deep in the heart of wrestling fans everywhere.

(CUT TO: A black and white shot of a teenaged Mark Windham. Underneath it, it reads “Texas State Athlete of the Year.”)

RS: It’s a town of heroes...
(CUT TO: A shot of Mark Windham, holding the USN title, a title he held for several years.)

It’s a town of legends...
(CUT TO: A shot of Mark Windham bloodied on a map.)

It’s a town that spawned Mark Windham.

(CUE UP: “Song 2” by Blur. CUT TO: A shot of teenaged kids wearing “TROY2K” T-Shirts, a crowd at an arena raising the roof, and a shot of Troy with the CSWA World Title.)

RS: It’s also a town of enigmas... a town of controversial figures... a town that spawned Troy Windham.
(CUT TO: A shot of both Windhams together in their younger days.) Say what you will about both men... call Mark Windham a legend... a lost soul... a lunatic... call Troy Windham the future... a loser... a never-will-be degenerate... but just understand that Sweetwater is where they are from... it’s a place they call home.

(CUT TO: A shot of Troy Windham, sitting on his couch. He’s wearing a “Sweetwater High” T-Shirt, backwards hat.)

TW: Yeah... Sweetwater’s home. A lot of sh.. stuff went down there. You know, I don’t really remember much before Mark moved in, I was so little. But once he moved in, it all changed... my dad was messed up, drunk all the time... and Mark would be there to help out. He was more than a cousin... he was like a brother... but, you know, trying to be the “Living Legend’s” little cousin was hard for me, so I went out, did my own thing. Mark didn’t like the way I was going, but he never tried to stop me... and he’s never BEEN able to stop me. No one will. It’s Troy2k... and this is MY league, MY world... that’s the revelation of tonight. That Troy Windham ISN’T the future of the CSWA anymore... he IS the CSWA.

Fight The Future...

(FADEIN: A quiet road. A new, blood-red Ford tracker. Inside, strands of "Suffocate Me" by Angelfish are audible. The driver checks his mirrors and pulls over to the right lane. Radio, off. Engine, off.

The Danger In Dreams...

(The camera fades in on a fire.  As it pans out, a body is seen in the fire.  The camera continues moving outward, and a body is shown on the funeral pyre, as a crowd stands around the circular amphitheatre.   "Jedi" Stephen Thomas and Mark Vizzachero are standing near the back wall.)

Thomas:  I think it's obvious that the mysterious opponent in this one was a member of the Sith.

Vizzachero:  If the Sith are returning after 1000 years....we know so little about them.  Except that we've killed one of them.

Thomas:  Yes, but which one?  Two there always are...that is the way....a master, and an apprentice.

Vizzachero:  But which one did we kill....the master or the apprentice?

(The camera pans away, fading to an overhead shot of the amphitheatre.  In the background, a man's laughter is heard.)

Voice:  Fools!  I will kill them........kill them all!

(The camera shows the back of a man...sitting straight up in bed...having just awakened from a dream.)

Where Angels Fear To Tread....

(FADE-IN: To a close-up of Mark Windham. He’s kneeling in a darkened room, lit only by a spotlight. A white shirt hangs loosely on his body. His hair, slicked back in a pony tail. He seems at peace.)

(CUT-TO: An extreme close-up of Windham’s shut eyes)

V/O: The truth. The only constant our world has ever known. Nothing but it, lasts beyond existence. Lives are taken, and bodies vanish in time, but truth, the precious truth survives all.

The truth of the matter is that Mark Windham’s parents died when he was just a boy. Too young to fight it, but old enough to understand. To understand that the flames that burned as hot as hell would mold him for the rest of his life. He wasn’t allowed to live. The boy had to be man.

The truth is Timmy, Mark’s younger brother once thought trapped inside the burning burial, ran. Guided by fate, perhaps. God, a God that accepts those who understand that it’s not having faith, but passing the test when faith is put to the limit, took hold of Timmy’s hand and led him. Not to greener pastures, but to the next day. Tomorrow in itself is a monument to hope.

Timmy’s hope always was the future. That he could fight though his past, his current misfortune. He fought, because he always had. Seven years ago he came out of the woods. Acceptance came quickly, why wouldn’t it? The night that made both men, could now be put to rest.

The Truth was that not all had been lost. Their struggles were for each other. That they could live a life of two men. Now, fate made sense. Robbed of parents, they beat all laid before them. In a way, one’s memory raised the other.

Fate that they were reunited, or that it came to pass they were torn apart. As old as he is, he shouldn’t care. But he does. He’s spent most of his life, beating his rival, and then his son. Mickey Benedict played the fool for a time. Waiting, beyond a wall of fire, so hot it’d burn everything in it’s path. Everything…………but the Truth.

Losing his brother for a second time, drove Mark to insanity. Or as close to it as any man could come. Benedict’s work was done. What string was left to be pulled? He made the puppet, and played him perfectly. If only his brother could see it. If only…..

Mark didn’t throw it all away. It’s be said that anything worth having, must come with a struggle. Fair enough, but what was Windham struggling for? Aimlessly, he wandered. From town to town, making the darkest corner his home. The voices questioned if he was gone. Surely, he was crazy. No man with his mind as an ally, would forget what he had. But Windham simply forgot. Or worse, he no longer cared. First his friends, then family. This wasn’t their Mark, it wasn’t the man they loved. To bring him back, they’d have to cut ties.

Sacrifice. To attain one goal you yield another. Was it worth it? Trading family for insanity?

As his brother had done all those years ago, Windham wandered the earth. No family, no friends……just his thoughts. And God. The same God that took Timmy by the hand, set Mark on a path as well. A search really. A search for himself, for the remnants of the boy that burned in that fire with his parents. And for the Truth.

You can do many things to the Truth. Distort it, deny it, embrace it, but you can’t hide from it. It’s here, always. Windham had to find it. For it was really the only thing that could quiet his fears.

Two years ago, he was a Lost Soul. Through the lies, and the sin he’s set himself free. He’s found the Truth. Along the way, he’s found another soul. As Lost as his, once was. Mark Windham can walk through the burning burial without a burn.

Tonight he’ll right a wrong. Tonight, Mark Windham returns, as Timmy and Mickey fearfully await. The Lost Soul has brought the Truth.

The AWAKENING IS HERE.

(Windham’s eyes slowly open)

(FADE-OUT)

(TV screen fades in with the ever-present voiceover:   "The following event is presented by the CSWA and CS Enterprises...)

V/O:  October 24, 1993.....it's "last call" in the CSWA.  One event remains, taking the CSWA to an international stage, and professional wrestling to a new high.  Six current and former World Champions, representing almost thirty independent federations.

(CUTTO:  Joey Melton pinning Steven Flair; Hornet pinning Flic Rair)

The world continued its cry for a single, unified champion.  And for once, the stars and planets were all in alignment.

(CUTTO:  Hornet pinning Tom Adler; Joey Melton pinning Hot Shot)

In one final, titanic struggle....

(V/O:  "He's got him!  He's got him!   ONE.........TWO.......THREE!!!  And the UNIFIED World Heavyweight Champion is HORNET!  He's holds Joey Melton down for the three-count!  We've got history here folks, history!)

A champion was crowned.

(A bulb flashes, showing a still photo of Hornet with the Unified World Title in hand, as league commissioners like Stephen Thomas and Jeff Tetreault congratulate him.) (fadeout)

And the event of events is born.

July 4, 1995....the youngest champion goes down early.

(CUTTO:  Alexandr Karelin german suplexing and bridging Tsunami for the three-count.)

Sammy Benson: Tsunami's reign as Unified World Champion has come to an end!

V/O:  The Ironmen are chosen...

(CUTTO:  Alexandr Karelin vs. Scott Waters)

BB:  Karelin moves behind Waters and hooks the arms just as he did in his last match with Flair! He's got the back slide hooked in with Waters' shoulders to the mat! ONE.......... TWO...........THREE!!!!! Alexandr Karelin wins his third match in a row! 

V/O:  ...but the price is high.

(CUTTO:  Hornet vs. GUNS; snapshots of the photo are shown as the announcer's commentary is heard)

BB: This is the first time these men have met in the ring here in the CSWA.

BB: Both GUNS and Hornet have 40 points. With the added twenty points from a win in this match, one of them would be in a tie with Karelin. And since both men defeated Karelin earlier, whoever wins this match would win the tiebreaker and the Unified Title.

BB: Hornet pulls GUNS away from the ropes and there's yet another belly to back suplex. It looks like it's only a matter of time, Sammy.

BB: You don't have to sound so happy about it! Hornet has this match won until GUNS sent him over the top in desperation!

GUNS grimaces each time he puts any weight on that right knee, but he knows that he's so close to winning the Unified Championship, he doesn't care.

BB: Hornet said that if he couldn't win, he wouldn't let GUNS. But I don't know if he'll have any choice in the matter. If GUNS gets him off that turnbuckle, this match is over! GUNS pulls at Hornet again, but Hornet pulls back, and now we've got two men fighting for their lives! Hornet places his feet on the second rope and pulls! GUNS just WENT TO THE OUTSIDE FROM THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!!! He is hurt! Referee Ben Worthington is calling for the bell!!!! Rhubarb?

RJ: Referee Ben Worthington has awarded the match to GUNS via disqualification of Hornet for throwing his opponent over the top rope. That means GUNS finishes with a 3-2 record, but only 55 points! ALEXANDR KARELIN IS YOUR NEW UNIFIED WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!

V/O:  January 21, 1997....the Wolf is loosed.

(CUTTO:  Mike Randalls vs. Julius Godreign; Hornet pinning GUNS)

BB:  And it all comes down to the two former Unified Champions.  Mike Randalls and Hornet, with the gold on the line.

BB:  Mike Randalls has done it!  Mike Randalls wins the IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS and becomes the two-time, two-time Unified World Champion!

V/O:  July 25, 1999....

For the Fourth Time....

(CUTTO:  Hornet hoisting the CSWA World Championship above his head for the beginning of his fourth title reign; Poison Ivy at his side.)

Hornet:  But what's really hard to believe is the fact that after proving myself for the last eleven years to the idiots called adminstration around here, that in one fell swoop by Merritt, a Cuban refugee and a pathetic, suicidal Board of Directors members on more drugs than I've had championships, the CSWA decided to strip me of the World Title AGAIN.

The Show Is About To Begin...

(CUTTO:  Sweet Melissa strapping the CSWA World Title around Eddy Love's waist after winning the 32-man tournament for the championship.)

Love:  So at Anniversary 1999, the Eddy Love Show.... I promise this to you supporting stars..... I'll do my best not to bore you.... I'll fight it fair and square..... but most of all guys I'm gonna show ya that maybe 8 years ago who had pie was what made the fans care..... BUT IN '99 ALL THEY GET TO SEE IS HURRICANE EDDY GO HOME WITH THE TEDDY BEAR!

The Power Is On...

(CUTTO:  Kevin Powers stands up from his figure four leglock on a prone Eliminator, and has his hand raised by Carl Young, who then hands him the United States Championship.)

Powers:  Well you're right, but we're gonna finish it under my rules.....and you should know that there is only one rule I live by.... To win you must survive......and I will be the survivor.....I have to be.....

The Crowd Is Cheering...

(CUTTO:  An exhausted Mark Vizzack holding the CSWA World Title in one hand, and Sunshine's hand in the other.)

Vizzack:  But I've got some unfinished business. I was interrupted a few months ago, in the middle of trying to bring some DIGNITY to the CSWA World Title. And I can hear Hornet now... how two months with no victories, only no decisions as the CSWA World Champion is hardly dignity... but as I said, Hornet... you were the reason for that.

And All We Ask...

(CUTTO:  Poison Ivy helping Eli to his feet and putting the US Championship in his hands at ELVIS LIVES XI.)

Flair:  Not Eddy Love and Mark Vizzack.... Not GUNS and Troy Windham.... Not Hornet and Mike Randalls.... They know what Eli Flair and Kevin Powers are capable of.

And in the IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS.... It won't be the Eddy Love show.... Hornet will not ride high for the fifth time.... Faith will not be the Evidence.... and the Daredevil will not fly again.

...Is That You Believe.

(CUTTO:  SHOWTIME in Atlanta; Deacon and Sunshine run in, and Deacon plants both Love and Hornet with the chokeslam before helping Vizzack back in the ring)

Shepherd:  ANNIVERSARY will show 5 men entering for the prize of earthly gold so they can go down in history and 1 man entering to prove that Faith is not a thing of History. From the beginning, that has been our goal. To prove that God is not dead. To prove that through Jesus Christ, the impossibilities become possibilities. To prove that ... Faith Is The Evidence!

BB:  Wrestling fans!  Welcome to the world-famous Merritt Auditorium, where this capacity Greensboro, North Carolina crowd is on its feet and ready for the premiere event in professional wrestling today!  I'm joined by my ever-present co-host Sammy Benson!

SB:  D....Darn straight.  All I wanna know is....why isn't there a gold plated statue of me out in the HALL of FAME exhibit outside?

BB:  If you don't know...I'm not gonna tell you.  Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that this is CSWA ANNIVERSARY 1999: Revelation.  And among the many questions to be answered tonight.....we're finally going to find out what this Windham "Awakening" business is all about.....as well as crown a new CSWA World Heavyweight Champion!

SB:  The title was vacated back in May, when the CSWA Board of Directors stripped the new champion, Hornet, for 'conduct unbecoming a champion.'  As much as I'd love to agree.....it's just another load of bull...

BB:  Sammy!  Fans, here in the CSWA you've seen the World Title decided by tournaments of 32, 64, or even 128 men.  You've seen the title on the line in a four-way tag match, in an electrified steel cage, in the WHEEL of DEATH.   But there's no event more special than the one we're about to kick off in just a few minutes.  In the history of the CSWA, we've seen it happen three times....the top champions in the sport come together for one night in a round-robin tournament to find out who deserves the twenty pounds of gold around his waist.  Tonight, the IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS pits the top six wrestlers in the world together once again.   You all know who they are...and you know that any one of them could come out on top.

SB:  There's only one man coming out on top tonight, Buckley.   Eddy Love's coming to the fair...and he's going home with....

BB:  Before Sammy goes any further folks, we're going to head down for a special interview to kick things off.

[The picture fades to black}

SB:  Who let that psychopath in the building?  I don't think tonight, of all nights, is the time you wanna mess with Eli Flair.

BB:  As most of you fans know, Soloman was referring to the special battle royal held just over six weeks ago to find out who the sixth man competing in the IOC would be.  And the winner...Eli Flair, former CSWA US and Presidential Champion....who joined the ranks of former and future champions Hornet, Eddy Love, Mark Vizzack, Kevin Powers, and Deacon.

SB:  Speaking of the Freakin' Deacon, isn't his buddy still in jail?

BB:  You just don't keep up, do you?

SB:  Not unless it involves my pal Eddy, no.

BB:  Every one of tonight's competitors brings elements of triumph and tragedy to tonight's IRONMAN.  Four-time CSWA World Champion Hornet.... a man who has been on top of the world, and buried under a pile of rubble.  Former World Champion Mark Vizzack, suffering from a severe shoulder separation.  Unified Tag Champions Eddy Love and Kevin Powers, on the verge of separation as Love focuses on individual glory and Powers on individual pain.  And the Deacon, recovering from the strange events of the last few weeks in which his best friend was accused of murder, and his long-lost sister was found.

SB:  That was a mouthful.

BB:  You said it.  Fans, we're going to take a look at a special video package showing you just how we got here! 

Revelation:  From The Heart Of Hell....

(While CSWA PPV viewers watch the video package...one man sits back in the luxury box, and remembers...)

BUCKLEY:  Fans, this is Bill Buckley with a special CSWA UPDATE here on U-62.  We wanted to update you on the fire that has begun raging at FISH FUND Park Arena.  We've been told that the entire audience has escaped unharmed, although word is there still may be some CSWA employees inside.  Firefighters have not yet gone in to try and put the fire out...hoping it remains contained to the lower levels and will burn itself out..... (Buckley stops as a shrill yell interrupts him)

MELTON:  You bastard!  You won't even try to help your own brother.

WINDHAM:  I told you....he's....

HORNET:  I don't care!  I never thought I'd see the day when Mark Windham became a coward.

(Hornet takes off running toward the stage door.)

MELTON:  If either of them get hurt, it's your fault...do you hear me!?

BUCKLEY:  Fans, apparently Timmy Windham is still inside.  Hornet has just made his way toward the Arena to look for the youngest of the Windhams........

(Buckley's voice is drowned out as a large explosion rocks the nearby parking lot like an earthquake.  Flames jet out of part of the Arena's roof, while chunks of rock are hurled straight into the air.  The camera rocks, then steadies, as we see the stage door explode outward, carrying Hornet with it.  Hornet is thrown outward like a ragdoll against the pavement, as the stage door crashes on top of him.)

MELTON:  NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!   TIMMY!!!!!   TIMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Fire engine sirens begin to wail as debris continues to fall just short of the caution barrier erected in the parking lot.)

BUCKLEY:  Oh my Lord....sweet mother of all that's good and pure.  Somebody get some help.  Please...somebody get some help!  (Buckley drops the microphone and rushes toward the scene.)

(The camera centers on a still Hornet, buried beneath the bent and twisted stage door and the rest of he rubble.  Near the camera, just beneath the sounds of sirens, Teri Melton can be heard sobbing.  The camera shifts as the cameraman sets it on the ground.  We can see his feet as he too runs towards the scene, where a crowd of paramedics, firefighters, wrestlers and other CSWA employees can be seen trying to move rubble off of Hornet.)

(Earlier at FISH FUND XII, and not on camera)

(As Red begins counting, the upper door bursts open against him, sending the remote control flying out of his hand....and into the boiler.   Sammy Benson steps into the room.)

Benson:  (to Merritt)  You!
Merritt:  (to Benson) You!
Benson:  (to Red)  YOU!
Red:  (to Benson)  YOU....IDIOT!!!

Benson:  You're dead!

Merritt:  Sammy...always quick on the uptake.   Let me guess, Red...now we're in....

(The door to the  boiler explodes, shooting a jet of flame.  The flames catch a stack of wooden crates, which quickly begin going up in smoke.)

Red:  You idiot...now the whole place is going to burn down!

Merritt:  Sorry Lyle...guess your Hobson's choice didn't work...

Red:  If I'm going, then you're going with me!   (Red launches himself down the stairs toward Merritt)

Benson:  This is ridiculous, I'm getting out of here.  Screw you both. (The door closes behind Sammy with an audible 'click,' locking from the outside)

(Merritt sidesteps Red, who goes head first into a nearby metal barrel.  Merritt starts for the steps, but is quickly stopped when Red smacks him over the head with a two-by-four.  After a couple more hits for good measure, Red starts up the stairs.  The boiler sends out another jet of fire as the flames continue to consume everything in their path.  The pile of crates nearest the lower door collapses, blocking that exit.  At the same time, Red finds out the upper door is locked.  He grabs a nearby crowbar and begins trying to pry the locked door loose.  As he does so, Merritt begins to stir, picks up the two-by-four and starts quietly up the stairs.  Red hammers on the door with the crowbar with no effect.   He turns at the sound of Merritt approaching....and gets clobbered with the two-by-four.  The force of the blow sends Red over the low railing....and down into a stack of crates just below the catwalk.  The stack crashes...and Red is left in the middle of the debris, blood seeping from a wound in his side.  Merritt, bloodied from a gash in his head and lip, picks up the crowbar...just as the boiler shoots another arcing jet of flame.)

Merritt:  You're not taking me with you, you sorry peabrained bag of filth.  (He begins banging on the door with the crowbar)  Do you hear me?!  You're not taking me with you!!!!! 

(Below in the boiler room; Chad Merritt is hammering at the door.  His tuxedo shirt is spotted with blood, which still streams down his forehead and lip.  Flames cover nearly the entire room...and are now at the  bottom of the catwalk.)

Merritt:  I won't (hammers on the door)....lose....(hammers)...to a (hammers)....MIDGET!

(Merritt stops, caught by a coughing fit caused by the thick black smoke.  He reaches into his pocket for a handkerchief to put over his face...and something else falls on the catwalk.)

Merritt:  (He reaches down and picks up his CSWA FISH FUND American Express)  Never leave home without it.  (He begins fumbling at the lock with the credit card...and suddenly it clicks!)  (Merritt laughs)  So long, sucker!  Parting is such sweet....aw forget it. 

(Merritt exits the room, and the boiler explodes, filling the room and attached hallways with flame)

(FISH FUND PARK Arena, August 11, 1998, the morning after FISH FUND XII, and the explosion.)

Worker:  We've found something...I think someone's here.  (The man begins shifting the rubble.  He finally uncovers a piece of wall.)  I need help here....we've got to get this wall up...I think someone's under there.

(CSWA Co-Commissioner Thomas runs up)

Thomas:  Is it Windham?  Is he alive?

Worker:  I'm not sure...we've got to get this wall up.  (Other workers begin to lever the wall up...after a few moments of straining, the wall gives way)

Thomas:  Well I'll be......

Worker:  Is it a kid?  Wait....no, it's a....

Thomas:  A midget....one that used to work for me.  Is he...?

(The emergency worker climbs into the depression and checks the body for life signs.)

Worker:  I'm sorry, sir....he's gone.   If only we had found him earlier.  I'll get the EMTs to bag him.  (He walks away)

(Thomas climbs down into the depression and kneels beside the small body covered in soot, grime, and blood.)

Thomas:  Ally ally oxen free.  Time for all little midgets to come home.  (He injects a syringe into the right forearm of the small man.)

(The Red Midget convulses once as his oxygen-deprived body begins to resume a normal intake of air, and his drug-induced coma resolves into simple unconsciousness as his heart begins to pump at a normal rate.)

Thomas:  You're not off the hook that easily, Lyle.  You still have to help me finish what we've started.

(FADEIN: Somewhere in Texas, deep below ground, months ago.  A figure in shadow flips a switch, causing a blue light to turn on.  The light illuminates a small cavern in the wall....a window cut inside the rock.  A small figure lies encased in a coffin-like structure, surrounded by bedrock.  As the light comes on, one eye of the tiny body opens, then both.  The man known as Lyle Tallman, but more commonly referred to as the Red Midget...awakes.  With a little help.....)

(The lights in the cavern rise, revealing Stephen Thomas at the controls.  Lyle's eyes widen, but the entombed figure doesn't yet have the strength to speak.)

Thomas:  It's time, Lyle.  The doctor's say it's safe to return you to the outside now...the hyperbaric chamber has done it's job.  In fact, you might be better than you were before.

(Thomas steps up the catwalk and presses a large button next to the coffin-like structure.  A green light turns red as the inner chamber pressurizes.  After a few moments, the light turns amber, and Thomas pulls open the outer door.  The Red Midget steps out, still shaking off the effects of his months-long recovery.)

Red:  I can't believe it's finally over.

Thomas:  Over, Lyle?   Not by a long shot.  You know what I want.  You didn't finish him off.....

Red:  Oh, but I did.   (He reaches into his "Mighty Morphin Midget" costume and pulls out a manila folder.)  It's all right there....enough to blackmail Merritt for a hundred lifetimes.  All his accounts, all his money, and all the access you'd ever need.

Thomas:  You know, I could almost kiss you.....if you weren't a midget.  I think it's time you resumed your high position in life, Lyle....and that I took control of what's rightfully mine.

Red:  And Merritt?

Thomas:  Without power, Merritt's nothing.  He'll run like a ship in a storm.

BB:  Fans, we're back, and it's time to kick off the IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS!  Against my better judgment, Sammy Benson is going to run down the rules!

SB:  Thanks for the vote of confidence, Buckley.  It's really pretty simple....six men, each man will wrestle four matches tonight.  The order of the matches is random, determined by a drawing made by Commissioner Thomas before each match.  The way you win....simply come out with the most points at the end of the night.  If a wrestler wins a match by pinfall or submission, he gets 20 points.   A win by count-out or disqualification is worth 10 points for the victor, while a draw gets both men five points.  Matches are limited to a 30-minute time limit and one fall.

BB:  I'm very impressed...you've been practicing.  And if there's a tie?

SB:  If there's a tie in points at the end of the night, the winner of the head-to-head matchup would be the World Champion.  In other words, if Buckley and I were in the tournament and ended up with 50 points each, then the winner of our match earlier in the night would break the tie....in which case, I would win, because I could take Buckley with one hand tied behind my back.

BB:  Uh....sure.  And folks, since this isn't a true round-robin tournament...if two men tie that have not faced each other earlier in the night....then they'll wrestle a tiebreaker match with no time-limit to determine the World Champion.  We'll update you on the point standings after each match as we go through the night!  We've been told that Commissioner Thomas has drawn the first two names.   Let's head down to Rhubarb for the introductions!

RJ: This contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first... accompanied to the ring by his manager, Sunshine Del Payne...

SB: Flair loses, and Vizzack is hurt! This is GREAT!

BB:  Yeah, it's just your kind of night isn't it, Sammy.  Fans, let's head down to Rhubarb Jones.

RJ:  Ladies and gentlemen, you saw him in action earlier tonight in his first match again Deacon....

("All Star" by Smashmouth begins to play)

BB:  Listen to this crowd roar, remembering the first match of the night!

RJ:  He stands at six feet five inches, two hundred sixty-three pounds, and hails from right here in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Accompanied to the ring by Poison Ivy, he has been a champion more than thirty times over, and is in the hunt for his FIFTH CSWA World Championship....he is......HORNET!

BB:  A rather mixed reaction from this crowd, Sammy.  We saw it earlier as well.

SB:  Well, a man gets some reaction in his hometown, even if the rest of the world hates him.

RJ:  His opponent makes his IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS debut in this match. 

("Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin begins to pipe over the loudspeakers to a mixed reaciton)

RJ:  Standing at six feet four inches, two hundred fifty-five pounds, this former NWC World Champion is accompanied to the ring by Sweet Melissa.   He is a former CSWA World Champion by virtue of his FISH FUND XII victory in a 32-man tournament, he is "HURRICANE" EDDY LOVE!

SB:  Get a load of those two.  You've just gotta love it.       Perfect hair, perfect body, perfect everything.

BB:  Are you talking about Eddy or Melissa?

SB:  Hmmm...both actually, I guess.

BB:  I'm not even going to pursue that any further.  The last time these two men hooked up was in the semi-finals of the tournament you heard Rhubarb Jones mention.  Love went through Hornet and then Starr in one night to win the strap....so while he may be new to the IOC, he's certainly not new to the big time.

SB:  I'm gonna go out on a limb and tell you that Eddy Love will be the first man EVER to go through the IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS undefeated.

BB:  Who knows, Sammy, even you can get lucky sometimes.   Referee Patrick Young has the call in this one, and there's the bell.  And we haven't yet mentioned that Ivy's at ringside....

SB:  Looks like Hornet decided to bring her out after the loss to Deacon....and it might actually be a smart move, with the lovely and talented Sweet Melissa holding down the fort for Eddy.

BB:  Collar-and-elbow tie-up in the ring....these two waste no time going at it.  The slight power edge gives way to the former Unified Champion as he sends Love into the ropes and drops him with a clothesline.  The follow-up knee drop misses as Love rolls out of the way, and the two quickly lock up once again in the middle of the ring.  These two men are probably two of the most technically-sound wrestlers in the world, Sammy.

SB:  Yeah, but I've got a feeling that this one won't come down to pure technique.

BB:  Probably not.  Love gets the advantage and sends Hornet for the ride.....leapfrog by Hornet, as Love sets him up for a shoulder block....but both men stay on their feet.  They go to hook up again.....russian leg sweep by Love!!!  Hornet is down, the follow-up elbow by Love is on target.   Love pulls Hornet to his feet.....he hooks in the half nelson...which slips a bit, until referee Young warns Love about the choke.  Love goes to take Hornet over in a belly-to-back suplex, but Hornet powers through and out.  Knee to the stomach by Love bends Hornet in half, setting him up for a knee lift to the head that puts him on his back.

SB:  Eddy Love....the best darn wrestler goin round today.

BB:  Love lets Hornet get to his feet, and stands back measuring him....running shoulder breaker!!!  And Hornet goes through the top two ropes to the outside!!!  He lands near Sweet Melissa....

SB:  Put the heels to him, Melissa!

BB:  ...but Ivy is quickly around the corner.  Melissa backs away as Ivy stands guard over Hornet.  Hornet to his feet...he mumbles something to Ivy and rolls back inside the ring, where Love is waiting to 'help' him in.   Hornet with a shoulder to the midsection backs Love a step.  Hornet grabs hold of the top rope and catapults himself up to it.....Hornet off the top.....bumblaster!

SB:  We call that a top rope shoulderblock these days, Buckley.

BB:  Old habits are hard to break, Sammy.  Hornet to his feet, he pulls Love up and sends him down with a quick clothesline.  Love gets to his feet quickly and ducks the haymaker from Hornet.  Hornet follows with an attempt at a body slam, but Love blocks it and sends Hornet down.  Love with an elbow, and another, and another...he hooks the leg, but gets only a one count before getting hoisted towards the ropes by Hornet  The former four-time World Champ pulls Love up and slams him back-first into the corner.  Hornet whips the former NWC World Champ across into the turnbuckle and follows in with a hard elbow.  He leaps on the second rope and pummels Love with hard right hands...but the crowd is definitely not totally on his side.   It's amazing to see this, Sammy....I never thought we'd walk into Merritt Auditorium and hear Hornet soundly booed.

SB:  It's been almost six months, Buckley, get over it. 

BB:  Hornet jumps down off the turnbuckle, grabs Love back by the head, and sends him face-first to the mat.  Hornet heads to the second rope, setting up for a risky elbow drop.......that misses as Love hears Melissa's yell and rolls out of the way.  Hornet hits hard, and Love uses the ropes to pull himself to his feet.  Hornet staggers to his feet, but Love is ready, dropping him down hard with an inverted atomic drop.  Hornet is stunned, and Love takes advantage, sending Hornet for the ride and then hot-shotting him neck-first on the ropes!  Hornet goes down clutching his throat...but there's no rest for the weary.  Love takes advantage by going for...and hooking in the figure four!!!  He's got Hornet right in the middle of the ring...and the winner of the original IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS is in serious trouble here!   He's got one loss under his belt, and he's stuck in the figure four!  Patrick Young asks Hornet if he wants to give it up, but Hornet responds with a pained no.   On the outside, Sweet Melissa grabs hold of Love's hands and gives Eddy a little extra added pressure, which elicits another screamed no from Hornet. 

SB:  You've got to admit, Buckley, it's the perfect tag team.

BB:  I thought that was supposed to be Powers and Love.

SB:  That was last month.

BB:  Oh, I see.  Young checks the hold, and almost catches the extra oomph given by Melissa, but not quite.  Funny how it always works out that way, isn't it? 

SB:  Yeah....but Ivy just caught her!

BB:  So she did....Ivy advances on Melissa, that dangerous singapore cane in hand, and Love's manager heads around the corner.  As Young leans in to ask Hornet if he wants to submit....Love reaches out for his lever, and instead finds Ivy standing there! 

SB:  That's a nasty surprise.

BB:  Hornet seizes the advantage to try and turn Love over, but he's not successful.  However, Love does lose enough leverage that he lets up on the leglock on his own.  Love is first to his feet, but get shoved away as he goes for a running neckbreaker.  Hornet with a standing dropkick, and he quickly follows up with a brainbuster!!!  Love is down....and Hornet hooks the leg!   ONE.........NO...Love quickly kicks out.  Hornet with a hard clothesline!   He pulls Love up and sends him into the ropes.  Love ducks the clothesline, comes back across and leapfrogs Hornet.  Drop toe hold as Love comes by for the third time, and Hornet quickly hooks in a reverse chinlock.  Eddy Love grabs the ropes and Patrick Young calls for the break, which Hornet refuses to give.  Young begins a five-count and Hornet lets up...but not before catching Love with a boot to the midsection.

SB:  I don't think I like this 'new' Hornet.

BB:  Like someone once said, Sammy, it's been six months, get over it.  Hornet grabs the hair and drags Love to the middle of the ring, ignoring the protests made by both Love and Young.  Hornet hooks in the abdominal stretch, and now it's Love's turn to vehemently protest when Young asks him if he wants to submit.   Love tries to power his way out, but Hornet has the arm and leg hooked, rendering him almost helpless.

SB:  Come on Eddy!!!!

BB:  So much for journalistic integrity.

SB:  I'm not a journalist, Buckley....I'm a commentator, there's a difference, ask Bob Ryder.

BB:  Love still refuses to give, but Hornet refuses to let up on the abdominal stretch.

SB:  But help is on the way!

BB:  Sweet Melissa jumps to the apron, immediately attracting Patrick Young's attention.  She appears to be complaining about something....and she gestures across to the other side of the ringside area, where Ivy is standing.  Young looks over....and Melissa uses the opportunity to thumb Hornet in the eye.  Love powers out of the abdominal stretch, and Hornet staggers into the corner.  Knee to the stomach by Love....Eddy Love grabs Hornet and sends him across with an irish whip.   Hornet slams into the opposite side....but comes running out to meet Love.   The two collide with a double clothesline, and both men go down hard.  Neither man gets to his feet, and Young begins a standing ten-count.  Hornet rolls towards the ropes and begins pulling himself up with a little help from the steel cables.

SB:  No!  Get up Eddy, get up!

BB:  But Hornet's on his feet first...although Eddy's not far behind.  Hornet charges.....CLOTHESLINE!  Love almost did a 360 on that one.   But look at Eddy.....he's up almost as quickly as he went down!  But Hornet is ready.  He sends Love for the ride.....Love into the corner......HORNET SPLASH!!!!   Hornet backs away, pulling Love with him....he sends him across again...setting him up one more time.   HORNET......LOVE PULLS YOUNG IN THE WAY!   The Hornet Splash catches Young and Love......but I think Hornet cracked heads with Young.   He grabs his head...Young falls out of the way, and it looks like Love is trying to shake off that second-hand splash.  He does....and he rockets Hornet out of the way with a huge belly to belly suplex!  Love follows up...he's setting Hornet up......HURRICANE PILEDRIVER!!!! 

SB:  GOOD NIGHT IRENE!!!  THIS ONE IS OVER!

BB:  But there's no one to count the pin....Sweet Melissa is trying to wake Patrick Young, with little success.   But now Poison Ivy makes her move!!!  SINGAPORE CANE to the head of the former CSWA World Champion!  Love drops like a ton of bricks, as Ivy tries to help Hornet to his feet.  Hornet and Ivy retreat to a neutral corner, as Love begins to recover from that cane shot.  Young begins to recover as well, and Ivy quickly takes a powder back to the outside. 

SB:  That woman really needs to be dragged away and shot.

BB:  But I don't think you're the man to do it, Sammy.    Love and Hornet lock up one more time...we're down to about ten minutes left in this one. 

SB:  I'm serious....she just needs to be bumped off.

BB:  Let's not go into the last time you started talking about 'bumping' people off, Sammy.  The two big men trade punches as a still-groggy Patrick Young looks on.  Love slips in one more knee to the midsection, taking control.   Belly to belly suplex by Love, but Hornet kicks out before any count.  Love goes for another, but Hornet hiptosses the Hurricane.  Hornet grabs hold of the formerly finely coiffed hair of Love to pull him to his feet.  Hornet tries to send Love into the corner, but gets reversed and sent against the ropes.  Back body drop by Love, but Hornet rolls to his feet.  Love again sends Hornet for the ride........Hornet ducks the clothesline and comes back across....FLYING BODY PRESS!   He pulls Love to his feet and slams him into the corner, but Patrick Young got knocked to the mat AGAIN by Hornet's elbow!

SB:  What's wrong with that blasted referee?  Oh yeah....I forgot, he's Carl Young's son.

BB:  Hornet's going back for the setup!  And Ivy's up on the apron....she's got that cane across Eddy's neck to keep him in the corner!  Here it comes......HORNET SPLASH!!!!

SB:  And a cane shot to the head for good measure.

BB:  Hornet pulls Eddy out of the corner and he hits the mat.   He pulls Patrick Young to the middle of the ring, and then hooks the leg on Love.   ONE...................TWO.....................THREE!  Hornet gets the win...he picks up his first twenty points with two matches to go.

SB:  That was really unfair, Buckley.  I'm protesting.

BB:  Be careful...Hornet might hear you....and you never know where Ivy's got that branding iron hidden.  Fans, we'll be right back with our next match!

BB: Rhubarb Jones has just introduced our next match folks....and it's former World Champion Mark Vizzack against Deacon in a rematch from their previous bout for the World Title a few months ago.  Vizzack's shoulder is taped and bandaged.... that's going to hinder his movement. He may have pulled through against Flair, but he paid the price. And now, the odds are stacked against the Daredevil repeating his position as CSWA World Heavyweight Champion.

SB: Whatever.... pick his ass up, he's broke!

BB: This is definitely not the way former World Champion "Daredevil" Mark Vizzack wanted his ANNIVERSARY night to shape up, to say the least. After a victory over Eli, Mark has since lost back to back matches to Deacon and Kevin Powers.   Oh wow, we've just gotten the word from Rhubarb Jones...Mark Vizzack faces Eddy Love NEXT....this is amazing.

SB: And due to the luck of the draw, he'll be out here wrestling in about 5 minutes again. Who the heck made this schedule? Marvin? The man can hardly be trusted to use the bathroom alone, and now he's determing the lineup of the IRONMAN OF CHAMPIONS? I knew the company had problems, but this is disgraceful.

BB: I doubt Marvin, had anything to do with it. Though, it may explain a lot. Mark Vizzack makes his way to the back, where he'll have a few minutes to gather himself before the start of this final match.

SB: That's probably what Marvin was doing when he made the lineup...gathering himself.

BB: Sammy!

SB: Oh like that's not nice to say!

BB: Before Vizzack faces off against Eddy Love, Rudy Seizter has a special interview with The "English Gent" Lawrence Stanley!

RS: Ladies and gentlemen, one of the winners of the Battle Royal at ShowTime, along with his manager Lord Alfred, please welcome "The English Gent" Lawrence Stanley.

(The crowd starts to boo as the English national anthem is played. Stanley walks out in an expensive suit, hand made in England, Lord Alfred walks alongside him. They are both disgusted at their welcome by the fans and are berating them as they go past.)

RS: So Lawrence, In Nassau you and Alex Wylde will fight to see who gets a title shot at the Greensboro title?

(With that Stanley pushes Seizter out the way and he and Alfred proceed to go back to the locker room, berating more fans on the way as the crowd boo even more.)

SB: Give it up for him, Buckley...the man's got class.

BB: Oh please.

SB: Hey, maybe if you washed behind your ears, and chewed gum once in a while you'd get the red carpet treatment everywhere you went, like Lord Stanley does.

BB: It's because the man literally carries a red carpet around and rolls it out himself. Would you like me to do that, as well?

SB: Someone missed their nap today....

BB: Help me Obi-Rhubarb, you're my only hope..

RJ: (The bell rings three times.) Ladies and gentleman.... (The crowd starts standing up, making a lot of noise.) The opening round of the Ironman of Champions continues...

(CUE UP: "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zep.)

RJ: Led to the ring by the beautiful Sweet Melissa... is a former CSWA World Champion, and one-half of the current tag team champions. Hailing from wherever he wants to... this is The HURRRIIICAANNNEEE.... EDDDY LOOOOOVVVVEEEE.

(The boos from the crowd are coming in. Sweet Melissa is applauding for her man, who is raising his hands in triumph on the second turnbuckle. He takes off his T-Shirt, and he’s wearing blue trunks that say "LOVE" in script over a pink heart on his butt.)

(CUE UP: "The Show Must Go On" - Queen)

RJ: And his opponent, former World Heavyweight Champion, "Daredevil" Mark Vizzack!!

(crowd pops big, Vizzack w/Sunshine walks out of the curtain. He acknowledges the crowd, but also favors his bad shoulder)

(Cut-to: A little boy, who's grossly overweight. He's hanging over the railing hoping that Sunshine notices his sign that reads "Let your Sun Shine on me tonight". She sees it, and offers an embarrased smile. Vizzack shakes a few hands before hitting the ring)

BB: It's Eddy Love and Mark Vizzack. Goes without saying both men in dire straits for a win. Love after losing to HORNET earlier needs to put a 'W' and 20 pts in the win column. Vizzack on the other hand...

SB: Can kiss his baby good bye.

BB: It's amazing they pay for you for this. Unreal.

SB: No the best part is that my former training lies in pediatrics.

BB: Yeah, you're a man of many talents. Winner here picks up 20 pts. For Vizzack he's hoping to tie Deacon at 40, and as I mentioned before Eddy needs a win to get on the board.

SB: He'll win. Trust me, I'm as sure about that as I am that they'll never be another Pee Wee Herman movie!

::Sunshine and Sweet Melissa wish their men luck, and then step outside. The bell rings. Love and Vizzack lock up::

BB: Actually Sammy I heard today that Paul Reubens plans to do a sequel.

SB: What's sad is that I'll be there on opening night.

BB: Eddy Love takes control early and backs Vizzack into the corner. Patrick Young calls for a clean break, but Love after taking a step back pops Mark in the head! Love again with a right, but this time Vizzack blocks it and lands a blow of his own!

::Vizzack whips Eddy into the opposite corner, and rushes in with a dropkick::

BB: With his ailing shoulder, getting that kind of lift off the ground was no easy task. Vizzack attempts a quick pin, Love kicks out at the count of 1. Mark with a headlock applied to Love, Eddy backs Vizz into the ropes and shoots him across the ring.

:: Love hits the mat, Vizzack leaps over him, comes off the ropes again and takes Eddy down with a flying leg scissors takedown::

BB: Nice takedown by the "Daredevil". Vizzack quickly gets to his feet and heads outside the ropes...Mark vaults himself up over the top rope and leg drops Love! You figure if Vizzack is to win, he's gotta do it early! That injured shoulder can't possibly hold out for long.

SB: Darn it Bill, you're a twit not a doctor.

BB: Eddy in a bit of trouble early, as Vizzack heads to the top turnbuckle. Mark, SHOOTING STAR PRESS off the top, but Love moves out of the way! Mere inches away from a possible win and 20 points for Vizzack. But, Love not quite out of it manages to slip out from harm's way.

SB: The boob might have been inches away from a win, but i'm a few inches from the so Sweet Melissa. Buckley, you would not believe how lovely she smells. If I could just reach out and....

BB: Enough. Eddy begins to go to work, with a fallen Vizzack on the mat. The former World Champion drives a knee into Vizzack's gimp shoulder. Sammy you can see the expression of pain on the man's face. That's the heart of a champion. Probably shouldn't be out there, but he's competing in hopes of becoming a 2-time World Champion.

SB: You can also tell he's in discomfort by the horrible screams he's letting out. Quick, aren't I.

BB: Very. Love wraps one of Mark's arms around his back and throws him into the turnbuckle shoulder first. In all fairness, he's doing what he has to do. If a man is hurt, you go after that weakness. I hate to say it, but it's true.

SB: Buckley, I'm shocked. You're making sense for the first time in years.

BB: Love hip tosses Vizzack out of the corner an charges for a clothesline, but Mark with a drop toe hold takes him down! Vizzack turns it into a camel clutch! Submission move!

SB: Also one that hurts like the dickens. Come on, Eddy....kill him if you have to.

BB: Not sure how much pressure Vizzack can get with his injury...I'm sure it's hurting him almost as much as it is Love.

::Eddy gets to his knees. Vizzack still has the move sunk in::

SB: Then he's a boob for trying the move.

BB: Love to his feet now, with Vizzack still holding on! Eddy thrusts backwards and slams Vizzack down. Good counter by Love. Eddy, has a few words with a fan at ringside before rolling out of the ring. He reaches under the ropes and pulls Vizzack outside.

SB: If those idiots would learn to keep their mouth shut and let a man of greatness go to work, they wouldn't be put in their place.

BB: You're so kind. Love eyes the entrance steps...and fires Vizzack shoulder first in the steps! Oh, you could nearly see Mark's shoulder cave in. I can't imagine this will go on much longer. Eddy with a chair in hand now, jabs it at Vizzack!

SB: It's the goof's fault for not getting out of the way, Eddy was just trying to set it up to sit down.

::Eddy holds Mark as Sweet Melissa steps over and slaps the fire out of his face::

BB: That's not necessary!  The man's already hurt, he doesn't need to be slapped by Melissa!

SB: The kid has a foul mouth, he probably said something he should not have..and Melissa was being a sweetie and putting him back in his place. She's good like that.

BB: Eddy attempts to swing Vizzack into the iron post, but Mark reverses and sends Love flying into it instead! From behind Sweet Melissa tries to slap him again, but this time Sunshine blocks it and slaps Melissa across the face! (crowd pops)

::Vizzack sets up a chair. Gets a little room and takes off running, springs off the chair and bulldogs Eddy on the floor::

BB: What a move!! Love's head is slightly busted open. These two no strangers to each other, and they're proving that again here today. Mark rolls Eddy inside, he might be close to finishing this one off and tieing Deacon for the lead!

SB: Why didn't you chastise Sunshine for getting involved?!

BB: Apples and oranges, Sammy.

SB: Are we talking breast size here or what?

BB: Stop it. Vizzack in the ring, bodyslams Love. He's headed back to the top...this might be the shooting star press again! This time can he hit it!

SB: What do you think?

::Vizzack leaps off, as he's coming out of his flip, Eddy Love who jumped to his feet catches him...holds him in the air for a second and powerbombs him to the mat::

BB: I DON'T BELIEVE IT!

SB: Believe it, Buckley...the man's not of this world.

BB: Love falls over Vizzack for the cover, 1.....2......3....(mixed pop) with a foot on the middle rope to boot! Eddy Love picks up the win, and gets on the board with 20 pts!

SB: I love it, I love it!

(Sweet Melissa walks by the broadcast table and flirts with Benson)

SB: And the win by Eddy was great too.

BB: Vizzack eliminated from the IOC. What a fight out here tonight by the former champion, who came into the tournament at less than 100%.   Vizzack ends the night at 1-3 with twenty points....but he's got to be considered the true "Ironman" of the night, after wrestling three matches in a row.

SB: Cry me a river, and you can't take the heat...ah forget it.

BB:  And from what we've just been told, it looks like Eddy Love's gonna get his chance to do a little Ironman back-to-back.  Eddy is halfway done, and he needs a win here in order to have a chance to get above that forty-point barrier.

(Cue Up: "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd. CUT TO: The curtain in front of the entranceway. The lights dim, and a spotlight shines on the curtain. Laser lights go in tune with the music up and down the aisleway. Fans start screaming and cheering... and then out from the back comes Eli Flair. Flair’s wearing dark sunglasses, a black trenchcoat over his traditional black European singlet, and black boots. Flair comes out, pauses in the middle of the aisleway, and looks both ways. He takes off his sunglasses, and raises both his fists in the air triumphantly. As soon as he does that, the Merritt Auditorium erupts. Eli looks around- and a deafening chant of "EEEE-LIII, EEEE-LIII, EEEE-LIII" is heard. Flair runs to the ring, slides under the ropes and hops on the second turnbuckle. The lights come back on, and he takes off his trenchcoat. stretching. CUE UP: "A Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zepplin. The crowd IMMEDIATELY starts booing. There’s a brief dramatic pause... and then, out already in his trunks is "Hurricane" Eddy Love. Love is staring at the ring, and Sweet Melissa, still in her dress, looks at the camera and mouths, "It’s business now." Eli’s back is turned to Eddy, who slides into the ring and--)

BB: Love isn’t waiting for any introductions- he attacks Eli from behind! A jab, a jab, and another one sends Eli to the ground!

SB: Eddy was just toying with everyone before... now it’s time for him to show everyone what greatness is all about!

BB: Love has Eli back up- (a chant of ELI begins again) He whips Eli to the rop- Eli reverses, he drops down, Love off the far ropes- DROPKICK FROM ELI! Eddy Love rolls out of the ring.

SB: He’s just toying, getting his momentum back... trust me, Buckley!

BB: Eli bounces off the ropes- HE’S NOT LETTING LOVE REST! SLIDING DROPKICK UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE! Love goes flying into the railing hard! Eli hits him once, he hits him again- NO! Eddy Love chops Eli in the neck.

SB: HA! Look at that freak moron gasp for air... Eddy Love knows SOOO many ways to cheat- wait, I mean hurt you.

BB: Pee Wee Troutman is trying to get these guys in the ring, but I doubt he’ll be able to... not with the King of Hardcore out there. Love punches Eli- NO! Eli blocks it! Thumb to the eye! Eli grabs love- he whips him HARD into the railing! Now Eli whips Love- NO! Short-arm whip into the rail! And again!

SB: What does this freak think he’s doing, combining his brawling with wrestling?

BB: Just that, Sammy... Eli Flair is a brawler, and a technician. Eli now has Eddy Love, and he rolls him back into the ring... Eli (the crowd stands on its FEET as Eli’s going under the ring) ELI’S GETTING A TABLE! ELI’S GETTING A TABLE! Flair slides the table into the ring-- and- OH! MELISSA JUST CROTCHED ELI! MELISSA JUST CROTCHED ELI! Eli falls to the floor... and Eddy sees an opportunity.

SB: Atta girl, Melissa!

BB: How could you root for them?

SB: It’s THEIR show, Buckley’s... not yours!

BB: Love rolls out of the ring... (Melissa looks into the camera’s eye and says "Now you’ll see why they call him The Love Machine!") and he has Eli, and rolls him back into the ring. Kick... kick... Eddy Love is starting to punish The King of-

SB: The King of Retards!

BB: Sammy... didn’t you learn from Gertner last week? Keep the harsh comments down... Eddy whips Eli into the corner- Eli bounces off- EDDY LOVE WITH A RELEASED GERMAN SUPLEX!

SB: HA! Eddy Love RULES... every match, he breaks out something new from his arsenal.

BB: Eddy stomps on Eli one more time... now- (the crowd starts to get up on its feet.) LOVE IS SETTING UP THE TABLE! He lays out Eli on it... and Love- (Eddy points at his crotch) LOVE IS CLIMBING TO THE TOP!

SB: THIS IS IT! THIS IS IT!

BB: Love is going to- (the crowd erupts) WAIT! THAT’S- THAT’S- THAT’S STEVE RADDER! THAT’S STEVE RADDER! STEVE RADDER IS ON THE APRON AND HE’S DISTRACTING LOVE! ELI’S GETTING UP!

SB: NO! This should be a DQ!

BB: ELI PUNCHES LOVE ONCE- TWICE... FLAIR ON THE TOP ROPE... SUPERPLEX THROUGH THE TABLE! 1....2.....3! ELI FLAIR WINS!

SB: No! No! That was a TOTAL rip-off!

BB: Eli Flair won, with an assist from Steve Radder... no love lost there, between him and Love!

SB: Oh, Radder’s going to get hurt because of this... TRUST me.

BB:  Fans, we'll be back....

BB: Sammy have you composed yourself enough to go on. It just hasn't been Eddy's night, there's nothing wrong with that. He'll bounce back.

SB: Oh don't patronize me like some kid who's watched his favorite sports team lose in the playoffs. I'm a professional, a born winner..like Eddy Love! (starts to tear up) That kid's gonna be alright, he'll make it just fine in the world...I....I raised him the best I could.

BB: That's always nice to see...a professional have an emotional break down in the middle of a PPV.

SB: Stuff it Buckley.

BB: Just moments ago Eli Flair may have ended Eddy Love's chance at recapturing the World title, he's on the board with 20 points and two matches to go. Kevin Powers is another with 20 pts, and he looks to tie Deacon, who is in the lead, here with a win. With no further delay, Rhubarb if you please..

(Cue Up: The Gregorian Chant)

RJ: Being led to the ring by his manager, The Shepherd... standing at an amazing seven feet and one inch, weighing in at 325 pounds... this is.... DEACON...

(The lights dim, with the exception of a single spotlight on the curtain... and Deacon and Shepherd emerge. Deacon's face is covered by his robes... but the reaction of the fans is spectacular... They get to the ring, and Deacon removes his robes...)

(Cue Up: "(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do" by Filter and The Crystal Method.)

RJ: Coming to the ring is a former CSWA United States champion, and one-half of the tag team champions of the world.

(Powers comes out of the curtain, the smug grin on his face.)

RJ: He hails from... well, wherever HE wants to... ladies and gentlemen, this is KEVVIINNN POWWERRRSSS.

(Powers climbs through the ropes and starts to mock Deacon. Rhubarb excuses himself from their presence)

BB: A win here could all but win the title for Deacon, or at the very least assure himself of being in some sort of tiebreaker. Powers needs to win to say alive.

SB: Survive and advance Buckley, survive and advance. Where's Judy with my nachos? Man alive, Buckley can't we hire anyone who listens.

::bell rings two times::

BB: Apparently not. Underway, and it's Deacon who locks up with Powers and lifts him straight up over his head!! Powers fears what's coming up next, PRESS SLAM! With relative ease he scooped Powers right off his feet!

SB: He's a freak like that.

BB: Deacon pushes Powers against the ropes then whips across the ring, Kevin tries a Thez press but Deacon stops him in mid-flight....adjusts him a touch, and delivers quite a powerslam! Sammy, the ring moved a couple of inches on that one.

SB: No, that was your hair piece. Call the match, and stop worrying you still look fine. (Benson laughs)

BB: Deacon off the ropes, drops an elbow but Powers slips out of the way. While the big back is on his back, Powers takes advantage, stomping away repeatedly. Powers with a headlock on the mat. Good idea to try and tire his opponent.

SB: Forget the sleeper, use a choke Kevin. Choke the life out of the Mighty Monk.

BB: Wasn't that a children's show at one point?

SB: Judgment Buckley, use good comic judgment.

BB: Sorry. Deacon with ease up on his feet, Powers still has a hold of that headlock...Deacon with one arm under Kevin lifts him in the air.....belly to back drop! Deacon's going for a FIGURE 4! I've never seen this move attempted by a man of that size.

SB: I won't touch that one.

BB: Deacon almost has it hooked, but Powers rakes the eyes and he's forced to break it. Kevin to his feet first and he guides Deacon into the corner. That would have been something to see, for sure.

(Powers begins to wail away in the corner, hitting Deacon with everything he's got:)

BB: Deacon stunned by a few of those shots from Powers. Kevin steps up on the middle turnbuckle and now he's firing away at Deacon's head! You can hear the impact of those nasty left hands.

SB: That's because we're a mere 5 feet away you goob.

BB: Easy, Biscuits. Deacon wraps his arms around the legs of Powers and takes a few steps out before dropping him over his knee! Any celebration plans Kevin had for the night, might have just gone bye-bye.

SB: Cheap groin shot. Normally, I would approve...oh heck I still do.

BB: Deacon bounces off the ropes and drops Powers with a clothesline! Here's a cover...

(Worthington counts to 2)

BB: Powers kicks out! Deacon reaches down with one hand to bring Powers to his feet. Standing dropkick, that levels "Good Gawd"! The agility by the Deacon is breathtaking. A man that size who's able to move with such grace, it's a sight to behold.

SB: Yeah, it fills my heart with joy that I couldn't even begin to describe.

(Deacon has a hold of Kevin's legs...he drops to the mat and vaults Powers flying into the corner)

BB: Powers face first into the turnbuckle! Deacon rushes in, with a huge boot the the face! Kevin Powers has had no chance to mount any sort of offense in this match. Dominated by Deacon thus far. Deacon, vertical suplex! Again a cover, for 60 pts...ONE............TWO..............AND A HALF!  How close was that?!  We're seeing the dismantling of Kevin Powers tonight....will anyone stop Deacon!? Can they?

SB: We can only sit and pray.

BB: Deacon back to work, whips Powers across the ring, he scoops him up on the rebound....and drops him with a side slam! That's a lot of weight making it's imprint on Powers' chest. Deacon covers, one more time..

(Worthington with 2 and a half)

SB: NO! (Sammy begins to pray again)

BB: Powers showing his heart, stays alive. Nice to know he has one. Kevin Powers has gotta do something quick or he'll be finished in a matter of no time. With that Powers kicks Deacon in the mid-section. "Good Gawd" tries a DDT, but he couldn't get Deacon down!

SB: Go back to the groin!!

BB: Deacon lifts his head up and Powers with it....he wants the WORLD TITLE tonight! POWERSLAM! Another. Powers is dead weight! Deacon covers and hooks the leg... it's over, Sammy.

(Worthington gets to 2 and 3/4 before Powers has his left shoulder up)

BB: I thought that was it! So did Deacon! Powers slowly to his knees, as Deacon heads to the top turnbuckle. We can only guess as to what's coming next. He hasn't be able to finish off "Good Gawd" yet... extreme measures try but if he nails a move from that height..

SB: it's over.

BB: Thank you. Powers to his feet....

(Deacon leaps off, but Kevin grabs Ben Worthington and pulls him in front of Deacon)

BB: Powers threw Worthington into Deacon's way! Both men down....Deacon shakes it off and stands to see Worthington out. Kevin was about to go down and he...

SB: Came up with a better game plan. Cheat to win, Buckley. I love it.

(Powers turns his back to Deacon and reaches into his tights for a pair of brass knuckles)

BB: Powers reaching into his tights, he's got a foreign object! He takes a swing at Deacon, but Deacon blocks it!! Deacon has Powers by the throat....

(Shepherd tries to wake Worthington)

BB: He lifts Powers up, this might be a chokeslam!!

SB: Does the fun ever stop?!

(As Deacon has Powers up, Kevin throws the brass knuckles over Deacon's head)

BB: CHOKESLAM BY DEACON!! That's gotta be it!!! Deacon covers, Worthington rolls over... 1.....2...

(Worthington calls for the bell)

BB: DEACON'S WON IT!! DEACON has defeated Kevin Powers!!!!

(Worthington raises Powers' hand)

BB: What??!!! I don't understand..

SB: The brass knuckles...he spotted the Knucks and disqualified the DEACON!! HA! That just goes to show that crime doesn't pay!

(The Shepherd tries to explain things to Worthington.  Powers slips out of the ring and heads to the back:)

BB: Powers wins it by DQ, and picks up 10 pts raising him to 30 pts..and he stays alive in the hunt of the World Title! I'm shocked.

SB: Don't be, Buckley. Powers went to plan B and picked up any points he could...smart man! Not as smart as Eddy Love, but a smart man.

(Rhubarb Jones announces the next match over the loudspeaker)

(CUE UP: "All Star" by Smashmouth. The crowd immediatly starts to boo, and the fireworks go off. Hornet walks out the aisle, wearing his black shorts that say "Champ" on the back of them. Hornet calls the camera to close in on him, and he says in it "T...C...B" real methodically. Hornet slowly walks to the ring, not noticing the boos reigning down on him. CUE UP: "(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do?" by Filter and the Crystal Method. As soon as it starts, the crowd erupts. "Good God" Kevin Powers comes through the curtain- and he raises a fist in the air. Powers points at Hornet, and then starts to walk to the ring... limping slightly.)

BB: Kevin Powers has won a LOT of people over tonight... he might not walk out of here the champion, but he’s going to walk out of here in a new phase of his career!  But Powers has been favoring that knee since hs match earlier wih Vizzack.  Pee Wee calls for the- OH! HORNET WITH A LOW LEVEL DROPKICK RIGHT TO GOOD GOD’S KNEE WHEN HE WASN’T LOOKING! KEVIN POWERS IS SCREAMING!

SB: (laughing) HA! Joe Theisman, eat your heart out!

BB: I think Kevin Powers might have some ligament damage, the way he’s holding his knee. Troutman might want to stop- Hornet’s got the knee, kicking and wrenching it...

SB: And Taking Care of Business.

BB: Troutman is in Hornet’s face, backing him off... Powers is in the corner, pulling himself up.

SB: Bad move, Powers!

BB: HORNET CHARGES- THE PATENTED HORNET SPLASH IN THE CORNER! Powers is hurt, and hurt BAD!

SB: We’ve seen this for what, the past 11 years? Hornet tearing up the opposition?

BB: Yes, we have, Sammy... and wasn’t it for the past 10 years you HATED this man? Hornet’s grabbing the leg- and he snaps it foreward... he’s GOT to be going for the Scorpion.

SB: You think, Buckley?

BB: Hornet wisely dragging Powers to the middle of the ring... he’s got the legs grapevin- NO! Powers is wriggling- and he reaches the ropes. Hornet has to bre- POWERS WITH A KICK TO THE GROIN! (The crowd ERUPTS!) Hornet is DOWN!

SB: And sterile! (The crowd starts to rhythmically clap.)

BB: Powers is climbing on the ropes... ("Pow-ers... Pow-ers...") Kevin’s getting up... and HE’S A HOUSE ON FIRE!

SB: And you’re a cliche a second!

BB: Powers has Hornet by the head... he whips him in- BIG CLOSELINE! Powers gets up first- lifts Hornet again- whips him in- charges- WOW! BIG SPLASH BY POWERS! He has Hornet- ELBOW TO THE FACE! Powers is measuring him up... AGAIN! And he’s measuring him up again... A THIRD ELBOW TO THE FACE! (Powers lets out an "ARRRRRRR") Powers is signaling for it, The Power Outage... Hornet’s getting up... Powers bounces off the ropes- kick to the stomach... Hornet’s bent over. This is it- this is it- Powers hoists him up- NO! NO! OH NO! KEVIN POWERS’ KNEE JUST WRENCHED!

SB: HA! That’s too funny too be true...

BB: Hornet knows it’s in his control now... one of those crippling short dropkicks to the knee of Kevin Powers... and now he has it hooked- and turns it over, no questions asked!  SCORPION DEATHLOCK!!!  Troutman’s asking Powers... Troutman calls for the bell, Kevin Powers is in too much pain.

SB: Hornet, he might be old, but he’s still got the heart of ice.

BB: Again... that’s confusing, Sammy... are you drunk? Wait, yeah- of course you are... Hornet saw the advantage, and he took it... we’ll be back.

(CUT TO: The podium, where Bill Buckley and Sammy Benson are located. Buckley’s looking at his notes, reading them like the professional he is. Benson, as usual, is noticeably tipsy.)

BB: Up next, folks, is the final match in the IRONMAN for these two men, and it’s a match that many, many people have been waiting for.

SB: The match has been replaced by Poison Ivy wrestling her emotions for me?

BB: No, Sammy. It hasn’t. Let’s just watch the tape, and get caught up to speed on what’s going on.

(FADE IN: A black screen, that gets split into two. On the left side of the screen, there’s a facial shot of Eddy Love, sweat dripping off his brow, his lips curled into a smug smile. On the right, there’s a shot of “Good God” Kevin Powers. This is a full-body shot of Powers, smiling, the light reflecting in his goatee. He’s got on a singlet over his leather pants, and the singlet reads “PLR”. CUE UP: The voice of Rudy Seitzer.

RS: Eddy Love and Kevin Powers. For months now, the two have become synonymous with each other, and greatness. Whether it’s tag titles, World titles, or just causing a scene wherever they go, The Powers of Love have been a dominating force in the CSWA. (CUT TO: A black and white promo picture of the Powers of Love, Eddy leaping into Kevin’s arms, holding up both tag straps. Then, the picture bursts in an explosion.)
RS: In recent weeks, however, that force has been challenged... be each other’s quests to become the next CSWA World Champion.

(CUT TO: A shot of the match from June 26, in Tampa. Kevin Powers is taking on the team of Bobby Jackson and The Crippler by himself. He’s going through them, a look of anger on his face as he turns to the corner and sees no one there. CUT TO: A shot later in the match, of Eddy Love, smiling deviously at ringside.)

RS: Eddy Love, the master of deception. Kevin Powers, a man who has had his his life torn from him by the tragedies of his valets... Gina and Susan.

(CUT TO: A black and white shot of all three, in happier times. CUT TO: The original black and white shot of Eddy Love and Kevin Powers.)

RS: Tonight, from the Merritt Auditorium in Greensboro, North Carolina... what will be the Revelation of the question... Who is the better man? Eddy Love... or Kevin Powers?

(CUT TO: The packed arena, bugging out, making a lot of noise. Rhubarb Jones is in the ring, wearing his white tux.)

RJ: (The bell rings three times.) Ladies and gentleman... this is it, this is what you have been waiting for. (The crowd starts standing up, making a lot of noise.)

(CUE UP: “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zep. As soon as the song starts, the crowd immediately boos. The camera shoots the curtain, and Sweet Melissa comes out. She’s wearing a tight, black sundress, looking devilishly into the camera. She points over her head, and strutting out to the music comes Eddy Love. Love’s hair is flowing, and Melissa begins stroking it. Eddy’s got on a T-Shirt over his tights- it’s a plain white T-Shirt, with the CSWA World Title air-brushed around his stomach. As they walk to the ring, someone in the crowd throws a wadded piece of paper at them.)

RJ:  Led to the ring by the beautiful Sweet Melissa... is a former CSWA World Champion, and one-half of the current tag team champions. Hailing from wherever he wants to... this is The HURRRIIICAANNNEEE.... EDDDY LOOOOOVVVVEEEE.

(The boos from the crowd are coming in. Sweet Melissa is applauding for her man, who is raising his hands in triumph on the second turnbuckle. He takes off his T-Shirt, and he’s wearing blue trunks that say “LOVE” in script over a pink heart on his butt.

(CUE UP: “(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do” by Filter and The Crystal Method. As soon as it begins, the crowd starts to applaud wildly. Rudy seems taken aback by that, not used to hearing cheers for Powers.)

RJ: Coming to the ring is a former CSWA United States champion, and one-half of the tag team champions of the world.

(Powers comes out of the curtain, limping. CUT TO: A sign in the crowd that reads “The Powers of the World Champ!” Powers is wearing a grey singlet that reads “KP” over a triangle, his customary black leather pants. He points at the ring, and gestures for the title.)

He hails from... well, wherever HE wants to, as well... ladies and gentlemen, this is KEVVIINNN POWWERRRSSS.

(Powers is on the ring apron, and he raises his right arm to the crowd. He hops into the ring, and him and Love stare at each other. Jones climbs out of the ring.)

BB: Kevin Powers and Eddy Love, facing each other... this one’s going to be really hard to call.  For all intensive purposes, Eddy Love is out of the hunt for the World Title here tonight....but I don't know if that matters for him at this moment.

SB: It's all about Eddy, Buckley.  And at this moment, it's all about Eddy taking away Powers' chance to become the World Champion.  And later....it'll be time for Eddy to show the world how to put Radder on the Rocks one more time.

BB: How’d I guess... (The bell rings. The crowd is still on their feet, clapping away.) People here seem to have really rallied behind Powers.   But the big question is, can Powers' knee hold out through this match.  If it can, he's got a chance to be the World Champion.

SB: Because these fans don’t know the meaning of a word... a word called Love.

BB: Eddy and Kevin circling each other... Powers has the size and strength advantage, but Love is a great mat technician, and is also very, very devious. Powers is trying to get Love to lock up with him, and Love is going for it. Powers has Love- and he just tosses him to the floor. (The crowd pops.) Love gets up- he’s pointing to Pee Wee Troutman that Powers pulled him by his hair!

SB: Hey, he’s got a point- he’s got great hair. Powers can’t keep his fingers out of it!

BB: Powers is up again, and he’s calling for Love to try and power each other again- no, Love ducks under and around into a waistlock. Powers is looking for a way out, he elbows Love in the face, and again. Powers into the ropes, Love ducks a closeline, Powers bounces off the ropes, Love with a single leg takedown. Now, he just paintbrushes Powers in the back of his skull-- there was no need for that.

SB: Oh yeah, Buckley? Look at Powers, how mad he is, as Love ducks into the ropes! (Love starts laughing at what he did as Melissa claps for him.)

BB: Eddy Love is a complete and total jerk--

SB: Yeah, but he’s a jerk who wins!

BB: Love is back in the ring, and WHAM- Powers just slugged Eddy! The ref is trying to stop Powers from doing tha-- MAN! Powers is UNLOADING on Eddy Love! He has Love in the corner- Elbow in the face. Powers has the ropes for leverage- WHAM! Another elbow to Eddy Love’s face.

SB: Melissa must be hurting, to have her man’s face banged up like that... she can always have mine, though!

BB: Powers has Love up- Suplex! That’s gotta hurt coming from almost seven feet in the air!

SB: Powers is so big... but remember, the bigger they come, the more Eddy Love humiliates them!

BB: Powers is picking Love up the ground- NO! Love with a headful of hair into a roll-up... 1.....2.....No! Kevin Powers barely kicked out of that one. Both men up- Eddy Love with a thump to the eye!

SB: That’s a jumping thumb to the eye, Buckley. Very technically fluent, Love is.

BB: Love wraps around Powers and has him- half nelson. He’s got Powers’ right leg grapevined... He hoists him in the air and DOWN! That was a belly-to-back suplex, down onto the prone body of Powers. Love gets up, and he’s laying the boots to Powers. He has Powers’ left leg- DOWN with an elbow. Now he has Powers leg again, and he wraps it with his- HE TURNS IT INTO AN STF! He has Powers’ chin locked up...and this could be all she wrote for Kevin Powers!!!

SB: Eddy Love is simply the best wrestler in the world today, because of moves like that.

BB: Love knows Kevin Powers, knows his strengths and weaknesses. He knows that the longer this one goes, the more Powers is on the mat, the more likely he is to win. Powers is reaching for the ropes, but he’s about six inches away.

SB: Look at Eddy grind his knuckles into Kevin’s nose. That’s gotta be even more aggravating.

BB: Powers has the ropes, and Eddy has to break- 1,2,3- he won’t even break for his fellow tag champion. Eddy is told to back off by the ref and- Melissa has Kevin Powers by the hair and is pulling down across the ropes! Come on, that’s not right. They’re supposed to be allies.

SB: Melissa knows to protect her meal tick- wait, I mean man...

BB: Of course you do, Sammy. The ref sees Melissa, and she stops. Love drops across Kevin’s back... and he has Kevin up. He whips him to the ropes...NO....reversal by Powers! Powers with a boot to the face! Love goes reeling (The crowd pops) and Powers is down on a knee, getting his wind back. He scoops Love up- bodyslam! He has him up again for another bodyslam- NO! He hoists Love up... guerilla press! Powers runs with Eddy Love... HE DROPS EDDY LOVE TO THE FLOOR! WHAT A MOVE! Listen to this crowd!

SB: What a bunch of scrubs these people are... they didn’t cheer for Powers a week ago!

BB: A week ago doesn’t matter, Sammy. This is it- this is ANNIVERSARY! Powers is out to the floor. Melissa is protecting Eddy- look at her, begging Kevin to not go after Love.

SB: Begging on her hands and knees, Buckley... I kinda like that.

BB: You would... Powers asks the crowd- he lifts Melissa up out of the way- WHAM! Eddy Love capitalizes on Kevin turning his back, with a shot to the crotch! That was a complete and total low blow!

SB: Yeah, a SMART low blow, though.

BB: Eddy with an uppercut to Kevin’s face. And another... Now he has Powers... and he whips him into the rail! Pee Wee Troutman’s out now, and he’s demanding that they bring it back to the ring. Eddy mugs for the crowd (A lot of boos reign down on Eddy, who is more than happy to hear them. Melissa is over, and she is rubbing Eddy’s back.)

SB: Eddy’s sure taking control of this match, now. Bringing Eddy into the ring is just HANDING him the gold.

BB: Powers is getting up slowly, and he’s getting through the ropes- WHOOMPH. He’s met with a knee from Love. Eddy has Powers and whips him- NO! He short-armed him with a knee. He wraps around- Russian Leg Sweep! He’s stomping away on Kevin, and now he drops a fist down on him.

SB: I told you, Buckley. It’s ALL about Eddy now.

BB: It just might be... Eddy has Powers up by the head... he drops to a knee, and lifts Powers up- No! The big man sneaks around. He puts his big forearm around Eddy’s neck- BIG forearm that wallops Eddy. Now, he has Eddy up on his shoulder-- (Eddy kicks, screaming “NO!”) Eddy drops behind. Eddy leans in- Powers catches him by the neck and hoists him up-- CHOKESLAM CITY! Eddy Love is reeling! This crowd is on it’s feet. Kevin is slow- he’s on top of Eddy. This could be it... 1...2...NO! Eddy BARELY got his shoulder up!

SB: It’ll take a lot more than that to beat Eddy Love!

BB: (The crowd starts clapping rhythmically.) Listen to this crowd. Powers has Eddy up again- Atomic drop! Eddy’s in pain, CLOTHESLINE from Powers! He rolls on top- 1..2...NO! Again, Love barely gets up! Powers lifts Eddy up-- Clothesline, NO! Eddy ducks! Powers with a quick kick to Eddy’s stomach- HE HOISTS HIM UP-- POWERBOMB!!! EDDY LOVE FELL RIGHT ON HIS NECK! Powers on Eddy Love... 1....2....EDDY LOVE PUTS A FOOT ON THE ROPE! Both guys have had so much taken out of them...

SB: Eddy Love is so smart... look at him playing possum like this. He’s just toying with Powers.

BB: Are we even watching the same match? That offensive burst from Powers took a lot out of both men... Both guys are getting to their feet. Eddy’s up first, somehow-

SB: He’s RESILIENT, Buckley...

BB: He is, yes... and he axe-handles Powers right in the back. He drops it again... Eddy has control of Powers and whips him into the ropes... knee to the stomach. Now he wraps around to the side of Powers... he has him up- OH MAN! (The crowd lets out a collective OOOOHH) Eddy Love just his a Belly-to-Back Suplex, and he DROPPED down so quickly that Powers nailed his head.

SB: Eddy Love is filled with these moves, Buckley. That’s why he’s the odds on favorite to win this thing!

BB: Eddy not going for the cover... he has Powers, whips him to the corner. He hits a closeline on Powers who staggers- Eddy hops to the second rope- BULLDOG!

SB: Always something new from the Hurricane!

BB: Eddy with the cover- 1...2...NO! He can’t believe it. Love now has Kevin up... SHOULDERBREAKER! Eddy quickly moves to the leg- elbow to the knee! Again! Eddy yells something to Melissa- (CUT TO: A shot of Melissa holding up 4 fingers) FIGURE FOUR! Eddy Love has the figure four hooked, and Powers is in pain!

SB: And Powers is nowhere near the ropes! What ring positioning by Eddy.

BB: Eddy has it cinched in-- Pee Wee Troutman is checking if Powers is going to give. Eddy reaches back- MELISSA HAS HIS HAND! MELISSA IS GRABBING BACK FOR EXTRA LEVERAGE! Powers is SCREAMING in pain, but he refuses to give up!  The Scorpion may have been too much earlier...but he knows that if gives this time...his World Title hopes are OVER.

SB: Love has targeted his knee all night, and it’s going to pay off for him when Powers gives up.

BB: Powers is SCREAMING in pain. Love must really be damaging the big man’s knee... “Good God” Kevin Powers is in AGONY in there... Love is reaching up to the second rope... Powers is pound in the mat, but he’s saying that he won’t give up.

SB: What an idiot this guy is... he should save himself now and go home, he's still one-half of the Unified Tag Champs.

BB: Kevin Powers has a thing called pride, Sammy, something you don’t know a thing about. (The crowd is clapping, starting slower, and getting louder and faster.) These people are rallying behind Kevin... Love drops the second rope as Troutman was turning around... Pee Wee again asking if Power’s wants to give up- Love again reaching for the ropes- TROUTMAN CATCHES HIM! (The crowd’s cheering.) Troutman’s counting for Love to give it up- 1,2,3,4- Love lets go of the hold. However, that figure four HAD to have taken a lot out of Kevin Powers.

SB: Eddy Love CLINCHED victory with that move.

BB: That remains to be seen... Powers is trying to get on his feet... and Love is measuring him up- he STOMPS on that knee. Again, he stomps on the knee. Love turns and is signaling to the crowd that this over... Powers is grabbing the ropes, climbing up back to his feet. Love turns- Powers chops him! (The crowd is cheering ever chop.) Again! And another chop! Eddy Love is reeling- Powers puts Love in the corner- BOOM! Those trademark elbow smashes in the corner.

SB: Where is Powers getting this from? All these weeks, he’s been carried by Love, I didn’t know he had this in him!

BB: Powers whips Love to the opposite corner and follows- WALLOPS him with a closeline. Love is on the ground... Powers is raising his fist in the air...

SB: NO! He’s not!

BB: Powers has Love in position, he’s going for the Power Outage SlingShot Powerbomb... He hoists Love up-

SB: YES!

BB: LOVE HOOKS POWERS WITH HIS LEG, AND TAKES HIM OVER TO THE FLOOR! LOVE HOLDS ONTO THE ROPES, AND SWINGS BACK TO THE RING! (The crowd is bugging out from that move, not believing what they just saw. A small “Eddy” chant begins from the upper deck, where the hardcore fans sit.)

SB: Eddy Love shows why he’s the best... Look at Powers on the ground. He’s GOTTA give up.

BB: Powers is holding his knee, and he’s walking, limping, trying to work his knee out.

SB: Both men have been going at it so hard... but that move ended it right there. Powers’ knee MUST have ligament damage from that fall to the ring.

BB: You might be right, Sammy... both guys are trying to get their second winds--

SB: More like third or fourth winds--

BB: Powers is on the apron, and Love comes after- Powers with a thumb to the eye, and he ducks- WHOOM- shoulder block to the stomach of Eddy Love. POWERS FLIPS OVER THE ROPES! SUNSET FLIP- ONE...TWO....THREE- NO! NO! NO! EDDY LOVE GOT THE SHOULDER UP! (The crowd was on its feet and thought there was a three count, and started cheering) Both men get up- EDDY LOVE ROLLS UP POWERS! ONE- TWO- THRE- NO! THE BIG MAN REVERSES IT! ONE-TWO-THRE- NO! LOVE KICKS OUT! Both men out- EDDIE LOVE SNEAKS BEHIND WITH A SCHOOLBOY! ONE-TWO-THRE- NO! POWERS MUSCLES LOVE OUT- HE REVERSES IT! ONE-TWO-THRE- AGAIN EDDY LOVE KICKS OUT!!! Both men are EXAUSTED, lying on the mat! (The crowd is on it’s feet, dying after all those near pins.)

SB: Oh man... Eddy Love almost won that match about 5 times right there... what a wrestler he is.

BB: Both guys are slowly getting up... they lock up.Powers has control- he whips Loveto the corner, no The Hurricane reverses it- OH NO! KEVIN POWERS JUST HIT REFEREE PEE WEE TROUTMAN! BOTH MEN GO DOWN!

SB: Eddy Love ALWAYS finds a way to win... and here it is!

BB: Love is BARKING commands to Sweet Melissa... she has a chair! She slides it in the ring to Eddy...

SB: Kevin Powers... prepare to meet defeat right here!

BB: Powers is trying to get up... Pee Wee Troutman is still down. Eddy Love is measuring him up... OH NO! Eddy Love just his Kevin Powers in the knee with that chair! Again with the chair to the knee! Powers is down- WHAM! ACROSS THE BACK WITH THE CHAIR! Melissa is trying to wake Troutman up... Powers is hurt... and Eddy Love is- NO! He’s signaling for it!

SB: IT’S TIME FOR THE HURRICANE!

BB: Eddy Love has Kevin Powers up... THERE IT IS! THAT SPINNING HURRICANE PILEDRIVER!

SB: That’s it! That’s the best move in this sport today!

BB: Love hooks Powers’ leg... Troutman almost up... he goes over, he makes the count... (with the crowd singing along) One........Two......... Thre- NO! NO! NO! NO! (The crowd starts hopping mad up and down as Powers moved his left shoulder up right before Troutman counted three.) KEVIN POWERS SOMEHOW KICKED OUT! HE SOMEHOW GOT HIS SHOULDER UP! EDDY LOVE AND SWEET MELISSA CAN’T BELIEVE IT!

SB: What a con job! Eddy Love had Powers down for three!

BB: Eddy has Powers up and swings- Powers block and hits Eddy! Eddy swings again- Powers blocks and hits Eddy again! He hits Love again! He swings- NO! Love with a thumb to the eye. Love bounces off the ropes- NO! Powers with a kick to the stomach- KEVIN POWERS JUST PLANTED EDDY LOVE’S FACE ON THAT STEEL CHAIR WITH THE POWER ZONE! POWERS LAYS ON TOP OF EDDY LOVE! THIS IS IT! ONE... TWO...THREE- NO! NO! MELISSA PUT EDDY LOVE’S FOOT ON THE ROPE! EDDY LOVE ESCAPED A SURE LOSS!  We're down to just under THREE minutes left in this one!!!

SB: What resiliency... Love and Melissa are SO smart. You can NEVER count Eddy Love out. NEVER!

BB: After tonight, I have to agree... no matter what you think about both these men, they’ve given it their all... Powers is getting up... and so is Love. This crowd is on fire. (The crowd is clapping frenetically.) Both guys are up. Powers lunges- Love ducks the closeline. Powers with a kick to the stomach- HE’S GOING FOR THE POWERBOMB- NO! HIS KNEE! HIS KNEE! GOOD GOD CAN’T GET EDDY LOVE UP. Eddy Love is let go, and he bounces off the rope- POWERS WITH A KICK TO THE STOMACH AGAIN! He has Love- He’s going for the powerbomb again. LOVE HAS THE LEG HOOKED. HE BLOCKED THE HOLD! Powers now- he’s underhooking his arms! He’s trying to lift him up butterfly style.

SB: He can’t do it, Buckley! His knee’s too hurt. He couldn’t do it normal style, and this has GOT to be harder.

BB: Powers is trying--listen to him scream! Love is STRUGGLING to block the hold. (Melissa is screaming at ringside. Kevin Powers lets out a DEAFENING yell, and he gets Eddy Love up.) POWERS HAS LOVE UP! HE- GOOD GOD!!! HE JUST PILEDROVE EDDY LOVE RIGHT ON HIS NECK! OH MY GOD! Powers is down, holding his knee. Powers lays on top... One....Two...THREEEEE! (The crowd goes ballistic, as firecrackers go off in the arena.) “GOOD GOD” KEVIN POWERS JUST WON! HE JUST BEAT HIS TAG TEAM PARTNER EDDY LOVE!

SB: No... Eddy didn’t lose... I can’t believe it.

BB: (As a replay of the finisher move is on the screen.) Powers saw Eddy Love blocking the powerbomb by holding his legs, so he muscled under and hooked the arms from behind... he tried to powerbomb him, but he didn’t his knee gave and he dropped him right on his head... this match was absolutely... one of the most breathtaking, exhilirating and competitive matches we’ve ever seen in the CSWA’s illustrious history.

SB: Kevin Powers was extremely lucky tonight... he somehow got passed Eddy Love.

(CUT TO: Powers rolling out of the ring as the crowd is cheering. A chant of “Powers, Powers, Powers” starts. Kevin stops in the aisle, looks around, and raises his fist in the air as the crowd erupts.)

BB: “Good God” Kevin Powers put a lot of his critics to bed tonight... he certainly won over much of the Merritt Auditorium.

SB: Luck, Buckley. That’s ALL it was.

BB: Kevin Powers moves up to fifty points, it remains to be seen if that will be enough to win him the championship...but title or not, he certainly proved he can beat ANYONE at any time.  Kevin Powers is in the lead, Sammy, my friend.

(CUT TO: Sweet Melissa in the ring, as Eddy Love is getting up. Powers is done making his way to the back. After a few seconds, as Eddy Love gets to his feet, the crowd starts clapping.)

SB: What? NO ONE applauds Eddy Love as much as I do- especially not these goon fans.

BB: The crowd certainly has a lot of respect for Eddy Love. Say what you want about him, but Eddy Love ALWAYS gives it his all. This crowd certainly respects that quali- what- (Eddy Love is looking around at the crowd, taking in this rare applause given to him. Love looks around, and extends both of his middle fingers, and the crowd rings in with a chorus of boos.)

SB: HA! I love it!

BB: Eddy Love... of all the tasteless, disrespectful things... just when you think you can respect the man, he does something like this! The more things change-

SB: The more Eddy Love rules the wrestling world!

BB: By my count...we've only got two men who have a match left tonight.  Either Kevin Powers, Eli Flair or Hornet will be the new CSWA World Heavyweight Champion.....and that's coming up NEXT!  But first fans, we’ll be back with the WINDHAMS!!!!!!!

(CUTTO:  promo for the CSWA's website)

::The crowd is shocked as Troy walks out of the arena. Mark stands in the middle of the ring, stunned. A revelation apparently brought before his eyes. Sunshine puts her hand on his arm, but he doesn't move. The Lost Soul awakened.::

BB:  I.....I....don't know what to say.

SB:  Oh...this just gets better and better.  First Benedict gets pummeled, the Muppet Kid exposed, Troy Windham.....or should I say TIMMY Windham returns....there's a prostitute in the ring...and now the former 'Greatest American Hero' has been boffing his former best friend's wife?  I haven't had this much fun since the Red Midget was killed.

(Commissioner Thomas begins to walk down the aisle as the Windham mess begins to clear out of the ring.)

ST:  Well then I hate to ruin your fun, Sammy.

BB:  Here is comes, Sammy......another firing.

SB:  Oh geez...

ST:  Oh no, Buckley...I wouldn't dream of firing America's favorite foul-mouthed drunk.

SB:  I love you too, Thomas.

ST:  No, instead, I'm gonna give the fans what they want.   You see Sammy, Bill, I think for this final match, for tonight's last match, the crowning glory of what has become a Triple Main Event....I think it's only fitting that we have a trio of commentators to call the action.

SB:  Oh boy....lemme guess, since Poison Ivy can't come down in Hornet's corner without losing her promise from Vizzachero to have that piece of crap she calls a column put back on the TRIBUNE's front page....you're gonna put her at the booth.

ST:  I thought of that one, Sammy....but I'm afraid it's just not enough.  I think for ANNIVERSARY, we need something a little special.  So I thought.....why not have a sort of reunion.

(The crowd begins to murmur as a large box is lowered toward the ring)

ST:  In fact, Sammy, I think it's only fitting that after ten years of service....not eleven, since we're not counting the time you were absent for being fired.....that you be given a little present.

SB:  Why do I think I'm NOT going to like this?

BB:  But I bet I am.....

ST:  Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome a man you all know very well....a man who I owe a great debt of gratitude to....a man who will join the booth as the third man......here's my very special little surprise....

(The sides of the box drop to the mat...revealing...)

......THE RED MIDGET!!!!!!!!!!

SB:  NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

BB:  What in the name of all that.....

Red:  I'm baaaaaack.

SB:  You're.....you're......you're......

(Lyle Tallman, aka The Red Midget, begins climbing out of the ring to the commentators' table)

Red:  Dead?  Come on, Sammy....you know better than that....

SB:  But I saw you....I saw him....I saw....

Red:  Hush now, Benson...don't reveal any of our little secrets....we have friends that wouldn't be very happy at that, don't we?

SB:  But it bl......you were......I saw.....

Red:  Would you like to slap some sense into him Buckley, or may I?

BB:  I'm about as blown away as he is, Red.  The last time we saw you alive was just over two years ago at CSWA ANNIVERSARY 1997!  And we all saw, or thought we saw you hanged!

Red:  You'll have to talk to Sammy about that one, Bill....I've got no comment.

BB:  We all think you're dead for two years....and you've got NO COMMENT?

Red:  Exactly.

BB:  Now I remember why I hit you in the head with a suitcase....

Red:  Oh....don't think I've forgotten that little incident either.  Now do your job and get on with the show....

SB:  But he's.....I mean, I saw.....

BB:  Fans....I would send it down to Rhubarb...but he's refused to come back out after being attacked by Sammy Benson.  So the honors are mine, I suppose.  Both these men come into this match with 40 points, having won two matches and lost one.  Should either of these men win by pinfall, they will be your next CSWA World Heavyweight Champion.  They are two men who need no further introduction.........it's time for the FINAL match of the IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS (crowd cheers)....it's time for......

BB:  Hornet comes in with wins over Eddy Love and Kevin Powers; Eli Flair got his wins over Deacon and Love.  That all leaves us with a strange finale.....if either man wins by pinfall, they win the title.  If Hornet were to win by disqualification or countout, he would win the title by virtue of the tiebreaker due to his win earlier against Powers.  If Eli Flair were to win by DQ or countout, he would tie Powers at 50 points.....and we haven't seen an Eli/Powers match.  I'm assuming that at that point we'd have a tiebreaker match....but that ruling would be made by Commissioner Thomas.  Of course, if there's a draw, Kevin Powers takes it all home.

RM:  You said a mouthful.

BB:  And we all wish you wouldn't.

SB:  I'm telling you....I saw....

BB:  Wait a second...it looks like Rhubarb Jones is on his way down.

RJ:  (in the ring)  Sorry fans, I was being attended to in the back.  As you've heard, Mr. Buckley has given you the run-down.  Now entering the ring is the former CSWA Presidential Champion, the former United States Champion, and the man they call the "King of Extreme"......he is ELI FLAIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!  (crowd pops)

His opponent hails from just down the street here in lovely Greensboro, North Carolina (crowd cheers lead to a mixed reaction, mostly boos), he is looking for his second IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS win to give him an unprecedented fifth CSWA World Title reign....here is the One......the Only.......HORNET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BB:  How many times have we seen this?

RM:  None actually....when was the last time Eli Flair and Hornet met in the ring?

BB:  (silence)

RM:  Exactly.

SB:  I'm telling you...I don't.....

BB:  Shut up Sammy!  Hornet and Eli circle the ring....but Eli quickly slides outside.  What is Rhubarb still doing in there?

RJ:  Ladies and gentlemen, I've just been asked to make one final introduction....... here is the first lady of wrestling, a former champion in her own right.......this is.....POISON IVY!!!!!!!!!!!!

BB:  WHOA!  What have we got here?!

SB:  The "Happy Hour" is staying on the front page of the TRIBUNE is what we've got.

RM:  Apparently not....cause look what she's wearing!

(Ivy begins marching down to ringside wearing a tank top that reads "Are You Ready..... to Get EXTREME?"  She is holding something black in her hands along with the infamous Singapore cane.  She reaches the ring as Eli picks up a microphone.)

ELI: See something familiar, Hornet? Yeah, Ivy said she didn't have to be in  your corner here at Anniversary.... and guess what? She's not. She's some place better. HOME.  (HUGE fan pop)

BB:  Eli is all over Hornet, but he's got his back to Ivy.  He's got no idea that she's coming up from behind him with a branding iron!

RM:  Or maybe she does.....because Eli pulls Hornet out of the corner and throws him against the apron.  He's got Hornet stretched out!

BB:  And Ivy SLAMS that branding iron hard into Hornet's back.  Hornet drops to one knee and turns toward Ivy.  He's begging her not to do it again...and now it looks like she's aiming for his head!  She swings....and he grabs hold of the metal rod!!!  He wrenches it out of her hands and slams it into the gut of Flair!!!   Flair doubles over, Hornet pushes Ivy away, and then nails Flair in the back with another shot from the branding iron before tossing it down the aisle. 

RM:  This thing is getting out of hand.

BB:  At least it didn't have smoke rising from it like last time.....Hornet branded Vizzack for goodness sakes.

SB:  Smoke...there was smoke...and blood...and....

BB:  Both men are now back inside....Hornet taking a slight breather in the corner, while Eli remains close to the ropes, recovering from that shot to the kidneys.   Hornet's on his feet, and he brings Eli to his knees.  Now he pulls Eli to his feet and pushes him into the corner.  Knife edge chops by Hornet, and now the former World Champ pulls Eli out and sends him across!!!  Eli hits hard in the corner; further damage on that sore back.  Here comes Hornet!!!  HORNET SPLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RM:  How many times have we seen that tonight....although that's about the most well-executed one of the night.

BB:  Ivy is yelling for Eli to watch out for what we all know is coming next.......Eli's able to get his arms under the ropes and block the Scorpion!!!   Hornet grabs Flair's legs and pulls him out of the corner, however.  Flair quickly rolls to one knee, but Hornet is ready.......he scoops Flair up and sends him down with a belly to belly, over by the other corner.

RM:  What's he doing now?

BB:  He pulls Flair out from the corner just a little bit, leaving him on his back....and now Hornet is headed up top!  He doesn't do this often....but if he hits....this could be it!

RM:  And Ivy is over by the other corner...she's got no chance to interfere!

BB:  Hornet stands up top....he raises his arms, playing to this crowd....he may be wasting too much time!!!!    SHOOTING............STAR.............PRESS!!!!!   HE HIT IT!    HORNET HIT IT!!!!!!   HE HOOKS THE LEG!!!   ONE.........................................TWO.......................................THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   He's done it!!!   Hornet is the FIVE-TIME CSWA WORLD CHAMPION!  I can't believe it!!!!

RM:  NO!  Look....Manuel Juarez is pointing to Eli Flair's leg.....he's got a boot on the lower rope!!!

BB:  But Hornet doesn't see it......he's calling for a microphone!   Flair is still down on the mat.

RM:  Juarez is trying to tell him, but Hornet's not listening.  He's got the mic.

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