DT: Well, the World Tag Team Champs draw first blood here tonight, but first thing’s first. Tonight the very first Empire Pro Television Champion will be crowned. Commissioner Paul Freeman by order of our owner Dan Ryan has commissioned a pair of matches to determine just who will be facing off to become the very first Television Champion.

DM: I’m told X-ecutioner had some personal issues to deal with, preventing him from appearing or even promoting his appearance here tonight so our first match in the TV Title picture will be Tariq Ismail versus Adam Benjamin versus Karla Starr in a three way dance to see who makes up one half of the final. DT: And just to make sure everyone understands the rules, this match goes to one fall only. So whoever makes the pin goes on to the final. No eliminations.

DM: The stipulation makes this a match anyone can win, Dave. Technically you can lose this match without being pinned, so all three of these competitors need to be on their toes.

DT: Let’s go to Tony Fatora with the ring introductions on this, our first match!!

[SFX: Bell rings]

TF: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is a three way dance to determine who will go on the Television Title Final and is for one fall…..introducing first…..

[CUE UP: “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs starts up and bright white pyro erupts onstage. Within moments Karla Starr emerges from the smoke walking to the ring with a smirk on her face.]

TF: From Boston, Massachusetts and weighing in at one hundred forty pounds…..this is KAAARLAAAAA STAAAARRRR!!!!!

DT: Karla Starr on her way to the ring right now. She and Foxx really went out it during hype week before the show, even getting into an argument at our Fan Fest here yesterday. Definitely no love lost between those two.

[We see a shot of Karla entering the ring and preparing in one corner.]

DM: Those two are fighting it out over who will be the next dominating female in the company, and I imagine if those two somehow end up in the finals together here tonight, it’ll only exacerbate the problem more.

MN: THEY’RE GONNA EXACERBATE???

DT: [sighing] You should’ve known better, Dean.

DM: My bad.

[CUE UP: "Lose Yourself" by Eminem. "Yours Truly" Adam Benjamin makes his way slowly to the ring. Adam is wearing two English flag bandana's one that cover his head and the other that covers the lower part of his face revealing only his eyes.]

TF: Her opponent, from the UK!!!....weighing in at two hundred forty five pounds…..ADDAAAAAMMMM BENJAAAAMMMMMIIIINNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Benjamin makes it to the ring, slides in under the bottom rope and heads for a neutral corner, giving Karla Starr the eye as he walks over.]

DT: And here’s Big Daddy English!! Benjamin is a former Intercontinental Champion and on top of that, has had quite the transformation lately.

DM: He beat the hell out of Beast a few weeks ago. This is a new and improved Adam Benjamin for sure.

[CUE UP: “God is God” by Juno Reactor blares over the speakers to an immediate thundering round of boos.]

TF: Their opponent, from Mosul, Iraq…weighing in at two hundred forty pounds….TAAARRIIIIQ ISSSSMAAAIIIIL!!!!!!!!

DT: I wish someone would just slap that turban right off his head.

DM: PC!!

DT: Sometimes being PC just isn’t high on my priority list.

MN: You always hate anyone who tells the truth, Dave. It’s a character flaw.

[Ismail struts to the ring with his nose in the air and climbs methodically into the ring, then turns and gives a clear look of disgust into the crowd. The referee comes over to take his turban and he turns to face his opponents.]

[SFX: Ring bell.]

DT: And we’re under way! These three are slowly sizing each other up here.

DM: It’ll be interesting to see if there is any strategy involved in isolating anyone in particular. We should find out right up front.

DT: Ismail biding his time near the ropes and smirking at the other two. Benjamin steps up and gets into Ismail’s face and they’re jawing back and forth. Starr just sitting back and….OH! A dropkick to the back of Benjamin’s knee from Karla Starr! And Ismail seems amused!

MN: That’s a woman for you.

DT: Benjamin to a knee and now he eats a hard stiff boot from Ismail to the jaw that drops him back on the mat. Ismail over as Karla Starr keeps her distance, he pulls Adam up and whips him hard into the turnbuckle….Ismail measuring him up….AND OHHH!!! KARLA STARR JUST LOADED UP AND DRILLED ISMAIL!!

MN: A shot to the jubblies!! No fair!!

DM: Them womens is wily.

DT: Ismail drops to his knees in pain and Karla Starr wastes no time….she charges the corner and dropkicks Adam Benjamin back against the turnbuckle. Benjamin slumps against the corner…and Ismail is fuming…he’s up and he’s got Starr from behind…

MN: Heh…

DT: Ismail with a hand full of hair and he’s verbally berating Karla Starr!! Ismail whirls her around and just tosses Starr over the top rope to the floor!!!

DM: WHOA…I think she hit her knee on the ringsteps on her way down! She’s clutching at that knee!

MN: Serves her right.

DT: Ismail on the attack on Benjamin….pulls him to his feet and belly to belly suplexes him out of the corner! Legdrop on Benjamin and a cover! ONE, TWO….no! A forceful kickout by Adam Benjamin.

DM: It’s a little bit early for that, but it’s good to take a shot when you can.

DT: Benjamin turned flat on his face as Ismail makes it to his feet…..Ismail over, jabs at the ribs of Benjamin and grabs his wrists….and pulls back into a surfboard!!

DM: There’s a move you don’t see much anymore….

DT: Ismail pulling back with all of his might…..meanwhile Karla Starr is still clutching at her knee on the outside!

DM: We might need some paramedics out here for Miss Starr….

MN: I volunteer for CPR duty!

DM: I don’t think making her throw up will help her knee, Neely.

MN: Shaddup.

DT: Ismail yanking back….

[A voice comes over the speaker….]

“ISMAIL!!!”

DT: What the heck is this??

“ISMAIL!!”

[The camera turns to the entrance area where we see a man in camouflage attire leading a small child onto the stage. We recognize the child as the one duped on Aggression by Tariq Ismail.]

“I know you hear me!”

DT: Ismail just caught a glimpse of this guy and his eyes have gone wide!! He’s letting Benjamin go….

“Guess what? Where I come from men keep their word. Where I come from when you make a deal, you own up to it. And where I come from, when punks like you cheat little kids out of something they’ve rightfully earned…PEOPLE LIKE ME make sure you PAY UP!”

[Loud crowd cheer]

DT: Tariq Ismail is incensed!!! Who is this guy?

DM: That’s the Sergeant! I’ve hard a lot of good things about this guy. I’ve gotta say, this is a ballsy first move.

[Ismail goes over to the ropes and yells at the Sergeant up on the stage. The microphones pick up mostly swearing in Arabic.]

“Now, what I’m asking….no, demanding you do is pull out your wallet and pay this kid the thousand dollars you owe him.”

DT: Ismail is furious…he’s….wait, is he trying to take off his shoe???

DM: He’s gonna throw the shoe!!

MN: Priceless!!!

DT: Wait a second….ADAM BENJAMIN WITH A ROLLUP FROM BEHIND!!!! ONE…..TWO!! TH…..NOOO!!!! ISMAIL JUST KICKS OUT!!

DM: But he’s got his boot half off! He can’t even get to his feet all the way!

DT: Ismail on one knee trying to get his boot back on…..Benjamin to the ropes….OH MY GOD!!!! ISMAIL JUST CAUGHT A SHINING WIZARD!! SHINING WIZARD!! ISMAIL IS OUT COLD!!!! HERE’S THE COVER!!!! ONE!!!! TWO!!!! THREEE!!!!

DM: HOLY CRAP!!!

MN: That damn Desert Storm reject cost Tariq Ismail this match!!

DT: The Sergeant is still on the stage just shaking his head! He waves the kid to follow him and they leave, but the damage is done!!! Adam Benjamin is going to the finals with a chance to be the first ever Television Champion!!

DM: And Karla Starr is getting the help she needs. Hopefully this isn’t serious.

DT: Paramedics over with Starr right now, but it looks they’re able to get her to her feet and…an ovation for Karla Starr as she tries to walk out under her own power. She’s noticeably limping but it looks at least for now as though it’s not too serious.

MN: Let’s hope so, she spends a lot of time on her knees. I’d hate to see that in jeopardy.

DT: Nevertheless Adam Benjamin has taken the match…and we’ll be right back after this!!

[Cut to: a shot of Benjamin as he leaves the ring, arm held high.]

[CUT TO: Backstage. We see the inside of Dan Ryan’s office. Ryan is sitting in a highbacked leather chair and Paul Freeman is standing on the door-side of the desk.]

Freeman: I’m serious. I had no idea it wasn’t actually gonna be Hornet.

Ryan: Of course you didn’t.

Freeman: I was assured it was him. I was just as surprised….and uh….upset….when the imposter showed up as you were!

Ryan: Somehow I doubt that.

Freeman: Look, I’ll make sure the kid doesn’t get in the building tonight.

Ryan: Actually, I sent him a backstage pass to the event.

Freeman: You….huh? Wha?

Ryan: That’s right. He’s gonna be a distinguished guest. Treat him accordingly please.

Freeman: You…want him here?

Ryan: [still stoic in expression] Absolutely. In fact, I’m giving him some in-ring time.

Freeman: You’re serious….

Ryan: Extremely.

Freeman: Oookay…well, you’re the boss.

[Ryan smiles that fake business smile]

Ryan: That’s right.

[Just then the door bursts open and a very angry Tariq Ismail storms into the room.]

Ismail: What the hell kind of company do you run here, Ryan? I don’t need this! I am a prince where I come from! A PRINCE!! You don’t treat Tariq Ismail like this! I spit at this company! I want justice!!

Ryan: You want justice huh?

Ismail: I DEMAND IT!!!

Ryan: [looking down at some paperwork] Well I don’t see here in your contract where it says you get a rematch after losing your match. Maybe if you….

[Just then a shoe comes flying into the frame and hits Dan Ryan square in the forehead. Ryan stops mid-sentence, but continues to stare blankly at the papers on his desk.]

Ryan: Did you just throw a shoe at me?

[Ryan slowly looks up and looks at Ismail, who’s now standing with arms crossed and wearing one shoe. Freeman makes an “oh shit” face and slips out the door.]

Ismail: JUS-TICE!!!

[Ryan smiles.]

Ryan: FI-RED!!!

[Ismail’s face goes white in shock, his arms dropping to his sides.]

Ismail: WHAT??

Ryan: You’re right. You don’t need this. And neither do I. You’re fired. Get your things and get out.

Ismail: But the show isn’t even over ye…

Ryan: OUT!

Ismail: You’ll hear from my attorneys Ryan!! This isn’t over!!!

Ryan: [Holding up the shoe] You want your shoe back?

Ismail: BAHH!!!!!

[Ismail storms angrily from the office…..Ryan looks at the shoe and tosses it to the side.]

Ryan: Idiot.

[Fade to the broadcast booth.]

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