OPENING VIDEO PACKAGE

Open your eyes

Air is inhaled into the lungs of a once comatose patient, waking to find the world in a state of disarray. He lunges forward in his bed, sheets slipping from his malnourished frame and sweat trickling down his pale flesh. The machines that kept him alive beep and buzz as he reaches up to remove the tubes that feed into him.

It’s finally time for me to show the world what I already know….

On the heart monitor the jagged green line that detects the beat is superimposed over images of Axl Evermore and Desolation standing mono a mono in the center of the ring. Axl’s voice continues to be heard in the background as we now see him delivering forearm strikes with Desolation, before cutting to the Dark Man taking out his knees with a steel chair.

Axl Evermore: That your not invincible.

Blood streams from Desolation’s severally banged up nose as he licks the dripping claret from his lips, obtaining some type of sick satisfaction from the taste. Incoherently the abruptly woken patient finds his body atrophied as he tries to get out of bed, his hairy legs hanging over the edge of the cot and his head pounding with pain. He slowly stands up, every muscle in his body aching while his feet hit the cold floor, carrying his drained body towards a door containing a cracked window in the center.

Johnny Kingdom: My sole motivation - my raison d'etre - is just to betray someone.

As the door closes behind him images fill the broken window it contains, showcasing Johnny Kingdom and Orlando Cruze uneasily standing across from one another with the Tag Team Titles hanging from their hands. Obvious paranoia exists between them as Orlando’s eyes are zoomed in on, as well as Johnny’s.

The disorientated young man makes his way down the corridor, where everything is in a dormant state of chaos. Glass litters the floor, fluorescent tubes hang from broken lights over head and an overturned wheelchair’s spokes slowly spin. As his shadow passes over this chair scenes relaying to Riggs crouching in the ring with Dan Douglas handing off the N.H.B belt to Christian Savior fill the slowly turning wheel.

Dan Douglas: You will make a choice at Awaken, will it be the Conspiracy, or will it be your job?

Riggs crouches in the ring trembling with rage before the camera turns back to the wondering patient, fumbling his way down the corridor in search of life. Sadly, there are not even the slightest traces of existence, leaving the young man frightened and weary. To his right looms a stretcher soaked with blood, and in that blood images are stirring.

Faust: Those who can create the world in one breath and destroy it in the next… That is TRUE light… That is TRUE darkness.

Faust chases Pat Evans and Silencer out of the ring swinging a Singapore cane wildly before cutting to him hanging upside down from the turnbuckle, smiling with his bright red fangs.

The scene shifts from the puddle of blood featuring disturbing imagery of Faust and settles on the bewildered traveler, pioneering forth despite his reservations. He passes by a room with an empty bed but the wall mounted television above still playing. Pure static exists on the screen until it slowly transforms into scenes of pervasive violence featuring Too Magnificent delivering the Midas Touch on Max Craven.

Too Magnificent: No funeral, no mourning, no sadness. No nothing. You don’t deserve it. All that you deserve is a slow agonizing end.

The television continues to feature images of Max Craven now making his way to the ring dressed as Robo-Craven, causing Too Magnificent and Jackson Adams to high tail it.

In his daze the patient finds himself located now in the lobby, where the automatic doors continuously open and close. The glass is blood smeared and relaying the prior events that have passed between Robin Brooks and Phantom, namely the giant monstrosity walking away with her over his shoulder despite her pleas to be released.

David Freak: You stole that last win from me, Rose. You found me in a strange situation and you took advantage of it.

The images on the glass doors change to Freak being rolled up from behind by Aurora Rose for the three count after a mysterious nose bleed. The barely conscious patient steps staggers towards these doors, passing by the knocked over water cooler. The refreshing liquid is spilled out in a puddle across the tiled floor, and in this water scenes featuring Christian Savior spearing Hurse on a multitude of various occasions are shown.

Hurse: Its high time that you and Christian Savior, and every other emo realizes who’s at the top of the pecking order, and who’s down at the bottom feeding on my scraps and bits of fecal matter.

The water continues to contain scenes of the brawls that have been fought between Savior and Hurse in the past. However, in his perpetual grogginess, the patient finds himself un-interested in these previous events, instead drawn towards the exit, light pouring in through the glass.

He hesitates as he stands at the edge of the exit and on the brink of the outside world, perhaps wondering if he should take that next bold step forward. After much debate and a gulp he takes that final step and is enveloped by the light.

Open your eyes.

A loving wife clinging to the last shreds of hope stoops over her husband’s bed as he lies in a comatose state. Tubes lead into his nostril and down his throat, keeping him alive as she desperately squeezes his hand, trying to give him the motivation to wake up. On the wall mounted television over her back the screen is filled with various images pertaining to the IWC competitors, rather it be Orlando Cruze standing on a corner with the World title, Pat Evans swinging a chain into Faust’s face, or Desolation delivering a Curb Stomp on the severally beaten Axl Evermore.

In her last moments of true sanity, she bends down close to her motionless beau’s ear, whispering softly.

Awaken.

A giant eye suddenly overtakes the screen, opening abruptly and revealing some type of digital code running through it. In its pupil are images of Axl Evermore and Desolation throwing forearms into each other’s faces at Paranoia V before cutting to Orlando Cruze connecting with the Rock Bottom on Silencer, and Riggs hitting the Hopscotch. The giant eye blinks and when it opens we’re taken live to the Manhattan Center.

AWAKEN

The camera shoots live to the inside of the Manhattan Center, capturing a gigantic implosion of cheers from the crowd. Fireworks erupt from the stage, turnbuckles, so on and so forth, illuminating the giant eye shaped entry way. The titantron is positioned inside of the pupil, currently relaying live images of the screaming fans.

Mark Comeau: It’s certainly interesting to be back here live on a pay-per-view, this is Mark Comeau, joined by everyone’s favorite moron, Susie Moore for IWC AWAKEN.

Susie Moore: Mark, Mark, that giant eye is giving me a funny look.

Mark: It’s made of metal.

Moore: It’s still giving me the creeps, it follows me everywhere I go.

The camera finally cuts to both Mark Comeau and Susie Moore, who is tilting her body from side to side, watching the very giant eye she perceives to be watching her.

Comeau: Tonight we’ve got several huge title matches, amongst them Christian Savior defending his N.H.B gold against Hurse, Desolation and Ladder versus Axl Evermore with the Cartel Championship at stake, and the Tag Team Titles will be defended as the unlikely but all star duo of Orlando Cruze and Johnny Kingdom take on the Paradoxical Paradigm.

Susie: How can you still breathe after doing so much talking?

ROBIN BROOKS VS. FAUST

Now occupying the center of the ring is announcer Kailey Worf with a microphone in hand and a smile on her face, pleased to be getting air time perhaps. Lurking behind her is official Stuart Wright, who is anxious to get these proceedings underway.

Kailey Worf: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is slated for one fall, introducing first from Victoria, British Columbia, The Black Widow and current X-Class Champion, Robin Brooks!

An overwhelming chorus of boos emanate from the packed Manhattan Center crowd, absolutely no one appreciative of the fact that Robin Brooks is about to open up this pay-per-view. However, some are slightly intrigued as to rather or not Robin will actually show up given her abduction on the last Riot!

Comeau: And we’re getting right underway with the Alpha Generation’s Robin Brooks about to collide one on one with “The Vampire Lord” Faust, in what should be an outstanding high flying encounter. But I have to wonder rather Robin is even going to be here considering that Phantom ran off with her last week.

Susie: I like seeing people fly, that’s why I watch Harry Potter movies, although they cheat because they use brooms….

Mark: Hold that thought!

To a wave of surprise referee Wright is spun around and grabbed by the throat. His eyes almost bulge from his skull before he is hoisted into the air then chokeslamed very violently spine first directly into the canvas. A repulsed reaction cuts throughout the building at the sight of Too Magnificent standing in the ring, wearing a sleeveless referee shirt.

Mark: Too Magnificent just chokeslammed referee Wright, and he’s wearing a referee’s jersey?

Moore: A modified referee shirt that shows off his nice arms. Oh yeah, and how dare he.

Kailey spins around to face Too Magnificent, trembling in shock before he reaches out without hesitation, taking hold of her hair. Before she can even think about getting away the ring announcer is dragged towards the menacing giant, who takes her under the jaw speaking chillingly into her ear.

Susie: Hey, take your hands off of Kailey, and put them on me. Did it get hot in here?

Comeau: Come on Too Magnificent, let Kailey Worf go! This is no way to open a pay-per-view, unless your company’s initials are T.N.A.

You can barely hear what the gruesome goliath is saying although he’s read in the face and now shouting into a trembling Kailey’s ear.

Too Magnificent: ANNOUNCE IT, ANNOUNCE IT!

Although she’s almost too shaken to speak Kailey nevertheless raises the microphone to her trembling lips.

Kailey: Um, uhhh….

Too Magnificent: ANNOUNCE IT GOD DAMMIT!

Kailey: Your special referee for this match is, TOO MAGNIFICENT.

Now that he’s satisfied he lets go of Kailey, who high tails it from the ring.

Comeau: I don’t understand how this can be considered legal in the slightest, but Too Magnificent has just chokeslammed Stuart Wright and now he’s the official referee for this match.

Susie: I thought logic holes were acceptable here.

Mark: Regardless, this match has just been drastically altered, but why is Too Magnificent so vehement about referring this match in the first place, unless it has something to do with his continued issues against the Alpha Generation?

Too Magnificent now backs into a corner, his intense eyes locked on the entry way in anticipation of Robin Brooks’ and Faust’s entrances.

Tell me exactly
what am I supposed to do?
Now that I have
allowed you to beat me!
Do you think that
we could play another game?
Maybe I can win this time?
I kind of like
the misery you put me through.
Darling, you can trust me
completely.
If you even try
to look the other way,
I think that I could kill this time.

Rah! Rah!
Rah! Rah!

It doesn't really seem
I'm getting through to you.
Though I see you weeping so sweetly.
I think that you might
have to take another taste,
a little bit of hell this time.

Rah! Rah!
Lie to me!
Rah! Rah!
Lie to me!

Is she not right?
Is she insane?
Will she now run for her life
in the battle that ends this day?
Is she not right?!
Is she insane?!
Will she now run for her life
now that she LIED TO ME!

You always wanted
people to remember you.
You leave your little mark on
society!
Don't you know your wish
is coming true today?
Another victim dies tonight.

Rah! Rah!
Lie to me!
Rah! Rah!
Lie to me!

Is she not right?
Is she insane?
Will she now run for her life
in the battle that ends this day?
Is she not right?!
Is she insane?!
Will she now run for her life
now that she LIED TO ME!

Ramidi ma ma ba di ma!
Ramidi ma ma din do!
Ramidi ma ma ba di ma!
Ramidi ma ma ba di mo!
[all x3]

Is she really telling lies again?
Doesn't she realize she's in danger?

Eeeeeeeyow!

Is she not right?
Is she insane?
Will she now run for her life
in the battle that ends this day?
Is she not right?!
Is she insane?!
Will she now run for her life
now that she LIED TO ME!

The little bitch,
she went and she told A LIE!
Now she will never tell another.
A LIE!
The little bitch,
she went and she told A LIE!
NEVER FUCKING LIE TO ME!

The curtains start to move and out runs the energetic yet egotistical Robin Brooks, many of the fans actually shocked to see her.

Comeau: Well there’s the answer to my question.

Susie: Yep. What was your question?

Mark: Robin Brooks is here, although I doubt she wants to be considering who just became special referee. I wonder how she got away from Phantom.

Robin stops on the stage, soaking in the negative response while lifting her eyebrow in the direction of the menacing, grinning Too Magnificent. Nevertheless she starts towards the ring at a slow pace, weary of the referee’s intentions while the X-Class title shimmers around her waist. The beautiful Brooks hops onto the apron and pauses there, still giving Too Magnificent un uncomfortable gaze. Three beautiful voices are heard chanting over the speakers while mist flows all over the arena.

'Imoniti Nosferatu'

From the mist emerges 'The Brides', Saan, Marisha, and Delaina. They are almost dancing in the mist while they chant over and over.

Suddenly, the opening notes of 'Bloody Tears' rips through the audience sending shivers down their spines as Electric guitar rock mixes with organ. As the notes blast, a coffin is raised from the middle of the ramp which also spills red mist (mixing with the gray mist and overtaking it) all over the ramp and around the ring. The crowds cries grow even louder as the brides open the coffin to reveal the Heir of the pure 'Vampire Bloodline'... The Vampire Lord... Faust.

He wears battle attire emblemed with the clan of his ancestors as well as a cape typical of his bloodline. He walks out of the coffin, which lowers behind him. He stands there, his cape wrapped around him by his hands while the brides lean and caress him. When the coffin is fully lowered, he extends his arms, releasing his cape behind him. Faust and his brides slowly journey towards the ring until they step onto the apron. He turns to face the audience. The brides all take positions around him. As the audience cheers they open their mouths, exposing their fangs. Faust then steps to the nearest turnbuckle, removing his cape and placing it on there.

He gets into the ring as Saan opens the ropes for him, and walks to the opposite turnbuckle that Delaina and Marisha gesture towards, before leaping to the top and standing with perfect balance where he poses for the fans. Then in an instant, he hops to a seated position on the turnbuckle and lets his back fall making him upside down facing towards the rampway... like a bat. The brides try to enter the ring only for Too Magnificent to cut them off, motioning for them to vacate the ringside area immediately.

Comeau: Faust and Robin Brooks making their overblown entrances to the ring, boy it be nice if we got to the wrestling already.

Susie: This is a wrestling show?

Mark: Well Too Magnificent showing signs of being a fair referee by insisting the brides leave ringside, or perhaps that’s because he wants no interference should he decide to go after Faust.

The Vampire Lord continues to hang upside down in the corner as his brides smile and step up the ramp in reverse, flashing their fangs towards a strangely intimidated Too Magnificent. All of a sudden Robin Brooks takes off across the ring though, lunging into the air then connecting with a dropkick to the face of the hung upside down Faust.

Comeau: And this match is officially started, it’s about time.

Moore: Robin Brooks just dropkicked the upside down Faust, that was special.

Too Magnificent turns with a smile and motions for the bell, which begins to sound. The ever so quick Robin Brooks rises to her feet as Faust drops down out of the corner onto his elbows and knees. He is somewhat dazed after suffering the dropkick, dragging himself up back first into the corner. Faust is only upright for a second before Robin comes barreling in, jumping up high and connecting with a huge flying forearm smash right to his face. She now turns her body, wrapping her arms around Faust’s neck and charging him out of the corner, lunging into the air with a bulldog.

Robin: Look at Robin go, she’s like Wonder Woman, without the whip or the very unnecessary invisible plane.

Comeau: Brooks still capitalizing on that dropkick she connected with on an unsuspecting Faust and pressing the advantage. She looks much more fired up tonight than usual.

The impact has knocked Faust over onto his back while the eager Robin crawls into the lateral press. Shockingly Too Magnificent drops down making a fair, impartial count.

Faust lobs his shoulder from the ring, looking slightly frazzled by this opening offense. He immediately begins to stand when Brooks kicks him to the ribs and jabs him to the forehead with a hard forearm strike, knocking him backwards. She quickly throws a chop only for Faust to side step her inbound hand and catches hold of her wrist. The nimble Vampire Lord steps behind Brooks, turning her around with the use of her grasped wrist then whipping her across the ring into the opposite cables.

Brooks bounces off those ropes and comes back in at her equally as quick opponent, who drops to his stomach in front of her. She cartwheels over top of Faust right back onto her feet with a nice display of agility then comes charging towards Faust who lunges to a standing base then jumps into the air. Robin runs underneath of him and continues into the ropes behind his back. Again he drops down to his stomach, Brooks now jumping over him and charging into the opposite cables this time. She ricochets right back towards Faust who stands and catches her with a hip toss. However, Brooks flips forward and lands right on her feet, quickly turning and jumping into the air. She lands right on top of Faust’s shoulders and drops back, flipping him over with a hurricarana.

Susie: Trying to keep up with all this is giving me a splitting headache. I need to take more of these Tylenol.

Comeau: Susie those are pez. This action as fast paced as we knew it would be, well as I knew it would be.

Faust flips over crashing spine first into the canvas then rolling under the ropes to the outside mats. He bends forward, catching his breath while Too Magnificent gingerly starts a ten count, all the while keeping his twisted gaze on the Black Widow. In a bit of anguish Faust doubles over at ringside, reaching for his kidneys while Robin comes barreling across the ring, grabbing the top rope and then flying over it into a crossbody. Before she can connect Faust steps out of the way and rolls into the ring under the ropes, forcing Brooks to have to alter her move, instead landing feet first on the mats. Faust stands up in the ring and grasps hold of the top cable himself, pulling his body over for his own crossbody.

Unfortunately for her opponent Brooks is trying to counter the same way he did, stepping out of the way with her back pressed to the ring. Unbeknownst to her, Faust saw this coming, twisting his body and landing on the apron feet first, his back aimed towards Brooks who is standing up behind him with a smile on her face. That’s before Faust drops off the apron with the back of his thighs landing on her shoulders, falling in reverse with a hurricarana of his own. The Black Widow is sent flipping spine first into the mats, sitting up in a great deal of anguish.

Comeau: These two countering each other back and forth....

Moore: In this hurricarana competition. I give Robin’s a 5, and Faust’s a 5.5.

Mark: And I give your commentary a whopping -45.

Although pain permeates her lower kidneys Robin deliberately begins to will herself up to her feet. All the while Faust has risen back up onto the apron, waiting for her to stand. As soon as she gets up Faust comes barreling across the apron, diving off into a dropkick right to her sternum. As a result of this impact Robin is sent spiraling back first right into the barricade, slamming against it hard spine first. Her back is arched over the steel while Too Magnificent has surprisingly only reached a six count, prompting Faust to roll into the ring. He gets to his feet in the center of the squared circle then barrels across it, flipping over the ropes with a corkscrew crossbody, crashing down right on top of his opponent’s sternum.

Susie: OH! What a spot, see vampires can fly without broomsticks!

Comeau: I never said they couldn’t. Faust soaring through the air with real aerial grace in this opening match that has not slowed down even in the slightest.

Faust rolls right onto his feet and past the laid out, convulsing Brooks. Her body may be ravaged by pain but she’s still showing some true grit by beginning to stand up. That’s until Faust snatches her by the hair and rolls her back into the ring onto her spine, quickly climbing up onto the apron himself. He grabs the top rope and pulls himself over it, twisting around so that he comes down with a splash right onto Robin’s ribs. After landing he promptly hooks both of Brooks legs.

Again Too Magnificent makes a surprisingly accurate count as Robin gets her shoulder up off of the canvas. Faust rises to his knee despite the speed of the count and beams a speculative stare in the referee’s direction. The guest official shrugs and motions for Faust to bite Robin, causing the Vampire Lord to merely shake his head and take his opponent by the arm. He lifts it up into the air and applies a modified arm lock, Brooks stretched out across her back agonizingly trying to find a way to free herself.

Comeau: Submission by Faust finally slowing this match down a little bit.

Moore: Good, I can catch my breathe now, just watching these two gets me exhausted, just like trying to solve math problems.

Brooks begins to rock back and forth, trying to roll her way free from this predicament. Finally she rolls all the way over backwards onto her knees, Faust standing up at her side and pushing down on her shoulder to apply further punishment. However, Brooks drops forward onto the top of her head, nipping up onto her feet and freeing her arm while rushing at the turnbuckle in front of her opponent. She jumps onto the turnbuckle then springs off, twisting in mid-air with the crossbody only to have Faust drop down out of the way. As a result the X-Class Champion slams hard face first right into the ring. She bounces up onto her knees, groaning in anguish then slowly trying to stand up. She has no idea that Faust has pulled himself up into the corner at her side, standing on the second rope then launching himself off. He flips over top of her head, catching her around the neck and connecting with a modified swinging neckbreaker.

Comeau: An impressive swinging neckbreaker now connected with by Faust as he continues to press the advantage.

Moore: I’ve had a lot of things pressed against me too, often things I’ve been called to testify about.

Mark: Haha, yeah, that’s pretty gross.

Faust crawls into the cover on Brooks, hooking her leg yet again.

Somehow Robin exerts the strength to launch her shoulder from the ring. The slightly disgruntled Faust turns and grabs hold of his opposition’s arm yet again, applying the arm lock for a second time. On this occasion Brooks sits up, trying to free herself when Faust pulls the arm around her neck, applying a single arm cobra clutch variation. Pain courses throughout her body as she sluggishly begins to stand up, her knees shaking beneath her. To boos from the crowd Brooks reaches her feet and now tries to elbow her way free from this submission predicament. Faust places his hand to her spine though, shoving her forward but still holding onto her wrist. As a result Robin is spun around to face her opponent who now uses that same grasped wrist to pull her forward into a short arm clothesline. She ducks it and rushes into the cables behind her opponent, jumping into the air and landing feet first on the second rope. Faust spins around as Brooks springs off the cable, flying in reverse with a back elbow right to his chest.

Mark: Robin Brooks getting herself back into this non title match with a huge springboard back elbow.

Susie: Wow, those ropes are just like my trampoline, which I’m not allowed to play with anymore after I fell on my head for the twelfth time. Does anyone hear that phone ringing?

Those in attendance have a mixed reaction while Brooks slowly turns over onto her elbows and knees, looking rather winded. The ravenous Faust rises to his feet when Robin pushes herself up on top of her head then nips off of it, her legs wrapping around Faust’s neck then pulling him around into a huge head scissors. As a result Faust is sent plummeting into the ring yet rolling right onto his feet. Surprisingly he stands up and rushes right into the turnbuckle behind the slowly rising Brooks, springing to the second rope. He jumps off and twists in mid-air when Brooks lunges upward and catches him with a dropkick right into his inbound ribcage.

Susie: YOUCHERS!

Comeau: Faust batted out of the air with a violent dropkick from Robin.

The Vampire Lord tumbles to his back, laying there barely moving when Robin crawls quickly into the cover, hooking her agonizing adversary’s leg. Too Magnificent drops down and makes the count rather emphatically.

All of a sudden his hand stops right above the canvas, hovering there with a twisted, diabolical expression settling on his face. In a rage Robin turns towards the brute, who smirks rather sinisterly in her direction.

Moore: Hey, he didn’t make the count, he didn’t make the count, that big MEANIE!

Comeau: Um, yeah, I think that somewhat accurately summed it up. We knew Too Magnificent’s corruption would surface eventually.

The twisted Too Mag rises to his feet outright refusing to finish the count for Brooks. This leads the flabbergasted Robin to rise to a standing base, glaring at the former Alpha Generation member and demanding he do his job. Too Magnificent has other plans though, rushing forward with a lariat that Robin ducks under. As a result the official turns, his back pressed to the cables when Robin flips over in reverse, hitting the Pele kick right to the top of his cranium. The crowd reacts with a smattering of cheers and boos as the corrupt referee tumbles through the ropes and splats hard to the outside mats, laying there only semi-conscious.

Comeau: Robin taking out Too Magnificent!

Susie: Like a on a date? What a hoe.

A furious Robin stands up, shouting over the ropes at the downed Too Magnificent when her opponent steps up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, perhaps setting up for a German suplex. However, Robin rushes forward into the cables, pulling the ailing Faust along behind her then wrapping her arms around the top rope. She pushes off with her back, causing Faust to fall to the canvas then roll in reverse to a standing base. Robin turns around charging at Faust and jumping into the air for a head scissors. She spins around only once before wrapping her legs around Faust’s neck but unfortunately finding herself held in a tombstone position. Faust has her captured, ready to deliver the sit-down piledriver when he places his hands to her stomach, shoving her upper body up into the air then throwing her down hard face first right into the canvas.

Brooks crashes sternum and face first against the ring, popping up almost immediately onto her knees as a result while Faust rushes into the ropes in front of her. He bounces off, coming back in and lunging forward into a vicious front dropkick that nails her right between the eyes.

Moore: Oh, that could have hurt Robin’s face, which is good because then I’ll be prettier, te-he.

Robin is laid out at this point while Faust sluggishly reaches his feet then steps towards the ropes, slipping through them onto the apron. He grabs the top cable, jumping onto it then springing off into a big splash, crashing down right on top of the Black Widow. All the air is knocked out of Robin’s lungs while he shoots the half nelson for the pinfall. Unfortunately for him there is no referee available to make the count, Too Magnificent still unconscious on the outside mats. Much to his luck however, an aching Stuart Wright is sliding back into the ring, holding his spine as he crawls forward to make the count.

Robin launches her shoulder from the canvas, kicking out right before the three count. Wright now falls to the canvas, still reeling while the Black Widow tries to stand up gripping at her ribcage. That’s when Faust pushes her over onto her knees, wrapping his arms around her inner thigh and her neck. He now pushes down on the back of her cranium and lifts up on her leg, sending the X-Class Champion flipping forward and crashing back first right across the raised knee of her opponent.

A groan can be heard from the crowd as a result of this devastating back breaker variation, Faust keeping her stretched across his knee then dragging her up to her feet. He wedges his shoulder to her spine and hoists her up into the air for a back drop suplex only to push her over into a full backwards flip. As a result Robin comes crashing down face first right into the ring with a violent impact, causing her to bounce up onto her knees while Faust rolls in reverse onto his feet. He now rushes forward, jumping into the air and catching Brooks around the neck, dragging her down face first right into a raised knee as he falls spine first against the ring.

Comeau: A tremendous series of moves from Faust really inflicting damage on the Black Widow!

Moore: Why must you keep screaming? I’m gonna need a hearing aid after this.

The modified code breaker leaves Robin stretched across the ring in prime position for Faust who crawls into the cover. He wedges his arm against her face while the pain stricken Wright crawls in, beginning to make the count.

To sparse cheers and overwhelming boos Robin is able to power her shoulder from the ring yet again. Although she aches from head to toe Robin turns over onto her elbows and knees, already trying to stand up. That’s when Faust steps in delivering a sickening upward kick right to her forehead. The sound of the shot echoes throughout the arena due to its sheer stiffness and sends Brooks falling over in reverse back down to the canvas. He now grabs hold of the Black Widow’s ankle, lifting up on it and sending the Champion rolling over in reverse onto her feet. As soon as she’s upright Faust wedges his shoulder to her ribs then snaps over into the bridging Northern Lights Suplex.

Robin kicks out, avoiding yet another nearfall attempt.

Moore: Quit pinning Robin, it’s not fair Faust.

Mark: Smart strategy from Faust, forcing Robin to exert the energy to keep kicking out.

Susie: Huh? He thinks it takes a lot of energy to keep pushing men off of you? It’s kind of easy, especially when you have pepper-spray.

An extremely irritated Faust pulls Brooks to her feet with the use of her wrist then drags her forward with her head wedged in his armpit.

Faust: DARKNESS DDT!

A huge response emanates from the sold out crowd before Brooks powers him backwards spine first right into the turnbuckle. He breaks his front chancery as Brooks steps back then charges in for a big maneuver. At the last second Faust turns and drills her to the jaw with a back elbow. The strike causes Brooks to stagger in reverse, flailing her arms to keep herself upright. The aggressive Faust pulls himself up the corner in reverse, sitting himself on the top rope when Brooks charges forward, lunging into the air then twisting around into a feint head scissors. She turns upside down wrapping her legs around Faust’s neck then pulling him off the corner into a forward flip. Faust flies three quarters of the way cross the ring, slamming back first violently into the canvas.

Comeau: Big momentum shifting move from Brooks.

Susie: Get him and stake him, Robin. Then stake him again for me.

The lower back of the former Cartel Champion is aching just like Wright’s, while he slowly starts to will himself upwards. As soon as he reaches his feet Brooks comes charging in only to be caught against the stomach, Faust hoisting her into the air for the sky high spinebuster. In mid-air the X-Class Champion twists her body around, reaching back with her legs and wrapping them around Faust’s waist while falling palms first down to the canvas. She pushes herself up into a wheelbarrow, reaching in reverse with her arm and catching her opponent around the neck, dragging him down with a bulldog. Faust’s fanged face is driven rather violently against the ring, sending him flopping over onto his spine. An agonizing Brooks turns and crawls painstakingly into the lateral press.

Faust kicks out, getting both of his shoulders from the ring.

Comeau: So many counters between these great light heavyweights.

Moore: How can someone be light and yet a heavyweight? I just went crosseyed.

Mark: And I just lost all will to continue commentating.

The tired Black Widow sluggishly forces herself up to her to her feet while her opponent gets to his knees. She steps in slapping one of his cheeks hard, then the other before charging backwards into the ropes. She ricochets off and comes rushing in at Faust who stands, catching her only to be hit with a head scissors counter from the Champion. However, instead of flipping her opposition forward Robin keeps her legs wrapped around his neck and applies an Octopus Stretch to a loud reaction from the crowd, many unable to keep themselves from cheering.

Mark: Octopus Stretch from Brooks. Been a while since we’ve seen this.

A tired Faust slowly begins to double over as the submission drains him of his energy. Robin exerts as much pressure as possible while a battered Wright crawls in, questioning him as to rather or not he wishes to submit. The fanged force shouts no and now begins to stand up, trying to force his way free. He stands fully upright and causes Brooks to break her hold, sliding down his back and pulling him down into a sunset flip.

Faust rolls over in reverse onto his feet then charges forward at Brooks who quickly slides across her back, lifting her legs into the air then monkey flipping her opponent over forward. Faust flips through the air and slams hard spine first right into the ring with a splat. Although he slammed so viciously into the ring Faust rolls over onto his feet and charges towards Brooks who lunges into the air connecting with a spinning heel kick. Her feet catch Faust right across his forehead, sending both competitors tumbling to the ring. Brooks turns over onto her knees and lunges into the cover.

Right before the third slap of the canvas Faust launches his shoulder from the ring.

Moore: Brooks so close to a win, which would be awesome.

Comeau: Put your vagina monologues on hold for a second Susie, and try to cover this match without bias.

Susie: Awww.

Robin rises to her feet and now points at the turnbuckle to boos from the crowd, signaling for her shooting star press. She steps over Faust and towards the corner, slipping through the ropes onto the apron then making her way up the turnbuckle. She painstakingly starts to stand up on the top rope when Faust regains his senses, standing up and charging right at her. He steps up the turnbuckle, reaching the top rope and grabbing Brooks around the neck, setting up for a superplex. At the last second Robin slugs him to the ribs though, and then does it again, causing her opponent to be doubled over. She now places him in a front chancery and jumps off of the turnbuckle, pulling Faust down face first into the canvas with the reverse suplex from the top rope. Screams emanate from the crowd while the Vampire Lord bounces from the ring and rolls onto his back, Robin crawling into the cover.

NO! Faust somehow possesses the strength to kick out much to Robin’s dismay. She sits up, closing her eyes tightly and mumbling incoherently to herself.

Susie: Another near victory for Robin Brooks! Yay, now I’m screaming just like you Mark.

Comeau: Brooks with an amazing counter into the reverse suplex face buster almost giving her a win.

The barricade is slapped by the crowd who is trying to get Faust back into this match while Robin stands up and flips over in reverse, hitting a standing moonsault right on top of the Vampire Lord. She again hooks both of his legs for the pin.

To her despair Faust lobs his shoulder from the ring. Brooks turns over onto her seat, taking deep breathes of outrage while sluggishly starting to her feet. She falls into the cables for support, leaning on them in disgust over her inability to put Faust away before she spots the X-Class title belt still laying in the corner of the ring where she left it. A diabolical smile fills her face while starting towards her belt, stooping down and picking it up off of the canvas. She throws the gold over her forearm and turns to glare at Faust who is painstakingly trying to get up. Referee Wright is on his knees gripping at his spine, closely watching this action as Brooks now deliberately tries to get herself disqualified, rushing in and swinging her belt at Faust. The Vampire Lord catches her against the ribs and lifts her into the air though, connecting with a sit-out sky high spinebuster. Brooks is driven hard into the ring between the legs of the seated Faust who tumbles onto his back, unable to capitalize on the pinfall.

Moore: Oh no, Brooks was trying to show Faust her colorful belt and he hurt her for it. You know what, he’s a big meanie too.

Comeau: Robin trying to take Faust’s head off with the belt but the Vampire Lord saw it coming.

An exasperated Faust rolls to his knees while Brooks is crawling away from him into the corner, approaching where her belt fell. She snatches it up and pulls it in close to her sternum while Faust steps towards her, grabbing hold of the Black Widow’s shoulder. Brooks turns as indiscreetly as possible and swings the X-Class title belt right into his face. The gold strikes him between the eyes, knocking Faust unconscious almost immediately. He crumbles to the canvas while Brooks throws her belt through the ropes, Wright is too slouched over suffering from the chokeslam to notice the blatant cheat. Robin now spins around, placing Faust’s legs over her shoulders then putting her shins on the second rope. Wright doesn’t spot her legs on the cables as he makes the count.

Comeau: Robin blatantly cheating here to get the win, more power to her.

Moore: Faust deserved it, because he’s a bully, and he’s scary.

The hand slaps the ring with the crowd still screaming.

Robin has done it, she’s defeated Faust, but wait, no, Too Magnificent has dragged referee Wright out of the ring before he could make the final, deciding count.

Comeau: Too Magnificent stopping the three count from being rendered!

Susie: Oh patuwee.

Wright falls hard to the outside mats, thudding against them in an impact that knocks him out cold. Robin stands up, stepping over Faust and shouting to the outside of the ring at a grinning Too Magnificent, who is motioning towards his referee shirt repeatedly. The crowd seems quite conflicted concerning all of this, unsure of who to support given the heelish qualities of both individuals. Faust has crawled to the center of the ring holding his forehead while Brooks spins around to face him, reaching down and grabbing her strap off of the ring. She lifts it into the air, about to use it as a weapon yet again when Too Magnificent jumps onto the apron behind her, snatching the gold out of her hand. An outraged Brooks spins around and receives a shot from the belt right across the face from Too Magnificent, causing her to be sent reeling backwards into Faust who catches her with a bridging tiger suplex. The Black Widow is slammed hard across the canvas on the back of her neck and shoulders while Too Magnificent slides into the ring.

Mark: Too Magnificent knocking out Brooks and sending her staggering right into the waiting arms of Faust.

Moore: That bastard! Although I still do like his big burly arms.

Too Magnificent makes an emphatic but slightly quicker count.

Shockingly a great deal of cheers are heard from the Manhattan Center crowd as Faust picks up a huge win over the Black Widow.

Comeau: And Faust scoring a huge, HUGE win here tonight over Robin Brooks despite how many times she tried to cheat her way to victory.

Moore: It’s all thanks to that damn studly Too Magnificent!

INFATUATED

Faust sits up holding his arms aloft in victory. Sluggishly he rises to an upright base as Too Magnificent steps in, taking him by the wrist to lift his arm once more. Faust quickly pulls it out of his grasp though, giving Too Mag a long, bitter stare. However, Too Mag could care less, approaching the laid out Robin and bending over her with a huge grin on his face. Faust watches the special referee with disgust while approaching the ropes and vacating the ring.

Susie: It looks like Too Magnificent isn’t done with Robin yet. Some girls just have all the luck.

Mark: Faust victorious but refusing to celebrate with Too Magnificent.

The Vampire Lord slips through the ropes and starts up the ramp still appearing slightly repulsed but conflicted by his feelings of accomplishment, since he was the victor this evening. He leaves Too Magnificent behind as the former Alpha Generation member slowly reaches down and dramatically grabs hold of her hair. The X-Class Champion is sat up on the canvas while Too Magnificent bends forward to speak cruelly into her ear.

Too Magnificent: I told you I’d be the ultimate pain in the ass. Do you think you could get rid of me without there being repercussions? I’ll never go away.

The twisted Too Mag pulls back his fist to once again strike the very incoherent Brooks when the crowd reacts loudly. Their tune drastically changes at the sight of Phantom charging full speed down the ramp and towards the ring.

Mark: Here comes the other half of the Robin Brooks abduction mystery, Phantom charging right towards the ring!

Susie: Is he going to kidnap Robin again? Blast her good luck!

Too Magnificent is unaware of the equally as intimidating giant sliding into the ring behind him. He has no idea he’s there before he’s taken by the shoulder and spun around, Phantom blasting him under the jaw with a right hand, then striking him yet again. The golden goliath is completely caught off guard as the outraged Phantom continues to strike him to the jaw, looking more furious than ever before. Too Mag falls back first into the ropes when Phantom boots him under the jaw, sending him flipping over the cables and crashing to the outside mats. The packed Manhattan Center is rocking at the sight of the strangely vengeful Phantom who tries to step over the cables to go after the master of the Midas Touch.

Mark: Phantom taking out Too Magnificent, coming to the aid of Robin Brooks?

Susie: Now she has men fighting over her too? So not fair. Oh yeah, and run Robin before Phantom kidnaps you again.

Before the gothic giant can go after Too Magnificent he’s grabbed by the shoulder and taken around the jaw. His head is turned slowly in the direction of a surprisingly smiling Robin Brooks. She has regained her senses and despite her loss is beaming a comforting, almost loving stare in Phantom’s direction. His anger and rage seems to subside while a smile comes to his face. He steps back into the ring as Robin takes him around the arm, leading him towards the back. The big man follows without hesitance or caution.

Mark: What in the hell is going on here? Robin arm in arm with the man who abducted her several weeks ago, and the two look as friendly as could be. Phantom’s as docile as a kitten.

Moore: That’s strange, I don’t know how but it’s strange.

Robin gently leads her abductor through the ropes as the two drop to the mats and walk arm in arm up the rampway towards the backstage area. She gently pats Phantom on the back while the X-Class title hangs from around her forearm.

Comeau: Now they’re going backstage together, okay, what the fuck.

Robin and Phantom smile while they stroll through the curtains to the back amongst a wave of confusion.

Comeau: What an outright perplexing beginning to tonight’s PPV.

Susie: Indeed, I wish I knew big words.

Kailey Worf is once more forced to regret her career choices as Too Magnificent comes storming towards her, insisting that he be given a microphone. Although he is still slightly groggy after being laid out by Phantom a microphone is placed in his palm and a rage inspired tirade follows.

Too Magnificent: NO, NO, NO, THIS ISN’T OVER!

The furious big man receives a mixed reaction while he rolls under the ropes and into the ring, storming back and forth.

Too Magnificent: You HEAR me? My plans aren’t going to be ruined by some goof in a Halloween costume. I want Robin Brooks back out here, bring her OUT HERE!

Too Magnificent’s face is trembling with animosity.

Susie: Jeez Too Mag, leave Robin be, I mean, I’m sitting right here, hellooo.

Mark: The ferocious Too Magnificent obviously not through yet.

His flesh positively pulsates while beaming an enraged stare towards the entry way.

Too Magnificent: I came here to hurt Robin, and I’m not leaving until she SUFFERS. If she isn’t coming out here, then I’ll go back there, go through her big emo friend, and drag her little ass to THIS ring.

Since there comes no response from the entry way Too Magnificent flings down the microphone, rips open his referee shirt and starts towards the back. He steps over the ropes onto the apron and drops to the mats, progressing towards the backstage area with great hostility.

Comeau: Too Mag making good on his vow, he’s going backstage and he’s going after Robin Brooks.

Moore: How many men go after Robin every week? There should be a line or a toll to pay or something. Wait, I don’t get it.

The rage driven Too Magnificent makes it to the stage, just about to step through the curtains when a steel chair comes flying through them. The top edge rams right into Too Mag’s ribs, doubling him over as Max Craven steps out in front of him.

Mark: Max Craven, Too Magnificent’s opponent for tonight assaulting him before he could make it backstage.

Susie: And he used a chair, a chair, that’s like ubber creative.

A doubled over Too Magnificent turns away from Craven who slams the chair rather viciously right over his back. This causes him to stand up and continue staggering towards the ring while referee Fitzpatrick steps through the curtains behind Craven. He immediately rushes towards the ring, sliding in under the ropes to officiate Craven vs. Too Magnificent in their Manhattan Massacre match.

MAX CRAVEN VS. TOO MAGNIFICENT
MANHATTAN MASSACRE

An aching Too Mag turns around when the chair is swung violently right between his eyes. The steel meshes against his skull and sends the giant wobbling backwards down the ramp, yet somehow remaining upright.

Comeau: It looks like we’re getting Too Magnificent versus Max Craven right now. Why is it that these PPV’s always seem like they’re ran by the inmates?

Susie: I like inmates, especially the conjugal visits.

Max pulls the chair back and now throws it with all of his strength right into Too Magnificent’s face. The shot knocks him off the edge of the rampway, falling a foot or two to the concrete below where he lands on his feet. He falls side first against the barricade, leaning on it for support while stumbling around off to the side of the stage, which towers above him. The incredibly dazed Too Magnificent continues to stagger and stumble before he turns back towards the stage right as Max rushes across it and dives off the edge. Everyone in the Manhattan Center explodes as Max comes crashing down right on top of Too Magnificent’s shoulders with a plancha off the extreme height of the stage.

Comeau: OHHHH!!

Susie: Max Craven flew, and he didn’t need a broomstick….

Mark: Would you drop your damn Harry Potter fixation already?

Too Magnificent collapses to the cement across his back with Craven landing on his seat, reaching for his back in a bit of pain. The Manhattan crowd is giving him a rousing response for his death defying dive from the stage.

Fans: CRAVEN, CRAVEN, CRAVEN!!

He slowly rises to his feet only momentarily grabbing his lower back before stomping the down Too Mag to the forehead. The brute is already starting to stand as Max takes him by the back of the head and drags him towards a steel crate mounted on rollers. He bashes his face off of it violently, causing Too Magnificent to stand up and stagger in reverse. Already he’s got a slight laceration opened up over his eye while Craven steps to the opposite side of the crate. He dropkicks the crate which is sent rolling at great speed right into Too Mag’s shins. This collision sends him tripping forward and bashing against the cement yet again. He slowly pushes himself up onto his elbows and knees while Craven takes that same crate and now pushes it right into the side of his opponent’s head. A gasp can be heard from the crowd over the sound of the sickening impact that sends Too Magnificent dropping onto his back, looking incredibly incoherent.

Comeau: That loading crate used as a very deadly weapon by Craven. In these types of matches anything and everything can be employed as a weapon.

Susie: Even my Yugioh cards?

Mark: Especially your Yugioh cards.

An extremely dazed Too Magnificent slowly rubs at his skull while trying to stand up. Craven is still standing behind the crate before getting a running start and stepping off the steel object, launching himself right at his opponent. At the last second Too Magnificent catches Craven on top of his shoulder and charges forward driving him spine first right through the wooden wall supporting the stage. The wood shatters around both men’s bodies while loud wails can be heard from the crowd, shocked by what they just witnessed in the early goings of this Manhattan Massacre match.

Comeau: Craven DRIVEN through the stage!

Susie: This is VIOLENT. Who would have suspected?

Both bodies continue to lay on the cold cement under the stage with broken chunks of wood and plaster on top of them. The crowd is expressing their disbelief while the camera briefly switches to a number of referee’s assisting the groggy Stuart Wright to the backstage area. After a few moments Too Magnificent finally begins to stir, grabbing hold of the beams running under the stage then taking the ankle of Craven and dragging him out of the wreckage. They are now off to the side of the stage as Too Magnificent drops into the lateral press, Fitzpatrick rushing into the scene to make the count.

Shockingly Craven launches his shoulder from the cement, kicking out before he could be pinned.

Comeau: I don’t know how Craven was capable of kicking out of that.

Moore: Steroids?

An irritated Too Magnificent stands and grabs his belt, sliding it out of his pants then wrapping it around Craven’s neck. Max begins to choke as he’s forced to his feet via the use of the belt. Too Mag now drags him across the cement like he were on a leash before using it to whip Craven hard right into the guardrail. The steel barely budges while the crowd steps back, clearing out of harms way. Max leans against the guardrail in pain, his back overwhelmed with anguish after being slammed through that wood so viciously.

The air is still strangled from his lungs as Too Magnificent uses his belt to pull his opponent away from the guardrail right into a clothesline across the throat. Craven falls to his back trying to regain his faculties while Too Magnificent pulls the guardrail down into a laid out position across the cement. Now that the steel is arranged horizontally Too Mag grabs hold of the belt, forcing Craven up to his feet then scoop slamming him right on top of the guardrail. A loud groan can be heard from the fans as well as from Craven, who sits up looking to be in utter anguish.

Mark: Now Craven scoop slammed right onto the steel, what a violent encounter.

Susie: Oh please, come to one of my family reunions, then you’ll see violence when my brother and father get together.

Comeau: I take it the two don’t get along?

Moore: The two? Their the same person.

An agonizing Craven rolls off of the guardrail and into the fans who again try to clear out of harms way. Many of them are shouting for Max to get up and keep fighting while Too Magnificent steps up behind him, delivering a vicious blow between his shoulder blades. The strike sends Craven reeling into his supporters, who try their best to hold him up. One fan even hands him a chair, Craven turning to use it on Too Mag when he’s hit with a violent uppercut right under the jaw. As a result the chair is dropped while Too Magnificent steps to his side, hooking his arm. He shouts at the fans to clear out of their seats, which they begrudgingly do before Too Magnificent charges forward and lobs Max high into the air with a hip toss. Craven comes crashing down on top of a sea of empty chairs, many of them shattering beneath his body to screams from the shocked audience.

Mark: GOD ALMIGHTY!

Those packed into the Manhattan Center are expressing their sheer disbelief over what they’re seeing as Craven lays on the concrete, chairs broken all around him. A menacing smile resides on Too Magnificent’s face as he snatches hold of the belt still tied around Max’s throat, using it to pull him out of the smashed steel. The damaged Craven is now gorilla pressed high into the air by the disturbed Magnificent, who makes his way through the sea of screaming onlookers. They all try their best to get out of his path as he stops right behind the barricade, throwing Max over top of it. Craven comes down from an extreme height, crashing with a thud across the outside mats. They provide little protection between his body and the cement beneath, causing him all the more anguish.

Susie: They’re finally getting close to the ring, which is bad since that’s where I am.

Comeau: Yes, but your what we call in the industry, an expendable loss.

Ravaged by pain Max crawls towards the ring, grabbing the tarp hanging from the apron and using to slowly pull himself to his feet. Too Magnificent steps over the barricade, going after him when Max shockingly moves away from the apron delivering a chop across his opponent’s chest. There is power and intensity behind the strike but it does little to phase Too Mag, who delivers a hard right hand, the very same shot that knocked Brooks out cold. The blow connects across Max’s jaw, almost shattering it upon impact while the Fully Loaded member stumbles into the apron, falling against it for support. Too Magnificent takes Max under the jaw and the leg, gorilla pressing him into the air then dropping Craven hard face first right across the apron.

As soon as Max lands, Too Magnificent spins him around, wraps his arms about his waist and throws him overhead with a release belly to belly suplex. Craven slams with vile force right into the thin matting yet again, sitting up and reaching for his kidneys.

Moore: Stop throwing Max around, he’s not a toy, and if he were I’d be playing with him right now.

Comeau: There was something strangely sexual about that comment. Emphasis on the word “strangely.”

His lower back is ravaged with pain as Craven steadily begins to progress towards his feet. All the while Too Magnificent has reached under the ring, withdrawing a table to screams from the audience. He now lifts the wood into the air and slides into the ring under the cables.

Mark: A table coming into the works now.

A trashcan is removed from beneath the squared circle as well, Too Magnificent gazing upon it with an unsettling smile. The destructive steel is lifted above Too Mag’s head as he comes charging towards the slowly rising Craven, who has his back wedged against the exposed turnbuckle post. Magnificent swings the can at his head only for Max to clear out of the way, causing the steel to hit steel but missing his skull. An angered Too Magnificent now lifts the can up in front of his face when Max dropkicks him to the back. As a result of the dropkick Too Magnificent is sent charging forward into the turnbuckle post with the can still held in front of his features. The can is sandwiched between post and face, causing the barbaric brute to come staggering backwards while Craven climbs up onto the apron at his side. He rushes across the apron and dives off, catching Too Mag by the back of the head and dragging him down with a face buster into the thin protective mats.

Comeau: Craven getting himself back into this encounter with a devastating facebuster off the apron.

Susie: Too Mag needs to stop being so infatuated with those trashcans, although they can be cool, especially when you pretend their a rocket ship, and your like going to an alien planet….

Mark: Do you have a point at all?

Moore: Nope.

Even with his body hurting from head to toe Craven stands defiantly and grabs the smashed up trash can from the mats. He turns towards Too Magnificent who has risen to his knee and slams the can as hard as possible right over his head. The steel becomes all the more dented while Mag wavers back and forth on his knees, trying to remain conscious. Max now throws the can to him, Too Magnificent catching it in front of his face before Craven charges in and delivers an absolutely sickening knee strike right into the can. The steel smashes against Too Magnificent’s face while Craven drops down into the cover and the hook of the leg.

Too Magnificent presses Craven off of him, sending his light frame flying up into the air then landing to the mats yet again. Max rises to his feet and begins to stomp Too Magnificent repeatedly to his already lacerated forehead, producing a little more blood that steadily dribbles down his face. Craven now grabs the trashcan Too Magnificent uses with such glee and places it on the big man’s sternum before rolling into the ring. An already exhausted Craven stands up grabbing the top rope before pulling himself over into a huge senton splash all the way to the outside of the ring. His back slams right into the can loaded on Too Mag’s sternum, denting it brutally.

Comeau: Is Craven friggin masochistic?

Susie: I don’t know, because I literally have no idea what you just said.

The ribs of the golden goliath are in agony, causing him to curl up into the fetal position. Craven on the other hand, despite the amount of pain flowing through his back, crawls agonizingly into the cover.

To the disbelief of the fans Too Magnificent again kicks out, refusing to be bested in this hardcore environment. The insane Max drags his equally as insane opponent slowly to his feet, taking all of his strength to lift the girth. Nevertheless he gets Too Magnificent up before rolling the giant into the ring, where he continues to writhe in pain. Now Max searches under the ring and to a loud reception removes a bag filled with some type of mysterious material. The sack is thrown into the ring while Craven extracts another weapon from beneath the ring, a chair wrapped in razor sharp wire.

Comeau: Who puts this shit under the ring?

Susie: Yeah, how does it just randomly show up under there, and where’s Hornswaggle, or at the very least the Boogeyman?

Another object is now pulled out from under the ring, a bundle of light-tubes which are slid under the cables. With the chair still in hand Craven rolls under the ropes into the ring. A battered Too Magnificent slowly rolls to his seat, scooting backwards into one of the corners. He is seated there with blood trickling down his face, looking very disorientated after this chaotic action thus far. Craven backs into the opposite corner with the razor wire chair still in hand. The crowd revels as he slams his fist against his sternum.

Craven: N..Y..C!

He now rushes across the ring and jumps into the air, wedging the razor wire chair beneath his feet and then dropkicking it right into the seated Too Magnificent’s face. The razor rips through his flesh, tearing away chunks of it and leaving a bloody mass beneath.

Moore: EWWWWW, BLOOD!

Comeau: Craven dropkicking the razor wire wrapped chair right into Too Mag’s face in what has been one of the most deranged brawls I’ve ever witnessed, and we’re only in our second match thus far tonight.

Crimson flows down Too Mag’s face thanks to the several gashes opened in his skin while Craven drags him out of the corner by the ankle. He now drops down into the lateral press, wedging his forearm into the grinded up flesh of his opponent’s face.

Too Magnificent is able to power his shoulders from the ring, sitting up with his face becoming a bloody mask. Craven exacerbates this blood letting by grabbing the razor wire chair and placing it right against Too Mag’s forehead. He begins to grind the chair back and forth across his flesh, ripping away more skin while his adversary unleashes a loud groan of agony.

Comeau: Too Mag’s face being ripped off with the chair.

Susie: What is he trying to do, steal Too Mag’s face so he can impersonate him?

Mark: Uh, sure.

Moore: AWESOME.

The razor is taken from Too Mag’s face while blood still trickles down his features. Craven steps back and throws down the claret smeared chair before taking his opposition’s hair and pulling it into his armpit. He is setting up for the DDT into the razor wire to a loud reaction from the crowd when Too Magnificent surprisingly pushes him off, sending him charging backwards into the cables. He bounces off and comes back in at Too Magnificent who catches him by the throat then hoists him into the air, chokeslamming him back first right into the razor wire chair. Cheers change to squeals and groans from the audience as Craven arches his back from the razors. He is unable to express his pain vocally due to the many deep wounds formed in his spine, Too Magnificent crawling painstakingly into the ropes. The brute reaches his feet with claret gushing down his skin. He now approaches Max grabbing him around the neck then rolling him to his feet. He sticks his head under his seat then lifts Max up into the air onto his shoulders before brutally powerbombing him down spine first right into the razor wire chair.

Moore: YIKEEES!

Comeau: A powerbomb onto the chair!

The blood soaked Too Mag drops down into the cover, Craven still laying on top of the razor wire wrapped steel.

A loud reception emanates from the fans as Max kicks out once more. The angry Too Magnificent now sits up, trembling from head to toe in rage over this kick out.

Comeau: This brutal encounter continuing even after Craven was powerbombed into the razor wire chair. What is it going to take to put Max away?

Moore: A bazooka, a missile launcher, a tractor, a scarecrow?

Mark: It was a rhetorical question.

Max rolls off of the steel with his back all cut up from the slam into the razors. The kick out has flabbergasted Too Mag to such an extreme that he pulls Craven up to his feet and again tucks his head under his posterior. He now lifts Max up onto his shoulder and rushes across the ring, about to throw him with a powerbomb into the turnbuckle. Craven drops back though, his legs wrapped around his opposition’s neck and launching him forward face first right into the second turnbuckle post. He bounces hard off of the corner while the innovative Craven gets to his elbows and knees, painfully crawling towards the razor wire chair. He snatches up the steel with his legs wobbling beneath him, turning around to face the kneeling Too Magnificent. The razor wire is raised above his head as Craven charges right towards Too Magnificent who suddenly rushes out of the corner, almost ripping Max in half with a spear. The impact causes Max to flip completely over and slam hard into the ring.

Comeau: WHAT A SPEAR!

Susie: Too Mag speared Craven. Hehehehe, that sounds so dirty.

The claret submerged giant crawls towards the laid out Max, but instead of going for the pin he takes hold of his hair, holding his head up off of the canvas. He now begins to slug Craven repeatedly between the eyes, trying to inflict as much damage as humanly possible. He stands up and jumps high into the air, extending his leg out and dropping it right across Craven’s neck, causing his lower body to kick up into the air. Too Magnificent rolls surprisingly quick to his feet, running into the ropes bouncing off and then lunging high into the air, connecting with a second leg drop.

Craven grabs hold of his throat, gasping for air while Too Magnificent stands up and approaches the turnbuckle, feeding off of his second wind. He slips through the ropes onto the apron with blood dripping from his face and now begins to climb the corner, reaching the very top then launching himself off. He soars half way across the ring and connects with the Arrogance is Bliss (Top Rope Leg Drop), sending Craven into convulsions.

Mark: Arrogance is Bliss from my least liked competitor.

Susie: The bloodied Too Mag is gonna win, boo.

Max looks on the verge of unconsciousness while Too Magnificent slides in, pushing down on his chest with both palms.

To another huge response Max kicks out, keeping his chances of victory alive in this encounter. Too Magnificent stands up irate over this kick out, stepping towards the ropes and stomping the bottom one. His eyes transfer to the official, which remain the only white part of his face since it is blanketed beneath a layer of claret.

Comeau: Too Magnificent can’t believe it, he thought he had the pin there for sure.

Moore: The leader of the Church of Hot Addiction just put the kibosh on those plans.

Too Magnificent approaches the chair that has inflicted so much damage in this contest, again employing it by setting it up on the canvas. He now turns towards his barely conscious opponent, Craven sluggishly trying to get up only to be taken by the nostrils, yes the nostrils. He forced up to his feet while Too Mag spins him around, wedging his shoulder against his spine then hoisting him into the air, preparing to back drop him spine first into the set up razor wire chair. However, Craven floats over, landing on his feet right behind Too Magnificent who turns, throwing a lariat at his throat. Max ducks it, charging into the cables and springing off the second rope, twisting around to catch Too Magnificent around the neck then pulling him down into a tornado DDT right into the chair. Screams emanate from the fans as Too Magnificent’s flesh is again stripped from his face by the razors and his head bounces from the steel.

Mark: A big DDT into the chair!

Susie: That poor chair.

Too Magnificent drops onto his back, his eyes fluttering while more blood spills down his face. Unfortunately Craven is unable to make the pin, far too ravaged by the violence inflicted upon him. He slowly sits up in anguish then crawls towards the table that was brought into the confrontation by Too Magnificent. The wood is set up beneath a nearby turnbuckle before Craven turns to face Too Magnificent, who is sitting himself up on the canvas. As soon as he sits up Craven charges in and dropkicks him to the face, knocking him back down to the ring. In a sluggish manner Craven gets up and approaches the sack he threw into the ring earlier. He unravels the tie around the top of the sack and now approaches the table, pouring out the contents across its wooden surface. The crowd is astonished at the sight of not only thumbtacks but chunks of glass and super sharp razors.

Susie: Uh, Craven keeps some odd things in that sack. I usually have old Barbie Doll heads in my sacks.

Comeau: That’s almost equally as disturbing.

Max turns his focus back to Too Magnificent, starting towards him when the bloodied giant abruptly spins around busting a light-tube directly over his head. Craven grabs his face and tumbles to the canvas across his back, glass shards protruding through his flesh.

Comeau: Ohhh, a light-tube now coming into play! How much barbaric can this get?

Moore: Isn’t it barbaric enough already? I haven’t seen this much blood since my last bi monthly flow.

Mark: Hahahaha, gross.

Max is now gushing blood from his hair-line while Too Magnificent uses the cables to will himself up to his feet. He slowly approaches the other light-tubes that were thrown into the ring earlier by Craven. He pulls the bundle to the center of the ring then approaches Craven, taking him by his hair and forcing him up to his feet. He now shoots his arm across his sternum and around his thigh, dropping back giving Craven an exploder suplex onto the bundle of light-tubes. They bust to pieces under Craven’s frame, his back arching from the ring with glass ripping his flesh apart.

Comeau: Craven given the exploder suplex onto the tubes….good God this is nasty.

Moore: Nastier than a giant snot bubble?

Mark: Um, sure.

Craven rolls around unintentionally in the glass, blood streaming down his back and face at this point. The disgruntled Too Magnificent turns towards the table, a smile forming beneath the flowing claret. He now takes hold of Craven’s hair, dragging him to his feet and backing towards the turnbuckle. Craven’s head is pulled under Too Magnificent’s seat as he steps up the corner in reverse, sitting on the top rope. He now wraps his arms around Max’s waist and lifts him up onto his shoulders, preparing to powerbomb Craven off the top rope and through the table below.

Comeau: This isn’t going to be pretty.

Max begins to throw punches down into the bloodied face of Too Magnificent, trying to fight his way out of this predicament. As a result of these shots Too Mag drops Craven, who falls off to the side of the ring, landing feet first on the apron surprisingly. Too Magnificent now begins to turn around on the corner in order to face Craven, who suddenly springs to the top rope and then turns, landing on top of his opponent’s shoulders from behind. He drops back into a reverse hurricarana that sends Too Magnificent crashing across the top of his skull through the table. The razors, glass, and tacks rip through Too Mag’s skull as he smashes through the wood and now spills to the canvas, the Manhattan Center erupting into a wave of pure shock.

Fans: HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT!

Comeau: Can you believe what we just witnessed!?!

Susie: No, I wasn’t watching, but I imagine it was cool.

Too Magnificent rolls onto his back, bloodied and motionless as an aching Craven crawls into the lateral press weakly.

Craven has accomplished his goal tonight, defeating Too Magnificent in one of the most violent, gruesome encounters in the annals of IWC history.

Comeau: Craven has done it, he’s won Manhattan Massacre!

Moore: Amazing, I’m not sure why, but amazing.

Craven rolls off of the prone body of Too Magnificent, still gushing blood from his scalp, aching from head to toe. He tries to raise an arm in victory but can’t, immediately reaching for his ribcage yet again.

Comeau: A major win for Craven here tonight at Awaken, but this isn’t going to sit well with Too Magnificent.

Moore: Max wins, Max wins.

Craven continues to agonize as the show switches to the backstage area.

Mark: We just witnessed a literal blood bath, a true testament to hardcore and we’re less than half way through the telecast. Hopefully we can top this at our next pay-per-view event.

Susie: ANOTHER PPV? I don’t like working this much.

Comeau: Relax, it’ll be in two months and we understand…

Mark pauses from confusion.

Mark: That it will be called “The Overbooked Extravaganza?” We really need to have a talk with our marketing department.

Too Magnificent pushes himself up onto his elbows, trembling with rage as Craven continues to celebrate his victory.

PPV ADVERT

A PLOT UNRAVELING

Hurse: What the hell was that all about Robin? Are you purposely trying to give me some type of complex?

The irritated ramblings of her boyfriend does little to annoy the sultry and still exhausted “Black Widow” as she progresses down the corridor. Hurse is hot on her heels, rambling incessantly despite Robin’s unwillingness to listen.

Hurse: Why were you getting so close with that big dumb emo? Are you trying to send me a message, is this because I didn’t rent Sleepless in Seattle on our last movie night? I thought Spaceballs would be romantic.

The sound of his high pitched, nasally voice is enough to force Robin into coercion. She wedges her hand to his sternum, insisting that he shut it.

Brooks: Stop, just stop Steven. At the very least Phantom came out and helped me during that whole beat down, where were you?

Hurse nervously offers up an explanation.

Hurse: I was getting my legs waxed, but that’s not important. You and Phantom were awfully cozy, what happened, did he brainwash you? Are you suffering from Stockings Syndrome?

Robin: You mean Stockholm Syndrome?

Hurse: So you admit it. Don’t worry my little baby seal, we’ll get you deprogrammed.

He tries to comfort her by pulling her into a hug before she grabs one of his fingers and twists it at an agonizingly painful angle. Hurse cringes while stomping his feet, trying not to shout out girlishly in pain.

Brooks: Would you shut up for five seconds and let me explain?

Clearly he has no room to disagree, nodding and whimpering.

Robin: There is nothing sexual between me and Phantom…

Hurse: Thank God, he’d smother you to death under his fat folds.

His finger is twisted again as he’s dragged behind Brooks towards an unknown destination.

Brooks: I happened to figure out Phantom’s secret, a secret we can exploit to our own gain.

Hurse: What secret? It’s not one of those Crying Game secrets is it?

Robin: No, your about to find out what the secret is though, because I’ll let Phantom explain.

All becomes clear in regards to where they were headed as Brooks now steps past a huge stack of crates with Phantom seated in the shadows on the opposite side. He is crouched and rocking in a truly disturbed manner.

Brooks: Hello dear.

Phantom hops to his feet, towering over Brooks and intimidating Hurse enough to jump behind his girlfriend, employing her as a protective shield.

Hurse: Stand completely still Robin, his sight operates on movement.

An agitated Brooks pulls free from Hurse, stepping towards the smiling giant in front of her. She slowly reaches out and takes him by his enormous hand, lifting it into the air while caressing it.

Brooks: How is my big strong boy today?

Hurse seems very bothered by this whole scene, his face twisted with uncertainty while Phantom places that same large hand warmly on Robin’s shoulder.

Phantom: I’m happy, happy that we’ve finally been reunited…..mommy.

Robin: Awwww, give mommy a hug, you big loveable goof you.

Phantom excitedly bends down and wraps his thick, powerful arms around Robin, pulling her in close. All the while the Master of Control watches on, blinking his eyes awkwardly as he tries to figure out what is happening here. Finally Brooks steps back with her hands on Phantom’s huge shoulders.

Brooks: Now you do mommy a big favor and run along to beat down that bad old Archeron. Go on now, scoot, I’ll be okay.

Phantom gives Robin an uncertain glare before nodding eagerly. He takes off towards the ring, leaving Robin with a wide, sinister smile on her face. She crosses her arms and turns towards Steven with a tilted head, wearing a braggadocios expression.

Hurse: Okay, I’m confused. I didn’t realize you were old enough to have given birth to Phantom. You didn’t adopt him did you, because I thought we talked about adopting that cute little 17 year old Asian girl?

Robin: No, no, you honestly don’t realize what’s happening here?

Hurse shakes his head as an annoyed Robin fishes something out of her pocket.

Brooks: Why am I not surprised.

A folded up sheet of paper is lifted into the air and opened, revealing it to be a note.

Robin: Everything becomes clear when you read this? It’s a note that Phantom’s mother left him before she abandoned him.

The paper is handed over to Steven, who confusingly begins to overlook it.

Hurse: Does it have illustrations?

Brooks snatches the note from his hand.

Brooks: Nooo. Anyway, the reason Phantom has been infatuated with me for weeks is because he’s deluded himself into believing that I’m his mother.

That same disturbing grin returns to her face while Hurse tries to absorb this information.

Robin: And since he thinks I’m his mother, he’s willing to do anything I say.

Now the full scope of Robin’s plan dawns on Hurse.

Hurse: So we can use his delusions to our advantage?

Brooks: Yes, as long as he keeps thinking I’m his loving mommy he’ll be like pudding in my hands.

Hurse: Awesome, I love pudding.

The Master of Control rubs his hands together gleefully while Robin shrugs.

PHANTOM VS. ARCHERON

The show returns to ringside where a very confused Mark Comeau and Susie Moore are located, although Susie clearly no idea why she’s confused, which only further confuses her. All the while the ring is still being cleaned from that bloodbath that just occurred moments ago.

Susie: Am I pulling off the pouty Mike Tenay face good enough?

Comeau: Yes, and you have the intelligence to match Don West as well. What the hell was all that backstage between Robin Brooks, Hurse and Phantom? Does Phantom actually believe that Robin Brooks is his mother?

Moore: She isn’t old enough to be his real mother is she? Unless she’s a vampire, like Faust, which would be the coolest twist EVER.

Fog rolls in over the entry way with a bright purple laser light shining through it, causing the rays of illumination to become dispersed, refracting in a number of different directions. Through this fog emerges the gigantically proportioned Phantom, stopping on the stage and overlooking the crowd with malice before progressing towards the ring. He steps up the stairs and onto the apron, moving over the ropes then progressing towards the center of the ring, looking all fired up.

Comeau: It looks like Robin Brooks’ motivation has got Phantom all energetic when it comes to his impending bout against newcomer Archeron Pentatholas Cavalcante.

Susie: Can I just call him Archie?

Mark: To save us all the excruciating pain of listening to you try to pronounce his full name, yes. Phantom is looking to get back to his winning ways here tonight.

The lights fade to black before Hymns can be heard on the titantron, sung by a choir of angelic voices. These voices are praising God as a single blue spot light appears on the stage.

The voices fade and all becomes black but the spotlight. All is silent...quiet like the dead.

"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost...Amen...Lay Victus..."

The arena comes to life as "My Spirit Will Live On" by Dragonforce echoes through the arena. Lights began to flash all around the arena, illuminating sections for a few seconds before moving on. smoke suddenly appears on the stage.

With the roaring of the crowd, a lone figure ascends from the fog, his blonde hair being blown slightly by the stage's fans. With his white trenchcoat, also blowing behind him and trademark leather pants, the crowd knows this man by one name...

Archeron Pentatholas Cavalcante raises his left hand as he comes completely into view of his fans, his other hand gripping a briefcase. Before it reaches the top, The Humanoid Typhoon turns it so the palm faces the ring. Bringing it down hard against the ground, his right leg shoots out to the side. Fireworks explode behind him in a row one right after the other. It is only when they have stopped that Archeron, with a look of absolute concentration, pulls his hand back behind him. As he does, sparks rise from the ground where his hand was.

Walking through the sparks, Archeron descends upon the ring, the smoke making it seem as if he were floating, the blue light still staying on him. He stares up at the ring, the smoke filling ringside with each passing second. With a flash, he slides into the ring, the flashing lights suddenly stopping as the blue spot light remains on him.

Standing in the center of the ring, he looks left, then right, then with a smile on his face, Archeron performs his taunt again, this time, the very lights that had been flashing explode, along with the blue spot light, leaving everyone in dark.

When the lights illuminate the arena again, Archeron is still wearing his jacket and slowly extending the briefcase out in front of himself. To this Phantom has an odd reaction, unaware of what is transpiring here concerning the case.

Comeau: I’m rather befuddled….

Moore: Mark, this is a family show.

Mark: Befuddled is not a dirty word. This debuting Archeron, colorfully dubbed the Humanoid Typhoon, has with him some type of mystery briefcase, and I wonder why.

Susie: Maybe it’s filled with cool Transformers toys.

Comeau: Will you get your mind off of action figures.

Archeron tilts his head to examine Phantom before popping open the briefcase, revealing a large quantity of cash. He sets the case down on the canvas, motioning with his outstretched palms towards the money while slowly backing out of the ring. He doesn’t utter even the slightest syllable as he slips through the cables onto the apron.

Mark: The suitcase had money in it, but for what purpose? And why is Archeron leaving the ring?

Moore: Maybe he’s paying Phantom all this money so he can continue to feed his hamburger addiction.

The Humanoid Typhoon drops to the mats and backs away from the ring with a slight grin on his face. Phantom tilts his head further relaying his bewilderment in regards to what is going on here. As Dragonforce's through the fire and the flames blasts through the speakers, the crowd starts applauding as smoke fills the entrance way. Sure enough out walks Myles Warren, known to the fans as Falco, the Fighter for Hire. He brushes back his hair before looking to the ring. With a smirk, he runs down, sliding into the ring. He now lifts the briefcase full of money, overlooking the stacks of bills inside then nodding approving to Archeron who remains at ringside.

Comeau: Wait a minute, that’s the Fighter For Hire, Falco. Archeron Pentatholas must be paying him to wrestle his debut match for him. Jesus, what an ego.

Susie: So who’s wrestling? It’s not me is it?

Mark: God help us if it was. Falco apparently is now going to compete in this match on behalf of Archeron.

Falco lowers the briefcase into his corner and removes his jacket as the perplexed official turns to signal for the bell, officially starting this match. Phantom doesn’t care who his opponent is as he barrels across the ring right at Falco who turns in time to be splashed against the turnbuckle. Archeron cringes a bit at ringside while Phantom takes his opponent by the wrist and whips him across the ring into the opposite turnbuckle. The gigantic Phantom comes charging in towards his much smaller opponent who surprisingly springs to the middle rope once he reaches the corner and flies off of it. He twists around in mid-air connecting with a clothesline right to Phantom’s throat.

Comeau: And we’re underway here with some aerial pizzazz already shown by the Fighter for Hire.

Moore: He’s small so that much mean he’s agile right?

Phantom is staggered by the clothesline yet somehow maintains his footing, even as Falco rises to his feet and rushes up beside him. He connects with a step up enzugari to the back of Phantom’s head, knocking him forward into one of the turnbuckles, which he falls against spine first. He remains upright while Falco stands and barrels across the ring, diving forward into a clothesline. It connects while Falco ends up seated on the second rope at his big opponent’s side, his legs dangling over the middle cable. With all his strength he’s able to pull Phantom out of the corner with the arm he just used to lariat him. Phantom staggers forward while the Fighter for Hire slips all the way through the cables onto the apron, taking hold of the top rope in preparation for his opponent turning around. The big man slowly spins to face Falco who springs off the top cable, flying through the air then delivering a heinous dropkick right to his adversary’s sternum. The impact knocks Phantom from his feet while Falco lands on his knees beside him. Archeron watches on with a smug smile.

Comeau: A big dropkick from Falco taking down Phantom. This guy is just too quick for the murderous monster with obvious mommy issues.

Moore: It looks like Archeron is getting his money’s worth so far.

Falco rolls across the canvas under the cables and onto the apron. He now stands up taking hold of the top rope and springing onto it. Again he flies through the air, expanding his legs and his arms out to his sides before big splashing the laid out Phantom. He now has him covered for the pinfall.

Phantom presses his lighter opponent into the air and off of his body. He slowly sits up while Falco jumps into the air and dropkicks him to the back of the head. The strike agitates Phantom, causing him to roll towards the cables, which he grabs hold of in order to drag his aching frame to his feet. As soon as he stands Falco comes charging in, looking to press his advantage. He dives through the air only to be caught across the chest then driven forcefully into the canvas via the standing STO! Faust slams against the ring then flips over backwards, spread out across his stomach while Phantom charges into the ropes at his side, bouncing off then lunging into the air, coming down with all his weight via a leg drop.

Comeau: Ohhh, all that weight crashing down right on top of Faust, now I know how Tom Arnold must have felt.

Moore: I don’t get it.

Falco sits up reaching for his larynx while Phantom stands up behind him, clamping his hand down onto his shoulder, applying the nerve hold. Shockwaves of pain courses all throughout Falco’s arm and shoulder as he tries to push the giant hand away from his muscle. Archeron strokes his chin and crosses his arms, growing a tad impatient but still embracing the idea that he’ll get what he paid for out of Falco. Despite the pain coursing through his body, Falco begins to deliberately wil himself upwards, starting to stand when Phantom breaks his hold and spins him around. He now places his hands to his stomach and stomach, gorilla pressing him up high into the air. Falco has reached almost nose bleed heights before Phantom lets him go. He comes crashing down face first into the ring with a splat while the gothic goliath steps forward, pointing at Archeron on the outside of the ring. He makes a snapping motion with his hands, insisting that he’s on the verge of breaking Falco.

Comeau: What a devastating gorilla press, Phantom using his strength to its full leverage.

Susie: He is big, and he is scary, and he is ugly, and I forgot my original point.

Mark: That’s not even slightly surprising.

After landing with such force against he canvas, Falco begins to push himself up agonizingly. He slowly gets to his elbows and knees when Phantom steps in and reaches down, taking him around the neck. Falco is pulled to his feet with both of Phantom’s hands interlocking about his throat. Before he can respond Phantom lifts him up into the air then turns, throwing him back first right into the turnbuckle. Falco hits the corner hard, almost falling out of it while Phantom comes charging in, turning his back and ramming it right into his opponent’s body. The collision leaves Falco dazed as he now comes staggering out of the corner towards Phantom who catches him under his arm, lifting him up into the air. To his dismay though, Falco counters, reaching up with his legs and wrapping them around his neck.

Phantom is spun around into a big head scissors take over which sends the big man tumbling to the canvas. He crashes across his back then rolls towards the ropes reaching for his spinal column. The ropes are grabbed and used to assist him to his feet when Falco comes charging in only to be caught around the cranium and given a brutal headbunt. The strike sends the Fighter for Hire crumbling to the canvas, blinking his eyes awkwardly as he tries to stay conscious.

Moore: I guess that’s what you can call, using your head, hahahahahaha.

Comeau: Why are you employed?

Susie: I’m pretty sure it has something to do with my ass.

Falco desperately tries to stand up only to have Phantom take him by the shoulder, squeezing it via the nerve hold yet again. This submission is outright draining the fight from the small Falco’s body, but stunningly he tries to stand up. His shoulder is almost ripped from the rest of his body by the big, disgruntled Phantom, yet Falco still stands. Well, he stands long enough to be hit with a headbunt to the back of the cranium by Phantom at least. The shot knocks him right back down to his knees while Phantom takes him by the hair and the pants, dragging him up to his feet then throwing him through the cables. He turns his back towards Falco, slapping his palms together like he just took out the trash.

Unfortunately for him, Falco has grabbed hold of the middle cable, dropping knees first to the apron then slowly standing up. Phantom turns in his direction, charging in when Falco springs to the top rope and takes flight, coming down knees first right into the gothic goliaths sternum. As a result the giant crashes to the canvas with his lighter opponent coming down on top of him with his knees. He bounces off of Phantom’s sternum and then rolls forward across the canvas right back to his feet.

Comeau: Amazing aerial display by Falco, taking out his plus sized opponent.

Susie: He’s got to keep the momentum going though, right?

Mark: Does the word “duh’” mean anything to you?

Moore: Is it a female deer?

Comeau: Just sit silently.

Although in pain Falco leans on the ropes for support, eying the struggling Phantom, who is trying his best o stand. He steps in and blasts Phantom to the forehead with a right hand, then another, trying to inflict as much pain as possible. He now places his big opponent in a neck cravat of sorts, bending his head forward and launching repeated knee strikes upward into his face. The damage he is inflicting is bringing his big opposition closer and closer to unconsciousness before Phantom wedges his big hand to Falco’s back, shoving him off into the cables with the use of his brute strength. Falco bounces off the ropes and comes back in at his kneeling opponent, diving forward into a stiff front dropkick to his face. Phantom is knocked onto his back while Falco rolls in reverse onto his feet then turns his back to his laid out opponent jumping into the air with a standing moonsault.

He comes crashing down on top of Phantom only for the fans to express shock at the sight of the big man catching Falco around the throat. His eyes bulge from their sockets as Phantom slowly begins to stand up, shaking off the effects of all those kicks to the head and glaring at a stunned Falco with deadly intentions. It’s obvious that he’s about to uncoil the chokeslam when the lighter opposition spins around and delivers a hard kick right to the side of his face. Phantom is forced to break the chokeslam attempt, turning away from Falco who now charges up behind him only to be caught under the big man’s arm. He hoisted into the air and now driven down spine first into the canvas with the side slam. Phantom hooks both of Falco’s legs and leans back for the cover to the dismay of the gathered crowd.

Falco launches his shoulder from the canvas, avoiding defeat while Archeron nods appreciatively on the outside of the ring.

Comeau: Phantom close to finishing off Falco there as these two continue to trade maneuvers in this battle of speed versus strength.

Susie: And judging by that last exchange, Phantom seems to be winning, te-he.

Although this match may not have gone very long, Phantom has already had enough, standing up and signaling for the Insomnia (Olleyoop) to a loud mixed reaction from the crowd. A damaged Falco hesitantly begins to stand up when Phantom boots him to the ribs and tries to drag his head under seat. To Phantom’s dismay Falco crawls through his legs and ends up behind him. Falco rushes into the cables behind his opposition, jumping to the middle rope and springing off. He twists around as Phantom turns to face him, being caught around the neck and driven face first into the canvas with the tornado DDT.

Comeau: Big maneuver from Falco, that springboard tornado DDT.

Moore: He’s finally got Phantom reeling.

Falco rises to his feet despite his overwhelming pain and now charges forward, jumping into the air and connecting with the Mach 5 (Shooting Star Press). He misses the move though, Phantom rolling out of the way at the last possible second. He gets to his knees and slowly starts to stand up, lifting his open palm up into the air signaling again for the chokeslam. The traumatized Falco stands up and staggers towards Phantom who catches him around the throat, setting up for the huge maneuver.

Comeau: Falco about to be finished off by Phantom!

Suddenly Archeron enters the ring behind his giant opponent and slams a briefcase straight into the back of his head deliberately in front of the referee.

Comeau: HEY!

Susie: HO!

Mark: I’m not getting into an R&B chant with you. Archeron just deliberated assaulted Phantom right in front of the referee.

The official is now signaling for the bell which chimes repeatedly in the background.

Susie: What? Is hitting people in the head with a briefcase illegal now?

Comeau: When wasn’t it? The official calling for the bell and disqualifying Falco for Archeron’s interference, even though technically Archeron was the man who was suppose to be facing Phantom in the first place, and actually Falco was the one interfe….I just gave myself a pounding headache.

Phantom doubles over to his knees, gripping at his cranium in anguish while the bell continues to sound. Falco stands up, albeit doubled forward while some sweat trickles down his flesh. For some reason Archeron grabs the hand of the hired fighter. He takes hold of Falco’s wrist, lifting it up high and motioning in his direction with the use of the briefcase he just retrieved from the corner. The case, filled with cash, is then shoved into Falco’s sternum as the Humanoid Typhoon pats him on the back and steps away. The crowd is utterly confused by this, as Falco did not win this match on the basis that he was disqualified for cheating. Falco realizes this and gives Archeron an angered glare, throwing down the briefcase and refusing to accept his money it seems.

Susie: Did Falco and Archeron win? I’m so confused I think I just wet myself.

Comeau: I was wondering what that smell is, but no, Phantom is victorious here tonight after Archeron seemingly got Falco intentionally disqualified.

Moore: Why pay someone to wrestle if they’re not even going to do their job? That’s like when I was given twenty dollars for a BJ, but instead gave a foot rub.

Mark: That was the biggest waste of twenty dollars ever! I still want a refund.

Falco glares down at the silver briefcase on the canvas in anger before he’s spun around and taken by the throat. Phantom hoists him into the air in a rage and chokeslams him down thunderously into the canvas. Falco’s body goes limp upon the impact, the murderous eyes of the gothic goliath centering on Archeron who has slipped through the ropes onto the apron. Instead of being stricken with fear Archeron grins, backing up the rampway and leaving Falco completely at the mercy of the monster. Phantom towers over Falco while bending forward and placing his hands to his knees, his eyes burning a vengeful hole into the face of Archeron.

Comeau: Archeron vacating the ring and allowing Falco to feel the wrath of Phantom.

Moore: I wouldn’t stay in the ring either if I had a big angry Phantom after me.

Mark: Imagine that.

Phantom continues to glare penetratingly into the features of the man who struck him with the briefcase.

A MAN OF FEW WORDS

To the dismay of many the once pompous commentator Billy Mayne comes into view, reduced to his lowly backstage correspondent role. His physical appearance reflects this transition, as he obviously hasn’t spent much time in the makeup room, and hasn’t shaved in days, giving him a noticeable five o’clock shadow. His clothes are mostly in disarray and despair lingers in his lifeless gaze.

Billy Mayne: Hello IWC fans, this is Billy Mayne here to remind you that my life sucks in every conceivable way.

The boos only escalate while Billy resides in the standard interview area.

Mayne: Not only did I lose my job and am now forced to hang around these Neanderthals backstage, but my girlfriend left me, took all my Pat Benatar albums, the pay cut has forced me to move into my grandmother’s double wide with her seventeen sickly cats and I’ve given serious thought to becoming an alcoholic.

He tries to soothe himself through deep breathes.

Billy: And now, the final shove that will push me over the edge is upon us. Tonight I won’t be interviewing a Freak or a Vampire, instead I’ll be questioning everyone’s favorite IWC Champion….Ladder.

The camera pans out just enough to reveal Ladder standing beside Mayne, the Cartel title hanging from one of its many rungs. Billy’s heart seems to drop down into the very pit of his shoes yet he forces himself to fulfill his job obligations.

Mayne: Ladder, tonight, your slated to team with Desolation to defend your Cartel title against Axl Evermore, what are your thoughts on this match?

The microphone is extended out towards Ladder, the inanimate object remaining, well, inanimate. No response is given much to Billy’s annoyance, rubbing at his temple.

Billy: I’ll take that as a no comment. But what the fans are really interested in knowing is rather or not you look at this match type as an advantage or a potential burden. After all, if Axl were to pin Desolation, you’d also lose your Cartel title. Any comments?

Ladder remains silent yet intimidating.

Mayne: Come on Ladder, there needs to be some back and forth between us. Don’t you have anything you’d like to say about this match? What about Axl Evermore, any words of warning you’d like to send his way?

Billy anxiously thrusts the mic out in front of Ladder once more. Sadly, there again is no response, Ladder perhaps trying to choose its words wisely. Although mildly agitated Mayne pulls back the microphone and nods his head.

Billy: I see where you’re going with this Ladder. Less is more. You truly are a being of few words, and what’s the purpose of words when you actions speak much louder than them.

The camera zooms in on Ladder, which remains vigilantly silent. An intimidated Billy lifts his palm up towards the Cartel Champion.

Billy: Okay, okay, no need to say a thing, your expression says everything that needs to be said. Thank you for your time, and good luck out there against Axl Evermore.

Ladder passes out of frame, the camera transitioning back to Billy who is reaching into his jacket for something.

Mayne: Well there you have it, Ladder has made its intentions clear as it prepares for its second title defense teaming alongside Desolation to take on Axl Evermore here tonight at Awaken. Now if you’ll excuse me…

A bottle of cheap liquor is removed from Billy’s jacket pocket and lifted to his lips.

Billy: I need to get a start on my alcoholism.

He chugs down the contents of the bottle while staggering out of frame, leaving the menacing Cartel Champion behind.

CHRISTIAN SAVIOR © VS. HURSE

The show returns to the interior of the Manhattan Center, focusing on the swaying curtains in the entry way.

Mark: Billy Mayne sure does look like he’s enjoying his new role.

Susie: Man, I wish I could have interviewed Ladder, some people just get all the luck.

Comeau: Maybe one day if your lucky enough you’ll get to meet Ladder, but right now we need to shift focus to the impending match up for the N.H.B Championship, as Christian Savior defends against Hurse. This match all came about due to Savior’s interference in the last Riot’s! main event, where he accidentally speared Hurse.

Moore: This match is going to be a dandy, a dandy I say.

There is a house in New Orleeaannnss
They call the Rissssiinnng Sun
It’s been the ruin of many a poor boy
And lord I know I’m one…

UHHHHHHH!!!

A super cool red laser light shines over the back of the figure strolling onto the stage and receiving an outcry of jeers from the crowd. Hurse saunters through the light and starts down the ramp without any showmanship or awkward jaw jacking with the haters. For once he seems strangely focused, perhaps out to reclaim the honor stolen from him thanks to Christian Savior’s spear on the last Riot! A spear that caused him to be pinned by the Team Leader and now leaves him seeking revenge on his assailant. He springs to the apron and slips through the ropes, storming to the center of the ring where he spins in a circle, his shadowy eyes observing the booing onlookers.

Comeau: I don’t know rather it’s the fact that Robin Brooks is now associating with Phantom, or that spear Hurse received on the last Riot!, but the former World Champion is looking very determined here this evening.

Moore: He doesn’t own Robin, if she wants to play mommy to Phantom then he has no say so, as long as it doesn’t involve breast feeding.

Hurse storms back and forth in the ring, keeping his eyes on the entry way in anticipation of Savior’s arrival, vividly recalling the numerous attacks he’s suffered at the hands of Christian over the past few weeks.

10...

9...

8...

7...

6...

The crowd starts booing as the countdown continues, as it signifies the arrival of a certain superstar. Their jeers quiet as the countdown reaches...

5…

4…

3…

2…

1…

A series of bright fireworks go off as people yell and boo the recognizable countdown.

You think you know me?!

I’m…

As the smoke clears, Christian Savior is seen with his back to the audience, his arms outstretched!

Falling in the black
Slipping through the cracks
Falling to the depths can I ever go back
Dreaming of the way it used to be
Can you hear me

Spinning around, the figure reveals himself to be Christian Savior, wearing his black pants and phoenix-logo shirt, along with a long black trenchcoat. The N.H.B gold glistens from around his waist to the disgust of the gathered masses. Looking around, a smirk soon graces his lips as the audience boos.

Falling in the black
Slipping through the cracks
Falling to the depths can I ever go back
Falling inside the black
Falling inside falling inside the black

Slowly, Savior makes his way down the ring, ignoring what words are being shouted by the audience.

Tonight I'm so alone
This sorrow takes ahold
Don't leave me here so cold
(Never want to be so cold)

Your touch used to be so kind
Your touch used to give me life
I've waited all this time, I've wasted so much time

Don't leave me alone
Cause I barely see at all
Don't leave me alone, I'm

Savior is on the verge of entering the ring, climbing up onto the apron and throwing his gold over his shoulder when Hurse charges at the cables running perpendicular to the ones he’s standing opposite of. He springs off the second rope then twists in air, delivering a dropkick right to the side of Christian’s body, sending him flying off the apron to the outside mats.

Comeau: Big springboard dropkick from Hurse getting this match underway!

Susie: Christian wasn’t ready for that though, so shouldn’t Hurse be disqualified, or tar and feathered, or marked with the Scarlet letter?

Mark: None of the above options are possible, unfortunately.

A shocked Christian rolls across the mats and slowly begins to stand up, looking absolutely stunned by what just occurred. All the while Hurse slides through the ropes onto the apron and now rushes across them before diving off. Savior turns around as Hurse connects with a flying back elbow right to his chest. The impact knocks Savior from a standing base, he and his Challenger tumbling to the mats. The Master of Control now stands up and slides back into the ring, rushing across it into the opposite cables. He springs off and comes back in at the rising Savior, diving through the ropes for a headbunt. At the last second Christian lifts his belt into the air and slaps the inbound cranium of Hurse right between the eyes with it.

Comeau: Savior just cleaned Hurse’s clock with the N.H.B Championship.

Susie: Hurse’s head is a clock, does a little birdie pop out of it and hoot?

Mark: Are you TWO?

Savior drags Hurse’s incoherent body to his feet and rolls him into the ring under the ropes. There is no way Christian can be disqualified for using the belt, as the match still hasn’t begun and there are zero rules to this match. Christian slides in and immediately pounces on his dazed opponent with closed right hands to his forehead. He pulls on Hurse’s hair driving his fists right into his raised head as maliciously as possible. He now stands up and rolls the Alpha Generation member to his knees, taking him around the neck and locking in a cravat. After already suffering significant trauma to the forehead, the kneeling Hurse finds himself incapable to quickly free himself from the submission.

Comeau: Cravat applied by Savior, who has showcased some great technical wrestling skills over the past few months.

Susie: He’s already going for a submission hold? I thought these matches were suppose to have trash cans, and barbwire, and stuff.

Hurse surprisingly begins to stand up when Savior breaks his hold and connects with a hard back elbow right to the bridge of his nose. The strike sends Hurse reeling in reverse, bouncing off the cables then staggering towards Savior who catches him with a hip toss. Hurse lands on his seat while Christian cartwheels across the canvas right in the middle of hitting the move; he lands on his feet with grace before springing off them into a dropkick on the seated challenger. The shot knocks Hurse to his back, reeling from this brutality while Christian takes him around the neck, pulling him back over into his knees with the cravat.

Mark: The cravat again established on Hurse after a very graceful dropkick from the N.H.B Champion.

Moore: Hurse is getting more beatdown than Dana Plato’s career.

This wrenching of his neck creates great stress on Hurse yet he still is able to rise to his feet, wedging his hands to Christian’s back then shoving him forward into the cables. Savior bounces off the ropes and comes back in at Hurse, connecting with a hard shoulder block that knocks him down to the canvas. An arrogant Savior towers over his laid out opponent, briefly spitting on him before rushing into the cables off to his side. He bounces off and comes back in at Hurse, who turns over onto his chest and stomach, forcing Christian to have to jump over. As the Champion leaps over his opposition, Hurse turns and catches him around the leg, pulling him down out of the air into a modified school boy.

Savior kicks out while the crowd screams over that unique counter. The Conspiracy member rolls over backwards while his Alpha Gen opponent steps in and catches him around the neck. Savior is pulled around into a swinging neckbeaker, the back of Christian’s head colliding hard with the canvas.

Comeau: Hurse finally coming back in this encounter.

Susie: I like comebacks, there a cheap way to keep me excited.

Hurse palms his forehead, still feeling the ill affects of that shot to the head with the gold. His eyes now transfer to the Championship belt laying on the outside mats, rolling under the ropes to snatch hold of it. He drops down and snatches up the belt, planning to give Savior a taste of his own medicine. All the while Christian is rolling across the canvas to the center of the ring, trying to fight off the damage inflicted by that neckbreaker.

He just begins to stand up when Hurse jumps onto the apron, glaring down into the N.H.B belt, relishing the opportunity to take Christian’s head off. That’s when Savior barrels across the ring, diving through the ropes and connecting with the spear to Hurse’s ribs, sending both men flying off the apron.

Susie: NIKES!

Mark: Savior spearing Hurse off the apron to the mats below, God that looked painful.

Hurse crashes back first with force against the mats, Savior rolling away from him onto his seat. He rubs at his shoulder in pain while Hurse grips his ribs, perhaps coughing up blood. The Champion slowly rises to his feet, taking the hair of his opposition and dragging him up to a standing base. Hurse can barely remain upright due to the overwhelming pain coursing through his mid-section before he’s whipped with great speed right at the steel steps. He twists his body, slamming into the steps across the back of his head and shoulder before collapsing to the mats. The top half of the steps break away from the lower portion while Savior methodically approaches his opposition, still gripping at his shoulder.

Moore: Those steps yet another innocent victim tonight.

Comeau: Hurse colliding with them at break neck speed, inflicting even further damage to what could possibly be an injured mid-section.

Savior snatches hold of Hurse’s hair, pulling him up to his feet then rolling him into the ring under the cables. He now approaches the top half of the steps and pitching them over the cables into the squared circle. The intense N.H.B Champion now enters himself and immediately scoots up behind his opponent, clamping his legs around his waist from behind. He has a body vice established on the former World Champion, who cries out in pain, slapping the ankles of his rival, trying to separate them from his waist.

Mark: Again Christian is demonstrating his technical expertise by going right to work on that ribcage via the body vice.

Susie: And I thought my thighs were powerful. Christian’s look like they could crack walnuts.

The Challenger cries out in pain, closing his eyes tightly together and shaking his fists, trying his best not to submit to this hold. He lifts his elbow into the air and brings it down into the Champion’s knee, then does it once again. The strikes begin to weaken Savior’s body vice submission as the Master of Control nails him to the knee with yet another elbow. Finally the N.H.B Champion breaks his submission, Hurse turning around on his knees and crawling on top of him, delivering right hands that land between his eyes several times. Christian gets his arms up, trying to block his head while the Alpha Gen representative continues to unload on him with weak strikes.

Savior pushes him away and rolls clear from Hurse’s striking range, standing up in a groggy state, backing into one of the corners. An aching Hurse stands up before barreling forward at the Champion who launches his foot up into the air. The boot connects hard against Hurse’s face, causing him to stagger backwards with the Conspiracy member crouches, preparing for his version of the spear.

Mark: Savior looking ready to finish off his opposition with the Blaze of Glory.

Susie: Another spear? I’d like Christian to spear me if you know what I mean?

Comeau: Yes, unfortunately I do.

Moore: Good, because I don’t.

Hurse is staggering backwards right towards the steps that were thrown into the ring by the now crouched Christian. He charges forward for the spear when Hurse side steps him, catching him around the ankle then drop toe holding him face first right into the stairs. He bounces off and now rolls across the ring onto his back, scraping at his face with his palms.

Susie: Why does Savior keep attacking those poor steps?

After that nasty collision Christian sits up, checking on his teeth, making sure they’re still perfect as he reels from that head first collision. He turns over onto his knees starting to get up when Hurse rushes across the ring, stepping off the stairs then twisting around into a devastating spinning heel kick. The move connects, his heels drilling Christian right in the cranium, knocking both men down to the ring in a heap.

The Master of Control sits up, gripping at his ribs and gritting his teeth while crawling into the cover.

Savior launches his shoulder from the ring, avoiding the three count while Hurse crawls up behind him, delivering repeated jabs to the back of his head. He snatches hold of the hair of his opponent, pulling him over to his knees then placing him in a front chancery. The battered Savior is stood up, Hurse turning him to face the steps then rushing forward while gripping him by the back of the head. He lunges into the air and pulls Savior down into a face buster right against the steps. His skull is creamed against the steel, causing him to stand up and stagger backwards spilling through the ropes onto the apron.

He hooks his arm around the middle rope, laying across his back on the apron, blinking his eyes awkwardly as he tries to remain conscious. Hurse steps towards him with as much speed as his damaged mid-section will allow, reaching through the ropes and grabbing his hair. Savior is slowly pulled up to his feet before he bends down and drives his shoulder through the cables right into his opposition’s ribs. Hurse doubles over grabbing his mid-section and sticking his head through the ropes. A phased Savior steps back across the apron then rushes forward, booting the Alpha Gen member right to the side of the head. Hurse remains upright, turning away from Savior and staggering when Christian grabs the top rope, pulling himself over it. In the process of slingshotting himself into the ring he twists around wedging his knees to Hurse’s spine and pulling him down into a huge backstabber variation.

Comeau: What an acrobatic move by Christian Savior, a slingshot back cracker.

Susie: How come you get to get away with calling the moves and I have to try and say something insightful?

Mark: Because I actually know what to call the moves, well at least most the time, and you’ve never said anything insightful.

Hurse arches his back while rolling across the canvas, his opponent ending up back on the apron. He stands up taking hold of the top rope and pulling himself over into a slingshot senton splash right across the tender mid-section of the challenger. He drops back now and hooks Hurse’s leg for the pinfall.

Hurse is able to put his free leg over the middle rope, forcing the official to stop the three count at the last second. A mildly miffed Christian grabs his opposition’s ankle dragging him to the center of the ring. He sits his Alpha opponent up on the canvas then drops down behind him clamping his legs around his waist. Once again Savior has established the body vice, squeezing at Hurse’s mid-section with all the strength that his legs can possibly muster.

Susie: Oh great, another boring Submission hold. Hit him with something real hard in the head!

Comeau: Savior effectively wearing down Hurse with the body vice.

Moore: Can’t it be effective and fun though?

Mark: Two things your commentary isn’t?

Christian uses all the power of his legs to further aggravate the mid-section of Hurse, who digs his fingers into his palms, shaking them out to his sides. He is trying to block the utter agony that flows through every inch of his body, Christian sitting up and slapping him over the back of the head repeatedly. This behavior only further intensifies Hurse’s desire to escape the hold, causing him to sit up with determination overwhelming him.

He tries to escape the hold the same way he did earlier, driving his elbow into Savior’s knee, then doing it again and again and again. The shots to the knee prove to be just as painful as ever, causing him to break the hold when Hurse stands up, turning around and grabbing his opposition’s legs. He lifts them up into the air and tries to turn him over into position for the Legend Lock. To his dismay Savior wedges his feet to Hurse’s ribs, shoving him backwards into the ropes. Hurse bounces off and comes back in at Christian who stands catching his inbound opponent under his arm, lifting him into the air before dropping him back first across the steps with a side slam.

Mark: I think it’s a safe assumption that Hurse won’t be coming back from that.

Susie: He dropped him right on the stairs again, what is Christian’s problem with the steps? Did they rape his mother or something?

Savior sits on the canvas breathing uneasily, shocked and offended that he was almost placed in Hurse’s finishing submission. He now rises to his feet with a little more motivation, grabbing Hurse by the hair and pulling him up to his feet. The Challenger is turned around and given the downward spiral, driving him down face first right into the steel stairs. The steps concave around Hurse’s face as he bashes off of them and rolls onto his back, Christian sluggishly crawling into the lateral press. His forearm is wedged against his rival’s face for further leverage.

Shockingly Hurse gets his shoulder up, avoiding the three count. Savior immediately sits him up and clamps his legs around his waist, yet again applying the body vice. A wail of agony emanates from Hurse, his body ravaged by the lethal effects of this encounter.

Hurse bites his lip, quickly fading from the anguish this hold is inflicting upon him. His fists try to ball up in order to fill him with motivation but all energy has been completely drained from his body as a result of this tight body vice. Both eyes flutter while slowly falling over to his side. He now lays across the canvas with Christian turned to his side to maintain the submission. He licks his lips with a truly twisted, demented grin, relishing in his opponent’s suffrage.

Comeau: Hurse is fading fast. He could be on the verge of passing out which would mean that Christian retains his title here tonight.

Moore: Robin isn’t going to be happy.

The pressure exerted by the legs is too much for Hurse to tolerate, his eyes closing and his body laying motionless across the canvas. The official steps in, taking hold of his hand then lifting his arm into the air. He allows the arm to drop back to the canvas limply, inciting the official to lift it back into the air. He steps back, observing the arm then watching as it again tumbles to the ring upon releasing it. The crowd is screaming while the official takes hold of his wrist for a third and final time, lifting it from the canvas and holding it in the air.

Susie: Why does the referee keep trying to hold Hurse’s hand?

Comeau: He’s not trying to hold it, he’s checking to see if he’s still conscious.

Moore: If he isn’t, I’d stick his hand in some warm water, hehehehehe.

The crowd finds themselves mildly interested in regards to rather the arm will again fall to the canvas, thus giving Savior the victory. The hand is released and the arm falls to the ring yet again to a mixed reaction from the crowd, only for it to shoot right back up into the air. Conviction fills the features of the former World Champion who slowly sits himself up on the canvas, beginning to fight and struggle his way free from the hold. Savior can feel Hurse’s dedication therefore he wedges his feet under Christian’s armpits and rolls over onto his stomach. As a result Hurse is rolled sideways ending up on top of his shoulders and the back of his neck, Savior’s legs wedged to his armpits holding him in this position.

Hurse kicks out, dropping over onto his elbows and knees while Savior stands in front of him, taking him around the neck. The back of his tights are then grabbed as Hurse is almost dead lifted from the canvas and planted head first into the ring via the impant DDT. His cranium bashes from the canvas while he rolls onto his back, Savior again hooking both of his legs for the pinfall.

Hurse launches his shoulder from the ring, avoiding the three count.

Susie: How many times is Hurse going to kick out? It’s starting to get repetitive.

Comeau: Again Hurse getting his shoulder off the canvas before the three count could be rendered, thus ending his chances of walking away from tonight’s title match as a champion.

An aggressive and aggravated Savior rises to his feet approaching the cables then slipping through them onto the apron. He now strolls towards the turnbuckle, scaling to the top rope and turning his back towards the laid out, aching Hurse. The N.H.B Champion is about to take flight when the Master of Control pushes his legs out from under him at the last second. Christian lands on his seat on the top rope, reaching for his testicles and agonizing while an aching Hurse places his back to his seated opponent’s spine, taking hold of both his opponent’s arms. He rushes out of the corner, looking to connect with a crucifix bomb only for his mid-section to erupt with pain. As a result he’s forced to drop Christian, who lands on his feet behind Hurse, the Alpha Gen member spinning around towards Savior who takes him around the neck for the diamond cutter.

Hurse grabs him around the waist and reverses by dropping back into a reverse roll, pulling Christian along with him. Savior ends up on the back of his shoulders and head while Hurse sits down on the back of his legs, pinning him to the canvas. As the official drops to make the count Hurse grabs Christian’s pants line, pulling up on it and also grabbing the middle rope with his other hand, cheating as much as possible.

Comeau: Big reversal but Hurse has got his hands all over Christian’s tights and the ropes.

Susie: Hurse’s hands sure are busy, just ask Robin.

The count continues with the official unaware of Hurse’s cheating.

Christian kicks out amongst squeals from the crowd, launching Hurse across the ring as a result. The intense Savior rises to his feet at great speed then lunges into the air, catching the approaching Alpha Gen member around his neck. He drops going for the diamond cutter only for Hurse to grab the top rope with both hands, keeping himself from being dragged own into the maneuver. Savior slams into the canvas across his back after Hurse blocked one of his signature moves, now rushing into the ropes in front of him. He bounces off and comes roaring towards his laid out opposition, grabbing him by the legs and flipping forward into a jackknife cover.

Savior suddenly sits up, pushing Hurse over onto the back of his shoulders as a result.

Hurse kicks out, sitting up and knocking Christian down onto the back of his shoulders in the process. He ends up seated on top of Savior’s sternum and wrapping his arms around the back of the Rising Phoenix’s legs, pulling down on them for the pin.

Again Christian sits up, pushing Hurse off of his sternum and sending him rolling backwards to his knees. He is in this kneeling position when Savior comes barreling towards him only for his opponent to turn over onto his chest and stomach, causing Christian to be forced to hop over him. He now continues into the opposite ropes, bouncing off and coming back in at Hurse who jumps to his feet then lunges into the air, connecting with a huge dropkick. His boots drill Savior to his face, knocking him over into a backwards flip where he crashes across his face and stomach.

Comeau: Counter after counter between these two competitors, as the issues between the Conspiracy and the Alpha Generation continue to escalate.

Moore: What a match we’re witnessing. That’s what Dan Douglas use to say about every match right, so it makes me sound more professional saying it myself?

Mark: Actually, I don’t know how, but you’ve made yourself sound like an even bigger idiot than ever before.

Susie: At least I’m raising the bar, yay.

Savior grips at his jaw while rolling instinctively to his feet. As soon as he stands up Hurse connects with a weak knife edge chop right across his sternum. The blow still lands with enough force to cause Savior significant pain as Hurse grabs him by the hair, pulling his head under his seat then signaling for the Sanitizer (Styles Clash). He is just about to hit it when Christian twists his body, wedging his shoulders against Hurse’s ribs then lifting him into the air in a fireman’s carry position. Hurse knees Christian to one side of the head and elbows him to the temple, damaging him enough to slip off of his shoulders. He lands on his feet behind Savior then takes him around the neck, bending his head forward for the Shellshock.

He drops back to deliver the modified face plant that pulls Savior completely off of his feet, twisting him upside down to drive his facial features into the canvas at great velocity. Somehow Savior is able to reverse the Shellshock by cartwheeling across the canvas. He lands on his feet gracefully while Hurse turns and charges forward for a spear of his own perhaps. Savior leap frogs him though, causing Hurse to step behind his back then spin around only to suffer a diamond cutter. Christian pulls Hurse down face first into the ring with tremendous velocity. His skull slams off of the ring, his body ricocheting from the canvas.

Comeau: I guess the third time was the charm on this occasion as Savior finally hits the diamond cutter.

Moore: Shouldn’t he you know, go for the pin and junk?

An exhausted Savior sits up on the canvas, catching his breath before he agonizingly pulls himself into the cover. He hooks Hurse’s leg with the crowd screaming.

To the shock of many, Hurse is able to kick out, getting his shoulder from the ring just before the final count could be made.

Susie: Stop doing that already.

Comeau: Hurse kicks out yet again in this N.H.B Title bout. How long can these two continue to inflict pain on each other?

Savior is begrudged over the fact that Hurse yet again got his shoulder up even after the diamond cutter. In his tired state he pries Hurse from the canvas and drags him to his feet, pulling his head under his armpit to set up for another impant DDT. To Savior’s shock though, Hurse has the strength to snap over backwards into the northern lights suplex with the bridge.

Hurse is to weak to hold on as Savior kicks out and in the process takes him around the neck, rolling them both over to their knees. Christian still has his arm wrapped around Hurse’s neck, pulling him up to his feet then lifting up on the back of his tights for the implant DDT. At the last second Hurse shifts his weight, dropping back down to his feet then swinging his body out from under Christian’s arm. He takes hold of his wrist and pulls Savior forward, dragging his head under his seat and yet again calling out for the Sanitizer to screams from the crowd. At the very last second Christian pushes Hurse backwards across the ring, driving him spine first right into the turnbuckle. He frees his head from under Hurse’s posterior and twists his body, wedging his back to his sternum then taking him around the neck. Savior rushes out of the corner to deliver another diamond cutter but Hurse reaches back and grabs hold of the ropes, keeping him from connecting.

As a result Christian staggers forward, Hurse freeing himself from the diamond cuter position then pulling himself up onto the turnbuckle behind him. Before Savior even has time to turn around Hurse flies off the corner, catching him around the neck and hitting a huge bulldog. Christian is driven with incredible force face first into the ring, Hurse coming down to his seat beside him.

Comeau: Bulldog from the second rope by Hurse in this frantically paced N.H.B title match.

Susie: Yeah, but Hurse isn’t going for the pin, the idiot.

Both men lay on the canvas suffering from sheer exhaustion before Hurse finally starts to show signs of life. He rolls to his side with sweat dripping from his head. Christian also starts to get up, regaining his senses while he turns to his knees. After much delay both men finally reach their feet when Hurse takes Christian by the back of the head, rushing towards the steel steps he employed earlier to his advantage. He seems intent on delivering yet another face buster into the steel but Savior has the wherewithal to push him off. As a result Hurse charges towards the stairs but then steps off them and jumps into one of the turnbuckles. He lands on his feet on the second rope then springs off, twisting for the crossbody when Christian rushes forward, jumps off the steps and almost rips in half with a spear that connects in mid-air. The fans jump out of their seats screaming over the unbelievable counter they just witnessed from Savior.

Comeau: What a counter in mid-air by Savior!

Susie: He speared Hurse right out of the air.

The crowd is still amazed by what they just witnessed while Savior flops his arm weakly across Hurse’s sternum for the three count.

The boos from the crowd are overwhelming as Christian Savior has just retained the N.H.B title.

Comeau: And that mid-air spear has sealed Hurse’s fait here tonight at Awaken. Christian Savior has retained the N.H.B title.

Moore: Well, at least Hurse tried this time, but failed, which is kind of sad, and funny.

Hurse curls into a fetal position while rolling towards the ropes, Savior still seated on the canvas, sweating profusely. He extends his arms outwards with palms raised, calling for his belt, the official bestowing the No Holds Barred title upon him. The referee brings the belt towards Savior, laying it across his forearms as he slowly lifts it to his face, coveting the belt he just endured hell to retain.

Comeau: That was a very back and forth encounter but in the end Savior just edged out Hurse….hold it, look who’s ENTERING THE RING!

Savior is standing up and celebrating with his championship when a figure slides into the ring behind him, clutching hold of a steel chair.

THE CHOICE

The crowd is going absolutely nuts at the sight of Riggs standing up behind the N.H.B Champion, the chair cocked back in waiting for him to turn around. Riggs’ knees are bent and his eyes are creating a target on Savior’s spine.

Susie: It’s that painted guy who gives me nightmares. No wait, that was Ronald McDonald.

Comeau: We heard rumors all week long that Riggs was going to be here, and now we see that those rumors were true. And it appears that he’s ready to give us the answer we’ve been waiting for in regards to rather he’ll join the Conspiracy.

Moore: Yeah, and he’s about to answer with a chair, A CHAIR!

Riggs slams the top edge of the steel down over the canvas and motions for the man who helped rob him of the N.H.B title to spin around. A celebrating Christian has no idea what waits behind him as the throws his recently retained gold over his shoulder and spins around to find himself glaring into the soulless eyes of Riggs. He steps back, startled by the sight of the chair in Riggs’ hands but unable to block the impending shot. The chair is swung straight at his skull until it abruptly turns and nails a rising Hurse right between the eyes. The fans in the Manhattan react with pure revulsion as the Alpha Gen member tumbles to the ring and Riggs stands over him with a dented chair in hand.

Comeau: AH! Riggs just hit Hurse with the chair. Does this mean what I think it does?

Moore: That Bill Clinton is secretly a warlock?

Mark: No, does this mean Riggs has opted to sign with the Conspiracy?

Riggs throws the chair down and slowly turns his diabolical gaze towards a reluctant Christian Savior. The N.H.B Champion tilts his head, giving Riggs a sideways glance before smiles creep onto the faces of both men. Riggs turns and extends his hand out towards a laughing Savior, who reciprocates the handshake.

Comeau: I think my question was just answered. Riggs has joined the Conspiracy.

Moore: What a surprise, I guess.

Those in attendance are stunned by what they’re witnessing as Riggs and Savior continue to shake each other’s hands, signifying the newest addition to the Conspiracy. Hurse looks up with blood streaming down his face as a result of that disfiguring chair shot, almost lifelessly gazing at both of his assailants now unifying their efforts in the center of the ring.

Comeau: What other surprises lay ahead here at IWC Awaken?

PASSING THE TORCH

Laughter, of the foulest kind, emanates from Dan Douglas, momentarily overwhelmed by his happiness. Judging by his company alone one could assume why he’s so happy, as both his arms are wrapped about the hips of Sallie and Krissie. They walk seductively at his sides down the corridor towards Douglas’ secluded dressing room.

Dan Douglas: What a night ladies, things are going exactly as the Conspiracy planned.

Krissie and Sallie smile politely.

Douglas: Riggs has finally come to his senses, and Christian Savior just retained the N.H.B Championship. And those are just omens of greater things to come here tonight.

Krissie: Like Silencer and Pat Evans winning the tag team titles?

Dan: And so much more sweetheart, so much more. If guys like Orlando Cruze thought their lives were a living hell before, we’re just getting started, hahaha.

They finally reach the dressing room, while Sallie finds herself as gleeful as the owner, mostly upon thinking of Orlando’s further suffrage.

Douglas: Because we all know that if there’s one person you can’t trust, it’s Johnny Kingdom.

His loud obnoxious laughter escalates while the door to his dressing room is swung open. The bragging IWC President strolls into his office without a care in the world, Krissie and Sallie following behind ready to commence with a celebration. As soon as the light is switched on their attitudes abruptly change and all attention correlates to the figure seated behind Douglas’ desk. Although the back of the chair faces them the mere vibe he exudes is a clear cut sign of his identity.

Johnny Kingdom: Uh oh, did I ruin the celebration?

The chair swings around to reveal the ever so diabolical Johnny Kingdom, his fingers interlocked and a surprisingly warm expression on his face.

Kingdom: My deepest apologies, far be it from me to sneak into a party I wasn’t invited to. Although I’ve never had to actually do that, I tend to be on everyone’s guest lists.

Dan: Well you weren’t on ours. Now get out of my chair and out of my office before I throw you out myself.

His finger points menacingly towards Kingdom, who snickers over Douglas’ less than threatening statement.

Johnny: Such hostility Dan. What did I do to make you so angry? So I sneaked into your office. So I rifled through your personal belongings. So I saw your foot fetish magazines, and although the pages were kind of sticky it’s nice to know that you and Gene Snitsky have something in common. Really though, what did I do to get you so riled up?

Kingdom clinches his fists and shakes his body to mimic someone getting angered. However, this mimicry wasn’t required as he’s about to see a true enraged reaction from the owner.

Douglas: What did you do? What did you do to get me so mad?

Kingdom: That is the question.

Douglas thrusts his hands down onto the table and leans towards Kingdom, the shadows around his eyes growing all the darker.

Dan: You lied, you cheated, you backstabbed, and you manipulated your way to the top, and the entire time I had to sit at ringside and watch it happen.

Johnny: Those do sound like the right verbs to put on my resume.

Dan: You broke or distorted every rule in the book and yet you still rose to the top.

Kingdom: So your all grumpy because I didn’t take the boring “Orlando” route to the top?

Douglas: That’s only half of the reason I despise you. Let’s not forget the ways you trivialized me, and how you tried to humiliate me as well. But what’s important is that you ran rough shot over everyone…

Kingdom: And with startling charisma to boot.

Douglas is not amused.

Dan: You took this company for everything that it was worth, and then you had the audacity to think you could walk away without giving something back? The gentlemen who comprise the Conspiracy actually had to bust their asses to rise to where they are right now, they didn’t accomplish their ascension to fame through manipulation, and now they’ll make you give something back. They’re going to take your Tag Team Titles, and they’re going to take what you tried to deprive them of by retiring.

Johnny finds this explanation less than satisfying.

Douglas: You, Johnny Kingdom, will repay this company for making you a star.

This statement causes Kingdom to erupt with laughter, rising from his seat and swiping his arms through the air.

Johnny: Okay, that’s a little much for even me to tolerate. You fail to remember Danny boy that the ULW, IWC, whatever you want to call it, didn’t make me, I made them. Without me, the IWC wouldn’t even exist. So I need not repay them, or you, for ANYTHING.

Douglas’ lower lip trembles with hostility as Kingdom’s tirade continues, making his way around the desk.

Kingdom: I didn’t come back to pass any torches or make new stars, I came back here to make your life miserable Dan, and your misery starts tonight. True Orlando and I might not like each other, and true I don’t give a rat’s shaven ass about the Tag Team Titles, but what does matter to me, is watching you squirm.

Johnny turns towards the lovely ladies who part enough for the Team Leader to pass through them. Before he fully leaves the office he shrugs his shoulders and looks sympathetic.

Johnny: Woops, look like I went and ruined your party.

A broad smile sweeps over his face as the door is opened and Johnny Kingdom steps out. Douglas continues to watch him leave with a plotting glare.

Dan: You will give something back, you will give something back.

UNCERTAINTY?

At the sight of Riggs there is a highly mixed reaction. Unsurprisingly there are more boos than cheers at the sight of the painted warrior, who wears a slightly disturbing grin across half of his face. There is almost a swagger to his step as he makes his way down the corridor, having just betrayed any confidence that his fans or fellow competitors had in him.

Tisk, tisk…

As the newest member of the Conspiracy passes through the shadowy hallway a particularly hair raising voice can be heard from above. Showing a surprising lack of fear, the audacious Riggs looks up towards a series of thick pipes running over head. Laying across the top of these pipes is an all too familiar and intimidating figure, “The Vampire Lord” Faust. His head is propped up by his palm with his elbow wedged to the thick gray steel supporting him.

Riggs stares into his eyes, not turning away, or showing even the slightest fear. Instead he only demonstrates impatience.

Riggs: WHAT?

This impatient inquiry amuses Faust, who taps his fingers against the pipe in an irritating fashion.

Faust: Oh, I was just hoping to talk some sense into you.

He now observes his finger tips, peeking under the nails to spot any crud. An unfamiliar gesture is displayed by Riggs, a smirk.

Riggs: There’s no point, my choices can’t be taken back.

Faust: No, but they can be fixed. It’s not too late Riggs to redeem yourself.

The backstabber nods with that same condescending grin.

Riggs: You don’t know what you’re talking about. Go preach to one of your fanged groupies.

Faust: Oh, so I don’t know what I’m talking about huh? Please Riggs, I can see through your paper thin façade.

Faust drops down from the pipes with grace, landing right beside Riggs then stepping in as close as possible without making contact. His fangs draw near to Riggs’ neck, yet the painted competitor does not pull away, remaining un-intimidated.

Faust: I can smell uncertainty all over you. You know what you did Riggs. You know you sold your soul, and for what?

This statement finally elicits a reaction from Riggs, his eyes shooting towards the fanged force.

Riggs: I HAVE my reasons. Reasons that go beyond anything you can understand.

Faust nods, trying to understand what could have possibly drove Riggs to join with the Conspiracy.

Riggs: I know what I did was RIGHT.

The conviction in his voice does nothing to convince Faust.

Faust: Sure, beating up Hurse can feel right, and be fun, but it doesn’t make what you did anymore justifiable. You sold out to the Conspiracy, you abandoned every principle you upheld, so don’t stand there trying to convince me, and yourself that this was RIGHT.

Riggs: I’ll say it again, I did what I did for a reason, and for your own health I wouldn’t suggest you meddle in the Conspiracy’s business.

The threat leaves the Vampire Lord un-phased, watching the back of Riggs as it walks away from him, marching possibly towards Dan Douglas’ office. Faust smirks while shaking his head, his determination to redeem Riggs unwavering.

AURORA ROSE VS. DAVID FREAK

Paul Stanley's "Live To Win" roars over the PA system as Freak immediately appears on the stage flexing and showing off. Sparks fly about the stage as he makes his way down looking quite assured of himself and giving a second look to a few women. He reaches the ring and slides in under the bottom rope. He stands and struts to the middle of the ring flexing and raising his arms taking in both boos and cheers.

Mark Comeau: We’re ready for a big rematch here tonight as David Freak looks to avenge his loss a few weeks ago to Aurora Rose on Riot! David was given this bout by Krissie McMorris, who is hoping this vengeful athlete dishes out some real pain and suffrage on the meddling Rose.

Susie Moore: David Freaky has a right to be mad at Aurora though, if it weren’t for his mystery nose bleed he probably could have beaten Rose. I can relate to David, I get those mystery bleeds every month.

Comeau: I’m assuming you and your mother have never had that “chat?”

Susie: That chat? Oh you mean about watching too much Power Rangers?

David turns around rather pompously to examine the entry way, slouching forward with his palms to his knees. His eyes are locked with ferocious intent upon the curtains which sway in preparation for Aurora’s arrival. “Coming Undone” rips through the silence of the arena and sends the majority of the packed audience into a loud ovation. Through the curtains stride the Punk Rock Princess herself, stopping on the stage and making a rock gesture with her uplifted fist. Freak snidely examines her with a tilted head while Rose progresses towards the ring. She lunges to the apron raising her fist again with a rock gesture like pose.

Susie: Hey, there’s that girl, the one with the multicolored hair…

Comeau: Yeah, Aurora Rose.

Moore: Yeah, her, do you see her?

Mark: Please stop speaking when you have no idea who, or what you’re talking about. Aurora Rose is coming into this match with a lot of momentum as she’s recently picked up a string of big wins at Paranoia V, on Riot! against Nathan Creed, and her opponent here tonight, David Freak.

Before the bell could even sound Freak rushes across the ring straight at Aurora, bending forward to spear her to the ribs through the ropes. However, Aurora jumps over the top rope and lands feet first right on top of the slouched back of her opponent. She now flips off of his spine and lands on her feet right behind him to a loud reception from the crowd. David spins around and barrels towards her when Aurora jumps into the air, wrapping her legs around his neck then snapping over in reverse into a hurricarana. Freak slams with a thud against the canvas, sitting up and reaching for his spine while referee Chester Princeton signals for the bell.

Comeau: Aurora starting off this match in a big way, showcasing those great aerial capabilities.

Moore: Yeah, that girl is talented.

Mark: Aurora, her name is Aurora, how can you suddenly forget these things?

Susie: I think I poked my brain when I shoved a little army soldier up my nostril.

A stunned Freak rises quickly to his feet when Aurora charges in, jumping into the air and landing on his shoulders before snapping off into another hurricarana. The startled David flips over yet again, bouncing from the ring then sitting up reaching for his kidneys. He slowly starts to stand when Aurora steps in and grabs his arm, folding it over backwards into a modified top wrist lock submission. She really has it tightly clamped on while David begins to will himself up to his feet. He stands when Aurora switches around behind his back, changing the top wrist lock into a hammerlock instead. Obviously she’s hoping these alterations are slowing David down before he reaches between his legs, grabbing one of her ankles and lifting up on it.

Aurora collapses onto his back while she’s dragged ankles first between his legs, now laid out on the canvas in front of him. He lunges into the air and transitions around, dropping leg first right into the canvas, Aurora clearing out of the way at the last second. David sits on the ring reaching for his posterior as Aurora steps over his shoulders, sitting on top of them across the back of his neck. She falls back onto her seat, planting his shoulders to the ring while his legs lift up into the air, Rose grabbing the back of his knees to hold down on them.

David kicks out.

Comeau: Aurora’s speed really giving her an advantage in this contest thus far.

Susie: She is fast, like a cheetah, cheetahs are fast, and they like cheese too.

The reeling Freak quickly rises to his feet, as does Aurora, both athletes charging towards one another. Aurora jumps into the air and turns her body, reaching back with her legs and wrapping them around an inbound Freak’s waist. She drops forward trying to roll him up only to have David clamp his arms tightly around her waist. As a result Aurora falls palms first to the ring, pushing herself up into the air in almost a wheelbarrow. Freak shoves her legs off of his waist and as a result Aurora lands on her feet right in front of him, David bending down and sticking his head under her seat. He looks as if he’s setting up for the electric chair drop on his opponent when she turns her body, swinging around to his side then jumping over his back. She wraps her arm around his neck and thigh, pulling him down to the canvas into a modified Oklahoma Roll.

Freak kicks out yet again, still astonished by Rose’s sheer speed. He drops over onto his knees while Aurora steps in front of him and captures his neck with the cravat. She twists violently at his cranium, almost ripping his head from his shoulders as David sluggishly starts to force himself upwards.

Comeau: Aurora with a hold showing that she is not one dimensional, unlike some women around here.

Susie: Ohhhh, I get it, yeah, I hate Kailey Worf too.

David aggressively gets to his feet then wedges his palms to her back, hoisting her into the air the up to his chest. The intense Freak rushes forward and lobs Aurora up high into the air. She flies half way across the ring before coming down with a big crash right into the canvas. Agony overwhelms Aurora as she sits up reaching for her kidneys, David charging up behind her with a well placed kick right between her kidneys. This causes Rose to arch her back even further while reaching for his lower spine, David taking her around the neck and forcing her up to her feet. She is now taken by the wrist and dragged into a vicious short arm clothesline, David falling to his knees at her side.

A pompous smirk comes to one side of David’s face as he takes hold of Aurora’s bangs, forcefully pulling her up to her feet. He wedges his shoulder to her ribs and hoists her up into the air, barreling across the ring in order to drive her spine first into one of the turnbuckles. At the last second however, she ducks her head and is able to slide up and over David’s shoulder, slipping down his back and pulling him over into a sunset flip. David rolls backwards out of the pinning predicament and grabs both of Aurora’s legs, interlocking them before pulling her over onto her stomach, applying the dreaded Texas Cloverleaf.

Susie: Some kind of weird sexual hold by Freaky, I can’t imagine how um, uh, she, is getting any pleasure from this.

Comeau: It’s a submission hold you deviant, and for the last time, it’s AURORA!

Aurora grimaces while digging her nails into the canvas, slowly beginning to pull herself across the ring in the direction of the ropes. Grief overtakes David as his opponent grabs the bottom rope, saving herself from experiencing any further pain from this submission, or so she thinks. David refuses to relinquish the submission but finally does so at referee Princeton’s behest. The agonizing Aurora slowly begins to pull herself up the ropes, grabbing the middle cable when her legs are taken hold of by the vengeful Freak , turning her around so that she’s seated on the canvas. She still grips the middle rope as David places her legs over his shoulders and now pulls up on them. Her grip is broken on the middle rope as she’s elevated above the ring only to be sit-out powerbombed directly into the canvas. David leans shoulders first into the back of her legs.

Aurora kicks out, rolling over in reverse and falling back first against the cables. She sluggishly starts to stand up utilizing the cables for support when David charges in delivering a deadly boot right to her sternum. The strike sends Rose spilling through the ropes and landing knees first onto the apron.

Comeau: What a boot from Freak.

Moore: He must have one of those wide Italian grape smashing feet.

The wind has been knocked from Aurora’s lungs but she still stands up on the apron, using the ropes to assist. Freak reaches over the cables and takes her by the hair, charging her across the apron and then slamming her face first right against the turnbuckle post. She bounces off, staggering in reverse and turning to face the ring when David jumps over the top rope and his opponent catching her around the waist then connecting with a sunset flip powerbomb. Aurora is slammed with tremendous impact spine first right into the outside mats.

Susie: No, that had to hurt.

Comeau: Thanks for accurately summing that move up.

Pain permeates every inch of Aurora’s spine as David takes her around the legs, tucking them under his armpits. Glee momentarily overwhelms Freak as he lifts Aurora up off of the mats by her legs and giant swings her side first right into the exposed turnbuckle post. Screams emanate from the majority of those in attendance as Aurora’s body bounces hard from the steel.

Mark: Aurora just swung into the steel post! Freak must be doing Krissie McMorris proud.

Aurora can barely even breathe at this point while David drags her up to her feet and rolls her into the ring. Freak now slides in himself, methodically taking his time with his opponent. The bangs of her hair are again taken hold of as she is forced to a standing base then scooped up into a hard Canadian backbreaker right across his knee. Aurora bounces off his leg and drops to the canvas, rolling around reaching for her spine. Freak crawls into the hook of her leg, capitalizing on the damage inflicted.

To a loud reaction Rose launches her shoulder from the ring, kicking out before her winning streak could be concluded. David forces Aurora to her feet, hoists her up onto his shoulder and barrels across the ring, driving her hard spine first into the turnbuckle, hitting the move he was going for a few moments ago. He steps back with Aurora still loaded on his shoulder and now turns to face the opposite turnbuckle. Freak barrels all the way across the ring and dives forward into the corner, ramming Aurora against the turnbuckle yet again. A groan escapes from Aurora’s lungs while pain shines through her half closed eyes.

David steps back towards the center of the ring, dragging Aurora out of the corner then dropping to a knee as he applies the bearhug. His arms are squeezing absolutely all the air and life from Rose’s body while she gazes towards the rafters, calling out in anguish.

Susie: Awww, that’s cute, look they made up, they’re hugging.

Comeau: Freak applying the bearhug on Aurora, slowly forcing all the energy and fight from her frame.

The crowd is screaming Aurora’s name, hoping it will be enough to motivate her to free herself. Determination takes hold of her features as her eyes open widely and she begins to drive her elbow down into the back of Freak’s head over and over again. As a result of these repeated blows David’s bearhug begins to weaken, causing him to slowly let her go. To a loud reception she is able to pry herself free, stepping back and drilling David repeatedly to the jaw with forearm strikes. She quickly rushes backwards into the ropes, bouncing off and coming back in at Freak, jumping into the air for a crossbody. However, David catches her across his stomach and flips over in reverse with a moonsault fallaway slam combination.

Comeau: What the hell was that?

Moore: Do you honestly expect me to know?

Freak is laying on top of Aurora, hooking her leg for the pin after that impressive move.

Aurora launches her shoulder from the canvas, sitting up and surprisingly starting to stand. She gets to her knees when David scoots in and clamps his arms tightly about her waist for a second time, once again establishing the bearhug.

Susie: Jeez, aren’t they past this point in their relationship?

Comeau: He is not hugging Aurora, well he is, but in a very suffocating way.

Moore: Oh yeah, believe me, I know how that feels, I’ve had boyfriends like that before. Oh wait, were those my imaginary boyfriends?

Aurora seems to be fading while finding herself trapped in this bearhug, her body slowly relenting to the extreme agony being inflicted upon her. Freak’s face is blood red the tighter he squeezes, on the verge of breaking Aurora’s back if it comes to that. Although the fans are calling her name Aurora finds herself closer and closer to fainting, her head hanging while David exerts even further pressure on the hold. When all hope seems to be lost Aurora finally kicks back her hair, her eyes again filling with conviction. She slowly begins to stand with David doubled over in front of her maintaining his hold. She delivers an upward knee strike to his ribs then delivers a double axehandle over his back, starting to weaken his grasp yet again. That’s when David suddenly powers her backwards across the ring spine first right against the turnbuckle.

Aurora’s arms dangle over the ropes to keep her aching body upright while David steps back across the ring rubbing at his neck from the double axehandle. He now barrels forward with great intensity only for Aurora to surprisingly step out of the way, causing him to ram sternum first right into the turnbuckle. David stumbles backwards after the collision while Aurora rushes in and takes him around the neck. She seems to be going for a downward spiral only for Freak to twist his body, slipping around behind Aurora’s back and shoving her forward into the opposite corner. He pursues her towards the turnbuckle when she shockingly steps up it and launches herself off into the whisper in the wind.

Comeau: Aerial grace personified by Aurora Rose. How she hit that with an aching back I’ll never know.

Susie: Then you’ll be just like me.

Aurora crashes into David’s sternum as both athletes fall to the ring, Rose landing directly beside him. She immediately grasps hold of her lower back, tears of pain almost streaming down her face. Both competitors staggeringly reach their feet when Aurora blasts Freak between the eyes, then connects with an equally as high impact blow. David stumbles backwards into the ropes before throwing a fist of his own. Brooks is able to duck it, David spinning around to face her only to be caught around the neck and driven face first into the ring via the downward spiral. He bounces from the canvas and rolls onto his back, appearing very dazed, yet Aurora is incapable of making the pin due to the damage inflicted on her.

She slowly begins to push herself up, reaching a standing base while David takes hold of the ropes, using them as a crutch. Aurora now steps in only to be struck and struck hard across the sternum with a knife edge chop by her intelligent opposition. The strike causes her to stumble backwards when David charges out of the cables directly at her only for Rose to jump into the air, nailing him to the jaw with a knee strike. Rose lands on her feet while Freak is sent reeling in reverse into the cables, falling backwards between them. His shins hit the top rope though, causing his feet to be ricocheted down to the canvas as he stands up being launched forward into a clothesline from hell. At the last second Aurora springs into the air and drills him to his skull with a big dropkick. The kick knocks David to the canvas with Aurora turning and coming down on top of him for the pin.

David kicks out.

Mark: Aurora’s speed again prevailing in this confrontation.

Susie: She’s so fast I can barely keep track of her, which would explain why I’m playing with this hair clip instead of watching the match.

The crowd is solidly behind Aurora at this point while a dazed, incoherent Freak sluggishly starts to get up, Aurora popping him across the jaw with a right hand then placing him in a side headlock. She points at the ropes signaling for the Sinful Desires and now barrels forward, pulling Freak right along at her side. He pushes her off at the last second, sending Aurora charging into the cables but jumping to the middle one and springing off into a backwards moonsault. David drops down out of the way as Aurora lands on her feet gracefully behind him. She barely has time to maintain her footing when Freak charges in and almost beheads her with the clothesline from hell. Aurora is sent flipping over completely from the move, crashing down face first into the ring.

Comeau: The Clothesline from Hell by David Freak!!

Moore: What a demonic arm Freak has.

David pushes Aurora over onto her back and crawls into the cover.

The fans react with hostility at the sight of Freak’s victory. He sits up agonizing while lifting one arm up high in victory.

Moore: Oh boo, David Freak wins, that’s not cool. Aurora was suppose to keep winning on behalf of all women.

Comeau: Aurora was on the verge of victory only to have it snatched from her grasp at the very last second via that deadly lariat.

Susie: Poor Aurora.

Rose is gasping for air while rolling onto her side, reaching for her throat while David stands tall in the ring. Both arms are lifted above his head while laughter emanates from his lungs, truly proud of tonight’s victory. All eyes slowly turn towards the entry way though, where Krissie McMorris is now standing. Her head is tilted and her eyes are locked on the two figures in the ring. Momentarily her gaze is settled on the laid out, angered Rose but then they switch rather seductively to the smiling Freak. David’s face fills with confliction over her awkward stare.

TIME FROZEN

Dan Douglas leans back in his chair, admiring the sight before him, his fellow Conspiracy members. Located on the opposite side of the desk are Pat Evans, Silencer, Christian Savior and the newest addition to their group, Riggs. The mere sight of these five individuals dejects the fans in attendance and possibly those watching around the world. Dan spins in his chair slowly while gloating over tonight’s achievements.

Douglas: What a night gentlemen, what a NIGHT!

He throws his hands out to his sides, fingers trembling with excitement. There isn’t much of a reaction from the Conspiracy however, Savior seated on the edge of his desk, weighed down with his gold and looking genuinely apathetic. Pat Evans and Silencer are slouching in the sofa growing impatient, and Riggs doesn’t seem to know what to think.

Dan: Savior’s retained the N.H.B Title, and Riggs has come to the Conspiracy.

Christian: Whoa, whoa, whoa…

Savior swipes his hand through the air, sounding strangely defensive.

Savior: Nothing is official yet, not until Riggs properly proves himself.

Dan: I suppose.

The egomaniacal owner continues to spin lazily in his chair while Christian rises to get into Riggs’s face.

Christian: After Pat Evans and Silencer win the Tag Team titles tonight, you’ll get your proper initiation.

The vibe changes in the room as Pat Evans and Silencer find themselves smirking at the possibility of things yet to come this evening. Riggs grins over his new associate’s commands.

Riggs: Sounds fun.

Savior backs away dripping with egotism while Douglas rolls back in his chair towards the bathroom door

Dan: Things are just starting to get exciting. I can’t wait to see Riggs being initiated and watching Johnny Kingdom and Orlando Cruze fall apart.

He rises from his chair and twists the doorknob, pushing open the door to his bathroom and freezing at a sight he finds particularly revolting. No, nobody left a floater, but to Douglas, the figure standing before him is equally as disgusting. Stepping out of the bathroom with little regard for his safety is World Heavyweight Champion Orlando Cruze.

Orlando Cruze: You guys do not want to go in there for at least another five minutes.

He swipes his palm in front of his face while Douglas grows flabbergasted, Evans, Silencer, Savior, and Riggs all gathering behind him for one big assault. There plans are on put on hiatus due to the bat that is now wedged to Douglas’ sternum and gripped by the palm of the World Champion.

Cruze: Jeez guys, I didn’t realize you all had to go so badly.

Pat: You’ve got some set of balls Cruze.

Orlando: Don’t I know it. But since I don’t have my own bathroom anymore, I guess I’ll just have to use your facilities for the rest of the night.

Savior is appalled at the very notion.

Douglas: You will not soil my toilet with your presence Cruze, I’ll have to burn that seat and everything now!

Orlando: Sorry Dan, I didn’t realize you were so attached to your potty. And I’m sorry to eavesdrop but I think your ideas about what will happen tonight are a bit skewed.

Savior: This coming from a man who considers himself a legend?

Cruze: I don’t consider myself anything, I know what I am, and what your not, and that’s a challenge to anyone.

Christian and Riggs try to force their way around Douglas but Cruze lifts the bat, ready to swing it.

Orlando: Now, now boys, no need to get hostile. We’re all adults here.

Again the Conspiracy members hesitate.

Cruze: Let’s be civil. After all, I just have a few things to say.

Silencer: Well say it before we drag your broken body to the ring.

Orlando: I wanted you all to know that Johnny Kingdom may not like me, and I think it’s obvious how I feel about him, buuuttt as much as we hate each other, we’re not very fond of any member of the Conspiracy either.

All five men grow increasingly eager to pounce upon Orlando, held back by the threat of injuries thanks to the baseball bat.

Evans: Likewise.

Orlando feigns sadness over this comment.

Orlando: And that’s what is going to drive us to walk away STILL Tag Team Champions.

Dan: You think you got it all wrapped up in a neat little bow? Well you don’t, because no force on the planet will keep the Paradoxical Paradigm from winning the Championships, and nothing will stop you and Kingdom from annihilating each other.

Cruze: Your one of those glass half full kind of guys aren’t ya?

Douglas bites his tongue, picking his words wisely.

Orlando: You have played around with my career long enough thinking it get you someplace, but it hasn’t, and it won’t. Anyone of you stand up before me in that ring and I’ll leave you laying. I’m not easy pickings for you murder of crows, because I can’t speak for Kingdom, but I can speak for myself, and I’m telling you that tonight change, is being put on hiatus.

With the bat cocked back in the swinging position, and a crazed look inhabiting his eyes, the Icon backs towards the door. He emphatically slams this same door shut while vacating the office, making sure his presence is remembered. The Conspiracy members watch on while Silencer crouches in front of them rubbing his hands together in a maniacal manner.

DESOLATION & LADDER © VS. AXL EVERMORE

A booming voice sounds over the PA, with one of those swooshing sound effects that build to a crescendo.

"You know who I AM, where I've BEEN, where I'm GOING, how I'll GET there...and all that's left is to tell you's that I'm finally HERE!"

The feed fades to the Tron video, and as the lead singer for Drowning Pool screams the opening "1, 2, 3, STEP UP!!" to their song "Step Up", a name is spelled out on the black video background in bold red Sofachrome font letters: Axl Evermore. In between some of the letters, a split-second of Evermore-in-action impact clips are shown. It fades to a front view of the stage, with Evermore--wearing his Fully Loaded team jacket--looking down on one knee, arms outstretched like he just landed from a jump. He stands up and he RVD's a thumbs pose, shouting "A...X...L!" as the crowd chants along, then thrusts open the snaps of his jacket, revealing his well-toned waist.

Kaily Wolf: Heading to the ring, hailing from NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK...weighing in at 246 pounds...AXL...EVERMORE!!

He heads to the ring with stern focus and an energetic gait as the crowd cheers, then jumps and dives through between the middle and bottom ropes, tumbling forth into a hop, into a standing position at the center of the ring. He jogs to a corner, climbs it and thrusts his arms up and points to himself again, shouting "A...X...L!" as the crowd chants along. He hops down from the corner, takes his jacket and shades off, putting the shades in a jacket pocket, and draping the jacket over a corner post, then takes his bandanna off and throws it into the audience. Axl then stands at the ready, alternating between hopping place and standing in a crouch.

Comeau: The wait is over, we’re about to see the Cartel title on the line in the second of three Championship matches, as Axl Evermore prepares to collide in a handicap match against rival Desolation and that dastardly Ladder.

Susie: Evermore is probably out for revenge since he lost to Desolation at Paranoia V? Did I read these cue cards right?

Mark: Yes, and thank God you have them.

Axl steps back and forth, eyeing certain things around the ring that he seems to find very befuddling. For instance there’s a chair with a blanket thrown over it positioned right next to the ring, and referee Fitzpatrick seems to be wearing a huge, HUGE, glove over his bulging hand. Evermore takes notice of everyone of these irregularities as the arena lights dim and the opening chords of the Rolling Stones' "Paint it Black" echo throughout the arena. Red lights flash and mist appears on the Jumbotron. The harsh, synthetic guitars of "Fever Dream" kick in.

The Jumbotron show a pair of black jackboots marching in time with the beat. In the faded mist past atrocities committed by the Dark Man, Desolation can be seen.

A red serpent's eye pulses with a red glow in the background, the glaring, sinister smiling face of Desolation appearing in the center.

Red lights flash on and off in time with the tune, and a column of red flame explodes in the center of the entry ramp, revealing the Dark Man in the entryway. Towering at his side is the Cartel Champion itself, Ladder, the gold sparkling as it clings to its rungs. Desolation throws Ladder over his shoulder and progresses towards the ring.

Evermore scrutinizes every movement by Desolation, prepared for the worse while Ladder is slid in under the ring. Instead of entering himself, Desolation removes a microphone from his back pocket, lifting it to his lips amongst jeers from the crowd.

Susie: Do you think if I ask really nicely Desolation will introduce me to Ladder? I’d really like to get its autograph.

Comeau: I’m sure if you gave Desolation twenty bucks you could spend three minutes with the celebrity that is Ladder. It looks like before we get this match underway, Desolation has something to get off his chest. Heaven forbid these two men just start out a match against each other regularly.

Desolation climbs up onto the apron leaning against the top rope with his forearms, all the while giving the anxious Axl a disingenuous stare.

Desolation: Now, now people, I know you fans want to see this match start without further delay because your more blood thirsty than a Cthulhu overdosing on testosterone, but I need to take this moment to introduce all of you, as well as Axl, to my special guests for the evening.

Negative sentiment sweeps throughout the building. The untrusting Axl becomes a bit more paranoid, crossing his arms over his sternum in preparation for this unpleasing reveal.

Desolation: Now far be it from me to embrace the theatrics that ruin this industry, but tonight I will so as to keep with the reoccurring motif of our little rivalry.

Mark: This doesn’t sound very promising.

Desolation: First, introducing tonight’s special guest ring enforcer, GILLBERG!

Some terribly cheesy almost offensive to the ears Goldberg rip off music hits the PA system, uniting the crowd in an overwhelming sentiment of dejection. There are several people located on opposite sides of the stage, holding up sparklers above the entry way as the skinny, elderly frame of Gillberg emerges. He throws some punches then a kick that causes him to slip and fall on his ass. He tries to play it off by jumping back to his feet and sticking his tongue out through his teeth, unleashing a roided up roar.

Susie: Yay, it’s Gillberg, hopefully he’s here to go on a long winning streak.

Comeau: And here I thought the Invitational Battle Royal had all the worse gimmicks involved in it, but low and behold, Desolation drags Gillberg out of whatever trailer park he was staying in.

Gillberg reaches the mats, trying to look menacing to the best of his abilities while Desolation gives him an apathetic thumbs up. Evermore smirks at the sight of the walking parody.

Axl: Real nice find Russ, what did you pay him with, food stamps?

Desolation pays little attention to the verbal jabs of his opposition, carrying on with his introductions.

Desolation: And fulfilling the role of special guest time keeper, someone slightly less inanimate than Orlando Cruze, the manifestation of an angle that will forever be remembered for it’s perverse use of raw hamburger, she is, KATIE VICK!

One of the stagehands at ringside remove the sheet from chair positioned beside the chair, revealing the very mannequin that Triple H had inappropriate relations with. It barely remains sat up in the chair, lifelessly gripping a small hammer to ring the bell. Evermore cannot begin to interpret his emotions while Desolation proceeds.

Desolation: And finally, the cherry on this wrestlecrap sundae, your special guest referee, aided by Fitzpatrick, HAND!

The giant glove is removed to reveal the bi-product of Mark Henry’s and Mae Young’s disgusting relationship, HAND. It is duct taped to Fitzpatrick’s palm, ensuring that he’ll have to use it in order to make the count. Evermore scoffs while shaking his head towards Desolation.

Evermore: What does any of this even accomplish?

Desolation: It amuses me, and that’s all that matters. Besides, I can imagine Dan Douglas doesn’t take too fondly to this disruption of his pay-per-view.

Axl shrugs his shoulders, unable to disagree with that while Desolation finally slips through the ropes and into the ring. He grabs Ladder and stands it up in the corner, beginning to discuss strategy with it. All the while the fans are still reeling at the sight of HAND, Fitzpatrick using it in order to give his rump a good scratching.

Comeau: How does Desolation continuously find ways to top himself via these reminders of horrid storylines from the past? What’s next, is Dr. Hinny going to show up and pull J.R’s head out of his own ass?

Susie: That would be AWESOME.

Mark: Thankfully we seem to be getting underway with the match finally, which I think is what people actually paid to see.

Gillberg eyes the entry way, standing at the end of the ramp while punching himself lightly in the chest, warding off any possible interlopers. The bell finally sounds thanks to Kailey Worf operating Katie Vick. As soon as the bell chimes Desolation steps away from Ladder, beginning to move in circles with Axl doing the same, both men in a stand off. Finally they step forward to the point where they are nose to nose, all the jokes and comedy now pushed aside. They begin to smack talk only momentarily before Evermore throws a vicious forearm into Desolation’s jaw. The Dark Man responds with a forearm of his own, both men trading shots.

Comeau: Here we go, Axl Evermore versus Desolation for the Cartel title part 2.

Susie: I hope Ladder gets in on the offense soon.

Desolation now chops Axl across the sternum before Evermore delivers his own knife edge blow landing straight across the Dark Man’s chest. The stiff strike staggers the co-holder of the Cartel title while Axl lunges in with a brutal European Uppercut to his jaw. Desolation is wavering on his feet, almost losing his balance while the 2 time Cartel Champion moves in for yet another European Uppercut. However, the Dark Man catches his inbound arm and presses his back to Evermore’s, trying to slide him down to the canvas into a quick pinfall.

Somehow Axl keeps his feet planted to the canvas and forces one of his arms free, twisting around and forcing his opposition to do the same. Both men now face each other as Axl hooks both of Desolation’s arms and lowers his head, setting up for the Flipside already. Desolation spins his body and frees his cranium from this position, taking hold of Evermore’s hand and dragging him forward into his shoulder. He stands up with Evermore stretched across his back, trying to hook his arm around his neck in order to set up for the Brand X. Just before he can be nailed with this maneuver Axl twists his body, hooking both of Desolation’s arms. The Dark Man is pulled down into a crucifix pin for the three count.

The co Cartel Champion kicks out, dropping over onto his elbows and knees while Evermore twists his body, wrapping his arm around his neck. He stands up with Desolation behind him, setting up for the Fully Loaded (Stunner). However, Desolation pushes him off at the last second, causing Evermore to stagger forward to the center of the ring then spin around to face his rival and friend. He and Desolation exchange a long, silent stare down, remembering just how deadly the other can be in the ring.

Comeau: Desolation and Evermore both looking for their signature moves already in this encounter.

Moore: And so far Ladder hasn’t even broken a sweat in this match. Desolation must be willing to put in the grunt work.

If one were to look at the Katie Vick mannequin they might assume that it’s shocked by the action, before realizing it’s face is constantly stuck in that position. Desolation snidely runs his finger over his brow and saunters towards Evermore, thrusting forth his hand for a shake. Axl stares down at the open palm before lifting his hand into the air and giving Desolation the good old fashioned one finger salute.

Desolation: I’m flattered but no.

He shrugs his shoulders then blatantly kicks Evermore below the belt, taking him by the back of the head and charging him towards the ladder. Evermore is unable to stop himself as he’s thrown face first into the rungs, bashing off the steel and the Cartel title belt. He turns and falls against the ladder back first as Desolation grabs his arms, sticking them through the rungs and around the struts so it makes it appear that he’s being restrained.

Desolation: You got him?

Desolation questions Ladder and receives no response while Evermore fights to free his arms from the rungs.

Moore: Desolation and Ladder working as a team. Ladder’s got Axl’s arms trapped, leaving him at the mercy of the Dark Man.

Mark: The ladder is doing literally nothing….oh forget it.

The Dark Man’s palms are rubbed together almost gleefully before he chops the completely exposed chest of Evermore. A groan emanates from the sold out crowd, expressing their sympathies over such a nasty chop. Desolation now pulls his hand and delivers another devastating, chest caving chop to Evermore’s sternum. Although Axl winces from the pain his face fills with determination.

Evermore: Is that all you’ve got Desolation?

Desolation: I’m just warming up.

Desolation now connects with a third, sickeningly stiff chop that almost immediately welts Axl’s chest. Evermore again winces but refuses to cry out in pain. Through a grit of his teeth he continues to motivate Desolation.

Axl: I know you can hit harder than that.

His verbal barbs amuse Desolation who feels obligated to reward Evermore with one more chop. He pulls back his hand and launches it with all the force he can muster towards Axl, who suddenly turns his back towards his opponent. His arms are still tangled up in the ladder which is stretched across his back, causing Desolation to almost shatter his hand as he knife edge chops the steel. He turns away from Evermore, agonizing as he doubles over his hand, rubbing at his fingers.

Comeau: Evermore baited Desolation into that one.

Moore: Oh no, I hope Ladder doesn’t take this personally.

Desolation continues to shake the pain from his hand when Evermore charges backwards, ramming the ladder right into his rival’s spine. The collision knocks the Alpha Gen rep down to the ring while Axl frees his arms from the ladder. He quickly places it in a front chancery though and drops back, vertical suplexing Ladder down right on top of the laid out Desolation.

Susie: Oh no, now Ladder is being forced to hurt Desolation. Stand up for yourself Ladder!

The Dark Man writhes under the rungs before Evermore throws ladder off of him and drops down into the cover, hooking his legs. Fitzpatrick drops to his knees and forces himself to make the count through HAND.

Before a second count can even be made Desolation launches his shoulder from the ring, refusing to be bested with such ease. Evermore quickly drags the Dark Man by his hair and to his feet before catching him around the neck and thigh, dropping back into the expoder suplex with the lateral press. The count is again made via HAND.

Desolation once more lobs his shoulder from the ring, kicking out before the three count could be registered.

Although the 2 time Cartel Champion is unable to finish off Desolation with haste he takes his adversary around the chin, rolling him to his feet. As soon as the Dark Man is upright he chops him hard across the sternum, then pops him under the jaw with a blatant closed fist. He now hits another right hand, and another, showcasing some boxing skills and then going for the knock out shot that his rival unexpectedly ducks under. He avoids the strike as Evermore spins around right into a chop across the sternum. Obviously the Dark Man wasn’t thinking, because the chop did more damage to his possibly injured hand than it did to his opponent, causing him to double over perhaps a set of broken digits.

Comeau: I think Desolation did a lot more damage with that chop to Ladder than he thought he did.

Moore: That will ruin his long lonely nights without Hellkat.

Axl realizes that one of Desolation’s weapons has been removed from his arsenal, quickly stepping forward and blasting him to the face with a stiff forearm strike. The blow sends the distracted Desolation reeling into the ropes and tumbling against them sternum first. Before referee Fitzpatrick, with the assistance of HAND can stop him, Evermore grabs both of his opposition’s ankles, lifting them into the air so that he is elevated above the canvas, still leaning with his chest across the cables. Axl now delivers a blatant kick of his own below the belt, avenging the one that Desolation connected with several moments ago. Fitzpatrick jumps all over Axl’s case as he steps back pleading innocence, Desolation grabbing at his genitalia and doubled over in pain.

He rolls under the ropes to the outside of the ring to create some distance between himself and his aggressor, trying to regain some feeling in his hand. Axl is about to pursue him before realizing how idiotic that would be, turning his sights towards Ladder. He grabs hold of it and drags it to the center of the ring, dropping down into the cover on it. Fitzpatrick drops making the count with HAND yet again.

Comeau: Axl brilliantly going for the pin on Ladder.

Susie: Kick out Ladder, kick out!

The crowd is cheering, realizing Evermore is about to become a three time Cartel Champion.

Desolation grabs Axl’s ankle and drags him through the ropes to the outside of the ring. Evermore drops down to his feet in front of the Dark Man who goes for a punch with his good hand only to have it blocked by Axl, who responds with a good old fashioned closed fist of his own. It connects to the Dark Man’s jaw, sending him staggering backwards in the direction of the special guest time keeper. Audaciously he grabs the life sized Katie Vick doll from the chair and thrusts it out in front of Evermore, trying to use it a shield.

Susie: How dare Desolation, put Katie Vick down!

Comeau: Desolation using a mannequin as a shield and testing Evermore’s nobility in the process.

Evermore snatches Katie out of Desolation’s hands and throws it down to the mats when the Dark Man grabs the back of Axl’s head, charging him towards the steel steps. His face is rammed with vicious velocity right into the steel. Evermore now grabs at his skull in pain while his opportunistic opponent takes him around the waist and falls in reverse, connecting with a back drop driver right onto the outside mats. The back of Axl’s head slams forcefully against the thin protective matting, causing him to roll over onto his seat with who knows how much damage just inflicted.

Comeau: Ahhh, Desolation showing he has no conscious whatsoever by just giving Evermore the back drop driver onto the mats! He could potentially have a broken neck!

Susie: It’ll match nicely with Desolation’s broken hand.

Mark: This is serious.

Moore: I thought I was being serious.

Axl maintains a grin over the back of his neck as he’s forced up to his feet then rolled under the ropes into the ring. Desolation slides in himself, still holding his damaged hand against his stomach then grabbing Ladder and placing it on top of Axl. He steps back insisting that the official make the three count. An irritated Fitzpatrick drops to make the count.

Evermore surprisingly gets his shoulder up with Ladder still positioned on top of him. As a result Desolation charges forward and jumps into the air, sticking out his back and dropping it straight onto the ladder, driving it downward into the battered mid-section of his adversary. Evermore convulses beneath the steel, pushing it off of him while Desolation arches his spine and rolls around in the ring, laughing to himself slightly over the pain he just inflicted on himself.

Axl pushes himself up onto one elbow, trying to stand while Desolation employs the use of the cables to reach his feet. He steps back hunkering down with his good hand pressed to his knee as Evermore steadily pushes himself up to a kneeling base. That’s when the plotting Desolation rushes forward and delivers a sickening kick right to the side of Axl’s face, knocking him right back down to the canvas.

Mark: Desolation now controlling the pace of this match, decimating Evermore after that back drop driver on the outside mats.

Susie: I thought Ladder had the pin there a few seconds ago.

Desolation takes hold of Evermore’s hair, pulling him up to his knees then delivering a vicious right across to the jaw, knocking him down to the ring once more. After nailing the jab Desolation turns away from his opponent, shaking the pain out of his hand yet again, hoping the agony will subside. Now that he’s got Evermore reeling he blocks the pain from his mind and takes his opposition around the jaw, leading him up to his feet. He uses his bad hand much to his chagrin to lift Axl into a scoop slam position while approaching the turnbuckle. He hooks both of Axl’s legs around the top rope, ensuring that he’s now hung in the tree of woe before stepping towards Ladder and snatch it up off of the canvas. The Dark Man approaches his hanging opponent and places Ladder right in front of his face, stretched out horizontally across the canvas.

The co-Cartel Champion quickly rushes backwards across the ring then charges at his prone opponent, jumping into the air and dropkicking Ladder right into Axl’s face.

Susie: Ohhh, Ladder and Desolation working as such a well oiled machine, and believe me, I know my oils.

Comeau: No one is debating that.

Evermore continues to hang upside down reaching for his face while Desolation pulls Ladder out of the way, patting it on the rungs reassuringly. He quickly takes hold of Axl’s hair, pulling up on it so that he is almost seated on the top rope with his back elevated out over the canvas. Desolation takes him around the neck and rushes towards the center of the ring, pulling the Fully Loaded member out of the corner into a devastating reverse neckbreaker. Axl bounces from the ring, wrapping his arms around the back of his neck while agonizing. Desolation turns over into the lateral press.

To the shock of the gathered masses Axl lobs his shoulder free from the ring. It is a welcomed shock to all his staunch supporters, who begin to rally behind him with much greater gusto. Desolation rises to his feet clearly annoyed by Axl’s kick out, again strolling towards Ladder and scooping it up off of the canvas. He places it over his shoulder then steps forward, launching Ladder with almost a scoop slam down onto the battered body of the Challenger. Evermore reaches for his face and neck after the collision while Desolation drags him out from under the ladder and pulls him to his feet. He now wedges his arm through his legs while hooking the other one and lifting him into the pumphandle. Evermore ends up on Desolation’s shoulder as he prepares to deliver a powerslam perhaps. That’s before Evermore slips over his shoulder and lands on his feet. Desolation twists into a spinning back fist only for Evermore to duck it and catch hold of his damaged arm. He drags the Dark Man down to the canvas and tries to apply a fujiwara while twisting upward on the possibly broken fingers.

Desolation is able to pull his hand free at the last second and roll away from his opponent, getting to his feet and charging into the cables. He bounces off and comes back in at Axl, throwing a big lariat only for Evermore to side step him and again ravenously taking hold of his hand, trying to force him down into the submission yet again. Desolation drops sideways behind Axl catching him by the pants and pulling him over into a school boy. He quickly stands up though looking for the Curb Stomp.

Comeau: Evermore trying several times to lock in a hold on that damaged hand but Desolation now countering into position for the Curb Stomp.

Susie: It all could be over, which is good because I ran out of skittles.

The crowd gasps as Desolation begins to hook up his opponent’s legs only for Evermore to reverse into a drop toe hold. As a result his opponent crashes forward into the canvas and a hurting Evermore scoots up to his side, again grabbing hold of his arm and lifting up on his hand. He pulls back on the fingers as far as they will go without shattering, causing Desolation tremendous grief. He pushes himself up onto his free elbow, grimacing in the direction of the cables.

Mark: Evermore looking to be the first man to force Desolation to tap out, which he may very well accomplish thanks to the damage already done to his hand.

Susie: If Desolation taps out won’t that mean all our faces will be melted away?

Comeau: It’s not the equivalent of opening the ark of the covenant.

Anguish courses all through Desolation’s arm as his fingers are almost ripped from his hand, Evermore leaning as far back as he possibly can on the hold. Determination is clear in Axl’s eyes, his teeth gritting as his rival sluggishly pulls himself towards the ropes with his one good hand. Those in attendance are standing and slapping the barricades, shouting for Desolation to tap before he lunges at the cables with his free hand, interlocking his fingers around the bottom rope to the despair of many.

Mark: And he reached the ropes.

Moore: Too bad for Axl.

Evermore breaks his submission, sitting up and still reaching for his neck in pain. Sluggishly he forces himself up to his feet while Desolation utilizes his one good hand to slowly reach his feet. He is spun around and jabbed violently across the jaw from Axl, knocking him backwards in the direction of the turnbuckle. Axl now spins around into a stiff back heel kick right to the Dark Man’s stomach, doubling him over forward before stepping in and blasting his rival to the face with a punt. The strikes echo throughout the arena while Desolation falls back first against the turnbuckle, using it to keep himself upright.

Comeau: We saw this in their last encounter, Evermore utilizing a series of stiff kicks and strikes to match Desolation, and it seems to be working to his advantage.

Susie: Especially since Desolation can’t use his hand. Right? Right? Please tell me I said something smart.

The beleaguered Desolation remains pressed against the corner while Evermore delivers a sickening open hand palm strike across his jaw before wedging his shoulder to his ribs. Desolation is lifted up and seated on the top rope while Evermore climbs up in front of him and turns, wrapping his arm around his opposition’s neck. The crowd is screaming as Evermore looks to be going for the stunner off the top rope. At the last second Desolation pulls his head free and shoves his adversary off the corner. As a result Axl crashes down from a great height back first right into the canvas. He now pulls himself up the turnbuckle, spinning around with his back aimed towards Evermore and launching himself off into a huge moonsault. He crashes down directly into the canvas, Evermore having rolled out of the way at the last conceivable second.

Desolation pops up onto his knees, instinctively beginning to stand while keeping his damaged hand held against his stomach. That’s when Axl rushes in and takes him around the neck, hitting the stunner. Desolation flies back and collapses to the ring while Evermore scoots in on his knees, grabbing his legs and flipping forward into a jackknife cover.

Comeau: The Fully Loaded by Evermore. We could see a new Cartel Champion crowned!

Moore: Do something Ladder, do something!

The referee makes the count, again forced to use HAND to do so.

To despair intermingled with a few cheers, Desolation kicks out, causing Axl to fall at his side. Evermore grabs at the back of his neck and looks towards the referee with pleading eyes, almost begging for him to say it was a three.

Comeau: Axl on the verge of defeating Desolation and taking back his Cartel Championship.

Susie: Where is Ladder’s work ethic, it should have jumped in there and stopped this pin.

An exasperated Axl rises to his feet and then turns his attention towards Ladder, who lies on the canvas rather aimlessly. He looks towards the crowd and shrugs before approaching the steel, taking hold of it and dragging it towards the center of the ring. Ladder is pulled up slightly as Axl wedges his foot against it and gives the steel a Curb Stomp right into the canvas. The crowd reacts with much praise as Evermore now drops down into the cover on the Cartel Champion.

Comeau: Curb Stomp on Ladder!!!

Moore: Axl’s going to pin the Champion, fight it Ladder!

The count commences with the fans chanting along.

No! Somehow Desolation has recovered and grabs the wrists of Evermore, pulling him up off of Ladder. He now wedges his foot between Evermore’s shoulder blades and Curb Stomps him down face first right into the steel rungs of Ladder.

Comeau: The real Curb Stomp just perfected by Desolation, driving Evermore face first into the ladder.

Axl rolls onto his back, looking half dead after that impact while Desolation tumbles to his knees, gripping at the hand he just had to use in order to deliver that move. He seems incapable of following up on his move, reeling from the effects of that stunner. Finally he crawls in and drops down into the cover, hooking Axl’s leg in the process.

Desolation has done it, he’s retained the Cartel title on behalf of Ladder, or so he thinks before the official jumps in front of him, insisting that it was only a two count. Somehow Axl mustered the strength to kick out right before the three count could be administered. An aggravated Desolation crawls back towards Evermore and hooks both of his legs this time.

Comeau: A surprising kick out by Evermore and Desolation just won’t accept that it happened.

Moore: I refuse to accept it myself, mostly because I wasn’t paying attention.

Fitzpatrick sullenly administers another count.

Again Axl kicks out to a tremendous reaction from the crowd. Desolation sits up plotting, vexed by the fact that Axl kicked out of a Curb Stomp assisted by Ladder. He steps back watching Axl trying to recover, pushing himself up at a deliberate pace, which slightly miffs the Co-Cartel Champion. He storms towards Fitzpatrick, grabbing his wrist and ripping off the duct-tape that fastens HAND to the official’s palm.

Axl finally reaches his feet in a groggy state, turning towards Desolation who steps in and uses HAND to deliver a knife edge chop across his sternum. The blow knocks Evermore back a few pegs before Desolation delivers a palm strike across his cheek utilizing HAND’s services yet again. Evermore is knocked to the canvas as a result of these heinous blows from the object that sprouted forth from Mae Young’s loins.

Mark: I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but Desolation is assaulting Axl Evermore with HAND.

Susie: His own hand is injured, so he’s got to use something, right?

Comeau: Yeah, but HAND, someone is definitely going to sue us over this one.

Moore: I’m surprised he hasn’t been disqualified for using the referee as a weapon.

Desolation grabs Axl’s hair and sits him up on the canvas before using HAND to slap him in the face once again. The shot knocks him right back down to the canvas while Desolation stuffs HAND half way down into his pocket and approaches his teammate Ladder. He snatches it up from the canvas with his one good hand and approaches Evermore who has sluggishly pushed himself up to a crawling base. His head is now stuck through the rungs of Ladder as Desolation takes one end with his hand and the other, beginning to twist it and bend Evermore’s neck at an awful, disgusting angle.

Comeau: A double neck cravat established by both Desolation and his partner Ladder.

Susie: He’s going to pop Axl’s head off like it was a pez dispenser.

Ladder continues to be twisted thus forcing Axl’s neck to be bent at an increasingly awkward angle. Once it becomes clear that Axl will not submit, Desolation steps back and delivers a buzzsaw kick right to his prone face. The strike knocks Evermore’s head free from the rungs, gripping at his face in excruciating pain. As his opponent agonizes Desolation lifts Ladder up to his side, congratulating it on its submission based handiwork. He now extends the legs and props it up while lugging Evermore to his feet and whipping him with his good hand into the cables. Axl bounces off the ropes and charges back in at Desolation who takes his opponent by the leg and flapjacks him backwards into the ladder. The face of the 2 time Cartel Champion slaps against the rungs, causing him to bounce off and fall to the ring.

Moore: Desolation and Ladder make such a great team.

Comeau: Ummm, sure.

Susie: Ladder just makes it all look so effortless too.

Again Axl is left rolling about gripping at his nose and lips but still feeling the anguish resulting from that back drop driver on the outside mats. Desolation methodically approaches him from behind before taking the back of his head and pants, leading him up to his feet dragging him around into a full circle then throwing him yet again directly at Ladder. His face slaps off the steel rungs, knocking him to the canvas while Ladder falls over slowly into the cables, leaning against them.

Desolation takes Ladder down from the cables, closes it and once again leans it horizontally against the corner. He now turns with a conniving grin on his face towards Evermore, who is slowly pulling himself up with the use of the ropes, his nose bleeding from the multiple impacts with Ladder. Desolation takes him by the wrist and spins him around before dragging him forward right into his shoulders, standing up and holding his rival in a Death Valley Driver position. He turns his side towards Ladder and begins to run towards it in order to DVD him against the rungs.

Comeau: This could be particularly gruesome!

Desolation continues to job towards Ladder to complete his move when Evermore slips off of his shoulders, landing on his feet behind him. He immediately grabs hold of his opponent’s arm, tying to force him down and get hold of his hand. Before he can lock in anything Desolation pushes back with his arm, sending Evermore into a spin, turning to face his rival who goes for a beheading buzzsaw kick. Axl ducks it, Desolation’s back turned towards him when he hooks his arm and drops back, half nelson suplexing the Alpha Gen member right into the ladder. He crashes across the back of his neck and shoulders against the rungs.

Comeau: Half nelson into the LADDER!

Susie: Now Axl is throwing Desolation at Ladder, he’s using Desolation as a weapon against his other opponent.

Desolation rolls off of his tag team partner, spilling to the canvas and writhing about the ring while Evermore steps over him. He slips through the ropes onto the apron then reaches back into the ring, snatching hold of the rungs of his opponent. The crowd is beginning to buzz as Axl climbs up to the top rope then dives off, flying over Desolation but pulling Ladder right down on top of his body. The rungs collide viciously against his ribs, causing the Dark Man to bite his lip from the pain. Evermore rolls across the canvas still agonizing before approaching his opponent and grabbing his wrist and ankle, sliding him out from under Ladder, which he briefly pushes back up into a slanted position against the corner He approaches the turnbuckle and leaves Desolation laying just beneath it, trying to catch his breath. Evermore turns towards the corner then jumps into the air landing across the top rope with his legs which sends him flipping over backwards into a moonsault right on top of Desolation.

The Action Star Press (Split Legged Moonsault) connects, leaving the Dark Man in a crippled state beneath the Challenger.

To another wave of disbelief Desolation launches his shoulder from the ring and Evermore stands up holding onto his arm. He swings around it then drops down to his back, applying the cross arm breaker while twisting at Desolation’s with all his might.

Comeau: Another big transition by Evermore going right back to the hand.

Moore: That’s Desolation’s hand and not HAND, as in the special guest in Desolation’s pocket, just wanted to clarify.

Although agonizing Desolation’s eyes turn, realizing that he’s only just a few inches from the ropes. Those inches feel like a mile as he tries to drag himself towards them, Evermore continuing to exert pressure on the damaged fingers of his opponent. Just when it seems that Desolation is on the verge of submitting he reaches out and wraps his middle finger around the bottom rope.

Comeau: Desolation reaching the cables yet again in this handicap Cartel title match up, Evermore was seemingly seconds from besting his rival finally in the center of the ring.

Susie: I’m shocked at how well Axl has handled himself against two opponents at the same time.

Evermore rolls to his feet and grabs Desolation by his hand, beginning to use it in order to drag him towards the center of the ring. He puts Desolation’s hand down to the canvas and jumps into the air, stomping down directly onto his palm, further injuring the fingers. Axl keeps Desolation from pulling his hand back to his stomach for protection by just standing on it, all the while giving Evermore a look of confidence. He bends down over the Alpha Generation member, staring into his eyes so that his superiority can be demonstrated. That’s when Desolation lifts HAND into the air, holding two of fingers apart, jabbing them right into Axl’s eye sockets.

Susie: Our special guest sure is being used to his full abilities. Wait, is HAND a man or a women?

Comeau: I’m not sure it has a gender at all Susie.

Moore: Then I guess dating it is out of the question. It’s one of the only parts of a man I need after all.

The momentarily blinded Evermore is a sitting duck for his adversary, who now goes for a leg sweep with the use of his far shin. Somehow Axl senses it coming, jumping into the air as it travels under his feet. Desolation spins around into a full circle ending up on his knees, looking up at Evermore with a proud smirk. His smile is erased by the spinning back thrust kick that is delivered from Evermore, the soul of his boot slapping at high velocity against Desolation’s face. The Dark Man is knocked to his back with Axl coming down on top with the lateral press.

Desolation again kicks out, avoiding the three count to the despair of the masses. Axl refuses to give Desolation a second’s rest, grabbing him by the hair and forcing him up to his feet. He hooks both of his arms, setting up for the Flipside. That’s when Desolation twists his body, wedging his shoulders to Evermore’s ribs and pressing him into the air. He rushes sideways across the ring giving Evermore the Death Valley Driver right into the diagonally positioned ladder. The rungs slightly bend around Evermore’s body which bounces from the steel gruesomely.

Comeau: Death Valley Driver into Ladder.

Susie: Poor Ladder, he’s always caught in the middle of these two.

A seated Desolation stares out over the crowd who are both badgering and boasting his name. Axl has come back down to the canvas, where he is desperately trying to stand up. As soon as he stands Desolation kicks him to the gut and drags him into his shoulder, hanging him over his back then connecting with the Brand X. The back of Evermore’s head slams violently off of the canvas leaving him unconscious, completely prone for Desolation who pulls himself into the cover.

The emotional outburst is registered from the fans as Evermore kicks out, keeping his chances of reclaiming gold alive. Desolation rises to his feet and shouts out towards the center of the ring.

Desolation: GILLBERG…get your malnourished ass on the apron!

The enforcer appointed by Desolation hops to the apron, showing off his muscles and grunting in an ever so gorilla like manner. Without hesitation Desolation pulls him over the ropes in scoop slam position before throwing him on top of the laid out Evermore. Gillberg holds his back rolling out of the ring, this leaves Desolation to pick up the cover.

Axl still has the strength to kick out, even after having Gillberg thrown at him.

Comeau: I can honestly say that this is the first time in IWC history where Gillberg was used as a foreign weapon. You’ve got to love the relaxed rules in these handicap matches.

Susie: Desolation is throwing everything and everyone at Evermore, who’s next, me?

Mark: We can only hope.

Referee Fitzpatrick warns Desolation about using Gillberg as a weapon again only to be shoved aside by the intense Cartel Champion. The Dark Man steps towards Evermore who has rolled over an object discarded in the ring, picking it up quickly. He is taken by the back of the head and rolled to his knees, Desolation going for a kick straight to his face. That’s when Axl blocks the inbound kicks with the use of HAND, using it as a shield by pressing it in front of his forehead. Desolation has no idea that he’s actually kicking HAND, none of them landing against his opponent’s face.

Comeau: Axl brilliantly using HAND to defend himself from Desolation’s lethal kicks!

Susie: This isn’t fair, I should be allowed to play with HAND too.

He now reaches down to grab Axl by the wrist and drag him to his feet only to pull back the severed HAND. Axl uses this time to lunge into the air and spin around into a vicious kick right to the back of Desolation’s head. The leaping shot knocks Desolation forward into the ropes, only for him to spring to the middle one, flipping over backwards and catching a standing Evermore with a reverse DDT. Axl crashes across the back of his head in the ring while Desolation rises to his knees, ducks his head to the canvas and nips off of it onto his feet. Evermore bounces back up to his seat right as Desolation almost beheads him with a Kawada style kick right to the face. The stiffness of the strike echoes throughout the arena and causes many groans from the crowd.

Comeau: A nasty combination by Desolation!

Susie: Axl has to be as loopy as me right now.

Desolation staggeringly makes his way towards his feet then drops an elbow right into Axl’s sternum. The damage inflicted on Evermore has left him completely at the mercy of Desolation who stands, bounces off the ropes then lunges into the air, coming down with a headbunt directly against Evermore’s sternum. A maniacal Dark Man stands up and forces Evermore to slowly do the same, pulling him up to a standing base. He takes him around the jaw, leading him up to his feet then dragging his head between his legs, perhaps setting up for that Wyvern Driver II (Sheer Drop Styles Clash). The crowd’s dread is overwhelming before Evermore stands up straight, Desolation hanging over his back. Without warning Axl jumps into the air and comes down knees first into the canvas, ramming the very top of Desolation’s head right into the canvas.

Mark: A big counter to the Wyvern Driver II!

A dazed Desolation grabs at his cranium and rolls across the ring, surprisingly starting to stand up. As soon as he reaches his feet, Axl steps in and takes him around both arms, again setting up for the Flipside. Desolation surprisingly wedges his hands to Evermore’s ribs and shoves him backwards into the cables. Evermore hits the ropes and flips over them backwards right onto his feet across the apron. A dazed Desolation comes charging in, bending forward for a shoulder block when Evermore pulls himself over the top rope into a sunset flip. The Dark Man is rolled up into the pinfall but shockingly rolls through over onto his knees. Axl was counting on this, standing up and hooking both of Desolation’s arms then hoisting him into the air with the Flipside. Desolation crashes with heinous force across the top of his head yet again, causing him to roll onto his back as Axl crawls into the cover.

Comeau: Evermore hitting one of his big maneuvers on Desolation.

Susie: I’ve taken more drops on my head than Desolation has, and I’ve turned out just fine.

The crowd is on their feet as the cover is made by Axl.

The fans rejoice as Axl has just regained the Cartel title only to abruptly change their tune at the sight of Desolation kicking out.

Comeau: RIDICULOUS!

Moore: Desolation kicked out again!?! Is this match going to be going all night or something?

Evermore sits up on the canvas, eyes brazen with both shock and hatred. Although debilitated by pain he starts to force himself to his feet, sluggishly approaching the almost lifeless Desolation. He takes him around the chin, pulling him up slowly to his feet before reaching down and grabbing his injured hand. He quickly shifts around behind it, attempting to lock in another modified arm bar targeting the damaged digits of his opposition. Desolation spins his body around at the last second though and drops to his knees behind Axl, grabbing him around the front of the shins and pulling back on them. Axl trips over forward and lands on the ring as Desolation tries to grab his legs in order to lock him in position for the Curb Stomp. Evermore ducks his head and rolls forward across the canvas onto his feet however, turning towards the crouching Desolation and taking his dazed body under both arms.

Comeau: Axl going for the Flipside yet again.

Susie: He must really like that move.

Axl drags Desolation up to his feet in order to hit the move when shockingly Ladder falls down out of the corner and hits Evermore right on top of his head. The impact causes Evermore to drop his opponent, staggering backwards and grabbing at his cranium with both hands.

Susie: LADDER JUST SAVED DESOLATION!

Comeau: Um, how…in the….hell, did that happen?

Axl grabs at his noggin then kicks the ladder before approaching his opponent yet again who suddenly raises HAND into the air off the canvas and places its open palm over Evermore’s eyes. HAND sticks to Axl’s face, palming his eyes and blinding him as he now throws punches at the air around him, having absolutely no idea where he is. Desolation drags him down into a small package, close enough to the ropes to stick his legs out and wrap his ankles around the bottom rope.

The fans’ reaction is that of disbelief as Desolation has just snuck in the back door with a roll up victory on a blinded Evermore. Axl immediately sits up and pulls HAND off of his eyes, looking up at the official in outrage.

Comeau: And Desolation retains the title thanks to HAND! He had to utilize absolutely every cheat humanly possible to finally put away Evermore, and with a small package of all things.

Susie: Desolation owes all the thanks in the world to Ladder for them both making it out of this match with the Cartel title still in their possession.

Evermore glares at the official in outrage, pointing to HAND and insisting that Desolation should be disqualified for outside interference. Fitzpatrick is unable to do anything about what just occurred as the banged up Desolation rises to his feet and lifts both of his arms up in victory. He drops to his knees behind Evermore, sweat racing down his battered features.

TRAGEDY

Desolation crawls towards Ladder, patting it on the rungs repeatedly then agonizingly getting to his feet. Every inch of his body may be aching yet he still has the power to turn towards a disgruntled Evermore. Axl has both of his fists wedged to his hips and his head is lowered, shaking, unable to believe that he came so close to beating Desolation for a second time only to have victory snatched from his grasp at the very last conceivable second.

Mark: Axl certainly doesn’t have any reason to be upset with himself, he pushed Desolation to his absolute physical limit tonight and came within mere seconds of regaining the Cartel title for a third time. And I don’t think this issue between the two is resolved.

Susie: Your long winded spiels give me a headache.

Shockingly Desolation raises his opened palm into the air, extending it out towards Evermore.

Comeau: What? Desolation is actually looking for a handshake. Desolation displaying respect for an opponent? Impossible!

Susie: I thought Desolation didn’t like anyone, even me, and I’m utterly adorable.

Axl stares down at the outstretched palm, wondering if he should reciprocate this rare friendly gesture from the Cartel Champion. After much delay he finally reaches out, slapping his hand into Desolation’s as the two shake to a rousing ovation. That’s when Evermore steps back, revealing that Desolation is holding the severed HAND in his palm, slowly lifting it into the air and giving it a foul glare. Axl now blows off the Dark Man, turning his back on him and starting towards the ropes.

Susie: Desolation was actually shaking hands with HAND? HAND has got to be the star of the night, without a doubt.

Mark: Evermore wanting no part in Desolation’s handshake, still outraged over the convoluted conclusion to this encounter.

Desolation tosses HAND over his shoulders which he shrugs with apathy. He now begins to turn and face Ladder, when it’s suddenly dragged out from under the ring by Too Magnificent. The fans react with revulsion at the sight of the bloodied Too Mag still wearing his ripped referee shirt. He now has possession of Ladder, sticking it over his shoulder and rushing the Cartel Champion up the ramp.

Comeau: Too Magnificent is abducting LADDER!

Susie: NOOO! Someone issue an Amber alert.

Desolation rolls under the ropes, chasing after Too Magnificent while Axl puts his anger aside, also trying to come to the aid of his abducted opponent. The bloodied Magnificent One now stands on the stage and lifts Ladder above his head, Desolation and Evermore unable to reach him in time.

Susie: OH MY GOD! Don’t do it, don’t do it!

The crowd is squealing as Ladder is thrown off the stage, crashing down hard into the cement below, several rungs being shattered as a result.

Moore: NOOOOOO!!!!

Comeau: Ladder was just thrown off the stage by the out of control Too Magnificent! Good God, this is too much, this is just too graphic.

Too Magnificent scurries to the backstage area as Desolation jumps to the edge of the stage, landing on his knees and glaring down in shock at Ladder, who is lying motionless across the concrete. His eyes are filled with dismay while Evermore rushes around the stage to Ladder’s side, waving frantically for EMTs to come from the back. Emergency technicians jog from the back pulling a stretcher along behind them. Trainers immediately gather around Ladder, crouching down and imploring it to give them a response on its condition.

Trainer: It isn’t talking, I don’t think its conscious.

A backboard is placed down next to Ladder, who is slowly rolled on top of it despite the pleas of Evermore.

Axl: Careful, be careful with it dammit.

Desolation still watches on from the stage, shaking his head while Ladder is placed on the stretcher by EMTs, who delicately try to wrap a neck brace around one of its rungs. They now push the stretcher to the back with the crowd offering a showing of support through applause.

Mark: A stunning incident unfolding here at Awaken that has left us all emotionally crippled. Too Magnificent came out of nowhere and threw Ladder from the stage, giving it who knows what injuries.

Susie: I’m so worried about Ladder’s condition I don’t know if I can carry on. I hope it doesn’t have an HMO.

Ladder is wheeled backstage placed across the stretcher, EMTs shining a light down on it in the process.

LAST MINUTE WARNING

The crowd insatiably lavishes World Heavyweight Champion Orlando Cruze with adulation as he stands in the backstage corridor, title belts weighing him down. Not only is the World Heavyweight strap in his possession, but so are the Tag Team titles which hang from his grasp. The wall props him up as he leans shoulder first against it, occupying the corridor leading to the ring, ensuring that whoever is on their way to the squared circle will have to pass by him. Although he begins to grow bored his interest is momentarily sparked, causing him to perk up a bit and for a disingenuous smile to creep over his face.

Orlando: I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show up.

Johnny Kingdom now strolls into the camera’s frame, causing the crowd in attendance to react with more applause.

Kingdom: I always like to make a fashionably late entrance.

The egotism in his voice is enough to offend Cruze, especially on the verge of this huge title defense, but he buries his resentment for the greater good.

Cruze: Can you drop the whole suave routine for a moment, Johnny?

Kingdom is astonished by such a bold demand.

Kingdom: Wow Orlando, that’s kind of like me asking you not to be boring, and we all know that’s not going to happen.

Instead of retaliating physically Cruze opts to let his words pack his punches.

Orlando: You know, I thought we could put this whole petty resentment bull behind us for the greater good, but now that I’m around you, I just don’t see that happening…

Johnny: Oh relax, I’m just giving you a good natured ribbing is all. How else am I going to entertain myself if I’m not insulting you?

Cruze: I don’t know, maybe you can actually start concentrating on our match.

Kingdom: Pfft…

The mere thought strikes the Team Leader as completely preposterous.

Orlando: Yeah, I figured that be your response. Your work ethic is just as low as your IQ.

Johnny: Ouch….my ego.

Cruze becomes a little more defensive now, getting closer to his teammate who doesn’t take too kindly to his personal space being invaded.

Orlando: And that’s where all our problems stem from, your ego.

Kingdom: When your as good as I am, having an ego is kind of mandatory.

Cruze: Well I suggest that you keep that ego in check tonight.

Johnny: Where’s the fun in that?

Cruze: I’m serious Johnny, I need to know that I can count on you out there, that your ego isn’t going to get in the way of us beating the Conspiracy.

Johnny tilts back his head and scratches under his chin in a contemplating manner.

Kingdom: Oh, so this is where our conversation is going, down that old “Orlando has trust issues” route? I’m not going to stand back here blowing smoke up your ass and promising to be a “Team Player,” because after all, the only role I’m suited for is “Team Leader.” Although, I will promise to push our issues to the side tonight, just long enough for the two of us to make the lives of the Conspiracy members just a tad bit more miserable.

This statement provides a little reassurance to the Icon.

Orlando: That’s all I’m asking Kingdom, and for once, I’m actually willing to place a little faith in you…

Johnny’s mouth gaps slightly, acting positively smitten.

Kingdom: Why Cruze, how touching.

This short lived reaction results in a roll of the eyes from the World Champion.

Cruze: And for once, please reward that faith.

Johnny: I’ll try, but you know how I just love to stab people in the back, it’s kind of my deal really. Actually I’d describe it as more of an overwhelming compulsion. But the real question remains, is there any reason I should have even an inkling of faith in you?

The Icon hesitates, tentative to offer a response.

Orlando: I don’t think I’ve given you any reason for you not to trust me, other than berating you every chance I get. But then again, who doesn’t do that around here?

Kingdom: FANTASTIC.

Audaciously Kingdom slaps Orlando on the shoulder, beginning to walk around him towards the ring.

Johnny: I’m really glad we had this Opra, Dr. Phil heart to heart Cruze, it really makes me wish I had a pear of ovaries to truly enjoy it, but for now my presence is kind of required in the ring.

He starts down the corridor while Orlando smugly shakes his head, still not very confident in his partner, despite his reassuring words. At that very moment his attention is drawn to the belts in his hand, causing him to sigh.

Orlando: KINGDOM! You forgot your damn belt again….

There is no response from the Team Leader, forcing Cruze to begrudgingly pursue him.

Cruze: God dammit, all this gold is too fucking heavy. KINGDOM!

He chases after the Team Leader with both Tag Titles gripped in his hand.

The show comes back live to the interior of the Manhattan Center as “Outsider” kicks in over the loud speakers. Without much delay the curtains part to reveal Submission title holder Pat Evans and Silencer standing side by side. The Paradoxical Paradigm stroll out onto the stage with lights flickering behind their backs and their eyes overlooking the jaded audience. Silencer now slaps Pat on the chest and points towards the ring, both men moving towards the squared circle at a slow, deliberate pace. Upon reaching the ringside area they simultaneously jump to the apron and slip through the ropes into the ring. Evans steps towards one corner, climbing to the second rope and raising the Submission title into the air while Silencer crouches down in the corner opposite.

Comeau: The Tag Team Titles on the verge of being defended here tonight at Awaken in what could be one of the most intense matches we ever witness.

Moore: More intense than Christian Bale’s gruffy Batman voice?

Mark: Maybe. As you can see the Conspiracy being represented in this match by the Paradoxical Paradigm of Silencer and Pat Evans. These two men have really demonstrated their tag team continuity over the past few months since joining up with one another, but can they win the big one as a team?

Pat strolls towards Silencer after throwing his belt to the official, crouching down beside his partner and discussing strategy with him. Their discussion is rudely interrupted by…

WAKE UP

The tunes provided by the Lost Prophets filter throughout the Manhattan Center, coinciding with a major reaction from the crowd. Despite his past transgressions, the second that Johnny Kingdom strolls onto the stage, sans Tag Team Title belt, he’s met with an uproarious response from the gathered masses. Johnny takes only a moment to observe his fond admirers before shaking his head and starting towards the ring, clothed in a sleeveless “Poor Xavier” t-shirt and black synthetic pants, his name written in bold down the sides. His feet crash down on the mats before he swaggers up the stairs and onto the apron, pausing to observe the two men who have been a constant thorn in his side since returning.

Comeau: I never would have believed Johnny Kingdom of all people would receive this type of warm reception from the crowd.

Susie: Especially New Yorkers, their so distrusting that I was frisked twice upon asking for directions to the Manhattan Center. And I really didn’t see the reason for the strip searches either.

Mark: My broadcast colleagues gullibility aside, Kingdom conspicuously missing his Tag Team Title belt here tonight, I hope that’s not a bad omen for his partnership with Cruze.

Johnny slips through the ropes with no fear and begins to warm up by swinging his arms out to his sides. “You Know My Name” by Chris Cornel elicits a major response from the packed crowd, especially as Orlando Cruze shows no hesitation by immediately making his way out onto the stage. The World title belt glistens brightly around his waist, providing a greater luster than the Tag straps that hang from his palm. He lifts both Tag Team titles above his head in clinched fist before bringing it down and making his way towards the ring. Along the way he is met with even greater cheers from the crowd, solidly behind him as he strolls up the steps and onto the apron. He slips through the ropes, briefly eying his crouched opponents then turning towards a conniving Kingdom. For the second time in a row Cruze is forced to throw the Tag Title belt at his partner, who snatches it out of the air.

Orlando: You might actually want to try wearing that for once.

Johnny turns and with little regard tosses the belt to the official while Cruze steps up onto the turnbuckle, removing his World Championship. He lifts both his hands into the air, one holding the Heavyweight title, and other gripping the Tag strap. The Icon is met with a thunderous wave of applause as Cruze drops down from the corner, turning to hand off his gold to the referee.

Comeau: Orlando weighed down by a lot of gold.

Susie: He’s got more gold than Mr. T.

Mark: Agreed. The Icon perhaps a little more invigorated tonight after the condition he was left in on the last Riot! by the Conspiracy. Again I just hope he and Kingdom can function as a cohesive unit in this match up.

To the excitement of the many onlookers, Johnny Kingdom stands side by side with Orlando Cruze as the two eye what could be their greatest challenge on the opposite side of the ring. Submission Champion Pat Evans is located to the right of Silencer, the two staring down their long time rivals in preparation for what could be the biggest tag title match in IWC history. Referee Stuart Wright tries to force both duos to select a representative, Orlando insisting upon starting things out for his team while Pat volunteers to commence this contest on behalf of his partnership.

Comeau: And now we’re ready ladies and gentlemen, all roads over the past months have led to this huge, absolutely HUGE tag team title match with Orlando Cruze starting things off for his side and Pat Evans jumping in there for the Paradoxical Paradigm. This should be an interesting match up.

Moore: Why? They’ll just both hurt each other, and it’ll make me a sad Panda.

Orlando and Evans step up face to face with each other, bumping sternums and doing some serious trash talking before this encounter can even begin. Referee Wright turns and signals for the bell, beginning this tag title bout. Almost immediately Orlando shoves Evans, who pushes the World Champion right back. Now the Submission Champion steps forward and almost caves in the Icon’s chest with a knife edge chop. However, Orlando returns the blow soundly right across Pat’s sternum, knocking him back a few steps. Evans avenges this blow with yet another knife edge chop, prompting Cruze to do the same.

Comeau: These two chopping the hell out of each other right from beginning of this encounter, the bad blood really runs deep between Evans and Orlando.

Susie: If they have bad blood why not get a transfusion?

Mark: Must you take everything I say so literally?

After suffering one more chop to the chest Evans has had enough, driving his knee into Orlando’s ribs then taking him over rather quickly with side headlock takedown. Cruze lands back first against the ring with Pat wedging his spine to his sternum, tightly clamping his arms around the neck of his opposition. In the corner Kingdom looks rather apathetic towards his teammate’s misfortune, actually yawning as he observes Cruze being controlled by the Submission Champion. A disgruntled Pat looks up at Johnny with a smirk on his face.

Pat: Your ass is next Kingdom.

Johnny feigns anxiety by comically biting on his nails when Orlando lifts his legs into the air, wrapping them around Pat’s neck and dragging him down into a head scissors submission. Pat stomps his heels to the canvas in anger before rolling to his stomach, sliding across it so that his back faces the sternum of Cruze who has now sat up on the canvas. Pat pushes down on both of Orlando’s knees until they break free from around his neck, getting his head out of the submission then delivering a vicious slap across Cruze’s cheek. Boos erupt from the crowd as Cruze turns away from Pat who quickly slides up beside him and locks in yet another headlock.

Susie: He just bitch slapped him. Is that even legal?

Comeau: Anything goes here tonight, including, apparently bitch slaps.

Moore: Can I slap you then?

Mark: No.

A smirk is present on Pat’s face, proud of his slap to Orlando and the submission he now has him trapped in. Cruze forces himself up onto his knees now while Pat stands at his side, still securing him with the side headlock and doing some slight trash talking in the process. Cruze reaches out with his hand placing it to the back of Pat’s knee and pushing down on it while he slowly begins to force himself up. He puts his foot to the fold of Evans’ knee now, shoving downward on it and causing him to fall to a kneeling base. At the same time Orlando pushes back with his body, freeing his head from the side headlock, extending Evans’ arm out to his side then stepping over it with both legs. He momentarily has the arm ringer applied before delivering a swift, impactful slap right to Evans’ cheek.

Moore: Another bitch slap, this reminds me of my fights with my sister. Wait, I don’t have a sister.

The slap causes Pat to reel in reverse, falling against the cables right beside Silencer. His partner reaches over the ropes and gives the Submission Champion a reassuring shoulder rub while the crowd starts a loud chant.

Fans: YOU GOT BITCH SLAPPED, YOU GOT BITCH SLAPPED!

Silencer now covers his ears while Pat gives a foul glare to Orlando, who is motioning for his opponent to bring it. Rather aggressively both men charge forward into a collar elbow tie up when Pat grabs Cruze around the neck, applying another side headlock. In his corner Kingdom is doubled over laughing still over the slap to Pat’s cheek. Orlando reaches around the back of Pat’s neck and takes him around the jaw, pulling down on it. As a result Evans is spun around and locked in a quick front chancery by the World and Tag Team Champion.

Just as quickly as he got the hold applied he breaks it in favor of grabbing Pat’s arm, swinging under it and applying the arm ringer. Pat finds himself shocked by Orlando’s surprising quickness.

Orlando: That’s right sweetheart I can trade holds with the best of them.

As soon as this audacious claim is made, Pat turns, lunging forward with a forearm strike directly into Cruze’s jaw. Orlando is dazed by the blow before Evans swings around under his arm, locking in his own version of the arm ringer. To his dismay Orlando drops down into a forward roll, ending up on his back before nipping up straight onto his feet. He now turns and with surprising agility, cartwheels with one arm across the canvas, ending up on Pat’s opposite side and reversing into another arm ringer.

Comeau: I’m stunned by Orlando’s speed here tonight, he’s really worked on his timing and just overall making himself a quicker athlete.

Moore: Big men shouldn’t be fast, they should be slow….

Mark: Just like your brain.

Orlando still has the arm ringer tightly established while his eyes cut to Johnny Kingdom, who is pompously extending his arm out over the ropes. His fingers twiddle in anticipation of a tag, as Cruze overlooks the fans, seemingly asking if he should bring Kingdom into this contest to which the crowd is overwhelming in favor of. He shrugs his shoulders and now drags Pat towards their corner, reaching out for a tag when Kingdom retracts his hand and wags his finger through the air. Instead he sticks his foot over the top rope and Orlando grabs Pat by the back of the head, ramming him face first right into the bottom of Johnny’s boot. Pat staggers backwards across the ring while Silencer cringes, brimming with hostility at the sight of the Team Leader, who finally gets the tag into this contest.

Mark: My old running buddy Johnny Kingdom now tagged into this encounter, and its good to see that he’s still the same old pompous son of a bitch he’s always been.

Moore: That’s a good quality? Maybe I should work on being pompous. Wait, what does pompous mean?

Johnny swaggers towards Evans who quickly chops him across the sternum. The blow causes Kingdom to be staggered before the former World Champion rakes the Submission title holder’s eyes, to a surprisingly loud reaction. Pat swipes at his eyes before Kingdom turns him towards a nearby turnbuckle and charges him face first right into it. He bounces off the corner and falls to his seat, leaning against the turnbuckle for support when Johnny steps up onto his throat with both feet. Again the crowd is cheering at the sight of Johnny’s blatant cheating while the official starts a five count, reaching four before he steps off of his opposition’s neck. The Team Leader steps back eying Orlando who is shaking his head in disgust.

Cruze: Can’t you do anything fair?

This demand only makes the Team Leader all the more cocky as Pat stands up in the corner only to be snapmared down out of it. He ends up on his back almost in the center of the ring as Kingdom steps onto the long locks of his hair, reaching down and snatching hold of his wrists. He pulls up on the arms, almost causing the hair to be ripped out of Pat’s head while Kingdom continues to stand on it. The official again commences with a five count before Johnny lets go of Evans’ wrists at four, stepping back with a broad smile on his face.

Comeau: Johnny bending the rules until they almost break.

The Submission Champion sits up reaching for his hair before Johnny takes him by the jaw, rolling him to his feet then slugging him hard to the jaw with blatant closed fists. He now whips Pat across the ring into the opposite cables, Evans bouncing off and coming back in at a doubled over Johnny. Before the Tag Champ can connect Pat stops right in front of him, taking him around the back of the head then dropping to his seat, connecting with a sit-out jaw breaker. Kingdom flies backwards and falls to the ring rubbing at his chin while Pat rolls across the ring to his corner, promptly making the tag to Silencer. As he slips through the ropes into the ring he’s met with a rousing wave of boos from the Manhattan crowd, amusing the Conspiracy member.

Susie: Uh oh, Silencer is getting in there with Johnny Kingdom. That’s bad right?

Comeau: It could be given the history between both of these men, a history that dates back over the span of several years in the IWC and the ULW. We thought this issue was concluded at Paranoia V, but now we’re seeing it take center stage here at Awaken as well.

Silencer stands back actually waiting for Kingdom to get up strangely enough. As soon as Johnny stands his eyes meet with Silencer’s, both men giving each other a long, intense gaze as they remember every bump in the road that led to this bout. Silencer steps forward and shoves Kingdom, who steps back in blasting his long time rival with a forearm to the jaw.

Comeau: And here we go, Silencer and Johnny Kingdom again coming to blows.

Silencer boots the Team Leader to the ribs, doubling him over before slapping on a side headlock and sinking his teeth right into Kingdom’s forehead. The crowd is sickened as Silencer actually gnaws at his rival’s flesh, Johnny crying out in pain while both men back towards the ropes. The Conspiracy member removes his teeth from Johnny’s flesh then takes him by the wrist, trying to whip him across the ring. Unfortunately for him, Johnny places the breaks on it, turning to face Silencer then chopping him extremely stiffly across the sternum. Silencer flails his arms before he is chopped again, and again across the chest by the intense Team Leader. As a result Silencer bounces off the cables and lunges forward, digging his nails into Johnny’s eyes and ripping at them viciously.

Mark: An eye rake from Silencer to Kingdom.

Susie: My mom was right, she always told me if you play rough you could go blind.

Johnny drops to his knees grabbing at his eyes while Silencer agonizes over his sternum and charges into the cables in front of his kneeling opponent. He bounces off and rushes back in at Johnny who stands and spins around into a roaring European Uppercut. The shot knocks Silencer down hard to the canvas, rolling over backwards onto his knees then giving Johnny a stunned glare. He seems to be in outright disbelief over such a vile shot from the Team Leader, rubbing at his jaw in pain while rising to his feet, all the while exchanging a long stare-down with Kingdom. The longest reigning World Champion in IWC history motions for Silencer to bring in, urging him forward when his competition suddenly steps across the ring and makes the tag back to Pat Evans.

Kingdom appears confused by his rival’s un-willingness to lock back up with him, Silencer turning to shout at his adversary.

Silencer: You want me, you’ve got to earn me you backstabbing son of a bitch.

Silencer now vacates the ring while Pat remains on the apron, giving his partner a very perplexed stare. Finally he slips back into the ring, ready to lock up with the anxious yet arrogant Kingdom.

Comeau: Silencer leaving the ring and putting Pat Evans back in there to fight Johnny Kingdom.

Susie: That was a cop out. Did you hear that, I sounded all mad and everything, now I’m the loveable commentator.

Mark: I find not one aspect of your persona even remotely loveable.

After a second’s delay Pat enters the ring and slowly steps towards Kingdom, who lifts his hand into the air signaling for a test of strength. Evans thinks about it for a second before tentatively interlocking hands with the former World Champion, both men getting into a Greco Knuckle lock before Johnny receives a swift knick to the gut. The blow doubles him over until Pat stomps hard at his knee, causing him to fall to a kneeling base. Pat pushes the hands of the Tag Champion as far as back as he can, until the wrists are almost shattered. A ferocious glint inhabits his eyes as he inflicts this damage on Kingdom who suddenly drops into a backwards roll and rises to his feet immediately reversing the pressure onto Evans. Pat’s legs buckle as he falls to his knees, Kingdom pulling his hands down to the canvas and placing his palms flat on the ring. He now jumps into the air and double stomps both of Evans’ knuckles, causing the Submission title holder to yell out in pain.

Susie: If he breaks Pat’s knuckles how will he be able to play Guitar Hero?

Comeau: Kingdom viciously stomping the fists of Evans in an ever so arrogant manner.

Johnny quickly clamps on a front chancery on his struggling rival, dragging him to his feet then towards the corner of the Champions. There Orlando is waiting with speculation in his eyes as Kingdom reaches out and slaps him forcefully on the shoulder. Johnny now steps back and lifts up the arm of Evans in order to expose his ribs.

Kingdom: How about some team work, Cruze? Would you like that?

Orlando doesn’t respond as he steps in and jabs Pat right to his tender exposed ribcage, causing him to call out in pain, turning away from the Tag Champions. Cruze steps up behind him and delivers a kick to the back of his knees, causing him to fall to his seat while Orlando rushes into the ropes behind him, bouncing off then lunging forward into a diving European Uppercut. It connects right across the back of Pat’s head as Cruze lands beside him then nips up to his feet, repeatedly making the Euro Uppercut motion towards Kingdom, insisting that he can do it better.

Silencer looks mildly irritated, storming back and forth across the apron shouting at his partner to get back up. Evans is starting to will himself to his feet when Orlando places him in a front chancery, dragging towards his corner then slapping Kingdom his sternum. He lifts the arm of the Submission Champion to again expose his ribcage.

Orlando: Let’s try some of this teamwork shit.

Johnny shrugs and climbs the turnbuckle to the top rope before flying off and hitting a double axehandle right to Pat’s ribs. A groan emanates from Evans as he is released by Orlando and dragged to the center of the ring by his other opponent. Kingdom whips him across the ring into the ropes, Pat bouncing off and coming back in at the Tag Champion who catches him with a modified spinebuster. He now turns away from the laid out Evans and rushes into the cables, springing off the second one into a moonsault.

Comeau: I’m obligated to say that I’m shocked by this teamwork from Orlando Cruze and Johnny Kingdom thus far, the IWC Tag Team Champions.

Moore: How can people who hate each other work so well as a team?

Mark: I work with you every week, somehow.

Johnny has Pat down in the lateral press as the official makes the count.

Pat launches his shoulder from the ring, kicking out before even a two count can be made. Johnny now stands up and spits a goober right into Pat’s face, the Submission Champion sitting up and swiping at his features in disgust. After making his point, albeit a disgusting one, Johnny steps towards his corner, slapping the outstretched hand of Orlando. Cruze gives Johnny a repulsed stare over his spitting before entering the ring and stepping up behind the seated Evans. He quickly clamps his arms around his throat, locking in a sleeper hold to cheers from the crowd. However, the Conspiracy member shoves himself up to his feet and now drops down to his seat, hitting a jawbreaker on the Icon. The collision causes Cruze to stagger backwards into the ropes, Johnny reaching over them and tagging himself back in. He slips through the ropes and steps up behind Evans, dropping down and locking in a sleeper hold of his own.

Kingdom: Must I do everything?

The air is briefly deprived to Pat’s cranium before he once again pushes himself up to his feet and then drops back down. He transitions his body on the way down while dragging down on the back of Kingdom’s cranium, pulling him straight down into a modified code breaker directly against his raised knee. Johnny bounces up from the knee reaching for his jaw when Pat takes hold of his legs, pulling them forward. As a result Kingdom trips over Pat’s body and crashes face first into the ring on his opposite side. Evans dives forward and traps him in yet another side headlock submission hold.

Comeau: Evans escaping two sleeper holds and now going right back to the time tested side headlock submission, the grapple that he started off with in this encounter.

Moore: You mean we’re pretty right back where we started? Did we hop into a time machine? Because if so there are a few guys I want to stop myself from sleeping with.

Mark: The entire Detroit Tigers baseball team?

Kingdom forces himself up to his feet despite being trapped in this hold, Evans forcing him towards his corner where Silencer is now eager for the tag. His hand is slapped and Silencer pulls himself over the top rope, over the shoulder of his partner, and over Kingdom’s back, wrapping his arms around his waist and rolling him up into a sunset flip.

Johnny kicks out, rolling backwards to his knees when Silencer stands up in front of him, beginning to deliver blatant closed fist shots right between his eyes. There is pure malice and rage behind each blow that connects across Kingdom’s forehead, Silencer recalling every atrocious act that Johnny has committed against him throughout their long history. Suddenly Johnny stands up though and lobs a knee right into his opponent’s ribs, doubling Silencer over. Kingdom rushes into the ropes in front of him when Pat reaches under the cables and trips up the Team Leader, causing him to stagger forward into Silencer who catches him with a huge dropkick right to the sternum.

Comeau: You knew it was only a matter of time before the Paradoxical Paradigm started employing some cheap tactics in this tag title encounter.

Susie: Cheating must be fun.

Upon seeing this dropkick connect Orlando looks strangely dejected, Kingdom grabbing at his sternum and laying on the canvas. Evans reaches under the ropes and takes his opposition under the jaw, forcing him out of the ring to the mats right out in front of him. Pat begins to maul Kingdom with forearms and fists while Silencer steps across the ring grabbing the top rope. He pulls himself over as Pat steps out of the way, Silencer landing on top of Johnny’s shoulders then delivering a huge hurricarana. Kingdom flips over slamming spine first hard against the thin protective matting.

Moore: Wow, that was agile. I wish I could take Silencer home so he can show me some of these moves.

Mark: Oh please, he’d probably sit on your couch all night listening to HIM and repeatedly watching A Walk to Remember.

Cruze lowers his face into his palm, unaware that Evans has stepped beneath him and has taken hold of his ankles. The World Champion is pulled down out of his corner, causing him to slam face first against the apron. Pat turns him around and whips him violently into the steel plated barricade, the metal indenting around his frame. On the other side of the ring Silencer has whipped Johnny head first into the steel as well. Kingdom’s skull crashes viciously off of the metal as he tumbles to the mats in a despondent condition.

After tasting the barricade Orlando sits propped up against it only long enough for Pat to come barreling across the mats and delivering a big boot that sandwiches Cruze’s skull beneath the heal of his shoe and the steel plates of the barrier. The modified face wash results in a grimace and groan from the crowd which is exacerbated by what they’re seeing currently happening to Kingdom. Johnny has now been laid out across his back with Silencer stepping over him and on top of the barricade before launching himself backwards into a corkscrew moonsault. He crashes down right on top of his nemesis, causing Johnny to grab at his ribs agonizing over the pain.

Comeau: The Conspiracy using their proficient brawling skills to subdue Kingdom and Cruze on the outside of the ring.

Moore: Their beating down the Tag Champions, really, really, badly, badly beating them down.

Mark: Just repeating yourself doesn’t make your flat comments sound anymore dramatic.

Pat seems to be taking a page out of his partner’s book as he rolls into the ring and now begins to climb up the turnbuckle, reaching the top rope. All the while Orlando’s is standing with his back arched over the barricade in perfect position for Evans who now takes flight. At the last conceivable second Cruze steps out of the way, causing Evans to crash with force sternum first right into the barricade. He bounces off and crashes to the mats while Orlando begins to stomp at him as viciously as he possibly can. An instinct tells him to turn around, which he soon regrets as Silencer storms across the apron and flies off into a forward flipping senton splash right against his sternum. The crowd reacts with shock as both men now spill to the mats, Silencer landing on top of the World Champion.

Mark: Aerial precision by Silencer!

Moore: There are bodies flying everywhere, it’s like I’m at my sixteenth birthday party all over again.

Comeau: Please don’t explain.

An ill mannered Silencer drags Orlando up to his feet and now begins to rub his wrist tape against his opponent’s eyes, trying to inflict as much damage as possible to his retinas. Orlando is finally rolled into the ring, rubbing at his eyes in pain while Silencer climbs up to the apron, holding the top rope in anticipation of his opposition standing up. Orlando hesitantly rises, turning towards Silencer who springs off the top rope, flying right at him for a lariat only to have the World Champion drop down out of the way. Silencer ducks his head and rolls forward across the canvas upon landing, ending up on his feet when he’s drilled to the jaw with a roaring elbow from a recovered Kingdom. The strike echoes throughout the arena and sends Silencer spinning towards Cruze in a dazed state only to be nailed with a roaring European Uppercut right to the jaw. The strike sends Silencer flying backwards and crashing into the canvas.

Kingdom immediately drops down into the lateral press, hoping it will be enough to secure his team the win.

Silencer is able to power his shoulder from the ring.

Mark: Tremendous continuity just displayed by Orlando Cruze and Johnny Kingdom, I have no idea how Silencer was able to muster the strength to kick out of both the roaring elbow followed by the roaring European Uppercut.

Johnny takes Silencer by the hair, rolling him to his feet although he’s barely able to stand when Orlando delivers a hard spinning back kick right to his stomach. Silencer is doubled over when Johnny delivers a thrust kick right to the side of his face, severally disorientating the former Champion. That’s when Pat Evans rushes in out of nowhere almost beheading Kingdom with a mafia kick. He then turns towards Cruze who is kneeling after the spinning back heel kick and charges forward, stepping off of his raised knee then booting him viciously right to the side of the face. Many of the fans cannot help but to cheer at the sight of all these violent kicks and strikes being delivered while Kingdom surprisingly starts to stand. As soon as he gets up Evans steps in and takes him around the neck, dropping back into the evenflow DDT. Kingdom’s head bounces from the ring and he flips over onto his spine across the canvas, a dazed Silencer stepping and taking both his legs jumping forward into a jackknife cover.

Johnny launches his shoulder from the ring, just barely avoiding losing the Tag Team Titles.

Comeau: The Conspiracy duo of the Paradoxical Paradigm seemingly on the verge of winning those IWC Tag Team Titles but it was not to be on this occasion.

Moore: Why must this action be so hard to follow? What ever happened to the good old days when wrestlers would just kick and punch each other?

Silencer sits up looking miffed over the fact that he did not just obtain the tag team titles. He quickly stands up and grabs Johnny’s ankle, lifting up on it and sending him rolling in reverse towards a waiting Evans. Kingdom’s legs end up wrapping around Pat’s waist while the Submission Champion locks his arms around his opponent’s mid-section, hoisting him up into the air with a wheelbarrow. Silencer now springs off the second rope, twists in mid-air and comes down with a leg drop across the back of Johnny’s head who at the same time is pushed down into the canvas via a wheelbarrow face buster by Pat Evans.

Johnny bounces off of the ring and rolls onto his back while Silencer again crawls into the lateral press, the crowd screaming over that quick tag team combination.

Once more to Silencer’s dejection, Kingdom is able to muster his shoulder up from the canvas. The darkened eyes of the Conspiracy member lock on referee Wright with malice.

Silencer: Start doing your job, you saw what happened to the last referee who fucked with us.

Wright points back at Silencer, refusing to be intimidated while Kingdom is pulled to his knees and hit hard between the eyes with closed fists. The disgruntled Conspiracy representative pie faces the dazed Kingdom and shoves him down hard to the canvas across his back before making the tag to Evans. Officially Pat is brought back into this contest as he steps up beside the laid out Kingdom and drops a hard knee right into his face. He quickly stands right back up and jumps into the air, stomping down with vile force right into Johnny’s forehead. Kingdom sits up reaching for his cranium while Pat takes him around the neck, placing him in a standard sleeper hold.

Susie: Look, now they’re ganging on Kingdom.

Comeau: Some order finally be restored in this Tag Title main event, but unfortunately for the Champions it seems that Kingdom has become the sacrificial lamb for the Conspiracy.

Despite the pain inflicted on Kingdom he steadily begins to reach his feet, prying Evans’ arms away from his throat. As soon as he frees himself he delivers a chest caving chop right to Pat’s sternum. Evans covers up in pain while Kingdom rushes into the ropes in front of him, bouncing off then coming back in at Pat. However, Evans cuts him off by stepping forward and catching Johnny with a tilt a whirl right into the backbreaker across his knee. Johnny bounces off of the knee and instinctively stands up doubled over in pain while Pat rolls in reverse onto his feet then rushes forward delivering a scintillating knee lift right to Kingdom’s exposed face. The stiff strike echoes throughout the arena and sends the Team Leader crumbling to the canvas.

Orlando watches on from a kneeling base in his corner, rubbing at his jaw after taking that sickening modified shining wizard from Evans. All he can do is sit and watch his partner being dissected, realizing that all the fun and games between himself and Kingdom are now over. Pat grabs both Johnny’s wrist and ankle, dragging him across the ring towards the Conspiracy’s corner then reaching out for the tag. Silencer slaps the Submission Champion’s palm, quickly entering this encounter by jumping over the top rope into a double stomp right to the prone Kingdom’s ribs.

Comeau: Ahh, lethal double stomp from Silencer.

Moore: What? Kingdom is getting this treatment for free? I usually have to pay fifty bucks to have someone walk on me like that. For you know, my back, nothing sexual.

Mark: The thought never crossed my mind.

Silencer is still standing on top of Johnny’s ribs, twisting his body back and forth, thus grating his heels against the Tag Champion’s abdomen. He turns and grabs the top rope, beginning to jump up and down on Kingdom’s stomach, delivering repeated double stomps. Finally he reaches the point where he’s alternating between legs rapidly stomping at every inch of Kingdom’s abdomen before lifting himself into the air and coming down with a Vader like splash right on top of his rival. Johnny curls into a fetal position after taking so many stomps to his tender mid-section while Silencer steps back towards the center of the ring, the referee arguing with him. Behind Wright’s back Johnny is choked over the bottom rope by Evans, who is pulling down forcefully on the back of his neck, strangling the life out of him.

Comeau: More underhanded tactics employed by the Paradoxical Paradigm.

Susie: P.P, hehehehe, really doing a good job of working Johnny over.

Evans breaks up the choke when Silencer pushes past Wright towards his corner, reaching out and tagging his partner back into this match. Pat slips through the cables then immediately stomps at the back of Kingdom’s head in almost a playful manner. He takes him by the ear and forces Johnny up slowly to his feet then spins around into a hard discus chop across his chest, knocking Kingdom down to the canvas. Desperation is setting into Orlando’s eyes, calling out for Kingdom to get back into this match while Evans tags Silencer back into the encounter. Pat then takes Johnny by the jaw, rolling him to his feet and whipping him across the ring into the opposite cables. He bounces off and comes charging back in, Pat catching him against his shoulder and raising him into the air in position for a spinebuster. However, Pat keeps him in this position instead of slamming him down, Silencer springing off the middle rope behind them then twisting around into a dropkick over his partner’s shoulder right into Kingdom’s face.

Moore: Silencer and Evans know a lot of tag team moves. They’re just like the Killer Bees. See, I did my research.

Comeau: Yes, but obviously very little.

Johnny tumbles to his back in front of Evans who still has hold of his legs, holding him in a catapult position. He drops back throwing Kingdom right towards Silencer who catches his inbound opponent around the neck and drops back right into a brutal downward spiral. Johnny’s face collides heinously with the ring as he rolls onto his back, Silencer crawling into the cover.

Shockingly Kingdom is able to get his shoulder up, even after the damage that has been inflicted by this dazzling array of tag team moves by the Paradoxical Paradigm. Pat rolls out of the ring only momentarily because he’s immediately tagged back in by Silencer. Evans re-enters and goes right back to work on the struggling Kingdom, who has gathered the strength to push himself up onto his elbows and knees. Evans stands over him before slapping the back of his head.

Evans: The great Johnny Kingdom humbled before me.

Before Evans can even get out a pompous laugh Johnny crawls through his legs reaching out for a tag to Orlando. His hand is just short of Orlando’s because Pat has caught hold of his ankle, keeping him from crawling any further. Silencer bolts across the ring and drives his forearm into the side of Orlando’s face, knocking him down out of the corner to the outside mats. This deliberate cheat receives a rousing negative ovation from the crowd while the official reads Silencer the riot act.

Evans drags Johnny across the ring by his ankle after his hopes of making the tag have been dashed. Pat slaps Silencer’s hand, tagging him back into this contest then forces the Team Leader to his feet, scooping him up into the air and tying his legs around the top rope with the tree of woe. Johnny hangs from the corner flailing his arms to free himself while Evans rushes into the ropes running perpendicular to the ones he’s tied to. At the same time Silencer steps up onto the bottom cable, holding the top one then pushing his lower body up into the air. He connects with a slingshot front dropkick to Johnny’s face at the same time that Pat is diving forward with a dropkick of his own. All four feet connect at the same time against Johnny’s skull.

Moore: HOLY MOLY! I haven’t had that many feet in my face since that Swedish porn movie I starred in.

Comeau: Simultaneous dropkicks on Kingdom. Johnny may not like me saying this, but it is imperative, yes, imperative that he makes the tag at this point. The Paradoxical Paradigm have just been working him over non stop in this title match but it started out with Kingdom and Cruze just dominating them.

A Kingdom chant has commenced from the crowd, anxiously trying to get behind Johnny who drops out of the corner, completely laid out and not moving whatsoever. A smile forms on Silencer’s face as he nudges the back of Kingdom’s head with his foot, Evans now having vacated the ring so as not to be disqualified by the agitated official. Silencer does some smack talking while taking Kingdom around the neck and slowly pulling him up to his knees. Without warning and much to Silencer’s dismay, his wildly opponent nails him to the ribs with a right hand. Silencer is doubled over while Kingdom begins to pound him to the face with shots, trying to get up from his knees. Before he can stand Silencer yet again sinks his teeth into his forehead, gnawing once more on his flesh. As a result Kingdom drops right back down to his knees.

Hope seems to be fading while Silencer leads Kingdom up to his feet and pushes him spine first against the cables, Evans waiting on the opposite side. He reaches through the ropes and places Kingdom in a full nelson while Silencer begins to stomp away repeatedly at his completely exposed mid-section. Before the referee can tell him to stop Silencer drops into a backwards roll, ending up in the center of the ring then charging forward into a forearm to the prone face of Kingdom. But wait, at the last second Johnny breaks free and steps out of the way, causing Silencer to instead nail Pat to the jaw with the forearm. Evans is knocked to his knees while Johnny staggers across the ring reaching out for a tag.

Comeau: Kingdom with a glimmer of hope here.

Silencer again dashes Johnny’s hopes of making the tag, grabbing him by the shoulder and spinning him around. To the Conspiracy member’s disbelief he’s booted to the ribs and placed in a front chancery by Kingdom right as Evans sneaks into the ring and comes charging towards Johnny for a lariat. Kingdom ducks his head and catches Pat around the neck, dropping to the canvas as he connects with a simultaneous DDT on Silencer and reverse neckbreaker on Evans.

Moore: He hit two moves at once, I didn’t even think that was possible. With gravity and everything.

Mark: Kingdom taking out both of his opponents at the same time. If ever there was a chance to make the tag, now would be it.

Johnny agonizingly pushes himself over to his elbows and knees before rolling across the canvas and slapping Orlando’s outstretched palm. The entire arena shakes with applause as Orlando immediately scales to the top rope of the turnbuckle, standing up and launching himself off towards an incoherent upright Evans. He nails him to the chest with the Missile dropkick. Evans is sent flying backwards across the ring while Orlando rises to his feet and turns to face the rising Silencer. He steps in and delivers a vicious upward kick to the slouched forward features of the former World Champion, knocking him backwards into the cables. Cruze now rushes in and spins around into a roaring lariat to Silencer’s throat, knocking both men over the ropes.

Susie: I haven’t seen Orlando move this fast since he ate those prunes backstage and he was looking for a bathroom.

Comeau: Orlando finally tagged into this match and he is unloading on the Conspiracy.

Although Silencer went crashing to the outside mats Orlando grabs hold of the top rope and skins the cat back over the cables, landing gracefully on the canvas. He now turns to face the discombobulated Evans, bending forward with his hands pressed to his knees sending the crowd into further hysteria, realizing he’s preparing to uncoil the Rock Bottom. An incoherent Evans turns towards Orlando who catches him across the chest, about to deliver his move when he’s elbowed to the back of the head several times. Evans takes the arm placed over his sternum and swings around under it, pulling on it to turn Orlando around and drag him forward for a short arm lariat. Cruze ducks the blow and switches around behind Evans, wrapping his arms around his waist for the German suplex.

Comeau: German attempt by Cruze.

Evans performs a standing switch of his own at the last second, setting up for the German suplex on Orlando now. That’s when Kingdom steps up behind Evans, locking his arms about his waist also going for the German suplex. Orlando is able to break free from Pat’s grasp and spin around into a vicious European Uppercut to Evans’ jaw before he is snapped over backwards into a bridging German suplex by Kingdom. The official is unable to make the count since Johnny is not the legal man. Therefore Orlando steps around behind Evans, grabbing his belt and pulling him out of the bridging position back to his feet, where he hooks both of his arms then falls back into the bridging Dragon suplex. Evans crashes right on top of his shoulders and the back of his head with the crowd screaming.

Comeau: A German suplex followed by a Dragon suplex, will it be enough?

The referee makes the count emphatically.

No! Evans is able to push his shoulder free from the canvas.

Susie: Oh, that’s depressing.

Comeau: Evans kicking out right before the three count.

Orlando cannot believe that he kicked out as he sits up on the canvas, catching his breath. He turns and takes Pat around the jaw, beginning to pull him up only for Evans to regain his composure and deliver a devastating headbunt right to Orlando’s nose. Cruze immediately grabs at his face, staggering backwards into the turnbuckle past Kingdom who is laying on the canvas still trying to recover from the brutality that the Paradoxical Paradigm inflicted upon. As soon as Cruze hits the turnbuckle Evans wedges his shoulder against his stomach and lifts him into the air, sitting up on the top rope. Pat begins to climb up himself, getting to the top cable and then placing him in a front chancery, looking on the verge of hitting a superplex.

Comeau: Pat setting up for a big superplex off that top rope.

Susie: If it’s super Evans should have to wear a cape.

Just as it seems Pat is going to deliver the move his ankle is grabbed from below by Kingdom, who shakes it, causing the Submission Champion to become unstable. As a result he falls down to his seat on the top rope right in front of Cruze who begins to deck him to the face with right hands. Silencer now comes barreling up behind Kingdom who turns just in time to catch him with a drop toe hold, causing his long time nemesis to slam face first into the second turnbuckle pad. He turns, sitting up against the corner while Cruze elbows Evans to the face, causing him to drop down into a tree of woe right in front of Silencer. Pat’s back is wedged to Silencer’s sternum as Orlando jumps off the top rope, landing on the canvas then charging into the opposite corner. He spins around and now barrels across the ring before throwing himself into a back first senton splash right into Pat and Silencer who are stacked against each other.

Comeau: Absolutely AMAZING!

Moore: That was spiffy.

The Manhattan Center crowd is rejoicing over this action while Evans and Silencer convulse in the corner, Cruze rolling back to his feet. His eyes turn towards Kingdom who is now occupying their corner and looking for a tag.

Orlando: Get the job done this time.

He slaps Kingdom’s hand while Johnny gives him a cold glare then slips through the ropes, moving towards Evans who has just dropped down out of the tree of woe and is staggering backwards. Kingdom wedges his shoulder against his spine and lifts him into the air when Pat surprisingly floats over, landing on his feet behind Johnny’s back then hooking his arm. The crowd screams as Pat sets up for the Spinal Tap (Half nelson backbreaker), lifting Kingdom into the air when he slips free, transitioning behind his opponent’s arm and catching hold of it. Evans is unable to stop himself from being dragged down into the crossface.

Comeau: Lesson in Leadership applied by Kingdom!

Susie: How did he do that? I really have no idea, I was too lost to follow.

Kingdom pulls back on Evans’ head as the Submission Champion ironically is on the verge of tapping out. Roars of pain emanate from Evans as his hand lifts slowly into the air, the crowd on their feet begging him to submit.

Comeau: Is Pat going to tap out, is he going to tap out!?!

Suddenly Johnny spots Silencer climbing up onto the turnbuckle he was seated against, now standing haphazardly on the second rope. Kingdom breaks his submission and stands up, storming towards Silencer who dives off the turnbuckle, catching his rival around the neck then clamping his legs around his waist, locking in the Suffocation (Front Chancery, body vice combination). The despair of the crowd becomes evident as Johnny turns and falls to his knees, Silencer really holding onto the submission, cutting all the air off to his cranium with this double submission hold. Orlando steps through the ropes to come to his partner’s aid only for Evans to stand up and cut him off, wedging his shoulder to Cruze’s ribs and powering him backwards spine first into the turnbuckle.

Mark: Now Silencer has got the Suffocation locked in on Kingdom, is Johnny going to be the one who submits?

Moore: We’d have new Tag Champions then right?

Comeau: Correct.

Susie: That would be cool.

Kingdom jabs Silencer repeatedly to both sets of ribs, weakening him enough so that the Tag Champ can free his cranium from the front chancery. He now pries the legs apart from around his waist and uses them to push Silencer over onto his stomach before diving forward and grabbing the arm. He immediately applies the Lesson in Leadership on Silencer now, who wails in agony. The crowd is on its feet, hoping beyond hope that Silencer will tap out before he ducks his head and rolls forward across the canvas, freeing himself. He turns and quickly rushes at Kingdom, catching him around the neck and wrapping his legs around his waist, locking in the Suffocation yet again.

Moore: ANOTHER REVERSAL!

Mark: Kingdom counters back into the crossface only to have Silencer reverse back into the Suffocation. What an amazing tag title match we’re witnessing.

Fans: PLEASE DON’T TAP, PLEASE DON’T TAP, PLEASE DON’T TAP!!

Johnny is trying to adhere to the fans’ wishes for once but can’t free himself from the Suffocation on this occasion as he slowly begins to stand up. He lifts Silencer up off of the canvas as the Conspiracy member continues to apply both the front chancery and the body scissors. Kingdom’s hand is wavering out to his side, looking ready to tap out when Orlando knees Pat to the sternum and throws him through the ropes, finally freeing himself from the corner. He steps forward and delivers the superkick over Kingdom’s shoulder right to Silencer’s face. The strike seems to knock him almost unconscious, barely hanging onto the holds when Johnny reaches up, taking him around the neck. He forces the legs apart from his waist then lifts Silencer up into the air before driving him down into the canvas reversing the Suffocation into the Exodus Finale.

Comeau: Ohhh, the Exodus Finale from Kingdom!

Susie: With an assist from Orlando. And here I thought they didn’t like each other.

The arena is shaking as Kingdom hooks Silencer’s legs.

Comeau: The Champions have done it.

As they begin to celebrate Evans dives into the fray, dropping his elbows to the back of Kingdom’s head and breaking up the three count at 2.9999.

Mark: Evans makes the save for his team!

Susie: How did he do that? Super powers?

The fans are flabbergasted that Kingdom and Cruze didn’t retain their belts but are still screaming over how close of a nearfall that was for the champs. The exhausted Kingdom and Cruze slowly begin to stand up when Pat sluggishly, almost incoherently steps in, delivering a weak chop to Johnny’s sternum. He now turns and delivers another chop to Cruze, but there is little strength behind them due to his sheer exhaustion. Evans charges backwards into the ropes, getting his second wind when he rushes forward at Kingdom for a lariat. Johnny ducks it as Evans travels right past him into a roaring European Uppercut from Cruze. He connects with the move that leaves Evans incredibly dazed yet again, flailing his arms to keep himself upright. Kingdom now rushes up behind Evans, spinning around into a roaring elbow when Pat ducks forward. As a result Johnny swings around and nails Orlando between the eyes with his forearm, knocking the World Champion down hard to the canvas. A stunned Kingdom stands over him before just shrugging his shoulders and turning towards Evans who has rushes in and almost beheads him with a violent clothesline from hell.

Comeau: Oh no, Kingdom accidentally took out Cruze and now he’s suffered a vicious, VICIOUS lariat from Evans.

An exasperated Pat slowly stands up and takes hold of Orlando, rolling him to his feet then sticking his head under his seat. He stands up lifting the Icon into the air in an electric chair drop position before approaching a surprisingly recovered Silencer, who is standing on the opposite side of the ropes. He suddenly springs to the top rope and takes flight, Silencer wrapping his legs around Orlando’s neck and giving him a hurricarana off of Pat’s shoulders. The crowd is stunned at the sight of the doomsday-rana. Orlando crashes violently into the ring across his back while Silencer is just far too exhausted to go for the cover.

Kingdom is somehow getting up after suffering the lariat when Pat staggers in and takes him around the neck, pulling him to his feet before stepping behind his back and hoisting him into the air with the Spinal Tap. The crowd grimaces at the sight of this while Kingdom flips over backwards off of the knee and lands in a crawling position. Evans immediately takes him around the neck, sticking his head under his posterior then lifting him upside down into a piledriver position. At the same time Silencer springs from the apron to the top rope and now flies across the ring, grabbing Kingdom’s shins and powering him down into a spike piledriver. The top of Kingdom’s head crashes off of the canvas as his body flies into the air and finally tumbles to the ring.

Comeau: Spike piledriver from the Conspiracy!

Moore: How do you know all these moves? I can barely even remember my home address.

Kingdom is completely laid out as Silencer steps past him and scales the nearby turnbuckle, reaching the top rope then throwing himself off with a twisting phoenix splash. He crashes down right on top of the prone Kingdom and then hooks both of his legs with the fans screaming, realizing that this is it.

Everyone amassed in the Manhattan Center expresses their disbelief as Johnny launches his shoulder from the ring right before the three count. Silencer sits up exasperated.

Susie: BY GEORGE, he kicked out!

Mark: This Tag Title main event continuing somehow, I have no idea how Johnny still possessed the strength to get his shoulder up.

Pat slowly gets up taking deep breaths when Orlando rushes behind him, grabbing the back of his head and pants then throwing him through the ropes to the outside of the ring. Evans slams with force against the outside mats while Orlando turns, hunkering down into a Rock Bottom position, waiting for Silencer to stand. The official sticks his head through the ropes, shouting at Evans to stay on the outside of the ring while a groggy Submission Champion tries to stand, arguing with him. Silencer is slowly progressing to his feet when he turns towards Cruze, who steps in to uncoil the Rock Bottom. Silencer spins around into a hard kick right to his ribs however, causing Orlando to be doubled over. His opponent rushes into the cables in front of him, bouncing off then coming back in at his opponent who catches him against his shoulder. Silencer is hoisted into the air and twisted into a double A style spinebuster, one that provides a vicious impact.

Comeau: Huge spinebuster by Cruze, who is now basically on his own after Kingdom was taken out via the spike piledriver.

Cruze stands up and steps through Silencer’s legs, rolling him over onto his gut and locking in the sharpshooter to a huge reaction from the crowd. Silencer pushes himself up onto his elbows, roaring in pain but refusing to tap out

Comeau: Sharpshooter by Cruze!

Moore: I wonder if Silencer will tap out, if not, that’s still cool.

Cruze wrenches even further back on the legs of Silencer, who is still shaking his head, refusing to submit. He balls up his fist, shaking it above the canvas and trying to resist the urge to tap out. Evans slides into the ring though, having reached inside of his pocket and pulled out a chain he wrapped around his fist. He charges right at Cruze who breaks his position for the sharpshooter and steps forward, catching Evans across the sternum, hoisting him into the air with the Rock Bottom. Pat is driven forcefully into the canvas while the Icon kneels on all fours, trying to work off the effects of the brutality he’s suffered.

Comeau: Rock Bottom by Cruze!

Orlando stands up and turns in the direction of Silencer who has somehow reached his feet, now delivering the superkick right to the Icon’s jaw. The World Champion is knocked to the canvas amongst screams from the packed Manhattan Center crowd. Silencer barely maintains his footing while turning towards Kingdom who has somehow reached his feet. The Conspiracy member jumps into the air, landing on Kingdom’s shoulders for the hurricarana when the Team Leader pushes him off into a backwards flip. Silencer lands on his feet in front of Kingdom albeit hunched over when Johnny catches him around the neck, lifting him into the air then driving him down into the canvas with the Exodus Finale!

Comeau: Another Exodus Finale from Kingdom delivered to Silencer!

Susie: How many does he have to hit?

Kingdom turns into the lateral press.

The Manhattan Center is exhilarated, everyone standing with an explosion of cheers for the Tag Team Champions.

Comeau: They’ve done it, Orlando Cruze and Johnny Kingdom have actually retained the Tag Team titles! I never thought I’d hear myself making that statement.

Moore: Yay, yay, triple yay.

Johnny rolls away from Silencer to his seat, sweating profusely as the official snatches up the tag belt, bringing it to him. He places the gold on Kingdom’s shoulder while Orlando utilizes the cables to drag his aching body up to his feet. He too is given the tag title strap, throwing it over his shoulder and almost collapsing under its weight. The Team Leader is seated on the canvas glaring into his reflection in the golden plate while Cruze steps over him, reaching down with his outstretched palm. Johnny stares at the twiddling fingers of the Icon, wondering and waiting before finally reaching up and grabbing hold of it. Cruze pulls up on Johnny, the Team Leader and the Icon standing face to face with tag gold hanging from their grasps.

Susie: They’re still tag champions. Isn’t this magical?

Comeau: Um, sure. But the fact of the matter is, Orlando Cruze and Johnny Kingdom, the most unlikely paring in the history of wrestling stand before us with tag gold still in their possession.

Johnny turns away from Cruze, throwing the Tag belt over his shoulder with a condescending grin on his exhausted face. Suddenly he’s grabbed by the shoulder and spun around by Orlando, who shoots his arm across Kingdom’s chest, actually setting up for the Rock Bottom.

Comeau: Wait, the Champ is on the verge of Rock Bottoming Kingdom!

The crowd squeals before a Singapore cane slaps Orlando right in the back of the head, breaking up his attempt at the Rock Bottom. He tumbles to his elbows and knees while Kingdom staggers sideways into the ropes, falling against them. Christian Savior now stands over Cruze with the cane in hand. He lifts it above his head and swings it down right into Orlando’s ribs with vile force. Kingdom now steps away from the ropes, stepping towards Savior who slaps the cane down over his cranium as well.

Comeau: N.H.B Champion Christian Savior is attacking the Tag Team Champions!

Susie: And with a cane, a cane!

The shot reverberates throughout the arena as the Team Leader rolls around on the canvas, gripping at his forehead. An enraged expression inhabits Christian’s face as he turns and drives the cane down over Orlando’s ribs again, focusing his attack on the World Heavyweight Champion. Silencer and Evans slowly get to their feet, looking very winded before stepping towards the laid out Kingdom, commencing with stomps. Again the Conspiracy have the Tag Champions at their mercy as Savior continues to slam the cane down over Cruze’s body and the former number one contenders heinously assault a weakened Kingdom.

Moore: Jeez, the Conspiracy sure are sore losers, just like me when I lose at pick up sticks.

Comeau: Win, lose, or draw the Conspiracy are going to leave a lasting impression on the Tag Champs.

After delivering one last strike over Orlando’s possibly injured mid-section Savior stands up tall, aiming the Singapore cane towards the entry way. On cue through the curtains saunters Riggs, resulting in a loud outcry of boos.

Comeau: The newest member of the Conspiracy is now on his way to the ring.

Susie: The more the merrier.

The fans are absolutely repulsed by the sight of the painted apparition as he strolls up the steel stairs and onto the apron. His eyes are locked on the Conspiracy members, who are inviting him into the ring. Evans and Silencer now make their way towards the struggling, downtrodden Cruze, seizing hold of his arms then forcing him up to his knees. The World Champion is completely at their mercy as Savior turns the cane around, extending the handle out towards the plotting Riggs. A demented grin settles on Riggs’ face as he takes hold of the cane and places it over his shoulders, methodically making his way in front of the helpless Cruze.

Mark: I think Orlando’s night is about to become a whole lot worse.

Moore: At this rate he should probably be regretting retaining the Tag Team titles.

The crowd is screaming and begging Riggs not to do it as he slowly raises the cane above his head, glaring into the weakened, groggy eyes of the Icon. Savior is shouting at him, imploring that he take off Orlando’s head just like he did earlier with Hurse. The menacing grin increases on Riggs’ face as he brings the cane down right over top of Christian’s skull. The reaction from the crowd is drastically altered as Savior crashes to the canvas and Riggs slams the cane over Silencer’s skull as well.

Comeau: WAIT! Riggs is attacking the Conspiracy! He swerved us all tonight.

Moore: AAHHHH!!

Cruze drops to his elbows and knees while Riggs turns to take out Evans who kicks him to the gut, doubling him over. The Submission Champion now begins to slug the painted competitor who double crossed them tonight. As a result of these blows the cane is dropped to the canvas and Pat continues to unload on Riggs, who’s smile is not fading. Suddenly from the backstage area Faust comes charging out with a steel chair in hand.

Susie: Now Faust is on his way out here, it’s like one big Halloween party, and I forgot to wear my sexy Catwoman costume.

Faust slips into the ring under the ropes and jumps to his feet just in time to spot Pat turning to face him. As soon as he spins around the Vampire Lord slams the steel chair with incredible force right over his cranium. The collision resembles the sound of a gunshot as Evans tumbles to the ring then rolls under the ropes as quickly as his damaged body will allow. Savior and Silencer are also vacating the squared circle, holding their foreheads in the process. Inside the ring Riggs grabs the cane up off of the canvas and turns towards Faust, both men giving each other a chilling glare. Their attention slowly turns towards the Conspiracy backing up the ramp in outrage over the swerve that was just pulled on them.

Comeau: What a shocking series of events here tonight at Awaken. Riggs pulled the wool over all our eyes, Johnny Kingdom and Orlando Cruze retained the Tag Team titles, and so much more transpired. How will this all affect the IWC?

Moore: Probably in some big ways, I don’t know, that just sounded like the smartest guess.

Riggs jumps onto the middle rope with the cane raised above his head while The Sacrament by HIM plays over the PA system. Faust has the chair pulled back, begging for the Conspiracy to enter the ring while Orlando and Kingdom slowly regain their faculties. Johnny drags himself up with the use of the ropes then glares at the kneeling Icon, giving him a very paranoid stare considering the fact that he was nearly Rock Bottomed after their successful title defense. The World Champion, the Team Leader, the Vampire Lord, and the Painted Warrior all stand tall in the ring, glaring at the reeling Conspiracy as Awaken comes to a close.

FADE TO BLACK