PICK A SIDE

The camera opens to find a smirking Adams pitching his ideas to someone backstage, a figure who resides off camera. It’s obvious that as he stands in one of the many corridors of the Manhattan Center that he’s trying to lure whomever is out of focus into joining his alliance at Paranoia V. He goes as far as to rip off the classic Uncle Sam line with a full extension of his pointed finger, although he lacks the necessary white bear and flag colored top hat to properly pull off the look.

Adams: It’s a no brainer man. In my absence I’ve been watching the shows week after week, in between my body waxing sessions of course, and I know that you don’t consort well with the types that Nathan is picking for his team. One, Aurora Rose, for instance.

Adams’ eyebrow is arched and he tilts his head towards the mysterious individual before the camera turns to reveal Max Craven. The Manhattan Center crowd erupts at the sight of the Fully Loaded member standing there in contemplation, his arms crossed over his sternum.

Jackson: Think about it partner, I’m offering you the right to not only team with me, the incomparable, the legendary Jackson Adams, but I’m giving you the chance to get some revenge against Aurora Rose for having you suspended. She played with your emotions, she made you look like a fool, which in retrospect probably isn’t too difficult…..

Max: Jackson, just stop.

Adams is rather offended as Craven holds his palm up to him.

Craven: Your not some master manipulator, and your oratorical skills have only convinced me that you’re a blithering idiot.

Although beside himself with anger Adams tries to play it off.

Max: But I’ll tell you what Jackson, for the sole reason that it gives me the opportunity to exact some much desired revenge against Aurora, I’ll consider your offer.

Adams: That’s all I ask partner. But don’t dwell on it too long. I’ve got to go lead by example right now though, and beat whatever idiot Creed has chosen for me.

Jackson gives a very suspicious stare to Craven who only smiles in return. As Jackson turns and walks off with confidence Max remains planted, gently shaking his head.

Max: This place really needs psychological fitness exams.

After making his witty observation Max looks down slowly towards his untied shoe, beginning to reach down and fix it when a forearm crashes over his upper back. The blow sends Craven reeling to the ground, hitting it hard as “The Dark Man” Desolation comes down to his knees beside him, beginning to deliver repeated forearm shots and punches to the back of his head. Desolation appears ravenous as he severally beats Craven, who was caught so off guard that he is incapable of defending himself.

Desolation: You think your sly, huh Craven? Well who looks like a fool now?

The caught off guard Craven tries to push himself up when Desolation steps behind him, taking hold of his legs and locking them around his own. The fans inside of the Manhattan Center are screaming as Desolation pulls Craven up then Curb Stomps him directly into the exposed concrete floor. High pitched wails emanate from the females in the audience while Craven now lies there in a heap, absolutely motionless at the hands of a deranged Desolation. The Dark Man now steps to his side, breathing heavy as he places his hands on his knees and leans forward. He speaks into the ear of the now unconscious Craven.

Desolation: This is only the beginning.

Desolation stands upright and with no remorse for his actions moseys on down the corridor, leaving Craven bleeding on the concrete as he heads towards the inside of the arena.

OPENING VIDEO PACKAGE

The fans are shown throwing their hands into the air in slow motion, caught in different colors, with the feed freezing every so often on a crazed spectator’s features, exhilarated by what they are witnessing. It then cuts to aerial scenes of the city streets below with cars buzzing by an arena in fast motion.

If you feel so empty
So used up so let down
If you feel so angry
So ripped off so stepped on
You're not the only one
Refusing to back down
You're not the only one
So get up

The fans are again shown going even more crazy with their fists held up high, the camera freezing on a clinched set of digits, as it turns from normal color to a black and white hue. It then switches to Max POWER going into a spin with his arm thrust out in front of him before cutting to an aerial view with stop motion footage of hundreds of fans waiting in line to get into the building.

Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot
Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot

Scenes cut from the crazed fans in the stands to deranged mobs throwing Molotov cocktails down the street with burning rags stuck out from the top of them. It switches quickly to AWOL’s fierce face glaring forward maliciously before shifting to Aurora Rose moodily making her way down the ramp, with the bangs of her hair hanging in front of her dreary face. It then cuts to Jackson Adams being choked out with a crowbar to his throat from Jon Rich before shifting to an explosion rocking through a building while it crumbles and collapses to the ground. Desolation is then featured jumping off the top of a cage roof with a shooting star press.

If you feel so filthy so dirty
so fucked up
If you feel so walked on
So painful so pissed off
You're not the only one
Refusing to go down
You're not the only one
So get up

Police are shown gathered in a straight line with shields held out in front of them, dressed in all riot gear while marching down the street. The video then switches to Silencer driving his forehead into David Miller's, both men busted open already. Thankfully the images transfer to Too Magnificent bashing someone over the head with a trash can before cutting to Nathan Creed maliciously glaring about his surroundings. Another image features Orlando Cruze standing on the stage and raising his arm above his head, as pyros explode on all sides of him. This image is short lived as people are featured being detained, cuffs slapped around their wrists while being forced into the backs of large police vans. Axl Evermore takes up the screen resting on his knees with the Cartel title hanging from his grasp and drenched in sweat.

Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot
Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot

If you feel so empty
So used up, so let down
If you feel so angry
Just get up

Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot
Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot

Robin Brooks takes up the screen diving off the top rope with a moonsault and coming crashing down stomach first towards the camera that was aimed upwards to catch a glimpse of her in all of her acrobatic splendor. The package then showcases Jackson Adams smiling pompously into the camera before shifting to a bloodied grinning face of Psycho, his dementia clear within his wide deranged eyes. Adam Riddick is featured flying through the air with a frog splash, soaring gracefully. Police are shown beating some looter with their knight sticks until JT Knight takes up the screen hitting a thunderous powerbomb. Pat Evans is then the focus of attention, ripping at a victim’s ankle with a tough, yet textbook submission. That’s before images are shown of Jon Rich delivering a missile dropkick as well as Orlando giving the Rock Bottom on Desolation. It then switches to Commander V lifting his Nintendo gloved fist above his head. It cuts to a burning building, people running out of the flaming structure with stolen goods.

Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot
Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot

Hurse is featured on top the shoulders of the Alpha Generation while holding the World Heavyweight title above his head. Abruptly the video switches to Psycho delivering the Psychotic Episode on one of his many victims before transitioning into an image of Silencer superkicking one of his opponent’s directly under their jaw. Denile Partis and Riggs stand mono a mono before cutting to Pat Evans holding onto the fujiwara. The video switches to Christian Savior standing in a hallway with light hitting him from behind, almost enveloping him as a result.

RIOT!

The show comes live to the inside of the arena as fireworks erupt from the staging area, as well as the ring and rafters. Multi-colored sparkles dissipate as they fall towards the squared circle and the long steel rampway. Many of the fans are going nuts while others are shocked over what they just witnessed backstage.

Dan Douglas: Um, welcome to another edition of IWC Riot! and we apologize for the way we’ve kicked things off here tonight.

Billy Mayne: Why apologize? That was the greatest opening to a Riot! yet, Desolation avenging the set up perpetuated last week by viciously Curb Stomping Max Craven right into the concrete. That had to dislodge some of his annoyingly perfect teeth.

Douglas: The way our telecast just commenced already gives me an ominous feeling in regards to tonight.

Mayne: That ominous feeling is probably just gas, I told you not to eat week old bologna.

JACKSON ADAMS VS. MYSTERY OPPONENT

The lights dim as black light fade on in the ringside area; What I’ve Done by Linkin Park hits the sound system. Blue and green spotlights start blinking and roaming their way through out the audience as Jackson Adams Step through the curtain an arrogant, yet cocky smile stretches across his features. He slowly walks to the ring pointing to himself, and mouthing to the crowd how much better he is. He reaches the steps and walks up them slowly, walking along the ring apron now, he stops and takes one last look up the ramp and at the crowd before wiping his feet cockily on the ring apron, before stepping through the ropes. As he walks to the center of the ring he lifts his arms as if he was accepting the loud chorus of boos from the crowd, as he slowly spins in a circle and the lights return to normal.

Billy: And the momentum of this show just keeps flowing. Now we get another Jackson Adams sighting, but not only that, we get a Jackson Adams match too! Someone’s been listening to my prayers.

Douglas: Satan? Jackson trying to lure Craven into the Adams Alliance backstage before he was ambushed by Desolation, but he should be worrying about this match at hand. He has absolutely no idea who Nathan Creed has chosen as the first member of Team Creed and as his mystery opponent tonight.

Mayne: I’m sure it’s no one important, someone Adams can beat easier than shucked clams.

Jackson casually strolls across the ring with a confident swagger before turning and pressing his spine to one of the turnbuckles. A disinterested expression resides on his face he looks towards the entry way, positive that whomever Nathan selected will fail to pose a challenge to him. He even goes as far as to force out a yawn and chuckle towards the booing fans when the lights inside of the Manhattan Center suddenly dim. Everything becomes pitch black while Jackson’s silhouette can be seen moving about in the ring, growing anxious.

Douglas: Who’s it going to be?

Suddenly a purple haze consumes the entry way where fog is rolling in. Through the mist emerges a tall figure, hair hanging down in front of his pale white face. The crowd appears confused, finding this entrance eerily familiar, but unsure of who they’re looking at as the figure marches down the ramp shrouded in darkness. Once he reaches the end of the ramp though and kicks his hair back out of his face it’s clear as day who he is, the returning, Phantom. Jackson’s eyes open widely, filled with utter astonishment as he realizes who Nathan has selected as the first member of Team Creed.

Douglas: OH MY! Jackson’s mystery opponent is PHANTOM!

Mayne: This can’t be right, this can’t be legal. I want to file an appeal!

Jackson is storming back and forth in the ring, arguing with the referee and pointing towards Phantom who has pulled himself up on the apron. Adams looks panicked, irate that he has to face this monster who glares at him through glowing eyes.

Billy: This isn’t fair, this ISN’T FAIR! How is Adams suppose to be ready for this kind of opponent!?!

Douglas: I don’t think anyone would be. What a shocking sight here on Riot! Phantom has returned to the IWC and he is part of Team Creed at Paranoia V.

As Phantom steps over the ropes Jackson runs his hands through his hair, shaking his head in pure despair. The second one of Phantom’s feet hit the canvas Adams rushes forward, hoping to deliver a cheap shot. He throws a fist at Phantom who turns and blocks it. He pushes the arm down out of the way and then takes Jackson around the cranium, giving him a swift headbunt. The crowd cheers, absolutely nuts over the fact that Phantom has made a shocking return, and that he is taking it to one of the most repulsed individuals on the whole roster. Jackson crashes to the canvas and rolls across it before quickly reaching his feet and rushing at Phantom who delivers a straight punch between the eyes. The crowd grimaces and cringes as Jackson falls from the blow then rolls across the canvas, spilling under the ropes. Phantom now stands tall in the center of the ring, his eyes turning to overlook the fans who are going insane.

Douglas: And Phantom is just as dominating as ever! This gigantic behemoth is doing exactly what he was selected to do, and that’s pulverize the captain of the Adams Alliance.

Mayne: I’m going to throw a fit, a fit I say. And this time it won’t be on account of having too many jelly donuts.

The barbaric behemoth steps across the ring as Jackson Adams stands on the outside mats, leaning back first against the apron. He now blows off the ring and steps forward as if about to leave when Phantom reaches over the ropes and grabs hold of his hair. Jackson’s jaw drops as he’s lifted into the air and seated on the apron, Phantom trying to pull him up into the ring. Adams turns around at the last second, catching the monster around the back of the head and dropping off the apron. He pulls Phantom throat first into the top cable, snapping him off it as his towering opponent staggers backwards. Jackson now slides into the ring under the ropes and charges forward with great speed only to have Phantom turn and catch him under his arm, delivering a powerful side slam. The crowd is cheering passionately as Jackson arches his spine from the ring and turns away from Phantom again with his jaw hanging open. He gets to his knees now and tries to stand up when Phantom grabs him by the throat, lifting him up into the air then throwing him back first into the turnbuckle.

Jackson hits the corner hard, all frazzled while Phantom steps in, delivering an open hand chop to his sternum. The blow echoes throughout the arena and causes Adams to double over forward, his arms crossed in front of his chest. Phantom now takes him under the arm and by the back of the head, stepping out of the corner before throwing him up high into the air. Jackson flips forward, tumbling down into the canvas spine first from a great height.

Mayne: NOOO! Phantom must be using some of those damn mythical powers again. There should be a law against utilizing the dark arts in a wrestling match, this isn’t Cajun country!

Douglas: Quit coming up with excuses for your hero. Jackson is just being physically dominated by this dark goliath.

Billy: He’ll come back once he adapts. It’ll just take him a second to get his bearings straight after being faced with this new initial shock.

The crowd is still screaming as loud as possible as Phantom steps forward with a fist raised in the air. This gesture exacerbates their delight while Adams is standing up and staggers around. He turns to face Phantom who reaches out for him only to receive a blatant poke to the eye. This causes the massive force to step back with his palm pressed to his eye, Jackson rushing forward as he tries to capitalize. To his dismay Phantom catches him though, lifting Adams up into the air in a gorilla press, about to send him crashing from a tremendous height when Jackson again rakes his eyes. J.A slips off of his palms and lands on his feet behind his opponent, quickly catching him by the arms as he tries to turn him around into the unprettier. The fans find themselves jumping to their feet, watching on in dismay as Adams fights with all he’s got to twist Phantom around for one of his trademark moves. However, Phantom merely bends forward and pushes out with his wide posterior, ramming it into Jackson’s stomach. This use of girth sends Adams flying backwards, crashing into the ring then rolling over to his elbows and knees.

Mayne: Why did Nathan have to pick such a fat opponent for Adams?

Douglas: Phantom sure is good at throwing his weight around.

Billy: I would be too if my ass were that fat.

A stunned and reeling Jackson rises, pressing his back to a corner as Phantom turns to face him with malicious intentions on his mind. He comes barreling forward, throwing all of his girth at Adams again who steps out of the way of an attempted big splash on this occasion. Phantom steps backwards covering his sternum with his large hands, eventually turning his spine to Adams who quickly steps up the corner behind him. He reaches out, catching Phantom’s long hair and pulling his head over backwards, trapping it in a reverse DDT position. Jackson smiles as he launches himself off the turnbuckle, twisting around into a tornado reverse DDT. The back of Phantom’s head slams with force against he canvas as Jackson quickly crawls into the lateral press.

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Phantom shoots one of his hefty arms from the canvas, causing Adams to rise to a knee with shock settling into his eyes. It’s clear from Adams’ reaction that he is growing frustrated already.

Mayne: Stay on him Adams, stay on him. Don’t give him a chance to breath, he already has enough trouble doing so with those flabby man tits weighing heavy on his sternum.

Douglas: Jackson has to do exactly what he’s been doing, remaining quick and allusive.

The angered Adams stands and stomps Phantom right to his face then drops to the ring, beginning to blatantly choke his much larger opponent. The official steps in, starting a five count and reaching for before Adams lets go of Phantom’s throat with his hand, but places his knee on top of it instead. The official spots his knee strangling Phantom now, starting another five count as Adams acts aloof. Finally he removes his knee from the throat then wraps his arm around Phantom’s neck, pulling his head up into a dragon sleeper. He has the submission applied with true vigor and grit. The demonic apparition that is Phantom stomps the back of his heels against the canvas while the crowd starts to chant his name, rallying behind him. They slap the barricades and stomp their feet as well, everyone trying to energize the returning Phantom to get himself free of this hold. Jackson doesn’t appear too willing to let this happen as he puts even more pressure into the hold, licking his lips throughout the process.

Mayne: Yeah, this is what I’m talking about, Adams is wearing down his larger opponent, methodically forcing all the air and blood from his brain.

Douglas: Two things your brain lacks as well.

Jackson begins to quiver, his head shaking as his monstrous foe forces himself upwards. Absolute disbelief sweeps over Jackson as Phantom stands then spins around, engulfing Adams’ sternum with his large palm and shoving him backwards into one of the corners. Jackson slams back first against the corner, his arms falling over the ropes while Phantom stands and storms towards him. As soon as he steps in Jackson gets a boot up right into his jaw. The swift blow causes Phantom to become disorientated while Jackson pulls himself up the corner in reverse. He sits on the top rope and drags Phantom’s head into a front chancery, jumping off the corner into a tornado DDT. Phantom’s cranium collides violently with the ring as he now flops over onto his back, Jackson hooking one of his tree trunk sized thighs.

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Phantom kicks out, launching his large shoulder from the ring. The speed of the count doesn’t sit well with Adams, who shakes his head towards the referee with clear malcontent. He now turns his attention back to Phantom though, grabbing him by the hair and beginning to deck him repeatedly to the face with closed fists. He continues to wear Phantom down as he uses his hair to roll him to his elbows and knees. When he reaches this position Jackson begins to stomp him repeatedly to the top of the head. This doesn’t stop Phantom from slowly standing though, getting to his feet albeit bent forward. Jackson jumps into the air and connects with a famouser though, driving his opponent’s face into the canvas. He rolls over onto his back, lying there in a motionless heap while Adams crawls to his side and buries his forearm into Phantom’s face. He now begins to rub the forearm back and forth across his opponent’s eyes, the referee starting another five count.

Mayne: This is what is so great about Adams, he takes full advantage of the referee’s leniency.

Douglas: That is not a very desirable trait, Billy.

Billy: It is when you’re a prick.

Adams stands and places his boot to Phantom’s eyes now, scraping his heel across them. Phantom sits up, reaching for his eyes in pain while Jackson kicks him hard to the back of the head. He stomps him yet again to the cranium, finally starting to enjoy himself as he grabs Phantom’s hair, trying to pull him up to his feet. Phantom gets to his knees as Jackson drills him to the side of the head with a forearm, followed by another shot. The smile on Jackson’s face fades as he realizes that Phantom isn’t going down. He steps in with another punch that causes a wide grin to form on the twisted features of his opponent. Jackson now steps back and glares at Phantom who continues to force himself upwards. The angered Adams moves in with one more right hand that is caught by Phantom. As the fist is squeezed tightly Jackson begins to stomp both of his feet, the bones in his hand almost turned to dust. Phantom continues to glare primally into the face of Adams, rising to his feet and towering over his opponent.

Before he can enjoy himself with the prospect of what to do next Jackson delivers a swift kick near the lower extremities. Phantom is bent forward by the blow, reaching for his testicles while Adams steps in and places him in a front chancery, setting up for a DDT. Before he can connect Phantom pushes him off, sending Adams rushing backwards into the ropes. He bounces off of them and comes barreling back towards his opponent who catches Jackson against the chest and stomach, throwing him up high into the air. Adams catches great height and finally comes crashing down face first into the canvas.

Mayne: ARGH!

Douglas: Jackson’s offensive onslaught being quashed by Phantom’s sheer power and remarkable speed for a man of his proportions.

Adams rolls onto his back, looking wide eyed yet again while Phantom charges into he ropes, bouncing off and coming back in. He jumps into the air, going for a big splash when Jackson gets out of the way in the nick of time. As a result Phantom crashes into the canvas across his chest and stomach, looking positively dazed as he ties to force himself up to his feet. Unfortunately for him Jackson is a little quicker, stepping in and over top of Phantom’s head then hooking both of his arms. It’s obvious that he’s going for the Double Take (Angels Wings). The crowd is screaming as Adams looks to finish off his behemoth of an opponent. Suddenly Phantom stands up straight though, changing the crowd’s reaction by sending Adams into a back drop. He again crashes down from a great height with a splat against the canvas. Adams rolls across the canvas to his knees, calling for a time out while Phantom approaches him and takes him by his gesturing hands.

He yanks on the hands and as thus forces Adams right onto his feet before taking him around the waist and dropping back into an overhead release belly to belly suplex. Adams rolls around on the ring, agonizing as his larger opponent rises with surprising speed to his feet, looking to continue this physical onslaught.

Mayne: Adams being thrown all around the ring like he were a ragdoll. And the last thing Adams looks like is a doll, unless it’s a GI Joe.

Douglas: Your observations are mesmerizing. Phantom has gotten back in control of this one on one encounter, catching Adams again off guard.

Billy: Adams was caught off guard right from the start of this match.

Phantom pulls Jackson up to his feet and slaps on a front chancery, lifting him up into the air for a vertical suplex. Somehow Adams is able to float over though, landing on his feet behind Phantom and taking him around the neck. He now drops down into a reverse DDT. The crowd erupts into boos as Jackson rises to his feet, stumbling and staggering in the direction of the corner, which he begins to scale. With Phantom prone across the canvas, the ever so crafty Adams reaches the top rope, turning to face his opposition. He now spits down at Phantom and then takes flight with a frog splash, coming down right on top of his mystery opponent. The crowd rejoices surprisingly, when they realize that Phantom has reached up and caught Adams by the throat as soon as he came down to the canvas. Jackson’s eyes are opened wide yet again while Phantom rises to his feet, forcing his opponent to a standing base then lifting him into the air with a chokeslam. The canvas shakes from the thunderous chokeslam which leaves Adams completely sprawled out.

Mayne: Ahhhh!!

Douglas: The chokeslam on Adams, this one is over ladies and gentlemen!

Phantom drops down on top of Adams, hooking his leg for the three count with the crowd cheering.

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No! Adams gets his shoulder off of the canvas, infuriating the monstrous behemoth.

Mayne: Oh thank you, thank you, thank you.

Douglas: Adams getting his shoulder up even after that vicious chokeslam. These guys putting everything they’ve got into this intense one on one encounter.

Billy: Phantom is trying to win one for team Creed and Jackson is going to show the superiority of the Adams Alliance.

In a sluggish manner Phantom rises and grabs hold of Jackson’s wrist, pulling him up to his feet and then dragging his head between his legs. The crowd realizes that Phantom is setting up for the Insomnia. He slits his throat symbolically with his thumb then takes Jackson around the waist, hoisting him up into the air in order to hit his move. However, Adams places his hands to the top of Phantom’s skull and pushes himself over it, landing on his feet right behind his back. He reaches in reverse, taking Phantom around the neck then dropping him with a reverse neckbreaker. The crowd is stunned by Jackson’s resilience as he now sits on the canvas, panting and sweating from the physicality that has thus far been unleashed upon him.

Mayne: Thank God Jackson is so damned resilient. He’s like a fox, or a wolverine, or one of those other vicious little fury animals with the terrifying eyes.

Douglas: I have no idea how he is hanging in there thus far.

Jackson rolls to his elbows and knees, drenched in sweat yet still trying to stand. As soon as he gets up Phantom rolls to his knees in front of him, also trying to force his way to his feet. The ever allusive Adams rushes into the ropes in front of him, bouncing off and coming back in when Phantom reaches out, snatching him by the throat. Jackson’s eyes open widely, filled with disbelief as Phantom starts to stand up in front of him, setting up for the chokeslam. However, Adams drives his elbow into Phantom’s forearm, freeing himself then turning as he bolts across the ring into the cables yet again. He bounces off and comes back in when Phantom steps forward, catching him with a huge side walk slam. Adams is slammed with force against the ring while Phantom hooks his leg for the pinfall.

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No, Adams gets his shoulder up a second time. Phantom sits up, his facing filling with demonic intentions while he rises to his feet and gives the official an intimidating glare. This sends the referee high tailing it to the outside of the ring while Phantom turns back towards Jackson who rises to his knees and delivers a swift low blow right to his large opponent’s testicles. Phantom is doubled over as Jackson takes him by the hair and pulls him down into a small package.

Douglas: Hey wait a minute, Adams just hit a low blow on PHANTOM!

Mayne: You need thicker lenses.

Dan: I don’t even wear glasses.

The referee slides back into the ring, having seen nothing as he makes the count.

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Everyone in the building expresses outrage as Phantom drops onto his back, reaching for his testicles.

Douglas: No dammit, no!

Mayne: Hahaha, the Adams’ Alliance scores a major win here tonight.

Dan: Albeit via low blow you might want to add.

Adams stands back from Phantom who is still holding his grapefruits after that high impact jab. The sweaty Adams now steps forward to continue his assault, to weaken Phantom as much as possible when the crowd starts to cheer loudly at the sight of Nathan Creed rushing down the ramp.

Douglas: Here comes the leader of Team Creed, Nathan Creed himself, and he’s looking to exact some revenge on Adams!

Mayne: Jackson’s got time to beat up on one more old rival tonight.

The Future slides into the ring and jumps to his feet as Adams quickly rushes at him only to walk right into a knife edge chop across the sternum. A “woo” is heard from the crowd as Adams is staggered by the blow, Nathan delivering another chop, then a third. Creed is absolutely lighting up his long time nemesis, now delivering a hard right to the jaw that sends him tumbling into the ropes. The furious Nathan steps in and chops him once more across his increasing red chest then delivers a hard forearm strike that sends him tumbling through the ropes onto the apron.

Douglas: Nathan is decimating the man who left him lying thanks to an attack with a baseball bat last week.

Mayne: Of course, because he’s attacking Adams after he just competed in a grueling match.

Dan: But you just said…. Are you even aware how much you just contradicted yourself?

Billy: Nope.

The fired up Nathan now turns to face Phantom, moving towards the first person to join his team. He bends down and begins to check on Phantom’s condition, trying to assist him to his feet while he agonizes by gripping his possibly swollen testicles. Nathan has no way of knowing that Jackson has re-entered the ring behind him and now rushes forward as soon as Creed stands upright delivering a hard lariat to the back of his head. Nathan crashes to the canvas while Adams begins to stomp him repeatedly to the back of the head and shoulders.

Mayne: You never turn you back on Adams. Creed should know that by now.

Douglas: You’ll have to excuse Creed for having some compassion for his teammate.

Nathan tries desperately to get up but is booted right back down to the canvas every time he tries. The pompous Adams bends forward and slaps Nathan on the back of his head, shouting words of degradation throughout the process. The reaction from the crowd is drastically altered though as a large figure slides into the ring behind Adams, clothed in no more than blue jeans and big dark boots. A fire blazes within his eyes as he slouches forward, calling for Jackson to turn around.

Douglas: LOOK! LOOK! I DON’T BELIEVE IT!!

Mayne: What the hell is Too Magnificent doing here?

The fans in the Manhattan Center are going absolutely nuts, completely shocked to see Too Magnificent standing in the middle of an IWC ring yet again. His features are a bright shade of red and trembling as he motions repeatedly for Adams to turn around and face him, having who knows what in store for the former Alpha Generation leader. Finally Jackson spins to discover the source of the crowd’s excitement and almost has a heart attack when he spots Too Magnificent. A large bulge forms in Jackson’s throat and his eyes fill with terror at the sight of his former Alpha Generation colleague. Too Mag is grinning now with a flashing of his gritting teeth, his features contorted with madness.

Douglas: This is what I’ve been waiting on ever since Too Magnificent got kicked out of the Alpha Generation over six months ago! He’s back for revenge!

Mayne: This isn’t legally acceptable, Too Magnificent was fired TWICE!

Jackson is shaking his head in disbelief before he drops down to the canvas, rolling under the ropes and trying to get away. However, Too Magnificent isn’t allowing him to flee so easily, following right behind him. He drops down to the outside mats and begins to chase Jackson around the ring repeatedly.

Mayne: Run JA, run!

Douglas: Jackson trying to evade paying for his previous actions, but Too Magnificent isn’t going to let him go that easily.

Jackson runs around the ring again in a panic with Too Magnificent still right behind him before he runs into a human wall known as Phantom. When he bumps into Phantom’s sternum he is almost knocked over by this goliath towering before him. The shocked Jackson backs up with his hands held in the air, begging off only to have the man he punted to the testicles scoop him up into the air and hold him in a gorilla press. He now throws Jackson through the ropes into the ring and backs away slowly, wearing a demonic expression on his face. Jackson crashes into the canvas, rolling across it right to the feet of a waiting Creed. As Adams looks up into the furious eyes of his rival he begins to plead for mercy only to have Nathan take him around the jaw, forcing him up to his feet and then turning him around to face Too Magnificent who has stepped over the ropes into the ring. The giant former El Magnifico is begging Nathan to let him have Adams as Creed grins towards the big man and pushes Jackson right into his waiting hands. Adams it taken around the throat by Too Magnificent, the fans cheering loudly as the sadistic behemoth seems to relish this opportunity.

Douglas: Chokeslam him Too Mag, get your revenge.

Mayne: Show some mercy.

Phantom is shouting for Too Magnificent to chokeslam him as well as Adams is begging his former partner not to do it. A demonic gleam inhabits Too Mag’s eyes as he glares into the terrified face of the man who betrayed him so long ago. He now completes the task he came here to accomplish, realizing Adams and taking hold of Nathan’s throat. The fans are shocked as Creed is unexpectedly hoisted into the air and chokeslammed viciously into the canvas.

Dan: NOOO!!

Mayne: Hahahahaha, ahahahaha!

Jackson turns around to face Too Magnificent and grins a truly toothy grin. The big man stands over top of the down Nathan Creed, who is barely moving after taking the unexpected chokeslam from a man who at one time he began to trust. Phantom can’t believe what he’s seeing inside of the ring, immediately trying to enter it. He steps up onto the apron when Too Magnificent turns and big boots him to the face over the top rope. The shot knocks Phantom down to the mats, crashing across them.

Douglas: What just happened? Too Magnificent chokeslammed Nathan Creed.

Mayne: This was a set up, a brilliantly played set up.

A chuckling Jackson Adams rolls to the outside of the ring and grabs a microphone out of Kaily Wolf’s grasp. Barely able to hide his enthusiasm, he hops onto the apron and glares over the ropes at the sprawled out Nathan, who lies in the massive shadow cast by the trembling Too Magnificent.

Jackson: Nathan, allow me to introduce to you, your mystery opponent tonight and the very first member of the Adams Alliance at Paranoia V, TOO MAGNIFICENT!

The arena responds with disgust at the sound of this revelation.

Dan: Are you kidding me? Too Magnificent is a member of Jackson’s team for Paranoia V. How did he even get rehired, and why has he betrayed Nathan Creed?

Mayne: Who cares? Too Magnificent is back and he’s playing for the winning team.

Boos continues to bounce from the walls while Too Magnificent’s demented eyes rest on the laid out Creed, Jackson chuckling to himself and Phantom trying to get up at ringside.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

NOW ON DVD

NATHAN CREED VS. MYSTERY OPPONENT

The show comes back live with the crowd slapping the barricades and stomping their feet in support of Nathan Creed, who is trapped in a nerve hold at the massive hands of Too Magnificent. The big man towers over the seated Creed, squeezing with all of his strength at the muscle combining his shoulder to his neck.

Douglas: Welcome back to Riot! ladies and gentlemen, and as you can see the match between Creed and his former friend Too Magnificent is underway. What a shocking turn of events that led to this match before we went to commercial break.

Mayne: Nathan Creed shocked probably more than the rest of us by the fact that Too Magnificent was his mystery opponent, that he’s now in league with Jackson Adams.

Dan: I’m still absolutely floored by the fact that Too Magnificent is here after being fired by Krissie McMorris several months ago.

Creed is agonizing as his features contort, trying his best to will himself upwards as his nerve continues to be squeezed until it pops. Outside of the ring Jackson is glaring into the ring with a huge grin on his face, greatly enjoying Creed’s torment before he looks up and spots Phantom moving towards him. He gets skittish and back peddles while pointing at the ghastly Phantom, who is beaming a demonic glare in his direction yet holding his ground. Inside of the ring Too Magnificent is still putting all his strength into the grip, Creed stomping the back of his heel against the canvas. With the fans solidly supporting him the Future starts to will his way upwards, trying his best to stand. He gets his knee beneath him while Too Mag leans down into the submission, pushing down on his own wrist to amplify the anguish.

Nathan slowly begins to force himself upwards, fighting through the anguish in his shoulder before finally reaching his feet. Too Magnificent is still clamping on the nerve hold when Nathan turns his body and delivers an elbow into the gut of his hefty opponent. The shot doubles Too Magnificent over before he’s hit with another elbow from the determined, motivated Creed.

Douglas: Nathan trying to fight his way out of this hold, he’s putting up a valiant effort.

Mayne: Nathan is the least bit valiant, he’s not even dashing or debonair.

Finally Creed is able to elbow his way out of the nerve hold, turning towards his large opponent who buries his shoulder against his ribs and lifts his lighter frame from the canvas. Creed is charged across the ring and driven with violent force spine first right into the corner. Creed’s arms fall over the ropes while a groan emanates from his battered body, Too Magnificent lifting his foot into the air. He places his boot against Creed’s throat while holding the top rope, choking the life out of his opposition. The Future kicks his legs and tries to push the foot away from his throat, his face transforming to a bright shade of red. Too Mag takes his foot from Creed’s throat then delivers a hard elbow strike to the skull of his opponent. Nathan covers up his head but it’s to no avail as Too Mag elbows him again to the skull.

He now slaps his large palm down onto Nathan’s throat, beginning to choke him while his tongue sticks out from between his teeth, curling at the end. His eyes center on Jackson outside of the ring, who is clapping and motioning to his reunited ally. Too Magnificent finally takes the back of Creed’s head, pushing down on it and sending him rolling forward across the canvas. He turns over to his knees, starting to stand up when Too Magnificent rushes forward and levels him with a hard lariat directly to the throat.

Mayne: Such brutality, I love it.

Douglas: Creed still hasn’t recovered from that chokeslam he withstood at the beginning of this match.

Billy: Now who’s making excuses?

Creed is holding his throat as he rolls away from Too Magnificent into the ropes, grabbing hold of them and standing up slowly. As soon as he gets to his feet, Too Magnificent grabs the back of his head and rubs his face across the top rope. He grinds it back and forth, grating it across the cable then kicks Nathan to the back of his knee. Creed falls to his knees while Too Magnificent buries his foot to the back of Nathan’s head, pushing him down throat first into the middle cable. Creed is gagging horribly, being choked violently as the official steps in, starting a five count. He reaches four before Too Magnificent takes his foot away and steps back with his palms raised in the air. He acts like he was doing nothing wrong as he secretly distracts the official from Jackson who is pulling down on the back of Nathan’s head. He is choking Creed’s throat against the middle rope from the outside before Phantom rushes around the squared circle directly at him. Adams breaks the illegal choke and then takes off running, Phantom stopping as he ensures that Jackson’s cheating has concluded.

Billy: Hey now Phantom, watch yourself!

Douglas: He was stopping Adams’ blatant cheating.

Mayne: You can’t have eye for an eye justice Dan, then the whole world goes blind. Then everyone will be led around by dogs, who drop feces all over the place, and the stench will be horrible.

Too Magnificent grabs Creed by the hair, forcing him back to his seat then to the center of the ring. He again clamps on the nerve hold, really squeezing with all the strength of his massive hand. Creed is groaning, gritting his teeth against one another and trying his best to force the hand away from his shoulder. He balls up his fist and sticks it out to his side, shaking it into the air which rallies the fans behind him. The majority of the crowd is solidly behind Nathan, again slapping the barricades in support.

Nathan’s face is contorted and twisted by the pain shooting through his arm, which is almost dead due to Too Magnificent’s squeezing. Despite all of this pain he begins to force himself upwards, trying to stand with the crowd still rallying behind him. His fists are shaking as he gets closer and closer to his feet, Too Magnificent’s eyes a blaze with rage and hostility. As soon as Creed gets up Too Mag breaks the hold and drives his knee into the kidneys of his opponent. Creed arches his back and staggers forward before Too Magnificent grabs him by the tights and his shoulder, dragging him backwards into a headbunt to the kidney area. Creed falls to his knees and keeps his back arched from the trauma inflicted on it, Too Mag stepping to his side then delivering a hard kick right to his face. Nathan drops into a roll across the ring, continuing to be dominated by his much larger opponent, who started off with a decisive advantage via that chokeslam.

As soon as Creed rolls into the ropes he takes hold of them, starting to stand when Too Magnificent turns him around, delivering a sickening open hand chop right over his sternum. A groan of anguish emanates from Nathan who bends forward and staggers forward across the ring, being hit with a hard forearm between the shoulder blades. The shots almost take Nathan down before Too Magnificent grabs him by the back of the head and pushes him along towards the ropes. He bounces off the cables and comes back in at Too Magnificent who throws a big boot right at his face. Creed ducks the attempted shot then spins around, clamping his arms about Too Mag’s waist as he sets up for a German. The former Alpha Generation member back elbows Creed right to the face though, causing him to relinquish the reverse waist lock. He staggers backwards before Too Magnificent turns around, beginning to step towards his prey only to be grabbed by the back of the legs. He falls onto his spine as Creed tries his best to turn him over into the Against the Odds.

Mayne: No! What are you doing Too Magnificent! You had this match in hand! I’ll emphasize this with even more exclamation points!!!

Douglas: Creed has got the Against All Odds almost established. If he gets this locked in on the man who just double crossed him he’ll obtain a submission.

Too Magnificent bends his knees, arching Creed forward then delivering a straight punch right between his eyes. The shot sends Creed stumbling backwards into the ropes, falling against them for support then shaking off the effects of that straight jab. Too Mag stands in front of him and charges forward into a big boot but Creed steps out of the way. The fans erupt as Too Magnificent racks himself testicles first against the top rope. A loud groan emanates from Too Mag, who reaches for his testicles in anguish while Nathan rushes forward, delivering a stiff, vicious big boot of his own. It lands right against his rival’s jaw, sending him crashing down to the outside mats. Jackson is watching all of this with his hands on top of his head, absolutely disgusting by what is happening in this encounter.

Douglas: Nathan fighting back with that stiff big boot.

Mayne: What do you get paid for Too Magnificent, get your out of shape ass up and finish Nathan off already.

The battered Magnificent starts to stand up on the outside of the ring while Nathan slips through the ropes onto the apron behind him. He now rushes forward and jumps off the apron, catching Too Mag by the back of the head and giving him a bulldog face first into the outside mats. His wide skull collides with the thin matting, sending him rolling onto his back while Creed remains on his knees at his side. As he starts to stand up Jackson moves around the ring, about to get the drop on him before stopping when he spots Phantom stepping behind Creed, patting his new partner reassuringly on the shoulder. Adams now back peddles with a smirk on his face, again acting innocent. Creed approaches the rising Too Magnificent, grabbing him by the hair and driving some rough forearms into the side of his head. He now headbunts him for good measure which inflicts damage on both their bodies. Finally Creed rolls Too Mag under the ropes to the inside of the ring and begins to enter himself.

He stands on the apron then grabs the top rope, pulling himself over it before twisting around into a splash onto the laid out Too Magnificent. He hooks his large opponent’s leg for the pinfall.

1

2

He launches his shoulder from the ring, kicking out with just a few seconds to spare. The ravenous Creed takes his opponent’s hair though, sitting him up on his knees then delivering a vicious knife edge chop across his sternum. A groan emanates from Too Magnificent before he is chopped with even more force against the chest. After two swift blows Creed steps forward and jumps into the air, dropkicking his opponent right to the face. Too Magnificent tumbles onto his back, rolling across the canvas and trying to get up while the angered Creed blasts him over the back with a clubbing blow.

Douglas: Creed is just pugnaciously assaulting the man who virtually stabbed him right in the back.

Mayne: You can certainly feel the intensity between these two.

Magnificent grabs the ropes, pulling himself up then and receiving a vicious knife edge chop to his chest for his troubles. He is almost removed from his feet before Creed blasts him to the jaw with a forearm strike and now takes him by the wrist. His giant opponent is whipped across the ring right into the opposite cables, his large body bouncing off and coming right back towards the Future. Creed steps forward and bends down for a back drop when Too Magnificent boots him to the chest, causing his opponent to stand up straight. He looks dazed as Too Mag now snatches him by the throat and lifts him into the air for another chokeslam. Creed squirms free and transitions in mid-air, landing feet first behind his massive opposition then rushes backwards into the ropes. He bounces off and comes back in at Too Magnificent who spins around, meeting Creed with a big boot straight to the features. The stiff blow knocks the Future to the canvas, the crowd groaning the sheer force of the strike.

Too Mag spins around and falls into the lateral press, Jackson cheering him on.

1

2

Now Creed kicks out to a loud ovation from the fans. This sends Too Magnificent into a frenzy as he rises to his feet and turns in a circle, shouting for Nathan to stand up. He motions with his outstretched palm for his former associate to stand, insisting that he’s about to going to conclude this contest right here and right now. In a highly disorientated matter Nathan rises to his feet, staggering and stumbling towards his opponent who kicks him right to the gut. Nathan bends forward as he is placed in a front chancery, Too Magnificent obviously setting up for the Midas Touch. Somehow Creed is able to twist his body free from the front chancery, spinning into a circle to face his opposition then rushing forward. Too Mag throws a lariat that Creed ducks, stepping behind his back and then grabbing his hair, forcing his head over backwards into position for the Solitude. The crowd is cheering as he swings around to nail the move only to have Too Magnificent avoid it by twisting his body around so that he is facing Creed’s spine. He hooks both of his arms and lifts him into the air for a full nelson slam. Nathan reaches in reverse with his legs, wrapping them around Too Magnificent’s waist then falling forward, pulling him down into a roll up. Creed ends up seated on his massive opponent’s sternum, gripping at the back of his knees.

1

2

Too Magnificent kicks out, sending Creed rolling over backwards onto his feet. Too Magnificent turns to his knees, standing then rushing forward. Creed bends down and catches his stomach against his shoulder, snapping back into a northern lights suplex.

1

2

Somehow Too Magnificent is able to get his shoulder up, avoiding the three count.

Douglas: What back and forth action in this heated encounter.

Mayne: Nathan and Too Magnificent doing everything in their power to virtually destroy one another.

Both men sluggishly get to their feet after inflicting so much physicality upon one another. The second they stand, Too Magnificent lobs his thick arm at Creed, who ducks it and steps behind his opponent’s back, clamping his arms around his waist then snapping over in reverse into a bridging German suplex.

1

2

Too Magnificent barely gets his shoulder up in time as Nathan now sits on the canvas, appearing rather flabbergasted.

The camera quickly shifts back to Jackson who is now in the ring, blasting Nathan repeatedly to his face with closed right hands while the crowd boos without mercy.

Douglas: OH COME ON! Now Adams is attacking Nathan Creed the second Too Magnificent got into some trouble.

The bell begins to ring repeatedly in the background as Adams continues to slug Nathan to the face in a state of anger.

Mayne: Get him Adams, make him suffer, make sure he can’t give you a challenge at the payper-view.

Douglas: I don’t see how you can support this! An intense back and forth match being thrown out thanks to Jackson’s interference.

The exhausted Creed is unable to put up much of a fight as Jackson slugs him repeatedly to the face. Adams has no idea though that Phantom is stepping over the ropes behind him, about to pick up where they left off moments ago. A shocked Jackson is spun around and headbunted viciously to the face by his much larger rival. The blow sends Adams crashing to the ring in a state of disbelief. He rises quickly to his feet when Phantom knees him to the ribs, the force of the shot picking him up into the air. The battered Adams comes down to all fours while Phantom continues to inflict punishment on him, before he’s clipped to the back of the knee by Too Magnificent. The fans respond with repulsion while Phantom crashes onto his back, reaching for his leg as the vicious Too Mag stands over him, delivering stomps to his chest and face.

Douglas: Phantom just taken out by Too Magnificent now with a clip of the knee.

Mayne: BRILLIANT!

Dan: Now Creed and Phantom are being assaulted by Jackson and Too Magnificent. This issue between rival teams really starting to heat up.

Adams stands and helps Too Magnificent stomp the newest member of Team Creed. Nathan is struggling to get up only to have Too Mag step towards him and stomp the back of his head. To screams of joy from the fans Aurora Rose now slides into the ring with a steel chair in hand.

Mayne: What’s she doing here!?!

Douglas: Aurora coming out here with a steel chair in hand, but who it’s for?

Aurora swings the chair into Too Magnificent’s shoulder, causing him to groan and rush towards the ropes. He dives through them while Rose now steps towards Jackson with the chair, who drops to his back and rolls under the ropes. All those in the Manhattan Center are cheering with tremendous joy and passion as Aurora stands in the center of the ring with the steel chair gripped tightly, ready to use it on either Adams or Too Magnificent. The two aggressors join each other at the end of the ramp, backing up with it intense expressions on their faces. Jackson points to the ring and threatens Aurora while Too Magnificent just seethes, his skin again becoming a very bright shade of red.

Dan: Aurora has come to the assistance of Nathan Creed and Phantom.

Mayne: Um, why?

Douglas: I guess what Nathan said to her last week struck a cord. But does this mean she’s going to be part of Team Creed at Paranoia V?

Billy: We can only hope she has better senses.

Too Mag and Jackson continue to back up the ramp with clear malcontent over what has transpired in the ring. Finally Aurora turns towards Nathan who is struggling to get up and extends her hand. He cautiously takes hold of it as she helps him to his feet. The crowd is cheering as Phantom gets up as well, standing on the opposite side of Aurora. She, Nathan and Phantom all glare up the ramp at the growing Adams’ Alliance.

Mayne: I think you just got your answer.

Douglas: Aurora joining Team Creed here tonight. What a tag team match it’s shaping up to be at Paranoia V.

Aurora turns slowly though and apprehensively looks at Nathan, who extends his hand for a shake. She stares down into his palm but doesn’t take hold of it, reinforcing her entry into Creed Team.

Douglas: Well that doesn’t look very promising, but I can tell you what does. Because up next here on Riot!, we will have a contract signing to make the World Heavyweight title match at Paranoia V, official.

Mayne: Orlando Cruze and Hurse in the ring together, next.

FORGOTTEN

The screen suddenly goes dark, enveloping all in a deep, impenetrable darkness. The sound of drunken slurs and mumbles can be heard in the nothingness, as well as the distant sounds of the city.

Being in the dark isn’t very thrilling is it?

A bright light comes up, shining upward onto the faces of Pat Evans and Silencer. Some kind of handheld camcorder is gripped in Silencer’s palms, turned to look up into their faces. Their attire appears to be hooded gray sweatshirts, which slightly shadows their already darkly lit faces.

Silencer: But that’s exactly what you are. In the dark.

The camera is raised eye level, allowing a brick wall to be seen behind them.

Pat: None of you know a single solitary thing about this sport, about this industry, the hell we endure on a weekly basis, yet you watch anyway. But for what, amusement?

Silencer: That would explain why this industry has been turned into a three ring circus.

Evans: Is it the drama?

Silencer: And that would explain why wrestling has become a repeating episode of Jerry Springer.

Pat noticeably flinches.

Pat: Thanks Vince Russo. No, you don’t watch for either of those reasons…..

For a second Evans pretends to be thinking up what it might be, snapping his fingers in the hope that it will spark his memory.

Evans: You watch for the wrestling, right?

Silencer: Of course they fucking don’t. Actual wrestling doesn’t appeal to the mainstream audience anymore. Instead they want to see half naked bitches who can’t even wrestle but do occasionally get me a little stiff.

Pat: You people want to see Doink the Clown or his predecessor John Cena making jackasses of themselves in the ring. You want to see Orlando Cruze boringly challenging for the World title again and again instead of watching Silencer or I putting on a five star classic. Why?

Silencer leans in close to the camera.

Silencer: Because you people have forgotten what wrestling is suppose to be. Instead of congratulating us for almost killing ourselves, you go to your keyboard and type out your lame ass comments about how many times I use a superkick or how many times Pat applies the cobra clutch.

He pulls the lens back to show Pat’s leaned forward face.

Evans: And since you’ve forgotten the art-form that this industry is really all about, you try to forget us as well.

Silencer: We remind you of what fans such yourselves have destroyed.

Pat: We’re a lasting example of what you people don’t want to accept.

Silencer: But we will not be forgotten.

Evans: We will not be pushed aside.

Silencer’s eyes glow with particular malice.

Silencer: We’re going to make you remember what you’ve tried so hard to forget.

Pat: Guys like Faust and Johnny Kingdom have to be reminded that their not needed around here anymore. That they’re only here, not because their wrestling abilities dictate their being on this roster, but because their just nostalgia trips. It’s time Silencer and I got our opportunities, instead of being buried.

Silencer: I was the greatest fucking champion this company ever had, and yet you try so hard to forget me? I won’t be forgotten, I won’t allow you to treat me as inconsequential. Kingdom will never forget the man who ended his career at Paranoia V, and what we did to him last week.

Evans: We’re going to burn the truth into your heads, and make you face everything you try so hard to deny.

The camera turns away from their faces and settles on a group of bums passing a bottle between their lips. They huddle together for warmth on this frigid night as Silencer and Pat Evans approach them. One of the chubby transients takes notice and raises the bottle towards the approaching duo. Pat knees down in front of this gentleman, taking it from his shaking, frail arm while Silencer stands back and films.

Evans: Look at these people. LOOK AT THEM!

The lens zooms in on their dreary, dirt smeared faces, on their sullen, abandoned eyes. It pulls back to reveal Pat.

Pat: Because you people refuse to face these people they live like this. They’re in a perpetual drunken haze, disheveled and demoralized. But do you people help them? Of course you don’t, you abandon them. This is what you would have Silencer and I become, but we’re not weak.

The half full bottle is busted against the ground forcefully by Evans. All the transients grown with sadness and fear. Pat rises before them and returns to Silencer’s side, the camera raised to stare into this piercing eyes.

Evans: We will not be forgotten.

Silencer: Nor erased. You will remember the man who ended Johnny Kingdom’s career.

Pat: You will remember the greatest Submission wrestler of all time, the man who destroyed Faust!

The camera slowly zooms in on their shadowy eyes.

Silencer: Well will not be forgotten.

The video cuts out rather abruptly into static.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Two flickering title belts come into view, the N.H.B and X-Class gold as the camera pans over them. The scene switches rather abruptly to the smiling, conniving features of Christian Savior, as title belts adorn both of his shoulders. His diabolical eyes glare forward into the camera lens as his voice over can be heard in the background.

Savior: I have beaten the very best with ease.

Robin is shown flying through the air with a shooting star press before being caught with a diamond cutter by Savior.

Christian: I have proven my superior intelligence, time and time again.

The video switches to Christian delivering a spear on the bloodied, barely conscious Jon Rich, before standing over him with the N.H.B Championship and a very sinister smirk on his face.

Robin: I proved that nobody really knows what the Black Widow is capable of.

The Paranoia V symbol consumes an entire wall behind Robin Brooks as she seductively runs her hands through her hair with arrogance. The video switches to Robin slamming a chair over Jon Rich’s skull, bludgeoning him with the steel.

Brooks: But people will soon see the true Robin Brooks.

Robin slams a stool over Jon’s back before his ravenous eyes turn towards her.

Jon Rich: Paranoia V is all about one thing for me, REVENGE

The camera pans past the ravenously intense features of Jon Rich as he slouches down in front of the glowing Paranoia V symbol. The tunes of Savior by 30 Seconds to Mars plays in the background as Savior and Rich are shown exchanging right hands in the center of the ring, then cutting to Robin Brooks delivering a moonsault from the top rope.

AWOL: At Paranoia V, it’s going to be Christian Savior defending both of his titles against Jon Rich and Robin Brooks.

The scene where this match was announced is shown as Christian is going into as fit while AWOL stands with a grin beside him. Ladders are shown in front of the glowing Paranoia V backdrop now before cutting to scenes of Savior driving the top steel portion of one of these destructive weapons right into Jon’s face. The video quickly switches to Robin taking flight from the top of a ladder with a shooting star press.

Douglas: What are these three going to do to each other in a ladder match at Paranoia V!?!

Savior is shown holding up both his X-Class and N.H.B title belts.

Mayne: Two titles, one match.

FATES SEALED

The show returns live to the inside of the Manhattan Center where a large table is set up in the center of the ring. Black drapes hang down from all sides of it with the words “Paranoia V” written across them. A single contract placed on a clipboard is positioned on the table with two chairs sat up on opposite sides of this small wooden structure.

Douglas: Welcome back to Riot!, and as you can now see we’re ready to make things official heading into Paranoia V.

Mayne: The contract signing for the World Heavyweight title match is finally here. World Champion Hurse, and Number One Contender Orlando Cruze will sign their names on the dotted line. That is of course considering that Orlando possesses the capability to write.

The fans start to cheer rather joyously at the sight of Susie Moore stepping out of the corner with a black pen between her fingers and a microphone placed in the palm of the other hand. She wears a sparkling dress to highlight the important of this auspicious moment.

Susie: Hello everyone, it’s me Susie! Yay!!

Some of the fans clap while other members of the crowd look on in bewilderment.

Mayne: Who let her be in charge of this? I should be the one overseeing these proceedings. You know I did go to law-school.

Douglas: Billy, it was a correspondence course, you got your diploma via e-mail.

The eager Susie continues to examine the fans with wide eyes.

Susie: I know everyone is super excited, just like me about Paranoia V, especially when it comes to the World title match between Hurse and Orlando Cruze. But before we can get there, both men have to sign the contracts, shake hands, hug, do a rain dance or something out here, so without further ado-do, lets bring out the number one contender for the title, Orllaaaaaaaando Cruuuzee!!

She hops up and down while extending her palm out towards the curtains, the fans going into an absolute frenzy at the sound of Chris Cornel’s “You Know My Name” plays over the PA system.

Douglas: Listen to this ovation!!

Mayne: I’m wearing ear plugs, so I don’t have to.

Dan: Then how did you hear my stateme…never-mind.

The reaction from the crowd grows even louder and swings into full force as Orlando now strolls out onto the stage. He stands there and slams his fist against his sternum, shooting his arm up into the air amongst a raucous wave of approval. His focused eyes are detectable even behind the shades of his sunglasses as he strolls down the ramp towards the ring, where the contract he’s been waiting to sign for a year is waiting for him. He reaches the bottom of the ramp and jumps to the apron in his white wife beater and blue jeans, slipping through the ropes with eagerness.

Douglas: Orlando is more ready than he’s ever been for Paranoia V, so he’s going to sign this contract with no hesitation. I imagine he can’t wait to get his hands on Hurse for the title at the biggest payper-view in IWC history.

Mayne: His over eagerness will be his downfall.

Dan: Just like it has been for you in the back seat of many Toyotas with numerous women in stretch pants.

Billy: I don’t even want to know what that was suppose to mean.

Susie looks very energized over the close proximity of the Icon, but tries to remain professional. She is about to introduce the World Heavyweight Champion when Orlando snatches the microphone and the pen out of her hands. A conflicted expression resides on her face as Orlando gives her a blank stare, then slowly lifts his hand into the air, waving goodbye. For some odd reason Susie accepts this, shrugging her shoulders and then waving towards Cruze before departing.

Mayne: Well Orlando sending away the only person with talent in the ring.

Orlando slowly approaches the tables with the contract laying on it and kicks the chair arranged for him out of the way. He flips through the pages and places the pen to the necessary dotted line, hesitating as he lifts the mic to his lips, looking over his shoulder towards the entry way.

Orlando: Hurse, I’m not going to sit out here for twenty minutes going back and forth with you verbally, and allowing you to delay me from signing this contract. I’ve waited too long for this World Title match to allow you to delay it any longer.

The crowd cheers over the sound of Orlando’s resolve.

Cruze: So what do you say we skip with the formalities and get right to it? I’m signing my name on this contract this very second and I expect you to bring your cowardly, womanly hips out here and do the same, right now!

Orlando turns and signs his name on the contract, making it official that he will now challenge for the World Championship at the biggest payper-view in IWC history. As soon as he signs it he throws down the pen and lifts the contract into the air for everyone to see. The fans are ecstatic as he turns in circles with the contract raised aloft above his head.

Douglas: There you have it ladies and gentlemen, Orlando’s name is signed to the contract, it’s official.

Mayne: Nothing is official until Hurse signs the document. Don’t get too antsy little man.

Dan: Little man? I’m like two feet taller than you.

The fans are still buzzing as Cruze’s attention centers on the entry way once again, where Hurse will soon emerge.

Orlando: Come on out Steven. I promise to be diplomatic. Just waddle your way to this ring, sign the contract and let’s prepare for what should be the most intense, the most vicious, the most violent, and the biggest main event in Paranoia history.

Another round of applause commences from the crowd at this proclamation. Orlando is about to go on when…

Hurse: Whoa, whoa, whoa…

The reaction from the sold out Manhattan Center crowd is drastically altered as the titontron comes to live, revealing an live feed of Hurse backstage. A smug yet paranoid expression resides on his face while the World Heavyweight title sparkles over his shoulder. He seems to be secure in the comfort of his dressing room.

Douglas: What is this now?

Mayne: Shhh, there’s a giant talking head on the screen, and a handsome head at that.

Orlando removes his shades and tosses them across the ring, looking a little more intense at the sight of the Champion on the titontron.

Hurse: What do you take me for Orlando, a fool?

The Icon becomes conflicted.

Orlando: Honestly?

The World Champion begins speaking before Cruze can finish his statement, acting as if he didn’t even hear the number one contender.

Hurse: I hate to deprive the fans of a chance to once again see me live and in the flesh, but if history has shown us anything, it’s that these little contract signings always end in some kind of mindless, barbaric, Orlando style violence. So nay, nay, I will not be foolish enough to come that ring and give you the opportunity to injure me before our match tonight, or the main event at Paranoia V.

The hostility of the fans escalates while Orlando looks saddened, feigning despair via slumped shoulders and slouched back.

Orlando: Wow Hurse, your lack of faith really hurts me. Here I am willing to give you a pass just this once so you can sign your contract and you entirely misinterpret my…..

Hurse: Besides, a contract doesn’t have to be signed in the ring….

Orlando looks confused as Hurse fails to offer a rebuttal to his claim, acting as if he’s not even listening to the Icon. The arrogant World Champion continues.

Hurse: There’s no rule that states I can’t sign a contract from the comfort of my own lockeroom. You may be eager to come to the ring, adhere to the rules, and sign your contract without so much as a second thought, but I have a brain Lando, and I opt to use it.

Cruze: Could have fooled me.

The fans laugh hysterically while Hurse just continues, undeterred.

Hurse: But let me make this clear enough for your feeble mind to understand Mr. Icon. You may have your name on that contract but it’s just a piece of paper, it’s meaningless, it doesn’t represent your eventual title win. For the last three years you’ve produced the same old song and dance routine, you’ve claimed again and again that this is your time, that you will not be denied, that you will not allow this opportunity to pass you by like so many have in the past. But I regret to inform you Orlando, that like all your botched attempts to win the World Title in the past, you shall fail again to win the belt that has evaded you for so very long.

Orlando: Is that so?

Hurse: There’s a reason you’re standing out there with only a contract in your hand instead of the World Heavyweight Championship. It’s because you refuse to do all that it takes to become champion. You refuse to abuse and manipulate circumstances in order to bend them to your twisted will like I do. Your nobility and your honor are your undoing. If you only used your brain Cruze, if you only had the courage to do what needs to be done our roles might be reversed right now. But they aren’t, and they won’t be after Paranoia V either. I will still be the World Heavyweight Champion after the biggest event of the year, I will remain undefeated at our greatest payper-view, and I will leave you again as classic underdog, would be challenger.

The crowd boos intensely while Orlando shakes his head with a smile.

Hurse: You might have strength on your side Orlando, but I have intelligence. And mind you Orlando, being diabolical is a much bigger advantage than bulging biceps. I’ve outsmarted you time and time again, and Paranoia V will be no different.

The camera pans out now to reveal that Hurse has the contract stuck out with a pen in his hand. The contract seems to be propped up by something in front of him as he slowly begins to sign it to a loud reaction.

Hurse: Because you see Orlando, I’m everything that you aren’t. I don’t give a shit about what the fans think about me, I’m a conning genius, I’m a better World Heavyweight Champion than you’ll ever be, and I’m also a better father.

The camera pans out now to reveal that the contract is placed on Becca’s back as she leans forward slightly with an uncomfortable expression on her face. Hurse forcefully signs the contract then lifts it into the air with a smile on his face, pleased with his penmanship.

Hurse: There you have it Orlando, your fate is sealed, prepare yourself for yet another failure. Because you will never, ever, out think me.

He reaches down and roughs the hair of little Becca while Orlando is shaking his head, lifting the microphone up to his lips.

Orlando: You know what Steven; some of what you said may be true. Ignorant yes, but still true. I have failed again and again when I’ve gotten to this stage in my career. Every time I think I’m about to win the World title, every time I fight and claw my way to this level I let myself, the fans, and my family down. But what makes this different than all those times in the past, is that I’m a little smarter than I was back then, I know everything that your capable of Steven, I’m ready for your worse. I know you’ll pull out every trick, every…..

Hurse: Whatever, whatever.

Again Hurse cuts Orlando off with a look of indifference and apathy which confuses the Icon even further.

Hurse: Keep on building yourself up like Superman or insisting upon your constant underdog status, or whatever your doing right now.

Cruze blinks his eyes awkwardly, as Hurse’s response had absolutely nothing to do with that he was saying.

Hurse: Nothing will change the fact that you cannot outsmart my huge, Einstein, Hemmingway, Faulkner style brain.

The camera closes in on Hurse’s intense eyes while he thrusts his finger against his temple. Orlando is still horribly confused while behind him a figure slips out from beneath the table. The crowd is screaming at the sight of Hurse standing up behind the still confused Orlando, holding a steel bar in his hand.

Douglas: What the hell? This is a set up! That footage was previously recorded!

Mayne: Hahaha, this is genius.

Dan: TURN AROUND CRUZE!

The crowd is still screaming, trying to warn a befuddled Orlando while the World Champion pats the bar against his empty palm and rushes forward. He charges right at Cruze’s back when Orlando turns and shoots his arm across Hurse’s sternum, setting up for the Rock Bottom.

Douglas: He caught him, he caught him!

Mayne: Dammit! There goes all of Hurse’s well laid plans.

The Manhattan Center is shaking as Orlando sets up to Rock Bottom his arch rival who suddenly knees Cruze to the gut. Orlando is doubled over as Hurse scampers away from him, dropping to the canvas and rolling under the ropes in an absolute panic.

Billy: Oh thank God, he got away.

Douglas: Orlando was seconds away from driving the World Champion into the canvas, from finishing him off before we could even get to Paranoia V.

Hurse tumbles onto his posterior with shock clear in his eyes, scooting towards the ramp in reverse. His wide pupils are fixed on the intense Orlando in the ring, who the fans are giving almost a standing ovation. The Icon reaches down and grabs the contract off the canvas, lifting it into the air and pointing at it dramatically. The message is loud and clear for the disgruntled World Champion, who slides his palm through his hair, irate that Orlando saw through his plot tonight.

Douglas: What is going to happen when Orlando Cruze challenges Hurse for the World Heavyweight Championship at Paranoia V?

Mayne: The crushing of Orlando’s dreams.

Douglas: Or the end of Hurse’s fun and games, and his World title reign. And I wonder what we’re in store for in terms of tonight.

You Know My Name hits the PA system again amongst a wave of approval as Orlando continues to tout the contract held high above his head.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Hire a competent announcer. This has been a public service announcement from the IWC.

AURORA ROSE & DENILE PARTIS VS.
PAT EVANS & SILENCER

The lights throughout the stadium and the song Save us begins to play as the lights begin to slowly flicker back on the spot light hits upon the entrance and Denile begins to walk down towards the Ring looking around in a confused state of awe and anticipation. Denile rolls under the bottom rope and moves around the ring getting ready for his fight.

Douglas: Tag team action on tap here tonight with Denile Partis looking for some revenge.

Mayne: And he’s looking in all the wrong places. If he thinks he’ll be able to stand up to the onslaught he’s about to face then he’s more delusional than I thought he was.

Dan: Partis is aware of what lies ahead of him I imagine. If he doesn’t, he’s in for a world of trouble.

Denile continues to stare towards the entry way in anticipation of his opponents and his partner when “Coming Undone” by Korn hits the PA system, leading to a resurgence of loud cheers from the packed Manhattan Center. Through the curtains now strides a more confident yet confused Aurora, who doesn’t stop on the stage to gesture to the fans or anything. She seems deeply distressed over the prospect of this impending match as she heads towards the ring. She slides into the squared circle under the ropes and remains on her knees as she looks up at Partis, who pivots between feet, eager to get his hands on Silencer.

Douglas: Aurora coming to the ring yet looking strangely lost.

Mayne: I don’t think she wants to face Pat Evans, and I don’t blame her, have you seen Pat, he’s all menacing and junk.

Dan: I doubt her reluctance to compete stems from fear, but confusion really, unsure of what to think about this match.

Billy: Well her uncertainty better end soon, because the new greatest tag team is about to step into that ring.

“Outsider” plays throughout the arena. The lights dim and fade to black. After a few moments of the opening piano chord being played, a spotlight shines down on Pat Evans as he walks out from the back. The crowd vehemently boos as he makes his way down the ramp with his Submission title brightly shimmering over his shoulder, but Evans merely ignores their fanfare and walks up to the ring. He looks up at it before walking to the steel steps. He then walks along the apron and stops there as his eyes meet with Aurora’s, who is shaking her head with clear uncertainty, Pat grins slightly towards his former associate.

Douglas: Pat Evans getting some kind of sick twisted joy out of Aurora’s misery.

Mayne: It is pretty amusing you must admit.

Dan: I admit nothing. But I will say that it be mighty amusing to watch Aurora slap that pompous grin from Pat’s face.

Billy: You sadist.

Pat slips through the ropes into the ring and continues to give his opponents a penetrating, truly intimidating gaze, handing his belt off to the official.

"Go Ahead... Silence Me..."

The words echo throughout the arena, as the lights slowly fade out, replaced by a dull red. The fans grow restless, as the video screen flickers to life. The video screen shows Orlando Cruze against Silencer for the world championship, when all of a sudden, Silencer hits 'Break the Silence' on Orlando, and the words "SILENCED" appear across the video screen. Several others follow, such as Nathan Creed, Desolation, and Killjoy.

Finally, music starts to play, as the lights start to flicker. A single flame lights up on the ramp. It starts to pulse along with the beat of the music, until the music picks up, and then the flame explodes, quickly dying down, and leaving Silencer standing alone on the stage, covered in black and white tights, along with facepaint. He looks around at the crowd, with a half smile on his face, before bowing his head, and slowly walking toward the ring. He stops every so often to smirk over the negative reaction he receives from the crowd.

He reaches the ring, and closes his eyes, before breathing deeply... He sways his head back and fourth a little, getting himself psyched up a little in his mind, and then climbs into the ring. When in the ring, he spins in a circle, looking at the fans around him before shaking his head. He stops dead in his tracks, and lowers himself to his knees in the middle of the ring, before crossing his arms over his chest, and emitting a scream from his painted lips... He falls forward, as the lights turn back to normal, however, this is short lived, as a loud explosion emits from the rafters, followed by a deep-red pyro showering down upon the ring, bathing Silencer, and the ring in a blood-red glow. Silencer stands, and walks towards Evans, who points towards the rafters, as if asking how he can get such a fancy pyro display.

Mayne: There they are Dan, the new power tandem in the IWC, a miscreant army unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.

Douglas: I’m sure it’s been seen plenty, but this will be the first test of this new team of Evans and Silencer, who viciously laid into Johnny Kingdom last week with those Singapore canes.

Billy: That was hysterical, they beat him like an overstuff piñata.

Inside of the ring is Denile Partis and Silencer, the two men have some serious issues lingering between them as it relates to what transpired a few weeks ago. They circle one another with Pat Evans shouting words of encouragement to his partner. All the while Evans shoots a cold glare towards Aurora, who is shaking her head, obviously not wanting to have any part in this tag team encounter. As the bell chimes both Silencer and Partis move towards one another only to have the former Champion drop down into a leg sweep. He takes Denile’s legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the canvas stomach first. A smirking Silencer then backs up, amused by the tricky move he just caught his opponent with. Denile slaps his palms on the canvas then stands up and rushes at Silencer who goes for another leg sweep. This time however, Partis cartwheels over top of the leg right onto his feet then charges forward, jumping into the air and wedging his boots to Silencer’s ribs. He drops back and monkey flips Silencer over, sending him crashing onto his back with force.

Douglas: Some fast paced action starting out this tag team encounter.

Mayne: Why does everyone in this company have to be so fast?

Both Partis and Silencer rush upwards, reaching their feet when Denile charges in, going for another monkey flip. However, Silencer falls backwards and wraps his arms around the top rope, causing Partis to drop in reverse from the move but instead of hitting it he crashes with the back of his head against the canvas. Silencer leans forward, lifting Denile’s legs into the air and placing his shoulders to the back of them. He kicks his own legs up and places them over the middle rope for further leverage.

1

Denile gets his shoulder up, rolling in reverse onto his knees while Silencer stands in front of him and slaps on a side headlock. He quickly changes it up into a hammerlock though as Denile stands then steps forward and reapplies the side headlock from the opposite side of Partis’ body. A sinister smirk resides on Silencer’s face, amused with himself and his technical wizardry. That’s before Denile steps back and frees his head, placing Silencer’s arm in a hammerlock of his own then pushing him forward. He keeps hold of Silencer’s wrist though, using it to turn his opponent around to face him. He now pulls Silencer forward for some type of move only to have his opposition drop into a baseball slide between his legs. He stands up behind Partis and then steps forward, clamping on another side headlock.

The fans boo at the sight of this which only causes the ever so disgruntled Silencer to grin as he moves across the ring towards his partner. He slaps the outstretched palm of Evans then places Denile in a front chancery with Silencer’s back pressed to the cables. Evans pulls himself over the top rope and over his own partner’s head, reaching out and catching the waist of Partis. He pulls him down into a sunset flip.

1

2

Denile kicks out, rolling over backwards onto his feet, but as soon as he stands Evans rushes forward and levels him with a hard shoulder block.

Mayne: This is what I like to see, some intensity baby.

Douglas: Silencer and Evans a little more aggressive than we usually see them.

Pat glares down at the laid out Partis then rushes across the ring into the ropes at his side. He bounces off and comes back in at Denile who rolls towards him, forcing the Submission Champion to jump over his opponent. As soon as he lands on the opposite side of Partis though he lifts his elbow and drops it towards his laid out opponent. Denile rolls out of the way, Evans’ elbow connecting with canvas. He sits up and bites his lower lip as he reaches for his elbow, Denile taking him by the hair and rolling him over to his knees. He steps back then rushes in with a well timed boot right to Pat’s sternum. Evans crashes onto his back while Denile rushes across the ring into the ropes, bouncing off and then coming back in with a leg drop across Pat’s throat.

Douglas: Denile’s speed allowing him to get the better of the more technically versed Pat Evans.

Billy: But Pat is fast too. Why, why, why, he’s faster than Sonic the Hedgehog.

Dan: I think you might be a worse commentator than Mike Adamle.

The ever so sudden Partis rises to his feet and now delivers a forward flip into the leg drop onto Evans, who begins to convulse and fit at the same time. He rolls away from Denile to his knees, trying to stand up only for his opposition to move in with a swift jab to his jaw, followed by several forearm strikes. Evans is almost taken down with each blow but surprisingly is rising to his feet before Denile stomps on one of his knees. This causes Pat to fall back to all fours as Partis steps back and moves in for another kick to his sternum. As he rushes forward Pat stands up and catches him with a STO, driving him hard into the canvas across his back. Evans quickly stands and takes hold of Denile’s leg which is stuck up in the air from that vicious STO, lifting up on it and sending him rolling in reverse. He gets to his feet when Evans whips him across the ring right into the corner where Silencer is waiting.

The former World Champion reaches over the ropes and grabs Partis around the neck, holding him in position with his spine facing Evans, who rushes across the ring diving forward into a forearm smash. The move connects to the back of Partis’ neck, causing him to drop to his knee with the side of his body placed against the corner. Pat looks over his shoulder and grins maliciously at Aurora who is shaking his head, then reaches up and tags in Silencer. His partner grabs the top rope then pulls himself over it, twisting in mid-air to connect with a slingshot dropkick to the side of Denile’s face. The stiff impact echoes throughout the arena while Silencer rolls in reverse onto his feet then places his hands on his knees, tilting his head sympathetically to examine his damaged opponent.

Douglas: Quit toying with the man Silencer, this is a wrestling a match.

Mayne: There’s no bylaws that state you can’t have fun while your beating the hell out of someone.

Silencer now steps towards Partis who gets to all fours and crawls between his opponent’s legs. He then turns around and wedges his feet to the bum of his opponent, pushing him forward right into Evans on the apron. This causes Pat to be sent crashing to the outside mats and Silencer to fall to a knee as Partis turns and dives across the ring. He slaps the outstretched hand of Aurora, as Silencer gets up and charges at both his opponents. Aurora pulls herself over the top rope and turns, kicking Silencer right to his chest. The shot sends Silencer plummeting to the ring then rolling in reverse onto his feet, as soon as he gets up Aurora dives in with a spinning back elbow right to the sternum. Both competitors fall to the canvas while Aurora rises to her and rushes into the ropes, grabbing the top one as she pulls herself over onto the apron. As soon as the maniacal Silencer reaches his feet Aurora springs off the top rope and takes him down with a devastating flying dropkick.

Douglas: Aurora taking it to the opposition here with some of her fast paced, never say die offense.

Mayne: GET UP SILENCER!

Aurora rises to her feet and then turns in a circle with her fist clinched only to find herself frozen at the sight of Pat Evans. The Submission Champion stands behind her as the two exchange a long, awkward glare, seemingly unsure of what should be done here. That’s when a forearm is blasted over Aurora’s back, Silencer capitalizing on the distraction.

Billy: That’s how you get it done.

Douglas: Your one step away from wearing a flannel sleeveless shirt and camouflage cap.

Mayne: Larry the Cable Guy is my hero, he’s so wonderfully white trash.

Dan: Then you have a lot in common.

The violence continues to escalate while Silencer stomps repeatedly at Aurora’s back, Evans backing away with clear confusion in his eyes. The former World Champion forces Aurora up to her feet and now snapmares her back over to her seat in front of him before stepping in with a hard kick right to her kidneys. Aurora wails in pain while Pat watches this, deriving either some sick satisfaction from the brutality inflicted on his former lover, or sympathizing with her. Silencer now snatches her by the hair, leading her up to her feet then kicking her to the gut as he holds her by the wrist. He delivers another kick to her ribs then pulls her forward into a knee to the mid-section that doubles her over. He quickly steps to her side, wrapping his arms around her waist then snapping over in reverse with a textbook side suplex into the float over.

1

2

Aurora kicks out, getting her shoulder up just in time. She turns away from Silencer who quickly takes hold of her wrist, swinging around under it into an arm ringer. She is bent forward in front of him as he steps in to deliver a hard kick to her ribs. Somehow she stands up straight though, avoiding the kick and catching Silencer’s ankle with her free arm. Silencer is forced to let go of her wrist as Aurora turns and sweeps the other leg out from under her opponent. She now tries to turn him over into an ankle lock all the while shooting a gaze towards Evans. Pat merely shakes his head and shows no little emotion as Silencer tries to counter out of the ankle lock, rolling over sideways. He sends Aurora into a cartwheel over onto her feet, Silencer standing up in front of her. As soon as he gets up Aurora rushes forward and catches the back of his head, pulling him down into a facebuster across the canvas. He bounces over onto his back but immediately tries to stand up, reaching his feet only to have Aurora charge in and take him over into a swinging neckbreaker.

Douglas: Aurora coming back against this onslaught and in the process inflicting just a little brutality on Silencer.

Mayne: I can’t believe she’s actually got Silencer reeling. It’s like we’re in some type of bizarro world or something where everything is turned upside down, and Aurora has actual talent.

Silencer sits up and grips at the back of his neck in anguish while rolling to his knees. He stands while doubled over when Aurora charges up his side and now jumps over top of his head, catching it and pulling him down into a flip over swinging neckbreaker. The crowd is screaming with delight as Silencer crashes with force against the canvas and Aurora rolls away from him, quickly crawling towards Partis who she tags in. Denile jumps over the top rope then rushes across the ring at the rising Silencer, hitting him with a lariat that sends him back down to the canvas. He rolls to his feet and walks right into a back elbow from the on fire Partis, who now rushes at the cables off to his opponent’s side. Silencer rises to his feet as Partis jumps to the middle rope, springs off and twists into a crossbody.

The crowd is cheering wildly as Partis rolls off of him onto his feet, Silencer shockingly starting to get up again, almost feeding off this punishment. Upon standing Denile springs off the middle ropes of the opposite cables, twisting in mid-air for another crossbody only to be dropkicked right to the ribs by Silencer. The crowd groans and gasps, much like Partis who crashes to the canvas, immediately wrapping his arms about his very damaged torso.

Mayne: A counter, a COUNTER!

Douglas: There’s no need to cream in your pants over it Billy.

Billy: You might be asking a little too much of me then.

In agony Denile starts to stand up when Silencer rushes across the ring and dives forward, throwing the top of his head directly into Partis’ ribs. The shot sends Denile flying backwards and crashing into the ropes, he falls through them directly onto the apron while still reaching for his damaged ribs. The second he grabs the middle rope and starts to force himself to his feet, Evans rushes across the apron at him. He locks on a front chancery and DDTs Denile skull first off of the apron, the crowd grimacing as a result of this. The hard head on collision causes Partis to grab at his cranium and roll under the ropes to the interior of the ring. When he reaches the center of the ring Silencer steps up onto his ribs and begins to hop up and down. He repeatedly stomps on Denile’s ribs before eventually jumping into the air, coming down with a back first senton splash directly across his opponent’s ribs. Denile begins to convulse as a result of this hard impact against his ribcage.

Douglas: Denile cannot get even a second’s break here, he is being assaulted from almost every angle by Silencer and Evans.

Mayne: That’s because they’re a great team, no, no, the best team.

Dan: They’ve only teamed together once, and they haven’t even finished this match yet!

With a damaged mid-section Partis gets to his knees and desperately tries to make it towards his partner. His hand extends as far as it can go but it’s still too far away from Aurora, who strangely enough isn’t reaching out to make the tag. Silencer steps up beside Partis and drops a knee directly into the side of his ribs. The strike causes Denile to again writhe in anguish, reaching for his ribs while rolling away from Silencer. However, his opponent doesn’t allow Denile to get away, grabbing his ankle and then dragging him backwards to the center of the ring. Silencer then slaps his partner’s hand, Evans quickly entering the ring as they stand on opposite sides of their aching opponent. They simultaneously lift him into the air and deliver a double gut buster across their knees before Evans stands up and wraps his arm around Denile’s neck. He takes him over into a STO back breaker but doesn’t let go of his neck, pulling him back up to a standing base and holding him there. Partis is only able to stand for a moment before Silencer hits him with back stabber. Denile bounces off of the knee then stands up straight, walking right into Evans who kicks him to the gut and hooks both of his arms. He throws him up into the air with a powerbomb only to twist him around into a back breaker across his knee.

Douglas: What a series of moves just delivered by Silencer and Evans. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many back breakers!

Mayne: See, they’re the best team ever, so much cohesiveness, and so much Partis related agony.

Denile lies on the canvas holding his spine before he is pushed onto his back by Evans, who hooks his leg and glares over his shoulder at Aurora all the while.

1

2

Partis gets his shoulder up before the three count, mildly amusing Evans. He sits Denile up on the canvas then delivers a hard kick right between Partis’ kidneys. The anguish flowing through Denile’s body is almost indescribable as he falls to the canvas and again tries to roll towards his partner. Pat cuts him off however and takes him around the jaw, leading him up to his feet and delivering a forearm strike. He hits a second stiff forearm strike yet Partis is still standing, only long enough for Pat to go into a roaring elbow. He spins in a full circle to hit the move only to have Denile jump into the air, wrapping his legs around Pat’s neck then delivering the hurricarana. The Manhattan Center crowd erupts into a loud ovation as Pat crashes onto his back, Denile lying on his chest and stomach. He looks up desperately into the eyes of Aurora, beginning to crawl towards her for the tag, his back in terrible anguish.

Douglas: Denile with a shocking hurricarana and now he’s going for the tag which he must make.

Mayne: Aurora isn’t going to do much of anything to help.

Despite every inch of his body aching Partis crawls closer and closer to Aurora, who still doesn’t have her arm stuck out to make the tag. Instead she just watches Denile near her with dejection in her eyes, unsure of what to think. As he gets closer and closer she continues to look more confused before finally his hand is well within range of her own. She looks down at the extended palm then into the eyes of Pat Evans who has gotten to his knees near the center of the ring. The two glare at each other for a long while before Aurora lowers her head and steps down the stairs in reverse, refusing to make the tag.

Douglas: Aurora? What do you think your doing?

Mayne: She’s leaving him high and dry. Good girl.

Dan: She doesn’t seem to want to get into the ring with Evans, perhaps still conflicted about their own relationship, or lack there of.

The crowd has a mixed response, but boos her much more than they did earlier when she came to Team Creed’s aid. With a lowered head she moves away from the ring, not even bringing herself to look back at her confused partner. As he stands up and shouts for her to make the tag in his sweaty, battered state he has no idea that Evans has stepped up behind him. He is quickly spun around and grabbed across the chest, then hoisted into the air with a back breaker across his knee, hitting the Spinal Tap. The crowd screams as Partis flips off of the knee backwards to the canvas, Pat pushing him over onto his back. He buries his forearm into Denile’s face while glaring through the ropes at Aurora all the while. Her head is lowered and her back faces the ring as she continues up the ramp.

1

2

3!

The Manhattan Center reacts with revulsion over the way this contest has just ended, with Pat Evans and Silencer emerging victorious.

Mayne: And this match ending the way anyone with a brain knew it would.

Douglas: Denile and Aurora had a real shot here if it weren’t for the fact that Rose had abandoned her partner.

Billy: And yet you’re the one who accuses me of making excuses.

Silencer enters the ring with a maniacal grin on his face as he approaches Evans, grabbing him by the wrist and lifting his arm up into the air. All the while Pat’s eyes remain focused on the entry way, Aurora having vanished through the curtains at this point. He strangely keeps a grin on his face though while Silencer continues to celebrate with his new ally. The two clearly derive great satisfaction from their first official win, Silencer turning though and pointing at Partis. He insists that he’s not quite through with Denile yet and insists that Evans stand him up. Pat smirks slightly as he takes Denile around the arms and forces him up to his feet, turning him to face Silencer who is stomping his foot for the superkick.

Douglas: He’s had enough!

Mayne: But it just looks like so much fun beating up on Denile.

The eyes of Partis are vacant of life as his head hangs, still unconscious after taking that backbreaker. Silencer’s foot lifts and stomps the canvas, then does it again, building anticipation for the blow when the lights in the Manhattan Center cut out. The crowd starts to scream and cheer as strobe lighting seems to be going off all throughout the building.

Douglas: This is interesting.

Mayne: Oh God the lights are out again, I’m going to have a seizure with all these flashing lights, just like when I watch those Pokemon shows.

A MODEST PROPOSAL

The lights continue to flash all throughout the building, briefly highlighting the faces of the confused fans. Silencer and Evans can be seen through short glimpses created by the flashing lights as well, turning back and forth in bewilderment over what is going on. The answer finally comes when the lights stop flashing and an eerie purple lighting settles over the ring, revealing the equally as confused Submission Champion and former World Heavyweight Champion. The two have allowed Partis to get away as they continue to try and figure out what is happening here. Finally a spotlight switches to the balcony, where a figure is positioned wearing a long trench-coat and bandaging wrapped all around his face.

Mayne: Is the Phantom of the Opera here tonight too?

Douglas: I think I might know who this is.

Silencer turns towards Evans, asking him what this is all about while Pat does not take his eyes from the figure in the balcony. The mysterious individual slowly lifts a microphone to his heavily bandaged face, a hole cut for his mouth.

What’s wrong Pat, see a ghost?

The crowd is even more confused before they realize who’s voice emanates from beneath the bandages, the voice of Faust. Evans’ features tense up as he hears these all too familiar vocals.

Faust: I bet you and Desolation were real, real proud of what you did to me on the last Riot! It got your blood flowing, your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping each and every time that you took that flaming chair and slammed it against this face, didn’t it?

A single finger gestures to the bandages that conceal his features. The memory of what happened to Faust last week amuses Evans even now.

Faust: Sadly Pat, you fail to realize that I allowed you to rip my flesh and spill my blood. I wanted you to fulfill your violence fetish, to get all your angst out, that way we can be friends, right?

The thought strikes Pat as laughable before Faust continues.

Faust: That’s a real shame Pat, I’m hurt. You’ve cut me real deep Pat. Here I am extending the olive branch to the man who possibly disfigured me for life, and I’m getting snubbed. Disgraceful. And here I thought you’d want to be friends with the new Faust. That’s right, the Faust that you personally had a hand in creating.

This proclamation strikes the fans as particularly befuddling, having the same effect on the amused Silencer and Evans.

Faust: You two should be bending over backwards to be my friend. I’m sure you do plenty of bending over in the lockeroom when the cameras aren’t running anyway, so you should be use to it by now, and own plenty of KY Jelly.

The crowd laughs at this racy comment which leaves the two warriors in the ring mildly annoyed.

Faust: But if you don’t want to be my buddy Pat, if you don’t want to embrace what you created in friendship, then maybe you’ll meet me in the ring. I’m here now to issue you a challenge for a one on one encounter at the most over-hyped extravaganza this company has ever produced. Do you accept?

His hand gestures towards Evans who without even thinking about his response, chuckles and nods. This sends the crowd into an even louder reaction, quite pleased over the fact that they’ll now be seeing, Faust versus Evans at Paranoia V. Another huge encounter on what promises to be a huge event.

Mayne: Wow, Pat Evans versus Faust, one on one at Paranoia V. Can this payper-view get any bigger?

Douglas: I don’t see how.

Evans continues to nod to the approval of Silencer, while Faust puts a foot on the railing of the balcony, leaning forward against his knee.

Faust: I knew you wouldn’t resist Evans, because your affinity for dishing out punishment on little old me has only escalated over the past few months. Although I can’t imagine why, as I’ve never been anything but hospitable towards you. I thought we were getting along just fabulously in fact.

Again Pat finds this accusation to be outright laughable. Silencer scratches at the back of his head, wondering why there’s such a gothic build up to Faust’s presence in the balcony, yet he speaks so light heartedly.

Faust: Until of course I allowed you to beat me with a flaming chair so I’d have the excuse to redesign myself. Thanks to you Evans, and my willingness to let you savagely maul me, I’m going to be a completely new man when we step into the ring at Paranoia V. Gone will be the theatrics I choose to employ tonight, which serves as a proper send off to the fanged menace. Therefore, when we collide Evans, you’ll be encountering a much different animal. But I’ll allow you a brief glimpse of what you’re in store for next week. If your as courageous as you claim to be then I’m challenging you, on the very next edition of Riot!, to come to the ring, bring Silencer with you if you want, and remove the bandages from my face. We’ll have a public unveiling if you will. That is of course, if you have the cahonies.

Faust places the ball in his Paranoia opponent’s court, Evans thinking about it with a titled head. He then shrugs his shoulders once again, indifferent to the concept, not fearful for his well being whatsoever.

Douglas: Now things are even more interesting. Not only will Pat Evans and Faust meet at Paranoia V, but next week, Pat will come to the ring and remove Faust’s bandages to reveal his new persona to the rest of the world!

Mayne: Don’t get too excited, it’ll just end with Pat beating Faust down so viciously that he again changes personalities. Maybe he’ll become a ballerina, or adopt a Eugene persona. Oh wait, that was his last personality wasn’t it?

The crowd is still buzzing by these announcements as Evans shrugs his shoulders and simply laughs off all of Faust’s demands. Silencer nods supportively and brushes off Faust in the balcony, both men beginning to vacate the ring.

Faust: Oh wait.

Silencer and Pat stop, looking up towards the balcony at Faust who has raised his palm, urgently imploring them to listen.

Faust: I almost forgot. Pat, Silencer, I guess I made a bit of a goof…

The dastardly duo in the ring are intrigued.

Faust: Because before we made our feelings known about each other out here I assumed that Evans was going to be friends with the monster he had a hand in creating. Unfortunately, I thought wrong, but that’s no longer important. What is important is that under this guise of friendship, I went backstage and tried to increase both yours, Pat, and Silencer’s popularity by providing a display of your generosity.

Evans and Silencer are even more baffled than ever, as are the fans.

Faust: Therefore, because someone carelessly left your dressing room door unlocked, I took many of your personal items, which I knew you were willing to give, and bestowed them upon those more rightfully deserving. Gentlemen, would you please come out and properly think Pat and Silencer for their giving spirits?

Faust extends his palm out towards the entry way, Silencer and Evans becoming more confused as they glare towards the entry way. There the curtains part open and from behind them emerges a long line of the very same filthy transients that Evans and Silencer were ridiculing earlier in the evening.

Mayne: What the hell is this!?!

The fans now begin to noticeably start laughing as they see these hobos adorned in Silencer’s and Evans’ attire, and in some cases, mockery versions of their clothing. One particularly old gentlemen, drinking booze from a paper bag and holding his arthritic hip is clearly wearing a pear of Pat Evans’ trousers, with a long urine stain down the leg. Another thin man is attired in a pear of Silencer’s black leather chaps, repeatedly bending up and down in them to adjust the clothing to his body.

Billy: Those bums have stolen Pat Evans’ and Silencer’s clothes!

Douglas: This is priceless.

Mayne: That guy pissed in Pat’s pants!

One of the more portly transients is wearing a Silencer trench coat, with the arms tied around his neck. He is wearing the coat like it were a long black cape, as he sticks his arms out and acts as if he’s flying about. Another individual has a pear of custom Pat Evans boxers tied around his head like it were a bandana. His withered fingers rub at his covered ears, surprised by the warmth. Inside of the ring Silencer and Evans are quite livid over what they are seeing. Faust’s entrance music now hits as he begins to back through the fans into the shadows.

Douglas: What a surprising turn of events here tonight, Faust has stolen Pat’s and Silencer’s clothing and given it to these homeless people.

Mayne: This is robbery, Faust should be arrested and imprisoned in one of those places where there is no hot running water! I can’t wait till that public unveiling ceremony next week, Evans and Silencer are going to destroy Faust.

The homeless men wave to Pat and Silencer are only growing further and further enraged, fuming in fact. They turn to vacate the stage with the man wearing Silencer’s leather chaps following behind the rest of the group. As he spins around he reveals that the chaps are ass-less, his hairy cheeks sticking out from between the leather and resulting in much disgust as well as laughter from the crowd. The angered Silencer turns towards Pat, who is now giving his new partner a very awkward glare, perhaps wondering why such pants were in his lockeroom.

Silencer: I was holding them for a friend, I swear.

Silencer’s explanation doesn’t placate the confused Evans.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Manipulation

A grainy video begins to play featuring Orlando Cruze hitting the Rock Bottom on Hurse in the ring and standing with the World Championship above his head. Sallie’s voice over can now be heard as the video switches to her standing on the stage with a microphone in hand.

Susie: There were traces of opiates in Orlando’s drug test….

A brief clip features Hurse handing Orlando a poppy-seed muffin that he briefly sinks his teeth into.

Susie: Therefore Orlando’s title reign is stricken from the record, so still World Champion, Hurse!

Rage fills Orlando’s eyes as he disappointingly drops the belt back onto the motionless body of Hurse.

Susie: When Orlando left me, I was pregnant!

Dramatic music is heard in the background as this grainy video continues to play, now featuring little Becca Cruze standing at Sallie’s side in the ring. The video cuts to Becca running and jumping into the arms of a laughing Hurse.

Betrayal

The closing moments of the Paranoia IV main event are featured in black and white as the bloodied Orlando, Desolation and Hurse fight over the title belt, all three men moments away from passing through the cage door and winning the match. Suddenly Desolation turns and kicks Orlando right to the face, knocking him unconscious and allowing Hurse to win the World Title. The Dark Man and Hurse are featured loaded on the shoulders of the Alpha Generation as they celebrate their swerve.

Brutality

The lyrics of Savior by 30 Seconds to Mars begins to play as Orlando is shown giving Hurse the spinebuster before cutting to the World Title belt being rammed into the back of Cruze’s head. Hurse is shown being decked repeatedly across the face by Orlando before transferring to a shot of the Alpha Gen representative giving the Icon the Disinfectant.

Culmination

Orlando’s wild eyes shoot towards the camera, followed by a scene depicting Hurse standing on a stage and raising the World Title into the air as it extends between both of his hands. With a plain black backdrop both men are now shown stepping face to face, the Paranoia V graphic superimposed over top of them.

IT’S ALL LEGAL

The arena drops into total darkness, the piano intro to“The Sacrament” by HIM begins to play and smoke appears in the entrance way. As the songs kicks in purple lights come on and Riggs comes walking out from the smoke accompanied by the General Manager AWOL. The crowd seems confused by the fact that a table is being held by both Riggs and the GM, hopefully there to serve a symbolic purpose. Riggs stands on the rampway for a few seconds and throws one arm into the air before making his down to the ring, lugging the table along with him.

Douglas: And now it’s time for yet another absolutely repulsively booked match on tonight’s card as Axl Evermore prepares to face the tandem of Riggs and Christian Savior in a handicap match. Can anyone tell me how this is fair even in the slightest?

Mayne: It isn’t, that what makes it so fun.

Dan: I fail to see how atrocious booking can be considered fun. And to make matters all the more worse, GM AWOL is coming out here with his new monster, the man who may have ended Psycho’s career last week.

When they reach the end of the ramp they delicately set the table up at ringside and Riggs makes his way up the stairs slowly, taking one last second to overlook the jeering fans. He pays them little mind while AWOL climbs onto the apron and sits on the middle rope, parting the cables for his new investment. Riggs slips through them while AWOL now steps over the cables into the ring then requests a microphone. One is brought into him by Kaily Wolf.

Mayne: Yay, he has something to say.

Douglas: And I have something to vomit up as a response.

The fans continue to boo the Big Crazy Bastard the disturbed Riggs who is now crouched in the center of the ring, swaying from side to side as he awaits the arrival of his opponent, ready to cover his hands in Axl’s blood.

AWOL: So did you all think I was entirely full of shit or something? Did you start to hope I had forgotten Psycho’s betrayal? Or were you praying that I was going to let him off, that all my tough talk and threats were leading no where? You don’t know me very well then do you?

The boos only escalate while Riggs shows no emotion, continuing to sway back and forth, the General Manager remaining at his side.

AWOL: When have you ever known me to let go of a grudge? When I promise misery and suffering, I deliver. And over the past month I’ve lived up to my word in terms of dealing with Psycho. I have one man to thank for all this as well, the implement of Psycho’s torment and destruction. An individual I pulled back from the brink, RIGGS!

The arena summarily boos the stoic warrior, Riggs showing no response though.

Mayne: That’s right, you never question AWOL’s conviction people, and if anyone of these so called fans were smart, they wouldn’t boo the diabolical Riggs either.

Douglas: They’re letting their feelings be known, and they’re perfectly entitled to do so.

Riggs’ darkened eyes only grow more shadowy.

AWOL: This man has become the son that I never had nor wanted, and unlike Psycho, he isn’t ungrateful for my help, for my tutelage. Riggs isn’t bogged down with ideas of compassion, or remorse, he has neither. He isn’t weak like Psycho, he feels no emotion, he feels no pain. And at Paranoia V, when Psycho looks into Riggs’ eyes, he’ll see everything that he should have been, he’ll see everything he failed to become.

Douglas: What is AWOL talking about?

Mayne: It usually takes me a few beers to understand what he’s seeing.

Riggs appears more ravenous now as AWOL elaborates.

AWOL: At Paranoia V, Riggs will end Psycho. He will bludgeon, batter, bruise and bloody Psycho until nothing remains, and he’ll do it in a Tables Are Legal Match.

Interest is drawn to the table positioned at ringside.

AWOL: Where the object will not be to end the match by putting your opponent through a single table, but instead will be to put your opposition through how ever many tables it takes to finally wear them down for the three count. So even though Psycho has been brutalized and humiliated over the past few weeks, nothing will compare to what Riggs does to him at Paranoia V. But let’s offer up a demonstration of what Riggs is going to do to Psycho via his match with Evermore!

The crowd continues to boo while AWOL steps towards the ropes and over top of them onto the apron. Some last minute words of encouragement are shouted to Rigs before he drops to the outside mats.

Billy: Another big match just added to Paranoia V, Psycho vs. Riggs in Tables Are Legal.

Douglas: If Psycho is fit for competition that match is going to be violence personified.

AXL EVERMORE VS. RIGGS & CHRISTIAN SAVIOR

10...

9...

8...

7...

6...

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

5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

You think you know me?!

There is a blinding explosion as "Coming Home" by Alter Bridge blares throughout the stadium. As the smoke clears, there is a figure standing with his back to the audience, his arms outstretched.

So I'm coming home
Lost on a road I don't belong
I'll rest my song
I'm so alone
Far from the streets I call my own

So I'm coming home
Back to a world left long ago
And now I know
I'm coming home
I'll find my way back
I'm letting go
I'm coming home

Spinning around, the figure reveals himself to be Christian Savior, wearing his black pants and phoenix-logo shirt, along with a long black trenchcoat. Also adorning his frame is the X-Class Championship belt, glistening brightly over one shoulder, while the other is covered by his newly won N.H.B belt. Looking around, a smirk soon graces his lips as the audience boos.

As I peel away
All the years of pain
I discovered what's been all along
You were so right
I was so wrong

Every shooting star
They all fall so hard
They all fade like a played out song
Now is the time
Before all is lost

I'm coming home
I'm coming home

So I'm coming home
Lost on a road I don't belong
I'll rest my song
I'm so alone
Far from the streets I call my own
I'm coming home

Slowly, Savior makes his way down the ring, ignoring what words are being shouted by the audience. He lifts both belts briefly into the air while continuing forward.

Rushing back to me
As the city sleeps
So afraid of what I will find

Memories they haunt
From deep inside

Sliding into the ring, Savior looks around for a few moments before getting to his feet, clear egotism shining through his eyes.

Every broken man
Comes to understand
that he'll never find paradise
When all that he wants
Was there all the time

I'm coming home
I'm coming home

Suddenly, Savior separates his arms as the cry of the phoenix is heard.

So I'm coming home
Lost on a road I don't belong
I'll rest my song
I'm so alone
Far from the streets I call my own

So I'm coming home
Back to a world left long ago
And now I know
I'm coming home
I'll find my way back
I'm letting go
I'm coming home

Savior now stands in the ring with both title belts draped over his shoulders, the X-Class and N.H.B Championships sparkling as they remain draped over him. He lifts the N.H.B belt in the air and plants a kiss on it with a diabolical grin forming on his face. Riggs watches him from the center of the squared circle, looking up into Savior’s face with distrust from his knees. Christian briefly glances down at Riggs then to AWOL at ringside, pointing to both his belts and shouting about the booking of that ladder match last week. AWOL shrugs.

Mayne: What a tandem that has been assembled here, Christian Savior and Riggs. There’s literally no way Axl Evermore can overcome these type of odds.

Douglas: I’m inclined to agree with you on this occasion Billy, Axl is facing two of the brightest up and coming stars in the IWC, and add to that the fact that AWOL is at ringside and we’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Mayne: Disaster for Evermore, as long as Riggs and Savior can coexist.

Savior and Riggs observe each other speculatively still while Christian hands over his championships to the referee, Alex Ingelson. 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. The Cartel Title is wrapped about his waist, sparkling as his picture is taken by the fans. 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, removing his belt, and 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. The title is handed lastly to the ref Ingelson. Axl then stands at the ready, alternating between hopping place and standing in a crouch as he glares at Riggs and Savior who are occupying one side of the ring. Both men appear ready to unleash a beating on Evermore of epic proportions but the Cartel Champion is the least bit worried.

Douglas: Axl looking surprisingly confident considering the challenge he has ahead of him.

Mayne: Hahaha, he’s stupid enough to believe that he has a fighting chance against these overwhelming odds.

Dan: If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Axl, it’s that you can never count this man out.

Axl continues to remain slouched forward, his eyes alternating between both of his opponents before Savior rushes forward. He throws a right hand that Evermore blows, responding with a shot of his own that sends Christian crashing to he canvas. Riggs now comes barreling forward with a lariat that Axl ducks under, stepping behind his back. As Riggs spins around Evermore drills him to the side of the head with a stiff, sickening kick. The strike sends his opponent crashing to the canvas while Evermore turns to face the inbound Savior. Axl cuts him off though by stepping forward with a right hand lobbed into Christian’s jaw, staggering him. Savior’s eyes are wide as Evermore punches him again and again to the face, sending him reeling in reverse.

Douglas: Look at this, Axl actually holding his own against this 2 on 1 advantage.

Mayne: I really despise Evermore’s persistence.

Axl now takes the double champion around his neck, placing him in a side headlock submission. He really clamps on the hold before Savior pulls him backwards into the ropes, bouncing his spine from the cables. They rush forward and when they reach the center of the ring Christian pushes Axl off of the side headlock, sending him into the opposite ropes. The Cartel Champion bounces off of the ropes and comes back in at Savior who drops to his chest and stomach, causing Evermore to have to jump over him. As soon as he does Axl is nailed to the face with a dropkick from Riggs, which takes him down out of the air to the canvas.

Mayne: HA!

Douglas: Axl’s offensive cut off by the numbers game.

Billy: It would only last so long.

Axl rolls to his knees, trying to stand up when Savior steps to his side, delivering a swift upward kick right to his ribs. The blow sends the Cartel Champion rolling onto his back before Christian lunges into the air, dropping a knee directly into his face. Axl’s body kicks up into the air while Riggs shouts something at Savior, who pins Evermore down to the canvas. The mysterious Riggs rushes into the ropes, bouncing off and coming back in before he lunges into the air and extends his leg. Savior moves out of the way as Riggs connects with an elevated leg drop. The landing causes Axl to sit up, reaching for his throat and gagging in pain while rolling to his knees.

AWOL smiles slightly over what he is seeing while Axl is rolled to his feet and slugged to the face by Riggs. The shot sends Evermore staggering backwards before he is chopped across the sternum from a pompous Savior. These strikes are really taking their toll on Evermore who almost loses his footing only to be hit with a spinning back kick to the ribs from Riggs, sending him stumbling backwards into a corner. His arms fall over the ropes, keeping his body upright while Savior swaggers forward confidently and delivers a sensational chop across Axl’s increasingly red sternum. A “woo” can be heard from the crowd before Savior does a rather Hulk Hogan style taunt, cupping his ear to listen to their reaction. All he receives are boos while Riggs now delivers a double handed chop to Axl’s chest. As soon as Evermore bends forward from the blow, Riggs gives him a swift headbunt to the skull.

Douglas: This is so not fair.

Mayne: Oh complain to Congress about it, write a letter and someone who cares will read it. In my eyes Evermore is getting exactly what he deserves, a beat down for his actions last week.

Dan: And yet Desolation hasn’t been forced into any of these situations after his numerous assaults on everyone Evermore cares about. How is that right?

Billy: That’s because Desolation is more likeable.

Riggs backs to the center of the ring now and calls for Savior to get out of the way. Although annoyed Christian steps aside, allowing Riggs to rush forward and jump into the air, burying his feet to Axl’s mid-section. He is about to deliver a monkey flip when Axl pushes him down hard to the canvas, avoiding it. Riggs’ back hits the ring hard as he rolls across it, his side now facing Axl who is about to rush out of the corner and deliver a move when he’s jabbed to the jaw from Savior. Christian turns and takes Evermore around the neck, pulling him out of the corner for the diamond cutter. He jumps into the air in order to hit the move when Evermore pushes him off and sends Savior crashing back first right on top of Riggs’ ribs.

Douglas: Hey! Look at this, Evermore answering back!

Mayne: Evermore answering back. Who cares? He can have all the brief comebacks he wants but nothing is going to win him this match.

Savior arches his back as he rolls off of Riggs who is holding his ribs in anguish. The battered Christian stands when Evermore steps out of the corner, jumping over the laid out Riggs then lunging into the air. He nails a front dropkick on Christian and flips over into a moonsault on top of Savior in the process. The crowd rejoices over the sight of the dropsault as Axl hooks Riggs’ leg and Savior crashes into the ring.

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2

Riggs launches his shoulder from the ring, kicking out just in time. All the while Christian has rolled to his elbows and knees, starting to stand when Evermore ducks his head and rolls forward across the canvas onto his feet. He jumps off of them and then buries his boots to Savior’s ribs, dropping back into a monkey flip. Christian flies through the air then tumbles onto his spine as Evermore quickly rises to his feet. As he gets up he spots Riggs using the ropes to stand, charging directly at him. He boots Riggs to the ribs and decks him repeatedly across the jaw, taking his opposition by the wrist and whipping him across the ring. Riggs turns though, reversing the whip and pulling Evermore forward into a knee to the ribs, doubling him over. Riggs now staggers backwards while Savior gets up and rushes in, catching Axl with a swinging neckbreaker. The back of Evermore’s skull collides with the canvas as he sits up, gritting his teeth in pain. A certain luster inhabits AWOL’s eyes at the sight of this torment. As soon as Axl sits up from the neckbreaker, Riggs rushes up behind him and delivers a reverse blockbuster of sorts on his seated opponent. Axl’s head is snapped forward before he falls to his back.

Mayne: Hahaha, look at this, Savior and Riggs working as a terrific tandem. They make a better pear than the Blues Brothers, or Dolly Parton’s breasts.

Douglas: If only we had the same cohesiveness. I can’t deny it though, Riggs and Savior are working Evermore over in a way that would make one believe they’ve been teaming for years.

An intense Riggs steps towards Axl and takes him around the arms, forcing him up to his feet. Evermore’s arms are pinned behind his back while the arrogant Savior rubs his hands together then chops the exposed sternum of the Cartel Champion. He now steps in and kicks him hard to the ribs before beginning to deliver repeated five knuckle blows to his cranium. Alex Ingelson insists that Savior stop using the closed fists but he doesn’t listen as he delivers a swift boot to Axl’s ribs, which doubles him over. Riggs now steps to one of his sides while Savior occupies the other, both men grabbing the back of Axl’s head and his tights, rushing him across the ring and throwing him through the ropes shoulder first into the exposed turnbuckle post. Axl closes his eyes tightly and begins to stagger backwards with his hand pressed to his shoulder, backing into Savior’s waiting arms. He lifts him up into the air then drops back into a release German suplex. Evermore crashes into the canvas across the back of his head and shoulders, rolling over in reverse onto his feet as Riggs steps to his side, delivering a Russian Leg Sweep. These impacts knock all the air from Axl’s body as Riggs now hooks his leg.

1

2

Evermore gets his shoulder up again, somehow continuing to hang in there despite the onslaught being inflicted upon him.

Mayne: Ha, why does he even bother?

Douglas: Evermore again kicking out even after taking another vicious series of moves from these two intense athletes. Despite the brutality being inflicted on him he’s hanging in there.

Savior now steps in and drops down on top of Evermore, pushing down his arms while sitting on his stomach. This leaves him defenseless as Riggs begins to move around Axl, stomping repeatedly at various portions of his anatomy. Axl can only groan with every forceful stomp before Savior pulls him up onto his seat. He now steps to his side, holding Axl’s head down so that his face is looking at the canvas. All the while Riggs rushes into the ropes at his side, bouncing off and coming back in with a front dropkick delivered right to the side of Axl’s cranium. The crowd replies with a grasp as the Fully Loaded member now falls onto his back, his eyes blinking sporadically. He barely has time to recover from that shot before Savior jumps into the air and delivers a standing big splash on him.

Dan: Dammit, Evermore just being hit with blow after blow, there’s no possibility for him to recover whatsoever.

Mayne: That’s the point of a handicap match, Dan.

Savior grabs hold of Evermore’s far arm now, lifting up on it and pulling him over onto his chest and stomach. He lays spread across the canvas with his arm stuck out to his side when Savior stomps the arm brutally. Riggs charges into the cables in front of both men, bouncing off and rushing back in before he jumps into the air, coming down with a headbunt into the targeted shoulder. A gasp comes from the Cartel Champion as he rolls onto his back, clutching at his shoulder in anguish, trying to create some space between himself and his aggressors. Riggs takes his arm though, folding it over backwards into a top wrist lock style position then stomping down on the elbow of Evermore. A loud groan comes from Axl as he turns onto his side, kicking his legs and rubbing at his severally damaged arm. Savior again grabs hold of it and sends a cold stare towards Riggs in the process, obviously trying to out do him. As the arm is extended out over the canvas, Savior drops an elbow right into the back of Axl’s shoulder.

The General Manager seems to be entertained by this methodical dissection. Riggs shakes his head towards Savior, not impressed as he takes Axl under the jaw and leads him up to his feet. He holds him in that position then grabs his arm, sticking it out to his side as he if setting up for a divorce court arm breaker. Before he can hit it Axl ducks his head and jumps forward, catching Riggs by the tights, pulling him up into a school boy. Before a three count can even commence Axl breaks the pin and stands, turning towards the inbound Savior and lunging into the air with a lunging leg lariat. The back of his heel smacks against the Rising Phoenix’s face, sending the double Champion crashing into the canvas amongst a wave of approval.

Douglas: Axl finally starting to mount some significant offense!

Mayne: Quit it Axl! Hey, I just realized something, Axl, Riggs, was everyone in this match named after characters from popular police film franchises?

The very speedy Axl rises to his feet and turns in the direction of Riggs who quickly boots him to the ribs, shutting down anything he was going for. The strike bends Evermore forward before Riggs rushes backwards into the cables to built some momentum. He bounces off and comes back in when Axl rushes forward, taking him down with a running forearm smash. Riggs crashes to the ring while Savior stands, Evermore quickly charging in though and laying him out with a hard lariat to the throat. He grabs at his shoulder after delivering the move yet shakes it off as he turns to face his struggling opponents. AWOL is shaking his head, clearly not amused by what he is seeing while both Riggs and Savior start to stand up, trying to get their legs beneath them. However, Evermore charges into the cables behind their backs, bouncing off and then grabbing their heads, delivering a double face buster. He comes down seated between them as Savior and Riggs bounce off the ring face first then roll onto their backs, sprawled out across it in disorientated conditions.

Mayne: Why is this happening? These guys by themselves are unstoppable, combined they should be able to deal with Axl with ease!

Douglas: That’s not the case here tonight obviously as Evermore is persevering even against this two on one advantage.

The ravenous and quick Axl rises to his feet as Christian stumbles his way to an upright base. Evermore steps in quickly and catches him around the neck, setting up for an Exploder suplex when Riggs stands and delivers a blow right between the shoulder blades of the Cartel Champion. He stops him from delivering his high impact move as Savior is released, allowing him to stumble in reverse into the cables, leaning on them for support. Riggs now buries his shoulder to Evermore’s spine and hoists him into the air for a back drop suplex. To the surprise of many Axl is able to flip over backwards though, landing on his feet right behind Riggs then pushing his opponent forward towards Christian. As soon as Savior gets his bearings he looks up and Riggs’ skull connects with his own. The blow causes Savior to turn and crash through the ropes to the outside of the ring, Riggs staggering backwards into the waiting arms of Evermore. Axl spins him around and catches Riggs around his neck and thigh, dropping back into a bridging exploder suplex.

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Riggs kicks out, keeping his team alive in this handicap encounter. The General Manager looks as if he is losing his patience, growing increasingly upset that Axl hasn’t been finished of in the ring. Evermore takes hold of Riggs’ hair, forcing him upwards when the shadowy apparition pushes his arms away then delivers a straight European Uppercut to Axl’s jaw. Axl is staggered before Riggs spins around, delivering a straight kick right under his opposition’s jaw. The strike almost takes Axl down but instead sends him falling into the ropes for support. He grasps them tightly and shakes off the effects of that kick while Riggs charges in to deliver further punishment. Unfortunately for him Evermore bends forward, catching Riggs against his shoulders and back dropping him over the top rope, sending him tumbling right down on top of Christian Savior. The Manhattan Center crowd is absolutely raucous at this point, going nuts in shock over Evermore’s resilience.

Douglas: This is almost unimaginable ladies and gentlemen, but Axl Evermore is actually holding his own here.

Mayne: It’s only a brief comeback, I assure you.

Savior and Riggs push each other away as they try to reach their feet, standing in time for Evermore to dive through the cables with a suicide headbunt. It connects with both men, sending Riggs, Christian and Axl all crashing to the mats amongst a roar from the sold out crowd. Axl gets up and unleashes a loud shout that causes the fans to cheer even louder, turning towards GM AWOL who was stepping towards him. However, once he is spotted by Axl he holds his hands up and backs away slowly with a grin on his face, acting innocent. Evermore points at him and mouths some threatening words at the General Manger before turning towards Savior who takes him by the wrist and whips him towards the exposed turnbuckle post. Axl crashes shoulder first directly into the post, bouncing off it and then tumbling to the mats. He grabs at the same shoulder that has been targeted repeatedly in this contest.

Mayne: I’m starting to like AWOL again.

Douglas: Of course, you both clearly biased.

Despite the pain coursing through his shoulder Evermore starts to sit up only to be hit with a shining wizard from Riggs. Axl falls to the mats, lying across them in a motionless heap while Riggs sits at his side, grinning rather deviously. His eyes slowly turn towards the table at ringside, looking up at Christian who meets his gaze with a grin. It seems that the same idea has dawned on both of them, Christian quickly approaching the table. Riggs steps towards it as well while AWOL nods in agreement over their actions. As they lift the table into the air and begin to slid it through the ropes the fans unleash their utter dismay, Ingelson shouting at them in anger. Obviously this isn’t legal but neither Savior nor Riggs seem to care.

Mayne: It looks like we’re going to get a preview of that Tables Are Legal match.

Douglas: Come on ref, stop this before it goes too far.

Alex turns towards AWOL who is shouting orders at him.

AWOL: You don’t even think about ringing that bell, this handicap match is now no disqualification!

The packed Manhattan Center boos at the sound of this last second alteration, leaving Alex Ingelson rather appalled, his shoulders sinking. He goes through with this however, due to his obligation to making amends to AWOL.

Douglas: Come off it, you can’t change a match stipulation half way through the match!

Mayne: You can when you have absolute power.

Dan: That’s no excuse.

Riggs enters the ring and begins to set the table up against one of the corners, positioning it diagonally while Christian retrieves Evermore. He pulls him up from the mats by the hair then rolls him into the squared circle where he lies a motionless heap. Savior now slips in himself and again forces Evermore to his feet, Riggs stepping in to assist as they back him into the corner across from the perfectly positioned table. The crowd starts to scream as they stand on his opposite sides, taking him by the wrists and the back of his head then whopping towards the wood. As he rushes at the table the crowd squeals loudly, cupping their mouths at this ghastly sight. At the last second though Evermore steps up the table and then flips over backwards, landing gracefully right on his feet to the shock of everyone.

Douglas: AXL AVOIDING THE TABLE!

Mayne: Blast his agile counters!

Riggs comes charging out of the corner at Axl who catches him with a basement dropkick right to the shin. The blow causes Riggs to land on all fours while Evermore rolls over in reverse right onto his feet, Savior standing on the turnbuckle above him. He jumps off right into a well timed superkick placed directly under his jaw. The entire arena is erupting into cheers as Savior’s head is almost taken off with the superkick. Despite this occurrence he lands on his feet, looking incredibly dazed before finally tumbling like a tree down to the canvas. An irate AWOL climbs up onto the apron, shouting at Ingelson, informing him that he still has to prove himself and that he better do something about this. Suddenly Axl rushes at the perpendicular cables and jumps to the middle rope, springing off and twisting in mid-air into a dropkick right to AWOL’s sternum. The fans are shocked as AWOL is knocked off of the apron, landing on his feet then staggering backwards with his eyes opening wide, engulfed with both astonishment and rage. He believe someone had the audacity to touch him.

Douglas: Axl just dropkicked AWOL!

Mayne: Has he lost his mind!?!

Evermore rises to his feet, all fired up before he turns into a devastating spinning back chop to the jaw from Riggs. The crazed reaction from the fans changes drastically as Axl turns in a full circle from the blow, spinning back to face Riggs who lifts him into the air for the Hopscotch (Michinoku Driver). He is trying to hit it yet Axl is able to squirm free, landing on his feet behind Riggs while Savior is getting up behind both men, staggering around in a dazed state. He now rushes forward for the spear on the turning Evermore who jumps into the air, leap frogging him. As a result Christian spears Riggs right to the ribs, sending him crashing into the canvas spine first.

Mayne: NOOO!!

Douglas: Christian just speared RIGGS!

A shocked Christian stands up, turning towards Evermore who jumps into the air, dropkicking him right to the sternum. Savior is knocked to the canvas as after hitting the dropkick, Evermore twists in mid-air, coming down on top of Riggs, who’s leg he quickly hooks.

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Mayne: IT CAN’T BE!

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The Manhattan Center is shaking as Axl Evermore has overcome the odds and won this handicap encounter. In absolute agony Evermore rises to his knees, holding his ribs and celebrating a shocking win.

Douglas: What a feel good moment here tonight. Despite the best laid plans of Sallie & Krissie & AWOL & Rigs & Savior, Axl has overcome it all to emerge victorious from this hellacious encounter.

Mayne; I think I might just vomit.

That’s when the crowd’s reaction is drastically altered by the sight of Desolation jumping onto the apron in front of Evermore, getting his attention after having rushed down the ramp.

Douglas: IT’S DESOLATION!

Mayne: Thank God, someone has come along to save this segment!

As soon as Axl spots the Dark Man he lets Riggs go, dropping his leg to the canvas then stands, beginning to step towards the man who viciously assaulted Max backstage. As soon as he takes a few steps forward, his focus completely set on the chilling features of Desolation, he is almost ripped in half by a spear from the vengeful Christian Savior.

Douglas: AHH!

Mayne: Savior just caught Axl with the spear!

Axl is completely laid out on the canvas now as an exhausted Christian glares down at Evermore with fury in his eyes.

Those in the Manhattan Center respond with a wave of negativity, their hearts crushed over the fact that Axl has been assaulted after the bell.

Mayne: Hahahaha, Axl doesn’t look like a winner now.

Douglas: This is ridiculous, what a soar loser Christian Savior is.

Billy: There is no way that Axl was going to make it out of this match on his own two feet anyway Dan!

Desolation remains standing on the apron and watching with those same chilling, immoral eyes focused on the down Evermore. Savior looks up at Desolation speculatively as he slowly slides backwards across the canvas, getting out of the way once it becomes obvious that this isn’t over. The Dark Man slips through the cables now, not taking his eyes off of Axl, not even blinking in fact. AWOL is calling out for Riggs who is seated in a corner, observing this odd behavior from the Alpha Generation representative. He slowly slips out of the ring as well, joining AWOL who slaps him reassuringly and almost proudly on the shoulder despite being pinned, the two making their way up the ramp. Savior slowly moves up the rampway as well with both the N.H.B and X-Class titles in his grasp, watching the proceedings in the ring.

Douglas: Something tells me this isn’t over.

Billy: I’m starting to get that same ominous feeling you had earlier.

Malice seems to radiate from Desolation’s tense frame as he slowly approaches the Cartel Champion, who is struggling to get him. He can feel the shadow of the Dark Man cast over him as he slowly looks up into his face. He is too weak and disorientated to truly realize what is going on after withstanding such a vicious assault from his opponents throughout the previous match. Shockingly Desolation extends his hand and takes hold of Evermore’s palm, assisting him up slowly to his feet. Axl can barely stand up right, his ribs killing him along with the rest of his body. With sweat cascading from his frame he finally looks up and finds himself staring into the vacant void that is Desolation’s eyes. All he sees is darkness as the Dark Man takes him by the back of the head and rushes him across the ring, throwing him through the table positioned in the corner. The wood shatters around Axl’s body and sends the crowd into a loud scream, absolutely stunned that Desolation has finally initiated physical contact with Evermore.

The wood is broken into pieces all around Evermore’s frame as he lies against its shattered frame, his eyes fluttering. In a very slow, methodical manner Desolation takes almost robotic steps towards Evermore and grabs him by the ankle, dragging him out of the remnants of the table. The fans in the Manhattan Center are still expressing sheer shock over what they are finally seeing as Desolation lets go of Evermore’s ankle then steps over his chest. He leans down slowly into the fluttering eyes of Evermore, making sure he can hear what is being uttered.

Desolation: Is this what you wanted?

Slowly a staple gun is removed from Desolation pocket and raised into the air. This results in even more wails from the fans, begging Desolation not to do it as he brushes Axl’s hair out of his sweaty, agonizing features. The Dark Man can now see right into Axl’s eyes before he places the staple gun between them and pushes the button. Axl roars in pain as a staple is lodged in his forehead, Desolation licking his lips then beginning to use the stapler over and over again. Axl’s forehead is being tore to shreds with staple after staple from Desolation who now even staples Evermore’s lips. Evermore convulses on the canvas, blood streaming down his face as he reaches for his stapled together lips. He rips the staple out and roars in pain while Desolation steps back, overlooking what he has done, seemingly unsure of what he thinks about these actions.

He doesn’t spend much time dwelling on this before removing a long piece of barbwire from his pocket. The crowd is begging him not to do this as the malevolent Desolation again moves slowly towards the struggling Axl. Evermore has turned onto his elbows and knees, trying to stand up, desperately attempting to force his feet beneath him as blood gushes down his face and from his lips. Shimmering staples can be seen embedded in his face as Desolation steps over his back and places the barbwire around Axl’s throat, pulling back. Evermore begins to gag as the barbs dig into his throat, cutting flesh and strangling the Cartel Champion in the process. Axl grabs at the barbwire, but is too bloodied and exhausted to rip it out of his throat. He gasps and coughs up blood as Desolation continues to display no emotion, wrenching back as far as he can without outright breaking Axl’s neck.

After almost choking the life out of Evermore the barbwire is dropped to the canvas, allowing Axl to tumble forward to the ring as well. His body is gushing blood as Desolation stands over him, his shoulders sinking and his chest heaving. He slowly lifts his blood smeared palms into the air before using them to slap the back of Axl’s head.

Desolation: Come on, this is what you wanted Axl, this is what you wanted, right?

There is clearly no emotion in Desolation’s voice before he grabs Axl by the wrists and pulls up on them then emphatically Curb Stomps his crimson covered face with force into the canvas. The crowd screams as Axl’s features slam into the ring with vile, heinous force.

The Cartel Champion lies on the canvas a crumpled, broken and bloodied mess while Desolation stands above him, seemingly deriving no entertainment from what has been done. He slowly moves across the ring in the direction of the announce table and snaps his fingers while pointing to the Cartel Championship and Kaily Wolf. With fear she grabs the title, handing it, along with a microphone to the Dark Man. All the while Axl remains spread across the canvas, a crimson puddle formed around his head, with air bubbles popping up out of it. Desolation steps towards him slowly and dramatically before crouching at Axl’s side, the Cartel Title hanging from his grasp and the microphone gripped tightly in his hand.

Desolation: I gave you what you wanted Axl, are you happy now? No, now you won’t be happy till you get your revenge, and I’ll give you the chance to obtain it.

He slowly points up the Paranoia symbol above the titontron. Blood drips from his pointed finger.

Desolation: I’ll be at Paranoia V, and if you can make it, I’ll complete what I started here tonight.

The Cartel Title is now draped over top of Axl’s back as Desolation pats the gold plate reassuringly.

Desolation: I’ll see you there, old friend.

The Dark Man now stands and allows the mic to slip from his grasp, just letting go of it as it smacks against the canvas. He backs up slowly, staring down at Evermore’s claret covered body and continuing to display a lack of emotions.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Johnny Kingdom, your end is in sight.

Silencer’s eyes shine out from beneath the blackness that obscures his face as the camera briefly and dramatically passes over them. He is shown throwing a bottle at the front door of Kingdom’s lavish house with Johnny emerging from within, a baseball bat clutched in his palms. The voice over of Dan Douglas can now be heard in the background.

Douglas: This has got to be one of the most personal rivalries that has ever been waged in the IWC.

An archive clip is shown featuring World Champion Kingdom looking down into the face of World Champion Silencer, both men wearing titles over their shoulders as they occupy the ring. It briefly cuts to them located across from one another in the squared circle at Redemption Roe now, their intensity escalating at the mere sight of one another.

Silencer: I ruined your blissful existence and now I’ll end your blissful career.

Douglas: We’re going to see the epic culmination, Kingdom vs. Silencer at Paranoia V!

Savior by 30 Seconds to Mars hits in the background as violent images flood the screen. The first one features Silencer and Kingdom exchanging shots with security desperately trying to pull them apart before switching quickly to an image of the sadistic Silencer beating a fan with a leather strap, then doing the same to Sabre. The video now cuts to Johnny soaring off a turnbuckle with a crossbody onto Silencer and security on the outside of the ring.

Krissie: Johnny, if you can beat Silencer at Paranoia V, then the Boss will reveal himself.

A clip is shown featuring Krissie McMorris standing in the ring with Johnny Kingdom as she announces these huge stipulations. Johnny wears a smug expression on his face as he listens.

Krissie: But if you lose, your career is over for good!

The intense tunes of 30 Seconds to Mars cut back in again as the camera zooms in on the contemplating features of Kingdom. Silencer is shown bludgeoning Ryan Mills with a belt buckle then transferring to the Team Leader standing in the ring and pointing at the Paranoia V emblem hanging above the titontron.

SURVEYING THE DAMAGE

The show comes back from commercial break to find EMTs gathered inside of the ring, forming a circle around the motionless body of Evermore. They desperately try to apply some pressure to this wounds to stop the bleeding, which continues despite their best efforts. A stretcher has been positioned at ringside for Axl. The camera cuts back to Billy Mayne and Dan Douglas while the fans sit in a stunned silence. Even Douglas and Mayne find it difficult to speak after what they just witnessed.

Douglas: Before the commercial break ladies and gentlemen, we witnessed the moment many of us have been waiting for, Desolation and Evermore finally came into physical contact, but I don’t think any of us expected it to go down this way.

Mayne: I won’t even try to explain what Desolation was thinking, but I believe he just got tired of playing this cat and mouse game with Evermore.

Dan: No, no, just stop Billy, just stop…

Billy: I’m just saying…

Douglas: No, now is not the time. I just pray that Axl Evermore is recovered from what just happened to him by time for Paranoia V. We can now confirm as well for the viewing audience that it’s been made official, if Axl is able to compete, it will be Evermore versus Desolation at Paranoia V.

Mayne: That’s a big “if” in regards to rather or not Axl is able to compete.

Dan: If he can, I’m not sure any of us will be ready for what we see between the Dark Man and Mr. N-Y-C at Paranoia V.

Axl is now loaded on a top of a stretcher at ringside, continuing to look dazed and confused as blood just gushes down his features. EMTs quickly roll him up the ramp towards the backstage area as Axl instinctively raises a thumb into the air, the crowd cheering loudly as a result.

Billy: Well, there was some terrific action before that heinous beat down.

Douglas: You were actually paying attention for once?

Mayne: A little. But let’s get to what is important here Dan, what the fans have been waiting to see.

Dan: Your suicide?

Billy: Sick Dan, real sick. No, what the fans tuned in for tonight was my special interview with Johnny Kingdom. Role the footage you mutants in the back.

KING OVERTHROWN?

The show switches to a previously recorded interview that opens directly on Billy Mayne’s grotesquely contorted face. With a pure black backdrop behind his seated frame, his twisted pale flesh becomes even more vividly clear as he stares across the studio at a well kempt Johnny Kingdom. Awkward silence seems to ensue between the former World Champion clad in a black silk shirt and gray suit and the queasy Billy Mayne in his pea green attire. Johnny seems to be getting impatient, forcing out a cough and then glancing at his silver watch.

Kingdom: Are you going to ask me a question any time soon or are you just going to sit there looking as lost as Nathan Creed when he tries to do a creative promo?

Billy seems to be struggling with what to ask, breathing uneasily. It’s almost as if he’s trying to find a way to word his question as delicately as possible.

Mayne: Johnny, how can I ask this so that you won’t get offended and possibly fire me? But um, when was it exactly when you sold out?

Kingdom doesn’t offer an immediate reply and as thus the glare that Billy receives is truly intimidating.

Johnny: You’ll have to be a little clearer with your question Billy. Are you asking me when the first time it was that I sold out an arena? If so, I think it was in my first match, since so much buzz was generated about it and my internet based worshippers had been creaming in their jockeys in anticipation of seeing the Team Leader step in the ring.

Billy cringes as his fingers circle each other, outwardly displaying his struggle to properly phrase his inquiry. Luckily Kingdom cuts him off and stops his mental strain.

Kingdom: Or you could be trying to live up to your obligatory Jerry Lawler archetype and insinuating that I’ve sold out. Don’t worry Billy, let me stress this again, I don’t have the power to fire you for your ignorant, redundant questions, as I am not your boss.

It seems to finally dawn on Billy that Johnny is telling the truth. He nods and then smiles deviously before winking dramatically towards the Team Leader who digs his fingers into his eyes.

Johnny: Jesus, I have an easier time explaining advance calculus to my children than convincing you that there is no way possible I could be the IWC owner. But back to your original point; ask yourself, when haven’t I sold out?

The rebuttal stuns Billy, who’s eyes blink sporadically.

Kingdom: Don’t think Billy, your head will explode in a scene reminiscent of Scanners, I’ll explain. I make no bones about it, and I’m certainly not offended when peons like yourself throw around such labels as sell out. Sure, I would sell my grandmother’s dialysis pump if the money was right, I am a sell out, I am a scoundrel, and I wouldn’t have achieved such a legacy in this industry if it wasn’t. I’ve sold out more times than I care to remember, but each time I did so, I always had a good reason.

Billy: Such as?

Johnny: Mostly money, or if a woman’s involved like with AWOL, or if it will secure me a quicker path to the World Title, or if I’m bored. Mostly money though. But if the fans choose to support me or ridicule me and act as if their opinion counts then why should I give shit? It’s not like I’m going to bend over backwards to please people, which is what makes me such a wonderful sell out I imagine.

Mayne: Touché.

Billy shifts nervously through the cards in his palms, throwing out the first few of them.

Billy: A lot of people are wondering why you ever so crankily made your return to the IWC, Johnny. Would you care to elaborate one what brought you out of retirement?

The question momentarily stuns Kingdom, based off the sheer idiocy it brings with it.

Kingdom: Billy, who wrote these questions, Helen Keller? Haven’t you been paying attention the past few months since my return?

Billy: No.

Johnny: Well you probably should, considering I’ve actually brought some entertainment to a show that has seriously been lacking it as of late. If you watched the weekly telecasts it’s pretty obvious why I’m back. Your little mystery employer decided to incriminate my glorious legacy by insinuating that I’m the boss, thus deflecting all the wrath of his disgruntled employees upon me. And the most easily manipulated of these jackass employees was Silencer. The man is ready to believe anything, even the ravings of some viral campaign that uses me as a scapegoat. If he’d bother to stop and simply ask a question now and then, instead of irritating me until I came out of retirement, he would have saved himself from the brutality hat I’ll inflict on him at Paranoia V.

Mayne nods his head with a slight grin.

Mayne: Speaking of brutality, how are you feeling after last week’s attack?

Johnny grins threateningly.

Kingdom: Well, the tape has come off my back and my ribs and to be perfectly honest with you Billy, I’m feeling just as bitter as ever. Silencer and Pat Evans, who make a darling couple mind you, may have mistaken me for a piñata last week, filled with an abundance of sour candy, but I’ve bounced back from much worse beatings delivered from much better athletes. After knowing each other for years now, you’d think Silencer would be aware that I have a Wolverine like recuperative ability. I’m the longest reigning World Heavyweight Champion in ULW history because I could take the full onslaught of my opponent’s brutality each and every week and still defend my title on the following show. Which is something your current World Champion seems incapable of doing. Does it hurt to be beaten with Singapore canes; of course. Will it keep me from competing at Paranoia V; of course not.

Mayne: How do you plan to avenge what went down last week. Because I know, from being your former legal council that you’ve got something in store for Silencer.

Johnny: And yet with your expansive knowledge of me you expect me to just go ahead and say what I have planned for Silencer, thus giving him time to prepare a counter strategy?

Billy: Would you be so kind?

Kingdom: Um no. But rest assure that although it might not happen tonight, or next week, one way or another Silencer will feel the full extent of my vengeance. Although there will be no greater revenge than beating him at Paranoia V.

The calm, collective answer phases Billy, who was perhaps counting on an irrational outburst in regards to the things Kingdom intends to do to Silencer.

Billy: Speaking of Paranoia V, we all know that the stipulation on your match with Silencer is that if you lose, you’ll never wrestle in a ring again. However, if you defeat Silencer, then our employer will reveal himself. What are your thoughts on these stipulations?

Johnny seems to think about it for a moment then shrugs.

Kingdom: I haven’t given much thought to it all to be honest with you.

Mayne: But you could very well be facing the end of your wrestling career at Paranoia V.

Johnny: Are you listening to yourself, Billy? I’m facing Silencer. It’s not as dramatic as your making it out to be. Your boss has placed faith in the wrong man, who if he was sensible would just let me pin him at Paranoia V since he’s so eager to find out who the man is that’s been fucking with his career. Of course that’s logic, and there’s no place for that in the IWC. I’ll win on tonight’s Riot!, I’ll win next week, and I’ll win at Paranoia V, it’s as clear cut as that.

Billy: Do you think our employer is going to make it that easy for you?

Again he winks less than surreptitiously at Johnny.

Kingdom: Rather he does or he doesn’t, who cares? I’ve had obstacles thrown at me since I first set foot in this company, so it’s nothing new. Your boss just needs to accept it, he’s going to regret this overblown stipulation he’s placed on my match with Silencer. Because after I defeat my old friend, he’s going to have to reveal himself and face the long line of performers who are eager to give him a well deserved thrashing.

Mayne: Let’s talk about one of those individuals, Orlando Cruze. What are your thoughts on teaming with him tonight on Riot!, how do you think the two of you will coexist after your years of hatred for one another?

Kingdom chuckles.

Johnny: I hate Orlando Cruze, and he hates me. We do nothing to hide our repugnance for each other. But Orlando has a job, and so do I, and until that job is fulfilled I don’t think we’ll have a problem co-existing as you put it. I think our mutual hatred for the opposing team tonight will sustain our camaraderie for as long as it takes to get the win, after that, who knows. But of course, the last thing Orlando is going to want to do is risk damaging the one man who can reveal his despised employer. If the Boss was counting on us to destroy each other then yet again, he’s wrong.

Mayne: I guess that makes sense. Just one more question then. How come you don’t call?

A certain sadness overtakes Billy’s drooping face.

Kingdom: Because your breath stinks even over the phone. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go defeat a few old acquaintances, and further humiliate your wonderful employer.

Johnny shifts in his seat to glare into the camera now, about to make an ever so serious comment.

Johnny: Oh, and Silencer, you and I will be meeting again real soon.

The diabolical smirk that creeps across his face only adds to his fear inspiring words.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

One man can only carry so much dead weight. This has been a public service announcement from the IWC

COMMANDER V VS. DAVID FREAK

The arena goes black as a strange rumble comes over the loud speakers. Smoke gathers at the front of the stage. The main intro riff plays as white strobe lights dance in sync with the riff. A large fiery explosion goes off as the first words are sung.

I was there through the ages

Freak steps out into the aftermath of the flames as the strobe lights jump from red and yellow. Spotlights of the same color swing around the arena. Freak steps to the front of the stage and lets out a vicious roar.

I'm suicide and salvation

The chorus starts and so does Freak down the ramp. Slapping the fans hands away and shaking others.

That's why you're feeling so

Halfway down the ramp he starts at a run and slides onto the apron and sliding under the bottom rope. He stands to his feet to welcome both the jeers and cheers and even makes a few of his own to the fans.

(the rest of the song finishes out if a longer intro happens)

I am the incubus
i lay the egg in you
The worm that burrows
Through your brain
But you are the beast
That calls me by my name

You send your children to war
To serve bastards and whores
So now you know
You created me
On the day that you were born

Unholy
I was created by man, yeah I'm the Lord of the flies, you know I'm
Unholy
From the left hand of power comes the father of lies
Unholy - Unholy!

(Instrumental break)

I lay you down to sleep
Your soul to keep
Better cross your heart before you die
And now you know
Know that you are mine

That's why you're feeling so

Unholy, Unholy, Unholy - Unholy!!

Douglas: What a way to follow up the Johnny Kingdom sit-down interview, with a young competitor who is looking to follow in the footsteps of guys like the former World Heavyweight Champion. David Freak making his in-ring debut tonight as he is scheduled to square off against Mr. Video Game himself, Commander V.

Mayne: I guess this is the mandatory piss break moment of our show tonight. Your deluding yourself if you think that guys like David Freak are going to be anything like Johnny Kingdom.

Dan: You haven’t even seen him in the ring yet.

Billy: I base my opinions on outward appearances. It’s a gift.

A high pitch plumber’s voice is heard over the speakers as he yells “Nintendo” which flashes across the screen. This is followed immediately by a man yelling ‘Sega’ with Sega flashing across the screen. The last thing before the music starts is the word ‘Presents’ on the Titantron. Then comes the music The 8 bit electronic compilation of the classic video game themes plays as the audience who haven’t yet started to, now start applauding. The titantron shows several video game systems such as the Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Dreamcast, etc all getting turned on and the name ‘Commander V’ flashes across the screen in 16 bit glory. As the audience applauds, none other than Ridley, aka Commander V runs out, his jacket undone. He poses for the audience by throwing his arms out and showing off his thin yet cut frame hidden slightly under his T shirt. V runs down the ramp high fiving as many fans as he can before sliding into the ring. He leaps to the turnbuckle and forms an ‘N’ with his hands. He goes to the opposite turn buckle and does the same. He then goes to the ropes and leans forward does the pose again. This time after the pose, he flicks his wrists to reveal an ‘S’ showing his allegiance to both counsels. He stands in the ring, removing his jacket, his shirt and his Triforce pendant. He stands in the ring and brings his left hand to his chest, and removes his one glove to look upon the tattoo on his hand depicting the Triforce of Courage. He nods to himself and puts the glove back on. He stands there all fired up as he awaits the match to start. David Freak observes the unusual behavior of his opponent, perhaps wondering rather he’s been sucked into the Legend of Zelda or if he’s actually still in the wrestling ring.

Mayne: And we have one goof fighting an even bigger goof. Who booked this match, Vince Russo? This is worse than Hillary versus Obama.

Douglas: Billy, you know not the stupidity of your ways. Commander V is a phenomenal young talent, just like David Freak, and I’m eager to see which one of these developing stars takes the next step here tonight.

Billy: And their foot will land in a steaming pile of dog feces, mark my words.

Many of the fans are rather anxious to see what these two are capable of, as David Freak and Commander V glare across the ring at one another. The bell sounds as Commander V puts on a Zelda style fighting stance which continues to perplex Freak. They both rush forward now as David reaches out for a collar elbow, only to have Mr. Video Game switch around behind his back, applying a reverse waist lock. He grips tightly when David pushes himself backwards, forcing both men in the direction of the corner. Commander V is rammed with force against the turnbuckle as Freak drops to his knees in front of him, reaching behind his back and grabbing his opposition’s wrist. He flips over his shoulder and down to the canvas with an arm drag then rolls forward across Commander V’s sternum, still holding onto his opponent’s wrist in the process. He yanks on it and forces the Commander over onto his chest and stomach, Freak taking hold of his arm and leaning back into the fujiwara.

Douglas: Some nice chain wrestling right into the fujiwara from David.

Mayne: It was mildly impressive, if you like technical wrestling.

Dan: Does nothing please you?

Billy: If it doesn’t have a g-string I can stick monopoly money in, then no, it doesn’t please me.

Commander V pushes himself up with his free forearm, gritting his teeth as he finds himself viciously locked in this fujiwara. Finally he ducks his head and rolls forward across the canvas right onto his back. David still has hold of his arm though, forced to break the fuijiwara but getting up to face his opposition. He yanks up on the wrist and as thus forces Commander V to nip up to a standing base, where he is promptly taken by the back of the head then flipped over forward onto his back. David drops to his knees at his side and lifts his arm, applying the textbook arm lock submission hold this time.

Douglas: David continuing to press a technical advantage right here from the get go.

Mayne: I suppose Commander V hasn’t found some type of invincibility mushroom.

Dan: Those jokes are getting really lame.

The quick Commander V begins to rock his body back and forth in order to escape this hold. Eventually he pushes himself up onto the back of his head and shoulders, nipping off of them and landing directly onto his feet. He quickly twists his body now, swinging around under David’s arm and applying an arm ringer of his own. He quickly breaks this hold though in favor of hooking David’s arm, pulling him around so that he faces the Commander’s back. The technically crafty Freak is snapmared over onto his seat as Commander V grabs both of his arms, pinning them behind his back in almost a double chickenwing. The crowd has a mixed reaction at the sight of this while Mr. Video Game begins to headbunt the back of David’s skull for further measure. This submission may cause Freak to gripe and groan yet it won’t stop him from fighting his way up to his feet.

The crowd is mostly mixed in their response as David rises to his feet, still being held in the double chickenwing from his opposition behind him. He begins to force his way backwards, pushing Commander V in the direction of the turnbuckle once again. However, the crafty Commander will not be caught with the same counter twice, breaking his submission and jumping into the air. He leapfrogs over David’s back and wraps his legs around his opponent’s neck, following forward as he connects with a head scissors. Freak flips over, crashing hard to the canvas then rolling over to his knees, trying to stand up as quickly as he can. The second he reaches his feet though, Commander V springs into the air and levels him with a well timed dropkick.

Douglas: The action is starting to pick up in this one on one encounter.

Mayne: And I continue to be more and more apathetic.

Freak again scrambles to reach his feet when Commander V meets him with a forearm to the cheek, followed by a well placed one to his jaw. He jumps into the air, catching David by the back of the head and pulling him down into a code breaker right across his knee. The collision causes Freak to stand up and stagger in reverse into one of the corners, falling against it for support. His arms tumbles over the ropes while he maintains his footing, shaking off the effects of that code breaker. The ever so sudden Mr. Video Game rises to his feet and comes barreling towards David, jumping into the air and throwing his back right into his opponent’s thick sternum. The collision is rather violent but Commander V doesn’t allow David to fall, reaching out and catching him around the neck with a side headlock. He now barrels out of the corner, looking for a bulldog. As soon as he jumps into the air to deliver the face buster variation, David places his hands to his opposition’s spine and throws him up high into the air. Freak has freed himself and has caused Commander V to catch some tremendous height before his diminutive frame crashes with vile force against the canvas.

The fans groan the sickening landing while the Commander grips at his spine and instinctively begins to rise to his feet. The second he obtains a standing base, David rushes forward and levels him with a violent boot right to the nose. Commander V almost flips over backwards, crashing into the canvas across the back of his skull and head then rolling over onto his knees. A very dazed expression resides on his face as he remains kneeling only long enough for David to rush forward and deliver a basement dropkick to the side of his head.

Douglas: David Freak obtaining the advantage and doing so as viciously as possible.

Mayne: I think Commander V is going to have a permanent impression of a boot where his face use to be.

Commander V rolls across the canvas to his gut, trying to force himself to his feet only to have David jump into the air, coming down with a knee right into his kidneys. A loud, painstaking groan emanates from Mr. Video Game while David keeps his knee wedged against the small of his back. He reaches out and interlocks his hands in front of Commander V’s chin, pulling back with a modified reverse chin lock. All the Commander seems capable of doing is groaning, his facial features contorting from the pain that shoots through his back. David has worked up a healthy sweat as he continues to inflict some punishment on the spine of his smaller opponent, taking joy in the twisting of his body. Commander V tries desperately to force himself up to his feet, trying to get up off of the canvas and utilize his speed advantage. However, David breaks the submission, steps over Commander V’s back and jumps into the air, coming down seat first right into his lower kidneys. A roar of anguish emanates from Commander V as he tumbles back to the canvas, David reaching down and taking him by the hair. He pulls his light opponent up to his knees and begins to fire off repeated forearm strikes into the back of his head.

Douglas: Look at this aggression from Freak.

Mayne: They call that roid rage, or a sugar fit.

The referee admonishes David for these deadly strikes, but he pays little attention to the referee. Instead he forces Commander V up to his feet and wedges his shoulder against his smaller opponent’s kidney area, hoisting him into the air and then driving him down to the canvas with a back drop suplex. The Commander slams with vicious force against the canvas, arching his spine from the ring in agony. The intense David stands up and steps to Commander V’s side, grabbing his wrist and pulling him up to his feet before whipping him into the corner. Commander slams sternum first against the turnbuckle, his arms falling over the ropes to keep himself upright. The flustered Freak rushes in and drives his shoulder right to Commander V’s spine. A groan emanates from the battered Commander while David steps back then rushes in, driving a knee into the kidneys of his opposition. David steps in reverse once again and now rushes in for another blow to the kidneys of his opponent, when Commander V turns and lobs the point of his elbow right into Freak’s face.

The fans start to cheer loudly as David is staggered by the blow. He charges in once again only to have Commander V turn around and launch his boot into his opponent’s jaw. The stiff kick sends David reeling in reverse, trying to keep his feet beneath him as he blinks his eyes awkwardly. Commander V now pulls himself up onto the turnbuckle backwards and is prepared to launch himself off for a dropkick. However, David steps in and grabs him by the ankle, pulling on it and as thus yanking him off of the turnbuckle. Commander V plummets with force back first against the canvas, the crowd grimacing over the loud collision.

Mayne: Now that was impressive.

Douglas: David showing no compassion for his opponent’s well being.

Billy: That’s what makes it so impressive.

David leans against the ropes while palming his face, his opposition turning onto his knees in a slow, agonizing state. Freak now rushes out of the ropes when Commander V reaches out and catches him around the back of the legs. He lifts up on them, causing David to crash onto his back while Commander V flips forward, coming down spine first onto his opponent’s sternum for jackknife cover.

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David kicks out, causing Commander to roll off of him while still gripping at his spine. With primal intensity David stands up, lifting his elbow and dropping it at his opposition’s back only to have Commander V roll out of the way. As a result David’s elbow hits the ring hard, Mr. Video Game continuing to roll away from him in the direction of the ropes. He utilizes them to force his pain ravaged body upwards while David rises in the center of the ring, still rubbing at his elbow. Rage clouds Freak’s eyes as he rushes at Commander V, who lifts his legs into the air and kicks his opponent right to the face. The strike sends Commander flipping over backwards over top the ropes and landing feet first on the apron. David comes charging back in at him when his opposition bends forward, driving his shoulder through the ropes right Freak’s ribs. David is doubled over by the blow as his adversary grabs the top rope and flips over it. He rolls back first off of Freak’s spine and lands on his feet behind his opponent, rushing into the cables behind him. He bounces off and comes back in at David with tremendous speed only to almost have his head ripped off with a clothesline from hell.

Mayne: HAHAHA!

Douglas: What a violent, vicious, brutal lariat by David Freak!

Commander V lies on the canvas motionless, his eyes blinking awkwardly.

Douglas: Every time Commander V gets something going he’s stopped dead in his tracks by the ever aggressive David Freak.

David is quite exhausted, resting on his elbows and knees while sweat beads down his features. He crawls into the cover on Commander V, hooking his leg with the crowd having a loud mixed reaction.

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Douglas: And with a clothesline from hell, David Freak has defeated the very game Commander V.

Mayne: Nice pun. I guess you could label this as a somewhat successful debut.

Dan: Any debut that culminates with a win is successful.

A tired, drained David rises to his feet and backs away from the down Commander V glaring at him with intense eyes. He doesn’t even allow the referee to raise his arm in victory, instead pulling it away from his grasp.

Douglas: An impressive showing from David Freak tonight, but ladies and gentlemen, we’re moving right along here on Riot!, as scheduled up next it will be Christian Savior’s “Twilight Zone.” Yes people, unfortunately we have to see him again here tonight.

Mayne: At least we’ll get a nice ratings bump.

David continues to stand back with his malicious gaze settled on the sprawled out, struggling Commander V.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

No explanation needed

THE TWILIGHT ZONE

The show comes back live with no commentator introduction, as the telecast has been hijacked by Christian Savior’s “Twilight Zone.” This title repeatedly flashes at the bottom of the screen as an interesting set now adorns the ring, once again baring two customary stools. Despite the earlier proceedings, Christian sits in his stool arrogantly, two title belts adorning his lap and a huge smirk settled on his confident features. A large ladder is positioned just behind his back, symbolically hyping the three way at Paranoia V.

Savior: No, no, don’t be confused my dimwitted viewing audience, yes you are actually seeing something entertaining on a Riot! for once. I know how shocking that might be for many of you to accept.

Boos drown out the egotistical ramblings of the well dressed Savior, who finds such a reaction to be comical.

Christian: If your just tuning in now you picked the most opportune time to do so, because there’s no better way to bring one back from commercial break than by seeing my ratings grabbing face.

Again boos escalate from the outraged spectators as Savior protrudes his lower lip over his upper one to give him a squarer, more masculine jaw.

Savior: Now there’s no need to thank me for saving you people from monotony, because my upcoming guest will again inflict you with that nauseating sense of boredom. He’s a man who shamefully has been placed in a match against yours truly at Paranoia V. A man who just doesn’t seem to grasp the idea that I’m his intellectual and physical superior. A man who clearly doesn’t have the necessary tools to defeat me in a ladder match.

Savior’s vicious verbal campaign is intensified by his rather fiery eyes.

Savior: My guest tonight is the man who I defeated for this…

The N.H.B Championship is held up in the air, the crowd cheering as they realize who is about to be Christian’s guest.

Savior: And he’ll be the man who I defeat again at Paranoia V in a three way ladder match. The guest on tonight’s Twilight Zone is the human punching bag, JON RICH!

The reaction from the crowd is earth shaking as Unbreakable by Bon Jovi blares throughout the PA system. Savior’s disgust escalates as through the curtains emerges Jon Rich himself, one eye covered by a patch and other burning a hole directly into Christian’s face. His entrance music continues as Rich marches straight for the ring with no caution or hesitation. Savior rises from his stool, standing at the ready for any possible occurrence as Jon jumps to the apron and slips through the ropes, adorned in combat gear. He approaches the stool set up for him and snatches a microphone off the top of it. Before he can even produce a single word, Christian cuts him off.

Savior: Jon, I wish I could say that it’s a treat to have you on tonight’s Twilight Zone, but to be perfectly honest with you, it’s not.

A loud wave of repulsion settles over the crowd while Rich grins slightly and licks his lips.

Christian: Because I created this show so I could rub shoulders with greatness, not losers. Last week I had the indignity of having Robin on the initial telecast of my talk show and now the downward spiral continues via your presence here tonight.

Rich: Then why did you pick me as your guest Christian, just so you could stand out here and insult me?

Savior: Although that would be fun for a few moments, it quickly loses its luster given your overall blandness. No, what I brought you out here for was to talk some sense into you.

Rich’s interest is perked up slightly, mouthing the words “is that so?” Christian inches his way out from behind his stool with his palm extended out towards Jon.

Christian: You see Jon, your whole pursuit for revenge against me is foolhardy. It doesn’t make any sense, because I know you realize that I bring much greater prestige to the N.H.B title than you ever could.

The boos from the fans only escalates as Jon actually begins to crack up a little.

Savior: And I know that you realize you’re not as good as I am, that you’re just wasting your time. That at Paranoia V there will be no other ending but me standing on top of a ladder with two titles in my grasp.

Rich: Really?

Savior: Don’t feign ignorance to these facts Jon, your already ignorant enough as it is.

Again Jon begins to laugh.

Christian: Deep down inside you know that competing in this ladder match is illogical Jon. That’s why I’ve brought you out here tonight, I’m giving you the opportunity to walk away now and save yourself even further humiliation. I’m giving you this one opportunity to denounce your participation in the ladder match at Paranoia V I’m going to let you walk away Jon and prevent feeling the excruciating pain of another Blaze of Glory.

By now the boos are almost deafening while Jon crosses his arms and nods his head, mulling this option over.

Savior: Walk away Jon, just walk away, because you do not want to see what I bring to the table, or I guess, the ladder, when my gold is on the line. This is a once in a lifetime offer Jon, so I highly suggest that you accept it.

Savior steps back with an overtly serious expression on his face, Jon lowering his as he continues to weigh his options. Finally his chest heaves and his shoulders sink.

Jon: Your right Christian.

The crowd’s reaction intensifies while Savior grins pompously.

Rich: I have questioned rather or not it’s really worth facing you in that ladder match at Paranoia V. I have asked myself if I should endure the hell your going to put me through in this match.

Christian nods eagerly and arrogantly, his confidence fueled by Jon’s uncertainty.

Jon: And throughout all this soul searching I reached one inescapable conclusion. It’ll all be worth it, as long as I can wipe that arrogant ass smirk from your face!

Jon steps forward and superkicks Savior right under the jaw. The fans’ reaction drastically changes, everyone going nuts as Christian tumbles onto his back, laid out across the canvas and reaching for his jaw in pain. Jon stands over him, glaring down at the laid out Christian while seething. With ravenous eyes Rich turns towards the ladder, approaching it and knocking the stools down out of his way, including the one holding both of the title belts. He scoops the ladder up across his sternum then approaches Christian. To a loud ovation the ladder is lifted above Rich’s head then slammed down on top of Christian, the Rising Phoenix convulsing beneath it.

The enraged Rich now backs up from Christian tucked under the ladder when Robin Brooks blindsides him from behind. Rich tumbles to his elbows and knees while Robin begins to stomp at Jon’s back over and over again. She bends down and clubs him over the spine with a smile on her face. Savior pushes the ladder off of himself and stands up, gripping at his jaw while taking hold of the steel. He lifts it up onto his shoulder, shouting at Robin to turn around so that he can use the steel to inflict damage on her. That’s when a huge security force rushes out and slides into the ring, quickly trying to separate these three. Many of them gather in front of Christian who is furiously trying to rush forward with the ladder but is restrained. Robin is grabbed by the arms and dragged backwards away from Rich who stands and shoves security aside. He charges right at Brooks and begins to slam fists repeatedly into her face. Robin responds with shots of her own before they are again separated.

AWOL: GOD DAMMIT!

Attention shifts to General Manager AWOL who storms through the curtains with a very angry expression on his face. Besides being outraged over the outcome of the handicap match earlier, he now finds himself infuriated by this violent outburst in the center of the ring.

AWOL: You know, I’m getting a real sense of déjà vu here. Just last week I had to pull you simpletons apart, and frankly I’m getting fed up with the redundancy of it all. Robin, Rich…

The camera shifts between the furious faces of Jon and Robin, who are dying to get their hands on one another as well as on the restrained Christian Savior.

AWOL: You two want to fight so bad, well guess what I’m not going to stop you. Let’s start our 6 person tag team main event, right now!!

This leads to another loud outburst of cheers, everyone in the building ecstatic over the fact that the main event is about to commence. Savior, Rich and Robin all glare across the ring at each other while being restrained by the officials, frothing at the mouths in anticipation of tearing each other apart at Paranoia V.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

THE ALPHA GENERATION VS. ORLANDO CRUZE & JOHNNY KINGDOM & JON RICH

The show returns to the inside of the Manhattan Center, centered on the ring where Jon Rich is in one corner and Robin Brooks now in the other. They glare at each other maliciously with the stern referee threatening to disqualify them both if they get into another physical encounter before the start of this six person tag.

Douglas: Welcome back to Riot!, and as you can see some sanity has been restored out here as Robin Brooks and Jon Rich have been forced into their respective corners after that chaotic ending to the Twilight Zone.

Mayne: I’m surprised these two are able to control themselves after that chaos.

Douglas: Brilliant follow up.

Billy: Thanks, but things are about to get much more chaotic out here when this six person tag commences.

Robin and Rich continue to scowl at one another vindictively, having vicious intentions in mind.

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!!!

Without any hesitation the World Heavyweight Champion storms through the curtains, his fiery eyes honed in on the man who got physical with his beautiful counterpart. With the title hanging from his grasp he lifts his finger, pointing at Rich in the ring and storming toward him. He seemingly forgets the fear that he derives from having to face both Johnny Kingdom and Orlando Cruze in the center of the ring, his mind wrapped around the man who had the audacity to touch the Black Widow. He jumps onto the apron and enters the ring, stomping towards Rich only to be held at bay by Brooks, who lightly pats her man on his puny sternum. It doesn’t appear that it’s taking much to restrain Hurse from throwing fisticuffs with an ever intense Rich.

Mayne: Oh how Jon is going to be sorry, oh yes, he’s really, really going to be sorry. Look at that intensity in Hurse’s eyes. He’s going to make Jon pay tonight, and Orlando pay for what he did earlier tonight, and for what Johnny has done to him night after night. It’ll be a night of retribution, that’s for sure.

Dan: Billy, please lay off the sugar. The World Champion is full of hot air, not courage, as displayed by his attempted sneak attack on Orlando earlier tonight.

Billy: It was a brilliant, diabolical plot if it weren’t for those idiots backstage who improperly looped the video, and didn’t keep it in synch with Orlando’s stereotypical dialogue. But one way or another, I’m sure the World Champion will get the last laugh.

Hurse places a kiss on Robin’s lips, trying to calm her down as she does the same to him. They both glare towards the eager Rich in his corner, just waiting for the opportunity to continue the physicality. 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.

Desolation walks to the ring, head lowered and with Axl’s blood still on his hands. He climbs up into a kneeling position on the ring apron, arms entwined in the ropes, a sadistic smile on his face as he holds the pose for a few moments.

He gets to his feet and slowly raises one fist into the air before stepping through the ring ropes. He too gives Jon a chilling stare before his overly unemotional face transfers to a suddenly uncomfortable Robin and Hurse. The World Champion steps forward and begins to talk strategy with Desolation, who is largely unresponsive.

Douglas: I’m not sure how I can look at this man the same ever again, after what he did to both Max Craven and Axl Evermore tonight, the mere sight of him appalls me.

Mayne: I’m sure you’re more than just a little sickening in his eyes too. I can’t believe you repeat that same worn out garbage every time that Desolation inflicts his brutality on those foolish enough to wrong him. Would you prefer that instead he looked like a meek coward?

Dan: There is no viable explanation you can give for his actions. For crying out loud he still has Axl Evermore’s blood on his hands.

Billy: It’s decorative and tasteful.

Desolation continues to give little to no response as Hurse and Robin try to discuss a gameplan with him for this tag team encounter. The fans suddenly erupt into a frenzy of cheers though, a pop so loud it shakes the very building as “Wake Up” by the Lost Prophets blares throughout the PA system. This music coincides with the arrival of Johnny Kingdom, who strolls through the curtains and pauses on the stage. His eyes glare forward, penetratingly upon his opponents in the ring, yet he derives no fear of any of them. Jon Rich shakes his head over the reaction the fans are giving the Team Leader, who saunters towards the ring amongst an escalating reaction from the fans. He jumps to the apron and gives Desolation a long hard stare, the two’s eyes meeting. This view is obscured by Hurse, who steps in front of the Dark Man and points at his World title belt, insisting that he’s now a better champion than Johnny ever was. Kingdom finds this laughable as he slips through the ropes and approaches his corner.

Mayne: There is the great Johnny Kingdom, the amiable specimen who sat down with me for that Pulitzer prize winning interview we conducted. Even if he is a sell-out.

Dan: And an admitted sell-out at that. That’s the one thing I like about Kingdom, because let’s face it, there’s much more to hate, the fact that he tells you exactly how it is.

Billy: His gift for gab sure is a desirable trait, as well as his recuperative abilities, I’m shocked he’s here after he was beaten so badly last week with those canes.

Johnny steps to Jon’s side and immediate tension can be felt heavy in the air between them, the two obviously no strangers to one another. This tension is exacerbated by the tunes of “You Know My Name” powerfully hitting the speakers.

Douglas: And here comes the number one contender!

Hurse appears even more bitter as through the curtains marches Orlando Cruze to an unbelievable reaction from the fans. Everyone in the building is on their feet as Cruze steps down the ramp without a fear in the world and with no hesitation. He lifts his clinched fist into the air on the way, which garnishes an even bigger pop from the fans. All those in the ring, with the exception of Rich, stare at him awkwardly though as Orlando makes his way up the steps then the outside of the corner, again raising his fist to screams from the joyous crowd.

Mayne: Someone get the kids and the prepubescent pre-teen girls out of here please! Their reaction hurts my brain.

Douglas: As does much of your dialogue. Orlando is getting the respect he deserves from these people, who all realize that his time is coming. They can feel it Billy, a new champion will soon be crowned.

Billy: Laughable, absolutely laughable.

Those packed tightly into the Manhattan Center are almost salivating as inside the ring now stands number one contender Orlando Cruze and the World Heavyweight Champion Hurse. Both men are the only two occupying the ring, Orlando obviously eager to get his hands on Hurse who finally notices that the Icon is choosing to start things out representing his team. As soon as he sees this a grin forms on the Champion’s face and he shakes his head, turning to slap Robin on the shoulder, insisting his girlfriend get in there against Cruze instead. Robin shoots him a foul glare before slipping through the ropes into the ring, not really wanting to start things out against Orlando.

Douglas: Why does Hurse have to be such a killjoy?

Mayne: He’s not going to risk getting injured just a few weeks shy of Paranoia V, so he’s going to allow Robin to get in there and soften Orlando up before their big match. It’s actually very intelligent strategy.

Dan: It’s cowardice is what it is, plain and simple.

Now that Robin is in the ring Rich slips through the ropes and insists on starting this match for his team. Kingdom shrugs, indifferent while Orlando reassuringly pats the co-holder of the Tag Titles on the back then vacates the squared circle. Noticeable tension resides between Johnny and Orlando on the apron as the bell rings, Rich and Robin stepping to the center of the squared circle. They eye each other closely before stepping forward and beginning to exchange verbal jabs, a lot of heat having developed between the former tag team partners.

Douglas: We saw these two go at it earlier in the Twilight Zone, now they’re starting out what should be a phenomenal 6 person tag team match.

Robin suddenly slaps Rich hard to the cheek, the crowd gasping over this audacity. Strangely a grin forms on Jon’s features before he delivers a sharp kick the Black Widow’s ribs, doubling her over then removing her from her feet with a blistering forearm strike to the jaw. She crashes to the canvas while Hurse threatens to enter the ring but is held at bay by Desolation, who is only using one outstretched finger to do so. Robin rolls across the canvas into the ropes, grabbing at her jaw and looking at Jon as if stunned by his behavior. The co-holder of the Tag Titles leans forward, motioning for Robin to stand up and take him off.

Mayne: What a classless individual Jon Rich is. How dare he strike his former tag team partner.

Douglas: Robin double crossed him Billy, she deserves anything that she gets. And the sheer fact that your constantly supporting Robin now is just mind boggling.

Robin rubs at her jaw while standing as Rich moves towards her, swinging his arm for another strike to her face. Brooks ducks it, Jon turning his back to the cables as he now receives a hard knife edge chop right across the chest followed by an open hand palm strike to the face. Jon is almost taken down to the canvas from the blows before he’s taken around the head and led out of the corner into a side headlock submission. A smirking Robin has the hold tightly locked in, even going as far as to give her teammates a thumbs up which only the World Champion reciprocates.

This gesture costs her because Jon now grabs one of Robin’s wrists and pulls it away from his neck, swinging his head around free from the submission. He now locks her arm in a textbook arm ringer hold when Robin jumps into a forward roll onto her seat. She now drops into a backwards roll onto her feet then does a cartwheel across the canvas. As soon as she lands on her feet she swings around under Jon’s arm, applying the arm ringer of her own with a confident smile on her arrogant face.

Robin: You can’t keep up with the Black Widow, Jon.

The second she makes this comment Rich bridges over backwards, with his feet and the top of his head touching the canvas. He lifts one of his feet into the air and kicks Robin’s hand away from his wrist. He then nips up onto his feet, swings around under Robin’s arm and tucks it behind her back with a hammerlock. The quick Rich yanks on Robin’s hammerlocked arm, causing her to spin around into a circle where she eats a vicious forearm to the face. The strike sends her crashing onto her seat, leaning back first against the ropes.

Douglas: Some very nice chain wrestling demonstrated between these two leading into that vicious forearm strike yet again from Jon Rich.

Mayne: What a pompous son of a bitch Jon Rich is. Robin’s lovely face is as delicate as a blooming flower, it doesn’t deserve this type of treatment.

Dan: Can I again say just how repulsed I am by your sudden affection for Robin?

Billy: Sure you can, but I’m not going to listen.

The referee insists Jon step to the center of the ring with his hands lifted into the air and his head titled towards the rising Robin. She still rubs at her jaw before glancing towards the Dark Man and smiling. She reaches out and slaps his palm before turning back towards Jon.

Robin: Now you’ve done it!

Brooks slips through the ropes onto the apron while Desolation stands in the ring staring right across it into the face of Jon Rich. The crowd is screaming at the thought of these men once again locking it up after the violent campaign they waged against each other over the fall and winter months. Desolation still has that same malcontent in his eyes, his fingers stained with Axl Evermore’s blood as he clinches them into fists. They both step forward now when Desolation reaches out for Jon who avoids his grasp by ducking his arm. Desolation spins around into a lunging forearm to the face, followed by a standard forearm strike right under his jaw.

Douglas: Desolation and Rich coming to blows now, who will ever forget the insanely violent battles these two had at Breathless and Extinction.

Desolation is chopped across the sternum now before Rich goes for a boot to his abdomen. Desolation catches him around the ankle though and pushes his foot down to the canvas, then attempts his own kick. Rich catches the Dark Man’s attempted boot on this occasion then drops down into a baseball slide kick that removes his other foot from beneath him. Desolation crashes onto his back while Jon quickly stands up at his side and jumps into the air. He extends his leg to drop it across the Dark Man’s face when his opponent sits up, avoiding it. Jon crashes onto his seat while Desolation stands up at his side and delivers a buzzsaw kick aimed at his face. Rich drops onto his back, avoiding the kick as the momentum of the attempted strike carries Desolation into a full spin. He turns to face Jon who jumps to his feet and lunges into the air for a dropkick. Desolation side steps it, swiping Rich’s feet down out of the air and sending him crashing to the canvas spine first.

The Dark Man lifts his foot and tries to stomp Rich’s face only to have him roll out of the way onto his back once again. Therefore Desolation grabs him by the wrist, lifting up on it and causing Jon to nip to his feet with great agility. He then falls to his spine and arm drags Desolation over across the canvas. The Dark Man rolls across the ring onto his feet, standing up quickly and rushing into the cables. He bounces off of them as Jon rolls towards him onto his chest and stomach. Desolation acrobatically cartwheels Rich and in the process grabs hold of his opponent’s wrist. He uses this grasp to drag Jon up off his belly and onto his feet then throws him forward into a hip toss. Rich crashes to the canvas then rolls onto his knees, glaring at the Dark Man while the crowd claps loudly.

Douglas: What a series of counters between Desolation and Jon Rich. These two men well aware of what the other is going to throw at them.

Mayne: Impossible, you never know what the Dark Man is going to do next, which is exactly what he proved earlier tonight with that brutality inflicted on Evermore.

Dan: Must you constantly dredge that up?

Billy: Actually yes.

The crowd is still clapping while Jon stands up and backs towards the ropes where Johnny Kingdom reaches over the cables and tags his partner’s shoulder. The fans react with a loud cheer at the sight of Kingdom entering the ring and preparing to go at it with Desolation.

Douglas: Oh you can feel the electricity in the air now, Desolation versus Kingdom, first time ever.

Desolation glares coldly and vacantly at the eager Kingdom before extending his hand out towards Hurse. The World Champion eagerly slaps his palm and enters the ring, Johnny appearing dejected by Desolation’s unwillingness to face him. Hurse jumps over the ropes and glares into the eyes of his former Creative Control and Empire teammate, the Manhattan Center crowd cheering again at the prospect of seeing these two lock up after being separated for so long. Kingdom shrugs and now stands at the ready as he and Hurse begin to circle one another.

Hurse: One more time bitch, one more time, hahahaha.

They step forward and on again off again teammates lock up in a collar elbow. With startling quickness Hurse swings around under Kingdom’s arm, applying the arm ringer but then quickly changing it up by pressing his spine to the back of Johnny’s bicep. He pushes off and turns around to face Kingdom’s back, dropping to his knees and grabbing hold of his ankle. He lifts it into the air and causes the Team Leader to crash forward into the canvas.

Hurse: Where am I coming from Johnny, huh, huh?

Hurse jumps forward and grabs the opposite arm of the Team Leader now. He locks it in a fujiawara while an annoyed Johnny starts to stand. When he gets to his feet Hurse alters the move back into the arm ringer then pulls Johnny into him with a side headlock.

Hurse: YAY! Where am I going to strike from next, old friend? You can’t do shit about…

The Team Leader spins out of the side headlock and grabs Hurse’s arm, forcing him down to the canvas right into the Lesson in Leadership (crossface). The Manhattan Center crowd is going nuts as Johnny rips at the arm and pulls back on Hurse’s head, who already appears on the verge of tapping out.

Mayne: NOOO!

Douglas: A counter right into the crossface! This 6 person tag might be over already.

Desolation’s palm engulfs his face while Hurse scoots across his stomach in a panic, reaching out with his foot and draping it over the middle cable.

Mayne: Oh thank God.

The referee starts a five count before Johnny breaks the submission and stands, backing to the center of the ring amongst a roar of approval from the crowd. An angered Hurse gets to a knee, grabbing his shoulder and scowling at Johnny who merely tilts his head with a shrug of his shoulders. After shaking off the effects of that crossface Hurse gets to his feet and points at Kingdom, insisting that he’s going to pay for what he just did. Suddenly he turns to throw a punch at Orlando who blocks his attempted shot, making Hurse swallow a fist. The strike causes Hurse to turn away from Orlando and stumble towards Kingdom who immediately grabs his arm and tries to force him down into the crossface yet again. The crowd is shocked as Hurse drops to his knees and then rolls forward across the canvas, turning around and reaching out for Johnny’s legs. He grabs the back of them, trying to lift up and apply the Legend Lock when Kingdom blasts him over the back with a hard forearm then places him in a front chancery. Another loud ovation from the fans coincides with Kingdom setting up for the Exodus Finale (Brainbuster DDT).

Douglas: He’s got Hurse in position for the Exodus Finale!

Mayne: This can’t be happening.

Johnny looks up to call out for his finishing move when a huge boot smacks right into his face. Kingdom crashes to his back as Desolation stands over him, shooting an intimidating glare downward at his laid out opponent. The fans react with despair as they realize that Hurse has been saved from the Exodus Finale. He steps back wobbling while Desolation vacates the ring, then steps forward and drops an elbow into Kingdom’s sternum. He rolls across the canvas to his feet then lunges into the air, coming down with a knee right to his opponent’s forehead. The Team Leader sits up and rolls to his knees as his former associate keeps after him. He steps over Johnny and blasts him across the back with a forearm then takes him by the hair and pulls him all the way to his feet only to receive a slap to the ribs. He now takes another slap to the opposite side of the mid-section, bending the World Champion forward before Kingdom stands up straight, delivering a vicious European Uppercut to Hurse’s jaw. The World Champion is staggered, somehow remaining upright as he back peddles from Johnny who is still dazed from that boot. Once he collects himself Hurse rushes forward only to have Kingdom spin around and blast him to the face with a roaring elbow.

Mayne: OUCH!

Douglas: Kingdom showing that you just can’t keep this man down.

Robin screams as her man takes this deadly blow to the head. Kingdom stands over Hurse who quickly tries to stand up only to be booted to the ribs and grabbed by the back of the head. He charges the Champion across the ring then drives him face first into the top turnbuckle pad, Hurse placing his spine to the corner in a very disorientated state. Shockingly Johnny turns towards Orlando and actually tags him into this encounter amongst much approval from the fans.

Douglas: Orlando has got the tag and he’s now in there against the man he’ll face for the World Heavyweight Title at Paranoia V! The very same man who was so smug earlier tonight during that contract signing!

Mayne: This isn’t fair, this will kill buyrates.

Orlando slips through the ropes when Hurse snaps out of it and spots the challenger for his title entering the ring. He quickly tries to get away, running across the squared circle towards his team. However, Orlando sticks his foot out, causing Hurse to trip over it and crash to the canvas in the center of the ring. Cruze now steps out of the corner and grabs Hurse’s leg, stepping over and dropping down into a STF. The crowd is screaming passionately while Hurse is roaring in pain, lifting his hand and looking on the verge of submission.

Mayne: NOT AGAIN!

Douglas: Hurse trapped in the STF by the number one contender for his World Championship, are we going to see him tap already?

Roars of agony emit from Hurse who’s hand is lifted into the air, just seconds from tapping out when Robin enters the ring and dropkicks Orlando to the back of the cranium. This shot breaks up the STF and sends Orlando rolling across the canvas to his knees. He looks somewhat dazed while Robin reaches down in disgust, helping her partner, both in the ring and in life, to his feet, cussing at him all the while. As soon as he stands up leaning against Robin for support, both Alpha Gen reps look up to spot Jon Rich springing from the center of the top rope and flying through the air with a double lariat. Both Brooks and Hurse are taken to the canvas with Jon landing on his knees between them.

Douglas: What an acrobatic move by Rich, just taking out both Brooks and the World Champion!

The crowd is starting to get loud while Jon stands up and turns right into a brutal, absolutely stiff superkick right under the jaw from Desolation. That’s when the reaction from the fans changes to a gasp, many of them covering their mouths as Rich drops to the ring and Desolation steps in reverse towards the ropes. He looks almost snug and secure until Kingdom comes rushing across the ring and spears him to the ribs. Desolation flies backwards through the ropes, crashing spine first off the apron while Kingdom tumbles to the outside of the ring right along side him.

Mayne: AHHH! Now Desolation speared through the ropes by Johnny Kingdom. All hell has already broken lose in this 6 person tag!

Douglas: It didn’t take long for these combustible elements to come unglued.

The Team Leader and the Dark Man roll across the mats, trying to fight their way to their feet while in a somewhat dazed condition, Jon Rich begins to stand up. As soon as he reaches his feet he spots Desolation standing up on the outside of the ring and now barrels across the canvas, throwing himself through the ropes. He twists into a suicide plancha that sends the Dark Man tumbling back first into the barricade and Rich spilling into the Manhattan Center crowd.

Douglas: What a dive from Jon Rich!

Mayne: The referee needs to restore some order in this match.

The crowd is slapping the barricades after that last death defying dive from the former N.H.B Champion while Orlando and Hurse have reached their feet in the ring. The World title holder staggers around and turns towards Cruze who blasts him under the jaw with a closed fist. He now hits another strike, and then a third, relishing this opportunity to get his hands on the man who screwed with his life for far too long. He now grabs Hurse by the wrist and pulls him forward into a Rock Bottom position. The crowd is screaming with delight until Hurse back elbows Orlando to the cranium, breaking up the attempt. Cruze staggers forward with his spine facing Hurse who leans forward, placing his hands on his knees. Brooks stands and rushes up behind Hurse, stepping off of his back and then lunging into the air as she lands on top of Orlando’s shoulders from behind. She spins him around then pulls him over into a reverse hurricarana. The crowd screams as Cruze crashes from the canvas across the top of his head.

Douglas: OHHHH!!

Mayne: Now that is tag team continuity at its finest!

Orlando flips over onto his knees with an incredibly glazed over look in his eyes before tumbling forward into the canvas. Robin stands and quickly vacates the ring while insisting that Hurse make the cover. In his disorientated condition the World Champion falls on top of Cruze, hooking his leg and going for the pinfall. The distracted official turns and spots the cover, dropping and making the count.

1

2

Orlando lobs his shoulder from the ring, kicking out right before a three count can be made. This somewhat annoys the World Champion who stands and stomps Cruze hard to the sternum. He does it again and again and again, each stomp more vicious than the last while Robin steps across the apron and grabs the top rope. She looks over her shoulder at Kingdom and Desolation fighting it out to screams of joy from the crowd then springs to the middle rope, flipping over backwards into a huge moonsault. She comes down on top of both men, knocking them all three to the protective mats.

Douglas: Now Robin going high risk!

Mayne: Why must everyone in this match shorten their career or risk injury when we’re so close to Paranoia V?

Dan: Nobody cares what time of the month it is…

Billy: Unless your Robin.

Douglas: Okay, maybe, but they got that Paranoia feeling surging through their blood and they’re pulling out all the stops tonight.

Hurse looks over the ropes at the chaos outside the ring and now grins as he rushes across the squared circle into the opposite cables. Obviously he’s setting up for a high risk dive of his own as he barrels towards the ropes only to have Orlando stand up and step in front of him, catching the World Champion against his shoulder. He lifts him into the air and delivers a vicious spinebuster slam. Hurse is driven with incredible force against the canvas, almost shaking the ring while Orlando hops to his feet, looking all fired up. He turns in time to spot Robin stepping up onto the apron and now springing to the top cable. She flies off it at the Icon who reaches up and catches Brooks in mid-air, pulling her around into a vicious spinning powerslam. Brooks begins to convulse all across the canvas while Orlando again jumps to his feet, more energized than ever.

Douglas: Orlando a one man wrecking crew inside of that ring right now!

Mayne: Who does he think he is, Commando, or B.A Baracus? He doesn’t have the corn rolls or the Austrian accent to pull off either.

Jon Rich has now climbed back up into their corner, extending his hand for a tag as Orlando acknowledges the co-holder of his tag titles, moving in and slapping his hand. On the outside of the ring Desolation and Kingdom are getting to their feet and again slugging it out between each other. They’re really brawling as Kingdom chops Desolation who responds with a straight right to the Team Leader’s jaw. Despite them both taking all of those dives from their other opponents they won’t stop going at it. Finally Kingdom kicks Desolation to the ribs and takes him by the wrist, whipping him towards the exposed turnbuckle post. Desolation turns though and instead pulls Kingdom forward into his arms, hoisting him up into a powerslam position before dropping the Team Leader throat first onto the barricade. He bounces off of it and tumbles to the mats, grabbing at his neck in pain.

Inside of the ring Orlando has picked up Hurse and holds him in position for Rich, who steps in with a hard enzugari style kick to the back of the World Champion’s head. The shot sends Hurse tumbling forward sternum first onto the middle cable, his arms dangling over the rope to hold his body up. Jon now rolls to his feet when a screaming Robin charges at him, gripping at her back all the while. However, Rich quickly catches her with a drop toe hold, causing her to land sternum first on the middle cable right alongside the World Champion. They are both in a prone condition as Rich stands up and moves to the center of the ring, thinking about what he’ll do next. With Orlando now watching on from their corner and shouting support, Rich rushes into the cables opposite the ones that his opponents are draped over. He bounces off these cables and comes charging at his prone opposition when Desolation enters the ring from his side and unexpectedly catches him around the waist. Desolation falls into a back drop driver, slamming the top of Rich’s head right into the canvas. The crowd groans as a result of this vicious, devastating landing, which sends Rich flipping over onto his seat.

Douglas: A back drop driver from Desolation, he could have broke Jon Rich’s neck with that move!

Mayne: It was more than likely his intention Dan.

The crowd is still reciting their dismay as Desolation vacates the ring, some order finally being restored as Jon feebly attempts to reach his feet. As he slowly begins to stand Hurse gets to his wobbly feet and steps towards him, stepping to his side and taking Jon around the neck. He drops in reverse and flips Jon over backwards so that he slams into the ring across his face with the Shellshock. Another exasperated squeal emanates from the fans as Jon comes down to his back, Hurse crawling towards his corner where he makes the tag to Desolation.

Billy: Jon is in for a world of trouble now.

Douglas: After taking those two deadly drops on his head and neck I don’t think he’ll have much left to put up a defense against the Dark Man.

Desolation takes the hair of his opponent and aims his face down towards the canvas so that he can deliver a straight upward kick directly to his face. The stiff strike echoes throughout the arena before Desolation connects with a second one, then a third. Each one increases in it’s sheer impact before Desolation finally positions Jon on his knees, wavering back and forth then delivers a straight buzzsaw style kick right to the cranium. Rich is left suspended on his knees, his eyes flickering before he finally comes down to the canvas across his sternum, lying there in a heap.

Robin and Hurse laugh over what they’re seeing in between gripes of pain as they both stand in their corner. Orlando is calling out for Rich to get up and make the tag while Johnny climbs up onto the apron at the side of the Icon. They both stare at each other while Johnny rubs at his neck.

Kingdom: Thanks for the help.

Orlando shrugs and turns his focus back to the ring where Desolation is continuing to work over Jon in a methodical, vicious manner. He drags Rich up to his feet and then pulls his arm between his legs before falling in reverse with a high impact t-bone suplex. Jon bounces off of the ring and ends up on his sternum while the Dark Man derives sick satisfaction out of this onslaught.

Douglas: Desolation using that very Japanese based offense that frequently targets the head with kicks, strikes, and suplexes.

Mayne: Desolation is adapt to all styles, Dan. He can wrestle any style, perform any style and hell, he can dance any style too, this man can be a world champion line dancer if he wanted to. All he’d have to start doing is chewing tobacco and beating his wife.

Desolation grabs both of Jon’s ears and drags him to his knees before slapping him hard across the face. He then turns and extends a finger right towards Johnny Kingdom, who is nodding his head while mouthing insults. Finally Desolation turns and slaps the outstretched hand of Robin, who springs over the top rope, lands on the middle cable feet first and moonsaults over backwards landing right on top the back of Rich’s head. Jon begins to shake and convulse while Robin gets to her knees, a condescending smile forming on her face. She now pulls Jon up to his knees and places him in a dragon sleeper, really enjoying inflicting this punishment on the man that she’ll face as part of the triple threat ladder match at Paranoia V. She places as much torque on the hold as necessary, really establishing the submission as tightly as her upper body muscles will allow. She looks towards her corner where Hurse nods reassuringly and Desolation just gives her a blank stare.

Douglas: A dragon sleeper locked in by Robin….

Mayne: Perfect strategy if I do say so myself.

Dan: Luckily nobody respects your opinion.

Jon lifts his fists into the air, beginning to dig down deep as he tries to start forcing his way upwards. The crowd is rallying behind him and his damaged cranium while Robin maintains the dragon sleeper and now begins to club him repeatedly over the exposed chest. These shots will not prevail though, Jon fighting with his last bit of strength and now actually reaching his feet to a huge eruption. That’s before Robin drops Rich across the back of his head onto her raised knee with a modified reverse DDT. Rich’s skull cracks off the knee with force, leaving him seated on the canvas before Robin stands and stomps him hard to the back of the head. This causes him to fall to the ring as Robin steps towards Hurse and slaps the World Champion’s outstretched palm. A conniving smirk resides on Hurse’s face as he slips into the ring and slowly approaches Rich, his fingers twiddling out to his sides in anticipation of the perfect moment. Just as Jon pushes himself up onto his elbows and knees, reaching out for his corner which is far, far away Hurse drops down and locks him in a crossface. The crowd is booing with disdain as the Alpha Generation representative has the very hold established that both Kingdom and Orlando use frequently.

Mayne: Hahahaha, yay, rub it in. This is great, Hurse is using the crossface to win this match.

Douglas: Again Hurse stealing a move from someone else’s repertoire and passing it off as his own.

Hurse pulls back as far as he can on the damaged cranium of Rich who is gritting his teeth together and lifting his palm into the air, fighting the temptation to tap.

Hurse: HE’S GONNA TAP TO YOUR OWN MOVE!!

Johnny and Orlando point between each other, unsure of who the World Champion was referring to as they both utilize the crossface. Hurse rears back even further on the submission until Jon’s neck is almost snapped and his shoulder is aboue to be pulled from its socket, yet he still refuses to give up. Finally Orlando slips through the cables, about to come to the aid of his partner when referee Princeton jumps in his path, refusing to allow him to get involved. Behind the official’s back Desolation enters the ring and begins to stomp repeatedly at Jon’s completely exposed face. Hurse is chuckling as the Dark Man stomps their opponent repeatedly to the skull but quickly vacates the ring before the official can spot this interference. Orlando is forced out of the ring with an annoyed expression on his face as Hurse continues to rip and tear with the crossface. It’s obvious that Jon has little to no energy remaining as he slams his palm to the canvas, gripping at the ring and starting to pull his way towards the ropes.

Mayne: Would you just tap already Jon? Please!?! I’ll be your best friend.

Douglas: I hardly think you’re the type of friend that he wants.

Billy: But I have a fake ID and everything.

Dan: Your like forty years old!

As Rich gets closer and closer to the ropes Hurse breaks the submission, standing then jumping into the air, delivering a hard stomp to the back of Jon’s cranium. He bends forward and talks smack before taking Rich around the jaw and throwing him in reverse against his corner. Rich falls to his knee while leaning against the turnbuckle, Hurse sizing him up then rushing forward into a hard running knee right to his face. He leans into the knee, keeping Rich positioned against the corner and now tags out to Desolation. The Dark Man enters the ring and quickly proceeds to start stomping Jon over and over again to the face and sternum. He delivers a few forearm strikes to the cranium of the former N.H.B Champion then tags out to Robin. The Black Widow steps to the center of the ring, turns then comes barreling towards Rich leaning against the corner. She throws herself into him back first and upside down like she were a cannonball. Jon begins to convulse again as Robin rolls back to her feet then turns, slapping the outstretched palm of the World Champion. Hurse again enters the ring, grabbing Rich by the hair and beginning to deck him repeatedly to the forehead amongst many heckles from the crowd.

The World Champion pulls Rich to his feet, drags him out of the corner then snapmares him over onto his seat. He then backs up and slaps the palm of Desolation, the Alpha Generation making timely tags between each other. Desolation slips through the ropes then charges into the cables in front of the seated Rich, jumping forward into a vicious front dropkick. The impact echoes throughout the arena while Desolation rolls away from the laid out Rich and tags Robin back into this encounter. She steps across the apron, grabbing the top rope then springing to it. She flies off and extends her leg, dropping it across Rich’s neck.

Mayne: Constant tags between the Alpha Generation. These three are unstoppable as a unit I tell you.

Douglas: I can’t bury the fact that they are certainly looking good right now.

Billy: The only one who should be buried is you Dan, your old ass has already got one foot in the ground. Their white hairs coming out of your frickin ears.

Dan: Which is more hair than you’ll ever grow on your face.

Robin steps over Rich then places her arms around his neck, establishing a simple but super effective sleeper hold. The crowd is booing as she straddles Jon’s back, leaning down into the sleeper, cutting the blood flow to her opponent’s head. Rich’s face has taken on a bright shade of red, his cheeks blushing as air tries to get back to his brain. He is fighting for all that he’s worth, though it doesn’t seem to be enough. Robin cackles as Rich falls to the ring, lying there powerless, his eyes fluttering as they slowly come to a closer. Robin pushes herself up with her knees, leaning down into the sleeper with a diabolical, shifty smile on her face. The torment that has been inflicted on Jon’s head seems to have done the trick, obviously leaving him seconds from fainting.

Mayne: This is just grand.

Douglas: You would think that.

Billy: Of course, what’s better than watching Jon pass out to the sleeper? Except maybe seeing his head in a vice.

Johnny and Orlando are leaning over the ropes, shouting at Rich to get up, pleading with him not to lose this match for them. It’s obvious that Robin isn’t going to allow Rich to live up to their expectations, putting more of her energy into the sleeper with the crowd getting louder. Their palms slap the plates of the barricade and their feet stomp while Jon’s eyes force their way open. He seems to be feeding off of this energy provided by the sold out crowd, slowly lifting his arms into the air and clinching his fists. His eyes are filled with conviction while Robin continues to apply pressure, sliding behind him as he slowly begins to sit up.

Douglas: Rich is actually trying to fight this, I cannot believe this man’s resolve, his resilience.

Mayne: I refuse to believe it, and so I won’t.

Dan: Another fine comeback, sir.

As the crowd only grows louder Jon’s passion intensifies. He perches himself on one knee while Robin is only further exerting her aggression, every muscle tightening around Rich’s neck. It just isn’t enough though, Rich continues to stand with Robin squeezing with all her might. As they stand up Jon glares towards his corner, determined to make the tag to Orlando or Kingdom. That’s when Robin bends him forward and flips over his back, grabbing Jon by the back of the head, pulling him down face first into the canvas. Rich bounces off of the ring face first and pops up onto his knees, his eyes even more glazed over than ever.

Mayne: Ahhahaha. That was priceless! PRICELESS!

Douglas: Just when it looked like Rich was coming back his offensive was silenced by Robin.

Billy: I love Brooks, just not in the sexual way, I think that goes against the laws of nature.

With Rich still on his knees Robin steps in, wrapping her legs around his waist then placing him in a front chancery. The crowd is responding with great anger at the sight of the double submission, the front face lock and the body vice working in synchrony. Desolation watches a little more closely while Hurse chuckles sinisterly. The crowd is on its feet in support of Jon, partly doing so at the behest of Cruze. He motions with his outstretched palm for them all to rise, which is precisely what they do. Kingdom can care less, just hoping Rich doesn’t lose them this match.

Billy: The match is over, Rich is doomed, praise be Allah or Buddha or one of the other Sesame Street characters.

Dan: Thanks for that comment Billy, as if we weren’t sued enough by Pro-Life groups.

The Black Widow maliciously maintains the hold that has wore Rich down completely. There seems to be no spark, no lingering hope remaining in Rich as he leans forward, his knees still pressed to the canvas. The closer and closer he gets to the canvas the bigger the smile that has formed on Robin’s face grows. As the fans are still on their feet, stomping them with force against the concrete to create a loud rumble throughout the Manhattan Center. The vibrations shake the ring and reach Rich’s tired muscles. His eyes again fight their way open and he puts up the same struggle to try and stand up. Now he has all of Robin’s weight hanging from virtually his neck, yet the empowerment he is provided by the fans gives him extra strength.

Mayne: You’ve got to be kidding me? And if it is I find knock knock jokes funnier.

Douglas: Jon again amassing the strength to try and fight free of this hold.

As Rich reaches his feet the crowd gets even louder before he finally drops to one knee and raises the other into the air, bringing Robin’s crotch down onto it. Wait though, Rich seems to have forgotten that Robin lacks anything below the belt that can be easily targeted, so she just stands in front of her kneeling opponent, shrugs her shoulders and charges in with a shining wizard. Rich is knocked onto his back with the fans having a very loud mixed reaction, Robin rolling away from the laid out Tag Champion. Kingdom slips his palm down his face in annoyance.

Billy: HAHAHAHA HAHAHA! And it just keeps getting more hilarious.

Douglas: Oh please, this is more traumatizing than one of your childhood birthday parties.

Jon remains lying on his back while a smiling Robin rises to her feet and slaps her palms together, satisfied at how much damage she’s inflicted on one of her Paranoia V opponents. Hurse is shouting over the ropes at Robin to get back on the attack, his demand instilling laughter within her. She raises a finger and turns towards the laid out Jon.

Robin: This all ends in one second.

She chuckles while rushing forward and jumping into the air with a standing shooting star press that connects directly with Jon’s raised knees. The Manhattan Center shakes to the very foundation as Robin rolls off of the knees, gripping at her ribs, Jon lowering his knees in very exhausted state.

Douglas: What A COUNTER!

Mayne: He blocked the Flying Star! You don’t stop a flying star Dan, you wish upon it is what you do, but never stop it. No never.

Dan: Why must you continue talking?

The fans are spent yet still standing as the official steps in and lifts his arms into he air, beginning a mandatory ten count on the two down individuals. Neither Robin nor Rich are moving after that deadly counter and both are well outside of range to make a tag. To boos from the crowd Desolation enters the ring and grabs Robin by the ankle, dragging her towards the Alpha Generation corner. The official starts shouting at the Dark Man, insisting that he’ll disqualify him before Desolation slips through the ropes. Behind the referee’s back the crowd oddly enough cheers for Kingdom as he enters and grabs Jon by the wrist, sliding him across his spine towards their corner. He now slips to the apron and calls out for the tag. Laughter is still emanating from the crowd over this blatant cheating by Kingdom, yet they boo Desolation for doing the exact same thing.

Desolation exits to the apron as Hurse reaches out eagerly for the tag. The Dark Man slaps his partner’s hand down out of the air and scowls at him before extending his own arm towards the struggling Robin for a tag.

Douglas: Well both Rich and Robin are now in range to make a crucial tag.

Mayne: Come on Robin, just reach up and tag Desolation. Your so close.

Robin’s twiddling fingers lift into the air and slap the palm of the Dark Man to boos from the sold out crowd. However, at the exact same time Rich’s exhausted, withered body reaches up and tags Kingdom into this contest. Johnny rushes into the ring as Desolation does the same, both men converging in the center as they start to exchange a fury of right hands.

Douglas: Desolation and Kingdom mugging each other here in the center of the ring!

Mayne: This is better than a Spanish soap opera on Telemundo!

Desolation steps back and slaps Kingdom hard across the face, only to have the Team Leader respond with a palm strike of his own. Johnny chops Desolation before the Dark Man delivers a chop of his own, both strikes echoing throughout the arena. The crowd cringes with each hard strike before Kingdom hits a hard European Uppercut right to Desolation’s jaw, followed by a second one that sends the dazed Dark Man staggering in reverse. Johnny is forced to stop this exchange of strikes long enough to turn and back drop an inbound Hurse, illegally trying to interfere. He crashes with force against the canvas while Kingdom spins in a circle to face his original target, swallowing an incredibly stiff spinning back first for his troubles.

Mayne: A shot right to the temple! Apparently that’s the soft, delicate part of your head, or so this medical dictionary tells me, see I like to be informed.

Douglas: Billy, that’s an Operation game board.

Johnny rolls to his knees in a highly disorientated state while Desolation steps in for another of his sick, devastating buzzsaw kicks. At the very last second Kingdom ducks it, Desolation’s foot missing his opponent’s head and his back now facing me. Johnny stands up and grabs Desolation around the waist, German suplexing him over backwards so that his opponent lands right on top of his head. The fans are shocked by the gruesome spill Desolation just took, Johnny standing up and trying to shake off the effects of that back fist. Unfortunately, the second his feet root themselves to the canvas he’s drilled to the face with a spinning heel kick off the second rope of the nearest turnbuckle by Robin Brooks. As soon as the move connects and sends the Team Leader tumbling to the ring Orlando decides he’s seen enough.

Cruze slips through the ropes and rushes at a rising Robin who rises with her back pressed to the opposite cables. With primal aggression Orlando almost rips the Black Widow in half with a lariat that sends them flipping over the ropes and crashing to the outside mats.

Dan: What a nasty clothesline. This match is breaking down again.

Billy: Would the IWC please hire one competent referee?

The Icon and Brooks both try to recover on the outside of the ring while a recovered Hurse moves towards a struggling Kingdom on the inside of the squared circle. He dramatically places Johnny in a diamond cutter position as he drags him up to his feet, glaring at the corner.

Hurse: IT’S TIME TO DISINFECT THIS SON OF A BITCH!

Hurse begins to absent mindedly pull Johnny towards one of the turnbuckles for the Disinfectant (Contra Code). The second they build up some speed Kingdom frees himself by shoving Hurse forward with all this strength. Therefore the Champion has built up tremendous speed as he runs right into a brutal standing dropkick from the recovered Jon Rich. As the sound of the dropkick echoes throughout the arena Hurse flips over backwards and crashes onto his chest and stomach.

Mayne: A simple dropkick almost killed our World Champion!

Douglas: A well timed dropkick by Rich which almost took Hurse’s head clean off his shoulders.

Numerous fans are still going very crazy as Rich rises to his feet and turns towards the doubled over Desolation, who is still recovering from the German. Desolation immediately goes for a superkick on Jon, which is ducked by the former N.H.B Champion, instead jumping forward and catching the Dark Man by the belt. He rolls him over backwards into the school boy. He then lets go of the Dark Man’s belt, allowing his knees to fall to the canvas while Jon places him in a front chancery, leading him up to his feet. He reaches out and takes the back of Desolation’s pants, lifting him into the air and delivering a vicious implant DDT. Desolation’s skull slams violently into the ring before he pops back up to his knees and instinctively springs to his feet as well. This bodily reaction proves costly, because in the split instant that Desolation is standing, Kingdom rushes in and almost decapitates him with a deep lariat. The move knocks Kingdom to his knees and again sends Desolation crashing into the canvas across the back of his cranium.

With the fans going nuts as Kingdom crawls into the cover on Desolation.

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2

No!!

Mayne: Did Jon Rich and Johnny Kingdom just work in cohesion against Desolation? I guess it took hell freezing over for someone to finally get the advantage against Desolation.

Douglas: It’s amazing that Desolation was able to endure those previously two maneuvers to keep this insane match going.

An exasperated Johnny starts to stand up when the World Champion jumps into the air at his side and grabs the back of his former teammates head, dragging him down face first into his raised knee. Kingdom bounces off the knee then flies backwards across the ring, where he crashes with a thud. Rich now comes barreling towards Hurse with an attempted lariat that the World Champion ducks under. Jon continues into the cables behind his opponent, bouncing off and coming back in right into a flapjack counter from Hurse. Jon slams hard face first into the canvas, while the World Champion starts to stand up, turning to face Orlando Cruze standing up on the outside mats. An arrogant Hurse steps towards the ropes and grabs the top one, pulling himself over it into a crossbody. To the shock of many Orlando turns though and catches Hurse right on top of his shoulder, turning towards the ramp and then rushing towards it, delivering a running powerslam right into the steel. Hurse sits up from the rampway unable to interpret the shocking pain coursing through his spine.

Douglas: A running powerslam onto the ramp!

Mayne: What is Orlando thinking!?! Oh wait, you need a brain to do that don’t you?

Dan: That would explain your problem.

Orlando drops to his knees beside Hurse and begins to deck him repeatedly to the face with hard closed fists, determined to tear him apart. In the meanwhile Robin has rolled into the ring under the bottom rope and rushes towards a standing Rich. Suddenly Jon erects his spine and connects with a hard chop to Robin’s chest, taking her off of her feet. That’s when the recovered Desolation steps up behind Rich and hooks his arm from behind, going for a half nelson suplex. Rich performs a standing switch, getting behind Desolation to deliver a German when the cunning veteran slaps Jon’s interlocked hands away from his waist. He now jumps into the air, almost flipping over backwards and connecting with a hard kick right to the top of Rich’s head. Jon crashes onto the canvas, laid out completely at this point while Desolation begins to stand. The ever so quick Kingdom steps in and places the bent forward Desolation in a front chancery, setting up for the Brainbuster DDT. Desolation places his palms to Kingdom’s gut and lifts him into the air, pushing him off in reverse. Johnny catches some height before crashing down to the canvas across his elbows and knees.

This will not stop Kingdom, who jumps eagerly back to his feet and barrels forward at Kingdom who nails him with a rolling kick right to the chest and chin.

Mayne: Desolation is a one man wrecking crew!

Douglas: He’s taken both Kingdom and Rich out with that lethal array of kicks, but look at what’s happening to the World Champion on the outside of the ring!

Cruze pulls Hurse towards the steel steps and rams him face first right against them. The World Champion falls over the stairs with a glazed over expression on his face. He is again grabbed by the back of the head and slammed forehead first against the steel. The dazed expression on Hurse’s face only intensifies at this point as Orlando backs away from him, wanting to get a running start for an even more vicious move. He comes barreling forward when Hurse turns and drop toe holds him so that Cruze’s forehead slams into the pointed edge of the steps. It’s clear that the Icon is immediately lacerated by this impact, falling to his spine while blood already begins flowing down his face.

Douglas: Terrific, even more blood this evening.

Mayne: Orlando is busted open! Isn’t this great!?!

The fans are screaming as claret flows down Cruze’s face, the Icon sitting up but unable to reach his feet due to the sheer amount of blood pour. Hurse staggers away from him and falls into one of the cameramen while the official is busy in the ring watching all the action unfold. Robin has stepped towards Desolation who takes his own partner up into the air, turns and scoop slams her down back first across Kingdom’s sternum. As soon as she rolls out of the way Desolation charges in and jumps into the air, big splashing the Team Leader.

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2

Kingdom kicks out again to a loud uproar from the fans, while Robin is slugging Rich repeatedly in the corner. Jon is trying his best to stand up while Robin comes barreling towards him right into a boot to the face from the Tag Team Champion. The shot sends her staggering backwards as Desolation now comes barreling in at Jon, jumping into the air to splash him. Rich moves out of the way, Desolation crashing sternum first into the corner then backing out into the waiting arms of his nemesis. Jon brings Desolation down into the Get Rich Quick that results in a loud reaction from the crowd. Meanwhile on the outside of the ring Hurse has stolen the large camera from the employee working it, shoving the young man aside. An increasingly bloodied Orlando Cruze rises to his feet then turns right as Hurse rushes across the mats and slams the camera between his eyes. The rage and repulsion from the crowd escalates as the camera is broken and Orlando tumbles to his back, now bleeding even more horrifically.

Mayne: Uh, uh, there’s good and bad stuff happening here at the same time! I don’t know what emotion I should be feeling.

Douglas: Shame? The referee too predisposed with the action in the ring, he has no idea that the World Champion just knocked Cruze unconscious with the video-camera!

Billy: The Alpha Generation never cease to amaze me.

Jon is slowly getting up in the ring after hitting his finisher, bent forward when Robin steps in out of nowhere, giving him a straight upward kick to the face. He stands and staggers backwards into the ropes while Robin rushes forward only to have the Tag Champion drop to the canvas and pull down the top rope, low bridging her. She’s unable to stop her momentum from carrying her forward into the lowered ropes, spilling over them to the mats. Jon quickly stands up in the ring and pulls himself over the top rope into a twisting pancha, coming down right on top the rising Robin’s shoulder. Johnny is getting up in the ring when Hurse slides in behind him and quickly steps in front of his opponent, again taking him around the head as he sets up for the Disinfectant, rushing towards another corner. Kingdom puts the breaks on it though, grabbing Hurse’s wrist and tugging on it to make the World Champion turn around. He now pulls him forward into a front chancery and lifts Hurse into the air, hitting the Exodus Finale to a tremendous ovation.

Douglas: The Exodus Finale! The Exodus Finale by Kingdom on our World Champion!

Mayne: I’m going to drop a brick in my pants if this is how this match is going to end!

Johnny has he leg hooked as the official is about to make the count, however his attention quickly deviates to Pat Evans jumping onto the apron. He is purposely getting the official’s attention, causing the referee to rush towards him, demanding that Evans march to the back.

Douglas: Why is Pat Evans out here!?!

Mayne: I think it’s pretty obvious.

The Submission Champion doesn’t listen, refusing to adhere to the official’s demands as Johnny Kingdom rises defiantly to his feet and moves towards him. He shoves the referee aside and pops Evans under the jaw, knocking him off the apron and sending him crashing to the outside mats. The crowd is going nuts at this point while Johnny turns back towards the center of the ring only to be caught around the neck by Silencer who is laying in wait behind him. He flips over backwards into the Break the Silence. The fans respond with disgust and anger, the official having his head stuck through the ropes, pleading with Evans to go to the back, not seeing what just went down behind his back.

Douglas: No! Now Silencer has just interfered!

Mayne: Mwahahaha, for the second week in a row Silencer has left Kingdom laid out.

Johnny lays on the canvas motionless with flickering eyes while Silencer quickly rolls out of the ring. He drops to the outside mats with a huge grin on his face, Pat Evans stepping around the ring to his partner’s side. Both men jump over the barricade now and begin to back their way through the screaming, heckling fans. Silencer points up at the Paranoia V symbol hanging from above the titontron while chuckling demonically. Jon has re-entered the ring, holding his back as he gets up and glares at the struggling Desolation, who has just recovered from the Get Rich Quick. He steps in and chops Desolation to the chest before hitting him with a spinning back kick to the ribs. Desolation is doubled over as Jon grabs his wrist and pulls him forward into his shoulders. He is clearly setting up for some type of huge maneuver from the fireman’s carry position when Hurse dives in, desperately wrapping his hands around Jon’s ankle. Rich lets Desolation go, beginning to stomp the top of Hurse’s head. He has no idea that the Dark Man has sprung to the middle rope behind him, flying off and twisting into an absolutely vicious buzzsaw kick right to the back of Rich’s cranium. Everyone in the building specifies their utter disgust over the brutal, aerial strike that sends Jon plummeting like a tree slowly to the canvas.

Mayne: WHAT A KICK!

Douglas: Dammit, Johnny had this match won if it weren’t for Pat Evans and Silencer, and now Jon Rich suffers that deadly kick to the back of the head.

A bloodied Orlando is unable to get up outside of the ring as Desolation pushes Jon onto his back and now hooks his leg to screams from the crowd.

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Dan: No!

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Douglas: NOOO!

3

Mayne: YEEESSS!!

The Manhattan Center explodes into boos as a result of what just transpired, the Alpha Generation stealing a victoy from the dream team.

Mayne: The Alpha Generation are our saviors yet again!

Douglas: These backstabbering bastards have weaseled their way to yet another victotry tonight.

Inside of the ring Desolation utilizes the ropes to pull himself to his feet, grinning maliciously with his bloodstained hands. Robin rises to her feet on the outside of the ring with her arm raised in victory although it doesn’t like she has any idea where she is currently. Hurse rises to his knees, not basking in the glory of this win and instead glaring to the outside of the ring at a struggling Orlando. He rolls across the ring to the outside now, still holding his neck in pain, passing by Johnny Kingdom who appears disgusted as he regains his consciousness.

Mayne: It doesn’t look like the World Champion is done with the number one contender.

Douglas: How can this possibly get any worse?

The bloodied, very badly banged up Orlando crawls across the mats and instinctively seems to be reaching under the ring for something. A dazed World Champion moves towards him, looking to try and inflict further punishment upon him. As soon as he steps towards the number one contender for his title, Orlando turns with a chair in his hand, swinging it right into the top of Hurse’s skull. The crowd packed in the Manhattan Center specifies their delight as Hurse looks cocked eyed, staggering in reverse.

Mayne: AHHH, Orlando has got a chair! He’s got a chair!!

Douglas: And he’s bashing in the skull of the World Champion with it. Make him suffer Orlando, beat the hell out of the Champ!

Hurse is incredibly dazed by that chair shot before he suffers another right between the eyes, causing him to crash onto his back and then roll to his elbows and knees. The incredibly bloodied Orlando moves up behind Hurse as he tries to stand, swinging the chair right over his spine. Hurse arches his back and stumbles up the ramp towards the backstage area.

Mayne: Somebody stop this, somebody stop this! Why can’t they have left this match on amicable terms like they did in the contract signing earlier!?!

Douglas: There is no more diplomacy in this feud, Billy!

Again Orlando slams the chair right over the upper back of Hurse, doubling him over forward as he staggers through the curtains. The Icon is clearly not going to allow him to get away, stumbling himself as he remains in hot pursuit of the World Champion. Blood drips from Orlando’s chin as he continues to pursue the man who busted him open, dented chair clutched tightly in the palms of his hands.

Dan: These two are brawling to the back, this still isn’t over!

Billy: Where the hell is security to stop this madman!?!

Orlando briefly stops in the entry way, between the curtains, turning around with his face hidden behind a layer of his own blood. He unleashes a roar while sticking the chair out to his side, receiving a loud cry of approval from the sold out crowd. He now turns and steps to the back, a camera shifting to the hidden corridors of the Manhattan Center where a dazed, confused, bewildered Hurse is frantically trying to get away from the Icon. Orlando rushes up behind him with a roar and slams the chair over Hurse’s back once again. This knocks Hurse down to the ground, sending him rolling across the floor while groaning in anguish.

Orlando: Come on HURSE! GET UP! You want to spill my blood!?! NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO BLEED!

A sweaty, agonizing Hurse turns over onto his seat, glaring up at Orlando with panic stricken eyes. He scoots in reverse across his bottom, holding his palms out towards the ferocious number one contender as if begging for mercy. Obviously the Icon is going to show none to the World Champion.

Orlando: IT’S TIME TO BLEED HURSE! It’s time for you to pay you son of a bitch!

Hurse covers his face with his arms in sheer terror as the chair is raised above Orlando’s head yet again, about to destroy the World Champion well before Paranoia V. Before he can bring the steel down into the skull of his rival a loud, childish scream can be heard.

NOOO!!

Strangely the Icon seems to have been frozen, the chair remaining in the air, stuck hovering above his head. He sweats and bleeds while gritting his teeth, so very eager to bring the chair down into the cranium of his nemesis for the final time. His desire is ceased by little Becca, who scurries from an adjacent hallway, her tiny feet kicking beneath her as she runs to Hurse’s side. There she wraps her arms around the Champion’s neck, squeezing him tightly and glaring up at Orlando with terror stricken eyes. Orlando stands his ground, taking deep, sullen breaths and observing this scene with sadness, his daughter defending his rival.

Becca: Please don’t hit daddy Steve, please.

She continues to hug Hurse and hold her palm up towards the frightening, bleeding Cruze defensively. It’s clear that Orlando doesn’t know what to think, but can’t stand to swing the chair at Hurse while his illegitimate daughter is in the way. Therefore he slowly begins to lower the chair to his side while examining the horror on Becca’s face, the tears rolling down her chubby, infantile cheeks. As soon as the chair is lowered, Hurse following it’s path closely with his eyes, a grin begins to settle over the World Champion’s face. It is a wide and pompous one that eats away at Cruze, especially as Hurse wraps his arms around Becca as well, hugging her tightly. She buries her face into his shoulder while a smirking Hurse continues to watch Orlando step back, fuming but trying to control himself.

Hurse: It’s okay sweety….

Hurse slides his palm up and down Becca’s small back as she weeps uncontrollably.

Hurse: The bad man isn’t going to hurt daddy Steve.

She continues to sob loudly while Orlando intensely shakes, the chair sliding out of his hand and falling to the concrete. Becca turns quickly and glares at the profusely bleeding Icon.

Becca: GO AWAY, DON’T HURT MY DADDY!

Her sobbing face returns to Hurse’s sweaty shoulder while the World Champion’s grin only escalates in width. Orlando is inconsolable as he continues to watch what is going on before him, the manipulation of his daughter, and the delusion that he is the bad guy. As he continues to watch his daughter protecting his rival, Orlando backs away with a great sadness and shock in his eyes.

FADE TO BLACK