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
If you feel so empty Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot
Let's start a riot, a riot
Let's start a riot
So used up, so let down
If you feel so angry
Just get up
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!
A PUBLIC UNVEILING
Without any hoopla or ballyhoo the show opens to find the figure that is Faust seated in the center of the ring slouched down in a chair. His features are still obscured behind layers upon layers of ace bandaging, resulting from the vicious attack perpetrated upon him at he hands of Pat Evans and Desolation. He has his arms crossed over his stomach with a very loose fitting black trench coat hanging around his frame and concealing the majority of it. A sense of impatience seems to swell from him.
Dan Douglas: Ladies and gentlemen, this is the last Riot! before Paranoia V, and we’re not going to delay the excitement, because as you can see Faust is already in the center of the ring.
Billy Mayne: Last week on this very same telecast, he requested, nay demanded that Pat Evans and Silencer show up here tonight to publicly remove his bandages. As if either Evans or Silencer won’t have the courage to show up and do this. I have no idea what Faust is thinking.
Dan: Well, he’s been in that ring for a while, and there’s still no sight of either the Submission Champion or his new found ally, the former World title holder.
Mayne: The show just started, give it time.
Faust catches a peek at his watch through the slits cut in his bandages for his eyes, which turn impatiently towards the entry way once again. The crowd’s anticipation is growing when “Outsider” hits the PA system, sending them into a fury.
Billy: Told you.
The crowd’s collective rage increases as through the curtains emerge the Submission Champion Pat Evans with Silencer standing at his side. The two stare towards the ring with general apathy depicted in their faces before turning towards one another with a snide grin. They slowly make their way down the ramp with the Submission gold glistening over Pat’s shoulder, sparkling brightly with each camera flash that reflects from its surface. At this time Pat doesn’t care about gold, or the fact that he’ll be defending it at Paranoia V against the very man in the ring, instead he seems to have some type of devious, malicious plot in mind for his impending opponent. Silencer is clearly in on this plot, as he wears the same sadistic smirk while climbing up onto the apron.
Douglas: There is something unsettling about Pat’s and Silencer’s expressions. They look a little too happy to be out here.
Mayne: Something tells me that Faust didn’t think this through.
Faust continues to slouch in his chair and watch casually as Silencer and Evans slip through the ropes, Pat quickly snapping his fingers for a microphone. One is promptly dispatched to him through the ropes as a smirking Submission Champion moves to the center of Faust’s sights.
Pat: You know Faust, I never thought you’d actually be stupid enough to go through with this.
Silencer is bemused by this comment while the fans derive a much different response.
Evans: I can’t believe you actually put yourself willingly into this predicament.
Faust tilts his head slightly with blinking, uncaring eyes.
Pat: I thought you were joking last week, as that is all you’ve become, a joke. I didn’t think you’d actually want me to come out here and remove your bandages as some test of my courage.
Faust shrugs his shoulders while Silencer shakes his head, as if taking momentary pity upon him.
Evans: Because this has to be the blunder of the century. This is by far the stupidest move you’ve ever made, Faust. You really must be a glutton for punishment, because you’ve willingly put yourself into harm’s way once again.
The crowd becomes more interested in this mini rant from the Submission Champion.
Pat: Don’t you realize that you’re out numbered? That you’ve put yourself out here like a bloody steak in front of two feral animals? All this has done Faust, is saved me the trouble of having to hunt you down later tonight and snap your neck before my first title defense at Paranoia V. I guess Silencer and I should be thanking you for your idiocy.
The microphone slips out of Evans’ palm and tumbles to the canvas, while he and Silencer proceed to start moving towards the surrounded Faust.
Douglas: Uh oh, this has gone real bad, real fast.
Mayne: You’ve really got to wonder about some of Faust’s decisions. Does the man honestly have no brain whatsoever?
The crowd is growing more and more concerned as the ferocious Silencer, and the fierce Evans close in on their seated victim, who’s concern is escalating. Suddenly a figure rolls out from under the ring and jumps up onto the apron behind both men. He is an oddly clad individual, wearing what appears to be primarily Indian style clothing with a fanciful twist placed upon them. As one looks closer though, behind the outrageous ensemble, it becomes clear that this gentleman is Faust himself, holding a bullhorn.
Billy: Who the hell is that? Tatanka?
Douglas: Hold on a minute, that’s Faust!
Mayne: Then who is in the ring? Tatanka?
As the fans realize who is standing behind the still grinning Silencer and Evans they pop loudly, especially as Faust gets their attention by sounding the bullhorn. Both men turn from their impending victim and glance at each other oddly before glancing over their shoulders at the man they came to savagely maul. Faust lifts his hand and waves his fingers at them with a sly grin, confusion setting in on both Evans and Silencer. Before they have time to even turn back towards the man in the chair he’s stood and ripped off his bandages to reveal himself as Johnny Kingdom.
Dan: It’s Kingdom!
Billy: WHAT!?!
The fans are going nuts as Silencer is the first to turn and stare into the features of the man he’ll be squaring off against at Paranoia V. His eyes widen before Kingdom pops him hard under the jaw, sending him crashing to the canvas. A stunned Evans spins in a circle back towards Faust who springs off the top rope and takes him down with a lariat to the throat. The Submission Champion crashes to the ring while Faust lands on his knees and rolls across it directly to his feet.
Mayne: This isn’t right, this was a set up!
Dan: A brilliant set up to kick start this edition of Riot!
Silencer rolls across the canvas and rises to his feet only to be drilled between the eyes by a vengeful Kingdom, who is unloading his rage after weeks of being assaulted by the very man he now assaults. A stunned Evans tries to get up only to have Faust rush in and take him by the back of the head, pulling him down face first into the canvas with a big facebuster. Pat crashes off of the ring and then rolls across it, trying to get away from Faust who rises with a huge smile on his face, greatly enjoying this. After hitting the ring Evans quickly rolls across it and spills to the outside of the canvas to the thin protective matting. Still inside of the ring Silencer tries to stand up only to receive a swift boot to the ribs followed by being placed in a front chancery. The crowd is on it’s feet as Kingdom sets up for the Exodus Finale.
Billy: Oh no!
Dan: Kingdom about to deliver that vicious brainbuster DDT on his Paranoia V opponent.
Johnny overlooks the crazed crowd with a diabolical grin on his face, moments from inflicting the same anguish on Silencer that he himself has been made to suffer for the past couple weeks. Suddenly Pat reaches into the ring and grabs Silencer’s ankle, forcing him out of the clutches of Kingdom then sliding him to the outside of the ring. He drops to Pat’s side, looking battered and completely caught off guard as they both try to recuperate.
Mayne: Thankfully Evans freeing Silencer from the clutches of the Team Leader.
Kingdom shoots a vindictive glare towards both men while Faust sets the chair Johnny was sitting in closer to the ropes then rushes into the opposite cables. He bounces off, building great momentum then steps off the chair, using it as a prop to launch him to the top rope, which he springs off into a huge senton plancha. He comes down on top of both Silencer and Evans to a massive ovation from the Manhattan Center crowd. They all stand up slapping the barricades and stomping their feet with excitement.
Douglas: Ohhh, Faust with a double jump right into the senton plancha!
Mayne: The start to this show just keeps getting crazier and crazier. Where is some semblance of order dammit?
Faust has risen to his feet and is overlooking the sold out crowd with a huge grin on his face before he turns towards Silencer, who meets him with a right hand to the ribs from his kneeling position. The blow doubles Faust over while a dazed Evans begins to stand up and blast him over the back with clubbing blows. Finally both Silencer and Evans have recovered from the shock over this set up as they begin to vicious assault Faust, unaware that Johnny has removed the trenchcoat and is now scaling one of the turnbuckles. He reaches the top rope while Silencer and Evans finally turn to spot him flying through the air into a huge crossbody that crashes down onto both of them. The fans again jump from their seats and find themselves in a wave of pandemonium.
Dan: Now Kingdom throwing caution to the wind in order to inflict damage on the two men who assaulted him a few weeks ago.
Mayne: Somebody do something! Just don’t sit on your hands with your thumbs up your puckered assholes!
Johnny stands up as does Faust, the two men switching dance partners sort of speak as Kingdom now drills Evans to the face with right hands, battling him up the ramp. Faust on the other hand is delivering repeated shots to Silencer, who he battles towards the ring.
Dan: Ladies and gentlemen, insanity sweeping through the Manhattan Center on the last Riot! before Paranoia V, but we must take a commercial break.
Mayne: Get security out here!
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.
SILENCER VS. FAUST
The show comes back from commercial break with Silencer seated in a corner and Faust standing over him, delivering repeated right hands to his face that has the crowd going nuts. The packed Manhattan Center is still buzzing over the start of this show as a referee is now in the ring admonishing Faust for the use of closed fists.
Douglas: After a shocking beginning to tonight’s Riot!, we jump right into the in ring action. Welcome back ladies and gentlemen, as you can see Silencer and Faust are already going at it and have been throughout the commercial break, as referee Fitzpatrick has got this match underway.
Mayne: Silencer was blindsided by Kingdom before this match. I fail to see how one could derive any entertainment out of this.
Dan: I know I sure am. Evans was battled to the backstage area before this bout could get underway by Johnny Kingdom, leaving this what it should be, a straight up one on one rematch from Redemption Roe.
The referee pulls Faust off of a seated Silencer only to have the 6 time SCW Champion shove the portly official aside so he can continue his wrath. He steps in and begins to slug Silencer to the forehead again and again, the referee forcing himself in between the two. With all the muscle he can muster he pushes Faust in reverse, the former title holder grinning rather deviously while Silencer forces himself to his feet in his corner. His back is still wedged against the turnbuckle while Faust comes barreling forward. Unfortunately he runs right into a boot from the painted force. The strike causes Faust to begin staggering in reverse, swinging his arms to keep himself upright. With his opposition dazed Silencer barrels out of the corner and is caught with a huge swinging powerslam. Silencer’s back is driven forcefully into the canvas while Faust hooks his leg for the three count.
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Silencer gets his shoulder up, his eyes bugging out of their sockets in disbelief over his opposition’s quickness.
Douglas: Silencer unable to get himself out of the gate against Faust, who is just beating him to the punch repeatedly.
Mayne: Of course, Silencer is still dazed after being assaulted by Kingdom at the start of our show tonight.
Dan: You are one continuous propaganda machine, your just like Napoleon in Animal Farm.
Faust stands up and takes hold of Silencer’s hair and drags him to his feet, hooking his leg then snapping back into the fisherman suplex.
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Before the three count can be made Silencer gets his shoulder up off of the canvas. The smirk on Faust’s face does not vanish or even mildly fade as he takes his opponent’s wrist, dragging him to a standing base. Silencer is whipped towards the corner with his opponent following closely behind. As soon as he reaches the corner, Silencer grabs the top rope and kicks his lower body into the air. Faust rushes under him as Silencer floats over his back and lands on his feet behind him. The ever so sudden Faust delivers a spinning back kick to the ribs only to have his ankle caught before the blow could land. Silencer pushes down on his leg and causes Faust to go into a spin, jumping into the air and landing an enzugari to the back of his opponent’s head. The former Champion falls to his knees, leaning head first into the middle turnbuckle pad while Faust backs across the ring into the opposite corner.
Billy: What is wrong with you Silencer? Where are your amazing recuperative abilities? I didn’t think you could feel pain.
Douglas: He’s not Superman, Billy, far from it.
Faust rushes out of his corner directly at the prone Silencer, who suddenly stands and turns. He side steps the inbound Faust and delivers a hard kick to the back of his thigh, lifting him up into the air and sending him flying crotch first into the turnbuckle. He lands seated on the middle pad and looking to be in pain when Silencer steps up behind him, pulling him out of the corner with a back stabber. The crowd packed into the Manhattan Center scream with disdain instead of joy as Faust twists to the canvas.
Mayne: Well that was certainly a Superman style counter if you ask me. Sure Silencer may not have broad shoulders, or shoulders at all, and a heroically chiseled chin, he’ll always be a hero in my book.
Faust slowly crawls agonizingly towards the center of the ring, his hand placed over his back all the while. He doesn’t get far before Silencer comes flying out of the corner from the middle rope with an elbow drop delivered right to the small of his back. A roar of pure anguish spills from between Faust’s lips as he falls to the canvas and reaches desperately for his kidneys. The still dazed Silencer crawls towards his opponent and turns, placing his back to the ribs of his opposition. He reaches out and grabs Faust under the jaw while taking hold of his nearby leg as well, bending them both inward towards his body. Silencer leans back into the almost broken spine of Faust, who is being folded up like an accordion, both his head and leg bent in reverse at awkward angles.
The crowd slaps the barricade and stomps their feet, rallying behind Faust who is still calling out in pain. His hand reaches longingly for the middle rope while Silencer viciously rips at his body in this laid out version of a torture rack. Finally his hand wraps around the bottom cable to a huge reaction, including a negative one from his seated opponent. Silencer quickly turns and jumps into the air, stomping down on Faust’s spine.
Dan: Silencer has now found a focal point to work over and he’s going to exploit it after that wicked counter out of the corner with the back stabber.
Mayne: It was a thing of beauty, just like my nipples.
Silencer continues to stomp on the kidneys as Faust writhes in further agony. He reaches up taking hold of the middle rope once again and uses it to begin standing. Silencer now clubs him over the back and assists him upward until he reaches his feet. He now pulls drags Faust forward into his shoulders, standing up and diving toward the center of the ring with a Finlay Roll. Faust is slammed hard spine first into the canvas while Silencer rolls right to his feet only to flip over backwards into a standing corkscrew moonsault senton, twisting around before crashing first into his opponent’s ribs.
Mayne: That’s what you call agility sweetheart.
Douglas: Amazing acrobatics displayed by Silencer here on our opening show just a week removed from Paranoia V.
Silencer now crawls into the lateral press.
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Faust launches his shoulder from the ring again, turning away from Silencer who takes his opponent by the back of his head. The former 6 time SCW Champion is dragged up to his feet and whipped right into the turnbuckle with raw strength. Faust turns and slams against it forcefully back first, bouncing off and staggering towards the waiting Silencer. He is thrown up into the air for Silencer to catch him with a powerbomb only to have Faust slip over his head and land behind his back. Faust reaches out and hooks both of Silencer’s arms from behind, trying to pull him down into a crucifix. The painted warrior flips over in reverse, going right over his opponent’s upper back then landing in front of him. Silencer places Faust in a front chancery and rushes at the turnbuckle. He steps up and it then twists around, hitting a tornado DDT. Faust is drilled skull first into the ring, bouncing off it forcefully before flying up into the air and finally landing on his back.
Billy: And a nasty DDT takes Faust right out of this equation.
Dan: An equation you would no doubt be unable to solve given your lack of mathematical abilities.
Mayne: Well it’s hard, with all those fractions and decimal points, and minus signs. All I need to be able to do is add things up using my fingers.
The incredibly dazed Faust lies with a melancholy expression, seeming having no idea where he is after that tornado DDT. Silencer stands up and drops knee first down into his lower back, causing Faust to slide across his side on the canvas. He now takes Faust by the hair and sits him up, digging his knee into his lower back and pulling in reverse on his chin. Instead of going for the pin, Silencer is more interested in forcing the submission. He rears as far back as he can on the chin and digs his knee even deeper into Faust’s lower back, who balls up his fists and tries to find the strength to get up.
The crowd is chanting for Faust now, hoping their call will be enough to inspire him. He slowly begins to stand up even after that tornado DDT and the work done to his back, reaching his feet when Silencer twists him around and forces him in reverse into the ropes. He takes him by the wrist and whips him across the ring, Faust charging into the opposite ropes and coming back in at his waiting opponent, who catches him with a tilt-a-whirl slam. However, Faust flips out of it and lands on his feet right in front of his stunned opponent, rushing forward and jumping into the air. He catches Silencer by the back of the head and drags him down into a reverse neckbreaker. As soon as Silencer slams into the canvas, Faust floats over and drops into the cover.
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Silencer kicks out and does so forcefully.
Douglas: Lots of nearfalls thus far in this contest.
Mayne: Yeah, that happens a lot here.
Faust rolls off Silencer and right onto his feet, standing up with his hand rubbing at his sore back. As his opposition agonizing rises, he charges in and delivers a hard back elbow to his face, sending him down to the canvas yet again. Silencer bounces off of the ring, grabbing at his neck and rolling away from Faust who slowly follows behind, stomping at him along the way. He takes him under the jaw and forces his opponent up to his feet before stepping in with a right hand. Silencer somehow ducks it, stepping behind Faust who spins around and rushes forward right at his opponent only to be caught with a vicious STO. The move forcefully slams him against the canvas, racking his back with even further anguish.
Dan: Another skillful counter halting Faust’s momentum.
Billy: There’s nothing that Silencer can’t do, except smile.
Faust has turned away from Silencer, who dives in and wraps his arms around his waist, placing him in a reverse bearhug. The vicious and nimble little Silencer squeezes with all his strength, hoping to obtain a submission to end this contest. However, the former multiple time Champion has other intentions, sitting up and again trying to fight his way free from the submission. He balls up his fists and begins to stand up slowly, fighting every inch of the way through the bearhug, through the trauma. Finally he stands and powers his way backwards, forcing Silencer in reverse right into a turnbuckle. Silencer is forced to break the reverse waist lock as he’s now placed in a front chancery by his running opponent. Faust rushes to the center of the ring and jumps into the air, landing on his seat as he delivers a stunner. His opponent’s jaw bounces from his shoulder and sends him flying backwards through the air.
Silencer crashes to the canvas and rolls across it instinctively to his knees, struggling to his feet. As soon as he stands he’s taken by the stomach and driven into the canvas with the Sky High, Faust leaning forward for the pin.
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Again Silencer gets his shoulder up, kicking out before he could be pinned.
Douglas: So close.
Billy: But yet another failure for Faust, who would have figured, hahahaha.
Dan: Your diabolical laughter is so played out.
As pain swells through his back Faust stands and begins to take hold of Silencer’s legs, trying to force him into what looks like his modified Texas cloverhold. Unfortunately for him a hard boot is landed on his jaw originating from his opponent, who is trying to kick his way free. He places his feet to Faust’s chest and kicks him off, sending him rushing backwards into the ropes and bouncing off of them. Faust charges right in at Silencer who stands to catch him with a dropkick, lunging into the air. Faust catches him on his shoulders and drives him into the canvas with a sit-out powerbomb. On this occasion he is unable to make a cover, falling on his back and rolling away from the stunned Silencer, who is writhing on the canvas. Faust is recuperating as he begins to stand, Silencer doing the same but using a nearby turnbuckle for support. He reaches his feet when Faust comes barreling in, jumping into the air and nailing him with both knees driven directly into the sternum. All of the air is knocked out of Silencer’s body as his ever so quick opposition lands beside him and takes him around the neck.
Faust rushes out of the corner looking to hit another running stunner when Silencer pulls his head free at the last second and takes him around the jaw. The former ULW Champion drops to his seat, dragging Faust down into a reverse face buster. Faust bounces off of the canvas and over onto his knees, both of his hands wrapped around the back of his damaged cranium.
Billy: Another remarkable counter from Silencer. This match has been like a complicated game of chess, or tick tack toe, who’s rules still escape me.
Dan: We knew this was going to be an athletic back and forth battle encounter, we just didn’t count on how it would begin.
The still reeling Silencer stands and watches Faust try to do the same. As soon as Faust gets up Silencer rushes in with a hard running punch to the side of his face. This sends his opponent into a spin, who turns to face Silencer and now delivers a vicious kick right to the side of his head. The blow incredibly dazes the painted apparition, who staggers around, trying desperately to maintain his footing. Faust rushes in and lunges into the air, delivering a flying knee strike directly to his face. The blow knocks Silencer to the canvas with a crash while Faust rolls away from him, the fans cheering at the sight of his agility. He continues to demonstrate said agility by jumping over Silencer, rushing into the ropes at his side then jumping into the air, he drops with the back of his legs on the top cable then flips over backwards into a moonsault. He crashes down right on top of Silencer, hooking both of his legs.
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Silencer gets his shoulder from the canvas to a loud chorus of boos from the fans.
Mayne: Ohhh, I thought Faust had it there for sure! This is one of the few times I’m actually happy to be wrong.
Dan: You are most of the time anyway, so it’s certainly nothing special.
Faust rises to his feet and continues to turn in circles, overlooking the screaming fans who are solidly behind him, turning in the direction of the struggling Silencer. The former World Champion struggles to his feet with his hands over his ribs when he’s dragged in reverse into Faust’s shoulders, setting up for the Martyr Syndrome. However, Silencer slips off of his shoulders at the last second, landing on his feet behind his opposition then moving in for a superkick to the back of Faust’s skull. The former 6 time SCW Champion seems to have eyes in the back of his head as he ducks forward, avoiding the shot at the last second. As a result Silencer steps in front of Faust and then has both of his arms grabbed from behind, being lifted up for the Skeleton Key (Vertibreaker). The crowd screams before Silencer flips over backwards, landing on his feet behind Faust who quickly turns to face his fast opponent. As soon as he turns he’s taken around the neck, Silencer setting up for the Break the Silence.
Billy: It’s over!
Faust back elbows the skull of Silencer, breaking free at the last second from this finisher predicament. The blow staggers Silencer forward as Faust turns to face his opposition’s spine, jumping into the air and burying his knees to his spine. Faust is going for the backstabber, however, Silencer grabs the top rope with both hands, keeping himself upright and causing his opposition to crash spine first into the canvas with a hard thud. He was unable to pull Silencer down with him, who now turns and buries his shoulders to the back of Faust’s knees, the official dropping to make the count.
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Silencer places his legs over the middle rope for further leverage.
3!
Wait, no, the referee spots Silencer’s legs over the middle rope, standing and kicking them off. Silencer drops to his knees and beams a truly intimidating glare towards the official, who backs away with a look of terror contorting his features.
Douglas: The referee physically stopping Silencer’s cheating.
Billy: How dare he put his hands on Silencer, how DARE he!
Dan: Well, in his own defense it was more like his feet.
Faust rolls away from his opposition, slowly beginning to stand up with his back turned towards the malicious Silencer. Pat’s partner in crime rushes forward and jumps into the air, driving both of his knees into Faust’s back and sending him reeling into the cables. The blow causes Faust to spill through the ropes and crash with a thud on the thin protective mats, where he lies, regaining his senses. The diabolical Silencer steps back now and motions towards Faust repeatedly while grabbing the referee’s shirt, insisting he start to count out his opponent. The referee turns and commences with the count while Silencer reaches into his pants and removes a chain. The fans react with rage as Silencer wraps the Pat Evans style chain around his fist repeatedly.
Douglas: Oh no, come on now, if it isn’t bad enough that Pat uses that chain, now Silencer is utilizing it as well?
Billy: He’s going to send a message to Faust on behalf of his partner.
Silencer begins to move towards the ropes now while the official has reached a count of “five” and Faust lies on his stomach, reaching under the ring. The former Champion wears a grin as he reaches through the ropes, trying to grab hold of Faust who suddenly stands up and swings a Singapore cane right between Silencer’s eyes. The fans rejoice as Silencer is sent staggering in reverse, flailing his arms to keep himself upright. The official turns and calls for the bell, disqualifying Faust who rolls into the ring with the cane still in hand.
Billy: HEY!
Dan: Faust beating Silencer to the punch, or cheat I guess you can say, but unfortunately he’s been disqualified for it.
Silencer continues to stagger as he drops the chain, Faust stepping towards him and without hesitation slapping the cane right into his face yet again. The blow knocks Silencer to the canvas and sends him rolling under the ropes to the outside of the ring, where he lands on his feet in a highly disorientated state. He blinks his eyes awkwardly while stumbling up the ramp, throwing punches at figments.
Mayne: Who does Faust think he is? He just got himself intentionally disqualified because he couldn’t beat Silencer.
Dan: No, he DQed himself when he realized Silencer was about to use that chain. Faust a step ahead tonight, but will that be the case when he meets Pat Evans at Paranoia V.
Silencer is stunned as he continues to stagger up the ramp in reverse, regaining some of his senses as his eyes focus on his adversary in the ring. A smile is worn on Faust’s face as he points the Singapore cane directly at the former Champion.
Billy: Oh how Faust is in for hell at Paranoia.
The crowd is going nuts still as Silencer and Faust glare at each other, both former World Champion’s appearing very intense just two weeks away from the biggest payper-view in IWC history.
NO HARD FEELINGS....NOT THAT WAY
We fade in to the hallways of the Manhattan Center, where Nathan Creed is warming up for his match against tag partner Orlando Cruze later tonight as the crowd cheers at the sight of the veteran international import. He suddenly catches sight of Fully Loaded member Max Craven heading his way and immediately squares up, preparing for a fight.
Max: Hey, hey...I'm not here for a fight, Nate. THAT will have to be saved for Paranoia...
Creed: I'm well aware of that. I'm also aware of the fact that you accepted Adams's offer pretty quickly.
Max gestures apologetically, begging off.
Max: And it's nothing against YOU, I totally respect you and your accomplishments here in this company, but let's face it--I only took his offer because YOU decided to put Aurora Rose on YOUR team and not the other way around. Again, nothing against YOU personally...
Creed: So you keep saying, but--
He's rudely interrupted as none other than Jackson Adams and the newly-rehired Too Magnificent walk into frame. Too Mag puts his massive hands on Max's shoulders (with evil intentions, I'm sure) as Jackson pats his back with a smug grin on his face.
Adams: Hope I'm not interrupting, I just heard my name being mentioned.
He eyes Creed, then turns to Max, raising his eyebrow.
Adams: Nothing BAD, I hope...
The tension is palpable as Nathan is effectively outnumbered 3 to 1 by his Paranoia opponents.
Max: I was just telling Nathan here that his choice of Aurora Rose as his teammate for Paranoia...
He sternly eyes Nathan, and continues grimly.
Max: ...wasn't a particularly SMART one...when it comes to the LONG-term, at least.
Adams: Well, isn't THAT just a total burn on the Toothless Wonder's leadership skills? HAH! You know...normally, we'd TOTALLY kick the living shit out of you until your over-dramatic man-lover--no offense to YOU, Max--comes by to either run us off with a steel chair or make the mistake of showing up unarmed and get HIS ass whupped too...but we have a match to get ready for as well.
He turns to Max and smiles widely, like a predatory used-car salesman waiting to close the deal on some poor unsuspecting sap who can't tell a carburetor from a muffler.
Adams: Hey...don't YOU have a match to get ready for, too?
Max's speech gets clipped as he replies through clenched teeth.
Max: YES...I AM AWARE OF THAT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT REMINDER.
Adams: Anytime...TEAMMATE! Now if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a match and a special little announcement coming up next. Let’s hop to it gentlemen.
With another pat on the back, that comment sends shivers down both Max AND Creed's spines as he begins to head down past Creed. He snaps his fingers and Too Mag, slapping Max's shoulders with his hands and following behind Adams, looks back at Max and Creed, both perturbed, with an evil grin on his golden-tanned face.
Max: ...He looks more TANNED than usual...
Creed: Yeah, I was gonna say the same thing. Best of luck, then, I guess...
Max: You mean TONIGHT, or at Paranoia?
Creed: Both. But you'll ESPECIALLY need it at Paranoia.
Max: With THOSE two as partners? It'll be a wonder if I don't end up getting FIRED by the end of it...
Max heads past Creed, patting him on the shoulder with a nod as Nathan continues to warm up for his match, muttering...
Creed: Things just get crazier and crazier before the big show, don't they?
COMMERCIAL BREAK
One Chance
Axl Evermore is featured standing over top of World Champion Hurse but glaring up the ramp at a stunned Desolation.
Axl: I’ve waited a long time for this Desolation, I’m not about to let you slip through my fingers now.
A malicious Desolation is featured standing in front of the glowing Paranoia V symbol with his arms extended out to his sides while he unleashes a primal roar. The commercial cuts to Desolation dropped to his knees in front of Evermore, who is being held in the ankle lock by Pat Evans.
Desolation: You’ll never face me Evermore.
Both the Dark Man and Mr. NYC step nose to nose in the center of the ring.
One Opportunity
Axl’s features are zoomed in on as he crouches down in front of the Paranoia V symbol that glows behind his back and consumes an entire wall, all else shrouded in darkness.
Evermore: When I get you in the ring Desolation, victory will be GUARANTEED.
Axl is shown holding Desolation’s daughter’s favorite stuffed toy before cutting to the Dark Man Curb Stomping Max Craven’s face into solid concrete.
Desolation: We’ve come along way my friend.
An assortment of various individuals that Desolation has wronged in the past are now featured in the ring, beating him viciously with batons for his past transgressions against them. That’s when the video cuts to the smiling Evermore celebrating with the Cartel Championship raised high above his head.
One Time to Settle it All
The commercial shows the gruesome first physical contact between Desolation and Evermore, as the Dark Man throws Axl through a table and then proceeds to rip him apart with a stapler and razor wire.
Desolation: This is what you wanted isn’t it?
Desolation is shown kneeling beside the bloodied Evermore with the Cartel Championship hanging from his grasp.
TOO MAGNIFICENT & JACKSON ADAMS
VS.
DESOLATION & ROBIN BROOKS
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 and Robin Brooks in the entryway.
Desolation walks to the ring, head lowered while Robin follows along behind him grinning towards the heckling fans. 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. On the outside of the ring Robin stops and drops to a knee, pointing with both outstretched fingers at the Dark Man.
He gets to his feet and slowly raises one fist into the air before stepping through the ring ropes. Robin slides in under the squared circle and rises to one knee, kicking her hair back seductively.
Mayne: This is the match I’ve been waiting to see all night long Dan.
Douglas: It’s only our second match Billy.
Billy: Well, that’s long enough. This is going to be the old Alpha Generation versus the new Alpha Generation, could there possibly be any better match that sums up our five year history than this?
Dan: I can think of more than a few. I’m so appalled by this man, and what he did last week. Apparently we’ll be hearing from his victim Axl Evermore live via satellite tonight.
The new Alpha Generation contingent now occupies the ring, yet Robin has stepped aside to give Desolation the spotlight. The Dark Man asked for and received a microphone, which is now gripped tightly in his palm as he taps it slowly and steps to he center of the squared circle.
Billy: Oh goodie, Desolation has something he would like to say.
Dan: After his despicable, disgusting acts last week, I don’t want to hear a single solitary thing that this man has to say.
Mayne: Well luckily, your not in charge, so your opinion is as valuable as Aurora Rose’s.
It’s almost hard for the Dark Man to get so much as a word in due to the sheer bombardment of boos raining down upon him. The crowd is as sore mentally as Axl Evermore is physically.
Desolation: I can see that many of you are still relatively bitter in regards to my dissection of your local, hometown hero. I must admit that this is rather shocking, given my preconceived perceptions of you typical New Yorkers. Besides worshipping the almighty comb-over, being incapable of driving anything mounted on wheels, and sustaining yourselves on a diet consisting of pretzels and mystery meat hotdogs, I was under the impression that you cared about nothing but yourselves….
Boos emanate from the crowd while Desolation defends his statements.
Desolation: However, I see now, through your hostility, that I’ve again given you people far too much credit. You’re still infected with emotions, with sympathy, you’re not the Lovecraftian terrors I imagined you to be at all. Sure many of you produce vast amounts of slime, and your bodies are degenerately warped to the points of walking corpses, but you still disappoint me. So allow me to be the one to disappoint all of you for a change, by informing you that your hero, Axl, is in no physical condition to be here tonight.
Their rage only intensifies while Robin stands in a corner and chuckles.
Desolation: Yes, much like your emotions, his body is frail. Therefore, on the all important final telecast before Paranoia, a show used to force your ever tightening wallets open so that you’ll shill out the $49.99 on the upcoming payper-view, Evermore will not be present. And all thanks to my generosity.
Dan: Huh, what?
Desolation: I gave Evermore what he wanted, physicality. It’s not my fault if he couldn’t withstand it. It’s not my fault if he will be incapable of making it to Paranoia V. I was only doing what he asked me, no, no, begged me for months to do. So Axl…
Desolation turns towards the camera.
Desolation: When we do meet again, I will expect a “thank you.”
The microphone is pitched out of the ring as Desolation backs up, swinging his arms in preparation for the upcoming tag match. Robin steps out of the corner, clapping for the Dark Man.
Mayne: Well put Desolation.
Douglas: What malarkey. I can’t wait to hear what Axl thinks about this when we interview him later tonight.
“What I’ve Done” slowly begins to play throughout the PA system, coinciding with yet another negative outlet from the fans, equally repulsed by who is about to step through the curtains next. As they part Jackson Adams leads the way with a confident swagger, followed closely by the giant Too Magnificent, his palm gently resting on Max Craven’s shoulder. Max glares towards the ring, straight at Desolation in a state of rage, briefly feeling his chin after taking that Curb Stomp last week, but he clearly doesn’t like being forced around by Too Magnificent and Adams. The trio start towards the ring while Robin and Desolation are talking amongst themselves.
Billy: Oh boy this is going to be a stellar tag team match, I just hope these four take it easy on one another. Actually, I’d suggest that Adams and Too Mag just stick Craven in there on their behalf and sit out the rest of the match.
Dan: I don’t think that’s a possibility Billy.
Mayne: It is in my head.
Douglas: Which is a very scary place, but Adams and Magnificent seem determined to display their tag team capabilities out here and then follow it up by announcing the final member of the Adams’ Alliance.
Jackson makes his way up the steps and onto the apron, while Too Magnificent follows him. Both men hold their position on the apron while Adams removes his shirt, tossing it down to Craven and expecting him to catch it. Craven however, just watches the shirt tumble to the floor before looking up at Adams and shrugging his shoulders. Finally Jackson slides through the ropes while Robin starts out of the corner for her team, Desolation occupying their corner.
Dan: How fitting that we’re going to see Jackson Adams and Robin Brooks start out this tag team encounter for their respective teams.
Billy: Jackson has come up with so many great one liners about Robin in the past. I miss those days slightly.
Brooks and Adams stare at each other rather callously before Robin blinks and Jackson feigns a grin. The two now start towards each other, locking up in a collar elbow, jockeying for positioning right from the get go. Almost immediately though Adams yanks down on Robin’s upper body, sending her crashing down face first into the ring. She bounces off of it and comes back up to her knees while a smirking Jackson takes her by the wrist, swinging under her arm. The grinning Jackson applies an arm ringer hold before pulling Robin up to her feet and yanking her towards him into a side headlock submission. He drops to a single knee, rubbing his arms back and forth across her knee and continuing to smirk pompously.
Adams: Oh yeah, how I’ve missed this.
Robin forces herself to her feet though and swings her body, freeing her head and grabbing Jackson’s arm in the process. She pins it behind his back into a hammerlock but then drops down, grabbing his pants and forcing him over in reverse into a school boy.
1
Jackson rolls over backwards out of the school boy onto his knees while Robin takes him around the neck, placing him in a quick cravat.
Dan: Although I may not like the athletes involved in this encounter, I certainly can’t fault their brilliant in ring capabilities.
Billy: It’s about time you lavished them with praises.
Douglas: Really? We’re going down this road again?
While on one knee he extends his other leg out in reverse, Too Magnificent reaching over the ropes and slapping his foot. He quickly enters the ring behind Brooks and rushes into the cables in front of her, bouncing off for a running lariat. However, Robin twists at Adams’ head, causing him to stand up and spin towards the inbound Too Magnificent. The big man stops right before he interacts with Adams. A grin forms on Jackson’s face as he holds his palms up and backs away, briefly turning his head towards Max on the outside of the ring and pointing between himself and Too Mag, insisting this is how a team really works. Robin rushes up behind Adams, places her hands to his shoulders then leap frogs his head, flying over top of him into a dropkick right to Too Magnificent’s sternum. The blow sends the giant powerhouse staggering backwards into the ropes and spilling over them to the outside of the ring. Craven rolls his eyes.
Robin turns on her knees to face a stunned Adams who now comes barreling towards her only to have Brooks do a headstand, the back of her legs coming down on top of his shoulders. She pushes herself up off of the canvas while wrapping her legs around Adams’ neck, pulling him around into a head scissors. She snaps off and sends Jackson flipping over, tumbling to the canvas with force spine first.
Billy: I never remember Robin doing this good in her matches against Adams. It isn’t fair that she steps up her game now, or is it?
Douglas: Your indecisiveness annoys me.
Mayne: Then at the very least I’m doing something right.
Desolation tilts his head as if slightly impressed while Robin rises to her feet, turning towards Adams who is slowly getting up in front of the cables. As soon as he plants his feet Robin comes barreling in only to have Jackson bend forward, trying to back drop her over the cables. She grabs the top rope though and floats over, landing directly on the apron. A shocked Adams spins towards her and receives a hard forearm to his jaw for his troubles. Adams stumbles in reverse while Robin springs to the top rope for a high flying move. However, Too Magnificent jumps onto the apron behind her, placing his hand to her bum and pushing her off the top rope. Robin flips over and crashes to the canvas spine first while Too Magnificent turns on the apron to face Desolation, who is running at him for an obligatory cheap shot. However, he receives a straight big boot right to his face, the Dark Man crashing spine first off the apron and tumbling to the outside mats.
The collision with the canvas leaves Robin in pain as she reaches for her back and turns slowly over onto her knees, trying to stand up. She is unable to because Adams quickly rushes in and delivers a straight knee directly to her face. The blow causes her to stand up straight, turning in a circle right towards Too Magnificent who has entered the ring and drilled her to the skull with a devastating running big boot. She is knocked to the canvas with force while Too Magnificent turns and falls into the cover, hooking her legs for the three count.
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2
Robin gets her shoulder off of the canvas, kicking out right before a three count can be made.
Billy: Now the old guard showing why they could be considered the superior Alpha Generation incarnation.
The giant Too Magnificent stands up and jumps into the air, catching tremendous height while he extends his leg and drops it right across Robin’s throat. Her body kicks up into the air while he rolls to his knees and steps in with a big elbow drop right into her sternum. Adams has vacated the ring now, standing on the corner and shouting at Craven to pay attention. Max just shakes his head, not really enjoying what he is seeing while Too Magnificent forces Robin up to her feet and whips her across the ring into the ropes. She bounces off and comes back in at the giant who catches her under his arm, spinning around twice before dropping her with a huge side slam. Brooks’ spine crashes forcefully against the canvas while the monstrous sadist rises to his feet and approaches the eager Adams. Jackson is tagged into this contest as he quickly steps to Robin’s side, Too Magnificent wedging his shoulder to Adams’ back. He lifts him up into the air and then pushes him off of his shoulder, sending Adams tumbling down from a great height directly spine first into Robin’s ribs.
Mayne: Tag team continuity at its finest.
Dan: Jackson and Too Magnificent briefly tagged with one another several months ago and made a very stellar paring, apparently they haven’t lost any of that continuity.
Billy: Why must you be so repetitious? I just said that, and said it shorter. You know the fans have short term attention spans, it’s why my commentary appeals to them more.
Adams sits up on the canvas, again flashing that trademark confident grin as he stands up and jumps into the air, stomping down to Robin’s throat. He now places his hands to his knee, pushing down on his leg and choking Brooks, who kicks her legs desperately in an attempt to save herself. Desolation has gotten back to his corner, watching Robin be worked over with annoyance. Finally Adams takes his foot away from her throat and takes her bangs, rolling her to her knees. He stomps her to the top of the skull then forces her all the way to her feet, quickly pulling her forward into his knee. She bounces off of and flips over onto her seat, grabbing at her ribs in anguish while Jackson rushes up behind her, delivering a hard running kick between her kidneys. Brooks cringes as she falls to her side, Adams stepping to his corner where tags in Too Magnificent.
The giant enters the ring while Adams forces Robin up to her feet and turns her back towards his partner. Too Mag grabs her by the back of the neck and lifts her up into the air, throwing her down to the canvas with a reverse chokeslam. Brooks crashes face first off of the canvas and pops up to her knees, looking momentarily stunned. As she reaches her kneeling base Too Mag boots her forcefully to the side of the face, knocking her back down to the canvas. He turns and falls on top of her into the lateral press with the crowd screaming.
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2
Brooks again gets her shoulder up, turning away from Too Magnificent who stands in a fluster, placing his boot on top of the back of her head. He pushes down with his boot, trying to squash Robin’s cranium as the official starts a five count.
Dan: Old AG, New AG, what’s the difference? They all blatantly violate the rules.
Billy: Yet they all have a different wonderful style of doing it.
As the referee reaches four Too Magnificent takes his boot away from Robin’s cranium then takes her by the hair, forcing her tired body up to her feet. He bends forward and wedges his shoulder to her ribs, hoisting her into the air then powering her across the ring. He rushes all the way cross the squared circle and drives the Black Widow forcefully spine first into the enemy corner. He now stands and makes the tag to Adams, who without hesitation enters the ring, where he proceeds to stomp her repeatedly to the ribs. The ever so quick Jackson takes great delight in delivering a knife edge chop across Robin’s sternum, then delivering a straight right hand under her jaw. Brooks is taken off of her feet from the stiff shot, crashing down onto her seat with her back pressed to the corner.
Mayne: Mwahahaha, Adams and Too Magnificent have Robin exactly where they want her.
Douglas: They’ve slowed this contest down to a slow deliberate pace as they methodically work her over here, making quick tags to one another to keep both men fresh.
Jackson backs across the ring with Robin still prone in the corner, swiping his feet across the canvas in anticipation. He now barrels forward, developing tremendous speed before going for a knee strike right to her face only to have Brooks roll out of the way. Jackson slams knee first into the second turnbuckle pad, unleashing a roar as a result while Robin stands up behind him, catching hold of his arms and pulling him down into a back slide.
1
2
Adams rolls over backwards, kicking out and dropping down to his knees. They both rush to their feet with Robin falling back first against the turnbuckle and Adams charging forward at her once again. He jumps into the air for a big splash only to hit the turnbuckle a second time, Robin stepping out of the way in the nick of time. Adams bounces off the corner hard, staggering backwards with his hands over his ribs when Robin steps up behind him, wrapping her arm around his neck. She steps up the corner and kicks Too Magnificent to the face over the top rope before twisting around into a tornado bulldog. Adams is dragged face first into the canvas, bouncing off it forcefully while Too Mag drops to the outside mats, appearing irate.
Billy: Robin coming back in this contest, and I don’t know rather I should be happy that she did or not.
Dan: It’ll certainly keep this randomly booked match going.
Adams bounces off of the ring and rolls onto his back while Robin gets to her feet and dives across the ring, slapping Desolation’s outstretched palm. The Dark Man slips through the ropes and rushes at the rising Jackson, delivering a hard kick to his thigh, then to his opposite shin. Jackson pivots between feet with each forceful blow, one being landed to his shoulder, before another of Desolation’s deadly legs connects with the side of his skull. The stiff blow sends Adams dropping to his knees, his eyes fluttering in a severally dazed condition while Desolation backs towards the ropes. As soon as he hits them Too Magnificent reaches over the cables, hooking both of his arms. He is trying to hold him in position for Jackson, who is recovering slowly. Finally he reaches his feet and with vengeful eyes rushes forward only to have Desolation get his foot up directly into his face. His boot connects square with Jackson’s jaw, causing him to stagger backwards in a dazed condition. Desolation now forces his arms free from Too Mag’s grasp and jumps into the air, twisting around into a big kick delivered over the ropes right to the back of his giant opponent’s head. The sadistic giant tumbles off the apron like a falling tree while Desolation starts to stand up, watching his crash to the outside mats. He doesn’t realize that Adams has stepped up behind him, catching his arms and pulling him around into position for the unprettier.
Mayne: Yes, I mean no, I mean yes.
Dan: Desolation displaying his viciousness with those kicks but he did not have eyes in the back of his head and now Adams is setting up for the unprettier.
Desolation suddenly stands up and lifts Jackson into the air as he holds onto his opponent’s arms. He flips over backwards as a result and lands on his feet right behind the Dark Man, taking him around the neck and dropping him to the canvas with a layout reverse DDT. Jackson quickly crawls into the cover while Craven smiles, liking the fact that Desolation is getting his comeuppance.
1
Desolation lobs his shoulder from the canvas, infuriating Adams. He rises to his feet while Desolation starts to get up, trying to recover from that reverse DDT. Adams pushes himself up onto a single foot, going into a crane fighting stance as he mocks Desolation’s fighting style.
Dan: Um, Adams, there’s a time for fun and games, and it’s never when wrestling Desolation, although I recall a time when there was.
Billy: Come on, I’m sure even Desolation has some sort of sense of humor.
Desolation finally reaches his feet when Jackson lobs his foot into the air for a Karate Kid style kick only to have his leg caught by the Dark Man. Jackson’s eyes fill with fear as he’s now dragged forward by his captured leg and thrown over the Dark Man’s head with a capture suplex. Adams flips over and slams into the ring with force spine first, sitting up and groaning in pain.
After delivering this vicious move Desolation starts to stand up when Too Magnificent enters the ring and barrels towards him with a big boot. The Dark Man side steps him then delivers a hard buzzsaw kick right to the back of Too Mag’s knee, knocking his leg out from under. Too Mag crashes onto his back while Desolation bounces off the ropes and charges directly at him, jumping into the air with an extension of his spine. All of his weight crashes down back first right into Too Magnificent’s ribs, causing him to convulse in anguish. Desolation rises to his feet as Adams charges at him now throwing a fist only to have it caught and as thus have his arm forced between his legs. The Dark Man has him in perfect position for the Texas Sawhorse, but now calls for Robin, who quickly re-enters the ring. She steps to the opposite side of Adams and grabs his other arm, forcing it between his legs as well. Both Desolation and Brooks begin to pull up and down on his hands, forcing his wrists repeatedly into his testicles.
Billy: No, not the double Texas Sawhorse on Adams! I’m sure he requires much more use of his lower extremities than others.
Dan: Really? Because by looking at him, I imagine he hasn’t gotten much practice with it.
Before they can continue to deliver this vicious submission move Too Magnificent blasts Desolation over his upper back, doubling him over forward then taking him by the head. He turns him around and throws Desolation over the top rope, sending him crashing to the canvas. Too Mag now leans over the cables, pointing down at Desolation and shouting at him when Robin steps up behind the big man and springs into the air, dropkicking him between the shoulder blades. As a result Too Magnificent is sent crashing over the top rope to the outside mats. Robin rises to her feet and hops up and down, about to go for something high risk which actually generates a buzz from the crowd. She now rushes across the ring into the opposite cables, bouncing off as she builds momentum for a huge dive onto Too Magnificent. However, as she rushes forward, Jackson Adams stands up in front of her and delivers a heinous lariat that almost knocks her head from her shoulders. Brooks crashes forcefully against the ring while Adams lands on his knees at her side then dives into the cover in an exhausted condition.
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Robin kicks out again, greatly irritating Adams who sits up rubbing at his testicles in pain.
Billy: Oh, we were seconds away from a well deserved Jackson Adams victory.
Dan: Adams coming with mere seconds of pinning the equally as manipulative Black Widow in what has been a very fast paced tag team encounter from the get go.
Mayne: Yeah, I’ve barely had time to catch my breath.
Douglas: It’s because you’ve literally not stopped talking throughout this entire match, which is more excruciating then ever given the fact that you’ve said nothing interesting.
On the outside of the ring Craven watches with a grin as Too Magnificent has pulled Desolation to his feet, forcing him over the barricade backwards and delivering a vicious open hand chop over his sternum. Desolation bends forward with a grin and a cringe while Too Mag steps back then rushes forward for a big boot. However, the Dark Man steps out of the way, causing Too Magnificent to crotch himself on the barricade. Desolation steps to his side and delivers a vicious superkick right to the side of his jaw, knocking the big man over into the sea of humanity.
Douglas: This brawling tag team match now spilling over into the crowd.
Billy: Why oh why can’t these two teams just get along? They can bond over tea and crumpets, just like British people, without all the dental issues.
Adams stands up over top of Robin and kicks her to the ribs, doubling her over forward and then dragging her head under his seat. While incredibly winded he hooks both of Robin’s arms, setting up for his version of the Angel’s Wings. He is just about to lift her when Robin counters, swinging around out of this predicament then taking hold of Adams’ wrist as she turns to face him. She now pulls him forward into a short arm lariat only to have Jackson duck it, stepping behind her and taking her around the neck, dropping down into a layout reverse DDT yet again. Robin crashes forcefully against the canvas while Adams gets to his knees and turns to glare at Craven on the outside of the ring. Max is distracted by glaring at Desolation, his fists clinched and his palms getting sweaty with anticipation, wanting to dish out some physicality on the man who Curb Stomped him last week. He takes a very deep breath though and steps back, surprisingly not seizing this opportunity as Desolation struggles to regain his faculties. Adams now snaps his fingers and gets Craven’s attention before pointing over his back towards the chair at ringside.
Adams: Max, get me a God damn chair!
Craven looks up at Adams who is ordering him around like he were a servant and then shakes his head no. This causes Jackson’s features to contort with anger as he balls up his fist, threatening Craven if he doesn’t grab him a chair.
Billy: DO AS YOUR TOLD CRAVEN!
Dan: Max refusing to be bossed around by Jackson Adams. He’s not helping his Paranoia teammates pick up a win here tonight.
Mayne: Why that ungrateful little bitch.
Adams continues to order Craven about, motioning towards Desolation now on the outside of the ring only for Max again to shrug and shake his head. Finally Jackson picks the bottom rope and spins around to face the agonizing Brooks, he charges right at her before she jumps into the air and catches him with a hurricarana. However, Adams rolls out of it and pulls Brooks down into almost a sunset flip style pinning predicament. Robin rolls backwards out of this pinning position onto her feet while Adams stands up and grabs her bent forward head, pulling it under his seat and hooking both of her arms. He’s again setting up for his version of the Angel’s Wings, a big smile forming on his face when a deadly buzzsaw kick connects right to his face from Desolation. The blow knocks Jackson completely out cold, sending him crashing to the canvas while Desolation turns and falls into the cover.
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3
The crowd reacts with a very mixed response, some booing, some cheering at the conclusion of this frantically paced tag team encounter.
Douglas: Desolation caught Adams with a blistering kick right to the face and now he and Brooks have emerged victorious here tonight.
Billy: Yay, nay, yippee, boo? What’s my response suppose to be here?
Adams holds his forehead as Desolation rolls across the canvas and onto his knees, breathing heavily as he glares at Craven on the outside of the ring. A slight smile forms on his face as Max just shakes his head, displaying no real emotion. Robin stands up celebrating with her arms raised high, falling into Desolation’s back, patting it reassuringly. She points and laughs at Craven now who continues to display little to no emotion.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Killing the Big Show is only funny in small doses. This has been a public service announcement from the IWC
AN UNSTABLE ARMY
After the commercial break the show returns live to find a slouched forward Jackson Adams sweating profusely as he leans with his kidneys into a corner. Saliva seeps from the corner of his mouth while a microphone is gripped in the palm of his shaking hand, his ravenous eyes set on Max Craven who is standing in the center of the ring. A tired Too Magnificent is kneeling down at Adams’ side, also beaming a penetrating glare towards their partner.
Adams: What the hell is wrong with you, huh, huh?
Jackson is so out of breath he can barely get his words out, yet continues to shout at Craven who smirks only slightly and shrugs his shoulders.
Douglas: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Riot!, and all throughout the commercial break what your seeing in the ring was transpiring. Adams has been livid with Craven for not interfering in their match a few moments ago.
Mayne: Craven should have been a good little soldier and followed orders, although I didn’t want him to interfere and possibly cost Desolation his match too, so I didn’t want him to follow orders. Oh God, I’m so confused I’m now constipated.
The angered Adams slowly begins to stand up and stagger forward out of his corner while taking deep breaths, Too Mag also starting to get up.
Adams: I don’t get it. I ask for one little favor and you can’t even do that Craven. I thought you hated Desolation after what he did to your tag team partner last week.
In an almost threatening manner Adams stumbles towards Craven who has no other excuse for his actions but a simply shrug of his shoulders and a single defensive statement. He leans forward so that his voice can be heard in the microphone.
Craven: Gee, I’m sorry Captain, but I made a promise to someone that I wouldn’t seek my revenge against Desolation tonight. I don’t want him to have any excuses when my partner Axl beats him at Paranoia V.
Adams is gritting his teeth as his face flushes red with anger.
Billy: What kind of excuse is that? Kick him out of your team Adams, find someone more suitable, someone with a back bone. Pick me, I’ll gladly represent the Adams Alliance.
Too Magnificent is shaking his head and shouting something at Craven as well only to be cut off by Adams who slowly lifts the microphone to his lips.
Adams: Okay Max, okay….
He runs his palm over his sweaty hair as he tries to calm himself down.
Jackson: I’m willing to forgive your disobedience just this once, because dammit if I don’t need you at Paranoia V.
The grin increases on Craven’s face, although he secretly looks a little pained that he had to allow Desolation to slip through his fingers just a few moments ago. Too Magnificent appears angered by his partner’s decision, desiring a good old fashioned blood letting for Craven’s failure to follow orders.
Adams: We’ll deal with this issue later, but now it’s time for me to address what I’ve been waiting for all night long, the completion of the Adams Alliance.
Although still enraged Too Magnificent grins slightly, liking the sound of the last member of their team being revealed. Craven’s interest is peaked while Adams turns away from him, still sweating and glaring into the camera to emphasize his words.
Mayne: Yes, it’s about time. I can’t wait to hear who they’ve selected. I bet it’s Doink the Clown, God I always loved that guy. The evil Doink, not the nice one.
Dan: They were both equally as unnecessary and irritating as you are Billy.
Adams buries his rage to the pit of his possibly ulcer ridden stomach and continues with his announcement.
Jackson Adams: Tonight, the last Riot before the big one, Paranoia V, and we have three members of the Adams Alliance in the ring; and tonight, right now, we are going to let you in on who is going to join this group of great men in defeating the so called ‘team’ assembled by Nathan Creed. I know for a fact that Too Mag here has been waiting for this announcement since I told him who I have gotten on our side earlier this week; ain’t that right Mag?
The giant reaches through the ropes, snapping his fingers and requesting the use of a microphone. One is promptly dispatched to him, placed directly in the palm of his hnad. Too Mag raises the mic with a smile on his face that is as wide as the grand canyon, pushing aside his anger over Craven’s disobedience.
Too Magnificent: “Oh yeah Jackson! I have been looking forward to working with this guy for years! This is someone who knows how to mess people up bad man, and hell, I even stole some of his greatest tricks to use in my own matches.”
Jackson Adams: “I know you have Too Mag, I know you have. So without further stalling, I introduce to you, the forth member of Team Adams….”
‘Pain’ by Three Days Grace erupts into the arena, the crowd gets on its feet as Nathan Creed comes out through the entrance and out onto the stage; he is quickly followed by the two members of his team for Paranoia V, Phantom and Aurora Rose. Jackson leans on the ropes looking out at Team Creed and starts yelling at them for interrupting his announcement, already angered enough as it is. Creed calmly motions for Jackson to be quieter as he walks towards the ring himself with a microphone in hand.
Mayne: What audacity, I have half a mind to do something about this.
Dan: Yes, you literally do have half a mind.
Creed continues to lead his contingent towards the ring while Craven grins rather coyly.
Nathan Creed: “Look Jackson, I frankly don’t care what or who you have on your team for our match at Paranoia. It’s not like you have been able to get anyone worth having in the ring with us; just look at you three. We have the leader, who frankly doesn’t understand the meaning of washed up, then you have the biggest reject and loser of the past decade in Too Mag, then you have Max Craven, a guy who used to think he was some bloody superhero! Then you take a look at me, one of the all time greats of IWC, a man who really needs no introduction in Phantom, and the best woman ever in this business. Frankly Jackson, you my friend, are outclassed in every way.”
Creed stands still, just a few feet away from the ring laughing with his teammates over the comments he has just made; but his expression changes to one of confusion as he notices that the other three men in the ring are laughing also. Craven is the only one remaining straight faced, his eyes cutting between his teammates in confusion What Creed and his teammates don’t notice is someone jumping over the security railing with a kendo stick in hand, swinging it around in one hand behind their backs.
Jackson Adams: “Like you know anything Nathan. You think that it’s all about class and titles and all that crap. But to be honest with you Nathan, my surprise addition is someone that you know quite well and will be the force needed to push Team Adams over the top of Team Creed with ease. Now if you would turn around, you’ll see exactly who it is.”
Team Creed turns around all at one; Aurora and Phantom quickly get nailed with kendo stick shots to the head, the assailant keeping his face covered with his own long black hair as he walks up to Creed. Creed stands ready to fight until the man’s hair is pushed back revealing Killjoy! Killjoy grabs Creed by the shirt and kicks him in the nuts, dropping Creed to his knees. Killjoy winds up and hits Creed in the head with the stiffest kendo stick shot he can muster. Killjoy steps over the laid out body of Nathan Creed and climbs into the ring where he is warmly greeted by Team Adams.
Mayne: WHAT!?! Killjoy is BACK!?! And he’s with the Adams’ Alliance!?!
Douglas: I’m stunned, the whole betrayal by Robin Brooks a few weeks ago, must have really, really screwed his head up something awful.
Adams is still laughing hysterically over what just happened to Team Creed, who are still lying on the rampway in shock over what just occurred. Jackson now reaches out and pats Killjoy on the shoulder as he stands before him in the ring, head lowered and hair obscuring his features, the crowd screaming in disbelief.
Jackson Adams: “Ladies and gentlemen, the forth member of Team Adams for Paranoia V… the one and only master of mind games and cheap shots… KILLJOY!!!”
The crowd begins a chant of “KILLJOY!” as Jackson Adams shakes hands with Killjoy himself. He goes to embrace Killjoy but Killjoy shoves Jackson away and takes the mic from him. Jackson backs off nodding, understanding Killjoy’s actions. Killjoy, very sternly, looks out at the crowd that is chanting for him before looking at the hard camera.
Killjoy: “Well it looks like the tales of me fleeing from IWC because of Robin Brooks are nothing more then just that, old wives tales; cause let me tell you something, I’m back and I’m here to settle some long unfinished business. But I’ll come back to that in a moment. At this point in time I have something to say to you Jackson.”
Killjoy turns his attention directly towards Jackson, his expression not changing at all.
Killjoy: “I’m going to get things straight from step one. You came to me, you asked me to come back to help you defeat Creed and whomever he decides to bring in since I’ve taken on most of those fucks in the back over the years. So while you might be the team captain on paper, but you have no control over me and you damn better listen to me when we get down to planning how to take these pieces of shit out.”
Although Jackson is still drenched with his own sweat from the previous contest he has no problem stepping towards Killjoy, briefly eyeing Craven who watches on in disbelief over what is happening here.
Jackson: “No! Let me get this straight! I came to you because you need to get yourself back into ring condition before heading off on this big revenge mission you have planned. Now I AM the captain of the Adams Alliance, and if I want your advice, I’ll ask you for it. I am the one who set this all up, I’m the one who got the team together and I am going to be the one who….”
Jackson is cut off with a shot to the head from Killjoy’s kendo stick. Max Craven watches Jackson plummet before looking up and being slapped in the skull with the cane as well just because he was standing there. This leaves Too Mag and Killjoy standing across the ring from each other. Killjoy motions to the floor with the kendo stick and Too Mag bails out of the ring, then drags Jackson Adams out with him, not caring to remove Craven.
Mayne: How dare you Killjoy! How dare you just assault the hand that feeds you!
Douglas: Killjoy not going to be pushed around by anyone, any longer. This guy has a few bats in the old belfry.
The crowd is still screaming positively while Killjoy turns and glares towards the camera with that same stoic expression.
Killjoy: “Jackson needs to learn that no one in this business is going to control me, not this time. That shot to the head from my former lover woke me up and I feel alive again for the first time since she wrapped her legs around me and rode me like a horse for hours. So it’s only fair that I woke Robin up from her so-called dream life with that fuck-head Hurse. It should only be fitting that I take that little bitch and beat her up like the fucking two dollar whore that she really is. That’s right sweetie, Daddy’s come home and he’s drunk and looking to beat the shit out of that little redheaded step child that you are. Remember this you little fucking slut, I made you; I brought you into the business, trained you into the wrestler that you are today, gave you all the tools and edge that you need to succeed in this soul draining clusterfuck called wrestling; and damn it girl, I’m going to end you. You are the unfinished business; not that piece of shit that thinks he’s a man thanks to that enlarged clit he has, just you darling. So come on, you want to be all big and bad, then come to the one who invented the shit and taught it to your ungrateful ass. Soon Robin, very soon, I’m going to fuck your life up so badly that you won’t be able to breathe. That’s right honey; I’m back to who I’m meant to be.”
“Due to the graphic nature of this program, listener discretion is advised.”
‘Edgecrusher’ by Fear Factory begins to play as Killjoy drops the mic and does his classic crucifix pose for the crowd, keeping his eyes firmly locked on the hard camera like he knows Robin is watching. Killjoy exits the ring and leaves through the crowd.
Dan Douglas: “Man what an impact! Killjoy comes in, cleans house and then tells Robin that he is coming straight for her. And what about what he did with his own teammates in the Adams Alliance? You have to wonder who is going to be in control after that little tiff.”
Billy Mayne: Things are looking so bleak for Jackson. First Craven disobeys him, and now Killjoy lays him out with a Kendo stick! How is this team going to coexist at Paranoia V? And who’s going to be Team Creed’s fourth member?
Dan: All answers that we’ll discover soon enough.
THE ADVANTAGE
The camera quickly cuts backstage to the shadowy, painted features of Riggs, strands of hair hanging down in front of his features as he moves down the corridor. There is obviously some type of sinister intentions in mind, which shine through his black pupils. The lens slowly pulls back to reveal a smirking GM AWOL residing at his side, leading the way. The monolithic figure pats Riggs reassuringly on the shoulder as he somberly moves forward.
AWOL: It’s moments like this that you really must cherish Riggs. Max Craven and Aurora Rose are laid out in the ring, therefore there’s no more opportune time to start your match against them, than right now.
The General Manager’s diabolical laughter carries throughout the corridor and surprisingly causes Riggs to grin ever so slightly, finding this prospect rather agreeable. The packed Manhattan Center crowd reacts angrily at this announcement as the two imposing figures continue to move towards the squared circle.
Billy: Brilliant.
Douglas: I’m guessing you just heard what I did then. How utterly ridiculous, Max Craven and Aurora Rose were just assaulted by Killjoy, and now AWOL is going to start the tables match.
Billy: Allow me to repeat this. Brilliant.
The Riot! theme song plays in the background as Riggs and AWOL march past the camera, moments away from reaching the squared circle, where Riggs will certainly have a definitive advantage in the tables match.
Dan: Ladies and gentlemen, the three way tables match is next!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Now Available on DVD
MAX CRAVEN VS. RIGGS VS. AURORA ROSE:
TABLES MATCH
The show returns live to the inside of the Manhattan Center where Nathan Creed and Phantom are no longer present, presumably having been removed during the commercial break. This leaves Aurora crawling towards the ring with her palm pressed to her forehead after that Kendo stick shot. Inside of the ring Craven is also trying to recover from a shot dealt out by Killjoy when “The Sacrament” by HIM starts to play throughout the building, resulting in many of the fans standing with anger being unleashed upon the entry way. The curtains part as Riggs slowly moves through them and onto the stage, his head still lowered with GM AWOL marching out behind him and towering over his back.
Dan: Welcome back to Riot! and as you can see, Riggs is hoping to capitalize on the injuries sustained by Aurora Rose and Max Craven because this three way Tables Match is starting right this second.
Mayne: It’s so nice to have AWOL in your corner.
Douglas: It is in situations like these apparently.
Rose is slowly pulling herself up onto the apron in a horribly dazed condition when Riggs charges down the ramp and grabs her by the ankle. He drags down on it, causing her to fall off the apron and crash face first against it. AWOL stops half way down the ramp with his arms crossed over his wide sternum, watching with a giant grin on his face. He now points to the inside of the ring at Craven though, insisting that Riggs target him after Max’s partner had the audacity to lay a finger on him on the last show. Riggs slips into the ring and approaches the struggling Craven, who is slowly getting up to his feet. He turns with his palm pressed to his forehead and receives a vicious double handed chop across the sternum. The blow knocks Max to the canvas while Riggs steps to his side and stomps him down to the forehead several times.
Dan: Does nobody believe in a level playing field?
Billy: No, because it’s boring.
Riggs slowly drags Craven to his knees then forces him up to his feet, grabbing his wrist and swinging around under it. He then delivers a reverse heel kick right to the face of Max while still holding onto his wrist. The blow knocks Max to the canvas while Riggs pins to face him, jumping into the air then coming down head first into his sternum. Craven begins to convulse, crossing his arms over his chest while Aurora struggles as she slips into the ring. Writhing in pain she rises to her feet and now rushes straight at Riggs who stands and meets her with a boot to the face. The blow knocks her from her feet and down to the canvas while Riggs kicks his hair back, moseying forward across the ring.
AWOL throws the tarp hanging from the apron into the air and reaches under the ring, grabbing a table. He slowly begins to drag it out with a warped grin on his face while in the ring Riggs has stepped back towards Craven who is trying to stand up with the assistance of the turnbuckle. He gets to his feet when Riggs steps in, nailing him across the sternum with another double chop. Craven bends forward when the painted apparition headbunts him directly to the skull.
Max falls spine first against the corner, almost tumbling to the canvas before Aurora bashes Riggs over his upper back. She seems to surprisingly be coming to the aid of Craven, as she spins Riggs around and jumps forward into a forearm strike to his face. Riggs is almost taken down to the canvas before Aurora whips him across the ring. However, Riggs reverses it, instead sending Rose charging into the cables. She bounces off and comes back in at Riggs who catches her with his palms against her ribs, throwing her up into the air only to have her land on his shoulders. She pulls him around into a hurricarana.
Dan: Aurora surprising these fans and Riggs with a huge hurricarana counter. She seems to be regaining her faculties after taking that Kendo stick shot to the cranium.
Mayne: She should have just stayed outside of the ring and let Riggs dismantle Craven. It be, you know, what’s that word, oh yeah, logical.
A still frazzled Aurora turns over onto her knees when Craven rushes out of the corner and drills her to the face with a shining wizard. She crashes onto her back while a dazed Craven rolls away from her, still grabbing at his caned forehead. After agonizing for a moment he stands while Riggs utilizes the cables to reach his feet. As soon as he stands Craven rushes in and lariats him to the throat, knocking the opportunist over the cables and to the outside of the ring. He turns now to face the struggling Aurora, the individual who will be on the opposing team at Paranoia V. He rushes directly at her only to have Aurora jump into the air, drilling him to the face with a spinning heel kick.
Billy: Paranoia opponents now going at it with one another, finally.
Dan: Riggs removed forcefully from the equation so that these two could settle their dispute before the biggest show in the history of the IWC.
Aurora stands and turns her back to Max before jumping into the air, flipping over backwards twice before coming down spine first right into her opponent’s ribs. Max begins to convulse while Aurora sits up, her eyes fluttering as she tries to remain conscious. The crowd is screaming over that unbelievably agile move. A battered Aurora rolls across the ring and spills under the ropes, reaching under the squared circle as she removes a table. She slowly slides it out but then turns to spot Riggs rushing around the ring at her. He throws a lariat only for her to duck it, stepping behind him as the malicious figure turns to face her. Aurora jumps into the air, wedging her feet to his ribs then monkey flipping him over spine first right into the thin protective mats.
He sits up gritting his teeth while Aurora grabs the table, beginning to slide into the ring and under the cables. She enters the ring as well when Max reaches his feet and steps in to meet her while she’s still bent forward, catching her around the neck then dropping back into a vicious DDT. Rose’s head is planted forcefully against the canvas before she flips over onto her back, Craven sitting up and taking deep breaths. He crawls towards the table that Aurora brought in, picking it up slowly and then beginning to set it up under one of the turnbuckles. Max swipes the surface of the table then turns towards Rose who is struggling to reach her feet. She gets her feet beneath her when Craven kicks her to the gut, backing towards the table to suplex her through it.
Douglas: This could be the end of this tables match right here and now.
Mayne: Get back in there Riggs, your suppose to be a guaranteed victor.
Craven lifts Aurora up into the air for the suplex only to have her float over, landing on her feet behind him. She wraps her arms around his waist, trying to German suplex Craven through the table, but unable to get the strength up to lift him. The fans are screaming with each grunt as she tries desperately to lift him only to have Max back elbow her right to the jaw, breaking up the German attempt. She falls spine first against the table while Craven turns and rushes right at her, being caught with a drop toe hold that plants him face first against the surface of the wood. He bashes off it and then tumbles onto his back, rolling away from the table in a horribly bewildered condition.
Aurora now climbs up onto the table with her back facing Craven before diving off into a twisting moonsault. The corkscrew maneuver misses it’s mark though, Craven somehow rolling out of the way and causing her to crash forcefully into the canvas. All the while Riggs is pulling himself up onto the apron, watching all of this action and listening to AWOL who is shouting some last minute words of wisdom. The shadowy figure seems to be buying his time while Aurora slowly starts to stand up gripping at her ribs, Craven stepping in and taking hold of her wrist, pulling her into his shoulders. Craven looks ready to deliver a death valley driver to put her through the table when Riggs steps up in front of Max and boots him hard to the ribs. He drops Aurora as a result and is now scooped up into the air by his other opponent who looks to be ready to give him the Michinoku Driver II through the table. At the last second Craven slips over his shoulder though, landing on his feet behind Riggs then spinning him around. AWOL’s pupil is dragged into Craven’s shoulders, who is looking to connect with his Cupids Arrow (Fireman’s Carry into Falcon Arrow). However, Riggs counters, slipping around and catching Max by the head, dragging him down forcefully into a big DDT counter.
Billy: Thankfully a big counter just hit by Riggs.
Dan: He certainly is the fresher of the trio here.
Mayne: Yeah, we’ve already established this. Leave it to you to be out of date.
Riggs slowly begins to stand up when Aurora comes rushing in with a lariat. He ducks her blow then reaches back, catching her around the neck. He pulls her around out of a reverse neckbreaker position face first right into his knee. The face buster causes Rose to stand up, staggering in reverse in a very disorientated manner while Riggs bolts into the ropes in front of her. He comes rushing back in at Rose who jumps into the air with a twisting back elbow right to Riggs’ sternum, knocking them both down to the canvas.
Mayne: I am really getting so sick of Aurora recuperative capabilities. She’s like a kidney stone that just won’t pass.
Dan: I believe they call those “Billy Mayne’s.”
Aurora rolls away from her painted opponent and agonizingly rises to her feet as Riggs tries to do the same. Both athletes reach an upright base when Aurora dives in with a forearm strike to the side of his face, followed by an equally as powerful blow. Riggs is staggered, almost taking him to the canvas when Aurora kicks him to the gut, doubling him over then wrapping her arm around his neck. She pulls him towards the laid out Craven then flips over Riggs’ neck into a flip over swinging neckbreaker only to come down with a leg drop right across Max’s throat with a senton leg drop. The crowd cheers at the sight of the double maneuver which leaves Riggs and Craven in equally painful conditions.
Aurora rises to her knees and slowly rolls out of the ring, dropping to the mats in front of the table that AWOL had gotten out earlier in this contest. She raises a threatening fist towards the General Manager, who merely grins as Rose grabs the table, lifts it up and slips into the ring under the cables. She rolls in herself and then grabs the wood, picking it up and setting it diagonally against the turnbuckle. She now turns to spot Craven on his feet, charging in full speed. She side steps him though, pushing him right along into the table. However, Max stops cold in his tracks right in front of the wood, flailing his arms to keep from falling into it. He turns right into a hard back kick to the ribs, doubling him over as Aurora places him in a front chancery then rushes at the table, stepping up it and pushing herself off into a tornado DDT. However, Craven shoves her off at the last second, causing her to land feet first with great agility on the canvas in front of him. She charges forward as Craven takes her around the waist, about to belly to belly suplex her through the wood.
Billy: No, Max is going to put her through the wood! Although I’m sure Aurora has a lot of interaction with wood. Hahahahaha, I don’t get it.
Dan: No time to figure it now Billy, this match looks to be about over.
Craven seemingly has victory within his grasp when Riggs dives into the fray, hitting a double forearm on both of his opponents. They are knocked sideways into the cables, bouncing off and coming back towards the painted terror who takes them around their necks, as if setting up for something big. Unfortunately for him, in a shocking display, Aurora and Max free themselves and work together as they hit a double downward spiral, planting Riggs viciously face first into the canvas. He bounces off the ring and pops back to his knees while Craven rolls in reverse onto his feet then rushes forward into a front dropkick right to Riggs’ face. The blow knocks him to the canvas while Craven begins to stand only to have Aurora step to his side and take him around the neck. She rushes forward and jumps into the air, planting her feet to the table then turning as she drives him down face first into the ring with the Sinful Desire (Stratusfaction).
Douglas: Aurora has nailed her finishing move.
Billy: With the assistance of the table you might want to add.
Dan: Okay, with the assistance of the table, although it has no relevance to anything.
Max rolls onto his back, looking completely taken out at this point while Aurora steps over him to the table positioned diagonally in the corner. She grabs it and slowly begins to drag the wood out of the corner, starting to set it up much like the other table already positioned in the ring. The winded Aurora turns towards the pain ridden Riggs who is struggling to reach his feet. He is unable to get up before he receives a swift, violent boot to the sternum. This shot causes him to stand up straight before Aurora swings around and takes his legs out from under him with a sweep. Actually no, Riggs jumps into the air, leaping over the leg then landing right in front of Aurora, reaching down and taking her around the neck. He pulls her up to her feet and then lifts her into the air before dropping her with a reverse suplex of sorts, where she crashes face first into the canvas directly in front of him. Riggs rolls over backwards onto his feet as Aurora bounces off of the canvas and rises to her feet instinctively. As soon as she stands Riggs charges in and removes her from her feet with a vicious lariat that also takes him down to the canvas. AWOL grins proudly on the outside of the ring but now starts to slap the apron, imploring his associate to press the advantage.
Dan: Riggs almost ripping Aurora’s head off with a vicious lariat.
Billy: And AWOL still doesn’t look happy.
Douglas: He won’t be until this match is over and Riggs’ arm is raised in victory.
Riggs gets to his feet while Craven is starting to stand, albeit in a viciously dazed condition. As he stands his painted opponent stomps the canvas then rushes forward for a vicious boot to his skull only to be caught against Craven’s shoulders. He lifts Riggs into the air then pushes him over into the Cupid’s Arrow. He is slammed violently into the canvas while Max lands on his knees, taking very deep breaths and trying to recuperate from the onslaught inflicted on him thus far.
In anguish he stands up and turns towards Aurora who is now upright despite the lariat she just withstood. Craven steps towards her and delivers a hard blast to the side of her face with a closed fist that almost knocks her right back down to the canvas. She stumbles and staggers, barely catching her footing before she’s kicked to the gut, her head being dragged under Craven’s seat. He takes her around the waist and lifts her up into the air onto his shoulders, turning towards one of the set up tables as he prepares to powerbomb her through it. He begins to rush at the table when Aurora shockingly counters by ducking her head and pulling him over into a sunset flip. Craven rolls directly out of it and onto his feet, charging towards Aurora who meets him with a devastating superkick right under the jaw. The blow causes Craven’s eyes to roll to the back of his head before he staggers backwards into a table, falling on top of it in his incredibly dazed, incoherent condition.
Billy: A vicious superkick and now Craven has landed in a bad position.
Dan: He is in a prone state, precariously laying on top of that table.
A dazed Aurora staggers towards the turnbuckle nearest to the table and begins to scale it. The crowd is screaming rather loudly as she reaches the top rope and turns, about to take flight and crash through the table and Craven. Suddenly Riggs walks up beside Aurora on the apron, wedging his hand to her posterior and shoving her from the top rope. She soars through the air and comes crashing down sternum first directly into the barricade. The crowd reacts with shock as Aurora now tumbles onto her back and crosses her arms over her sternum in agony, Riggs quickly climbing up the corner. He reaches the top rope and now takes flight, soaring through the air and hitting the prone Craven with a big frog splash that puts him through the table. AWOL’s grin grows even wider as the table smashes to pieces and Riggs rolls off of Craven, holding his ribs in horrid pain.
Billy: Riggs is victorious!
Dan: He stole victory right from Aurora’s grasp and just frog splashed a helpless Craven right through that table. Max and Aurora were at a disadvantage from the start of this contest, and that blasted Riggs and AWOL capitalized on the opportunity.
AWOL begins to chuckle and clap on the outside of the ring in an ever so slow manner while Riggs is assisted to his feet, his arm crossed over his ribs and his wrist being raised by the referee. The official points at the twisted Riggs, his eyes brimming with intensity.
Billy: Riggs victorious here tonight in a match designed to get him prepared for Tables Are Legal at Paranoia V, not that he needs to prepare for it, considering he’s going to win via forfeit.
Douglas: I don’t know if you can count….
“Blood for Blood” by Machine Head begins to play over the PA system and sends the angered Manhattan Center crowd into a loud ovation. They rise to their feet as Riggs’ eyes shoot dramatically towards the curtains which separate to reveal Psycho. The reception from the crowd only intensifies as the former World Champion steps out onto the stage, still wearing his neck brace but fuming with intensity.
Mayne: What the? What’s he doing here!?!
Dan: Psycho is here in the Manhattan Center!
AWOL’s face is weighed down with disbelief as Psycho slowly strolls down the ramp, reaching the half way point and glaring straight at Riggs in the ring. He slowly turns and bends forward, placing his palms to his knees and grinning slightly, almost pleased to see Psycho. The Sadistic Savage slowly reaches up and begins to remove his neck brace, taking it off and extending it out to his side before dropping it to the mats. He twists his neck back and forth to work out the kinks then moves towards the ring.
Dan: Psycho is back ladies and gentlemen, and he looks like he’s here for a fight.
Billy: He should never have come back, because Riggs is going to put him and his injured neck right back on the shelf.
An awkward moment passes as both Riggs and Psycho glare intensely at one another, neither man making a move before the Sadistic One rushes right at the ring. He slides in under the ropes amongst screams of approval from the fans, only to be descended upon by Riggs, who steps in and immediately begins to blast him over the back of his sore neck.
Billy: Yeah, go right after the neck Riggs, injure him again.
Douglas: It’s on ladies and gentlemen, Psycho and Riggs are fighting it out before we can even make it to Paranoia V!
Psycho surprisingly gets up and lobs a fist into Riggs’ ribs, followed by a shot straight to his jaw. The blow knocks Riggs backwards before he kicks his larger rival to the ribs, doubling him over. He now spins around for a straight kick into Psycho’s ribs only for the monstrous figure to jump back, avoiding it. As a result Riggs turns into a full circle and is grabbed by the wrist, being pulled right into Psycho’s shoulders. He turns as he prepares to DVD Riggs through the other set up table occupying the ring.
Mayne: NOO!!
Dan: Riggs about to be put through the wood.
AWOL slides into the ring and removes his jacket and tie, throwing them down before blasting Psycho over his upper back, causing him to drop Riggs as a result. The painted warrior rolls across the canvas and spills to the outside mats while AWOL turns his former protégé around, beginning to deck him repeatedly to the face, backing him towards the table.
Douglas: AWOL getting physical with Psycho.
Billy: Hahaha, yeah, get him AWOL, get him, beat down your ungrateful former student.
Dan: Ungrateful? Psycho did everything in his power to make AWOL happy, but it was never enough.
AWOL boots Psycho to the jaw, knocking him backwards into the table then grinning maliciously as he steps forward for a final blow. His fist is clinched as he pulls it back only for Psycho to step away from the table and slap AWOL right across the cheek. The blow knocks AWOL backwards, severally dazing him before he’s slapped just as viciously to the other cheek. The GM almost looses his footing before he’s grabbed by the wrist and pulled into Psycho’s shoulders. He holds him in a fireman’s carry while his eyes meet with Riggs’, who is backing up the ramp in a state of shock. Their eyes are locked upon one another as Psycho trembles with rage, savoring this moment while Riggs displays pure hostility. To a huge ovation Psycho now pulls AWOL over into a death valley driver, putting the spiteful GM right through the table.
Billy: AHHH!!
Douglas: Psycho has just put AWOL right through the table!
The Manhattan Center crowd is buzzing with excitement, hopping up and down and rejoicing as Psycho spins in a circle, his eyes meeting once again with Riggs’. The painted force backs up the ramp in disbelief over what just transpired in the ring, AWOL lying unconscious amongst several broken shards of wood.
Dan: Psycho sending a message to Riggs by putting his savior through the table, and also getting a measure of revenge on his former mentor right before Paranoia V.
Mayne: If Psycho thought he had it bad before, just wait till Paranoia, just wait till Tables Are Legal.
The camera switches to the out cold AWOL who finally got his comeuppance, then to the shadowy, ravenous eyes of Riggs back peddling up the ramp, and finally to the fuming features of Psycho as he stands dominantly in the ring.
COUNTDOWN TO A FACE OFF
The jovial features of young Becca come into the camera’s frame. Her chubby, baby like cheeks are rosy red as she skips a little down the hallway, briefly looking up at the figure at her side with a prideful grin. The camera pans out slowly to reveal that she is holding hands with the World Heavyweight Champion Hurse. The gold glistens over his shoulder while Becca cuddles a teddy bear over her own shoulder. The two are making their way down the corridor as Hurse tugs forcefully on Becca’s hand to make her move quicker.
Dan: This shocking, crazy night continues next when Orlando Cruze and Hurse will have a public face off. No weapons, no physical violence, just a face to face chat.
Billy: Instead of an exchange of fists, we’ll be seeing a clash of words, next.
The Champion and the smiling Becca continue towards the ring where who knows what lies ahead.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Even Jeff Hardy can’t carry X-Pac. This has been a public service announcement from the IWC.
FACE TO FACE
The show switches live to the inside of the Manhattan Center, focused on the ring where a jovial, smiling Susie Moore is present, much like last week. Her grin only escalates as she realizes that the camera is positioned upon her, and that she’s the center of attention. Standing in the corner of the ring is referee Princeton, with a stoic expression. Susie lifts a microphone to her lips in an ever so giddy manner.
Susie: Hi everyone, it’s me again, Susie. If you don’t remember me, I’ll bend over and pick up a pencil and maybe that will jar your memories, te-he.
The fans have a mixed reaction as it relates to this announcement.
Billy: How does she once again get the honor of being part of this face to face encounter? I should have been selected, I mean I’m not just some pair of breasts.
Dan: Funny, I’ve always thought of you as a boob. Susie was involved in that contract signing last week and now tonight she’s going to officiate the proceedings here as World Champion Hurse will have a face to face meeting with Cruze. Where thankfully we will not have to worry about the same level of violence erupting that did last week, as there will be no physical contact permitted between either champion or challenger.
Mayne: Your long winded explanation literally just put me to sleep.
Susie continues to smile rather bashfully while lifting the mic back to her lips and sauntering around the ring.
Susie: Tonight, I’m out here for the official contract signing between….
One of the camera-men at ringside shouts at Susie.
Camera-man: That was last week Susie…
Susie: Oh, then I’m here tonight because there’s suppose to be a face to face meeting between number one contender Orlando Cruze and World Heavyweight Champion, Hurse. The two will meet right here in the center of the ring, but instead of using fists, they’ll use words to drive home their various points. If Orlando puts his hands physically on Hurse, then he’ll lose his title shot, and if Hurse physically puts his hands on Orlando, then he’ll be stripped of the World Championships. So without further ballyhoo, let’s bring out the two bitter rivals. God I love cue cards.
She turns and extends her arm out towards the entry way, brimming with excitement and a miniscule amount of anxiety.
There is a house in New Orleeaannnss
UHHHHHHH!!!
They call the Rissssiinnng Sun
It’s been the ruin of many a poor boy
And lord I know I’m one…
On cue the crowd responds rather vindictively as through the curtains strolls with a confident swagger the World Champion himself, Hurse. Fear inhabits his eyes yet a callous smile rests on his face as he stops on the stage, readjusting the prestigious belt residing over his shoulder. Out to his side stumbles little Becca, clutching her teddy bear tightly as she raises her hand and waves to the screaming fans. She clearly has no idea what is going on before Hurse takes her forcefully by the hand and leads her towards the ring. He obnoxiously chews on a piece of gum as the two reach the ring and Hurse lifts Becca into the air, placing her on the apron. He slides in himself and barely has time to stand before a referee Princeton moves towards him and insists upon checking him for weapons. Hurse sticks out his legs one at a time in order to be patted down by Princeton, smiling all the while as if he has nothing to hide.
Billy: Why must Princeton be so untrusting?
Douglas: Let’s see, last week Hurse tried to pull off a sneak attack on Cruze, and has constantly disobeyed the rules. It just goes to show how untrustworthy and disrespectful the man is when he brings Orlando’s daughter out here.
Mayne: He’s just being a good father is all, not letting his new daughter out of his sight.
Dan: Bullshit, he’s using her to get into Orlando’s head, and you know it.
After being frisked Hurse steps to Becca’s side and crouches, wrapping his arm around her waist then pointing up the ramp towards the backstage area. He immediately begins bad mouthing the man who is about to come out, Becca’s flesh and blood father. “You Know My Name” starts to play over the PA system, sending the amassed crowd into a frenzy. Many rise and put their hands together, screaming loudly for the number one contender who doesn’t hesitate as he steps out onto the stage. He seems to feeding off the reaction which gets even louder, slapping his wide sternum with his palm then throwing a raised fist into the air. Hurse rolls his eyes and Becca imitates him as Orlando moves down the ramp with a very serious expression now. He jumps to the apron and then slips through the ropes, not showing off on this occasion and instead moving right towards the World Champion. Hurse quickly stands up and brushes Becca round in front of him, using her tiny body as a human shield. As a result Orlando has no other alternative but to step back, his breaths snarled. Referee Princeton moves in and begins to frisk Orlando to make sure he has no weapons.
Mayne: You had better frisk Orlando twice, Princeton.
Dan: Oh please, Orlando is the most trustworthy person in the ring right now. I can’t believe the audacity of the World Champion to use Becca as a shield.
After ensuring Orlando hasn’t brought any weapons with him, the referee steps back and allows Susie to hand a microphone to both competitors. Susie lifts a mic to her lips in order to say something only to have Orlando hold his palm up to her and then point over his shoulder towards the backstage area. Her head drops as she and Princeton vacate the ring, leaving only Cruze, the World Heavyweight Champion, and Becca inside.
Orlando: What is this shit, Steven?
Cruze motions with his outward stretched palm towards Becca. However, the World Champion quickly places her hands over her own ears, almost causing her to drop her teddy bear.
Hurse: How dare you use such profanity in front of my daughter.
As this comment is made Hurse’s grin increases. Orlando steps back, trying to compose himself as he swipes his hand over his face.
Orlando: Why is she here Steven? Are you such a coward that you honestly have to hide behind my daughter? This is suppose to be between you and I, no one else.
Hurse: Oh really? Is that so? Well I regret to inform you, Orlando, that this issue isn’t just between the two of us, there are many others involved in our epic little war, namely this poor, innocent little girl.
Hurse roughs her hair with his palm.
Hurse: And I take exception to the fact that you call her your daughter.
Cruze: Oh here we go again. Is this when you insult my parenting skills, or call me a negligent father, in the hopes that it will make me lose my cool?
Hurse: I call it like I see it Lando.
Orlando shakes his head with a slight grin.
Cruze: Oh please, you put your own deluded, irrational spin on everything Steve. How can I be a negligent father if I didn’t even know Becca existed?
Hurse: Lando, Lando, Lando, if you had known it’s not like things would have changed.
Orlando: The hell they wouldn’t have.
Hurse: Regardless of rather or not you abandoned Sallie when she was pregnant and needed you the most, Becca would still end up worshipping the very ground I walk on. Anyone would choose me over you, just like Desolation.
The boos from the crowd intensify as Orlando’s eyes narrow on the throat of the conniving Champion.
Hurse: Becca would still end up loving me, and despising you. One way or another, you still would have abandoned Becca, rather you were aware of her existence or weren’t aware of it. Just examine your current family life Lando, your never around, and even when you are at home your mind is elsewhere. Look at the desperate lengths your son has to go through in order to get your attention, and don’t think I haven’t noticed that longing, frustrated glint in Kloe’s eyes. Who knows, with Robin’s permission, maybe I’ll solve another of your problems for you Cruze, and instead of just being a father for your bastard, I could provide some satisfaction for your desperate housewife.
Those in attendance grow even more flustered with such audacious comments as Orlando steps towards Hurse in a truly threatening, intense manner. Hurse grins as he looks down at Orlando’s clinched fist, hoping beyond hope that he’ll give him a shot to the jaw and cost himself a shot at the World title.
Hurse: What’s wrong Orlando, do you want to hit me? Do you want to hit the only guy who is looking out for your family’s best interest? Unlike you, I’d be there for them, just like I’m there for little Becca. Unlike you, I’ll be there to guide her, to lead her through life, to mold her into the form that I see fit. Who knows, maybe one day long in the future, she’ll make daddy proud as she straddles a pole and earns some cash the hard way, hahahaha. It’s up to me Orlando, I am the man in her life, I am the man who will decide what she grows up to become, a winner or a loser. The choice is mine Orlando; it’s in my masculine hands, not yours.
His eyes continue to diver towards the shaking fist of Orlando, who would just love to break the Champion’s jaw. However, he hesitates as it dawns on him exactly what Hurse is trying to do. To Hurse’s dismay a smile forms on Orlando’s face as he takes a step back.
Orlando: Maybe, maybe not, regardless of where the courts decide that Becca will end up, I’ll never stop fighting for her.
Hurse: Oh can the whole noble act.
Cruze: Shut your mouth Steven, or at least talk about something that’s relevant.
Hurse blinks his eyes awkwardly while glancing between the screaming fans, Orlando looking more determined and composed than ever.
Orlando: This whole illegitimate child drama may have turned and twisted my life inside out, but it doesn’t have a damn thing to do with me beating you for the World title at Paranoia V.
The Champion is looking less calm as he swallows deeply, upset that he couldn’t bait Cruze to hit him, his palm falling apart.
Orlando: I’ll give you this much Steven, your quite proficient at the art of distraction, but I’m no longer going to allow you to take my mind off the biggest match of my career. You can keep talking about how bad of a father I am, about how my family life is unstable, but none of that will effect our match at Paranoia V, none of that will stop me from bringing my absolute best when the belt is on the line. There will not be a repeat of last year’s screwjob, because unlike then, I’m not going to allow myself to come into this match distracted. My focus is 100 percent on that title over your shoulder, and despite your strenuous efforts to get my mind elsewhere, my determination has not faltered!
Orlando steps even closer to Hurse, who is sweating at this point.
Cruze: I see with crystal clarity what this ploy is about. You don’t care about Becca, you never have, you just used her to distract me. Well, come Sunday, come Paranoia V, I will not lose my focus. I’ve waited years for this opportunity, for this one chance to reclaim what has been denied to me for so long, and I’m not going to allow anyone to rob me yet again. You won’t stand in my way Steven, and neither will any of the merry band of assholes and whores you surround yourself with. Paranoia V is my…..
Hurse: BLAH, BLAH, BLAH…
Cruze steps back smirking confidently while Hurse feigns arrogance.
Hurse: Haven’t we heard this same old song and dance a million times before? Remind me Orlando, what happened the last time you guaranteed victory? Oh yeah, you lost to me at Paranoia IV. And what about the time before that? Wait a minute; I think you were beaten by Desolation at War of the Worlds. How about the time before that, and before that, and before that, I can keep going on for ages Orlando.
Orlando: Yes, and you can keep pretending that I care.
Hurse: You do care Orlando, because secretly deep down inside, you realize that Paranoia V will be no different than any of those other times. Outwardly you may have everyone convinced that somehow this title match will be different, but internally you recognize the fact that history is just going to repeat itself yet again.
Cruze: Is that so?
Hurse steps even closer to Orlando, who doesn’t flinch or back down whatsoever.
Hurse: It is the closest thing to fact that exists here in the IWC, while you’re a choke artist, I’m the man who constantly rises to the occasion. I’m undefeated at Paranoia. I’ve beaten everyone from Psycho to AWOL to YOU, at our grandest event, and such a trend will not be altered this year. I will walk out of Paranoia V, just like I did at all the Paranoias before it, with my arm raised in victory and a well deserved chip on my shoulder. It’s a forgone conclusion my friend.
He steps back with his grin widening yet Orlando looks unaffected.
Orlando: I’m glad your so confident Hurse, because it will make it all the more satisfying when I beat you for the title and end your Paranoia streak.
The fans in the Manhattan Center scream joyously, unsettling Hurse.
Hurse: THAT WON’T HAPPEN! I’m better than you in the ring and in the head.
Hurse thrusts his finger against his temple while his Paranoia opponent merely chuckles.
Cruze: Yeah, you certainly demonstrated that last week when I almost Rock Bottomed your ass right here in the middle of the ring.
Hurse: But you didn’t did you Orlando, did you, did you, did you? NO! So why don’t you give it another crack Cruze, why don’t you try to Rock Bottom me and look like more of a villain in front of your daughter.
Becca continues to watch with her hands cupped over her ears, Orlando briefly glancing down at her.
Hurse: Come on Cruze, hit me, I’m begging you. If you don’t take me out right now, who knows, maybe I’ll take out my frustrations on your gullible little girl….
Cruze’s eyes are lit ablaze as he begins to storm towards Hurse, who quickly backs up. He wants nothing more than to obliterate the Champion with his shaking fists but refrains with everything that he’s worth. This doesn’t stop Hurse from jumping back and then diving out of the ring, realizing he crossed the line. This leaves Orlando and Becca alone in the ring as Cruze turns to look down at his adorable and confused little daughter. She stares at Cruze timidly, her lower lip shaking in fear after she saw what he did to papa Steve last week. However, Orlando tries to calm her, his anger vanishing as he slowly lowers down at her side and places his hand reassuringly on her shoulder.
Orlando: Becca, don’t believe what they tell you. You’re going to be living with your real daddy soon, your going to…
Becca: You’re a bad man.
She suddenly lifts her teddy bear and squeezes it, sending white dust flying from it’s mouth and spraying right into Orlando’s eyes. The crowd begins to scream as Cruze falls to his back and begins to swipe his eyes with both of his palms, writhing in anguish. He desperately tries to get the dust out of his pupils while Hurse rolls into the ring then rushes towards Becca, scooping her up and quickly vacating the ring.
Douglas: OH MY GOD! What the hell just happened!?!
Billy: Becca just sprayed a blinding dust into Orlando’s eyes.
Hurse steps around the ring with Becca gripped tightly against his sternum. He kisses Becca on the cheek, causing her to smile yet look saddened as she watches Orlando rolling around on the canvas, still trying to brush the dust out of his eyes. Worried EMTs rush down the ramp past the World Champion, slipping into the ring and surrounding the Icon, checking on his condition. He pushes them away and stands up before falling to his knees.
Orlando: SON OF A BITCH! SON OF A BITCH! I CAN’T SEE!! MY EYES!
Hurse is laughing as he backs up the ramp and tightly squeezes a concerned Becca, who perhaps realized what she’s done.
EMT: Stay still Orlando.
He rises on his knees and pushes their hands away, opening his eyes to reveal that their bloodshot and have partially lost pigmentation.
Cruze: I CAN’T FUCKING SEE! My eyes are fucking burning, God dammit!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Now Available at all DVD Outlets
BLINDSIDED
The show returns to the inside of the arena where the fans are still reeling over what just transpired in the center of the ring. The camera cuts to Billy Mayne, who is trying to refrain from laughing and a very angered Dan Douglas. He runs his hands through his disheveled hair and tries to calm himself down after the incident that just transpired.
Douglas: Welcome back to IWC fans, and for those just tuning in you missed by far and away one of the most disgusting incidents that have ever been seen in the IWC.
Billy: Now, now, Dan, calm down, it wasn’t that bad.
Dan: Are you completely retarded!?! Hurse had Orlando’s daughter spray some type of mystery dust into Cruze’s eyes. All throughout the commercial break as the Icon was led to the back, he was complaining that he couldn’t see. I’m seriously worried about his condition headed into Paranoia V, and I think Hurse should be stripped of his World Title for his actions.
Mayne: Let’s not go overboard here Dan. Hurse played by the rules. He didn’t get physical with Orlando, he never once laid his finger on him out here tonight.
Douglas: No, instead, and far more disgustingly, he had Orlando’s daughter do his dirty work for him. I’m so disgusted. I just hope it doesn’t effect our impending interview with Axl Evermore, who we understand is now contacting us live via satellite feed.
Dan stands up and is handed a microphone as he heads around the announce table towards the ring, rolling in under the cables.
AXL EVERMORE INTERVIEW
Douglas: Folks, with our Mysterious Owner's decision to BAN our Cartel Champion, Axl Evermore, from the building tonight "for his own safety", Axl has requested some time to speak to us LIVE, via satellite.
Mayne: (at Announcer's Table) Why can't he just wrestle and lose via satellite, too? That'd make our lives so much easier for not having to deal with him face to stubbly face, you know?
The camera in the ring points to the IWC's Big Screen, where Evermore, seated on a director's style chair in his civvies (civilian clothes, not to be confused with scivvies/underwear), is adjusting a wireless mic on the lapel of his Fully Loaded team jacket. Once the mic is adjusted, he looks camera-ward, waiting for the first question.
Douglas: Axl, thank you for allowing us a few words tonight, at the final stop on the Road to Paranoia.
AE: It's good to be here tonight, Dan...even though it'd be a hell of a lot better to be in that ring there.
Douglas: It's unfortunate, indeed...and I couldn't help but notice that you're not quite the same--I'll say "upbeat"?--self tonight.
AE: I'd probably say "ebullient" myself...but it's mostly because of these stitches here...
He points (kind of weakly) to his forehead area and his lips, both heavily stitched up following Desolation's brutal stapler-gun attack last week. His face is somewhat emotionless for some odd reason.
AE: ...and because of the pain meds I'm taking to help manage the, well, the pain. Vicodin's a WONDERFUL drug, Dan...if you must know.
He catches himself, just in case.
AE: Although I don't endorse obtaining it through illegal methods or using it outside of the prescribed directions. What's your first question, Chr--I mean, DAN? Sorry there, I was confusing you a little with the vaguely metrosexual commentator who worked for ME...
Dan remains non-plussed as he forges on.
Douglas: ...Fair enough. My first question to you is, what exactly went, and is going right now, through your mind about being banned from the building tonight "for your own safety"?
AE: I was honestly disappointed when I heard that our "Mysterious Owner"(TM) decided to bar me from the Manhattan Center tonight, Dan. But I've had about a week to think about it, and I can see why he or she would make that obviously DIFFICULT decision.
Douglas: ...Care to elaborate and enlighten us?
AE: Well, I'm the Cartel Champion, Dan. And given the fact that I'm now one of the most valuable new assets contracted to this company in the past year, our unseen benefactor wants to make sure at least ONE of the combatants for this title is close to 100% going into Paranoia and the what-is-GUARANTEED-to-be-EPIC first in-ring singles encounter between the Dark Man and Mr. NYC. I also managed to score a very important victory in getting Desolation to actually make this match happen! And that's BIG, Dan.
Douglas: ...If you don't mind me asking, how could you consider a face full of staples and your best friend Curb Stomped into the concrete a VICTORY??
AE: Because I got HIM to break and make the first definite move in this little game of "Cat & Mouse", and NOT the other way around. His insistence that I abandon this supposedly fruitless quest for a match with him on HIS own turf may very well have borne its own fruit had HE exercised the kind of patience that someone like his partners in the Alpha Generation so expertly applied over the past 2 years. But instead of playing the smart mind games and out-thinking me, he decided to play the schoolyard bully and physically beat down my friends, my professional family, trying to SCARE me into giving up...or into attacking HIM back and not only render the whole thing moot, but put ME in jail for Breach of Contract. And I just wasn't going to have that, Dan.
Douglas: ...What about his addendum--as it were--that you put the Cartel Title on the line...if you even MAKE it to Paranoia?
Axl chuckles and shows a widening grin, the first display of any kind of emotion this entire time.
AE: I'm all FOR it, Dan. But while he has gone ON-RECORD as saying an extra belt on top of that pile of 150-plus is like a drop of water in a bucket-full, he seems to think that he has absolutely NOTHING to lose, should he actually LOSE this match.
Douglas: ...Does this mean that, even though you've left the match up to HIM, you're going to name a stipulation of your own?
AE: That's an affirmatory, Dan. And it's a pretty BIG stipulation at that. See, this is Paranoia we're talking about. Besides the fact that any title should be decided in a...well, in a very DECISIVE decision--that's No Disqualifications, No Countouts, No Interference, the whole 9--besides all that, Desolation needs to have something MAJOR on the line on HIS end. If HE wins, I lose and he becomes the Cartel Champion; he becomes the guy who carries the Mid-Card until Hurse or Orlando Cruze--whichever one of them steps out of the championship match with the title--drops the Main Event ball and he's called upon once again to elevate this company back to its glorious status quo that preceded Paranoia IV last year. While the supposed drop down the ladder would seem to be loss enough for him, Desolation needs a FIRE lit under his ass to put his mind completely in focus for this match against ME at Paranoia. He needs a MOTIVATIONAL tool to keep him from half-assing it in the promos leading up to the show--even though a half-assed Desolation can still out-promo someone like Faust or Christian Savior running on all 8 cylinders.
Douglas: So...what exactly IS this stipulation?
AE: It's simple, Dan. I'll agree to put MY Cartel Title on the line at Paranoia, but only against...Desolation's...VERY...CONTRACT.
The capacity crowd goes completely silent, then lets out a roar of disbelief while Mayne and Douglas are both taken completely aback.
Mayne: I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! The NERVE of this guy, trying to make Desolation put his CAREER on the line at Paranoia!
Douglas: (sputtering) I'm sorry, come again??
AE: You heard me, Dan. The IWC Cartel Championship, against Desolation's IWC career. See, it wouldn't be enough just to be able to boast that I beat Desolation DEFINITIVELY in Singles competition--something Johnny Kingdom won't ever get to do after Paranoia's through, I wager--but to be the very wrestler who was responsible for ENDING his legendary tenure in this company would be enough of a blow to his ego that he might just quit wrestling altogether!
Douglas: (still sputtering) B...but...WHY? Many people before you have tried, and FAILED! Some of them MISERABLY!
AE: Yes, we're all aware of the Shinzan Valfane fiasco. But this is quite different, especially since he's not facing me in retaliation for any sort of attack on his wife, and I'm not threatening his now-defunct "teacher-student" relationship with Orlando Cruze...such as it is at this point. Not to mention that this time, Desolation is now on the side of the devils--rather, the devils who think they're angels.
The crowd has a good laugh at this, but Dan remains uncomfortable inside the ring.
Douglas: ...Are you sure you know exactly what you're getting into with this? It's a pretty tall enough order just defending your Cartel Title at the IWC's biggest show of the year...
AE: I know EXACTLY what I'm getting into with this one, otherwise I wouldn't have just taken all those staples to the face. If Russell Nash-Blade wants to put his money where his rhetorically devastating oral orifice is, then he'll agree to this overblown, melodramatic stipulation...even if it's just for the sake of compelling viewing.
Douglas: Um...wow...I...um...I guess there's nothing left to say, except...Good luck against Desolation at Paranoia, and good luck getting him to accept the stipulation you've laid out...?
AE: He'll agree...I GUARANTEE IT.
He smirks lightly, takes the mic off his lapel, and stands up, delivering a thumbs-up to the camera in front of his torso (the only visible part of his body) before walking out of frame. The feed then quickly statiques out back to Dan back at the ring.
Douglas: (stumbling awkwardly) ...Um...ladies and gentlemen, our Cartel Champion, Axl Evermore. Um...stay tuned...there'll be more IWC action right after this commercial, and I'll be heading back to the table to make an awkward situation even MORE awkward by spending the rest of the night back with Billy Mayne.
PAT EVANS VS. CHRISTIAN SAVIOR
As Dan makes his way back to the table the camera now cuts to the entry way, where a ladder has strangely been erected.
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
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
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 N.H.B belt. Looking around, a smirk soon graces his lips as the audience boos.
As I peel away
Every shooting star
I'm coming home
So I'm coming home
All the years of pain
I discovered what's been all along
You were so right
I was so wrong
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
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. He now reaches the ladder and arrogantly bends forward, walking beneath it with a pure disregard for the notion of bad luck.
Rushing back to me
Memories they haunt
As the city sleeps
So afraid of what I will find
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
I'm coming home
Comes to understand
that he'll never find paradise
When all that he wants
Was there all the time
I'm coming home
Suddenly, Savior separates his arms as the cry of the phoenix is heard.
So 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
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. He then points his X-Class title at the ladder occupying the rampway, making a symbolic statement.
Mayne: There’s the man, there’s the man who at Paranoia V will successfully defend both of his championships against Robin Brooks and Jon Rich, which he’s insinuating by pointing to that ladder.
Douglas: It’s going to take much more than symbolic statements for Savior to emerge victorious from the ladder match at Paranoia V, Billy, much more, especially considering just how much his opponents despise him.
Billy: Hate can only get you so far Dan. Christian will show he has the talent to overcome all obstacles.
The ever so smug Christian turns and extends both his championships out in the direction of the official, who slowly takes hold of them. Savior maintains that smug, pompous grin across his features. “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.
Billy: I don’t see why they constantly have to do these matches which tug at my heart strings.
Douglas: There is a such thing as not being biased Billy, which you might want to try considering that both of these men are your personal favorites.
Mayne: Try not being biased? What kind of new age nonsense is that?
The Submission Champion slips through the ropes, giving Savior a rather callous stare while handing off his belt to the referee. The official can barely stand due to all the title belts which weigh him down. Nevertheless though he turns and shouts for the bell while putting the gold through the ropes. Evans and Savior look ready to lock it up finally when The Game by Disturbed rips through the arena and causes all eyes to switch quickly towards the entry way.
Dan: Hold on now, what is this?
Many of the fans are on their feet screaming now as a smiling Robin Brooks saunters confidently onto the stage. With a swagger of her hips she grins and waves affectionately towards Savior, who’s eyes narrow on one of his opponents for Paranoia V in the triangle ladder match. Brooks steps down the ramp smiling before she turns the ladder on the rampway and begins to scale it. She reaches the very top of the steel structure then sits herself upon it, crossing her legs and looking innocently towards the ring where Savior is about to compete. Christian points at her with a grin then motions towards a centered, enraged Evans, insisting he’s going to send her a message through the Submission Champion.
Billy: The ever so devious Robin Brooks coming out to get a birds eye view of her opponent going into Paranoia V.
Dan: Symbolically she sits on top of that ladder, and I’d highly suggest that’s where she remains. She had better not get involved in this contest, we have far too many overbooked clusterfucks as it is.
Behind the ref’s back Savior rushes forward at Evans, who charges in as well, both men not hesitating as they immediately lock up in a collar elbow before the bell could even finish sounding. Christian looks a little more intense now that he’s got an interested observer ay ringside.
Douglas: These two aggressively locking up here, both men having similar goals in mind.
Mayne: Savior looking to earn some momentum going into that three way ladder match, and Evans trying to use Christian to send a message to his Paranoia opponent Faust. I wish there was a way for them both to win.
Dan: This isn’t Fantasy Island, Billy.
Billy: How come you look so much like Tatu then?
Both men continue to forcefully jockey for position when Evans frees himself by swinging around under Christian’s arms. He extends it out to his opponent’s side, applying an arm ringer then pulls Savior towards him into a forearm strike. However, Savior turns, catching hold of his forearm before it could connect then pulling it around behind Pat’s back into the hammerlock. Robin claps arrogantly. Evans begins to grimace in pain from this quick submission alteration before he throws a back elbow into the side of Christian’s face. It lands with force, causing the Rising Phoenix to stagger in reverse slightly while the Submission Champion spins to face him. Christian steps back in with a knife edge chop to his opposition’s sternum. However, Evans side steps it and catches his inbound wrist, tugging on it and pulling him forward into a quick side headlock.
Douglas: Both men avoiding one another’s strikes and going into these submission predicaments.
Mayne: Yes, wrestle a slow, methodical match guys, no need to exhaust yourselves before Paranoia V.
Savior grits his teeth as he tries to free himself from the side headlock, attempting to force his way backwards while Robin laughs on the top of the ladder. Pat refuses to relinquish this submission however even as Savior now tries to pull the interlocked hands of his opponent apart from another. He finally breaks free and spins in a circle, pulling Pat’s arm over backwards into a top wrist lock submission. An intense Evans swings his body around so that he frees his arm and steps behind Christian, wrapping his arms around his neck. He places him in a side headlock yet again only for Christian to shove his opponent off forward into the cables. The Submission title holder bounces off of the ropes and comes barreling back towards the double champion who springs into the air, meeting Evans with a vicious dropkick to the sternum. The blow knocks him from his feet and sends Evans crashing to the mats back first, Savior landing on his knees beside him then crawling into the cover.
1
Pat lobs his shoulder from the canvas, Christian grabbing the arm that shot into the air and placing it in a textbook submission. He has the armbar applied on the laid out Evans, who quickly rolls over backwards onto his knees, freeing himself from the submission then reaching out and grabbing Christian’s ankle. He lifts up on it and causes Savior to tumble onto his back, trying to turn him over into the ankle lock submission to loud screams from the crowd. Robin perks up a little, hoping Evans gets it locked in.
Douglas: What a counter by Evans.
Mayne: Don’t hurt his ankle Pat, he needs it to climb a ladder in two weeks. Target something that isn’t important, like his hair or something.
The Submission Champion is trying his best to apply the ankle lock when Savior sticks his free leg out, hooking it behind Pat’s feet. He pushes back with the foot trapped in Evans’ arms, causing Pat to trip over Savior’s well positioned other leg. He tumbles onto his back while Savior stands up and grabs hold of Pat’s ankles, trying to cross his legs around his own into the Savior-Self (Edgeucator.) The crowd is screaming loudly as Savior attempts to force his opponent into this hold with all of his strength. However, Evans is quick to counter, breaking his legs out of Savior’s grasp and wrapping them around one of Christian’s ankles. He turns, drop toe holding his opposition then standing up behind him and grabbing hold of his ankle. He lifts it into the ankle lock, causing the crowd to again respond is sheer shock and astonishment. Everyone rises as Savior pushes himself up onto his elbows, grinding his teeth against one another, his ankle being ripped to shreds by the Submission Champion.
Mayne: Ah, he’s got the ankle lock applied again. Stop that Pat, pretty please.
Savior suddenly rolls over onto his back and tucks his legs inward, causing Pat to bend towards him. As soon as this happens, Savior frees his ankle and wraps his legs around Pat’s neck, applying the triangle choke.
Douglas: Another quick counter into a deadly submission hold. These guys are just relentless.
Billy: Stop it Savior, stop it, or I swear we won’t be friends anymore.
Dan: I’m sure that would leave him heartbroken.
Mayne: Don’t worry, just between you and me, it’s an idle threat.
Pat suddenly flips forward, coming down back first right on top of Christian’s chest and freeing himself from the triangle choke in the process. He has Christian trapped in a jackknife cover.
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Savior uses his strength to bridge his body, as well as Pat’s, up from the canvas, both men reaching their feet then going into a spin. They turn around at first so that Pat is trapped in position for a powerbomb, only for Christian to stand him up straight and reach back, trapping his head in a diamond cutter predicament. Pat steps back though, freeing his head and then grabbing his opposition’s arms, trying to tie him up into the Time To Go to Sleep. The prospect of this hold being locked in gets Brooks very excited as she leans forward on top of the ladder. Savior rushes forward though with Pat lagging behind, still fighting to apply the submission. Savior saves himself by dropping down right in front of the ropes, this abrupt halt in forward momentum, causes Evans to be carried forward into the ropes which he spills through. The Submission Champion turns, crashing spine first into the thin mats with devastating force. In anguish Pat starts to stand up when Savior pulls himself over the top rope into a senton plancha, coming down back first right onto his opponent’s shoulder.
Douglas: This fast paced encounter continuing to heat up.
Mayne: Don’t do anymore of those high risk moves Savior, your risking injuring yourself and Pat. Why can’t they just settle this in a nice, non risky game of hopscotch?
Savior rolls away from Pat while gripping at his back, but slowly starts to stand up despite his momentary anguish. His eyes cut to the grinning Black Widow, who again waves to him almost sarcastically. He turns around to face the rising Evans, who is utilizing the apron to reach his feet. The second he turns towards Savior, the crafty double Champion barges forward for a spear only to have Evans side step him, pushing Christian forward head first right into the steel steps. The stairs barely budge, a large dent left in them as Savior bounces off and tumbles to the mats.
Mayne: No!
Douglas: Savior attempted the spear but tasted steel.
The vicious impact with the steel leaves Savior incredibly dazed, tumbling to the mats across his elbows and knees. He sluggishly starts to force his feet beneath him when Pat steps up behind his back, taking hold of Christian’s hair and forcing his face down directly into the stairs. He bashes off of them and falls side first against the very object that has caused him such dismay. While his opponent remains upright the Submission Champion chops him viciously across the sternum, leaving a red streak on his exposed flesh. Evans takes him around the back of the head and rolls him into the ring, sliding in himself with intensity clear in his maniacal eyes.
Pat steps towards the laid out Savior, beginning to stomp him repeatedly to the sternum and forehead. He now rushes backwards into the cables, bouncing of and coming back in before lunging up high into the air. His knee crashes down into the forehead of the Rising Phoenix, who sits up, covering his features with both of his palms. The suffrage sustained by Savior is intensified as Evans dives into the back of his neck with a forearm strike. A groan emanates from his opponent, who grabs his neck and rolls across the canvas in the direction of the cables. He falls against them for support, sluggishly starting to drag himself to his feet. All the while the Black Widow chuckles to herself, thoroughly enjoying this physical onslaught.
Douglas: Evans pressing a very physical advantage against Savior. Although these two haven’t been at odds, you can feel some real tension via this physicality.
Billy: I wish your last comment was as ignorant as the rest of the dribble spewed forth from your mouth, but it isn’t.
Fighting through the trauma inflicted on him thus far Savior stands and leans side first against the ropes only to be met with a vicious running boot right to the side of the skull. The blow knocks him through the ropes to the apron, his leg hooking around the middle rope to keep from crashing completely to the outside. Although incredibly dazed and clearly not having the fondest notion of where is, Savior begins to sit up. He takes the top rope and starts to stand when Pat rushes across the ring and drives his elbow over the ropes right into the side of Christian’s face. The shot sends Savior flying from the apron then twisting as he crashes sternum first off the steel barricade. The fans have a mixed reaction as Christian is knocked to the mats via his impact with the barrier, holding his sternum in a great deal of anguish.
Mayne: What is wrong with you Pat? Don’t you know what type of injuries you might be inflicting on Savior? Why couldn’t the two of you just sign a peace treaty or something, do a double countout, or double DQ, anything to give yourselves the night off?
Douglas: Even though they may two of the lowest forms of human life, they still have that fighting spirit.
Mayne: I’m so sick of this fighting spirit bullshit. Spirits don’t fight, they fly away, or become little Caspers or something.
Pat slips out of the ring and approaches Christian, taking him around the jaw and leading him up to his feet. He quickly spins around, blasting Savior under the jaw with a roaring forearm that almost sends him spilling over the barrier into the crowd. However, Evans prevents this, whipping Christian towards the ring where he rolls in under the cables in a truly dazed condition. His arm is crossed over his ribs, trying to block the pain flowing through them while Evans methodically steps up onto the apron. He takes his sweet time while slipping through the ropes into the ring, then casually approaching Savior, who suddenly stands and bolts forward right into the Blaze of Glory (Spear). The crowd recites their obligatory shock as Evans crashes into the canvas, Savior kneeling at his side. Robin cups her hands over her face and shakes her head, not liking what she just saw.
Douglas: The Blaze of Glory out of nowhere!!
Mayne: Okay, that’s enough guys, you’ve proven your point, shake hands, walk away, have a cold beer and split an order of nachos grande.
The crowd is still stunned but shout for Savior to make the pin, unfortunately his present condition doesn’t allow for this possibility. He is far too battered from the onslaught Evans was inflicting on him, leaving him in a perpetual daze. This allows the equally as pain ridden Evans to begin rolling away from him, holding his rib-cage as he slowly begins to stand up. His upright ascension is stopped by Savior, who steps in and takes him around both the thigh and the shoulder, elevating him into the air. Pat is dropped ribs first right on top of Christian’s knee, causing him to flop over onto his back. He kicks both of his legs while pawing at his abdomen, which now must be a disaster area. Savior is regaining his confidence as he grabs Pat’s wrists, pulling on them and causing his opponent to sit up. He wedges his foot to Pat’s sternum and reverse curb stomps him directly into the canvas.
Billy: Just pin him Savior, stop trying to inflict damage on the man, I’m pleading with you, and doing so very sweetly.
Christian drops to his knees at the laid out Evans’ side, beginning to deliver repeated forearm strikes right into this face. He now buries his forearm against his eyes and begins to rub it back and forth, the referee starting a five count. He reaches four before Savior stops his blatant cheating, taking Evans by the hair and forcing him up to his feet. Pat is stood only so he can be elbowed with force to the side of the skull, knocking him backwards into a corner. He remains standing somehow even as Savior rushes in and drives his knee right into Pat’s ribs. The blow doubles the Submission Champion over while Savior takes him by the wrist, pulling him out of the corner, then hoisting him into a Canadian backbreaker right across his knee. Evans bounces off and tumbles to the canvas while Savior stands up, a ferocious intensity inhabiting his confident eyes.
Dan: Savior just controlling Evans at a deliberate pace now.
Mayne: Why can’t any of the wrestlers I like practice diplomacy?
Douglas: If they did you probably wouldn’t like them.
Engulfed with pain Evans starts force himself up to a crawling base only to have Savior take him by the arm and force him up to his feet. He swings around under the clutched arm and then delivers a Russian leg sweep on his maniacal opponent, floating over quickly into the cover.
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2
Evans kicks out as if his life depended on it, leaving Savior rather jaded. Christian gets to his knees and raises three fingers towards the ref, imploring him to count quicker next time. Growing flustered he forces the Submission Champion up to a standing base and then scoops him up into the air, twisting in a circle before slamming him down with force to the canvas. Evans crashes into the ring viciously before he instinctively starts to get up. His feet apply themselves to the canvas when he’s scooped into the air and slammed to the ring a second time. Pat arches his back and rolls across the canvas, his face tightening up with tension. He gets to his feet a third time and is then scooped into the air and slammed once more by the increasingly aggressive Savior. Somehow these slams seem to be feeding Evans with further intensity as he turns to his knees and starts to stand, his eyes brightly lit ablaze. He stands as Christian steps in to scoop slam him again only to receive a hard forearm to the face.
The blow staggers Savior, who is then chopped with brute force right across his sternum. The strike sends him into a full spin before he turns to face Pat who takes him down with a hard European Uppercut.
Dan: Shockingly Pat seems to be feeding off his pain and is now answering back with a series of lethal strikes.
Mayne: Don’t let this match go any longer, please!
Robin derives great joy from the incredibly hard strike. The stiff shot to the jaw sends Savior into a roll, ending up back on his feet when he turns to Evans who steps in and kicks him to the gut. He places Christian into a front chancery, setting up for an evenflow DDT only for Savior to spin around out of the hold. He grabs hold of Pat’s wrist in the process, turning to face him and then pulling him forward into an attempted lariat. Evans ducks the strike as the Rising Phoenix spins around only to walk into a forceful, vicious mafia style kick right under the jaw. The blow knocks Savior to the ring as Pat turns and falls on top of him, hooking his leg for the pin.
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2
Christian kicks out, getting his shoulder up while Pat sits on the canvas, sweating and getting flustered himself over the speed of the official’s count.
Billy: You got arthritis or something ref? You can’t making a friggin THREE COUNT?
Dan: Despite your fondest desires Billy, this encounter continues.
In a sluggish manner Evans rises to his feet, taking the wrist of Savior and tugging upward on it. He turns him over onto his knees and then places Christian in a front chancery, yanking him up to his feet before dropping back into the evenflow DDT. Savior’s head slams with great force against the canvas before he rolls across the RING in the direction of the ropes. His arm falls over the middle one, leaving the Submission Champion incapable of making a pinfall. He rises to his feet as a result and approaches Savior, connecting with a hard upward kick to his sternum. This causes Savior to stand up straight with his back falling against the ropes for support. Evans now takes hold of Savior’s wrist and whips him across the ring only to be reversed. The Submission Champion now rushes into the opposite cables, bouncing off and coming back in at his opponent who turns and charges forward for a spear. At the same time Evans bends forward for the same move, both men cracking noggins in the center of the ring.
Dan: Evans and Savior have knocked each other unconscious!
Mayne: Why must this match progressively get more barbaric? Do your job ref and count them both out, quickly now, quickly!
Neither Savior nor Evans are moving after hitting heads with that double attempted spear while the official steps in and commences with a ten count.
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3
4
5
Robin Brooks stands up on the ladder and screams for both men to get up, demanding that they do so in order to inflict further damage on each other.
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Dan: Get up Christian, get up Pat.
Billy: Stay down Christian, stay down Pat!
The crowd is screaming for either of the two to stand yet they can barely regain their consciousness. Evans begins to turn onto his side while Christian is slowly beginning to sit up.
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9
Neither man is up or even close to reaching their feet.
10!
The official has no choice but to turn and call for the bell, having counted both men down.
Dan: Dammit, dammit, dammit! Christian Savior and Pat Evans both unable to answer the referee’s ten count, meaning neither man wins here tonight. What a cheap, cop-out finish!
Billy: Thank you Jesus, thank you Budha, thank you Ra’, wait, was he in Super Friends like the other two?
Douglas: No time for your blasphemy Billy.
Savior sits up, still looking glassy eyed but slowly starting to come through while Evans rolls across the ring, spilling to the outside mats. He falls to his elbows and knees with saliva dripping from his mouth, looking incredibly incoherent.
Dan: Both men still suffering from that clanking of heads.
Billy: Savior starting to show signs of life, just like Pat, I hope both these guys are okay, they should have let hem compete with helmets on.
IN FOR A FALL?
Inside of the ring Savior is struggling to get up, absolutely exhausted and very dazed after this highly physical one on one confrontation. Sweat drips from his frame before he hears the clapping of one Black Widow, causing his attention to slowly deviate to her, watching on with glossy eyes. His eyes narrow on her lovely face while a microphone is slipped from the back of her pants and slowly lifted to her lips.
Robin: Wow, good work trooper. You really gave it your all babe.
Savior’s lips tremble with anger yet begin to transform into a slight smile as the Villainous Vixen continues.
Brooks: It’s so sad though, that your “all” just isn’t good enough. It’s certainly not enough to defeat me in the triangle ladder match at the biggest payper-view in IWC history.
Although in pain Christian stands, his chest heaving and sweat streaming down his features while his legs shake beneath him. His egotistical eyes focus sharply on the unyielding grin present upon Brooks’ face.
Robin: But that’s the story of your life isn’t it Christian? Not being good enough? Your kind of like my sweety’s opponent at Paranoia, Orlando Cruze, the two of you always come so close to the top only to be knocked back down again. Only in your case, that will literally happen at Paranoia V, because I’ll send you toppling from this ladder again and again until I triumphantly climb and claim two title belts.
A few boos are heard from the crowd as Savior slides his hand down his face, trying to keep his cool. He approaches the ropes and leans against them while the referee brings him both of his championships.
Brooks: At the next event, you’ll once again meet with embarrassment, with humiliation, just like you have time after time before. Just look at your SCW career Christian. No matter how hard you tried, no matter how long you toiled in feud after feud, you were never good enough to win the World Heavyweight title.
She sympathetically shakes her head while Savior lowers his own.
Mayne: Ouch.
Robin continues with a broad smile on her features.
Black Widow: In fact, you were never good enough to beat anyone of any real merit. You were a punching bag, a stepping stone, a jobber to the stars, and at Paranoia V, I’ll prove that your status hasn’t changed here in the IWC.
Robin continues to laugh to herself as Christian requests a microphone, snapping his fingers for one in fact. One is finally brought to him and slid into his palm, preparing himself for a rebuttal. However, he quickly drops to the canvas, rolls under the ropes and rushes right up the ramp. Robin suddenly fills with fear as Savior reaches the ladder and grabs one of the rungs.
Dan: Uh oh, think about it first Christian, don’t do something you’ll regret.
Billy: He’s going to send Robin crashing from the top of the ladder all the way down to the rampway.
Robin’s heart is in her throat as she turns and places her foot on both sides of the ladder, trying to stabilize herself. Fearfully she glares down at a smiling Savior who still has hold of the rung.
Savior: Well now Robin, isn’t this just a wonderful predicament you’ve got yourself into?
The crowd has a very mixed reaction as Robin looks down at Savior in terror.
Robin: Don’t you dare Christian, don’t you dare!
She holds her palm out towards her grinning rival.
Christian: Dare do what? Oh, this?
He shakes the ladder and almost tips it over, further terrifying the Black Widow, who holds on for dear life. After toying with her for a few moments he stops and continues his diatribe.
Savior: I could send you crashing to the hard concrete floor right now, or I could be kind and give you a pass, the choice is up to me. Your destiny, your fate is in my hands Robbie, and it will be at Paranoia V as well. You’ll remain at the top of the ladder as long as I let you stay up there, and you’ll come crashing down when I decide that it’s necessary.
His intense eyes denote his seriousness while Brooks breathes uneasily.
Christian: Tonight your at my mercy, and it will be the same at Paranoia V. So you can do all the talking, all the posturing, all the preening that you want, but ultimately I’ll decide the outcome of the triangle ladder match. I’ll decide rather your ever able to wrestle, let alone walk after this battle is over. Remember Robin, your fate is in my hands.
He lets the ladder go and backs up the ramp, staring up at Robin who has broken out into a sweat. She takes a deep breath, realizing that Savior is going to wait till Paranoia V to unleash any violence. The double Champion backs up the ramp with both his belts glistening over his shoulders and a confident expression on his face.
Billy: A message being sent by Savior here tonight to one of his Paranoia V opponents. I cannot wait to see what Christian, Robin, and Jon Rich do to each other in the triangle, double title ladder match at the payper-view.
Douglas: After such a chilling statement being made, I shudder to think of what these three are going to put each other through.
Christian continues to back up the ramp, staring up at Robin who glares right back down at him. Both athletes look more intense than ever before as Christian’s entrance music hits in the background yet again.
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.
MOMENTUM
A fuming Jackson Adams is leaning on a stack of crates backstage, sweat still seeping from his frame and saliva again dripping from the corners of his mouth. His lips tremble with fury over what just transpired in the ring only a few moments ago, being slammed over the cranium with a cane by his own teammate. His manager Emily Cage holds a bag of ice to his forehead in the hopes that it will wear down the knot in his forehead. Too Magnificent marches back and forth at his side, his chest heaving and veins pulsating through his flesh.
Too Magnificent: Who does he think he is? Huh, huh?
Jackson slowly pushes the bag of ice from his forehead and shoots a shrewd glare towards his partner. Emily surveys this scene with surprisingly timidly.
Adams: How should I know what Killjoy is thinking, you’re the one who suggested we add him to our team.
This revelation causes Too Mag’s shoulders to sink as he tries to explain himself.
Too Magnificent: Well you said we needed a veteran, someone vicious, someone who could take punishment, and who’s better than Killjoy?
Such an explanation does nothing to settle the enraged Adams who continues to pulls the ice back to the lump in his forehead. Emily grows irritated with his indecisiveness.
Adams: I didn’t realize he was so damned unstable. He had better get his mind out of the gutter and fall in line at Paranoia V, because if he costs the Adams Alliance our well deserved victory over Creed’s team of miscreants, I’m going to hold you personally responsible.
Jackson jabs Too Mag in his wide sternum with a judgmental finger. The big man steps back and looks towards the ceiling, taking a deep breathe as he tries to allow himself to cool down before he does something he’ll regret.
Jackson: Do you realize that thanks to Killjoy we’ve lost all our momentum going into the biggest show in IWC history?
Begrudgingly Too Mag lowers his nodding head.
Adams: We need to get back some of that momentum and make sure Team Creed doesn’t make it to Paranoia in one piece. I’m leaving it up to you to make sure that happens.
This demand leaves the sadistic giant stunned, pointing at himself now questioningly.
Too Magnificent: Me?
Adams: Yes you. You owe me a favor after this whole debacle with Killjoy. So by the end of the night we had better have momentum back on our sides.
Jackson drags on Emily’s wrist and steps around Too Magnificent with the ice still held to his forehead, marching down the corridor and leaving the giant in a confused state. Emily is tugged right along behind him in a rather forceful manner. The big man extends his arms out to his sides and shrugs his shoulders.
Too Magnificent: What the hell am I suppose to do? Jackson, JACKSON!
He takes off after his tag team partner as the scene quickly switches.
JOHNNY KINGDOM VS. HURSE
There is a house in New Orleeaannnss
UHHHHHHH!!!
They call the Rissssiinnng Sun
It’s been the ruin of many a poor boy
And lord I know I’m one…
The disdain from the crowd erupts as through the curtains strolls the World Heavyweight Champion himself, Hurse. The gold sparkles brightly about his waist while he stares back and forth with a rather casual grin on his face. He turns his attention back towards the ring and swipes his palms down his face as if psyching himself up for what should be a physical encounter. As red laser lights shine down the ramp and around the building behind him his grin intensifies, hiding his fear over the impending challenge. He now jumps to the apron and slips through the ropes while removing his belt and tossing it over his shoulder, reassured by the fact that he will not have to defend it this evening.
Mayne: There he is, the man who will walk into Paranoia V as champion, and walk out as champion.
Douglas: Your unyielding confidence in those who constantly let you down never stops amazing me.
Billy: Our glorious Champion will never let me down.
Dan: He might do just that judging by the competition he’ll be squaring off against at the biggest payper-view of all times, in the form of Orlando Cruze, and even tonight as he prepares to face his long time friend and nemesis Johnny Kingdom.
Hurse slowly hands over the World title to the official while turning to examine the entry way, in anticipation of his former teammate’s arrival. He bends forward with his palms pressed to his knees as “WAKE UP” rips through the arena and sends the comatose fans into an awakening. They jump to their feet and anxiously clamor around the barricade as through the curtains saunters the Team Leader, the longest reigning World Champion in ULW history, Johnny Kingdom. Their applause only seems to intensify, shaking the building to its very core in fact. A certain smugness exists around the Team Leader as he makes his way towards the ring, eyeing the increasingly agitated Hurse on the inside. Finally he sprints to the squared circle and jumps to the apron as Hurse grabs his World title belt from the official, rushing across the ring to nail Johnny in the head with it.
Douglas: Hey!
Johnny sees it coming and bends forward, driving his shoulder through the ropes directly into Hurse’s mid-section. The impact causes the Champion to drop his gold and stagger backwards, his hands gripping his mid-section. Johnny now takes the top rope and pulls himself over it right into a big shoulder block to his former friend’s chest. Both men crash to the canvas with the bell ringing.
Mayne: What a turbulent way to start off this contest. Hurse trying to show Johnny his title belt and Kingdom maliciously assaulting him before the bell out of jealousy.
Douglas: WHAT!?!
The Team Leader quickly rises to his feet while Hurse desperately scrambles away from him, grabbing his World title belt off of the canvas. He stands up and rushes at Johnny with the gold again only to be meet with a big boot right to the face from his long time nemesis. The strike sends him crashing to the canvas, dropping his gold to the ring yet again before he sluggishly rises to his feet. When he reaches an upright base he is chopped with violent force across the sternum, causing him to unleash a high pitched squeal. Again he receives one of these vicious chops from a smiling Team Leader, who takes his former Creative Control running buddy by the wrist and whips him across the ring. However, Hurse places the breaks on it, reversing the whip and instead sending Johnny into the cables. Kingdom bounces off while Hurse turns, bending forward for a back drop. At the last second Kingdom stops in front of him, delivering a swift kick upward into his face. The strike causes Hurse to stand up and stagger while Johnny charges in and lays him out with a hard lariat to the throat.
Billy: I don’t think this is going the way Hurse planned.
Douglas: Not at all, Johnny Kingdom is just mugging the World Champion at this point, and I have to say that I’m just getting a kick out of it.
Hurse rolls across the canvas and rises back to his feet when Johnny rushes in and levels him for a second straight time with a back elbow to the features. The force of the blow sends Hurse tumbling to the ring and rolling away from Kingdom into one of the corners. Johnny does not pursue him, instead he simply stands back with an ever widening grin, watching his terrified opponent sit up in the corner. Hurse has thrust his hands out in front of him, pleading for a time out and shockingly Kingdom seems obliged to give him one.
Kingdom: Sure, what are friends for?
His smug grin increases much to Hurse’s dismay. Strangely though the World Champion begins to smile as well as he rises to his feet. He briefly rubs at his jaw while wagging his finger at the Team Leader.
Hurse: You got me with a pretty good lariat there bud. What do you say we just forget all about this, go out and have a few beers?
Despite having tried to knock Kingdom out with the World title, not once, but twice, Hurse now extends his open palm towards Kingdom. The Team Leader stares down at this hand then back up into the face of the grinning Champion.
Douglas: Oh come on, Hurse trying to weasel his way out of yet another challenge.
Mayne: He’s doing what should be done, extending the olive branch of peace. He’s a diplomat at heart, not a war monger.
Johnny smiles and then spits into the palm of his open hand, slapping it against Hurse’s, who cringes with outright disgust. His cringe changes into a smile while Johnny begins to laugh.
Kingdom: I can never stay mad at you.
Hurse’s grin intensifies as he shrugs and turns to leave the ring, only to realize his saliva drenched palm is still being gripped. He turns around slowly to stare at the toothy smile of Kingdom with unease.
Johnny: But for old times sake, what do you say I just beat the ever living shit out of you?
Hurse: Can I respectfully decline?
Johnny sympathetically shakes his head no then pulls Hurse forward into a vicious forearm, continuing his physical onslaught. Hurse is staggered by the blow as Kingdom now goes into a full spin, laying him out with a roaring forearm blow. The shot sends Hurse crashing to the ring and lying there in a truly perplexed, dazed, incoherent condition. Johnny steps to his side and stomps his former associate to the sternum with force, causing him to begin convulsing in an animated manner. The Team Leader now places his foot to Hurse’s face and scrapes his heel across it, causing the World Champion to grab at his face in anguish.
The Team Leader now takes hold of Hurse’s wrist, pulling him over onto his knees then stepping to his side and delivering a swift boot to his jaw. The Master of Control is knocked to the canvas yet again, rolling across it in a desperate, longing attempt to escape Kingdom. He doesn’t get far before his hair is snatched hold of by Kingdom, who forces him up to his feet and into a front chancery. He snaps over backwards into a quick suplex which slams Hurse forcefully into the canvas and causes him to arch his spine from the ring. Roars of agony emanate from Hurse who again tries to scoot away from Kingdom who grabs him by the ankle and pulls him back to the center of the ring, diving forward into an attempted crossface. The crowd is screaming as they rise accordingly, slapping the barricades with delight as Kingdom attempts to force the submission. However, Hurse slaps his hands away and is able to roll free, quickly getting to his feet then rushing forward at the rising Kingdom. Johnny stands and side steps Hurse, catching him by the back of the head then rushing him towards the ropes and throwing him over the outside of the ring. A scream emanates from Hurse as he turns upside down then slams with force against the thin protective matting.
Mayne: Ouch, that was not a good landing.
Douglas: Johnny Kingdom is just owning Hurse here tonight. I don’t think I can remember any previous battles where it was this one sided between them.
Hurse rolls across the mats while rubbing at his back, Johnny enjoying this brutality that he’s delivering with such relative ease. He begins to step towards the ropes to continue inflicting this damage when attention shifts to Desolation making his way down the ramp. The crowd’s reception is drastically altered, becoming up in arms as the Dark Man casually strolls towards the ring. The referee begins to shout at him as Desolation innocently extends his arms out to his sides and points towards Hurse, insisting that he’s present only for moral support.
Douglas: I knew this beat down was too good to be true, here comes Desolation to ruin what was an otherwise entertaining match.
Mayne: How’s he ruining it? Maybe he’ll give another lecture about what makes Axl Evermore such a pathetic opponent, which you know will automatically increase the ratings by ten fold.
Johnny’s eyes have settled on the vacant features of Desolation, who shows little emotion as he continues to approach the ring and defend his being there. The official is still shouting at him in anger over his presence while behind his back, Hurse has slid into the ring and grabbed his World title belt. Johnny is also distracted by Desolation before his Kingdom sense begins to tingle, prompting him to turn right into a shot between the eyes from the Heavyweight Championship strap.
Douglas: Ah dammit, this is another set up by the World Champion.
Mayne: He just cleaned Kingdom’s clock with the title. Although, technically, can you clean a clock with a title belt?
Dan: Who cares? We’re witnessing yet another travesty out here tonight.
Desolation grins slightly while pointing to the action in the ring, insisting that the official turn around. As he does Hurse throws the belt through the ropes and drops into a cover on Kingdom, hooking his leg.
Douglas: Don’t tell me it’s going to end like this.
Mayne: How else would you expect it to end? This is the IWC you know?
1
2
3!
The crowd erupts as Kingdom gets his shoulder off of the canvas, shocking Hurse. The Champion sits up with his hands running through his hair, growing rather upset that the pinfall wasn’t just accomplished.
Douglas: Johnny got his shoulder up before the three count!
Mayne: That didn’t happen, it was an optical illusion caused by the lighting and prolonged mushroom abuse.
Hurse crawls back into the cover and hooks both legs this time.
1
2
Kingdom kicks out again much to Hurse’s utter dismay. Desolation sighs on the outside of the ring, realizing that his tag team partner’s plan has failed once more. This doesn’t stop Hurse from mounting Kingdom’s sternum and beginning to deliver repeated punches right to his forehead. He ravenously assaults Kingdom while Desolation shouts some mildly encouraging words from the outside of the ring.
Hurse stands and drops a quick elbow into Kingdom’s sternum before rushing to his feet and delivering an equally as sudden leg drop. These blows exacerbate the impact of that title belt, rendering Kingdom into a truly battered condition. Hurse now takes Johnny around the neck and rolls him over to his knees, stepping behind his back and blatantly ripping off Orlando Cruze by utilizing some MMA elbows to the side of his opponent’s cranium. Hurse hits elbow after elbow to Kingdom’s skull before stopping just long enough to drag him up to his feet and bend his head forward. He now drops back, flipping Kingdom in reverse so that he comes down right on top of his face with the Shellshock. The crowd reacts with disdain and dismay as Kingdom’s entire body momentarily stands on top of his face then tumbles to the canvas a motionless wreck. Hurse glances towards Desolation for reassurance who offers up a clapping salute to the previous move. The World Champion arrogantly slithers into the cover, hooking Johnny’s leg for the pinfall.
1
2
Again Kingdom finds the strength to kick out, despite all the damage inflicted to his head after taking that shot from the belt. Hurse sits up, his eyes brimming with anger over the fact that he can’t put away his former teammate.
Billy: Why must Johnny be so insistent upon kicking out?
Douglas: Because he wants to win.
Mayne: Well that’s just selfish.
The Team Leader turns over to a crawling base as he attempts to stand only to have Hurse grab him around the cranium, forcing him to his feet then charging him across the ring head first into the top turnbuckle pad. He bounces off of the corner then turns, falling spine first against the turnbuckle while Hurse delivers a several boots to his mid-section then backs across the ring. He turns in a full circle upon reaching the center and then bolts right at Johnny, jumping into the air with a heat seeking dropkick delivered precisely to Kingdom’s cranium. The fans groan over the sickening impact of boot meeting face while Johnny tumbles to his seat across the canvas, his back pressed to the corner now. Hurse rolls backwards across the ring directly to his feet and rushes forward, delivering a devastating front dropkick to the face of the seated Team Leader. Desolation grins slightly over these sickening kicks which have left Johnny looking completely incapacitated.
Mayne: Dropkick after dropkick to the already fragile head of Kingdom. These can’t be good for the Team Leader.
Douglas: Do you make it a point to constantly state the obvious? I’d suggest the referee consider stopping this match if it weren’t for the fact that we’ve seen Kingdom come back from much worse beatings than this before.
Hurse grabs hold of Johnny’s ankle and drags him out of the corner to the center of the ring. He is left lying on the canvas before Hurse steps to his side and now jumps into a forward flip, coming with a senton leg drop directly across Kingdom’s face. He then rolls over backwards onto his feet and charges into the ropes, bouncing off and coming back in at the sprawled out Team Leader, lunging into the air. He catches some significant height before coming down knee first right across Kingdom’s face, rolling forward after delivering the maneuver. He ends up seated at Johnny’s side as he confidently leans back, hooking his long time nemesis’ and friend’s leg.
1
2
To the delight of the Manhattan Center crowd Kingdom again kicks out, defying Hurse’s greatest desires. Hurse sits up with clear disillusion shining through his eyes. Desolation slaps the apron and demands he stay on Kingdom though, Hurse following instructions. He slides up behind the laid out Kingdom and wraps his legs around his neck, placing him in a head scissors sleeper. Boos emanate from the crowd, who are quite appalled by the sight of this, Hurse trying his best to exploit any injury he may have caused with the use of that title belt. The almost lifeless Kingdom is trying his best to put up a resistance, despite all the damage inflicted on his skull throughout the past few moments.
Billy: That’s right Hurse, slow it down, make this methodical. No need to exhaust yourself before the big main event at Paranoia V.
Douglas: The condition this is leaving in Kingdom’s head in causes some real concern for me in regards to his bout against Silencer. I suppose this is exactly what our mystery owner was hoping for, that Kingdom would somehow be injured before he could take on the former World Champion.
Mayne: Although I do adore Kingdom in many respects, I have to applaud the genius of our mystery owner’s booking here.
Hurse slaps his palm down on his knee and applies further pressure with his legs, like they were clamps slowly cutting off all air to Kingdom’s skull. The Team Leader finds himself fading quickly, sweat streaming down his reddening flesh while the crowd slaps the barricades and stomps their feet, trying to rally behind the former World Champion. The current title holder only applies more pressure with his legs, digging in deep with a menacing grinding of his teeth. All hope seems to be lost for Kingdom, when to the shock of many his eyes force their way open and his hands reach up, grabbing the shins of his opposition. The fans get even louder as Kingdom slowly begins to part the legs from around his throat, air getting back into his head finally. Hurse sits up and begins to slug Kingdom to the forehead, trying to keep him from escaping the hold while Desolation demands his Alpha Gen cohort be a little more malicious here.
Douglas: Kingdom is trying to escape the hold.
Mayne: Absolutely preposterous. I love big words.
Kingdom begins to turn while pulling the legs away from his neck, he forces one down to the canvas and then lifts his elbow into the air. He begins to drive it repeatedly into the kneecap of the World Champion, who falls to his back roaring in agony. The elbow connects again and again and again to the knee as Hurse tries to force it out of Johnny’s clutches. Finally the Team Leader turns and begins to stand up, reaching down for the leg he battered. Unfortunately he is met with a brutal stomping kick to the forehead from the World Champion. The stiff strike causes Johnny to turn away from Hurse, looking incredibly confused, his brain receiving a great deal of trauma already. Hurse rolls backwards to his feet and now charges at his opponent, catching Kingdom by the back of the head then pulling him down into a face buster against the canvas.
Douglas: Argh, Kingdom’s head again being assaulted.
Mayne: Hurse is relentlessly targeting the cranium, which might I add is simply genius.
Kingdom rolls onto his back, again appearing to be completely out of it while Hurse crawls into the cover on him.
1
2
To a loud round of applause Kingdom kicks out, sitting up in an incredibly incoherent condition. Hurse quickly scoots up behind him, wrapping his arms around Johnny’s neck, placing him in a sleeper submission. The Team Leader’s skin again transforms to a bright shade of red as Hurse pugnaciously holds onto the submission, gritting his teeth throughout the process. He puts all of his upper body strength into the submission, really mustering up all of his power to keep it established. Johnny is gagging, saliva seeping from the corner of his mouth as he begins to pass out yet again to the despair of the sold out audience. To a loud reaction from the crowd though, his arms raise into the air, fists clinched and shaking. Hurse looks on in disbelief while Desolation annoyingly watches this action unfolding in the ring. Kingdom slowly, agonizingly begins to force himself upwards, again attempting to fight his way free from this hold.
Mayne: I don’t have the fondest idea how Kingdom is able to do this. He must have had his spinach this morning.
Douglas: Kingdom is starting to stand up even given the dire condition of his cranium.
Johnny stands up at this point, still trapped in the sleeper when Hurse breaks the hold. He bends Kingdom’s head over backwards then delivers a reverse European Uppercut right to the back of it. This fans grimace while Hurse now jumps forward, catching the Team Leader by the back of the head and pulling him down into a reverse neckbreaker. The Team Leader’s skull slams with vicious force against the ring as he now sits up looking even more dazed than before.
Billy: Now this is what we’re use to seeing out of matches between these two, Hurse dominating Kingdom.
Douglas: I don’t recall that ever happening in their previous encounters, but he is thoroughly wearing Johnny down thanks to that shot from the World title belt.
A somewhat winded Hurse grabs Kingdom by the ear, rolling him over onto his knees then rushing in from his side, delivering a stiff knee right to his face. Kingdom is knocked onto his back from the impact while Hurse steps forward grinning evilly. Desolation gives him a reassuring round of applause while Hurse swipes his palms together, acting as if business has effectively been taken care of. He briefly raises a fist into the air to mock Orlando Cruze’s taunt before approaching the almost lifeless Kingdom, taking him around the neck and forcing his head under his seat. He extends his arms out to his sides with a pompous grin, setting up for the Sanitizer (Styles Clash).
Mayne: It’s over.
Johnny suddenly stands and back drops Hurse, sending him flying through the air before crashing spine first into the canvas.
Dan: Again you spoke too soon.
Hurse rolls across the canvas with his back arched, slowly trying to get up while Kingdom has dropped to his knees, recuperating. To Desolation’s dismay, Kingdom begins to stand, forcing himself up to his feet and then rushing into the ropes. He bounces off and comes back in at a rising Hurse, who suddenly side steps the Team Leader, catching him around the neck and placing him in the sleeper hold. Just as the crowd vocalizes their depression Johnny slides around behind Hurse, placing his shoulder to his spine then lifting him into the air. The World Champion is turned and dropped spine first right across Kingdom’s raised knee with a back breaker. The fans rejoice over this counter which leaves the Master of Control rolling across the canvas gripping at his kidneys.
Douglas: A back breaker counter by Kingdom, keeping his chances alive in this grueling rematch.
Mayne: Now Johnny is exploiting Hurse’s weak back, it’s only like that because he has to carry Robin around so much. Damn, insulting Robin is such a hard habit to break.
While gripping at his back Hurse rises to his feet, charging at a struggling Kingdom. As soon as he steps in though Johnny catches him around the neck and lifts him into the air, slamming him down into the canvas with the side effect. Hurse is viciously driven into the ring while Kingdom rolls away from him, sweating heavily as he attempts to recuperate. Desolation sighs on the outside of the ring, growing increasingly flustered with Hurse’s inability to finish off Kingdom. Despite the Dark Man’s dismay, Hurse is already trying to get up, gripping at the back of his neck in the process. The Team Leader is standing up across from him in agony, yet steps forward and places the rising Champion in a front chancery. He grabs the back of his tights, setting up for the Exodus Finale. However, Hurse quickly counters, swinging his head free from this predicament and turning his back to Kingdom, taking him around the neck. He rushes forward, dragging Johnny along for the Disinfectant (Contra Code). He steps up the turnbuckle and flips in reverse over Kingdom’s shoulder to hit his modified sliced bread number 2 only to have Johnny grab the ropes and prevent himself from being taken over. Hurse lands on his feet right behind Kingdom, bent over forward however, as the Team Leader turns to face him, stepping in and taking him around the neck. The crowd is screaming yet again as Johnny sets up for the Exodus Finale.
Mayne: Ahhh!
Hurse pushes his shoulder to Kingdom’s ribs and rushes forward, driving his opponent spine first against the turnbuckle, freeing himself as a result. The shocked World Champion steps back and now bolts forward right at Kingdom who dives out of the corner, slipping around the side of his opponent and catching him by the back of the tights. He pulls him over into a school boy pin but instead lets Hurse go, allowing him to drop to his knees in front of him. Kingdom quickly places him in a front chancery and hoists Hurse into the air, before he can fight it he’s dragged down head first into the canvas with the Exodus Finale. The Master of Control sits up with his eyes fluttering, appearing as if he’s been completely taken out by the Brainbuster DDT.
Douglas: Kingdom finally connecting with the Exodus Finale!
Mayne: Not again, don’t tell me Kingdom is going to defeat Hurse once more.
A sluggish, exhausted Kingdom begins to crawl towards Hurse, throwing himself on top of the World Champion, but before the official can make a count, he’s distracted by Desolation. The Dark Man springs to the apron, yet again getting the referee’s attention.
Douglas: What the hell is wrong with you ref? Stop worrying about Desolation and make the three count!
Mayne: Desolation is just trying to make sure the referee realizes Kingdom cheated to hit that move.
Dan: Your logic is beyond flawed.
The referee has no alternative but to get up in Desolation’s face, demanding that he go backstage. The Dark Man will not adhere to this order until Hurse has been given subsequent time to recover. That’s when to a loud ovation Desolation’s ankle is grabbed from behind and he’s dragged off of the apron. He lands on his feet and finds himself shocked to stare into the eyes of Axl Evermore.
Douglas: It’s Axl! AXL IS HERE!
Mayne: Preposterous.
Dan: Stop saying that!
Axl gives no time for shock to set in as he delivers a hard right hand to Desolation’s jaw, followed by another strike and another, dropping a bag that he was holding in his other hand to the outside mats. The Dark Man is reeling with each one of these blows, trying to respond with one of his own only to receive a spinning back kick right to the ribs. He is doubled over forward now while Axl jumps onto the apron in front of him and rushes across it, diving forward into a hurricarana. He lands on Desolation’s shoulders and spins around, flipping the Dark Man over so that he lands spine first across the steel ramp. The crowd is going nuts as Axl gets up, bandaged skull, ribs, throat and all, more energized than ever before.
Douglas: Desolation claimed Axl wouldn’t here tonight, but that’s clearly not the case, as he’s just taking it to the man who tried to end his career last week.
Mayne: Evermore has no business being here dammit!
Desolation gets up and falls backwards into the barricade, absolutely reeling with shocked eyes. The Cartel Champion rushes in and delivers a hard forearm to Desolation’s jaw. The shot knocks the Dark Man over into the screaming crowd, who are clearing out of the way in sheer astonishment over what they are witnessing. Somehow the dazed Desolation starts to stand up, still gripping at his jaw in the process. He shoves the fans aside and looks up just in time to spot Evermore diving over the barricade directly on top of him. Both men crash to the concrete with Axl continuing to slug Desolation repeatedly to the face. The crowd surrounds them, going absolutely nuts and blocking the cameras in the process. The show returns to the ring where Johnny Kingdom is standing, watching all of this unfold in disgust. Desolation and Axl are on their feet continuing to brawl through the fans and to the backstage area, passing under the shadow of one of the many balconies.
Douglas: Axl Evermore taking Desolation out of the equation, both of these men battling to the backstage area!
Bily: Axl wasn’t even suppose to be here! I’m tired of these blasphemous swerves! ARGH!!
The distracted Kingdom finally turns back towards Hurse who is shockingly on his feet, catching Johnny around the neck. He rushes towards one of the corners, stepping up it and before Johnny has time to block it he’s pulled over into the Disinfectant (Sit-Out Sliced Bread Number 2). The back of Kingdom’s head collides violently with the canvas, sending many of the fans into a wave of shock, wondering rather his career is over or not. The World Champion scrambles with quickness into the cover, hooking both of his opponent’s legs.
1
2
3!
The fans are stunned as Kingdom’s career has effectively been ended before their very eyes. Hurse sits up raising his fists in victory when the official informs him that Kingdom kicked out.
Billy: WHAT!?!
Dan: Johnny got his shoulder up, he kicked out of Hurse’s Disinfectant. His career is still in tact.
Mayne: Damn false finishes and swerves, damn them all!
Hurse is arguing with the official, appearing quite flustered with his slow count before approaching the barely conscious Kingdom. The World Champion takes him around the neck, leading him up to his feet and then dragging his head under his seat, calling out for the Sanitizer (Styles Clash).
Mayne: Now Kingdom’s career is over ladies and gentlemen, it’s finished, it’s done, it’s more over than Paris Hilton’s popularity.
Hurse chuckles as he wraps his arms around Kingdom’s waist and tries to lift him into the air. Somehow Johnny is able to block it though, shifting his weight and falling back to his knees in front of the World Champion, who begins to blast him over the spine with repeated forearm strikes.
Dan: Kingdom is fighting the Sanitizer!
Billy: Who said he was allowed to do that?
Hurse again lifts Johnny but this time the Team Leader twists his body, burying his shoulders into his former partner’s ribs. He lifts him up into the air in a fireman’s carry then pushes him over into a Go to Sleep, his knee slapping Hurse right between the eyes. The shot causes the World Champion to fly backwards, crashing to the canvas then rolling under the ropes and spilling to the outside mats.
Douglas: Kingdom busting something new out of his arsenal with the Go to Sleep, but he caught a bad break, as the World Champion has spilled to the outside.
Mayne: Even Hurse’s falls are brilliant.
The World Champion rolls across the mats, lying there in a semi-conscious heap while Kingdom begins to stagger towards him, about to drop to the outside and continue his assault when a loud shrill voice can be heard over the microphone.
Sallie: That’s enough!
Boos momentarily drown out all other sounds as Sallie saunters onto the stage and wears a rather disgusted expression on her face, glaring into the ring at Johnny Kingdom. The Team Leader turns to face her with intensity brewing behind his winded façade.
Dan: Oh terrific, what is this about now?
Billy: You know it has to be good if it involves Sallie.
The fans are still heckling Sallie while Kingdom beams her a confused glare.
Sallie: Acting on orders from my employer, the IWC President, I have been instructed to stop this match immediately.
The crowd reacts naturally to this reprehensible announcement, vocalizing their fury.
Douglas: What!?! That can’t be right. Surely our mystery owner doesn’t have the right to stop this match.
Billy: He owns the company Dan, he can do whatever the hell he feels like, whenever he wants.
Johnny closes his eyes and shakes his head over this announcement, realizing that this match was conveniently stopped right when he had the upper hand and was seemingly seconds away from beating the World Champion. His conviction for defeating Silencer at Paranoia V, and thus forcing the owner to reveal himself, has just become all the more stronger. Sallie smiles warmly as she progresses on the mic.
Sallie: According to our wonderful boss, it has been decided that due to Mr. Kingdom’s reprehensible instigation of violence at the start of tonight’s telecast, that this match is to be ended effective immediately, and Johnny is to once again be escorted from the building.
Kingdom rears his head and begins to shake it, seeing as this has probably been the eighth time he or Silencer have been removed from the Manhattan Center in the span of a month. Hurse regains his faculties on the outside of the ring, leaning spine first against the barricade with the title over his shoulder, laughing as best as he can with a sore jaw.
Douglas: What a pile of garbage, I might not be the biggest Johnny Kingdom fan in the world, but the man certainly deserves better than this. What a cop-out ending to a great one on one match.
Billy: The Boss laying down the law and I certainly can’t argue with that.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Now available at all DVD outlets
THANK YOU
The show returns live to find the camera providing a direct feed of Desolation and Axl Evermore brawling their way back through the crowd. The fans are in a frenzy, overly excited as these two rivals continue to exchange blows with one another.
Douglas: Welcome back, and as you can see, after that travesty of a conclusion to Kingdom versus Hurse, Axl Evermore and Desolation are still brawling with one another!
Mayne: These guys have been going at it all throughout the commercial break and now it’s continuing here live on Riot!
Desolation delivers a right hand to Axl’s jaw, followed by a stiff spinning back fist to his already bandaged face. Evermore turns away from him as the Dark Man has clearly gotten the upper hand at this point. With no clear emotion the Dark Man steps up behind Axl and blasts him across the upper back with a forearm strike. The Cartel Champion’s damaged ribs flow with agony as he arches his spine and stumbles forward, attempting to escape the wrath of the dangerous Desolation.
Billy: Get him Desolation, get him, teach him for breaking the rules, showing up when he wasn’t invited, and swerving us all with that fake interview.
The crowd is clearing out of their way, spilling their drinks and their food but not caring, as they have become a part of the madness that is this rivalry between the Dark Man and Mr. N.Y.C. Finally the damaged Axl reaches the barricade, turning and wedging his back against it. Desolation barrels directly towards him only to be caught against Evermore’s shoulder and back dropped right over the barrier. He comes down with a splat spine first across the thin protective matting.
Mayne: Ay!
Douglas: Axl fueled by his rage, by his pain as he just back dropped Desolation into the mats.
Evermore steps over the barricade and with ravenous eyes storms towards the rising Desolation, blasting him over the back with repeated forearm strikes. He now takes him by the back of the head and rams him face first against the exposed ring post, Desolation bouncing off it and staggering in reverse. He is taken by the wrist and whipped towards the steel steps only for the Alpha Gen representative to abruptly reverse. Axl is now sent charging into the stairs, slamming against them knees first then flipping over them as he crashes onto the mats.
Dan: AHHH!! Axl’s knees demolished by the stairs.
Mayne: Stay on him Desolation, make sure there’s nothing left of him for Paranoia V.
With malcontent Desolation grabs the top half of the stairs, lifting them up and separating them from the lower portion. Axl starts to stand in front of him, doubled over with his hands cupping his knees. He begins to stagger forward when Desolation throws the steps directly into his taped up back. Screams emanate from the fans, who wail over the vicious impact that sends Axl buckling to his knees and writhing in agony.
Douglas: And this brawl continues to get more and more violent!
Axl reaches for his already injured abdomen, trying to block the anguish coursing through his body. He is unable to do this for long as Desolation takes him by the hair, leads him to his feet and rolling him into the ring. Evermore rolls to the far corner, grabbing at his spine and the ropes which he tries to use to reach an upright base All the while the Dark Man has slid into the ring and now reaches into his pocket, slowly removing a staple gun.
Douglas: Oh no, come on now.
Mayne: Desolation bringing out the very weapon he used to blind Magnus, maybe he intends to do the same to Evermore.
Desolation shakes his head towards the rising Axl.
Desolation: It didn’t have to come to this. If only you weren’t so damned persistent.
Desolation lifts the staple gun so that the squealing audience can see it before rushing at his victim. He charges full force right into a superkick from Evermore. The tune immediately changes from despair to delight as Desolation drops the staple gun and slowly tumbles over backwards himself. He finally crashes to the canvas spine first while Axl falls against the corner for support, wincing as he reaches for his back .
Mayne: NO!
Douglas: Evermore saving himself and laying out Desolation in the process!
A stunned Desolation lies on the canvas after the superkick while Axl forgets his pain, his eyes overcome with dementia. He stands up straight and takes several deep, flustered breaths before bending down over Desolation.
Axl: You want to know how far I’ll go Desolation!?!
Evermore turns and moves towards the ropes, slipping through them and dropping to the mats where that bag he was carrying earlier still lies. He picks up the small sack that he left behind and reaches inside, removing a can of gasoline and a lighter.
Mayne: Ummm, I sincerely hope Axl is planning on roasting marshmallows.
Dan: Don’t go too far Axl, please think before you do something you’ll never be able to take back.
Axl slides into the ring with his eyes devoid of emotion, stepping over the struggling Desolation and beginning to douse him with gasoline.
Mayne: No, no, no, no! Is he planning on setting Desolation on fire? Doesn’t he know how expensive gasoline is these days?
Douglas: Axl has snapped after what Desolation did to him last week, somebody needs to stop this and do it now!
Desolation puts his hands up over his face as he spits up gas, Axl continuing to pour until the can is empty. He now throws it aside and bends over his fallen adversary, lifting the lighter into the air. Desolation regains his consciousness long enough to look up into Evermore’s face which hovers above him, the lighter being lowered towards his gasoline soaked body. Defiance Desolation’s eyes as he begins to shake his head. This look causes an ever so creepy smile to formulate on Axl’s face. A demonic, depraved twinkle lingers in Evermore’s eyes.
Evermore: You showed me no mercy, you showed my friends no mercy, and now it’s time for me to return the favor. You’re going to fry Desolation, oh yeah, you didn’t think I had it in me did you? But I can go just as dark as you can.
Axl’s finger is on the igniter, slowly pressing it down, seemingly seconds away from sending Desolation up in flames. The expression on Desolation’s face is not altered as he shakes his head, refusing to be stricken with fear.
Desolation: Fine, do it Axl, show me what you’ve got!?! Will it make you happy!?!
Desolation seems to be calling his rival’s bluff, yet Axl doesn’t smile, or display even the faintest signs of emotion, not hesitating. Instead he holds the lighter out towards Desolation’s face.
Evermore: Until I get you in the ring at Paranoia V, I’ll never be happy.
He pushes down on the igniter to the shock and horror of the fans who wait in terror to watch Desolation burst into flames. Desolation looks panicked for a moment as he lifts his hands to protect his face. The crowd reaction changes to laughter as the Dark Man is sprayed in the face with a cool blast of seltzer shooting from the fake lighter. To Desolation’s shock he finds himself swiping the seltzer out of his face and looking up with ravenous eyes at Evermore who backs away from him actually chuckling.
Mayne: What the hell!?! That was a trick lighter!?! Evermore instilled fear in Desolation, and there wasn’t even a real possibility he be burned alive?
Dan: Axl playing mind games with Desolation yet again.
Billy: Who does Desolation think he is with his fake gag weapons, Stone Cold Steve Austin? Well Austin was bald, and Axl has far too much hair, so the comparisons end right there, dammit!
Douglas: Yeah.
Axl continues to back away from the laid out Desolation, who is trying to figure out how he could have fallen for such a blatant trick. His eyes slowly meet with Evermore’s who is half way through the cables, now standing on the apron and still smiling widely.
Axl: Oh yeah, and thanks.
EYES WIDE SHUT
EMT: Okay Mr. Cruze you need to cooperate with us, try to keep your eyes open.
Although the EMT speaks almost directly into Orlando’s ear he can’t hear him, far too distracted by the pain coursing through his damaged eyes. He keeps turning his head back and forth, blinking his eyes repeatedly in the hopes that it will help, but it clearly isn’t. There is a group of about three EMTs gathered in a semi circle around Orlando, flashing lights into his eyes and holding eye drops in the air, trying to drop them into his pupils. He is far too agitated and infuriated to receive any medical help though.
EMT: Can you see the light Mr. Cruze?
He finally complies a little.
Orlando: Yeah, I can kind of see it. That’s good right?
EMT: Very good, it means your regaining your sight and there wasn’t any permanent damage done. We need to get you to the hospital though to see the full extent of your retinal injuries.
To this Cruze has no response, not sure if he should go along with it or not even though he’s technically blind at this point.
Nathan: Orlando, how are you doing man, can you see me?
Into this madness strolls Nathan Creed, a very concerned expression residing on the face of the Future as he approaches his tag team partner. He holds a small thing of ice over his forehead just like Jackson earlier ago due to the shot from the cane of Killjoy. The Icon remains planted on a cot just inside of the trainer’s room yet nervously shifts across it as he tries to see who’s talking to him.
Orlando: Nathan, is that you bro?
He sticks his hand out, feeling around before Creed takes hold of it, squeezing his palm to let him know he’s there.
Nathan: Yeah, it’s me man. I was on my way to the ring to announce the last member of my team when I heard what happened. You need to let these guys do their job and get you to the hospital.
Cruze: But our match.
Creed: To hell with our match Lando. There’s no way you can compete if your technically blind.
He places his hand reassuringly on Orlando’s large shoulder, trying to hold him in place and at the same time calm him down.
Orlando: It’s only temporary.
Nathan: That doesn’t matter; you need to be checked out to make sure everything is alright. This is your sight we’re talking about here bro, you can’t play games with it…..
I’m afraid it’s not as simple as that.
Creed’s attention shifts rather abruptly and with great anger to the face of Sallie. Discreetly she entered the trainer’s room and eavesdropped, waiting till now to further burst Orlando’s and Nathan’s collective bubble. Cruze turns his head back and forth as if searching for Sallie even though there’s no way possible that he can see her. Regrettably, Nathan has no trouble setting his sights on the smiling young woman who saunters away from the door with her arms crossed over her sternum.
Creed: What the hell do you mean it’s not that simple? The man is blind for crying out loud!
Nathan dramatically throws down the bag of ice he was holding to his forehead at Sallie’s feet, causing her to halt her forward progression. Her smile only widens and becomes all the more repulsive.
Sallie: Well things are a tad more complicated than you imagine Nathan. Because our wonderful employer laid down his edict, he stated that you and Ray Charles here, had to compete against each other no matter what.
Nathan: Oh come on!
Orlando: Nathan, calm down.
Cruze reaches out and grabs his partner by the wrist, trying to keep him cool.
Sallie: Hey, I’ll have no problem canceling the match, as it’s only fair, but in order to do that, Orlando will have to give up his World title shot at Paranoia.
Creed: BULLSHIT!
Creed takes a step towards Sallie but is restrained by his partner’s tight grip. Even the EMTs find this news to be disgusting. Sallie holds her palms up though and shrugs her shoulders.
Sallie: It was the Boss’ decision, and I have to adhere to it. If either you or Orlando refuse to fight then Cruze looses his World title shot, that’s all there is too it.
Nathan: This is ridiculous! I’m not going to fight Orlando, he can’t even fucking see!
Sallie: Well then that’s your choice. Of course, if you don’t fight him, or take it easy on him, Orlando’s out of a title shot. That’s all I have to say gentlemen, I’ll be expecting your decisions by the end of the night. Toodles.
With a smile she confidently swaggers from the trainer’s room, leaving Creed seething with disgust. Orlando sits strangely stoically though, not speaking at all.
Creed: They can’t do this bro, this is going way too far. If it comes to it, I’ll lay down tonight and let you pin me, problem solved.
Cruze: No.
Nathan: Huh, what?
Nathan appears terribly confused as Orlando breaks his silence.
Orlando: I said no. You heard her, if you take it easy on me I lose my title shot. I’ll be damned if I’m robbed of another opportunity. You get your ass in that ring tonight and you fight me.
Creed is having trouble processing such a ludicrous demand.
Creed: Orlando, your blinder than Stevie Wonder man, you can’t honestly expect me to….
Cruze: You’re going to fight me Creed, that’s the end of it.
Nathan: But.
Orlando: No! Don’t’ take this opportunity away from me Nathan. Hit me with everything you’ve got out there. Besides, my eyes could clear up before our match, you never know.
EMT: That is a possibility.
Cruze: See! Make sure your in that ring tonight Nathan, and make sure you fight me like I’m at 100 percent. Now go make your announcement.
Creed doesn’t know what to think, still trying to process everything as he scratches at the back of his head. All of these distressing revelations have left him completely befuddled. Finally he turns with his shaking head and exits the trainer’s room, hoping a walk will help him figure things out. Orlando stares forward into the empty space Creed was just occupying.
Orlando: Now you know your closer to me than a brother, so I need you to be strong tonight, to do what needs to be done….
EMT: Um, Mr. Cruze, he already left.
Orlando awkwardly blinks his eyes for several moments.
Cruze: Oh.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
DAVID FREAK VS. PHANTOM
The show comes back live as the camera’s pan over the eager fans, who are anxious for more in ring competition on what has already been a shocking night on the last telecast before Paranoia V.
Dan: Welcome back fans, and what a disgusting display before the commercial break. Orlando Cruze informed that rather he’s technically blind or not, he will still have to face Nathan Creed in tonight’s main event, because if he doesn’t, he’ll be stripped of his World title opportunity at Paranoia V.
Billy: What a masterful plan arranged by Sallie, Hurse, and our mystery owner.
Dan: I can’t deny that, although it’s one of the most reprehensible plots ever conceived, and ensures one way or another that Orlando will not make it to Paranoia V at 100%.
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
You send your children to war
Unholy
(Instrumental break)
I lay you down to sleep
That's why you're feeling so
Unholy, Unholy, Unholy - Unholy!!
i lay the egg in you
The worm that burrows
Through your brain
But you are the beast
That calls me by my name
To serve bastards and whores
So now you know
You created me
On the day that you were born
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!
Your soul to keep
Better cross your heart before you die
And now you know
Know that you are mine
Dan: David Freak looking to capitalize on the same brand of success he was met with last week when he collided with Commander V.
Billy: What he’s looking for, and what he finds are two different things.
Douglas: Must you constantly be so negative?
Billy: It’s a blessing Dan, a blessing.
David turns in circles with his eyes brimming, locked periodically on the entry way as he anticipates his opposition. Suddenly a strange purple light fills the entry way, where fog has rolled in, the crowd getting up with anxious, excited expressions on their faces. They seem thoroughly enthused over the impending arrival of the monstrous Phantom, and as his silhouette appears amongst the mist, the crowd reacts with a loud ovation. The big man kicks his long hair back to reveal his corpse like features before solemnly moving towards the ring. He takes his time, passing the screen fans while purple light flashes over his shoulders, illuminating the squared circle with an eerie haze. He steps up onto the apron and now moves over the apron, his placid eyes lock with intensity on Freak, who doesn’t look worried about his impending opposition.
Douglas: The gothic behemoth Phantom made a stunning return last week when he faced and almost defeated Jackson Adams, and tonight he’s facing an equally as impressive opponent.
Billy: How dare you compare David Freak to Jackson Adams. That’s like comparing a goat to a lion.
Dan: Regardless of your biased opinions, David Freak is certainly going to test Phantom’s capabilities tonight.
As the bell chimes in the background David rushes directly at Phantom, throwing a right hand. His fist is blocked by the imposing giant though who steps in and jabs Freak hard across the jaw. The blow knocks his opponent to the canvas, sending him rolling across it back to his feet before he charges right into a bionic elbow from his larger opponent.
Mayne: Son of a bitch, Phantom getting the upper hand. Oh how I detest these Nathan Creed supporters.
Dan: And oh how the rest of the world despises you.
The stunned Freak stands up and rushes right into a hard fist to the jaw which sends him reeling in reverse. He falls against the ropes for support while Phantom steps in and blasts him hard to the forehead with a straight closed fist that he is admonished for. The referee physically steps in and grabs hold of Phantom’s wrist, pointing at his clinched knuckles. However, when the ref sees the intimidating glare being shot at him he jumps back with his palms raised defensively. This momentary distraction leaves Phantom open to a straight boot to the ribs, doubling him over. David now steps out of the corner, driving his forearm hard into he side of his opponent’s face, then doing it once again. The shots knock Phantom in reverse while Freak dives in with a knee right to his ribs, doubling him over forward.
Freak now steps back, hitting a hard straight upward kick to Phantom’s face which causes him to stand up straight in a very incoherent condition. David grabs him by the back of the head and now rushes at the ropes, jumping over them and pulling Phantom down throat first right into the upper most cable. He bounces off the cables throat first and then begins to stagger backwards, looking momentarily stunned while David slips into the ring in front of him. Building up a great deal of speed Freak rushes directly at Phantom who catches him to the sternum and ribs, throwing him up high into the air. He steps up under David catching him on his shoulders then dropping back into a brutal Samoan drop.
Billy: Ouch, that was a pretty impressive power move, sadly.
Dan: Phantom is definitely a master of utilizing that strength advantage as well as throwing around his incredible girth.
Mayne: Incredible girth? Isn’t that just a PC way of calling someone a fatass?
The giant Phantom lumbers to his feet hen rushes into the cables at the side of the laid out Freak, bouncing off and coming back in before jumping into the air. He catches some good height and then comes crashing down right on top of the raised knees of Freak. A groan emanates from the fans as well as Phantom who stands while bent over his ribs, leaving him exposed for Freak who stands and takes him around the neck. He pulls Phantom down face first right into his knee, the big man bouncing off it and rising to his feet with an incredible dazed expression on his face. David now steps back then jumps into the air, connecting with the back of his heel right under Phantom’s jaw, sending him crashing to the canvas. Freak lands on the canvas beside him then dives into the cover.
1
2
Phantom presses his lighter opponent off of him, as the smaller David falls to the canvas on his elbows and knees. The shadowy giant rolls slowly to his side, starting to stand up when Freak steps in and blasts him over the back with a forearm, followed by a shot to the side of the skull. He hits another forearm, followed by another which causes his opponent to remain kneeling on the canvas. David now steps back and dives forward with a knee connecting right under Phantom’s jaw, knocking him to the canvas. Freak quickly drops into another lateral press.
1
Phantom forces his shoulder from the canvas while David takes him by the hair, sitting him up on the canvas. He now steps up behind his seated opponent, booting him forcefully to the back of his cranium then stepping around in front of him. He dives forward into a dropkick to Phantom’s sternum, knocking him down to the canvas.
Billy: Finally Freak showing me a reason to get behind him.
Dan: Phantom being decimated at this point by this aggressive, intense Freak.
Still incredibly dazed Phantom turns onto his side, trying to force himself upwards. Despite being frazzled and reeling from the blows to his cranium, he slowly begins to stand up, only to have David take him by the back of the head. He storms him towards the turnbuckle and drives his skull off of it, which causes Phantom to fall against the corner. David steps intensely to the center of the ring then turns, unleashing a roar as he charges right at his opponent who he jumps into the air and squashes against the corner. Phantom is looking even more dazed than before as Freak backs to the center of the ring then bolts forward once again, jumping into the air. All of a sudden Phantom catches him across the sternum though and powers his frame down forcefully into he canvas with a standing STO.
Douglas: What a desperately needed counter by Phantom, putting him right back into this highly physical encounter.
Mayne: Great, right when I started to support David this is how he repays me.
David rolls across the canvas with his hand pressed to his back, forcing himself up to his feet. He doesn’t have a chance to stand before Phantom steps in and takes him around the neck, lifting him up into the air. He holds David upside down for several seconds before twisting around into a jackhammer. The maneuver slams Freak forcefully against the canvas while Phantom now hooks his leg for the pinfall.
1
2
David gets his shoulder from the ring, kicking out right before he could be pinned.
Dan: The jackhammer unsuccessful for Phantom tonight.
Billy: And it will be unsuccessful for him at Paranoia V too, mark my words.
Douglas: I’d rather erase them.
Phantom forces David to his feet then headbunts him right to the skull, sending him right back down to the ring. He rolls across it and gets to his feet when he’s taken by the wrist and pulled forward into a particularly powerful short arm lariat. The blow sends him crashing into the canvas yet quickly rising to his feet as if instinctively. As soon as he gets up he’s taken around the throat with both of Phantom’s large hands, then picked up from his feet and thrown back first against the nearby corner. He hits it hard spine first while Phantom rushes in, turning and splashing his opponent with his huge back. He then steps forward and spins around, rushing back in with a regular full body big splash. David is almost squashed beneath the impressive weight of the giant who takes him under the arm and throws him out of the corner with a version of the hip toss. David catches tremendous height before he plummets spine first right into the canvas.
Billy: Jesus, he just caught some height.
Dan: Phantom tossing his opponent half way across the canvas.
The collision causes David great anguish as he turns to his knees, slowly starting to force himself upwards. He reaches a standing base as Phantom slaps his knee and rushes out of the corner, throwing a big boot. David ducks it though and steps behind his opponent, spinning around to face him. He walks right into the open palm of Phantom who catches him around the throat for the chokeslam. David knocks his arm away though at the last second then stomps Phantom to the knee, doubling him over. He quickly rushes into the ropes in front of Phantom, bouncing off them then barreling forward. He builds tremendous speed before almost ripping Phantom’s head off with a clothesline from Hell. Phantom falls to his back upon the canvas while David comes down on his knees at his side. He now falls forward into the cover, burying his forearm into his opposition’s face.
1
2
To cheers from the crowd Phantom gets his shoulder up off of the canvas yet again.
Mayne: You’ve got to be shitting me. Freak almost took Phantom’s head off with the lariat and yet this big generic monster continues to kick out. Most men his size can’t even get up off their backs, let alone kick out this many times.
Dan: Phantom is a very persistent competitor, as displayed by that kick out.
David takes Phantom by the hair, sitting him up then delivering repeated forearm shots to the back of his neck and head. He hits this blow over and over again, inflicting a lot of damage before dropping to his knees as he connects with another of these strikes to the cranium of his massive opponent. Although he withstands all of these vicious blows he still starts to stand up, reaching his feet when David takes him around the neck then drops into a reverse neckbreaker. The back of Phantom’s cranium collides violently against the canvas, the big man sitting up and grimacing in anguish.
The smaller but more intense Freak stands as he begins to swing his arm repeatedly, setting up for the clothesline from Hell yet again. He is waiting for the agonizing Phantom to stat getting up, which is exactly what he is doing, the giant trying desperately to force himself upwards. David now rushes into the cables in front of Phantom, bouncing off the ropes and coming back in with the clothesline from Hell. But wait, Phantom has ducked it, causing David to rush into the ropes behind him, bouncing off then coming back in at his larger opponent who catches him yet again across the throat. Before he has time to counter he’s hoisted into the air and chokeslammed violently into the canvas, Phantom falling to his knees as he delivers the move.
Billy: Not the chokeslam.
Douglas: Screaming in shock doesn’t change what just happened. Phantom has nailed the chokeslam in this frantically paced encounter.
In anguish Phantom crawls into the cover on the laid out Freak. The crowd counts along.
1
2
To the shock of everyone, somehow Freak launches his shoulder off of the canvas. Phantom rises to his knees and beams a truly frightening glare towards the official.
Dan: Somehow David Freak possessed enough strength to get his shoulder up even after taking that vicious chokeslam.
Billy: Thank merciful heavens. I’m a little more inclined to want Freak to win, instead of Phantom.
Phantom rises to his feet and grabs David by the hair, forcing him to a standing base before scooping him up onto his shoulder. The giant Phantom now rushes forward and delivers a devastating running powerslam. Freak is driven violently into the canvas, his lower back arching from the ring yet Phantom is far from through. He stands up and jumps into the air, crashing down with all of his weight on top of David, almost squashing him with his massive girth. The official drops and makes the count again.
1
2
David kicks out, lobbing his shoulder from the ring just in the nick of time much to Phantom’s dismay. He refuses to be distraught for long though, quickly taking hold of David’s wrist and pulling up on it, forcing him to his knees. Aggressively he takes him around the head and pulls it under his seat, perhaps looking for the Insomnia (Alleyoop). He reaches down and takes David around the waist then lifts him up onto his shoulders, about to drop back to slam him into the canvas. However, Freak rakes his larger opponent’s eyes then slips off of his shoulders and lands directly in front of him. He rushes backwards into the cables, bouncing off and coming back in with an absolutely brutal clothesline from hell. No, Phantom ducks it, getting behind his opposition then turning as he rushes at him only to walk right into a brutal dropkick from Freak. The blow knocks the big man to the canvas with David landing on his knees beside him then crawling into the cover.
1
2
Phantom barely gets his shoulder up in time, infuriating Freak.
Dan: Phantom kicking out of a vicious dropkick after avoiding that clothesline from hell.
Mayne: Okay, Freak is actually showing me something here. I don’t know what, but I know I’m obligated to say that since he’s beating Phantom right now.
The giant Phantom rolls across the canvas and pulls himself up in the corner, leaning spine first against it with a very dazed expression on his face. David gets up and charges in driving his shoulder right to the wide waist of the giant, doubling him over. He steps back now and delivers a straight, punt like kick directly to the ghastly features of his opposition, causing Phantom to stand up straight with his eyes rolling to the back of his head. The ever so intense David now climbs up the turnbuckle in front of his opponent and begins to drill him repeatedly between the eyes with closed fists.
Mayne: Hit him Freak, use those big fists of yours for something good.
Douglas: He’s really dishing out some punishment on his much larger opponent now.
Just as David’s confidence swells with each blow to his opponent’s face, Phantom reaches up and grabs the back of his pants, placing him on top of his shoulders then stepping out of the corner. Freak looks shocked as Phantom reaches the center of the ring then drops in reverse, hitting the Insomnia. David slams face first into the canvas then rolls onto his back, the crowd going nuts.
Mayne: BLAAAAHHH!
Dan: THE INSOMNIA, THE INSOMNIA!
Billy: Why must you repeat everything!?!
Phantom crawls into the cover in a dazed, battered fashion, hooking Freak’s leg while the crowd chants along with the count.
1
2
3!
Phantom falls onto his back, lifting his fists into the air in victory while the crowd continues to go nuts.
Dan: Freak’s winning streak ended here tonight at the hands of this dark prophet, Phantom.
Billy: One win isn’t a winning streak, but dammit if I’m still not disappointed. It makes me so mad that I just want to break something, quick, give me something easy to break.
Inside of the ring Phantom has regained his senses, turning onto his side with his hand pressed to his throat. In a very battered condition Phantom starts to stand up, doubled over with his hands gripping his ribs. He looks a little worse for wear after this very physical encounter with Freak. Yet the violence is not over, because as soon as Phantom stands a big boot is launched directly into his jaw. The crowd reacts with utter disgust at the sight of Too Magnificent now occupying the ring, standing over the laid out Phantom, who’s eyes flutter as they try to stay open. David has rolled out of the ring and spilled to his feet on the mats, pointing at Phantom and shouting for Too Magnificent to brutalize him.
Mayne: Thank you Too Magnificent for giving me a reason to enjoy this match.
Dan: Damn this Adams Alliance, again they ambush a member of Team Creed.
Billy: Too Magnificent taking matters into his own hands after Jackson read him the riot act backstage.
The giant Too Magnificent stands over the equally as big Phantom and begins to slap his chest with both palms as if he were King Kong. He now begins to chuckle, unaware that a figure has slid into the ring behind him, crouched in one of the corners and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
Billy: Is security high again? There’s somebody in the ring, do something.
The massive Too Magnificent turns around when the crouched individual rushes across the ring and almost rips him in half with a gigantic spear. The big man is lifted from his feet and sent crashing into the canvas while the mysterious individual lands on his knees at his side.
Dan: Whoever that is, he just took Too Magnificent out with a mighty spear!
Mayne: Fans aren’t suppose to attack the wrestlers!
Too Magnificent grabs at his ribs and rolls away from the rising figure, shouting in anguish while another figure steps over the barricade from the crowd. It’s a rather seductive looking woman, who the fans are shocked to discover is Sheryl Marie Gray.
Douglas: It’s Sheryl Gray!!!
Billy: HUH!?! What is she doing here tonight? And who is that in the ring!?! Don’t tell me…
Dan: There’s only one person I think it could be.
To a huge reaction the figure in the ring pulls back his hood to reveal himself as Lethal Weapon. The Manhattan Center is shaking at the sight of him while Sheryl climbs up onto the apron, wearing a huge grin and clapping her hands.
Douglas: I am speechless!
Billy: GOOD, because I’m not. What are these two doing in an IWC ring? We haven’t seen either of them since the ULW became the IWC.
Dan: I don’t know, but we’re witnessing yet another unbelievable incident here on the final Riot! before Paranoia V. Weapon has returned and speared Too Magnificent.
The crowd’s reaction only escalates as Nathan Creed makes his way down the ramp from the backstage area. He still has his palm over his forehead after that cane shot from Killjoy earlier in the night, yet nothing will stop him from moving to the ring and doing so pronto. He rolls in under the ropes and then stands, glaring straight into the intense features of Weapon. Their eyes meet as tension sets into the air, Sheryl attention cutting back and forth between them both.
Mayne: Now why is Creed out here?
Douglas: I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out what’s going on here.
Weapon suddenly smiles, breaking the awkward tension then stepping forward as he and Creed shake hands. The crowd is again screaming their heads off over this while Sheryl claps in the background, smiling widely.
Billy: There’s no way, there’s no way! Lethal Weapon is the fourth member of Team Creed!?!
Douglas: I think that’s what we’re seeing here in a truly stunning moment.
Phantom pulls himself up in the corner and now staggers out of it while holding his jaw, his eyes speculatively deviating between the two men before him. Weapon now releases Creed’s hand and turns towards the giant with his palm still extended. Oddly enough a grin forms on Phantom’s face before he takes Weapon’s palm into his own and shakes it. On the outside of the ring Too Magnificent is leaning against the barricade holding his ribs and trembling with rage, staring at three of the four individuals he’ll be facing at Paranoia V.
Dan: What an unbelievable moment tonight here on Riot! It’s now going to be at Paranoia V, Jackson Adams, Too Magnificent, Max Craven and Killjoy versus Nathan Creed, Phantom, Aurora Rose and Lethal Weapon. What a stacked eight person tag team match on the biggest show of the year. I just can’t believe this, Lethal Weapon and Sheryl Gray are in an IWC ring, and apparently Weapon will be competing in that very same ring at our biggest payper-view.
Billy: Can we randomly switch backstage or something, or take an opportune commercial break, because I’m just far too pissed to speak right now.
The Manhattan Center crowd is standing as Lethal Weapon, Nathan Creed and Phantom occupy the ring, Sheryl watches from the apron with a devious grin on her face and Too Mag shakes in anger over what has just transpired.
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.
NATHAN CREED VS. ORLANDO CRUZE
The show comes back to the ring where Nathan Creed is still standing after that shocking turn of events that led to Lethal Weapon’s revelation as the last member of his team. He looks very conflicted over what is about to happen, ever so briefly palming his forehead, still feeling some slight pain from that shot from the Kendo stick earlier tonight.
Dan: This preposterous main event moments away from beginning. I remember at the start of this telecast I was thoroughly excited by the prospect of seeing Nathan Creed versus Orlando Cruze, as their past matches have been phenomenal, but now all I get out of this is disgust.
Mayne: For me, after Orlando was blinded earlier tonight, this match has just become all that more interesting. It actually intrigues me now instead of putting me to sleep.
Douglas: Anyway, after the shocking return of Lethal Weapon, Nathan Creed now finds himself begrudgingly in the ring ready to face his partner, despite the fact that he cannot see whatsoever.
There is a house in New Orleeaannnss
UHHHHHHH!!!
They call the Rissssiinnng Sun
It’s been the ruin of many a poor boy
And lord I know I’m one…
The fast beat of EverEve’s “House of the Rising Sun” begins to play as down the ramp now marches the smiling Hurse. He seems to have completely forgotten about the events that occurred between himself and Kingdom just a few moments ago as he confidently strolls towards the ring, the World title hanging from his grasp. Nathan’s eyes scowl vengefully upon Hurse as he moves around the ring in the direction of the announce table. He turns and smiles at Creed, pointing a wagging finger at him while grinning over his anger.
Dan: Haven’t we seen enough of this son of a bit…?
Billy: Now, now, Dan, you had better watch your words carefully, because our glorious, brilliant World Champion seems to be on his way over here.
Douglas: As if this couldn’t get any worse.
Hurse moves around behind the announce table and drops his World title down on top of it before slipping into his chair. A confident grin resides on his face as he slides his headset on.
Billy: Welcome Champ, what brings you out here tonight?
Hurse: Oh come on Billy, do I really need an explanation to show up randomly and watch what should be a stellar match?
Dan: Yes, yes you do.
Mayne: Ignore him Champ, like the rest of the world does.
Hurse: I’m already way ahead of you. I’m here Billy, and to a lesser extent, Dan, to make sure the Future and the Icon adhere to the rules laid down by our Boss. If they go easy on each other I’ll make sure Orlando is stripped of his World title opportunity faster than I can burp the alphabet.
Nathan continues to shoot Hurse a very fierce glare, wanting to jump over the ropes and get his hands on him while “You Know My Name” starts to play over the PA system. The crowd rises and again showers the entry way with praise as Susie Moore moves through the curtains with Orlando’s hand placed on top of her shoulder. She leads him towards the ring as Orlando blinks his eyes repeatedly, trying to look around at the fans who appear like mere blurs.
Hurse: Orlando being led to the ring like the loveable Festus, and inflicted with just as many mental conditions.
Dan: This isn’t funny Hurse, not funny one little bit. You had the man blinded earlier tonight and now he’s forced to compete.
Hurse: And what isn’t funny about that?
Billy: I have to agree, it is pretty hilarious. There’s no way Orlando is going to be completely 100% for his match against you at Paranoia V now.
Hurse: That’s if Orlando even gets his shot at the belt, the second Nathan hesitates is the second Cruze looses his opportunity.
Orlando is led up the stairs and onto the apron before he’s assisted through the ropes by the smiling Susie. Creed lowers his shaking head as the bell sounds, Orlando sticking his palms out, feeling around to find his opponent. Finally he waves his hands towards himself and grows red in the face.
Orlando: Come on NATHAN! I know your there! NOW BRING IT YOU SON OF A BITCH!
After taking a deep breath Creed rushes forward and delivers a straight right hand to Orlando’s jaw, knocking him to the canvas across his back. The fans begin booing while Creed steps back, slipping his shaking hands into his hair. He shakes his head then glances towards a laughing Hurse who is slapping his knees with hilarity and then pointing at the down Cruze.
Hurse: Stay on him Creed, stay on him! You don’t want to cost your partner his shot at the title, hahaha.
Mayne: This is great. This is greater than a trip to Chucky Cheeses.
The depressed Nathan allows Orlando to stand up slowly as he rubs at his jaw in pain. The Icon sticks his hands out, feeling around for Creed and then grabbing his wrist. He finds his way to his feet as Nathan just stands there before him, unsure of what to do while Cruze’s hands fumble around his face. He then delivers a hard slap to Creed’s cheek, causing him to step back and making Nathan a tad bit angry.
Cruze: Nathan, I swear to God you better hit me again! Hit me again!
Creed takes a deep breath and shakes his head before Orlando steps forward and slaps him to the face yet again. The blow knocks Nathan back as his lower lip trembles, finally turning and delivering a vicious knife edge chop right across Cruze’s sternum. The blow knocks him backwards, swinging his arms to stay upright while Creed kicks him to the gut and begins to drive repeated right hands into Orlando’s forehead.
Nathan: I’m sorry Orlando, I’m sorry bro.
Creed delivers another knife edge chop to the Icon’s sternum, causing him to fall back first against the ropes for support.
Dan: This is just sick.
Hurse: You can’t pay enough for this type of entertainment.
Nathan takes the blinded Orlando by the wrist and whips him across the ring into the opposite cables. He bounces off them and comes back in at Nathan who rushes across the squared circle and levels his best friend with a forearm strike. As Orlando hits the ring Creed steps back and shakes his head over what he is doing. In great sadness he steps forward and jumps into the air, coming down head first right into Orlando’s sternum. The headbunt causes Cruze to sit up, crossing his arms over his sternum. Nathan quickly drops down behind him and interlocks his hands around Orlando’s chin, pulling back on it while driving his knee into the small of the Icon’s back. This physical onslaught is causing Creed great emotional pain while inflicting physical pain on the grounded Orlando, who is trying to find a way to escape this hold despite his blindness.
Orlando digs his fingers into his palms and tries to start forcing his way upwards.
Nathan: Just stay down Orlando, just stay down!
The Icon doesn’t listen, not wanting to risk being robbed of his title opportunity as he gets closer and closer to his feet. Finally Nathan is forced to break the rear chin lock as Orlando turns around, sticking his hands out and feeling Creed’s mid-section, then delivering a hard right to his ribs. Nathan is doubled over as Orlando reaches up, feeling around the Future’s face then landing a hard fist into his forehead. The hard blow staggers Nathan as the Icon throws punches at the empty air around him, unable to find his partner at this point. Creed steps forward now, taking Orlando around the back of the skull and delivering a hard headbunt to his cranium. The Icon crashes to the canvas, rolling across it and palming his forehead in pain.
Hurse: I guess there is a benefit to having an extremely thick head.
Dan: How can you get such delight out of this? Don’t you have a soul?
Hurse: Probably not.
Creed is trying to remain intense, not wanting to hold anything back as he steps over Cruze, stomping him hard to the sternum. He then delivers another stomp, and a third one, which is keeping the Icon down on the canvas. The quick Nathan jumps over him and rushes into the ropes at his side, springing to the middle cable then flipping over backwards into a moonsault. Orlando instinctively sits up even though he has no idea that Creed is about to come down on top of him, causing Nathan to crash hard sternum and stomach first against the canvas. After hitting the ring he rolls onto his back, covering his ribs with his arms while Orlando blinks his eyes repeatedly, wondering why the crowd is screaming so loudly. Instead of being blurred, Orlando is starting to see some slight indications of shapes now, his vision slowly being restored.
Billy: What the hell was that? Does Cruze have blind intuition?
Hurse: Who does he think he is, Rutger Hauer from Blind Fury?
The confused Orlando slowly begins to stand up, still feeling around while Creed has rolled into the ropes, utilizing them to pull himself to his feet. The Icon reaches out and finds his opponent, grabbing hold of his shoulder and quickly puling him down into a small package. But wait, it’s not Nathan he’s got in the pinning predicament, it’s the referee. The official promptly kicks out, rolling over across the canvas and beginning to shout at Orlando who stands and shoots his arm across the referee’s sternum, setting up for the Rock Bottom. The referee looks terrified before Nathan forces himself to step up behind Cruze, wrapping his arms around the Icon’s waist then dropping back into a German suplex. Orlando slams into the canvas across the back of his head while Nathan bridges over in reverse into the pin. The shocked referee drops down and begins to make the count.
1
2
Orlando shoots his shoulder off of the canvas, dropping down to the ring onto his knees while Nathan stands up in front of him. He pulls the Icon to his feet then wedges his shoulder to his ribs, dropping back into a bridging northern lights suplex.
1
2
Again Orlando kicks out much to Nathan’s dismay. The Future drops to his seat and sadly looks out over the fans. Not liking the fact that Cruze is insistent upon keeping this match going. He turns around and takes Orlando around the jaw, turning him over onto his knees then shouting into his face.
Nathan: Please Lando, stop kicking out!
Cruze suddenly dives forward, driving the top of his head into Nathan’s ribs and doubling him over forward. The Icon can begin seeing the vague outline of Nathan’s cranium, standing up and taking hold of the top of it as he delivers a vicious European Uppercut to his jaw.
Hurse: Do you see this? Orlando won’t even job when he’s been blinded. He must think he’s Hulk Hogan or something.
Dan: Orlando utilizing many of his in ring instincts against Creed, and it looks as if he may be regaining his sight.
Hurse: Great, note to self, use more powerful blinding agents next time.
The European Uppercut knocks Creed backwards and sends him spilling through the ropes, crashing to the outside mats. With his aching eyes Orlando feels around for Nathan, unaware that he fell to the outside of the ring. He turns and spots the vague outline of the referee, beginning to charge after him with his outstretched hands. The official is terrified as he takes off, running in circles with Orlando in hot pursuit, still reaching out as he tries to catch him.
Douglas: No Orlando, that’s the referee.
Cruze continues to chase the official around in circles when Nathan re-enters the ring and rushes forward. With sadness he delivers a vicious running big boot right to Orlando’s face, taking both men off of their feet and sending them crashing to the mats. Creed rolls away from the laid out Cruze and then crawls into the cover on him in despair. The referee tries to catch his breath before dropping down and making the count yet again.
1
2
To a mixed ovation Orlando launches his shoulder off of the canvas. Creed sits up in utter dismay as he shakes his head, wondering why Orlando just won’t let himself be pinned so as to spare himself any chance of being injured. The Future stands up and steps towards Orlando before dropping the point of his elbow into the Icon’s sternum. He rolls to his feet then takes Orlando around the neck, rolling him over to his knees then placing him in a front chancery. With a grunt he delivers a snap suplex that slams the Icon hard into the canvas then floats over into the cover.
1
Orlando again kicks out, putting everything he’s worth into this contest.
Hurse: Hahahaha, you just keeping out Orlando. The longer this goes, the worse shape you’ll be in at Paranoia V my friend.
Mayne: He’s so screwed it’s hilarious.
Finding himself growing in frustration Nathan decides he’s hand enough and therefore takes Orlando around the neck, rolling him to his feet then bending him over backwards. He holds Cruze in a reverse DDT position while extending his free arm out to his side, setting up for the Solitude (Eye of the Hurricane). He swings his arm around in order to hit it only to have Cruze counter, pulling his head free at the last second then turning to face Nathan’s back. He feels around quickly and grabs Creed by the arm, trying to force him down into the crossface. The crowd is screaming at the sight of this last second counter by Orlando, who’s eyesight is progressively getting better.
Creed pulls his arm free though, turning in a full circle to face Orlando’s back, then hooking his arm as he drops back into a release half nelson suplex. Cruze slams into the canvas across the back of his head and shoulders then flips over onto to his stomach. Creed sits up with remorse clouding his expression. He turns around and slides across his knees towards the Icon, dropping down and placing him in a front chancery submission hold. The slightly sweaty Creed applies this submission hold apathetically, yet with enough force to cut the air supply to his opponent’s head.
Dan: Nathan trying to slow this contest down to a grinding halt and force a submission so as not to inflict any more damage on the Icon.
Hurse: Stop slowing this match down dammit, hit a few more of those half nelson suplexes. Hurt Orlando, hurt him, hurt him, hurt him!
Billy: What he said.
Creed puts some real muscle behind the front chancery at this point while Cruze’s face transforms to a bright shade of red. It begins to transform to several different colors, getting purple now as Nathan whispers to his partner.
Nathan: Enough is enough Orlando, we put enough into this match, just give up now.
Somehow his partner’s words motivate him, Orlando beginning to push himself upwards. He gets his knees on the canvas, shoving Creed upwards as he tries to hold onto the front chancery. The intense Creed puts even more into the hold, biting his lower lip in the process. He shakes his head back and forth, sending sweat flying through the air as he really clamps on the front chancery with everything he’s got. It’s not enough though, Orlando gets closer and closer to his feet until finally he places his hands to Nathan’s ribs, pushing him up into the air then throwing him backwards. Creed breaks the front chancery and tumbles down face first into the canvas, bouncing off it with a violent impact.
He pops up onto his knees with his eyes fluttering while Orlando does much of the same. He kneels and rubs forcefully at his eyes until forms start to take shape and he’s regained about 50% of his vision. The Icon stands up and steps towards the rising Creed, feeling around before striking him to the jaw with a closed right hand. He delivers another punch that knocks Nathan backwards before throwing one more shot. Creed ducks it as Orlando continues to throw fists at the vacant space of air in front of him. The Future slips around behind Orlando, taking him around the waist for a German suplex when Cruze back elbows him to the face. He turns around and begins to swing at the vacant air yet again, desperately trying to hit someone.
Hurse: Leave it to Creed to fuck this up.
Douglas: Orlando fighting for everything that he’s worth right now despite his lack of vision.
Billy: What if he’s not worth much to begin with?
As his sight continues to steadily get better the Icon steps towards Nathan, grabbing him by the shoulder and spinning him around. As soon as he does this Creed catches him across the sternum and lifts him into the air, delivering a vicious back breaker right across his knee. The crowd is screaming as Orlando bounces off of the knee then twists, falling to the ring. An exhausted Nathan now rolls across the ring away from the convulsing Orlando who the referee promptly checks on. He bends down over Cruze to see if he’s still capable of competing when Orlando reaches up and grabs him by the throat. The Icon obviously thinks that the referee is Nathan again, as the official tries to plead with him to be let go, but can’t speak. Behind the official Nathan is struggling his way to his feet, taking deep breathes and continuing to look remorseful over the damage he’s inflicted on his partner. Suddenly to a great deal of disgust, Jackson Adams slides into the ring behind him. Before anyone has any time to really react, Adams steps up behind Creed, grabbing his arms and spinning him around before dropping him with the unprettier.
Hurse: HEY! What the hell do you think your doing ADAMS!?!
Dan: Jackson Adams has just laid out Nathan Creed with the unprettier! I thought he and Emily Cage had already left the building.
Billy: He just got momentum back on the side of his team heading into Paranoia V.
Creed’s face slams viciously into the canvas while Adams rolls under the ropes to the outside of the ring, beginning to back up the ramp with a pompous expression on his face. Inside of the ring Nathan is trying to get up in an incredibly dazed condition while Orlando blinks his eyes and finally realizes that he’s choking the referee. He lets go of him as his eyesight is now almost fully restored. The official drops to his seat, grabbing at his throat and gagging while Orlando turns towards the seated Creed, who looks very dazed via the unprettier. Not knowing what is really going on Orlando scoots up behind him, grabs Nathan’s arms, places him in a seated abdominal stretch and now begins to hit him repeatedly with the MMA elbows. Each elbow is delivered with pinpoint accuracy and brutality to Creed’s already damaged cranium, the fans screaming as a result.
Douglas: The elbows!
Hurse: WHAT!?! HOW!?!
Billy: Orlando is about to knock out Creed with those MMA elbows.
The elbows continue to land over and over again to the skull of Creed before he is finally knocked unconscious by the blows. The official steps in, seeing that he’s out cold and now turning as he motions for the bell while he rubs at his red throat. A loud reaction rips throughout the arena as Cruze falls onto his back, drenched with sweat and blinking his eyes repeatedly.
Hurse: ARRGGHH!!
Douglas: Somehow Orlando Cruze has done it, he’s knocked Nathan out with the elbows and overcome being blinded earlier in tonight’s telecast.
Billy: This didn’t work out how you had it planned at all Steven. Orlando may have been softened up, but he and Creed went through with the match, meaning Cruze still gets his title shot.
Hurse: This just goes to show that if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself.
Jackson continues to back up the ramp with a devious smile on his face, while the Icon slowly begins to stand up. He reaches down and pats Creed on the shoulder as the Future struggles to regain his consciousness. The sound of Hurse’s headset is heard slamming against the announce table as the camera cuts to the World Champion grabbing his belt. He begins to climb up onto the announce table at this point, standing up straight while Orlando feverishly blinks his eyes and finds himself glaring at the man who tried to have him blinded earlier in the night.
Dan: Through all the obstacles Orlando has made it to Paranoia V, he will face Hurse for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Billy: But he will not leave with the gold. His momentum will end when he squares off with the Champion for his title.
Douglas: Paranoia V is two weeks away ladies and gentlemen. Silencer versus Johnny Kingdom, Savior defends two titles against Jon Rich and Robin Brooks in a ladder match, Faust challenges Pat Evans for the Submission title, Psycho and Riggs clash in Tables Are Legal, the Adams Alliance versus Team Creed, Axl Evermore takes on Desolation, and Orlando Cruze will challenge for the World Heavyweight title. You cannot miss Paranoia V.
Orlando stares from the inside of the ring with bloodshot eyes at the World Champion standing on the announce table and slowly lifting his World Heavyweight title into the air. The camera looks over the Champion’s back into the ring where his challenger shoots him a truly chilling glare.
FADE TO BLACK