The Discovery Channel logo came into view before disappearing, giving way to the intro to a television show coming up at the top of the hour.
Mythbusters begins with Jamie Hyneman in his trademark black beret and white shirt tucked into his black pants, brown walrus mustache hanging down below his chin as he peered through his glasses towards the short haired ginger man with thick black glasses, jeans and a black t-shirt with his famous quote "I reject your reality and substitute my own" emblazoned across the front in bold white lettering. Jamie looks at his colleague Adam Savage while seated at a table, Adam standing looking at him in return.
Jamie: So Adam, what are we doing today?
Adam: Well Jamie, our viewers and fans bombarded the message boards on our website and emailed in to ask us if we could bust perhaps the biggest myth out there in existence.
Jamie: Oh really?
Adam: Yeah, even bigger than the boom lift catapult.
Jamie: Alright. So what is it?
Adam: It's the myth that Fuel is actually an amazing wrestler.
Jamie: Fuel? Isn't that like, gasoline?
Adam: You may think that Hynie Man but it's not, Fuel is also the name of a professional wrestler who despite thinking he's great just keeps on losing.
Jamie: And fans want us to test the myth that he's actually good? How can science prove that exactly?
Adam: Well we could do a series of totally unrelated tests and draw our conclusions from there.
Jamie: Ok. Let's do it.
The shot cuts to the pair standing in front of scientific flasks filled with various liquids of the same volume, one liquid completely black, another two totally clear with pieces of masking tape across the glass with marker pen labeling them.
Jamie: I think for the first test we should have these liquids, water, cola, sulphuric acid and a fourth control one with just plain old oxygen and place a tooth inside each.
Adam: But didn't we do this tooth dissolving experiment before?
Jamie: Yes but this time we're going to do it and play Fuel interviews, match promos and matches on a loop and see which tooth dissolves faster.
Adam: Almost like the teeth will want to dissolve to escape the pure tedium, I like it.
Jamie takes a pair of tongs and picks up each tooth, carefully dropping them with a pinging noise as they connect with glass on the way down, three of them sinking to the bottom of the liquids they were dropped into.
Jamie: Ok, we'll leave these for a few weeks and see what's happened.
Narrator: So, the boys will come back later and see how the teeth are doing or whether they're going to need more than a cavity filled. Adam meanwhile, has become a little "overblown" with excitement.
The pair stand in the middle of a quarry, Jamie still dressed the same while Adam is now wearing a brown leather jacket over his clothes and a brown hat on his head with his thick glasses replaced by sunglasses.
Adam: Ya know, I figured what better way to test the myth than to go the tried and tested method here on Mythbusters.
Jamie: What do you mean?
A wicked grin appears on his friend's face as he claps his hands and rubs them together.
Adam: We blow stuff up.
He walks to the right off camera while Jamie walks the opposite direction.
Narrator: Adam and Jamie have brought in an explosives expert for the FBI to handle the job of blowing up a small family car, packing it with explosives, enough to put Chinese New Year to shame while everybody stands well back.....just over a mile away in fact......behind safety barriers for this controlled but still dangerous detonation
The team stand behind the safety glass wearing ear protectors while Jamie has his finger on the button of the detonator, pushing it gently as the car explodes into a massive fireball, causing the team to jump back and holler in excitement.
After a brief countdown, the car explodes into a massive fireball that reaches up to the heavens within mere seconds, a loud boom echoing around the landscape. The replay and slow motion allow the fireball and flying hunks of metal to be seen properly as the next shot shows them all scouring the area looking at the damage and the huge black mark, laughing before cutting back to the flasks that contained the teeth, Jamie turning off the television showing endless loops of Fuel.
Adam: So Jamie, what's the damage?
Jamie: Well it looks like the oxygen did nothing in the control, the water also had no effect on the tooth but the cola has caused it to discolour.
Adam: What's interesting is that the sulphuric acid has decomposed and dissolved the tooth almost entirely but thanks to the Fuel matches shown on the loop, they all seem to have dissolved faster.
Jamie: So what would you say this is?
Adam: Ok, my own calculations, the explosion and the dissolved or rotted teeth, I'd say the myth that Fuel is an entertaining or even a good wrestler, that's definitely busted.
Jamie: I agree, it's like the teeth tried their hardest to get away from it and the car exploding into such small pieces like that because of him, I gotta say this one's busted.
Narrator: Looks like that's another myth....
******
It wasn't an ordinary day, especially with the fact that he was aching all over from head to toe, especially his back and quadraceps muscles. There was also a slight stiffness in his left shoulder but that came with the territory. After all he had recently had a grueling match inside a cage, starting out as one of the first in an elimination match between himself, Demetrious Young, Aiden Miles, Priest, Chris Phoenix and Fuel, the six being the very best that Limited Championship Wrestling had to offer. LCW had been the development territory for NLCW, a small place for up and coming wrestlers to prove their worth before being called up to the main company, seeing how they'd do before being thrown to the wolves up in NLCW's locker room.
Dazz was the first NLCW superstar to be willing to go down to LCW, help out the aspiring young athletes by giving his advice and wisdom plus competing at his very best, allowing them a taste of what it could be like if promoted. He'd already defeated several of their young talents including being the only man to deefat Jason D'Angelo for the LCW Heavyweight championship after a series of matches ended with the two in the finals, the champion the odds on favourite to be in that position but Dazz, despite his years of experience and wealth of knowledge and talent, becoming the shock of the competition, the dark horse that had ploughed through to the end. The two men had an amazing contest that many described as the perfect back and forth display of guts and determination, D'Angelo getting the call up to NLCW's rosters while Dazz reigned for a month as the man in LCW.
That was until the six man cage, the winner being LCW Heavyweight champion while the last person eliminated would have to settle for becoming the LCW Hardcore champion, Aiden Miles locking in a submission hold that Dazz refused to tap out from, passing out from the pain and in the process losing the title he'd held for a month but gaining the Hardcore gold. This put him in the list of only a few LCW stars to have held both championships and helped him become the first to have held both the NLCW Hardcore title and the LCW Hardcore title. He enjoyed the fact he'd achieved such a feat and gained two championships in this development after just a few months there but it was still nothing compared to the fact he'd held both the NLCW Hardcore and Tag Team championship belts within mere weeks of debuting for the company back in January of 2004.
As it stood though, he was back holding a championship that required the use of weapons during matches to inflict maximum carnage and punishment to another wrestler, taking him back to a time when he'd held the RWF Hardcore championship undefeated for 6 months despite the fact he'd even had a rule added which allowed somebody to challenge for the gold 24 hours a day, 7 days a week due to the boredom and tedium of defeating challengers once a week during the company's television shows. The aching in his bones and muscles continued and would continue for a long time, not being able to catch a break to heal but then again, this was the life he'd gotten used to since he began his career. What use would he be as a wrestler anyway if he complained and called in sick? There was no time off for being ill or too tired or in too much pain to go into work, he chose this career path and despite the agony he'd continue. Besides, there would be fans paying to see him compete and he couldn't let them down, how would he look if he called in sick and his match was cancelled? He slowly crawled out of bed, showering and getting dressed before grabbing his ring gear and the LCW Hardcore championship, leaving the hotel room and walking down the hall until reaching the elevator, pushing the button and waiting until the brass doors opened and allowed him to step inside.
The journey down to the hotel lobby didn't take much long and he found himself smiling at the receptionist behind the desk, a dark haired latina named Maria who returned the smile and grabbed a radio, asking for a cab as he strolled past and through the electronic sliding doors, the cab driver outside already with the back door open, taking the small case and bag from Dazz while he held onto the title belt and sat down. The trunk was slammed shut and the driver got into his seat, closing his door and starting the engine to make his way to the chosen destination. That destination? The arena where he'd be defending the title that night against one of the men he faced in the cage at NLCW's eXtreme ConsequenceZ event, a man by the name of Fuel.
Fuel was one of those wrestlers who seemed to look big, powerful and intimidating but yet seemed to screw up time and again, puttnig himself down and seeming to not really care that he only gave 10% of what he was capable of. He'd somehow managed to get a title shot and while Dazz didn't want to lose the title to him, he was also still hurting from the cage match plus the other matches he'd competed in since then over the last few weeks. It all racked up and he felt his back and spine throbbing even now as he sat in the cab being taken to the place where his next battle would take place. The pain he was currently in would only get worse if Fuel were to smash a steel chair against his back or slam him through a table, two of many scenarios he didn't much care to think about at this moment in time, only making him exasperated and anxious about what was to come, what he had in store at tonight's LCW Showcase. The owner of LCW and the man in charge, Robert Bordeaux, seemed like the type that could sell ice to eskimos and was constantly wanting to push the LCW talent, sure it was good for the place but sometimes, especially right now, it didn't feel too good on the body.
Speaking of Robert Bordeaux, there he was standing in the parking lot in another of his cheap suits, disregarding a tie to attempt to look casual and loose in the hopes he'd be seen as a friend and co-conspirator to the roster. His sleek black hair looked neat and the smile on his face as he recognised the promotion's Hardcore champion arriving after his trip from the hotel was as bright and beaming as the cab's headlights. Dazz paid money to the driver, giving him more than enough to cover the tip as he got out and was handed his belongings, Bordeaux placing an arm around the shoulder of the Messiah of Metal and guiding him towards the entrance, trying to reassure him that tonight would be a spectacular show, the same thing he said to everybody every single week.
******
The locker room was full, talented up and coming wrestlers as well as the odd veteran dotted here and there. amongst the newcomers starting to find their way in the business were The Punk, Roman Steeler, Michael Machete while veterans like Priest and - in the women's locker room - Faith helped those newer athletes learn their craft. One of those veterans, Christian Connolly, was seated in a corner, speaking on his cell phone to his wife and child back home as he'd done every night he was away working. His olive skin helped bring a little truth to his Suntan Superman nickname, one of many names he'd given himself in fact, his hair black and short while he wore red sweatpants and matching hooded sweatshirt, the zipper pulled halfway up showing a white t-shirt underneath. Even on his worst day this man seemed to look so trendy, fashionable and cool. He finally ended the call, placing his phone into a bag then glancing across the room, smirking and laughing under his breath to himself at members of the Hit Squad goofing off as usual. Upon seeing the new boss standing looking into the room he stood up, striding confidently across the room towards the man with a goatee hanging from his chin and short hair, the two walking out into the hall and closing the door.
C2: So what's up Dazz, anything wrong?
His companion continued to walk as they stepped further away from the locker room. Dazz had been declared the new President of CWF just before that year's Ultimate Chaos, stepping down from active competition in the company while in a seat of power and only competing if he saw it could benefit whoever he was against, taking them to the limit but ultimately allowing them a victory over him. At this point in time though he was dressed in jeans and a plain white t-shirt, not looking like a typical boss but then again, neither had previous members of the management team. Either way, he certainly wasn't going to be competing any time soon.
Dazz: Listen, I know you wanted a limited schedule but I need a massive favour if you wanna go for it.
C2: Errr, let's hear it and I'll think about it.
Dazz: Ok it's like this. Fuel won his second International title against The Punk back in August right? What do you think of his reign so far?
Christian looked deep in thought for a moment, squinting his eyes as if trying to remember something.
C2: Well so far it hasn't been impressive, in fact neither was his first. Why?
Dazz: That's exactly what I thought. If this were last year he'd be against the likes of you, Dark Rayne, Draven, Bucky Skyler, Priest, Rayne Young, he'd have had no chance. Now it's like, he's been active in this business for slightly longer than some of the others and their inexperience shows.
C2: And you think he's getting an ego for beating people who don't have a clue what they're doing and not being challenged?
Dazz: Exactly. He needs somebody who can give him a run for his money, be like, I dunno.....a challenge to him. See if he takes the bait and ups his game.
C2: Is he always like this?
Dazz: No, that's the thing. I mean, few months ago I lost the LCW Hardcore title to him because my body was feeling the strain at the time but still, he went to the next level and worked his ass off to win, he took advantage of my physical pain and ended up taking gold from me. I'd go against him again but he needs a challenger to the International title so you're the only choice I have. Wanna do it?
C2: Sure ok, book it. I'm game.
Dazz: Thanks for understanding man and to up the stakes, I'm gonna make it a 60 minute Iron Man match. Think you can handle it?
Christian bursts into laughter, pointing to Dazz but no words able to come out of his mouth due to the hilarity of that question. Eventually, he was able to compose himself.
C2: Do I think I can handle it? Have you forgotten, this is the Wrestling Savior you're talking to, the 5 Star Franchise, of course I can handle it. Don't worry about it. So when is this anyway? Not tonight is it, little short notice.
Dazz: Yeah it would be but you can handle that. But no, it's October 22nd at the Genocide ppv.
C2: Ok cool and don't sweat it, the Cageaholics are gonna be stocking up on lozenges after they've screamed their throats hoarse and as I always say, there are just two things Fuel can do about this match.
Dazz: Let me guess, "nothing....and like it"?
C2: No actually I was gonna say step up and prove why he deserves that belt but good enough answer.
Christian shakes his head and laughs at Dazz answering with one of Connolly's own catchphrases, patting his shoulder and walking back towards the locker room, his laughter still heard echoing as he disappeared from view. It was down to Dazz to tell the International champion himself about this match, looking around for Fuel as he walked around the arena. Little would he know that on that particular event, Fuel would take Christian Connolly to the limit but ultimately lose the title by just 5 falls to 4 with only a single second left on the clock after tapping out to the CDT.
******
He was sitting at home on the couch wearing just a pair of camo shorts, staring at the screen with intent. This was the first NLCW show he'd seen since he got attacked by Faith back in February, beaten with a steel pipe and re-injuring his ribs after she'd hit a vicious tombstone piledriver through the sunroof of a limo to his then-girlfriend Karla Kotero. Now here he was in his home with a wedding band around his finger, a recent picture of himself and Faith on a shelf showing them on what looked to be their wedding day, having recently not only got back with her but also had a surprise marriage. The tv screen showed the NLCW team competing against The Saints but there was one athlete involved that he was keeping his eye on, one that stood out more than anybody else. It was Fuel.
Their history had shown that Fuel had the capabilities to win big matches and here he was again in yet another but not too long after the bell had rrung to signal the start of the match, there he goes being pinned and eliminated. How is it that somebody so imposing and with hidden talents could be taken out of the match so soon? It was left to Derrick Lambert, The Punk and Rick Majors to win for the company but what had happened shocked him. Grabbing the remote control, he switched it off, preferring to watch something else instead but finding nothing decent on at this time of day. He was alone in the house, Faith away on vacation with her son and parents, allowing him to turn off the tv and sit in silence to ponder.
In recent times gas prices had gone up, squeezing every last bit of cash from consumers and emptying their wallets and yet people continued to pump it into their vehicles because it was so necessary to get about in their day-to-day lives, an important aspect that allowed people to get to and from work, visit families and friends. Fuel was as needed and important to so many people across the globe and yet the professional wrestler that shared his name with the source of energy was a total letdown.
He hadn't gone up in the ranks of whichever company he was employed by. He wasn't squeezing every ounce of breath from opponents until they gave in and allowed him to get the win. He didn't pump away at the major stars, attacking and gaining victories until he became a force to be reckoned with. He wasn't even necessary or important to anybody in the business. So just what the hell was he doing? There was a time when he was saw as a threat but yet, while he could defeat lesser known wrestlers just starting out in the industry, the only way he could win against the bigger name athletes was either by fluke or with some sort of outside interference, either physically with a distraction by an associate or else by act of God.
There was no way he could let this continue and he just had to do something about this. How could he do it though? He had enough time to think about what he was going to do but luckily for him, the idea came as quickly as Fuel had taken the loss in the match he was watching not too long ago. With his half-brother Jason Stylez having made a few appearances on tv and the buzz and anticipation surrounding a possible return by the self-proclaimed "Only F'n Show-ahhhh" he could take full advantage of that. He got up from the couch, his bare feet making a gentle slapping noise as he padded across the wooden floor, dashing up the stairs and into a room where his wardrobe was housed, searching through until he found a long black leather trenchcoat, a black stetson and silver belt buckle with the state of Texas and the word "STYLEZ" across it, the hat and belt buckle gifts from his family once he'd found out that he was related to and a part of the Stylez Dynasty and visited the family home near Longview, Texas. He also found an old Fallen Angelz t-shirt, one which he'd worn when he was a part of that group with Jason, Scotty Ace and Rick Majors back when he first signed with NLCW.
A week later he stood in the bathroom of the arena, dressed head to toe in the Fallen Angelz t-shirt, a pair of jeans complete with belt and belt buckle, some cowboy boots and the trenchcoat. Now all he needed to do was tie the black bandana he'd purchased over his face, slide on the sunglasses and then place the stetson firmly on the top of his head, hair dripping wet to complete the transformation. He felt weird as he looked in the mirror, seeing his reflection and looking like a cheesy Halloween costume but it was necessary nonetheless. A deep breath and then he left the bathroom, making his way towards the seated area, the sounds of Fuel in the ring bragging on the microphone about how great he is echoing as Dazz pushed past a few fans, some of them gasping, pointing fingers and whispering to each other, trying to determine if they really had seen Jason Stylez walk right past them. Fuel continued his tirade, acting as if he were the reason his team did so well the previous week even though he was taken out early, causing Dazz to feel a sense of pride and honour in what he was about to do, shutting this idiot up before he placed his foot further into his mouth. Most people usually accomplish major things in the business before they start bragging unless they have some sort of complex yet there was Fuel acting as if he had discovered a cure for cancer.
He made his way towards the barrier, Fuel inside the ring not too far away from his position, waiting for the right moment to strike. The man who would be his target turned to face the stage as he continued his ramblings, Dazz timing it perfectly as he managed to reach the barrier, hopping over it and sliding into the ring before standing completely still staring at Fuel, watching as he turned around and stood in shock at this newcomer before him. Before he could act, Dazz had stooped down, clutching Fuel by the legs and pulling them from under him, dropping him to the mat before locking in one of Jason's signature moves, a texas cloverleaf he called The Era of Stylez, fans lapping this up and chanting for his half-brother while Fuel screamed in pain and tapped out, his hand hammering the canvas hard repeatedly. A smile appeared across his face behind the bandana, loving every moment of this as he let go and stood upright, turning to see Fuel still on the mat holding his leg in pain. The chants of "holy shit" started the moment he reached to the back of his head, untied the bandana then let it drop to his feet, turning his head to his left and smiirking at the fans, the cameras picking up the face of the Messiah of Metal, the whole arena blowing up and almost taking the roof off the building, giving the biggest reaction NLCW had seen in 2008.
It was a fantastic moment and he'd remember this for years to come.
