PS: Hello and welcome to CWF Ultimate Chaos right here in the Ford Field Center in Detroit, Michigan. I'm Phil sullivan alongside my broadcast partner Derrick "The Man" Grimes and what an incredible jam-packed night we have in store.
DG: Every single championship will be on the line tonight when Generation Xtreme defend the Tag Team titles against The New Two Man Power Trip and The Hit Squad in a triple threat tag team match, Skye Estado will challenge Faith for the Women's championship and X-Factor will try to retain the International title against The Punk.
PS: That's right and former Hit Squad member and current Cruiserweight champion Michael Machete will defend against the newest member of the group, Neptune. Personal grudges will be settled with Lexi and Syd Ashley wanting to take each other apart one on one.
DG: There's also not one, not two but THREE huge main events tonight, the first will see two legendary tag teams, one who dominated in CWF's first year of business and the other who dominated during the third year and early half of 2006, clashing for the first and only time in history right here tonight. Chaos A.D. will reunite when Dazz and Violent A team for the first time in several years to take on Talent Inc, Christian Connolly and Dark Rayne.
PS: That's not all folks because the second main event is a Barbwire Massacre match which marks Jake Fury's official retirement and he'll be sure to try and go out with a win there against Hall Jarrett. In our final main event, Death Wish 2007 winner John Thomas will challenge Priest for the biggest prize in this industry, the CWF World Heavyweight championship.
DG: This is also the very last event CWF will host due to the shock of last month's announcement, our owner and chairman Lord Phillippe DeMontfort has sold his majority shares of the company to a man named Anthony Wallace.
PS: I hear word that Mr Wallace will be here tonight but lets take you to Lucinda Welch for our first contest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CWF World Tag Team Championship Generation Xtreme(c) vs The Hit Squad vs New Two Man Power Trip
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We cut to Lucinda Welch standing in the middle of the ring holding a microphone as she smiles and looks out at the sold out crowd.
LW: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the CWF World Tag Team championship. Introducing first the challengers, from Las Vegas, Nevada, at a combined weight of 591lbs, Iceman and "Sensational" Simon Steeler……the New Two man Power Trip!!
"Viva Las Vegas" by Elvis Presley begins to echo throughout the Ford Field Center as darkness descends around the building, white searchlights moving around aimed at the rafters until a puff of smoke heralds the arrival of this Vegas magician duo. Simon removes his jewelled leopard skin cape as the two make their way down the ramp, Iceman walking up the steel steps and onto the apron and waiting for Simon who is busy pulling flowers from the sleeve of his jacket, handing them to a female in front row. S3 eventually makes his way into the ring as he and Iceman pose directly in the middle, arms pointed to each side in a typical magician/assistant pose, the fans not very appreciative of this camp display.
LW: And their opponents, at a combined weight of 357lbs, Vash the Stampede and Jay D Scott…….The Hit Squad!!!
A yellow school bus drives next to the entrance area, the sign on the bus saying "Hit Street". The door opens and Vash and Jay exit the bus, dancing cheesily towards the ring as Barry Manilow's cult classic "Copacabana" rings throughout Detroit, the fans booing the hell out of this spectacle while the two representatives of the Hit Squad raise the Tag Team championships in the air then turn around, bend over and pull their tights down to reveal their buttocks, the fans in this arena eating them alive.
LW: And now, at a combined weight of 413lbs, the "Hardcore Assassin" John Thomas......the CWF International champion X-Factor, they are the CWF Tag Team champions......GENERATION......XTREME!!!
DX like ENTRANCE
The bell rings and the first match of Ultimate Chaos is on, Jay D Scott told to stay on the Hit Squad corner for the entire bout as Vash steps into the middle and squares off against Iceman, the magician towering over Vash and takes his right hand to the arm without flinching, shoving the much smaller opponent as if he were a feather. Vash holds the back of his head and stares up at Iceman with a look of horror on his face, getting to his feet and once more attempting to take the big man down but failing again as he's swatted away like a fly.
SULLIVAN: Vash just simply doesn't have the strength or size it takes to get this big man down, he can't exactly tag his partner in either because he isn't a trained wrestler.
GRIMES: Which is why this match isn't fair, the former champions have probably their smallest wrestler and one of their managers representing them against the champs and the New Two Man Power Trip. Only good thing about this match is the fact that Generation Xtreme could be exhausted going into their main title matches later tonight which is a bonus for their opponents.
SULLIVAN: Punk and Priest will most certainly be watching this match, whether or not they're hoping for GX to wear themselves out before they battle again is a matter entirely up to them.
Vash gives up and tags in X-Factor, Iceman smiling and going for a clothesline which X-Factor ducks, connecting with a basement dropkick to the back of the knee which takes the big man down, one more standing dropkick to the back of the head as the fans roar their approval.
GRIMES: Wow Generation Xtreme are really popular here huh?
SULLIVAN: Considering the nature of their opponents I'm not surprised.
GRIMES: You mean they're gay?
SULLIVAN: Not at all.
GRIMES: Be honest, only one group in the entire populous would readily bare their backsides in public while "Copacobana" is playing, a song popular with males in Vegas who choose to do magic.
SULLIVAN: I don't know what you're implying Derrick.
GRIMES: Yes you do....ever think they enjoy playing "hide the sausage"?
SULLIVAN: And while I apologise for Derrick's comments, Iceman just took X-Factor down with a hard scoop slam, legdrop connecting.
Iceman raises his hands in the air, seeming to be celebrating early as he drops an elbow then goes for a cover.
1...
2...
Kickout at two, X-Factor showing his resilience, Iceman tagging in Simon Steeler who climbs to the top turnbuckle then holds his patrner's hands, standing on his shoulders then leaping off with a splash which connects, knocking the air out of the defending champion. S3 gets to his feet, dragging X-Factor with him ADD MORE Hit Squad tried everything they could, the 2 Man Power Trip using a combination of magic, power and speed but the veterans of this match, Generation Xtreme, proved too dominant, the Xer enabling GX to retain as Simon Steeler took the loss.
LW: Here are your winners....and STIIILL CWF Tag Team champions.....GENERATION.....XTREME!!!
SEGMENT - Shows what happened the month before at Shockwave with Lord Phillippe DeMontfort selling his shares, MCW being created
We come back from the video and the camera is aimed squarely at the skybox in the arena, zooming in as another camera cuts to inside, CWF interviewer Chris Reid standing with a microphone while Anthony Wallace sits back in a large black leather chair, a plastic cup full of beer placed on a coaster on top of a wooden table nearby with the sold out crowd, the ring and the stage area seen in the background through the large plexiglass windows. Some fans are heard booing and a "YOU SUCK" chant begins, Anthony smiling and waving, giving a mildly sarcastic response.
CR: Mr Wallace, I'm sure you can hear the fans right now, what do you have to say to that kind of reaction?
Anthony Wallace: You know Chris, it's perfectly fine, I understand that they're upset at the fact their beloved wrestling company has been bought and will be closed shortly after Ultimate Chaos, I'd feel the same. Fact is though, I aim to make Motor City Wrestling as great as the Chaotic Wrestling Federation has been for all these years and no matter which CWF stars join me in the new company, my goal will always be to match CWF's success and give these and all other fans the type of action they demand.
CR: People who have come into ownership of CWF before have tried to fit the company into their own vision while keeping the company name, why are you different?
Anthony Wallace: I'm different because rather than try to fit my vision into CWF, I'm going to mold CWF into my vision hence the renaming to MCW and moving the homebase to Detroit.
CR: Finally, Mr Wallace, you mentioned CWF stars signing contracts to become part of MCW, can you name then?
Anthony laughs and shakes his head.
Anthony Wallace: I'm sorry but that would be telling, you'll have to wait until the grand opening like everybody else.
He smiles and tilts his chair around, grabbing the cup of beer and facing the window to continue watching the show as the announce table at ringside is once again shown on camera.
DG: Should we be worried for our jobs?
PS: Quite possibly though lets hope you learned your lesson when Seth Payne fired you back in 2005.
DG: Don't remind me, please.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Showbiz Stooeh vs The Lokian
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SULLIVAN: Up next we have two females who are certainly no stranger to one another and this all started just last month at Shockwave.
ENTER SHOCKWAVE SEGMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lexi vs Syd Ashley
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LW: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Suffolk, Virginia……..LEXI!!!
''Crazy In Love'' by Beyonce plays and Lexi runs out and stands at the top of the ramp and jumps up and down excitedly. Pink coloured spotlights light up the ramp and she happily skips down the ramp and makes her way into the ring. She stands in the ring smiling and waving at all the fans as she waits for her opponent
LW: And her opponent, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada……..SYD…….ASHLEY!!!
The arena lights dim as ''Away'' plays from the speakers, and the lights go up as she walks out on stage. She smiles and raises an arm up and then walks down the ramp to the ring and climbs up the steps and steps through the ropes. She stands in the ring and stares across at Lexi.
WRITE MATCH Lexi's psychotic behaviour in recent weeks towards Syd continued, the former Women's champ seemingly freaked out at Lexi, who used it to gain theupper hand and the win
SEGMENT - Priest and John Thomas preparing for their match, looking intense (lead to a "talking of intense, what an intense rivalry..." line for next match)
LW: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the CWF Cruiserweight championship. Introducing first the challenger, now residing in Sin City, weighing in at 220lbs…….NEPTUNE!!!
Smoke erupts from entranceway, Daniel Walks out in a robe. He stands on the ramp, then throws his hands up, removing his Hood as he does so, and sends fireworks exploding from behind him. He laughs, as he walks to the ring. He slides into the ring and Climbs the top rope, he removes his robe and points at the crowd.
LW: And his opponent, from Long Island, New York, weighing in at 225lbs, he is the CWF Cruiserweight champion…….MICHAEL…..MACHETE!!!
"What up Gangsta" by 50 Cent hits and Michael Machete makes his way to the ring. He walking down the ramp with his game face on, full of adrenaline. He slaps his hands on the ramp and extends his arms out, and pyro shoots out of the stage. He slides in the ring, gets on one of the second turnbuckles and throws his hands up in the air. Machete gets off the turnbuckle and gets on one side of the ring, stepping on the bottom and middle ropes while throwing his fist up in the air (ala X-Pac). He does the same on the opposite side of the ring. He takes off his shirt and fitted sunglasses and prepares for the match by stretching a little.
WRITE MATCHHit Squad member Neptune took the fight to former Hit Squad member Michael Machete but after a nice high flying classic, Machete connected with the frog splash to retain
LW: Here is your winner....and STIIILL CWF Cruiserweight champion....MICHAEL.....MACHETE!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phil King vs Synn vs Fear
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roman Steeler vs Marty Pillman
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LW: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Orlando, Florida, weighing in at 200lbs…..MARTY…..PILLMAN!!!
ENTRANCE"Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns 'n Roses plays
LW: And his opponent, from Liverpool, England, weighing in at 280lbs…..ROMAN……STEELER!!!
RIDES A MOTORCYCLE TO THE RING AND DRINKS BEER
WRITE MATCH Roman and Marty pulled off a good showing in the night's opener, Roman becoming the first winner of the night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CWF Staff Encounter Triple Threat Tommy Chaos vs Jaymz Marshall vs Lord Phillippe DeMontfort
Special Guest Referee: Logan Kincaide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LW: The following contest is a triple threat elimination match.
LOGAN KINCAIDE ENTRANCE
LW: Introducing the special guest referee, from ???.......LOGAN....KINCAIDE!!!
PS: We haven't seen this man in just over a year.
DG: Yeah, he was the Assistant GM for Aggression and always seemed to do what was right for the roster, the fans and CWF as a whole.
PS: That's odd Derrick, when he was one of our bosses you constantly complained about his actions, now he isn't in a position of authority you're kissing his ass.
LW: First, from ??, weighing in at ?? pounds, he was the Chairman and owner of CWF from July 2004 until just last month at Shockwave......LORD PHILLIPPE.....DeMONTFORT!!!
DEMONTFORT ENTRANCE
DG: Not many people cheering this man Phil.
PS: Well he has always erred on the side of evil and did sell CWF to another man who is going to rename and reopen it as a completely new company so if he had just a quarter of this crowd on his side before then, right now they hate him.
LW: From ??, weighing in at ?? pounds, he is a founding member of Chaos A.D. and was both CWF President from September 2004 until ?? 2005 and Aggression General Manager from ? to ??, the ??.....TOMMY........CHAOS!!!
TOMMY ENTRANCE
PS: Another bad egg but this man was a fan favorite for a time during his old days as an in ring competitor.
DG: Tommy was a great boss, I loved working for him.
LW: And finally, from Battle Creek, Michigan, weighing in at ?? pounds, he was Aggression General Manager from ?? until ?? 2005 and is the self-proclaimed "Whole F'n Show".......JAYMZ.......MARSHALL!!!
MARSHALL ENTRANCE
DG: Now the less said about this man the better.
PS: The fans are behind this man in a huge way, still as popular now as he always has been.
ADD IN STAFF ENCOUNTER TRIPLE THREAT, JAYMZ MARSHALL VS TOMMY CHAOS VS LORD PHILLIPPE DEMONTFORT, SPECIAL GUEST REF LOGAN KINCAIDE, PLUS DEMONTFORT CLOSE UP IN CORNER DOING KNIFE EDGE CHOP AND SAYING "BLOODY TART", TOMMY ELIMINATED FIRST, MARSHALL WINS
LW: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the CWF International championship. Introducing first the challenger, from Manhatten, New York, weighing in at 271lbs…..The Punk!!!
"King of my World" by Saliva plays as the man who believes he is king of his world comes out. He runs down to the ring with a microphone in his hand and slides under the ropes, nodding to Lucinda who leaves the ring as he climbs a turnbuckle and raises the mic to his lips.
PUNK: Introducing the man from the most expensive hotels in Manhatten, New York........THE PUNK!!
He lets that resound through the arena as he jumps up and bounces up and down on the ropes then stands in the middle of the ring waiting for the champion.
LW: And his opponent, from Ankeny, Iowa, weighing in at 178lbs, he is the CWF International champion……X-FACTOR!!!
The lights go out.... Just then Reborn by Stone Sour starts up and we hear a hard drumline followed by guitars.
"I am walking through your streets
I am looking in your windows
I am elemental now
You'll never even know I'm there"
"I am watching over you
I am living in the shadows
I am just a word to you, but I am very real and cold
Cold to all of this
Cold to how you feel
Cold to all your loose reason"
Lights go out. Music stops.
"OHHHHHH"
Green strobes come on. And X steps out.
"I AM EVERYTHING
I AM ANYTHING
I AM AUTOMATIC
I AM YESTERDAY
I AM EVERYDAY
I AM GONNA BE...."
"YEAH"
He walks down the ramp, Xero by his side. He holds his hands up to the camera holding an X up. He rolls in the ring and gets on the turnbuckle looking around. He holds his hands up forming an X. He jumps off and the lights come to normal.
WRITE MATCH A nice back and forth match between the two evenly matched competitors but Punk managed to come up on the winning end with a Punk DDT from nowhere.
*DING DING DING*
LW: Here is your winner.....and the NEEEEEEW CWF International champion......THE PUNK!!!
LW: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the CWF Women’s championship. Introducing first the challenger, from Los Angeles, California……SKYE…..ESTADO!!!
''Bootylicious'' by Destiny`s Child begins and a single white spotlight appears at the top of the stage and Skye comes out and stands in the spotlight. She runs her fingers through her her hair and runs them down her body as she smiles. She then walks down the ramp smiling and climbs up on the apron. She blows a kiss to the fans as she slowly steps through the ropes, and stands in the middle of the ring and raises her arms up to soak in all the attention from the fans.
LW: And her opponent, from Las Vegas, Nevada, she is the CWF Women’s champion.....FAITH!!!
"??" by ?? begins to play and and the alluring Diva walks out and stands at the top of the ramp. Dressed as a sexy on. She walks down the ramp and blows kisses to all the male fans as she makes her way to the ring. She slowly steps through the ropes and gives the fans a treat as they can see a glimpse of her panties under her short skirt. She runs her hands down her body and looks at the fans and finally at Skye.
WRITE MATCH The psycho bitch and the regular on Hollywood's party scene fought hard, Skye surprising the fans with a solid display of wrestling ability but Losing Faith took Skye down for the count of three
LW: Here is your winner....and STIIILL CWF Women's champion.......FAITH!!!
We go to the backstage area where we see CWF interviewer Kimberlea Close standing with a man that has long brown hair, brown facial hair and a black faded sleeveless t-shirt that has an Alice in Chains logo on the front. His jeans look to be cut at the knees and black kneepads are shown underneath just above a pair of white socks and black boots.
KC: Hi, I'm standing here with the "Hardcore Icon" himself, Jake Fury and Jake, do you have any comments on your match tonight and opponent?
Jake looks as if he's pondering the question and coming up with a suitable answer in response, looking at this young woman and brushing his fingers against his clean shaven chin.
Jake Fury: Kimberlea, this match is important for a number of reasons. Mainly because this is my last match before I retire and leave behind whatever legacy people like to believe and discuss, personally I just like to think I attained all of my goals in the professional wrestling business. It's also important to my opponent Hall Jarrett because he has his chance to compete in what could be one of the most brutal matches in history, everything is covered in barbed wire so he could gain some battle scars to be proud of, or not so proud of depending whether he wants a career as a model in future. Most of all, it's important for me to show the world just why hardcore wrestling was so popular and why people seem to have chosen me as one of the pioneers and forefathers of the genre because the world hasn't seen a match that could end up as bloody or violent as this could in a very long time. Destiny is a fickle mistress and at one moment she can be smiling down on Hall, urging him to victory while a second later she could be helping me get the win. Life's candle threatens to burn out, the flame extinguish so lets see whose fire is put out tonight.
The cameras show Phil and Derrick at ringside looking at each other while sitting at an angle to be able to look into the camera staring at them simultaneously.
DG: I'm not sure Hall Jarrett can survive, he's a talented young guy but have you seen what Jake Fury's done in his career?
PS: That's certainly something Mr Jarrett should be considering right about now but you never know, it could be his lucky night tonight. Lets take you to Lucinda.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barbwire Massacre Jake Fury vs Hall Jarrett
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LW: The following contest is the Barbwire Massacre match!
Some of the more bloodthirsty in the crowd cheer as Lucinda continues.
LW: The ring will be surrounded by a 16 foot high cage wrapped in barbed wire from top to bottom, barbed wire will also be wrapped around steel chairs, ladders, tables, baseball bats and around each steel post. The ropes will also be replaced by barbed wire and the object of the match is to score a pinfall only. Introducing first, from ???, ???, weighing in at 238lbs.....HALL.....JARRETT!!!
"Uno....dos....tres.....CATORCE!"
Hall steps out onto the stage, both hands outstretched over his head. He smirks, looks to both sides of the ring, sticks his tongue out then throws his arms down, causing pyrotechnics to erupt behind him, smoke engulfing him, the ramp and the area around the ring.
"Lights go down, it's dark
The jungle is your head
Can't rule your heart
A feeling is so much stronger than
A thought
Your eyes are wide
And though your soul
It can't be bought
Your mind can wander"
Hall steps down the ramp cockily, flamboyantly dancing around a little bit while kicking up some smoke with his feet into the crowd. He extends his hands, high fiving a few members of the crowd, some of them unwillingly.
"Hello, hello
I'm at a place called Vertigo
It's everything I wish I didn't know
Except you give me something I can feel, feel"
Hall stops as he climbs up onto the apron, spreading his arms in a cross-like position. Throwing them up into the air, smoke sprays from the turnbuckles and down into the ring. The ring is engulfed in smoke.
"The night is full of holes
As bullets rip the sky
Of ink with gold
They twinkle as the
Boys play rock and roll
They know they can't dance
At least they know"
As this verse goes, starting at the word "bullets", gold strands of pyrotechnics spray down into the arena and engulf the smoke, causing it to almost sparkle. Climbing under the top ropes, Hall waves at the crowd with one hand, backing up onto the turnbuckles as the song slowly fades out.
LW: And his opponent, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing in at 247lbs, he is the "Hardcore Icon" and a CWF Hall of Fame inductee.......JAKE........FURY!!!
ENTRANCE
WRITE MATCH Jake Fury took Jarrett to the limit in his final match ever, both men ending up bloody and almost to the point of needing serious medical treatment but Jake prevailed once again in his domain.
LW: Here is your winner....the "Hardcore Icon".....JAKE.....FURY!!!
DG: Well it looks like they're ready Phil and so am I.
PS: For the first and only time in history, two legendary teams will battle in just a few shorts moments when Chaos A.D. take on Talent Inc.
BUILDUP
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Legends Tag Team Match Chaos A.D. vs Talent Inc
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LW: The following tag team match is scheduled for one fall in which the two biggest teams in professional wrestling history and four CWF Hall of Fame members will square off for the first and only time right here tonight!
She smiles as the entire crowd cheers, chants going out for members of both teams, Lucinda waiting for them to die down before continuing.
LW: Introducing first, at a combined weight of 510lbs, they consist of the longest reigning and only undefeated CWF International champion in history, what most consider the face of CWF until his retirement, both members make up the longest reigning and only undefeated CWF Tag Team champions in history.......from Apache Nation, the "Vengeful Warrior" Dark Rayne......and from Norfolk, Virginia, the "Suntan Superman" Christian Connolly........TALENT......INC.!!!
The slow drum beat of Joe Esposito's "You're the Best" begins as the arena lights flicker, golden pyro raining down onto the stage as Christian Connolly walks onto the stage raising his right arm and hopping from foot to foot, slowly walking down the ramp as the fans cheer him on, watching as he climbs up the steel steps into the ring and steps onto the middle turnbuckle. Talent Inc's fans go wild as he pulls down his hood showing his face to them as he stretches out his arms, letting the adulation sink into his pores as he takes off the hoodie and stretches, waitng for his partner. The words "Wrath of Vengeance" pulsate in red on the ChaosTron as the lights go out in the arena, Dark Rayne nowhere to be seen. Suddenly a red spotlight appears, finally coming to a rest at a spot in the rafters where we see Dark Rayne perched. After a few moments of contemplation he looks up into the Heavens pleadingly but upon getting no reply, shakes his head and drops on a zipline into the ring. Dark Rayne takes off the harness attached to his body and embraces Christian Connolly, taking off his leather trenchcoat as Talent Inc wait for their oponents for tonight.
PS: We haven't seen these men in CWF for almost a year as a team, last time we saw Christian Connolly was an incredible Iron Man match against Fuel at Genocide last October.
DG: Ultimate Chaos is the big stage though, Connolly's been here before and no doubt he'll make that Iron Man match look like a contest between Turmoil and Rage.
LW: And their opponents, at a combined weight of 520lbs, they consist of the former CWF Television champion and CWF President, the former CWF World champion and current CWF President, they are two thirds of the group who created the Chaotic Wrestling Federation and one of the most dominant tag teams in professional wrestling history.....from right here in Detroit Michigan, the "Wicked One" Violent A......and from Toronto, Ontario, the "Messiah of Metal" Dazz.........CHAOS......A...D.!!!
An eerie chant from what seems like little girls rings out as the lights fade throughout the arena:
"Rain, rain, go away - come again another day"
Just then white lights hit and thunderstorms sound, lightning shooting and hitting the stage setting off pyro as black rain pours down from the arena's roof, the opening riff to Sepultura classic "Refuse/Resist" beginning as Violent A walks out onto the stage with his classic black and white ICP style facepaint, black LaCrosse sweatpants and white sneakers on aswell as a Chaos A.D. t-shirt as he rushes towards the ring with a purpose as fans cheer, sliding into the ring and climbing the far turnbuckle raising his arms in the air. He leaps down off the turnbuckle as the lights begin to flash on and off, the rain stopping as a wall of fire blasts across the front of the stage, Dazz seen with his back to the ring and arms outstretched to the sides when the pyro dies down. He spins on his heels and walks down the ramp with a smile on his face as the fans go nuts, stepping up the steel steps and climbing through the ropes before finally spinning on the spot in the middle of the ring with arms stretched out again. The music stops as he and Violent A talk to each other and embrace each other for the first time in years.
PS: Seeing these two men embracing after three years not talking to one another brings goosebumps and I can tell you right now that the hair on the back of my neck is standing on end.
DG: I take what I said earlier back, THAT was possibly one of the best entrances I've ever seen.
The fans go crazy as these two legendary tag teams look each other in the eye, Dazz and Connolly stepping through the ropes and onto the apron as Violent A and Dark Rayne, the painted members of this match, get ready for the bell to ring. The sound of the bell signals the beginning of this match and the two men who never held the World title lock horns, grappling with one another in a power struggle, neither man with a distinct advantage. After a short struggle the two decide to break their deadlock and throw right hands, neither man wanting to be seen as the weaker athlete, absorbing blow after blow as knuckles attack each cheek, pounding as if wanting to shatter the bone.
DG: This is incredible Phil, Violent A and Dark Rayne don't wanna give in, those punches are relentless.
PHIL: The first time these two men have mixed it up in the ring and they both want to win for their team, this crowd is lapping it up.
GRIMES: I can't believe it, the atmosphere is incredible. Half the fans are chanting for Chaos A.D., the other half for Talent Inc.
Rayne and 'A drop their fists in front of them and stare each other down through the paint, both smiling at their obvious stalemate before looking out at the sold out Ford Field Center, standing at the center of this electrifying moment, listening to the fans. All four men are seen literally staring in amazement as 50% of the crowd chants "We want Dazz" while the other half chant "We want Cage", an allusion to C2's former wrestling name. Rayne and 'A crack a smile and walk towards their respective corners, tagging their partners in as the roof almost blows off the arena, the two biggest names in professional wrestling climbing through the ropes and looking each other in the eye, standing toe to toe as their gaze shifts from one side of the crowd to the other, soaking in the adulation in a moment that will surely go down in history. A huge roar from the crowd as the two exchange right hands, Dazz backing Connolly into a corner as he rains down blows until Connolly blocks and grabs Dazz, switching positions as he now begins to punch at his opponent.
PHIL: If this isn't a career defining, hell, history defining moment then I'm not sure what is Derrick.
GRIMES: Two of the biggest names in professional wrestling history going at it in a match where only pride is on the line, can't get much bigger than that. Most would kill to have legacies like theirs let alone be in such a huge match where no championships are on the line.
PHIL: Derrick, since you always had an answer for everything I'm gonna ask you, who do you think will win?
GRIMES: I'm really not sure, it could go either way.
PHIL: Speaking of either way, the irish whip by Connolly reversed, Dazz sending Christian to the ropes, ducks the clothesline, Dazz taken down by a flying forearm, the kip up by C2 as the fans love this.
Christian looks out at the adoring public cheering him on, watching as Dazz kips up then grappling each other, using all their strength to try and take the advantage but neither man can get it. Connolly eventually gets the side headlock, cranking it as Dazz attempts to escape, using a back suplex as a last resort and floating over into a cover, C2 kicking out at one as the two roll onto their feet in a fighting stance, both men equal as they smile while the crowd roars their approval of such an even match. Another grapple and Dazz with a knee to the midsection, gutwrench suplex takes the Suntan Superman down as Dazz drops the elbow across the sternum, following up with Rolling Thunder, Connolly getting the knees up as Dazz lands on them and rolls out of the ring holding his back. Connolly gets to his feet and watches as Dazz gets to his feet, rushing the far ropes then diving through the near ropes straight at Dazz with both fists straight out, living up to the Superman part of one of many nicknames, connecting with the chest as both men go down.
GRIMES: He was like a cruise missile there only without the Hollywood actress wife and ridiculous religious beliefs.
Christian is first up, dragging Dazz to his feet and rolling him into the ring, following him inside and laying the boots to his downed opponent. Dark Rayne tagged in as he drops a leg across the back of the head, another and a cover.
1...
2...
Violent A making the save with a boot to the back of Dark Rayne's head, the referee telling him to get out of the ring as Rayne picks up his opponent and takes him down with a vertical suplex, locking in the sleeperhold as the referee checks on Dazz, making sure there isn't a choke locked in and checking the arm. Dazz looks about to fade but keeps his arm from dropping a third time, beginning to power out of it and driving elbows into the gut of the former International champion, a northern lights suplex with a bridge taking down Rayne.
1...
2...
Kickout by Dark Rayne, Dazz crawling towards his corner to take a breather, tagging in Violent A as Dark Rayne gets the same idea, the Wicked One and the Suntan Superman both entering the ring and brawling, a sweep of the legs takes The Paragon down as Violent A drives his fists into the forehead of C2 repeatedly, stopping at the count of four to avoid being disqualified, flipping Rayne over and locking in a camel clutch, trying to force the submission.
PHIL: Smart move by Violent A, as far as I know Dark Rayne has never tapped out, could this be the first and only time?
GRIMES: If he does Chaos A.D. has won this match and Dark Rayne will have suffered his first loss in years.
Violent A cranks hard on the camel clutch until C2 finally comes in with a stiff kick to the back, breaking the hold as Violent A walks towards the referee, asking him to disqualify Connolly as C2 just watches on laughing. The painted wrestler representing Chaos A.D. drags Dark Rayne to his feet then wraps a hand around the throat, lifting Rayne into the air and dropping to his knees as he takes the opponent down with a chokeslam. Violent A hooks the leg as he goes for the cover.
1...
2...
Dark Rayne kicks out while Violent A drags him to a standing position, dropping him with an inverted DDT vefore climbing the turnbuckle and leaping off with a moonsault, Rayne moving out of the way in time as Violent A clutches his ribs in pain, Dark Rayne pulling himself towards Christian Connolly who gets the tag and rushes in with a basement dropkick to the face followed by a front facelock, wrenching the head and neck but Violent A gets a hand to the ropes to break the hold. Connolly waits, taking a few steps back as he watches Violent A use the ropes for leverage, getting to his feet and turning around in time to take the running STO, C2 getting cheers for his actions as the Chaos A.D. fans in Detroit boo.
PHIL: This is a classic no doubt and Connolly pulling out all the stops, just watch Violent A's head snap back.
GRIMES: That's a painful move Phil, the back of his head will be hurting for a while after that.
PHIL: C2 now climbing the turnbuckle, he's signalling for it......The Ratings Grabber connects.
Connolly with a cover immediately after the 450 splash, Dazz breaking the count at two by pulling on Christian's leg, Connolly looking at the Messiah of Metal as he exits through the ropes, holding the tag rope and cheering on his tag team partner. The Chaos A.D. fans in attendance begin a "Violent A" chant to will him on while Connolly locks the left arm over A's head, the half nelson hold quickly turned into a suplex, the Wicked One landing on the back of his head and neck. As Connolly gets to his feet and soaks in the cheers from the Talent Inc fans, Dazz takes him down with a vicious sidekick to the jaw, raising his arms in the air with pride as he listens to the boos and cheers, pulling Violent A towards their corner and climbing onto the apron again, holding out his hand for the tag and receiving it.
GRIMES: Dazz back in and Connolly still laid out after that kick.
PHIL: He's rushing towards the ropes now, springboarding into a Chaosault, beautifully done, one.......two.......just two on that exchange, I think his failure to hook the leg prevented the win there.
GRIMES: He's got Christian up now, irish whip, Connolly's turn to springboard off the ropes. Holy shit that was amazing!
PHIL: Connolly with an Asai moonsault into an inverted DDT, he calls that move The Showstarter, this show is far from beginning but what an exclamation point.
GRIMES: He isn't going for the cover though, could that be his team's downfall or would it make more sense for Dark Rayne to come in with an advantage?
PHIL: Guess we'll know now, Dark Rayne with the hot tag, going for an inverted DDT of his own but Dazz twisting out of it into a nice DDT, he planted the former International champion.
Dazz rolls slowly towards his corner, tagging in Violent A who strides casually towards his opponent, waiting as he gets to his feet before slamming a knee into his face staggering him back into the ropes. Dark Rayne tries to kick at Violent A but misses, 'A slapping Rayne in the face showing no respect at this move before tangling him up, gripping the ankles and slingshotting him throat first into the bottom rope, Rayne clutching at his neck and gasping for air. Violent A kicks at the legs and locks in a boston crab, screaming at Dark Rayne to tap out but thus far he refuses, Connolly and the Talent Inc fans willing him on until once more he grabs the ropes, Violent A breaking the hold.
GRIMES: Violent A with a tag, Chaos A.D. with a double suplex taking Dark Rayne down, considering they haven't been on the friendliest of terms for several years they sure haven't missed a step as a tag team.
PHIL: Right you are Derrick, standing Rayne up again now, Violent A with a sweep to the back of the legs as Dazz connects with a spinning heel kick to the face, Total Elimination to Dark Rayne as we have another pinfall.
1...
2...
GRIMES: Damn he kicked out again.
PHIL: The resilience of this man.
Dazz slaps the canvas in frustration, bending Dark Rayne and placing a leg across the back of his head, hooking both arms in a combination of a Fameasser and a double underhook DDT, dropping Dark Rayne face first into the mat.
GRIMES: Chaos Driver connects, my God that was out of nowhere.
PHIL: Christian Connolly with a vicious clothesline just took Dazz down, referee scolding C2 for his actions. Aww would you look at that?
Violent A climbs into the ring, raising Dark Rayne and putting his head between the clown's legs, leaping into the air into a jumping piledriver before rolling back onto the apron.
GRIMES: Black Rain just connected, Dark Rayne could be out of it now.
Connolly watches his partner, slapping his hand on the turnbuckle pad repeatedly as the Talent Inc fans copy, clapping their hands to give Dark Rayne a second wind, both Rayne and Dazz slowly getting to their feet. Rayne with a right hand to Dazz who quickly hits back with one of his own, the two trading punches until Dark Rayne connects with a boot to the midsection, spinning Dazz around and picking him up onto his shoulders in a Torture Rack position, walking towards a turnbuckle and planting him with a reverse Death Valley Driver onto the top turnbuckle pad.
PHIL: Wrath of Vengeance, it could be all over for Chaos A.D. here.
1...
2...
GRIMES: Dazz must be a machine for kicking out of that. Everyone in attendance has their heart firmly in their throat thanks to these men.
PHIL: I'm still surprised Dark Rayne managed to just about survive the Black Rain just moments ago, Dazz down on his back as Rayne moves towards his partner.
Dazz just gets the tag to Violent A seconds after Christian Connolly comes back into this match, both rushing each other as their partners rest against their respective corners, catching their breath. Violent A's right hand is blocked, Connolly slamming a knee into the gut then dragging the back of A's head into the other knee, fans cheering as the Whiplash Bash staggers Violent A, Connolly following it up with Three Tha Hard Way, the rolling german suplex turned into a rolling tiger suplex and finally a release dragon suplex, Violent A down as C2 calls for something to which the fans approvingly cheer.
GRIMES: Looks like he's going for the submission here Phil, locking in a half nelson......twisting it into a seated half nelson hold, he's really torquing the spine, a man's back isn't meant to bend that way.
PHIL: Talent Inc's fans are cheering on the CDT, no man has ever escaped or broken this hold without having to clutch the ropes, unfortunately for Violent A he's situated in the middle of the ring.
GRIMES: Wait, Dark Rayne rushing towards Dazz to try and stop him breaking the hold, he ducked the clothesline.
PHIL: Modified standing dragon sleeper on Dark Rayne, Dazz swings and drops to the canvas taking Dark Rayne face first.
GRIMES: CHAOS FACTOR!! The fans are going nuts for this!
Dazz hooks the leg, staring directly into the eyes of Christian Connolly as he holds the CDT on tight, the referee unsure what to do before finally dropping to the mat as the fans count with him.
"ONE!"
Violent A screams in agony, C2 unrelenting as he keeps the submission in tight.
"TWO!"
Dazz yells at Violent A to hang in and not tap out a she keeps Dark Rayne's shoulders to the canvas.
"THREE!"
*DING DING DING*
LW: Here are your winners......
Lucinda pauses unsure just who the winner is just as the men in the ring and the fans, in fact everyone in attendance and at home confused as to what happened. The referee talks to Lucinda, explaining what happened as we see a replay of what went on, the referee's hand slapping the mat once, twice and on the third time his hand is greeted by Violent A who finally gives into the CDT, not standing the pain any longer, the pinfall and submission both happening at once.
DG: So what happened?
PS: I'm not sure, I guess we might have our decision right now.
LW: Due to the time limit expiring, the referee's decision is that both Chaos A.D. and Talent Inc have come to a draw.
Surprisingly both sets of fans cheer this decision rather than boo, the choice to make both teams the winners rather apealing rather than one team losing. Meanwhile in the ring the referee raises the hands of both Dazz and Christian Connolly in victory, the two helping their partners to their feet and all raising their arms in the air before embracing each other and shaking hands, the sold out fans in Ford Field giving all four legends a standing ovation out of respect for their talents and contributions to the pro wrestling business. All four men leave the ring together with the fans applauding them.
DG: Never thought I'd see a decision like that taken with so much joy and respect by the fans.
PS: It was a perfect finish to an incredible and intense match by two legendary tag teams and four CWF Hall of Famers. Very deserving honors and it was a pleasure to be able to call such a great match.
DG: Talking of great matches....
PS: Indeed, coming up next is our second main event of the night, World Heavyweight champion Priest defending against the winner of the Death Wish battle royal 2007. the "Hardcore Assassin" John Thomas.
The camera moves towards the stage area where a full drumkit, huge amplifiers, a deck with turntables, sample desk and huge timpani-like drums are situated, nine men wearing masks and boiler suits stepping up to their instruments as vocalist Corey Taylor clutches a microphone.
Corey Taylor: We are Slipknot and we're not gonna be left behind.
With that cue the band begins to play, Corey with a sadistic scream as the lights go out then an evil guitar riff beginning proceedings as they break into the first single from the Iowa album.
ADD MUSIC VIDEO
"I've known faces that have disappeared in time
Find me wrapped in glass and slowly soaked in lime
All my friends have pictures made to make you cry
I've seen this and wondered what I've done to
Calcify
(I ignore you)
As I close my eyes, I feel it all slipping away
(I come toward you)
We all got left behind, we let it all slip away
I can't stand to see your thalidomide robot face
Don't even try it! You had to be a liar just to
Infiltrate me - I'm still drowning
(I ignore you)
As I close my eyes, I feel it all slipping away
(I come toward you)
We all got left behind, we let it all slip away
Take....this....away...
I can feel it on my mouth
I can taste you on my fingers
I can hear you like the Holy Ghost
And kill you if you get too close!
(I ignore you)
As I close my eyes, I feel it all slipping away
(I come toward you)
We all got left behind, we let it all slip away"
Green lights begin to flash throughout the arena as "Hardcore Assassin" John Thomas walks out onto the stage with his arm around Kenzie Fox. They both stop on the stage and share a kiss then John throws his arms up in a cocky pose as the fans erupt in a chorus of boos. John and Kenzie both walk down to the ring showing their love to the fans as they continue to boo, John sliding into the ring then holding open the middle rope as Kenzie climbs onto the apron and into the ring. John then sits on the top turnbuckle as Kenzie walks over to him, kissing him one more time.
We cut back to the other side of the stage area where another drumkit stands along with more amplifiers, a slender man wearing a long wig walking onstage as the recognisable drum talents of Josh Freese begin to play as he hits drumrolls. The rest of A Perfect Circle appear on stage as the lights dim slightly, the song "Passive" starting immediately with no introduction as Priest steps onto the stage with the CWF World Heavyweight championship around his waist, the crowd giving a mixed reaction as he stops on the middle of the ramp and looks around with a sinister smile.
"'Dead as dead can be' my doctor tells me
But I just can’t believe him, ever the optimistic one
I’m sure of your ability to become my perfect enemy
Wake up and face me, don’t play dead cause maybe
Someday I will walk away and say, 'You disappoint me,'
Maybe you’re better off this way
Leaning over you here, cold and catatonic
I catch a brief reflection of what you could and might have been
It's your right and your ability
To become....my perfect enemy...
Wake up (we'll catch you) and face me (come one now),
Don’t play dead (don't play dead)
Cause maybe (because maybe)
Someday I’ll (someday I'll) walk away and say, 'You disappoint me,'
Maybe you’re better off this way
Maybe you’re better off this way
Maybe you’re better off this way
Maybe you’re better off this way
You’re better of this; you’re better off this;
Maybe you’re better off!
Wake up (can't you) and face me (come on now),
Don’t play dead (don't play dead)
Cause maybe (because maybe)
Someday I’ll (someday I'll) walk away and say, “You fucking disappoint me!”
Maybe you’re better off this way
Go ahead and play dead
I know that you can hear this
Go ahead and play dead
Why can't you turn and face me?
Why can't you turn and face me?
Why can't you turn and face me?
Why can't you turn and face me?
You fucking disappoint me!
Passive aggressive bullshit"
The arena lights flicker as flaming pyro goes off behind him on the stage and the set area, Priest cracking his neck then heads down the ramp. Once he gets to the ring he removes his black sunglasses and taunts tossing them to the crowd but doesn't. He instead places them in a corner of the ring as he enters, raising the World title above his head before handing it to the referee, who holds it in the air then shows it to both men, John staring at what could be his, Priest admiring the belt he's carried since September before it's handed to the timekeeper, Lucinda Welch walking to the middle of the ring as both men stand in opposite corners.
LW: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the CWF World Heavyweight championship. Introducing first, in the corner to my left, from Gainesville, Florida, weighing in at 235lbs, he is the number one contender and the self-proclaimed “Hardcore Assassin”……JOHN……THOMAS!!!
PS: This man with the biggest opportunity of his young career right here against the legendary Priest, lets see if he can pull off a huge upset and walk out with the gold.
DG: It might be an upset to you Phil but John Thomas is an incredible and deserving athlete, either man could walk away as CWF World champ and win or lose, I don't think they could be too upset over the outcome.
PS: You're right there Derrick, no matter who wins, both John Thomas and Priest will be able to walk out of this arena with their heads held high knowing they accomplished something big here tonight.
LW: And in the corner to my right, from Houston, Texas, weighing in at 328lbs, he is the current reigning and defending CWF World Heavyweight champion……PRIEST!!!
DG: This surefire inductee into the Hall of Fame has almost surpassed Christian Connolly's longest reign as World champ, some are saying Priest is the new face of CWF, I can't disagree.
PS: Well he has been a consistent force to be reckoned with since winning the title from the Suntan Superman last May, I wouldn't bet against him coming out on top again here tonight, the odds of him losing are slim to say the least.
DG: Both men have their rabid fanbase, you can hear them out in force right now.
The jam packed Ford Field Center echoes as a loud chant from one half of the crowd rings out, the "LETS GO THOMAS" chant countered with a "LETS GO PRIEST" comeback from the other half, both men staring out into the crowd to soak up this atmosphere, the overwhelming appreciation from the fans and the realisation of how big this moment is entering both of them, their faces telling a story. After a short bout of mental preparation and stretching in the ring the bell signals the start of the match as the fans erupt.
PS: There it is folks, the match is now underway and both men with a collar and elbow tieup, Priest's just too strong, swats Thomas away.
John staggers backwards a few steps as Priest watches, standing in the defensive position as the challenger steps forwards again, raising a left hand in the air, Priest watching as John offers a test of strength, Priest slowly raising his hand to touch fingertips then clasp the hand, John quickly using his free hand to smash it into the jaw of the champion, another shot as Priest is surprised by this flurry.
DG: Wow that was smart thinking Phil, he surprised Priest with that.
PS: Priest looks a little dazed and confused after that surprise attack, John Thomas now trying to chop down the big redwood, kicks to the quadriceps starting to take their toll on the big man.
DG: My God, he almost has the champion down.
Priest drops to one knee, trying to lessen the target area for John's feet to hit, the left hands still clasped together, Thomas smashing the left knee into the face of the champion then dragging him down to the mat, hopping over and locking in a fujiwara armbar on the left arm, pulling back as far as possible to injure the arm and get a quick tapout victory. Priest cries out and screams "no" as the referee asks him if he wants to give up, his right hand sliding across the canvas trying to find a way to lift himself up and out of this hold, looking towards the ropes and wondering if he could reach them, not given enough time to think as John cranks the arm harder. Half the sold out crowd chants and cheers him on, wanting him to be the first to make this legendary figure tap out and become the new World champion, the other half clearly Priest fans and booing John as they wish their idol to break free of the submission and defeat the challenger.
PS: Considering he's a former Cruiserweight champion and began calling himself the "Hardcore Assassin", John Thomas is surprising me with this scientific wrestling mind, he came in with a game plan and thus far it's working brilliantly.
Priest uses his right arm to lift half of his body off the canvas for a few seconds, pushing with his feet before dropping again, trying not to scream in agony at the toll the armbar is taking on his left arm. He slowly makes his way across the ring, dragging John with him who still has the hold locked in tight, reaching.......reaching.......
DG: He got the rope, the hold has to be broken.
The referee tells John to release the hold, Thomas ignoring him as he begins to count, reaching four before the challenger finally releases his grip on Priest's left arm. The fans go wild again, chanting for both men, John taking in the crowd's reaction, using it to fuel him as he stomps and kicks the champion, stopping him from getting to his feet. The fans seem to be all over John both positively and negatively, the challenger waiting for the champ to get to one knee before rushing forwards and connecting with a running knee lift to the jaw, Priest down again as he rolls under the bottom rope and out of the ring, holding his jaw to make sure there's no damage to it and taking a moment to catch his breath, John waiting inside the ring and keeping an eye on his larger opponent as the referee begins the mandatory ten count.
PS: Looks like John's doing the sensible thing here and staying in the ring rather than rush outside where he could be at a disadvantage.
DG: Looks like you spoke too soon again Phil.
John stands clutching the top rope as the referee tells him to keep it in the ring, waiting for Priest to turn and face him then leaping up, pushing his legs forwards as his feet rush through the ropes and connect with Priest's chest, the dropkick sending him flying into the barricade as Thomas slides back in the ring, the referee once more beginning the ten count.WRITE MATCH Both Slipknot and A Perfect Circle performed live as these two men entered the ring and to begin with, John Thomas dominated, picking apart one of Priest's arms but after a little back and forth action midway through, The Assassination was blocked and the Priest Driver connected
PS: He's going for The Assassination, we could have a brand new World Heavyweight champion right here Derrick, could this young athlete end Priest's reign with this move?
John tries to his the move, seemingly struggling and his body jerking as Priest blocks, clutching the top rope with a hand and the challenger's clothes with the other, slowly getting uprght and causing John Thomas to hang upside down behind Priest's back, the champion tightly gripping John's legs then throwing him down hard, the challenger laying in a heap on the canvas below as Priest climbs down from the turnbuckle, the fans chanting and going wild at what just happened. A replay window opens up with Priest gaining his breath back by leaning against the ropes while we see what happened.
DG: The champ just hit an Alabama Slam from the top rope Phil, what balance.
PS: I'm not concerned about his balance right now, John Thomas landed hard on his neck, he looks hurt.
EMTs and officials begin to rush towards the ring bringing a stretcher and hardboard with them but Priest chases them away and hits a big boot to a referee, causing everyone who hasn't yet entered the ring to stay out of his reach, the fans booing the champ's actions right now as he moves towards the "Hardcore Assassin", picking him up and raising his body onto his own right shoulder, draping Thomas in front of him then dropping him with the Priest Driver, leaning against the challenger's chest as the referee kneels beside them and begins to count.
1....
2....
3!!
*DING DING DING*
LW: Here is your winner....and STIIILL CWF World Heavyweight champion.....PRIEST!!!
PS: He did it, Priest has retained in one of the greatest World title matches in recent years, that was one hell of an athletic contest but what did Priest have to go and do that for right at the end? Talk about a lack of sportsmanship.
DG: I kinda agree Phil, a lot of times it looked like we'd have a new champ but Priest pulled it off as he's done since beating Christian Connolly, what a fitting end to this era but he's the champion, he did what he had to do and he'll be damned if his title matches are stopped by officials or EMTs.
PS: You may be right even if I don't like it but as for the actions before that moment, I couldn't agree more Derrick, I really couldn't. I'd like to thank each and every one of you fans at home aswell as those in attendance tonight for joining us on this ride, thanks for the memories and I'm sure we'll be doing this again in future.
The fans in the Ford Field Center watch and cheer as both Priest and John Thomas get to their feet and stare at each other, the challenger making it using the ropes to help and rising much more slowly, Priest extending his arm and Thomas taking him by the hand, the firm handshake being the perfect mark of respect between these two men. John leaves the ring through the ropes holding the back of his neck, leaving Priest to stare down at the CWF World Heavyweight championship, losing himself in the moment before raising the gold high above his head, confetti raining down from the rafters and pyrotechnics exploding all over the arena as the final shot shows the victorious champion soaking in the electricity from this jam packed arena.
