A massive crowd is seen gathered in front of the Amway Arena in Orlando, FL.  The doors are open and people are streaming inside as a classic 80's-style rock riff plays.  The song is a Metallica cover of Bob Seger's "Turn the Page".  As the rock anthem plays, fading still frames and video clips are shown depicting many of the wild and raucous moments from the historical promotions of yesteryear, with scenes of guys like Dusty Rhodes, Ted Dibiase, Terry Funk, the Steiners, the Road Warriors, and dozens more all in their prime and surrounded by hundreds of fans in dozens of small arenas while working for dozens of long-defunct promotions.

The video gives way to an indoor video feed of a very healthy audience in attendance here at the Amway arena.  The crowd, which has everything from haggard old men to small children, is enthusiastically chanting "NGW!" at the familiar man in the ring.

In the center of the ring, Hulk Hogan is standing, in a tailored suit, with long-time friend "Mean" Gene Okerlund, Atlanta sportscaster Tony Schiavone, and knowledgeable wrestling play by play man Mike Tenay.  Once the crowd begins to settle a bit, Okerlund raises the microphone and begins to speak.

Mean Gene: "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to..."

The crowd erupts into a fresh round of cheers and chants, cutting Gene off mid-sentence.  Okerlund looks around at Hogan and the Immortal One is laughing and taking in the moment with the classic announcing duo.  After a moment to let the fans have their say, Okerlund tries again.

Mean Gene: "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the inaugural installment of Next Generation Wrestling!  I'm 'Mean' Gene Okerlund and I'm joined at this time by my fellow broadcast journalists, Mike and Tony, and by the former 12 time World Heavyweight Champion, Hulk Hogan!"

Gene hands the mic over to Hulk to let the man have his say.

Hogan: "Let me tell you something, Gene!"

Again the crowd goes crazy.  Hulk feigns surprise and looks this way and that before raising a hand to his ear to listen to each of the four sides of the ring.

Hogan: "Let me tell you something, Gene!  This is holy ground, brother!  Back in the day, big guys and little guys came to Florida from all over the place to learn the ropes.  Something about the air down here lit a fire in 'em, Gene!  Some of the biggest names in wrestling passed through town right here 2, 3, 4, 5 decades ago.  Every one of these people grew up with heroes in the ring and on TV, brother.  I don't care if they're 17... or 75!"

The camera pans the audience and zooms in on an incredibly old-looking geezer holding up a sign reading "Hogan fears Milo Steinborn".

Hogan: "So, tonight, we're gonna add some pages to the history books.  I want these kids sittin' out here on their daddies' knees to be able to look back in a hundred years and say, 'When I was a kid, brother, I saw a guy knock another guy out with a chair.  I saw a guy pick up a three-hundred pound dude with one hand and drop him right on his head!  I remember wrestling, the way it was supposed to be!"

The crowd is in an absolute frenzy by this point and pops even louder when a loud "WHOOOO!" snaps over the P.A.  "Also Sprach Zarathustra" plays solemnly as the Nature Boy, Ric Flair, steps out into the entrance and saunters to the ring, resplendent in three piece Armani.  Flair enters the ring and bows to the crowd in attendance before lifting his own microphone.

Flair: "WHOOO!"

Crowd: "WHOOO!!!"

Flair: "Whoo!  That feels right!  You people need to calm down now and save some for later, because this party's gonna last all... night... long!"

The crowd erupts again for Flair's enthusiasm and Flair shakes hands with Gene, Mike, and Tony.  Eventually, Flair comes face to face with Hulk Hogan.

Flair: "HOGAN! I can't believe I'm standin' here lookin' at your ugly face.  Whoo!  After all the sneaky, underhanded things we did to each other for all those years an' all the times we got it on in the ring, I never thought I'd live to see the day that I'd feel good about shakin' your hand."

Hogan: "The feeling is mutual, Ric.  I never liked you, and the Hulkamaniacs sure didn't like you!  Times change though, brother, and bygones are bygones.  With the cash our wives let us keep, the time was right.  The time was right for Hulk Hogan and the Nature Boy to start writin' checks and makin' phone calls to the best talent out there."

Flair: "You're damn right!  Now, after months of internet hype and commercials, it's time for us to give these folks what they came for... some action!  Whoo!  I could stand in this ring all night.  Let's get this show on the road!  Get ready for the Next Generation of Wrestling!"

Hogan, Flair, and Gene head to the back as Schiavone and Tenay take their places at the announce position near ringside.  Beat-heavy hip-hop music reverberates through the arena as the crowd pops for Bobby Lashley's appearance!  Lashley folds his arms over his chest and looks over the crowd as he is joined by Elijah Burke and the "Alpha Male" Monty Brown.  The trio make their way down to ringside to await their opponents.

After a momentary pause, long-time rookie-beater Bob "Hardcore" Holly comes out to a staccato, no-nonsense rock theme, followed by Finlay and his wee accomplice Hornswoggle skipping down to an Irish stepping tune.  Lastly, the crowd pops for "The Big Show" Paul Wight as the giant lumbers down to the ring.  Wight, Holly, and Finlay all enter the ring and challenge their opponents while Hornswoggle disappears beneath the ring.

Bobby Lashley & The Serengeti Express

Paul Wight, Hardcore Holly, and Finlay w/Hornswoggle

Finlay and Burke start things off with the Irish veteran taking an immediate advantage over his opponent.  It's a wrestling clinic for Burke who is put through a chain of basic holds and transitions before suffering a European uppercut that drops him to his back.  Burke is up in a fury and charges Finlay, who drops and pulls down the top rope, sending Burke falling headlong to the floor.  The crowd cheers.

Schiavone: "That's how it all begins for Next Generation Wrestling, folks!  I'm Tony Schiavone, and this is my broadcast colleague, 'The Professor'.  This is 'Iron' Mike Tenay!"

Tenay: "Thanks, Tony!  This opening matchup is destined to be a hotly contested one.  Each of these men has something to prove to co-owners Hogan and Flair, and the Belfast Brawler has fired the first shot in the conflict."

Finlay tags in Holly to perform a double hiptoss on Burke.  Before the abuse can continue, however, Burke taps Holly's eye with a thumb and makes the tag to Lashley.  Holly greets Lashley with stinging right hands, but Lashley openly no-sells the blows and grips Holly for a stiff belly-to-belly suplex.  The next couple of minutes are simply a power exhibition for the former Army strongman, as he unleashes a variety of slams and suplexes on Holly.  Burke is tagged back in to continue the abuse, but a double team attack on Holly brings all six men into the ring.  In the turmoil, the ref takes a hard bump and order breaks down.

Schiavone: "Somebody get some help out here!  This thing's gotten completely out of hand!"

Big Show clotheslines both Brown and Burke over the top rope to the floor. and Lashley is left alone in the ring with all three of his opponents.  Panicking, Lashley levels Wight with a Spear  and turns to face Finlay.  Holly catches Lashley from behind and pummels him down to a knee with heavy forearms.  On cue, Hornswoggle appears from beneath the ring and tosses a wooden shillelagh to Finlay.  Lashley recovers and drops Holly with a boot to the midsection, but turns around and walks right into a shillelagh shot to the forehead.  The crowd pops for the weapon and for the leprechaun that enters the ring!

Tenay: "Leprechauns are mythical creatures from early Celtic folklore who are known for their secret hoards of treasure and also for their love of high risk maneuvers."

Finlay drags Lashley's prone form perpendicular to the turnbuckle and Hornswoggle climbs, much to the crowd's delight.  No one notices that Burke and the Alpha Male have recovered.  Brown slides into the ring.  Burke, on the outside, pulls Lashley out of harm's way just as Hornswoggle leaps from the top rope attempting the Tadpole Splash.  Brown charges in like a madman.  **POUNCE!!!**  The impact of the explosive tackle catches Hornswoggle in mid-air and sends his limp form careening over the top rope to land headfirst in a heap against the crowd barricade.  Brown rolls out of the ring and he and Burke retreat backstage, being chased by Holly as Finlay screams for paramedics while crouching protectively over his half-sized ward.  The referee comes to amidst the tumult and is looking around for someone to disqualify.  All he sees is Lashley hitting Big Show with a second Spear and making the cover.  Lashley gets the 1, 2, 3 and the win for his team.

Winners: Lashley, Burke, and Brown via Pinfall in 9:27

As Lashley celebrates by taunting a kid in the front row, the scene shifts to a lavish office suite backstage.  Hulk Hogan, still in his suit, sits in an executive chair and faces two men.  The pair are middle-aged and paunchy but look to be full of energy as Hogan gives them their marching orders.

Hogan: "Alright, brothers, you know what to do out there.  That tag team stuff is easy, especially for a couple'a guys who came up through the ranks when wrestling was makin' the big bucks like you two!"

Brutus Beefcake:  "Hell, yeah, Hulkster!  These kids are gonna find out how tight a headlock can get!  Maybe even a hammerlock if I can remember how!"

Brian Knobbs:  "Whoa, whoa, whoa... don't go gettin' crazy yet!  We gotta get to the ring an' wear 'em down a while before we start breakin' out those big moves!"

Hogan bangs his fist on the desk and everyone is silent for a moment before Hogan relaxes and speaks again.

Hogan:  "Calm down, guys.  I know you're looking forward to kickin' some butt out there, but we're not 40-year-old kids anymore.  Your opponents tonight are a couple'a young guys that probably never had 30 matches between 'em, but they're in good shape an' they're hungry.  I want you guys to do good out there, but I want ya to be safe, so I'm sendin' big Matt out there to watch your backs."

Hogan gestures at Matt Morgan, who has been standing silently behind Hogan's desk the entire time.  Morgan simply nods his head as the camera zooms in and then cuts.

We see an elaborate film package highlighting the Harlem Heat's signing with NGW.  Their debut is dated as "Coming Soon... SUCKA!!!"

Back on the arena floor, classic metal music is playing as Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake and "Nasty Boy" Brian Knobbs make their way to ringside with powerhouse Matt Morgan following slowly behind.  The music shifts to a more ominous late-nineties flavor as introductions are made for members of the Natural Born Thrillers.

Brutus Beefcake & Brian Knobbs w/Matt Morgan

Shawn Stasiak & Reno

Knobbs and Beefcake go wild with punches and chops to clear the ring as the bell sounds.  The aging stars celebrate with the raucous crowd as the Thrillers regroup on the floor. After stalling for a couple of minutes, the referee finally backs Knobbs off long enough to allow Reno to re-enter the ring.  Knobbs rushes in again to establish dominance, but is met with a drop toehold.  Reno puts on an uncharacteristic display of technical proficiency that Knobbs simply can't keep up with.  At the five minute mark, Knobbs is obviously blown up and tags in Beefcake to take over.

Schiavone: "OHHH!  Business is about to pick up as Brutus Beefcake laces into Reno with stiff right hands!  Look at him go!"

Tenay:  "The concept of beefcake photography has been a staple of gay pornography for over 60 years, Tony!"

By the six minute mark, Beefcake is blown up as well and is decimated by Stasiak with a series of slams and suplexes intended to hurt the former Zodiac.  With Beefcake laid out in the ring, and Knobbs still sitting on the ring apron catching his breath, the entire Natural Born Thrillers faction comes charging out of the back and into the ring!

Schiavone:  "Oh my!  Chuck Palumbo!  There's Sean O'Haire!  I can't believe it!  There's Mark Jindrak, followed by... um... that's... ah..."

Tenay:  "That's 'Above Average' Mike Sanders, Tony!  The former UCW American Junior Heavyweight Champion is a dangerous competitor and a regular performer on the comedy stage of the Orlando Improv three blocks from here!"

Schiavone:  "Right you are, Professor!"

The referee vigorously calls for the bell and disqualifies the Thrillers as the entire faction begins to pound and stomp on Beefcake.  Stasiak hoists him to his feet and holds him while Palumbo caves his face in with a Jungle Kick.  Knobbs attempts to rush the ring, but gets manhandled by the far more powerful Jindrak who drills Knobbs in the temple with a running knee as the older grappler is struggling to get through the ropes.  The bell continues to ring as referees run toward ringside to stop the assault.

Winners: Beefcake and Knobbs via DQ in 8:33

Unable to watch more carnage unfold, Matt Morgan climbs in the ring.  Morgan is rushed by Stasiak, Reno, and Palumbo, who pound him to a knee with heavy forearm and punches.  Morgan rises up furiously and clotheslines both Stasiak and Palumbo to the floor before whipping Reno across the ring.  On the rebound, Reno gets his face taken off with a huge bicycle kick from Morgan who then strides over to get in Jindrak's face.  After a brief face-off, Jindrak bitch-slaps Morgan in the face, prompting Morgan to grab Jindrak by the throat for a choke lift.  Jindrak halts the lift with a sharp kick to Morgan's groin.  Morgan staggers backward and is hoisted up onto the shoulders of Sean O'Haire.  WIDOW MAKER!!!  With this, O'Haire and the rest of the NBT vacate the ring.  Morgan is slowly getting to his feet and trainers are assisting Beefcake and Knobbs out of the ring.

As the scene at ringside is dealt with, the cameras move backstage to one Mean Gene Okerlund.

Mean Gene:  "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm joined at this time by two former World Wrestling Entertainment champions, Dave Batista and Rey Misterio, Jr.!"

Rey and Batista step into the frame smiling at a joke one of them had told off-screen.

Mean Gene:  "Fellas, you two have obviously shown up to make an impact in Next Generation Wrestling.  What can we expect to see from you two?  Perhaps a run at tag team gold?"

Misterio:  "Never say never, Gene.  We've held tag team titles before in a past life, man, an' it could happen again any time!  The bigges' thing we're looking forward to is getting to work with some old amigos y enemigos as well as some new faces."

Batista:  "Damn right.  I'd love to tag up with Rey here any time, but I also want to lock horns with the biggest, baddest, and toughest guys on the roster.  The Animal is ready to be unleashed!!!"

Mean Gene:  "I can't wait to see it!  Thank you, gentlemen, and best of luck here in NGW.  Moving along, I'm going to try and get a word with another high profile pair."

Gene walks away from Rey and Batista who continue their repartee and moves a short distance down the corridor to approach Santino Marella and the lovely Beth Phoenix.  Beth smiles at Gene as Santino turns to face the venerable interviewer.

Mean Gene:  "Glamarella... you two are certainly poised to become a power couple here in NGW.  What are your plans now that the company is getting off the ground?"

Santino:  "Mean-a Gene Okra-land... This is a real surprise, no?  I bet you-a never thought you would-a have the chance to hold a microphone for the beautiful Beth a-Phoe-nox and her Italian lover, the bes' wrestler inna the world, a-Santino Marella!"

Santino moves behind Beth and hugs her tightly around the waist.

Beth:  "Does this place even have a Women's Championship?  I'd hate to think I'm about to hurt some girls for nothing."

Before Gene can answer, a slender arm from off-screen reaches in and pulls the microphone over.  Panning out, we see that Sable has inserted herself into the conversation.

Sable:  "Hello, Gene.  Beth, you shouldn't concern yourself with a championship yet, missy.  I have been spending a lot of time with my personal trainer and I am ready for another run in the ring.  Unfortunately, I don't think a latter-day candy-ass diva like you can give me much to work with out there..."

Santino:  "Now, just a minute, Sa-bel, you crafty min-ix, you!  My Beth can beat anyone-a, anywhere, an' any tiiime...  I'm-a glad they let you out of-a the nursing home to come an' see some of the boys you use' to fool aroun' with inna nineteen ninety six, but you don' wanna mess with-a Glamarella, unless-a your new trainer issa lot tougher than the the Marc Mer-man!"

Beth smiles evilly and Santino looks smugly at Sable.  Sable grins and Gene steps out of the scene nervously as the camera pans out yet again to reveal that Mr. Sable himself, MMA star Brock Lesnar is standing right behind Santino.  Santino catches on that something is wrong and slowly turns, swallowing in fear, to face the Next Big Thing in NGW.  Chuckling nervously, Santino extends his hand to shake with Brock.  Brock is smiling as though he is amused and he accepts the handshake from Santino.  Both men are chuckling and Beth seems to visibly relax.  Abruptly, Lesnar comes around with his left hand to deliver a brutal roundhouse punch that knocks Santino instantly unconscious.  Lesnar drops Santino to the floor, and walks off with his wife at his side, still chuckling, as Beth screams for help and tries to revive her man.

Back on the arena floor, Mike Adamle is waiting in the ring.

Adamle:  "Orlando, are you ready for some NJW Women's Championship action?"

The crowd reacts positively, with only a few "you suck" chant.  Classic mobster-movie-like Italian music begins to play as the first competitor begins to walk down the ramp.

Adamle:  "Our first competitor, from New York City, she is the Full-Bodied Italian... Trinity!"

Trinity makes her way to ring and the former stuntwoman turn pro wrestler poses on the turnbuckles as a harsh, staccato music pipes in.  The march-like beat is a precursor to the woman who steps out onto the ramp.  She is clad in a tight leather long-sleeved halter with matching hotpants and a red beret, looking like a cross between a Playboy playmate and a militaristic dictator.

Adamle:  "Here is her first opponent, making her professional wrestling demue, or rather, excuse me, debut, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, she is mixed martial arts sensation Gina "Conviction" Carano!"

Finally, familiar music causes a loud round of cheers as the paparazzi rush out to surround a red carpet and wait for Melina's entrance.  Adamle makes the proper introduction as Melina poses and slinks to the ring.

Tenay:  "Tony, someone should let Adamle know that this is N-G-W, and that there is no title on the line tonight for these ladies."

Schiavone:  "You're absolutely right again, Professor, but this is a high profile match nonetheless.  The first time these women will collide, and the wrestling debut of Carano... HISTORY WILL BE MADE IN THIS MATCH!!!"

Trinity

Melina

The match itself has some good spots as Melina and Trinity put on a women's wrestling clinic in the ring to start things off.  Melina takes control early with forearms and kicks but the extreme Trinity takes over with a wrist suplex and follows up with a brutal knee to the head.  Trinity stands up to celebrate and gets dropped by a left-right punching combo from Carano.  Trinity topples backward and Carano drives her down with a standing axe kick before she even hits the mat!  Carano raises her hands as if in victory, but Melina springs on her from behind locking on a sleeper hold.  Carano reacts without thinking, spins out of the hold and pushes Melina back into the ropes.  Before Carano can get better position, the referee demands that the ladies separate.  On the mat, Trinity has begun to stir and rolls out of the ring holding her head.

Melina screams like a banshee and dares Carano to bring it on.  Carano walks in slowly, maintaining a defensive stance.  Melina shrieks in pain as Carano kicks her in the side of the knee...hard.  After two more kicks, Melina dives at Carano, tackling her in desperation.  Carano lets Melina's momentum drive them down and locks in a tight guillotine choke.  Carano stretches Melina brutally, but the referee calls for the choke to be broken and gets to a 2 count as Carano relinquishes the hold.  Melina, gasping, takes advantage of the confusion and mounts Carano.  Gina stays very relaxed and covers up her face with her forearms as Melina begins to rain down punches.  Melina throws rights hard and fast for a moment, but when her rhythm slows just a bit, Carano bucks her hips and slides out from under her opponent, gripping Melina's left wrist in the process.  Quick as a cat, Carano stands, hammerlocks Melina, and puts a knee on the back of her neck.  After about three seconds of pressure, Melina is about to tap, but Trinity comes from nowhere with a missile dropkick to Carano's back.

Carano is sent sprawling and Trinity covers Melina.  Melina only barely kicks out at 2.  Trinity argues with the referee about the count, then notices Carano walking toward her.  Trinity lunges in with a forearm shot, which Carano takes on the chest, followed by another, and a third.  Trinity runs and hits the far ropes and rebounds for a clothesline, but Carano takes a running step, leaps, and drills Trinity in the chin with a high knee.  With Trinity prone on the ground, Carano turns her attention back to Melina, who is up on her hands and knees.  Carano respectfully backs away while Melina gets to her feet.  As soon as Melina is up, Carano delivers a lunging side kick to her already battered leg.  Melina completely loses her footing and falls on her  backside, screaming.  Carano pounces forward and axe kicks Melina in the face, silencing her and dropping her stone cold unconscious to the mat while disfiguring her nose and spraying blood down onto her chin and chest.  The referee immediately signals for the bell and pulls Carano into a neutral corner.  Carano immediately raises her hands and celebrates, literally jumping up and down with excitement over her debut win as the crowd in attendance roars its approval.

Winner: Gina Carano via Match Stoppage (KO) in 6:02

Certain highlights of the match are shown, including the finish, shown in slow motion from multiple angles.

Schiavone:  "Look at those lethal martial arts kicks!  Devastating!"

Tenay:  "Tony, Gina Carano is a master of Muay Thai kickboxing, probably trained by legendary Street Fighter Sagat."

Schiavone:  "Probably so, Mike.  Let's take a look at some of the other exciting ladies we'll be seeing in action on Next Generation Wrestling!"

A lengthy video package plays highlighting some action sequences starring Beth Phoenix, Carano, Trinity, Victoria, and indy star MsChif.  All of the featured women are made to look dominant in their respective footage.

Back in the ring, the crew has mopped up the remains of Melina and trainers have helped both the Diva and Trinity to the back.  Adamle is visibly reading a cue card as he announces "The Masterpiece" Chris Masters.  Masters stalks out for his elaborate pose down entrance looking like a Greek god chiseled from stone, but with a darkness around his eyes from years of fighting for survival on the indy circuit.  This isn't the kid who debuted in WWE all those years ago.  This is a survivor.

Next, blue laser lights shoot through the darkness and dry ice steams and fogs over the entrance ramp as Glacier makes his first wrestling appearance in years!  Glacier strides to the ring and enters, performing an elaborate karate kata in the center of the ring.

Tenay:  "Glacier has returned to his roots and now carries on the tradition of meshing ancient Oriental fighting styles with Western entertainment, much like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Kwang the Ninja."

Schiavone:  "I agree with that assessment, but I'm not sure if I'd put Chan in the same league as Bruce and Kwang.  Let's get this underway!"

"The Masterpiece" Chris Masters

Glacier

The bell rings and the two men circle each other warily for a moment and then lock up mid-ring.  The opening minutes are dominated by Masters' superior strength. The Masterpiece has his way with the icy gaijin and finally whips him to the ropes.  On the rebound, Glacier narrowly ducks the double axe chop and counters by hitting a spinning heel kick on the second pass.

Glacier takes control for a while, using his superior speed and martial arts prowess to bring some real pain to the younger powerhouse.  Glacier attempts to halt Masters with stinging kicks.  During a flurry, Glacier delivers two quick kicks to the knee of the big man and then drives the air out of him with two swift roundhouses to the gut.  Quickly, Glacier leaps and drives a spinning back kick into Masters' solar plexus, *GLACIER BREAKER!*, sending the Masterpiece to the canvas.  Glacier covers for 2, but Masters bench presses him off.  Glacier gets to his feet first and when Masters stands, the former karate champion lunges forward with a Cryonic kick.  Masters narrowly avoids the blow by dropping to the mat and rolling out of the ring.

Glacier gets anxious and follows Masters to the outside, which proves to be a mistake as Masters whips him into the guard rail and rains down punches on him until Glacier goes limp.  Masters rolls back in the ring and flexes as the referee reaches a 6 count.  Glacier is crawling slowly up the side of the ring and barely rolls in at 9 and a half.  Masters pulls Glacier to his feet and locks him in a half-nelson.  Before Masters can lock in the other arm, Glacier slips the hold and switches behind Masters.  Glacier calls up some energy reserves as he clamps on the Ice Pick!

Masters fades to a knee but suddenly powers up and judo throws Glacier over his shoulder to the mat with a surge of power.  Masters then flexes and roars like a madman!

Schiavone:  "My God... Masters... He's HULKING UP!!!"

Tenay:  "Tony, Chris Masters spent a lot of his time away from the big leagues touring Europe, where many wrestlers utilize an all-or-nothing, adrenaline-fueled offense known across the pond as Fighting Spirit to overcome fatigue and injury in a last-ditch effort to beat the odds and win the match."

Schiavone:  "Like I said... He's HULKING UP!!!"

Glacier scrambles to his feet and rushes Masters in a moment of panic, but the Masterpiece lays him out with a double axe-handle to the face.  Masters leaves Glacier writhing on the mat and takes a moment to pose for the cameras and fans in attendance.  Only when Glacier starts to get to his feet does Masters rush him from behind and cinch in the Masterlock!!!  It's all academic as Glacier begs for submission almost the instant Masters locks the hands.

Winner: Masters via Submission in 5:09

Masters lets Glacier go and then plants a boot on the back of his neck.  Masters demands a microphone and continues to put pressure on the spine of the frosty gladiator.  Mic in hand, Masters is about to address the audience, but wait!  Out sprints Ernest "The Cat" Miller to a surprisingly positive reaction from the Orlando crowd.  Masters is caught off-guard and Miller slides into the ring unopposed and connects with a quick high roundhouse kick combo to the head of the winner.  Masters staggers and the Cat wastes no time.  Miller runs up the nearest turnbuckles and rebounds toward Masters with a spinning roundhouse.  Masters ducks at the last second and Miller lands awkwardly in front of him.  Taking advantage of the misstep, Masters clamps the Masterlock on the Cat!  Masters brutally shakes the Cat like a rag doll while pressing hard on the back of the neck of the three time World Karate Champion.  Tiring of the assault, Masters flings Miller to the mat and retrieves his dropped microphone.

Masters:  "Now you know... it was never broken... not really... I swear.  I'm gonna be the man to beat around here, because no one... not even God Himself... can break MY MasterLock!!!"

With a dark look in his eyes, Masters exits the ring, leaving Glacier to try and help Miller back to his feet.

We cut away to the opulent and classy office of the Nature Boy, NGW co-owner Ric Flair.  Ric is conversing animatedly with members of the Natural Born Thrillers.

Flair:  "Brilliant!  Whoo!  I knew you wouldn't let me down!  Reno, Stasiak, you guys got in the history books tonight!  You were the real winners!  Chuck, Mark, you guys looked badass out there, a couple'a real killers!  And Sean... where's Sean?"

The partying Thrillers glance around and see that Sean O'Haire is leaning against the door facing looking disinterested in what Flair has to say.  Mike Sanders approaches O'Haire and clears his throat to get the brooding brawler's attention.  O'Haire ignores Sanders completely, but fixes a hard stare on Flair.

O'Haire:  "Here."

Flair:  "Look at this guy!"

Flair gets up and walks across the room to stand beside O'Haire and begins promoting him.

Flair:  "This guy is what every one of you needs to be!  He's got the killer instinct, the brains, the looks!  Whoo!  Sean, Whoo!  Sean, you can have it all!  The cars, the women, the private jet!  You're everything those has-beens of Hogan's wish they had been when they were younger! Wh--"

O'Haire:  "ENOUGH!!!  Stop 'whoo-ing' at me, Flair.  You think I'm great.  You're right and let's leave it at that.  I want Matt Morgan.  Make that happen and I'll have a reason to go party with you and the rest of the boys.  Until then, I'm just a pawn in your game with Hulk."

Sanders:  "Mr. Flair isn't playing games, Sean!  Next Generation Wrestling is serious business, and Knobbs and Beefcake were a couple'a goofs who were way outta their league.  Those two jokes deserved what they got!  Those losers are just..."

O'Haire:  "...just a couple of old men who love wrestling too much to ever be able walk away.  Now they just show up, do their diminished best, and hope the fans still care.  It's a theme here."

With that, O'Haire slips out the door and leaves, with Sanders following him yelling off into the distance.  The rest of the Thrillers look very uncomfortable at the outcome of the victory party and Flair is staring at the floor.

Palumbo:  "Hey, Ric.  Sean can be a jerk sometimes, man.  He's never been the same since he rode with Piper for a few months.  He don't even like himself, man, and he ain't got any respect for the business, sometimes.  He's always throwin' his weight around tryin' to tell people..."

Flair:  "Shut up, Chuck.  He didn't tell me anything I didn't already know.  You guys go party without me.  I have to get some work done."

The Thrillers go off looking for trouble and Flair moves back behind his desk.  Easing into his chair, Ric begins shuffling through some papers.  Suddenly, the office door swings open and Kimberly Page comes dashing in!  Kim still looks great and Ric grins even as she dashes toward him and scoots around behind the desk.

Kim:  "RIC!  HELP!  The short guy from Lethal Weapon just tried to feel me up at the catering table, and he's headed this way!"

Before Flair can even react, the door swings open and in walks disgraced Embassy member Dean Malenko!  Flair stands and raises his fists to ward off the Solid Gold invader.  Malenko doesn't seem to be the least bit intimidated, though and stops just short of the desk to grin at Flair and Kimberly.  Seeing Malenko in good cheer makes Flair relax and the Nature Boy reaches out to shake hands with the Man of 1000 Holds.

Flair:  "You.  What in the hell are you doin' here on my show!?  Spyin' for Bischoff?  KIM!!!  Put down the stapler!  This is the short guy from Die Hard, Dean Malenko!  Pour the three of us some coffee, beautiful, and we'll see what Mr. Malenko thinks he's doin' in Orlando."

Malenko:  "Heh. heh.  Thanks, Naitch.  You always gave me a square deal, an' that's why I'm here.  Things are going to hell over in S-G-dub, and Eric can't keep a handle on the talent.  Real unprofessional outfit over there, Ric.  It's not like the classy business you've got going here.  This is real stylin' and profilin', Horsemen-style!"

Malenko grins and shows the 4 Horsemen hand sign.  Ric waves off the gesture and sips his coffee, with a sardonic smile on his face.  Malenko's grin finally fades.

Malenko:  "What?"

Flair:  "Dean, Dean, Dean... Ric Flair, the Nature Boy!... has a lot of resources and contacts in this business.  I know that you're out, Dean-o.  You're a broken man, with nowhere to go.  Your friends turned against you, you got embarrassed, and now you have an axe to grind against your employer."

Malenko:  "What!?  How could you know all of that!?"

Flair:  "TiVO!  Your little dust-up got caught on tape and it aired live on Eric's show.  I checked it out myself last night in the hotel, my man.  So, finish your coffee, and hit the road, pal.  This is Next Generation Wrestling, not an infomercial for the competition!"

Malenko:  "Wait! Okay, Ric.  I got my ass whipped.  I got punked out by the saddest-lookin' kid I ever met, beat up by him and his friends, and almost got fed to a creepy African guy's pet Samoan.  I left right then and just went home.  This morning, I got a package from Fed-Ex from one of Uncle Eric's people with a pink slip in it."

Flair:  "Sounds right."

Malenko:  "So, the hell with 'em.  SGW didn't fork over enough to get most of us guys to sign no-competes, so me an' my tag team partner came here tonight to check it out and see about gettin' jobs with Next Generation."

Flair:  "Alright, alright.  Who's your partner, Dean?"

Malenko:  "Ric... As if you don't know!  You practically put us together back in the day.  He's been waiting in the hallway until I got the ice broke.  Ric, Kimberly... CHRIS BENOIT!!!!"

The door swings open and Kim faints in a heap on the floor.  Ric jumps up and staggers backward making the sign of the cross over his heart and cursing in a moment of uncharacteristic wild-eyed panic.  After a second, SGW high-flyer Billy Kidman strides into the room followed by an effervescent Jillian Hall!  Flair visibly relaxes upon NOT seeing a shambling undead murderer in his office, but appears a little pissed at the prank.  Jillian quietly kneels beside Kimberly and starts to rouse her.

Kidman:  "Calm down, old-timer.  Like Dean was saying, Chris Benoit once said back in our past life that I was the best pure cruiserweight going.  That was probably the last sane thing he ever said, Ric.  But, Chris is dead, Ric, and Dean-o spent the last of his and Nancy's insurance money to buy out my contract with your competition this morning.  So here we are, Naitch.  The hottest tag team commodity on the market is sitting in your office."

Flair stares down Kidman and Malenko for several seconds as Kimberly and Jillian make small talk quietly to the side.  Kidman finally breaks the silence.

Kidman:  "Original... Cruiserweight."

Flair, suddenly inspired:  "Kimmie... draw up the contracts!  Now, let's talk about who you'll be debuting against next week..."

A pretaped vignette follows...

Mean Gene Okerlund: "Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is no stranger to wrestling fans around the world...Bret 'Hitman' Hart! Mr. Hart, it is a pleasure to have you here in the studio with us this afternoon."

Bret Hart: "Thanks, Gene. Glad to be here."

Okerlund: "You're looking well in comparison to many of your past public appearances if I might say. Cutting to the chase, you made contact with us in regard to a major announcement. Both Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair have dropped hints that you'll be making a major impact here in Next Generation Wrestling."

Hart: "That's right, Gene. A lot of fans probably won't like what I'm about to announce. Maybe some other fans will.  The truth is, I hope there are some chapters that haven't been written yet for the Hitman. Gene, I've been named Commissioner of Next Generation Wrestling and been handed full authority over the talent during our television and pay-per-view events.  Who knows, Gene?  If I'm calling the shots, I might even give it one more shot in the ring one of these days."

Bret grins broadly (with both sides of his mouth) as Gene looks concerned.

Gene, looking concerned: "Bret, it would no doubt be a phenomenal dream come true for all your fans to see you have one last match. Nonetheless, it's common knowledge that you've suffered a fairly major stroke and it would be next to impossible for you to withstand the rigors of any sort of in-ring activity without risking crippling injury!"

Hart: "Doctors put that death sentence on Shawn Michaels back in the nineties, and he's been back and been a world champion since then. I'll be damned if there is something Shawn can do that I can't. I've been undergoing some fairly experimental treatments at the University of Alberta Research Center in Edmonton with Dr. Keith Aronyk, and, uh,  I'm fine."

Gene: "What!? No offense, but people don't get 'fine' after a debilitating stroke!"

Hart: "I'm not 'people', Gene. I'm Bret Hart--the best there is, and the best there was. If the time comes that I feel a need to remind the fans, I might just step back in that ring and prove I'm the best that ever will be! I've beaten Steve Austin, I've beaten Shawn Michaels...I've even beaten a stroke! The physical therapy was hell, but it was nothing compared to spending an afternoon with Dad in the Dungeon when I was a teenager. Anyway, I'm not interested in lacing up the boots just for nostalgia's sake. The contracts are signed, the medical releases are filed, and I will be fulfilling the duties of the office of Commissioner effective immediately. I may not be competing, but the Excellence of Execution is back."

Gene, stunned: "um...er...Well, folks, there you have it! Some kind of miracle procedure in Canada, and Bret Hart is in good health and good spirits, and is slated to be the NGW Commissioner! Best of luck, Bret, and thanks for being here."

Gene, mumbling:  "I just hope he has the good sense to stay out of that ring..."

Back at the ring, Hulk Hogan is back in the ring with a microphone.  Matt Morgan is with him, looking pissed.

Hogan:  "You Hulkamaniacs out there are the best fans in the world!  Because of that, you deserve better than seein' a bunch a' punks gangin' up on Beefcake and Nasty out here.  And I know nobody wanted that goof Seanton O'Hara put his hands on big Matt Morgan when Matt was just tryin' ta watch out for his guys!"

The crowd reacts with a mixture of cheers and jeers for Morgan.

Hogan:  But I'm willing ta be the bigger man, 'Maniacs!  Next week, I'm givin' this big dude, Matt Morgan, a one-on-one shot at O'Haire.  Sean, brother, you got one week to make it right with the Big Brother in the Sky.  Double M ain't gonna be takin' any prisoners in this ring!"

Morgan shakes hands with Hogan and the two men share a sinister smile.  The crowd pops unexpectedly and both men turn their attention to the jumbotron to see Flair sitting at his desk surrounded by the Natural Born Thrillers, all save O'Haire.

Flair, on the tron:  "Hogan, Hogan, Hogan... You are, without a doubt, the biggest son of a bitch I ever worked with!  But... I like how your mind works.  I'll be glad to put my man O'Haire up against Morgan, and I'll go you one better.  I'd hate for your pals Brutus and Brian to miss their TV pay, so they'll get another shot at a tag team match."

Hogan:  "Sounds great!  Which two of your Natural Born Nobodies are my boys gonna steamroll?"

Flair:  "None of 'em!  Your guys had a chance against the Thrillers, whoo! and they couldn't get the job done!  Next week, your guys will be facing our newest acquisitions, the Original Cruiserweight, Billy Kidman, and the Man of 1000 Holds, Dean Malenko!  Until then, let's start the main event before these people riot!  You better vacate that ring before the music starts, fellas, because the Nature Boy, Whoo!, the Nature Boy called up an old buddy!"

Hogan and Morgan look at each other and then scramble out of the ring and toward the back as a staccato march begins to blare.  The fans absolutely lose their minds at the appearance of GOLDBERG!!!  'Da Man' does his iconic stance in the pyro shower and then storms to the ring to await his opponent.

Directly some goth-rock begins to pipe in and the main event is set as Kevin Thorn and Shelly Martinez make their way to ringside.  Goldberg looks on as Thorn steps up onto the apron and the entire crowd watches closely as Martinez slinks through the ropes, hanging upside down for a moment like a bat.  Martinez puts on a fairly erotic show of taking Thorn's topcoat off and then exits the ring.  The bell sounds and the match is underway.

Main Event

Kevin Thorn w/ Shelly Martinez

Goldberg circles Thorn menacingly, his agile steps showing no sign of hesitation even after the time he has spent away from the ring.  Thorn launches the first attack with a boot to Goldberg's mid-section.  Thorn follows up with heavy right hands.  Oblivious to the attacks, Goldberg seizes Thorn in a front chancery with a single arm underhook.  After driving a knee into the face of the Gothic Gladiator, Goldberg flips Thorn to the mat with a high-angle hiptoss. 

Thorn rolls out of the ring and clutches his lower back.  Goldberg waits patiently as Thorn clambers back in before the 6-count.  This time, Thorn doesn't get to hit first.  Goldberg charges in and drives Thorn in the turnbuckles with a shoulderblock.  Thorn tries to cover up as Goldberg rains down hurtin' bombs on his head and torso.  Goldberg backs up at the referee's direction, but then kicks Thorn right in the face when the vampire approaches him groggily!

Thorn is slow to get to his feet and throws a weak punch at the former champion.  Goldberg accepts the punch with a grunt, and then grips Thorn by the throat in a choke.  Before the ref can even call for a break, Goldberg transitions the hold into a military press!  Goldberg takes a few steps to show off his insurmountable strength, then drops Thorn onto his shoulder and plants him with a powerslam!

Goldberg signals for death with a thumb across the throat and walks across the ring to wait.  The crowd is roaring as Thorn gets to his feet.  Right on cue, Goldberg snaps Thorn in two with a brutal Spear.  Goldberg leaps to his feet, flexing, then pulls Thorn to a standing position.  As easily as lifting a child, Goldberg hoists Thorn up into a vertical suplex position, pivots, and drives him into the mat with a Jackhammer slam!  Goldberg hooks the far leg for the cover and the 1,2,3!!!

Winner: Goldberg via Pinfall at 4:59

Goldberg is looking down at Thorn and the crowd is going wild when the lights go out.  Utter darkness fills the arena for about ten seconds.  Once the lights return, Goldberg is standing alone in the ring.  He looks around in confusion, and then sees a familiar face surrounded by darkness on the jumbotron.  It's Vampiro!  Goldberg looks pissed at Vampiro for upstaging him.  The fans seem as confused as Goldberg does.

Vampiro:  "Bill... I've been waiting for you.  My time is nearly at hand.  Sleep lightly, Goldberg, and 'ware the dark places."

Vampiro fades out as Goldberg stands, hands on hips, in the center of the ring.  The crowd gasps and women scream as Goldberg is suddenly drenched in a mysterious red liquid falling from on high!  Amidst the tumult, Goldberg looks at the mat and clenches his blook-soaked fists.  Fade to black.

End