Meltdown XLIV: "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" || Results.

- XLIV -
”THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA.”

Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Saturday 28th September, 2024.





[Army of the Night || POWERWOLF]

There’s a raucous atmosphere in the arena as the broadcast begins, POWERWOLF blaring from the speakers as we pan around a packed State Farm Arena.

Rod Sterling: "Welcome, folks, to this special tag team edition of Meltdown, as we come to you live from Atlanta, Georgia for XIV! We have no less than four tag team matches for you tonight, including the semi-finals of the Elite Tag Team Classic… which we’re going to get started right now! Over to Katie-Lynn in the ring…"

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one-fall, with a twenty minute time limit… and is a first round match in the Elite Tag Team Classic! Introducing first, making their way to the ring, at a combined weight of four hundred and twenty pounds… ‘Baby’ Jean-Luc Watkins… ‘the Mad Wizard’ Konchu Hao… they are Vox Potentis!!"

Konchu and Jean-Luc appear on the stage, alongside Hao’s faithful minion Epsilon, to a generally positive reaction (mostly because all crowds love the exploits of the Mad Wizard). Konchu looks decidedly more confident than Jean-Luc, who looks around at the people assembled at the State Farm Arena. The two look a little more comfortable next to each other than they did last week, with Jean-Luc emboldened by their success in their last outing.

Rod Sterling: "We last saw Watkins and Hao team together three weeks ago in Washignton, where they managed to overcome Aaron Harrows and Brooklyn Steiner of Cinematic Universe. The Mad Wizard particularly looked impressive in that match, carrying most of the weight for his team as Jean-Luc sought to shake loose the ring rust."

Anzu Kurosawa: "Indeed, and Watkins will have to start holding up his end of the bargain if they are to progress much further in this tournament, let alone eventually capture the FWA World Tag Team Championships. It’ll be interesting to see if Vox Potentis have had a chance to work out any kinks in the three weeks since their debut."

Epsilon waits on the outside of the ring whilst Jean-Luc and Konchu take up position in their corner. They appear to be exchanging some last minute strategy as their music (or rather Konchu’s music) fades out. They look towards the stage as it’s replaced by…

[Rivers is a Vampire || Bear Ghost & Dan E.T.]

The crowd continues to cheer as Trash Mammal and Halloween Knight burst out from behind the curtain onto the stage. Knight is doing his usual schtick of a silly dance while Mammal slaps hands with a few fans along the way to the ring.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: ”Making their way down to the ring, weighing in at a combined weight of four-hundred & fifty-eight lbs…Halloween Knight and Trash Mammal…Trick or Trash!"

Rod Sterling: "Here comes a duo that opened up their tournament campaign with a victory over the Undisputed Alliance, and this was only the latest in a series of impressive triumphs for the pair - along with trios partner Juan Tothrefor - since their respective debuts. Many have underestimated Trick or Trash, and many have subsequently ended up on the losing end against them."

Trash Mammal and Halloween Knight enter the ring, where Konchu and Jean-Luc stare across it at them with mistrusting looks upon their faces. The two teams talk amongst themselves before deciding that it is to be Halloween Knight and (perhaps unsurprisingly) Konchu Hao that start this content off. Their partners climb out onto the apron as the official issues his final instructions, before calling for the opening bell…



Watkins releases his hold of Halloween Knight immediately, celebrating with Hao in the centre of the ring, in disbelief at the victory and his role in it. Konchu has a knowing smile on his face. Knight and Mammal retreat beneath the bottom rope, nursing their wounds reproachfully on the outside as the official lifts the hands of the victors within it.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Ladies and gentlemen… here are your winners: Jean-Luc Watkins and Konchu Hao… VOX POTENTIS!!"

Rod Sterling: "Maybe against the predictions of some, Vox Potentis progress to the tournament final at the expense of the plucky Trick or Trash."

Anzu Kurosawa: "They’ve booked their place in the finals, where they’ll meet the winners of tonight’s main event between NTR and Eternal. A tough match awaits them on Fallout 045, and arguably an even tougher one ahead of that against FTN."

Rod Sterling: "We’ll also see the champions in action later tonight, as they meet the Lumberjacks in a non-title match, a contest that will no doubt be the subject of a lot of attention from the bustling tag team division."

Anzu Kurosawa: "That’s all still to come tonight, but for now the moment belongs to Vox Potentis, who have surpassed expectations, but still have it all to do in this tournament…"

Epsilon joins the Mad Wizard and Baby in the ring, applauding their exploits and their victory as we fade away from the scene.



[Life is a Happy Song|| The Muppets]

The fans in the State Farm arena in Atlanta, Georgia come to their feet and begin to boo at the sound of the Muppets coming through the arena’s PA system. The FWA World Champion, Jeremy Best, makes his way out, looking a little more spry than last time we saw him on Fallout where he was being pushed out in a wheelchair by Sir Stache as he apparently had re aggravated his injuries from Back in Business. But while he still has his eye covered in a patch, the neck brace and wheelchair are gone and replaced with a walking cane. He is joined with the rest of the Friendship Wrestling Alliance - Sir Stache, Mejor Amigo, and Tonya Scott… well, missing, of course, is the currently out of action Bryan Baxter. With his left hand, the one not utilizing the cane, he offers a friendly wave to the hostile fans.

Rod Sterling: ”Jeremy Best seems to have had some improvement to his injuries since Fallout. Atlanta is one of the places he calls home, having spent a lot of time in the independents here before joining FWA… but this is certainly not a hometown hero welcome for the FWA Champion.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Does he really not hear the boos?”

Rod Sterling: ”I really think he is truly that delusional. He probably thinks they are saying Boo-est.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”And of course, noticeably absent here is Bryan Baxter after the events of Fallout.”

Rod Sterling: ”Yes, as I alluded too a moment ago, when we saw Jeremy Best on Fallout, he was last seen abandoning Bryan Baxter due to his supposed ‘injuries’ - leaving Baxter in a handicap situation to NTR. And even the monster that is Big Bryan Baxter could withstand the heinous assault from Danny Toner, Nova Diamond, and Ryan Rondo. And while Bryan Baxter had his skull crushed in by repeated chairshots, the Friendship Wrestling Alliance was nowhere to be seen.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”You have to wonder why Jeremy would do such a thing to someone he calls a friend? Someone who has been there for him - those are his own words. And now Jeremy has to worry about a title match against a HALL OF FAMER in Gabrielle Montgomery… and he’s going to have to do so without Bryan Baxter by his side.”

Jeremy and the rest of his cohorts climb up the ringsteps, with Sir Stache helping Jeremy up the steps and both he and Amigo hold the ropes open for both Jeremy and Tonya as they step into the ring. Jeremy makes his way to the middle of the ring, once again waves to the fans as Sir Stache brings him the microphone.

Jeremy Best: ”Hiya Besties!”

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Jeremy Best: ”I love each and every one of you! And this is such a special place to me. As many of you know, Atlanta is a place I have called home for many years now. And I know there’s so many Besties here tonight who have followed me since the beginning… so even though I am not in action tonight, I wanted to make sure I was here tonight… for you.”

”WE DON’T CLAIM YOU” *CLAPCLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP* ”WE DON’T CLAIM YOU!”

Jeremy Best: ”And as happy as I am to be here tonight… I’m also a little sad. I’m sad… because… my friend isn’t here with me tonight.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Because of you!”

Jeremy Best: ”Bryan Baxter… I know he he wishes he could be here with me tonight. I know he wishes he could be out here for ya’ll as well. But unfortunately… I don’t think we’re going to be seeing my friend Bryan for quite a while. Bryan went down a true hero. On Fallout, he stepped up when I couldn’t. It was the ultimate sacrifice.”

”FUCK YOU, JEREMY! FUCK YOU, JEREMY!”

Jeremy Best: ”Ok… that’s just a little rude…”

Jeremy’s normal friendly smile disappears and is replaced by an annoyed, frustrated look toward his so called Besties.

Rod Sterling: ”Wait.. What? He hears that chant?”

Jeremy Best: ”..........You people want to know the truth, huh? I guess that’s fair. We’re all friends here after all. And it’s important to be open and honest with your friends.”

Jeremy tilts his head back, taking a deep breath, seeming to be struggling with what he’s about to say.

Jeremy Best: ”What happened on Fallout… was not my fault. I think that’s perfectly clear. I wasn’t the one attacking Bryan, now was I? I didn’t lay a finger on my friend. I would never do such a thing.”

He once again pauses… breathing deeply…

Jeremy Best: ”BUT… what happened… was something that needed to happen.”

Jeremy nods his head in agreement with himself as the fans continue to boo loudly.

Jeremy Best: ”Bryan Baxter claims to be my friend. Bryan Baxter said he was always going to be there for me. That he had my back. But at Back in Business… he walked away from me. He left me to the wolves… well the one wolf… the White Wolf… the Demon Wolf. HE TURNED HIS BACK ON ME AND WALKED AWAY! I DIDN’T TURN MY BACK ON HIM! HE TURNED HIS BACK ON ME! ”

Jeremy’s breathing intensifies as Sir Stache begins rubbing his shoulders, trying to calm the uncharacteristically irate Jeremy down. This seems to help as Jeremy once again takes a few deep breaths and gives Stache a grateful pat on the arm.

Jeremy Best: ”Look… I love Bryan. I really do. But sometimes the ones you love have to be punished. He wasn’t a good friend at Back in Business… and an example has to be made to show… that that is not okay. But it IS going to be okay. Everything’s going to be fine. Because without some punishment - how do we learn from our mistakes? So Bryan… take some time… heal up… and we’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready to come back. I’ll be the first to give you a big ole’ hug. And now… let’s talk about some other business…”

[Rock Around The Clock|| Bill Haley and his Comets]

The fans turn their attention to the entrance as Jeremy is interrupted. Some fans begin to cheer as the music of a wrestling legend begins to play as Danny B. Goode emerges from the back alongside the Goodefellas trio of Johnny Murdoch, Sonny Zucko, and Betty B. Goode that we have seen the past two years at Back in Business trios battle royals.

Rod Sterling: ”Well this is a bit unexpected. We’re being joined by a former KOW Tournament winner and a wrestling legend, Danny B. Goode. I’m not sure what he’s doing here, BUT, it should be noted that Danny is Jeremy’s both trainer and mentor.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Hopefully he’s here to smack some sense into his former pupil.”

Danny, Sonny, Johnny, and Betty all climb into the ring - the foursome standing across the ring from the friendship foursome.

Jeremy Best: ”Danny! What a pleasant surprise! It’s nice to see you my old friend. What brings you to Atlanta?”

Being handed his own microphone, Danny takes a moment before responding.

Danny B. Goode: ”Jeremy… oh my dear Jeremy… what has become of you?”

Jeremy Best: ”What do you mean? I’ve never been better! The state of Friendship has never been higher!”

Danny sighs.

Danny B. Goode: ”Fifteen some odd years ago… I saw something special in you Jeremy. I knew you’d one day get to this point. It doesn’t surprise me that you’ve made it to the top of the mountain in professional wrestling. Of all the students who have come through my Goode Garage… you always stood out above the rest.”

Johnny and Sonny act offended in the background as Jeremy acts modest, soaking in the kind words from his mentor.

Danny B. Goode: ”Easy fellas… you guys are gonna have your chance to prove yourself one day.”

Jeremy Best: ”Gee Danny, that means a lot to me. Thank y–”

Danny B. Goode: ”But that wasn’t the only thing I noticed about you. This obsession… I guess I didn’t think much of it at the time… I thought it was just your little quirky thing about you… I should’ve known your fandom of Krash… was unhealthy. I noticed the little things that made me think… maybe he’s a little off his rocker. Perhaps I should’ve done something… but I ignored it. But after seeing what you’ve done at Back in Business… what you let happen on Fallout… I can’t ignore it anymore.”

Jeremy Best: ”I’m not sure what you’re gettin’ at, Danny.”

Danny B. Goode: ”This has to stop. You need help, Jeremy. You’re clearly detached from reality… I know that you’re a good guy. I spent a lot of time with you before all this… the Jeremy I trained wouldn’t have sat idly by and let his friend get his brains bashed in. You’ve gone too far. You’re off the deep end with these friendship shenanigans… I just want what’s best for you.”

Jeremy begins to chuckle, disregarding the concern.

Jeremy Best: ”Oh Danny… you think I’m detached from reality? What… are you calling me… CRAZY or something?”

”YOU ARE CRAZY! YOU ARE CRAZY! YOU ARE CRAZY!”

Danny B. Goode: ”I didn’t say it on this exact terms no… but you know the old sayin’ - if the shoe fits…”

Jeremy Best: ”Crazy… Crazy… you know whats CRAZY, Danny? What’s crazy is walking into my home turf… waltzing into my Friendship Wrestling Alliance… and thinkin’ you just have everything figured out. You don’t know what’s going on here, Danny. You don’t understand what it’s like to have your BEST FRIEND in the world… DIE… have a legacy ruined because he was taken from us. The Jeremy and Krash friendship team was going to go down in the history books as the greatest team in history. But he was taken from us… and then he returns… but it’s not really him. It’s some demon wearing his skin that doesn’t want to be my friend. WHAT WOULD YOU DO DANNY? WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOUR DEAD BEST FRIEND SHOWED BACK UP AS A DEMON, HUH? YOU BANISH IT TO HELL WHERE IT BELONGS! THAT’S WHAT! And then your other best friend doesn’t want to help you banish the demon and just walks away from you… do you just let your other friend not have a repercussion? THIS IS THE WAY THINGS HAVE TO GO, DANNY. THIS IS WHAT IS BEST FOR FRIENDSHIP.”

Jeremy’s shoulders heave up and down frantically as he once again has become unhinged. Sir Stache once again begins trying to calm Jeremy down.

Danny B. Goode: ”Jeremy… none of that… none of that is real.”

You can almost see Jeremy’s face turning red, but Sir Stache pulls him in close and begins whispering something to him. Jeremy nods his head and slowly regains his composure.

Jeremy Best: ”Breathe in. Breathe out… I’ve got a friend here. I’ve got a friend here…”

Danny and his crew share a confused look as Jeremy takes another deep breath, having once again calmed down. He looks back up at Danny with a big glowing smile.

Jeremy Best: ”Danny… it was so nice of you to visit. Thanks again for those kind words and your concern. But I assure you, everything is fine. Although, with Bryan out for a while… we could use some new friends in the Friendship Wrestling Alliance. And boy have I missed havin’ my old mentor around… how about you stick around?”

Danny B. Goode: ”...Are you asking me to join your group?”

Jeremy Best: ”Absolutely! Wouldn’t that be awesome! Teacher and student, reunited again!”

Danny B. Goode: ”No… Jeremy… I don’t think that would be such a good idea.”

Jeremy Best: ”I see… well that’s quite unfortunate.”

Danny B. Goode: ”Look… Jeremy… just keep what I said in mind. I’m not giving up on you.”

Feeling somewhat defeated that his efforts to break through to Jeremy didn’t pan out the way he had hoped, Danny turns to leave.

Jeremy Best: ”What about you guys?”

As Danny was stepping to the ropes, Jeremy turns his attentions to the younger wrestlers in the ring - Johnny, Sonny, and Betty. They each point to themselves, questioning if Jeremy was talking to them.

Jeremy Best: ”Yeah, you guys. I could use some… Goode Friends… with my pal Bryan out.”

Danny stops exiting to turn back to Jeremy.

Danny B. Goode: ”They ain’t interested, Jeremy. C’mon fellas.”

Jeremy Best: ”Aww c’mon Danny. Don’t be a party pooper. You used to be so cool! You were such a great trainer and mentor… but what have you really done for these guys? Got them in a couple battle royals that you lost? Wasting away in NGW? So much potential… maybe you guys need some better friends to get you to the big times.”

Sonny, Johnny, and Betty all look to one another. Danny lowers his mic and begins to appeal to his granddaughter and proteges.

Jeremy Best: ”You can’t cottle them forever, Danny. You gotta let them go at some point. Look what happened to me once I finally left the Garage? Look at me now… the World Champion of Friendship!”

The Goodefellas continue to huddle before Danny finally turns to Jeremy.

Danny B. Goode: ”That’s enough. We’re leaving…”

Danny once again turns to leave, but Johnny grabs him by the arm to stop him. Danny looks back at Johnny, a disappointed look crossing his face before Johnny… DROPS DANNY WITH A RIGHT HAND! Danny hits the mat as Johnny and Sonny both begin to put the boots to their teacher. Betty, horrified by the sudden turn of events and clearly not on the same page as her partners, begins trying to break it up, but Tonya Scott restrains her from behind, overpowering Betty.

Jeremy watches on, pleased by the apparent decision made here by the Goodefellas. The crowd boos as Sonny and Johnny lift Danny up off the mat… Sonny picks Danny up..

LET THE GOODE TIMES ROLL to Danny B. Goode!

Sonny and Johnny both pop back up, their mentor completely laid out on the canvas as they turn to Jeremy who opens up his arms… and its a group hug as the duo seem more than happy to embrace Jeremy, turning their backs on their mentor to join up with Jeremy and the Friendship Wrestling Alliance.

Rod Sterling: ”This intervention for Jeremy Best from his mentor did not go as planned to say the least…”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Definitely one of the more least successful interventions, I’d say. Not only did he get through to Jeremy, in the end, Jeremy walks away with even more followers than he started the night with.”

Tonya releases Betty, who runs to check on her grandfather while Jeremy leads the group including the newest members, Johnny Murdoch and Sonny Zucko, away from the ring as the crowd continues to belt them with boos.



[The Lumberjack || Jackyl]

A nice reaction goes up from the crowd as The Lumberjacks make their way out from the back. Doug leads the way with Dan just a pace behind him; no Lucy in sight tonight. The two have determined looks on their faces, knowing what victory in their match tonight could mean.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The following contest is a non-title tag team match, scheduled for one fall with a twenty-minute time limit. Introducing first, from The Yukon and weighing in at a combined weight of six-hundred and twenty-five pounds… Dan and Doug LuPone… THE LUUUUMBERRRRRJAAAACKS!!!”

Rod Sterling: “The Lumberjacks were unable to advance in the Elite Classic Tag Team Tournament after they lost out to The Lumberjacks on Fallout 043. A very big opportunity for them to propel themselves into contention via different means though, Anzu…”

Anzu Kurosawa: “When one door closes another is split open with an axe, Rod! The Lumberjacks may be out of the tournament but they could arguably bypass all of the teams still in it if they’re able to just straight up beat the tag team champions here. Given the kind of shape we expect FTN to be in, I think that The Lumberjacks should really be fancying themselves.”

Both of the large men enter the ring by stepping over the top rope. Together they motion with imaginary chainsaws, hopeful that they can carve through their opposition in the same way they have just done to the imaginary redwoods in front of them.

[Gangplank Galleon]

The State Farm Arena rising to their feet is evidence enough that in the eyes of the FWA fans, FTN find themselves been supported by the majority of the masses once again. There are still a few detractors that make themselves heard, but Alyster Black and Chris Peacock enter the arena to a hero’s welcome. What becomes very obvious very quickly is how neither one of them seem up to the task whatsoever. Both men are littered in bandages and tape and neither can walk without a limp. It seems that the championships in their hands weigh ten times what they do, given how hard FTN find it to carry them.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Their opponents… they are the current, reigning FWA World Tag Team Champions… ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’ Chris Peacock and ‘Black Jesus’ Alyster Black… EFFFFFFF TEEEEE ENNNNNNNNN!!!”

Rod Sterling: “These two are definitely a sight for sore eyes, Anzu. Both victims of the horrendous attack at the hands of NTR a number of weeks ago. The interlopers made a statement at the expense of our tag team champions and I don’t think FTN are going to be ready to let that slide any time soon.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “That’s if they are ever the same again! Look at us, what, three weeks later? These guys look like shit, Rod. I don’t think they’d be able to do anything to NTR - including the young guns - even if they wanted to. It’s borderline insane that they’re even coming out here for this match. Champions or not - this is reckless.”

Rod Sterling: “I must regrettably agree and also it would be remiss of me not to point out that Alyster Black and Chris Peacock are NOT cleared to compete. Much like with Chris Peacock’s previous match against Michelle von Horrowitz, Jon Russnow and Dr. Smith made it abundantly clear that FTN would only be permitted to compete in this match tonight if they agreed to sign waivers, absolving the FWA from any injuries - new or aggravation of existing - that come to them in this match.”

Gingerly, Black slides into the ring whilst Peacock opts for the steps and then through the ropes. FTN both walk to opposite turnbuckles and lift their titles in the air with some difficulty but once they clamber down they get into a huddle and then break, doing their best to fire the other one up. Despite the physical limitations, there is anger behind each of their eyes. It is Dan who will start things off for the Canadians, and Alyster Black for the tag team champions.



A cheer goes up as ‘Gangplank Galleon’ plays once again. Chris Peacock gets to his feet, with a pained expression on his face as the championships are passed back to them. He helps Alyster Black back up to his feet and the two of them share a nod and start gesturing to the outside of the ring where Katie-Lynn Goldsmith is preparing to announce them as the winners of the match. They shake their heads and motion for the microphone.

Rod Sterling: “FTN have something they want to say and I don’t think there’s any surprises for guessing who they want to address, Anzu.”

Peacock takes the microphone and walks over to the side of the ring closest to the stage.

Chris Peacock: “Cut the music! CUT IT!”

The music stops and Chris puts a foot onto the middle rope to elevate himself. The camera zooms in on his face and he is shown to be flowing with rage.

Chris Peacock: “No fucking around tonight. NTR!? GET YOUR FUCKIN’ ASSES OUT HERE RIGHT! FUCKING! NOW!”

The microphone gets tossed over his head, there’s nothing else Peacock needs to say. Both FTN members drop their championship belts onto the mat and motion for their assailants to come out to the ring to meet them. The fans’ enthusiasm for the showdown is cut off though when Jon Russnow walks out onto the stage, accompanied by Dr. Smith, the FWA’s head doctor.

Rod Sterling: “Dr. Smith was quick to share his concerns over the NTR threat on Fallout 043; although it is no secret backstage that he shares a personal bond with FTN, particularly Alyster Black. Black a regular visitor to the physician’s table.”

It seems as if Peacock and Black know why they’re both there and both shout for them to leave off-mic. Russnow raises a microphone of his own.

Jon Russnow: “This wasn’t part of the deal, you two. We let you sign those waivers, we let you compete tonight but we made it clear to you that you two would have nothing to do with NTR tonight. Dr. Smith needs to take you to the back and evaluate you. This is what you both agreed to, remember?”

Despite the reminder, Black and Peacock remain firm. They offer some threats to Russnow himself and the Match Coordinator steps forward a couple of paces.

Jon Russnow: “You two really think you can take on NTR in the state you’re in? In this condition? We’re trying to help you here, guys-”

Smith snatches the microphone from Russnow and addresses the men in the ring.

Dr. Smith: “Come on, that’s enough. I know… I know how much you want this. I know what it must have felt like having them do that to you but can’t you see this is what they want? The two of you out here, they’ve got you exactly where they want you.”

Black and Peacock exchange a look at each other. The expression on Peacock’s face makes it clear that he is annoyed with how much sense Smith is making.

Dr. Smith: “So come on, come back here. Have your evaluations like you said you were going to - don’t make an ass out of me for havin’ your backs - and then when you’re both back to one hundred per cent… you do what you need to do. But you do it on YOUR terms. Got it?”

With his piece said, Smith lowers the microphone in an exasperated manner and has an uneasy glance over at Russnow, who is clearly feeling the stress of the entire situation. The fans are unsure of how to react as they cannot deny that Smith is right, but there are still some disappointed groans when FTN seemingly relent and leave the ring together.

Anzu Kurosawa: “The wise words from Dr. Smith there seemed to do the trick. FTN must know that there’ll be other chances for them to get even with NTR. They shouldn’t have even been here tonight, but they fought through their injuries and won. That’s a good enough night’s work if you ask me.”

Rod Sterling: “It’s the right call, Anzu. There’s no way that FTN would have been able to contend with NTR in their current condition. Best quitting whilst they’re ahead.”

Russnow leaves the stage before FTN reach the top of it, having gotten his desired outcome. Dr. Smith pats Chris on the back and puts an arm over Alyster’s shoulder as we cut immediately away to Russnow now backstage.

After getting as far away from ringside as possible he marches along a corridor past a door bearing his name which he realises was his actual destination. Russnow sighs. He turns around and takes a few strides back towards his makeshift office in the State Farm Arena, only to see Owen the Intern now standing by the door. Russnow stops on his tracks abruptly and the cameraman almost runs into his back by accident.

Owen: “Hey, uh, good evening Mr. Russnow. I was asked to deliver this message to you…”

Owen holds out a folded piece of paper in front of him. Russnow takes a look around.

Owen: “Don’t worry, I’m here by myself… I was just asked to deliver this. That’s all.”

Russnow slowly takes the paper from Owen.

Jon Russnow: “Owen… it’s been how many years since the last time we chatted, since you originally interned around here?”

Owen: “A couple… hope you and your family are well!”

Jon Russnow: “...you’re a good kid, Owen. Why are you getting mixed up with them like this?”

Owen fidgets a little.

Owen: “Sorry, I gotta go…”

Owen scurries away, leaving Jon Russnow holding the message. Russnow looks at the piece of paper in his hand briefly, and then quickly enters his makeshift office and closes the door, leaving the cameraman outside.



??: “HOOOOOOOOOOOT …. LAAAAANTAAAAAAA!”

Under more scrutiny, Nova takes a bow. After gazing upon the jeers one last time, Nova Diamond heads out to backstage.



Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Ladies and gentlemen, your next match is set for ONE FALL with a 20-minute time limit. Introducing first, hailing from Manhattan, New York, CAPTAIN RIIIIIIGHTEOUSSSS!”

“For the Damaged Coda || Blonde Redhead

A choir of children begin to sing after a lengthy sinister haunting piano melody is played, searchlights look around the arena for none other than Captain Righteous who comes floating down from above the crowd. His cape flaps majestically as he rests both hands on his waist, smiling and scanning the crowd below. Finally he lands half way down the ramp where he walks confidently towards the ring only to float from outside the ring, over the ropes and finally lands in the ring.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Aaaand his partner, hailing from Sitka Alaska, X….Y….Z!”

“One Headlight” || The Wallflowers

XYZ appears at the top of the ramp as the capacity crowd lets the enigmatic one know just how much they love him. His eyes wide and his smile bright, he makes his way toward the ring, greeting fans on both sides of the ramp. He hops onto the apron, pops onto the second turnbuckle, and then hops into the ring alongside his partner and future opponent, Captain Righteous.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Aaaaand their opponents, introducing first, accompanied by Saint Sully, she is the Queen Bee, Blair Ravenwooooood!”

“You Should See Me in a Crown” || Halocene

Blair Ravenwood appears at the top of the entrance ramp, a long yellow robe dragging the ground behind her. Over her left shoulder, Saint Sully stands, a smug smirk on his face as the crowd rains down a course of jeers. Unfazed, Blair saunters toward the ring, as Saint Sully sits on the middle rope, allowing her to climb through. She calmly removes the crown from her head and hands it to Saint Sully who slides her robe off for her.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Aaaand her partner, from Hollywood, California, he is the FWA X Champion, Hollywood Tommy Bedlaaaaaam!”

“2001: A Space Odyssey || Charlie Parra

Tommy Bedlam stands at the top of the ramp as a single spotlight shines down on him. Rocco Sullivan is close behind as the pair get their own course of boos from the Atlanta crowd. Bedlam looks at the crowds with a look of disgust as he struts toward the ring, up the steps, and into the middle of the ring where he raises the X Championship over his head. The official reaches for it, but he motions for him to go away, choosing instead to hand it to Rocco.

Rod Sterling: “What we have is two pairs of unexpected bedfellows. We’re just weeks away from XYZ and Captain Righteous facing off while Blair Ravenwood has a date with Tommy Bedlam for a shot at his X Championship, but tonight, future foes are forced to work together.”



Tommy gains his bearings as he pulls himself up to a knee, realizing that he’s been pinned by a newcomer to the FWA. Blair slides into the ring and walks toward him, clearly frustrated by the loss.

Bedlam stands up and puts a finger in Ravenwood’s face, and she slaps him! Ravenwood slaps the taste out of Tommy Bedlam’s mouth. Incensed, Tommy shoves Blair across the ring where she slides into the turnbuckle.

She’s back to her feet, and she charges in! The two are throwing punches wildly as the official tries to separate them.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Here are those egos you were talking about, Rod!”

Rocco hops into the ring and tries to separate the two as Saint Sully walks toward the fight. He manages to pull Blair away before turning around and landing a punch across Bedlam’s jaw that knocks him to the mat. Saint Sully and Blair Ravenwood makes their way from the ring as Tommy once again tries to pull himself up from the mat.



We cut to the backstage are where Todd Salum has tracked down the Friendship Wrestling Alliance, pulling aside Jeremy Best to get more words from him after the attack that went down on his mentor Danny B. Goode earlier tonight.

Todd Salum: “Jeremy… what was that all about tonight?”

Jeremy Best: ”Hiya, Todd! Nice to see ya! What a fun night! Look, I made two new friends!”

Todd Salum: “Yes… I know, we all saw. But what about Danny B. Goode?”

Johnny Murdoch: ”Maaannnnn.. Who cares about that lame old man, huh? We’ve been listenin’ to him for years now and it ain’t got us nowhere. Ya feel me? So man it felt good to clean his clock.”

Sonny Zucko: ”Yeah! He had it comin’!”

Jeremy Best: ”Fellas… fellas… let’s still remember that we should respect our elders. But yes, unfortunately it seems my old friend Danny may be getting a little senile in his old age. You fellas made the right choice tonight. I will take GOODE care of the both of you.”

Johnny Murdoch: ”I dunno what Danny’s problem was, daddy-io. You seem like a cool cat, Jeremy.”

Jeremy Best: ”Why thank you! I think his problem is… Danny has forgotten what this is all about. He has lost his way. And quite frankly he was a little rude. He interrupted me before I could get to what I really wanted to talk about, so I’m glad you’re here now, Todd.”

Todd Salum: “What did you really want to talk about?”

Jeremy Best: ”I’m really excited to have made some new friends tonight, Todd. But I’m not done yet. Because it would appear that I have a new friend waiting for me. Gabbrielle Montgomery. She has earned herself a shot at this World Friendship Title… so I think it would be good for us to get to know one another a little better. So that’s why… Gabrielle…I am inviting you to Fallout… for a playdate! What do you say, Gabby? Let’s be friends! I’ll see you then!”

Jeremy waves to the camera before following the rest of the FWA off screen as Todd kicks it back to the ring.



Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following match a quarterfinals match in the Elite Tag Team Classic and is our MAIN EVENT of the evening! Introducing first, the team of ‘The Marionette Maiden’ Princess Nova Taylor… the ‘Daughter of Demise’ Keres, They… Are… EEEEEEEEEEETTTTTERRRRNNAALLLLLLLL!”

[Rage Beneath the Mountains || Lindsey Stirling (Edit)]

The lights of the arena dim as the violins begin to screech. Walking out first is Nova Taylor, dragging her feet along, wearing her signature entrance mask. Keres follows behind her, cutting a glare as they make it out on the stage. Keres whispers something in Nova’s ear and she turns to her, giving a rigid curtsy before they head down the ramp.

Stopping at the end of the ramp, Keres looks forward and stops Nova beside her. She raises her hand and-

Snaps her fingers and the lights go off.

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Are you not creeped out by these girls, Rod?”

Rod Sterling: ”Of course I am. What’s there not to be creeped out about? Let’s not even mention their utter dismantling of the Lumberjacks in the opening round of this tournament. If that doesn’t create some momentum in this thing, I don’t know what does.”

The lights turn back on and Keres is in the ring on the middle rope and Nova, kneeling on the apron in front of her. Keres reaches down and takes off Nova’s mask and reveals her blank, near-lifeless, expression. Keres snaps her fingers again for the lights to turn off. When they are on, the two of them are in the ring, Keres holding the mask, as their music fades.

[What’s New Pussycat? || Tom Jones]

♫WHATS NEW PUSSYCAT?? WOOAAAHHWOWWAHHWOOOAAHHH!!!♫

As “What’s New Pussycat” plays, Danny Toner and Ryan Rondo casually stroll out onto the ramp amid a chorus of boos, mics in hand.

Danny Toner: “Wow, that's a neat trick you guys did there! Really made everyone wonder whether FWA remembered to pay the electricity bill this month!”

Danny starts snapping his fingers over and over again.

Ryan Rondo: “Cut it out, Danny, you’ll give yourself carpal tunnel before the big match!”

Danny Toner: “No Ryan, I’m trying to summon my Hall of Fame tag team partner, but no matter how many times I do it, he isn’t appearing! Where is he?”

Ryan Rondo: “Don’t you remember? He said he’s not cleared to compete tonight!”

Danny Toner: “No!! I won’t accept that!”

Ryan Rondo: “Get it together Danny, he said he had a replacement and look, that must be him!”

Rondo points to the titantron, which opens with Nova Diamond who already looks like he’s headed out of the arena, as he’s shown inside an expensive-looking interior of a vehicle, holding a glass of champagne.

Nova Diamond: “The time has come, ladies and gentlemen!”

He opens both his arms wide and gives a very dramatic greeting.

Nova Diamond: “You can probably conclude by that point that I elected to not be at ringside during this match. It would cause so much emotional distress to me to only watch from the sides and not be able to kick the shit out of those two Hot Topic cashiers, so, my boys have generously granted me the rest of the night off! I love you so much boys!”

Rondo makes a heart shape with his hands and puts it over his own heart while Toner simply sends kisses over to the titantron.

Nova Diamond: “I might not be able to participate due to my condition … “

He is shown perfectly sitting and drinking his champagne as he says that.

Nova Diamond: “... but I have found a perfect partner to fill my difficult-to-fill shoes and show Eternal what it truly means to be TORN! The person that I’m talking about is someone who has history with some of the riff-raff who lucked their way into being an FWA wrestler in the last couple of years, like Reagan Cole! Like Jeffry Mason! Like … of course … Eternal! Someone who, with his words and actions, has taught a lot of valuable lessons to those he loved and hated in equal measure. In fact, combine his teaching prowess with the state I found him in … well, I guess you wouldn’t be wrong if you called my replacement somewhat of a Learning Tree!”

Nova sticks his tongue out, enjoying the sound of his own voice too much. Camera shows an indifferent Nova Taylor and Keres in the ring, waiting for this to be over so they can get to the match. Rondo and Toner seem more enthusiastic than those two, obviously.

Nova Diamond: “The one who I trust enough to team up with Danny is … probably the only man who has more reasons than us to have a bone to pick with Eternal. I am talking about, of course, none other than the Big Daddy TORN himself! The one who showed Taylor how to be a princess and of course, Keres’ father! GIVE IT UP … FOR SLATE BASS!”

The feed cuts to a very loud static before the lights dim considerably …

[ Monsters || Ruelle]

‘Monsters’ by Ruelle play and the only thing that’s shown is the opening scenes to Slate Bass’ titantron. Once Slate’s name is shown for the second time in his entrance video, we go back to the arena where the stage has one big spotlight … and in it … is Slate Bass?

Anzu Kurosawa: “Can it … really be him? We have seen him from Eternal’s video packages before … and I don’t think that the person on stage doesn’t look like Slate Bass.”

Rod Sterling: “I am not a hundred percent certain, Anzu, but I would be surprised if this was as straight-forward as it looked.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “According to the TORN mythos, Slate Bass was stuck to a tree alongside his wife Eden by their daughter Keres’ machinations. I think that would be a valid reason to seek revenge if he got freed from his fate?”

His left hand wanders in the pocket of his slacks while "Slate"s right hand holds a glass of martini. He waits for a couple of seconds while walking in a slow manner, letting the lighting turn into a dark shade of purple.

Rod Sterling: “I’d normally appreciate anyone who can appreciate a fine martini … but I will never appreciate someone who would willingly align themselves with the jackals who call themselves NTR. Well, if this is even Slate in the first place…”

The camera doesn’t even cut away from him for a second. They probably need every second to zoom-in, to find a distinguished feature to definitely prove if this is either the real Slate Bass or Nova Diamond just trying to play mind games with Eternal.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Ladies and gentlemen, making his way to the ring … from an Undisclosed Location in the state of California, please welcome …. Slate Bass!”

Eventually, "Slate" reaches ringside before downing his martini. He then puts the glass on the apron before entering the ring.

Anzu Kurosawa: “If this was really that smug prick Nova Diamond … would he be able to keep this emotionless pokerface for this long? You’ve seen it yourself, Rod, the man loves nothing more than to gloat and laugh about how clever he is … “

Rod Sterling: “While I would not disagree with you there Anzu, I would also like to remind you and our audience alike of Nova Diamond’s theatre past and willingness to sink into lows like this to mess with people. As for his targets themselves … Eternal, too, maintain a perfect pokerface about their past being brought into the table like this. The only thing that’s certain just by looking at this mess is that we’re up for one interesting main event.”

Finally in the ring, "Slate" stands broodingly in the corner with his hands not leaving his pockets at all, his eyes staring firmly against his supposed daughter and his supposed apprentice.



As Nova Taylor and Keres make their way to the back, suddenly Jon Russnow comes out on the ramp entrance. Russnow exchanges brief, inaudible words with Nova Taylor before slowly walking down the ramp towards the ring.

Danny Toner: “Well, well, well! Glad you could make it, Jon!”

Danny Toner has grabbed a microphone from ringside and rolls back into the ring alongside Nova Diamond and Rondo. The NTR Young Boys stay situated outside the ring.

Danny Toner: “See, Russnow, I ain’t some barbarian out here! We can play nice too… So long as NTR is treated fairly and you stop your bullying and your unjust bias against us, everyone can get along juuuust fine and dandy, pal!”

Jon Russnow scowls as he gets to ringside. Jhunha suddenly walks up to him, standing over Russnow, who tries not to flinch. After a moment, Jhunha hops up on the apron and holds the ring ropes open for Russnow as Toner catches his breath while beckoning for Russnow to enter the ring. Some members of the crowd in the arena mock-cheer Jhunha.

Danny Toner: “I’m glad you accepted our invitation to come down to the ring and shoot the shit, and believe you me, I’m real glad ya came out quick like the note asked you to. Y’know, if you hadn’t come out, we mighta had to REALLY send Eternal down the River Styx just to make SURE you were payin’ attention. That wouldn’t have been very nice of us, would it boys??”

Toner looks at Rondo and Nova as all members of NTR have a laugh. Owen procures a second microphone from ringside and slides it into the ring in front of Russnow. Rondo gestures for Russnow to pick the mic up, which Russnow does slowly.

Danny Toner: “Jon, relax! You’re so tense, just be cool, man! We just wanna have a chat, that's all! Come on man, relax a lil.”

Toner wipes his brow and takes a step towards Russnow.

Danny Toner: “Jon, open up those eyes and take a good look around ya… what's missin’? Or rather, who’s missin’?”

Russnow looks around.

Jon Russnow: “I don’t know what you mean, Danny. Can we get to the point here? TV time is not fr-”

Danny Toner: “JONNY!!!! See, this is the issue, you’re always tryna be all business! NTR, we don’t operate like that, us boys are a FAMILY! And when a member of our FAMILY isn’t here, we still take the time to acknowledge them!”

Toner looks at the hard cam and starts waving.

Danny Toner: “TC my boy, miss you, wish you were here!!! You show that mean ol’ Joe Burr who’s boss, and do it with pizzazz, ya got it?”

The crowd goes mild as all the other members of NTR wave at the hard cam while Russnow stands stoically in the ring.

Danny Toner: “Ya see, our young boy TC2 is already in Nashville preppin’ for his big match.. Thanks for booking him by the way Russnow, he could really use the invaluable experience, god knows how GREEN he is! NTR thanks you, NTR appreciates you booking a NTR Trueborn on the big 19th Anniversary Show!!”

The crowd cheers, and Danny acknowledges it with some mock clapping of his own.

Danny Toner: “Yes everyone, let's hear it for the 19th Anniversary Show!! Big show, big GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY for someone! Big celebration of FWA, that history, that legacy, everything that all the FWA legends and Hall of Famers have built over the last 19 years, a nearly two decade journey that you, Jon, you’ve contributed to in your own small, little way!”

Danny gets really close to Russnows face all of a sudden. Some members of the crowd gasp.

Danny Toner: “But it appears our invitation to the festivities must’ve gotten lost in the mail… but eh, we ain’t ones to miss parties so it’d be a real shame if, oh, I dunno… someone decided to crash the party, wouldn’t it?”

Russnow looks at Danny as Danny’s voice drops to be a little softer, a little deeper.

Danny Toner: “Ya see Jon, we the NTR principles, gettin’ out from under that emo cloud tonight is all well and good, but we’re still a little ticked off, we’re a little cheesed, we got a little somethin’ somethin’ that's stuck in our craw, that’s botherin’ us… what if we don’t think FWA deserves a big celebration right now? What if we told you, your poxy little way of doin’ business has been pissin’ us off since day one? What if, hypothetically speaking… NTR decided that if NTR can’t have the Golden Opportunity… then nobody should have it?”

The crowd boos as Russnow shakes his head. Rondo and Nova fake indignation at the boos in their respective corners as Toner continues.

Danny Toner: “I know what you’re thinkin’ already Russnow, I know what's goin’ through your little, corporate, drone head right now… you’re thinking to yourself, how much more money do I have left for extra security? Can I ban them from the building? Which corporate daddy should I call at HQ? All these thoughts, runnin’ through your head… let aul Danny Fuckin’ help ya with all the thoughts racing through that hamster wheel of a brain... the answer is NO. No amount of extra rent-a-cops, building bans, none of that could stop NTR and you know it. No amount of corporate edicts are going to keep NTR from doing what we want… and if NTR decides we want there to be no Golden Opportunity winner and that we want your precious little Anniversary Show to descend into chaos on LIVE TV… guess what everyones going to get in Nashville on Monday?”

Toner makes a mock explosion with his free hand in Russnow’s face.

Danny Toner: “CHAOS.”

Nova sneers and screams out “WE ARE LIVE!”. A chant of “SHUT THE FUCK UP” starts up in the arena, but quiets as Russnow raises his mic.

Jon Russnow: “Danny, if you’re going to threaten the company like this-”

Danny pulls an exaggerated indignant face.

Danny Toner: “Threaten? That’s such an ugly word, Jon! I’m just explainin’ a hypothetical of what might happen on Monday! This is just a thought experiment!! I mean, I didn’t say anything about the LIKELIHOOD of any of that happenin’!”

Danny is right back in Russnow’s face now, snarling.

Danny Toner: “How likely do you think it is that it’s gonna happen, Jon? Because I’ll be honest… if it were up to me and me only, the likelihood of what I described happenin’ in Nashville would be EXTREMELY HIGH!”

The crowd is booing and chanting right now. Danny suddenly pulls his face and body back.

Danny Toner: “Jon, you should be thankin’ your lucky stars that my brothers here think that there’s another way.”

Nova Diamond steps up and takes the mic from Danny.

Nova Diamond: “Hi Jon, this is good cop Officer Bass speaking. Listen, I don’t know how long I can hold my partner back here, he’s a rabid dog, he’s a loose cannon! So, let me get straight to the point, I think that my boy Danny can be convinced to leave the Anniversary Show well enough alone, IF... you give us Meltdown XLV.”

The crowd is suddenly a mix of cheers and boos as Russnow looks bewildered.

Jon Russnow: “What… what do you mean ‘give’ you Meltdown XLV?”

Nova Diamond: “The booth, the production, the truck… the whole shebang. We think FWA fans worldwide deserve this, they have been craving this! A NTR-produced special edition of Meltdown, in Miami! It’ll be great! NTR can produce the show, you and all the other muppets can take the night off and take a well-deserved break, the FWA audience will be treated to a fun night out, get REAL commentary and be spared from having to listen to those two potatoes you have at the desk for one night, and we would be so busy working our little hineys off to make our show the bestest show it can possibly be, why, if NTR had a show to plan and produce while also preparing to wrestle those two potatoes in the tournament finals, we would have to get right on it! Pronto!! Why, we would have so much on our plate, there would conceivably be no possible way that NTR would show up at the Anniversary Show, we would simply be too busy!”

Nova stops gesticulating excitedly and turns back to Russnow.

Nova Diamond: “Sounds like a win, win, win to me Jon… how does that sound to you? How bout we send the fans home happy, eh?”

Dueling chants of “YES!” and “NO!” break out in the arena as Russnow shakes his head.

Jon Russnow: “You’re crazy.”

The crowd “oooooh”s as Nova frowns. Danny Toner steps up on Russnow but Nova puts out an arm to stop him.

Nova Diamond: “Au contraire, Mr. Russnow, I think you’re the crazy one here if you think that NTR won’t run wild on the Anniversary Show if we have a little bit too much free time on our hands. In fact, this wouldn’t be the first time you would make the most unwise choice out of all of the ones that are presented to you.”

Nova does the thing he stopped Danny from doing a moment ago and takes the step on Russnow.

Nova Diamond: “I could’ve easily been the bad cop here, Jon, oh you don’t know how easily I could’ve been the worse cop and cracked your bald head straight open in the middle of this ring right here after all the reasons you’ve personally given me to doubt your judgment before. But, for the sake of my brothers here, I’m refraining from giving myself some much-needed catharsis… because I’m not selfish.”

Danny gestures for the mic and gets it from Nova. Nova takes a deep breath.

Danny Toner: “I’m gonna overlook the disrespect you showed to my brother Nova just now, for just one freakin’ moment… Jon, I want that hamster wheel brain of yours to think real carefully about what I’m about to say, so I’m going to say it extra slowly just for you…”

Russnow tries to stand up for himself as Nova and Danny tower over him.

Danny Toner: “Russnow… you have nobody.”

The crowd quiets to catch what Danny has to say.

Danny Toner: “We have been standing out here for how many minutes now? How much of your precious TV time have we burned here? The GM of Meltdown and Fallout, answerin’ the summons and walking admirably into the orchestra of wolves here in Atlanta... who has come out to back you up? Who comin’ out to support you?”

Danny squats down a little to meet Jon Russnow eye to eye.

Danny Toner: “NOBODY.”

Rondo smirks, still leaning back in his corner as Nova nods his head.

Danny Toner: “Jon, to be straight with ya bud, that’s really what's grinding my gears about your plans to have your little celebration on Monday in Nashville. Because when NTR did what we did to Chris Peacock and Alyster Black, and then when we did what we had to do against Bryan Baxter, you know, I felt a lot of things. Excited, exhilarated, vindicated, proud, many degrees of pleasure, somewhat aroused…. But ya know what else I felt too? A little twinge of disappointment. Not surprised, mind you, but a slight smidge of disappointment that nobody came out from the back to try to help their fellow man. Nobody came out from the back to try and fight NTR after what we’d done to Peacock, Black, or Baxter! I was not surprised, Jon, but still disappointed that nobody, nobody saw fit to come out and help them in their time of need! I mean, we would’ve destroyed whoever came out too, so maybe discretion is the better part of valor, but IT'S THE PRINCIPLE OF IT ALL, JON!!!”

Danny suddenly throws his arm up and surveys the audience all around the arena.

Danny Toner: “THIS IS IT? THIS IS THE FWA THAT YOU WANT TO CELEBRATE? THIS SELFISH, FICKLE, FWA?? THIS COMPANY IS IN ITS SELFISH ERA AND YOU THINK THAT’S SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE??”

The crowd is hushed now as Danny tries to look back at Russnow, only to find Russnow is now looking downward at the canvas of the ring. One man in the audience screams “NTR DID NOTHING WRONG!”

Danny Toner: “Look at me Russnow, LOOK AT ME WHEN I’M TALKING TO YOU!!”

Danny grabs Russnow by the face and forces him into eye contact, eliciting some gasps from the audience. Nova puts an arm up to tell Danny to take it easy, but Danny doesn’t release the grip.

Danny Toner: “If you don’t take the gracious deal that my brothers just offered you, Jon, you know what's gonna happen in Nashville. Don’t think of it as a threat, more like a benevolent heads up. In your heart, Jon, you know nobody’s going to stop us. NTR and you, we all played a part in sending home the only two people who might’ve had your back tonight, but being the company man you are, you weren’t going to risk valuable company assets getting permanently broken anyway, right? Nobody is going to lift a finger to help you, nobody else will have your back. Nobody is listening to you, nobody hears you, you’ve been abandoned by corporate and the so-called faces of this company and you know this is true. Everyone in THIS era of FWA is only interested in their own matches, their own promos and face time, they’re only interested in getting their own shit in and they don’t care fuck all about what happens to you or anyone else, unless they lose of course… then they rouse up enough care so that they can send you pitiful messages to complain about their booking. They don’t care about YOU, Jon, I know this is going to be weird to hear, but when you really think about it, NTR, we are your ONLY FRIENDS out here!!”

The crowd boos the manipulation as Nova and Rondo both nod. Rondo tells someone in the audience to shut up.

Danny Toner: “Take the deal, Jon. You get your Anniversary Show, we get our Meltdown, the piss pigs of FWA get two special eps of TV in a row, everyone walks away happy. You take this deal and you have our word, you have MY word, you won’t see me nor Nova nor Ryan anywhere near Nashville on Monday. Or you can not take the deal and let's just see how it goes… but we get it Jon, we get YOU. It's not entirely YOUR fault that FWA is currently full of egotistical self-serving shitters, half of whom are perpetually stuck in 2017, right? You must be under so much pressure, having to herd all the cats and keep this train runnin’ on time! We’re all friends here, and between friends, I think you should take the deal, because it can be smooth sailin’ from here on out for everyone if you just… cooperate.”

Danny releases his grip on Russnows face. Russnow looks at Danny, then Nova, then Rondo. The dueling chants of “YES!/NO!” pick up again from the audience.

Nova Diamond: “We’re offering you a way out, Jon.”

Russnow slowly lifts the mic to his lips.

Jon Russnow: “Can I… get back to you guys? I want to talk this over with some oth-”

Ryan Rondo suddenly springs out of the corner he’s been leaning on and snatches the mic from Russnow.

Ryan Rondo: “NO.”

Russnow looks at Rondo, a bit flustered and shellshocked.

Ryan Rondo: “Now or never, Russnow.”


Nova shakes his head as well.

Nova Diamond: “You’re out of time, Jon. Take the deal.”

Russnow looks down at his own feet again as Danny puts his free arm onto Russnows shoulder.

Danny Toner: “Sorry Jon, my brothers have spoken. Final answer time…”

Danny takes the mic and jabs it into Russnow’s face.

The dueling chants of “YES!/NO!” are back and louder than ever as the audience waits for Russnow to reply.

Russnow opens his mouth but at first, words don’t come out.

Jon Russnow: “..................okay.”

Danny Toner: “Didn’t quite catch that bud, can you repeat yourself? Louder this time?”

Jon Russnow: “I said okay!”

Danny breaks out into a big smile as the crowd gives a loud reaction, with the cheers of the intrigued finally overcoming the boos. Danny forcibly hugs Russnow, then Rondo and Nova join in for a big group hug in the center of the ring as Jhunha, Jay Kenny, and Owen applaud with varying degrees of enthusiasm on the outside.

Danny Toner: “NOW THAT'S WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR! I knew you would see sense, my friend! You won’t see hide nor hair from us three in Nashville, I promise you!”

Danny releases Russnow from the hug.

Jon Russnow: “Danny, you gave me… you gave me your word, okay? I don’t want any trouble in Nashville…”

Danny Toner: “Relax, Jon! What’d I just say?? You have my word, you won’t see any of NTR in Nashville and nobody from NTR will interfere in the Golden Opportunity match, my word is as good as GOLD! We at NTR wish all the competitors in Golden Opp the best of luck! Now put it here, bud!”

Danny extends his arm out to Russnow. Even as some chants of “NO!” break out again, Russnow slowly, reluctantly, yet eventually reaches out and shakes Danny’s hand.

Danny Toner: “A deal’s a deal! Everyone seein‘ this? We shook on it so that's no backsies!! Now everyone, let's hear it for your wise GM, MY FRIEND Jon Russnow, and let's hear it for the great 19th Anniversary Show that he’s going to deliver for you all this Monday in Nashville, and a very special NTR Productions Presents: Meltdown XLV in Miami, Florida right afterwards! Viva Jon Russnow, viva FWA, and now that we are all in agreement, NTR grants the muppets in the truck permission to stop broadcasting LIVE!! Now muppets, play our music!!!”

♫WHATS NEW PUSSYCAT?? WOOAAAHHWOWWAHHWOOOAAHHH!!!♫

Danny forcibly raises Russnow’s arm up and points to a defeated-looking Jon Russnow as Ryan Rondo, Nova Diamond, Owen, Jay Kenny, and Jhunha all applaud. The FWA logo finally appears on the screen.

♫WHATS NEW PUSSYCAT?? WOOAAAHHWOWWAHHWOOOAAHHH!!!♫