Back in Business XVII (Jul '23).

Straight on from ringside, the camera is with Alytser Black as he is helped backstage by Dr. Smith, and Smith deposits him down onto a production crate. Black is still barely with it, but he grunts in the doctor’s direction as a thanks for looking out for him. Smith pats him on the back and then leaves the area.

Alyster sits still and silently for a moment, until he sees someone approaching out of the corner of his eye. The sight of Chris Peacock, ready for his own match, causes Alyster to exclaim out, but Chris does not reciprocate his joviality and does not even look at his tag team partner.

Alyster Black: "Come on, help me up. Let’s head out there and win you this match, mate."

Chris Peacock: "No."

Alyster Black: "The fuck you mean, no?"

Chris Peacock: "I don’t want you there."

Alyster Black: "I get it. You want to do it on your own. I get it. That’s fine, I’ll just watch from here."

Finally, Peacock properly acknowledges Alyster for the first time in the evening. Alyster can tell immediately that Peacock is not happy about something.

Chris Peacock: "It isn’t about not wanting to do it on my own. It is about not wanting to do it with you there. Haven’t you involved yourself in enough matches this weekend, anyway?

You kept that fucking quiet that’s what you went to do last night when I was getting treatment for the injury that YOU gave me. He might have needed your help, but I don’t, okay?"

Too tired to argue, Alyster lets out a disappointed sigh.

Alyster Black: "Come on, mate…"

Chris Peacock: "Come on nothing, Alyster. You fucking told me, to my face, that this…"

Chris gestures between himself and Alyster.

Chris Peacock: "... is what we’re doing now. Was that just bullshit? You know what… don’t even answer. This isn’t what I should be focusing on right now. So if you really want to help me, just fuck off and leave me alone. Let me beat this guy, because he’s made you look like an ass enough."

It was a low blow from Peacock, and the momentary quiver of his lip shows that he perhaps regretted bringing up Black’s record against Cyrus Truth as soon as he had said it, but he remained overall firm in his stance. Despite being battered due to his match just now, Black slowly slides off of the crate and onto his feet and walks away.

Alyster stops.

Alyster Black: "Good luck, Chris."

Peacock doesn’t answer and then he shakes his head and slaps himself on the cheeks a couple of times, as ready as he is ever going to be for the biggest match in his career.



For the final time this weekend, we return to ringside and there is a clear air of anticipation in the arena as what the entirety of the last two nights has led up to is about to happen. We are shown the four commentators at the commentary table once more and it is clear that all four members of the booth are acutely aware of the gravity of this situation. Allen Price in particular has a very nervous energy about him and he seems to be inside his own head, not paying attention to his surroundings.

Rod Sterling: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the match that we have all been waiting for. Chris Peacock will walk into this match with two championships in his possession, but if Cyrus Truth has his way, he will no longer hold the FWA World Championship when we leave Mexico City tonight.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s right, Rod. Tonight we are going to find out if Chris Peacock is the chosen one that can bring stability to that title that has been missing for the last two years. Or, can Cyrus Truth finally realise the goal that he has been working towards for over four years?”

Anzu Kurosawa: “The number four is associated with Cyrus Truth; a four time World Champion here in the FWA, four years since he last held it, and tonight is his fourth time in the main event of Back in Business… but will fourth time be the charm. Your boy is going to be hoping not, isn’t that right, Price? Ummm…. Price?”

Allen Price: “Sorry, Anzu. It is a bit much for me at the moment… but let me assure you all right now that Chris Peacock believes in his heart of hearts, as I do, that he can defeat Cyrus Truth as he has done in each of their previous encounters. Can I say it, this time? I never get to…”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Be my guest, Allen.”

Allen Price: “The time for talking is over… because THE MAIN EVENT IS RIGHT NOW!”

After a couple of audible pained sighs from Price’s commentary partners, the attention turns to the ring where Kurt Harrington is dutifully waiting in the ring with his microphone and the spotlight shining down on him. The bell rings, echoing around the stadium and garnering a loud response from the capacity crowd.

Kurt Harrington: “The following contest is for the FWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!”

The lights go out in the arena.

Seconds later, we see light once again. Not produced by spotlights, but by fire.



As a haunting rendition of The Longest John’s “Ashes” plays from the stadium’s speakers, we get a better view of the scene emerging from the darkness. Flecks of what look like ash have started to fall from above as a brazier has been set up dead centre at the top of the entrance ramp. The fire that burns within it is not overpowering, and in fact? It flickers and struggles to remain alight.

From the shadows, a figure in a heavy, leather coat approaches the brazier. Their hood is drawn up to hide their face, but we see enough of the figure’s jaw to see that he is pensive, contemplative. The flame struggles to stay alive as ashes continue to fall…however, we see that despite the rain of soot and dust, the figure’s coat is unblemished, unsoiled by the remnants of fires past.

It’s then that the figure extends a gloved hand into the fire.

But the fire doesn’t burn him.

As the song enters into the refrain, we see that the fire burns stronger, brighter. The figure removes his hand slowly, taking a bit of the fire with him and holding it, cupped in his hand.

And bringing it to his face, the light of the flame illuminates the face of ‘The Exile’. ‘The Wayward Warrior’.

Cyrus Truth has arrived at Back in Business to return to the throne.

‘The Vagabond King’ has returned…to tend to the flame.

With one swift motion, Cyrus closes his fist and lowers his hood as the lights of the arena come back on.

And a new entrance theme plays him down…



The crowd allows themselves to let out a monstrous roar in support of Cyrus as he marches down the ramp, looking dead in front of him at the ring the entire time. The fire on the stage is matched only by that in the eyes of ‘The Exile’ as he knows better than anyone how important it is for him to walk back up the ramp with the FWA World Championship in his hands.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “It is cliché. It is something that we like to say time and time again as Cyrus Truth walks towards the ring, but it has never been truer than it is in this moment; the long and winding road for Cyrus Truth back to being able to call himself the champion of the world ends here, in Mexico City. One man stands in between him and what he has craved for more than anything for over four years.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “This is the moment that Cyrus has scratched and clawed his way to for literally years. He was the man that stood up for this company last year when it was under attack and now he looks to be the one to unite it once more. One of two men to win the Carnal Contendership more than once… one of the greatest champions in the history of this sport. He will do everything in his power to reclaim the throne tonight.”

Rod Sterling: “I have had the privilege of watching Cyrus Truth wrestle for a number of years, up close. I have seen the blood, the sweat and the tears that his body has shed all in-”

Allen Price: “Vain, Rod. All in vain. There will be no fairytale ending for Cyrus Truth here tonight. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a part to play in Chris’s entrance. And for those who said I’d never make it, take a look at me now.”

As Cyrus reaches the ring steps and looks around the arena for the first time, he briefly raises an eyebrow at Allen Price scurrying past him and up the ramp. ‘The Exile’ shakes his head and then walks up the steps and enters the ring, where he allows his passion to burst out of him by roaring into the night’s sky with his arms outstretched.

Cyrus removes the leather coat and takes care to place it under the turnbuckle and he looks back up the ramp with a face of disdain.

Rod Sterling: “Many have called Cyrus Truth the heart of the FWA and I think it would be hard to argue with that statement; whilst the champion is popular with these people, I think it is fair to say that they’re fully behind Cyrus here in Mexico City.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Mhmm. Sorry, I’m just trying to keep an eye on Price and whatever he and Peacock have planned. If another truck comes out I am resigning…”

The challenger’s new entrance music fades out and attention turns to the stage where Allen Price is now standing with a live microphone. The crowd are not best pleased and he is showered with some boos, but he ignores them as his excitement levels are just too high.

Allen Price: “Thank you, everyone! This Back in Business weekend is about to end with a bang - because it is time for the match you have all been waiting for! But first, to play your FWA World Champion to the ring… please join me in welcoming Grammy Award winning recording artist and Oscar winning actor and the star of Shark Tale… WILL SMITH!”



To the surprise of the crowd in attendance who react loudly, the actual Will Smith jogs out onto the stage with a microphone in his hand and he begins rapping the lyrics to ‘Gettin’ Jiggy With It’ as Allen Price awkwardly dances and throws up some gang signs.

On your mark, ready, set, let's go,
Dancefloor pro, I know you know
I go psycho when my new joint hit,
Just can't sit.
Gotta get jiggy wit' it, ooh, that's it.
Now honey, honey, come ride,
DKNY all up in my eye.
You gotta Prada bag with a lotta stuff in it,
Give it to your friend, let's spin.
Everybody lookin' at me, glancin' the kid.
Wishin' they was dancin' the jig,
Here with this handsome kid.
Ciga-cigar right from Cuba-Cuba,
I just bite it.
It's for the look, I don't light it.
Illway the an-may on the ance-day oor-flay,
Give it up jiggy, make it feel like foreplay.
Yo, my cardio is infinite,
Ha ha!
Big Chrissy style's all in it.
Gettin' jiggy wit' it!

“OH WHAT, WOW!
HE’S THE GREATEST DANCER!”

“OH WHAT, WOW!
THAT I’VE EVER SEEN!”

As the chorus of the song begins, a figure walks out onto the stage as Smith does a small jig of his own and the crowd respond loudly when they see that this is the FWA World Champion, Chris Peacock. Peacock wears the same style of white jumpsuit that he did at The Grand March when he last faced Cyrus Truth in a match although this one has small video game controllers patterned on his legs which are coloured in with light blues and yellows.

The main feature of course is the FWA World Championship which is strapped around his waist, with his FWA World Tag Team Championship slung over his shoulder. On his other shoulder is the Singapore Cane which he used to win the latter from The Connection. Peacock and Price bump fists, and Price then brings Peacock in for a tight hug, which causes the champion to wince slightly. Peacock and Smith share a nod and then the champion walks down towards the ring, finally acknowledging his challenger waiting there for him.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “It was questioned earlier tonight by Todd Salum whether Chris Peacock is one-hundred percent going into this match with Cyrus Truth here on Night Two of Back in Business, after that almighty fall from the ladder out of the ring last night in his pursuit to defend the FWA World Tag Team Championships, and that action seems to have caused a rift of sorts between Chris Peacock and Alyster Black. The question really has to be one of whether ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’ has bitten off more than he can chew.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Chris Peacock has developed a reputation for being one of the most resilient competitors in the FWA; it takes a lot to keep him down and Cyrus Truth will know that. Cyrus must feel like a shark in blood-infested waters… it is feeding time on the weakened champion.”

Rod Sterling: “I am just surprised that Price was able to get Will Smith in for this… where did he get those strings to pull on? Regardless, an A-List entrance for the man who has taken the FWA by storm since arriving here almost three years ago. Jeremy Best of the ‘new’ generation fell to one off the ‘old’ guard Krash in last night’s main event. Will Chris Peacock suffer the same fate against one of the all-time greats?”

Peacock walks down the ramp and a determined look crosses his face as even with all of the pomp, the noise, the music and the lights… he is now solely concerned about the man that he will be facing in the ring in a few minutes’ time. He barely acknowledges Allen Price and Will Smith patting him on the back as he reaches the base of the ramp, with Smith finishing out the song and Price then jogging back around the ring towards the commentary table.

After entering the ring from the apron, Peacock stands and measures Cyrus Truth for a few seconds, and ‘The Exile’ intensely stares back at him. Peacock then turns around and places his cane against the steel steps on the outside and a ringside crew member collects his tag title. The champion unclips the championship from around his waist as the music stops and all that can be heard is the noise of the crowd. He looks deeply into his name on the main plate and then rests his forehead against it and it is then accepted by referee DJ Franchise.

Rod Sterling: “Chris Peacock passes the championship over to the official… meaning that this could be the last time his hands touch that title for quite some time if things do not go his way tonight.”

Allen Price: “I told you that I had some connections, didn’t I? As a plus side, he didn’t slap anyone… but this is an important moment for Chris Peacock, I can assure you. Recent events have taught him that he is not invincible, but he has worked through those flaws, decided to be his own man regardless of what people think. You will not have seen a Chris Peacock like the one you’re going to see tonight, let me assure you. The time for fun and games is over.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Indeed. Let’s take it across to the ring for Kurt Harrington to make the official introductions of the competitors…”

In the middle of the ring, DJ Franchise raises the belt up into the air and the crowd cheeers, with both Peacock and Cyrus’s eyes locked on the prize.

Kurt Harrington: “The following contest is your Back in Business XVII main event, and it is scheduled for one fall with a sixty minute time limit… and it is for the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance WOOOOOORLD CHAAAAMPIONSHIP!!”

Another loud cheer from the fans and Kurt smiles, nodding his head. The camera then lingers on Cyrus Truth in his corner.

Kurt Harrington: “Introducing the competitors… first, the challenger. From The Long and Winding Road and weighing in at two-hundred and twenty-seven pounds…

’THE EXILE’

…

‘THE WAYWARD WARRIOR’

…

‘THE VAGABOND KING’

…

CYYYYYYYRUUUUSSSSSSSSSS
TRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTH!!!”

The crowd is unanimous in their support of the challenger in this match, but despite the vast appreciation from the crowd and many willing him on, Cyrus keeps his eyes focused on the title in the hands of the referee.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Fantastic support here tonight for Cyrus Truth in Mexico City.”

As the attention then turns to Chris Peacock, there are a few boos scattered into the still-very loud reception from the crowd.

Kurt Harrington: “His opponent… from Boogie Wonderland by way of New York City and weighing in at two-hundred and ten pounds… he is one half of the FWA World Tag Team Champions and he is the CURRENT, REIGNING and DEFENDING FWA WORLD CHAMPION….

’DISCO’S LAST WARRIOR’

…

‘DREAMER’S NIGHTMARE’

…

‘THE GREATEST DANCER’

…

CHRISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
PEEEAAACCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCCCKKKKKKK!!!”

Despite the lack of full fan support, Peacock is not fazed by the occasion in the slightest and he watches as Harrington is passed his FWA World Championship by the referee and leaves the ring with it. All that remains in the ring now are the two competitors and the official.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “It has all been building to this moment, wrestling fans... who will leave Mexico City as the FWA World Champion?”

Everything is ready to go.

The bell rings.





SIXTH MATCH || MAIN EVENT || 1/60.
Chris Peacock [c] vs. Cyrus Truth.
Singles Match for the FWA World Championship.
Match writer: Man.



There is a couple of seconds after the bell rings where the two men stare at each other from across the ring. Cyrus Truth has his eyes firmly set on the man that is standing opposite him whilst Chris Peacock exhales and then allows himself a chance to stare up into the sky over Mexico City… and that is when Cyrus Truth pounces! The crowd become unglued as the challenger takes advantage of the champion’s momentary lapse in concentration and Cyrus barrels straight into Peacock with a knee to the ribs.

Peacock is clearly pained by the move and taken by surprise, and the shot to the area which was hurt in his match last night causes him to double over in the corner. Cyrus straightens him up and then runs his knee into Peacock’s ribs and gut several more times and then knocks him back into the turnbuckle. Truth then elbows Peacock in the side of the head a couple of times and this sets him down against the bottom turnbuckle.

Rod Sterling: “What a start from Cyrus Truth here; he has been waiting for this moment for so long, it is no surprise that he is not interest in hanging around!”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “This is not looking good for Chris Peacock, because here is Cyrus Truth and he’s going to take the champion for a walk with the FIRST FIVE STEPS!”

The challenger clenches his teeth as he stomps into Peacock’s head the first time, and then another four forceful stomps to the face and then chest and ribs of the champion. The crowd actually seem stunned by what they are seeing and Truth delivers a couple more hard stomps onto the injured ribs and continues until he is forced to back away by the referee, not wanting to risk a disqualification by allowing DJ Franchise to start a count.

Peacock pulls himself up with the assistance of the turnbuckle pads and nods his head to the official when asked if he is able to continue, but it seems that Peacock is mostly out of it already. The referee gets out of the way and Peacock steps forward out of the corner and then is immediately scooped up onto Cyrus Truth’s shoulders!

Allen Price: “What is happening?!”

There is a shocked moment of silence and then rapturous cheers from the crowd as Cyrus TRANSITIONS DOWN INTO JOURNEY’S END…

…

BUT PEACOCK ROLLS THROUGH!

…

VICTORY ROLL!!!

…

ONE!

…

…

TWO!!

…

…

THREE!!!

NO!!!

Cyrus kicks out just in time!

Anzu Kurosawa: “What a manoeuvre from Peacock! He almost ended Truth’s aspirations in record time… after almost succumbing to one of the most devastating moves in the FWA.”

There is a gasp of relief as Peacock flops forward from on top of Cyrus after countering Journey’s End mid-move, just when it seemed as if he was going to be losing his championship inside of two minutes. Cyrus springs back up to his feet with a shocked expression on his face but he reacts the quickest and then knocks Peacock to the mat once again with a Shoulder Block.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “We have seen that before, of course, during the F1 Climaxxx where Peacock defeated Truth with that exact counter to the Journey’s End. He almost pulled off a quick victory in this match in what would have been a truly shocking moment, as would have Cyrus hitting Journey’s End and winning the match right there.”

Allen Price: “I think Chris knows that he got lucky there, J-L. He’s not been particularly bothered about Cyrus Truth - against my advice - and it almost came back to bite him. He needs to get his head in the game.”

The Shoulder Block from Truth has Peacock holding his lower back and the champion is not quick to get straight back up to his feet, which works in Cyrus’s favour. The challenger drops a knee down across Peacock’s ribs and Peacock splutters on the mat and wheezes in pain and Truth then presses his knee down more on the champion’s injured ribs. Peacock uses as much strength as he can muster to force Cyrus off of him and then gets onto his hands and knees once he has pushed the challenger away.

This leaves the window wide open for Truth to attempt a kick to the ribs, but Peacock manages to trap Cyrus’s boot with his arm and then gets to his feet whilst still in possession of Truth’s leg and then drives the point of his elbow right across Truth’s knee. Peacock then falls back and takes Truth over with a Dragon Screw, but the bump on his own back seems to cause him some discomfort.

Truth quickly shakes his knee out, knowing why Peacock targeted it, and then approaches the champion as soon as he gets up and he looks for a punch, but Peacock blocks it and connects with a jab of his own. Another jab lands and Peacock spins on the spot for a dance move, but Truth grabs him as he turns and looks to take Peacock over with a Back Suplex, but Peacock flips through and lands on his feet behind Truth.

Peacock goes for a big punch to finish his sequence, but Cyrus blocks it and grabs Peacock around the waist, looking for a German Suplex, but Peacock shoots his fist into the air and catches Cyrus right on the mouth with the Fight Fever back fist! The blow doesn’t take Cyrus down and Peacock spins back around to follow up, but Truth turns himself and then cracks Peacock in the jaw with a Discus Punch! The champion was taken completely by surprise and falls to the mat, holding his face.

Rod Sterling: “It looked like Peacock was going to be mounting some good offence there and building a bit of momentum, but Truth is very quick to cut him off. Look at Cyrus shaking his hand out, I think that one could have hurt him a little.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Undoubtedly. There was some venom in that punch, Rod, and Cyrus is in no mood for any silly antics. Although, as we all know, behind the goofiness lies a dangerous competitor and we’ve already seen Peacock get a couple of shots in at that knee.”

As Peacock gets back up to his feet after the punch, he rushes in at Cyrus, who looks for a Hip Toss, but Peacock blocks it and goes for one of his own. Truth counters that and the two quickly rotate around each other across the length of the ring as they both try and land the move. Cyrus is the one that is able to get it off, and Peacock winces whilst holding his back once again.

However, the champion rises once more and this time right into Truth’s path, who elevates him up and spins him around… and then drops Peacock across his knee with a Tilt-a-Whirl Gutbuster!! Peacock gasps for air once more and holds his midsection and his ribs in particular and Truth then rolls him onto his back and makes his first cover of the match;

ONE… TWO-NO!!

Anzu Kurosawa: “We’re only a few minutes into this match but already we’re seeing just how problematic those ribs are going to be for Chris Peacock, guys. Even moves that Cyrus does that aren’t even specifically targeting them are hurting the champion… although that one was right on the money.”

Allen Price: “Chris Peacock is a fighting champion, Anzu. He’s battled through worse than this and whatever else Cyrus can have for him. Chris Peacock simply does not lose to Cyrus Truth.”

Once more, Peacock is left straining and gasping for air and he gets onto his hands and knees again. He is almost retching due to the tightness of his ribs and their soreness, especially due to how they have been targeted by Truth repeatedly since the beginning of the match. Like he did before, Truth looks for the kick directly to the ribs, but Peacock manages to absorb it and catch Cyrus’s boot once again.

As before, Peacock stands up with his opponent reduced to hopping on the spot as a result but this time Truth gets his other foot up and cracks Peacock with an Enziguiri to the back of the head! Peacock drops down to his knees and Truth gets back up to his feet once again and runs the ropes, where he aims to drive his boot into Peacock’s face, but the champion gets up and explodes through Truth with a Clothesline!

Peacock stands over Cyrus and then does what Truth has been attempting to do to him and he kicks him hard in the ribs, and then jumps into the air and drops a leg down across the back of Truth’s neck! The champion declines going for a cover at this stage, and he instead grabs Truth and places him over the middle rope. Peacock runs the ropes behind Cyrus and then drops a leg across the back of his head once again. He then drives his knee into the back of Truth’s head, causing Truth’s throat to be driven into the rope.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “After Cyrus definitely made the better start to the match, we can see Chris Peacock settling into some sort of rhythm now. He’s going to keep doing this to Truth for as long as DJ Franchise will allow.”

Thankfully, the official does come across and dole out a warning to Peacock and the champion backs off, making a count of five unnecessary. Peacock however does not want to waste any time and he picks Truth up from on the rope and forces him into the nearby turnbuckle. Peacock hammers Truth with a couple of punches and forearms, reducing ‘The Exile’s ability to fight back.

Peacock takes one of Cyrus’s legs and puts it through the ropes and then hits Truth a couple more times to keep him in position. Truth resists with a facepalm to Peacock, and Peacock responds in turn by putting both hands on Truth’s head and biting on his forehead! The crowd do not seem overly impressed by the champion’s tactics against one of their heroes, and once again DJ Franchise has to come across and put a stop to Peacock’s plans.

Ignoring the official, Peacock sinks his teeth further into Cyrus’s skull and DJ Franchise is forced to physically get involved to force Peacock back.

Rod Sterling: “That is some great officiating by DJ Franchise, there. We don’t want a match as important as this one to end in a disqualification. He’s giving them both a chance to wrestle the match how they want to, but is not afraid to get involved if he has to.”

Allen Price: “This DJ Franchise needs to mind his own business, if you ask me! Let Peacock cook in there. Yeah Chris, go on, don’t pay a damn word of attention to this clown.”

Chris Peacock does act on the sentiments of his agent on commentary and he brushes past the referee, not paying him much attention, and he kicks Truth’s leg whilst it is in the ropes! Cyrus instinctively holds his knee and Peacock shoves him back. Ignoring the referee’s demands for him to stop, Peacock then pulls on Truth’s foot at such an angle that it contorts his knee in a very uncomfortable way.

DJ Franchise begins to count as Truth finds himself unable to break Peacock’s impressive and considerable grip, and Peacock finally ceases when the count is about to reach five. With some space between them, Truth takes the opportunity to bring his leg back from the ropes, and Peacock rushes in and connects with another forearm strike to the challenger. With Truth groggy, Peacock lifts him up in a Scoop Slam position but instead of sending him down into the mat, he puts Cyrus on the turnbuckle in the Tree of Woe!

The crowd cheers for the uncommon spot and Peacock then gets in a few stomps on Truth’s head and chest, taking advantage of his challenger being able to properly defend himself. Peacock climbs up onto the turnbuckle in the middle rope and he delivers a few clubbing blows to the same knee he has focused on in the early stages of the match.

Peacock then shows off his balance by remaining on the top turnbuckle until he has properly steadied his footing. He leans forward to use the post to support himself and stomps on Truth’s knee a few times as well, with Cyrus groaning and wincing due to the predicament he finds himself in. The FWA World Champion straightens his body back up and then jumps into the air and he lands a jumping stomp across the top of Truth’s knee!

Anzu Kurosawa: “Chris Peacock has shown he has no issues in using the environment to his advantage, and the Tree of Woe is exactly that… it sucks.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Given their respective styles in a typical setting, one would be surprised to see that Peacock is the one that is more content to take his time and is not in a rush as he tries to weaken the knee of Cyrus Truth.”

The momentum and impact of the stomp caused Truth to fall from the Tree of Woe and he landed on his front in the middle of the ring. Peacock ignores his admonishing from the referee and grabs the leg to which the knee he has been working on belongs… and he drives it down into the mat!

Cyrus holds the knee once again and Peacock stomps on his chest to keep him flat down on his back and the champion puts one of his feet on Truth’s inner thigh to hold him in place and he then straightens out the leg… and stomps right on the side of Truth’s knee! Peacock does not show any emotion on his face as he makes it clear what he is trying to do and what he is working towards.

Allen Price: “Chris Peacock might have some banged up ribs, but he knows if he can wear down a part of Truth’s anatomy just as much, then things are evened up. That knee is not going to be feeling good and we know that this work is all a precursor to the Commentator’s Curse. Jean-Luc, how do you feel about that one?”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “You have really tested me this weekend, Price. Almost moreso than ever before. Do not bring me to a breaking point with you.”

It is not the Commentator’s Curse, but Peacock does get a simple submission in as he drops his knee onto Cyrus’s and then continues to pull at it a 90 degree angle, with pain etched on Cyrus’s face. Peacock avoids Cyrus’s attempts at swiping at him to cause a break are fruitless as Peacock is able to dodge these and avoid getting struck. Cyrus kicks at Peacock with his other leg, but a pointed elbow to his other thigh prevents Truth from trying that again.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Peacock is doing a good job with that knee of Cyrus Truth right now. That elbow to the inner thigh will cause a big bruise due to where it is on the body, and Cyrus will think again before he tries to get that leg involved.”

Despite Anzu’s assertions, Cyrus does attempt to kick out at Peacock with his other leg and Peacock once again puts it to bay with an elbow strike which does cause Truth some additional discomfort, but Truth then catches the arm and pulls Peacock in… and he applies a Crucifix… TRUTH IS TRYING TO LOCK PEACOCK INTO THE LONG ROAD TO NOWHERE!

The champion realised immediately the perilous position he is in and he flails both of his arms and tries to land whatever strike he can and make contact with the challenger who withstood some time in a submission only to get himself into position to apply one of his own. It is only when Peacock grabs onto the same leg that he has been working on and wrenches it sharply that Cyrus abandons his attempt.

Peacock stands over Cyrus after evading the Long Road to Nowhere and then stomps down on his chest to knock him flat again. The champion then walks over to the ropes and leans on them momentarily, moving his hair from his face.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Competing in that ladder match last night - and especially that fall - seems to have taken some of the wind out of Peacock’s sails. This slow and methodical pace isn’t what we usually see out of him, but it could well be a necessity.”

Rod Sterling: “Chris can’t allow Cyrus time to recover like this; it could be that lack of big match experience that the champion has compared to the challenger. We wouldn’t see Cyrus giving Peacock opportunities such as this.”

After taking a moment, Peacock returns towards Cyrus and drops down to grab him - BUT CYRUS PULLS HIM IN FOR A SMALL PACKAGE!

ONE… TWO… THRE-NO!!!

Both men pop up out of the pin and with the crowd loud in response to the near fall, both have a surge of adrenaline and Peacock looks for another Clothesline, which Cyrus avoids by ducking it. As Peacock turns around, Truth meets him with a kick to the midsection and he then hooks him up… and he takes Peacock over with a Fisherman Suplex! Peacock arches his back upon contact with the mat, but Cyrus also drops down as well, holding his knee.

Anzu Kurosawa: “The work that Peacock has put in on that knee seems to have paid some dividends, because even though Cyrus was able to get that Suplex away, you can really see that it took a lot out of him to do it.”

Allen Price: “It comes back to what we were talking about earlier; if Peacock can stay in this for long enough to get Truth to the same level of malady that he is in, that disadvantage goes entirely.”

As Truth pulls himself up with the assistance of the turnbuckle, he sees Peacock sitting up as well and charges in… connecting with a Running Knee to the face! Cyrus slaps his knee a couple of times to get some circulation back into it and then measures Peacock, before adjusting his footing so it is his ‘good’ knee that lands on Peacock’s face to complete the Wanderer’s Wrath combination!

The challenger rolls through off of the knee drop and has a pained expression on his face still, the discomfort clear. He in fact opts not to go for a pin on Peacock after the Wanderer’s Wrath so he can lean back against the turnbuckle and massage his knee a bit and he sees that Peacock is on his hands and knees again, and on the third time of asking he scores with a kick straight to the injured ribs of his opponent! Peacock puffs his cheeks out and falls onto his side, and he grabs the bottom rope and pulls himself underneath, his feet landing on the floor at ringside.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t know what it is, but Peacock going out to the floor really has me a little tetchy; we can’t have another big match ending in a count out. Is Peacock the kind of guy that would get himself counted out so he leaves with the title? Why am I even asking that?”

Allen Price: “Make your jokes, Jean-Luc. We’ll be the ones laughing at the end of the night. No, he just needs a breather after that cheap shot Cyrus just took with the kick to the ribs!”

Initially, DJ Franchise looks to prevent Cyrus from exiting the ring so he can follow up on Peacock, but the death stare he gets in response causes him to rethink this.

Rod Sterling: “Even the referee knows that it would be foolish to get in between Cyrus Truth and the FWA World Championship; especially after how long and how hard he has fought to get into this position.”

Truth exits the ring on an adjacent side from where Peacock is leaning on the ring apron and taking a moment to recover, and the champion audibly protests as Cyrus grabs him from behind by the head and neck. It is clear that the challenger’s first and foremost thought is to get the champion back into the ring, as that is where he can win the match. Cyrus attempts to lift Peacock up, but Chris resists it by catching Cyrus with an elbow to the face.

It knocks Cyrus back slightly, but he retains his grip on Peacock’s head and it is only when Chris kicks him in the damaged knee that he backs off, turning away. Peacock then reacts quickly and he shoves Cyrus forward and Truth’s knees collide with the ring steps and he falls over them, landing on his back! The fans at ringside are shown to be concerned for Truth’s welfare, having had a front row seat for that one, and Peacock leans on the steps and a smile forms on his face.

Anzu Kurosawa: “I’m not sure whether something like that was Peacock’s intention when he left the ring, but Cyrus coming out to meet him at ringside definitely played into the hands of the champion. He’s scrappy and he is resourceful, for all of his flaws.”

Peacock takes a moment before walking on the steps and stepping off of them, ensuring that he stands on Cyrus’s knee as he steps off. This gets a few in the crowd up in arms and they throw some boos at him, but it seems that he is not bothered by this at all. Lifting up the foot connected to the knee that he has been targeting, Peacock takes a look around the Estadio Azteca for a moment… AND THEN SLAMS IT INTO THE STEEL STEPS!!

The challenger is in an awful lot of pain and the look on Cyrus’s face shows that he is also furious about this current turn of events. Peacock lifts Cyrus up and brings him towards the ring apron and he runs Truth back into the ring apron! Truth grits his teeth and Peacock rears back, and does it again! The period of control for the champion out of the ring continues and he looks to repeat the action once more, but Truth manages to stop him and he clubs him in the back.

Peacock attempts to force Truth back into the ring apron once more but even on one good leg, Truth is able to resist him. In a burst of adrenaline and with a guttural scream, Truth Headbutts Peacock on the bridge of the nose and without any hesitation, he lifts Peacock up in a front Suplex… and HE DROPS PEACOCK ON THE RING BARRICADE, RIBS-FIRST!

Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s the same barricade that he fell on last night, wrestling fans, courtesy of his tag team partner. We saw earlier on that Peacock is not pleased with Alyster Black as a result of that action, telling him to not accompany him to the ring tonight and just being generally icy overall.”

Allen Price: “Come on, Chris! You can’t let him do something like that to you - he’s not the guy!”

It is actually a young fan in the wrong row that tips Chris Peacock over the barricade and back down to the floor, and a sudden burst of anger is shown surging through Allen Price.

Allen Price: “What does that little brat think he’s doing?! HEY! HEY!”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Price, it is a child. ALLEN - SIT DOWN!”

As the surrounding fans begin to celebrate with the young boy, Price’s headset clunks and the commentator is shown marching around the ring, pointing at the child and shouting all sorts of obscenities at him. Whilst this is happening, Peacock is still down holding his ribs and is in a great deal of pain. Cyrus on the other hand tries accessing Peacock, but the official exiting the ring to deal with Allen Price prevents him from doing so.

Risking disqualification, Cyrus barges past the official and then spins Allen Price around and the commentator/agent/dimwit looks like he has dropped the contents of his bowels. Cyrus puts his hands on Price and shoves him down to a big cheer from the crowd. Price screams in ‘agony’ and then Truth turns his attention back to his opponent and he rolls Peacock back into the ring. DJ Franchise leaves Allen Price smarting on the floor by the barricade and rejoins the competitors in the ring and counts the pin as Truth is covering Peacock;

ONE… TWO… THR-NO!!!

Rod Sterling: “Peacock kicks out! You know, if it wasn’t for Allen Price getting involved there and diverting some of Cyrus’s attention away from getting Peacock into the ring, then that Front Suplex onto the ring barricade could have been enough to win this match for ‘The Exile’.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “We’ve learned well enough by now that Chris Peacock will take any advantage available to him and that’s going to include having his manager abandon his post at the commentary table to run interference. On the plus side, we’ve got some more room over here.”

The challenger looks extremely frustrated that Peacock kicked out of the pin and as he rises out the crowd swells in anticipation as Truth stares at his opponent with daggers in his eyes. Peacock gets up to his feet and he is immediately scooped up onto Cyrus’s shoulders into a Fireman’s Carry… but before he can hit Journey’s End… Peacock slides off of his back and lands on his feet behind Cyrus.

Truth turns around and Peacock meets him with a kick to the midsection and HITS HIM WITH A DISCO THRILLER STUNNER!! It catches Truth out of nowhere, but doesn’t down him. He falls back into the corner and Peacock gets over to him as quickly as he can - which is not very quick - and he climbs up onto the middle ropes and starts laying into Cyrus with punches to the top of his head. The crowd does not chant along as they have in the past, but they cheer when Truth catches Peacock’s fist and Peacock’s eyes widen as Truth looks up at him defiantly, and then gets underneath him through his legs whilst he keeps hold of Peacock’s arm.

This presents Peacock’s head through his legs and Truth drives his boot into it! Peacock’s body goes limp on the turnbuckle and Cyrus allows him to fall across his shoulders in an Argentine Rack. The crowd cheer as they know what is likely coming next.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “The pure determination of Cyrus Truth has got him back into the match, and if it looks like both of these men have been battling for over half an hour, it is because they have. Now, Truth has Peacock on his shoulders, in prime position for the Exile’s Edge…”

Anzu Kurosawa: “I don’t think that Cyrus is going for any old Exile’s Edge, Jean-Luc…”

Despite operating on basically one good leg, the adrenaline surging through Cyrus’s body allows him to bear not only his own weight, but Peacock’s as well, as he starts stepping onto the turnbuckles and climbing up. The fans rise to their feet as Truth reaches the top rope, but it looks very uneasy…

BUT TRUTH MANAGES TO HIT PEACOCK WITH AN AVALANCHE EXILE’S EDGE!!!

The crowd go WILD as Peacock is laid flat out due to the move, spread eagle in the centre of the ring, unable to move aside from breathing. Cyrus Truth has a pained expression on his face, but he claws himself across the mat and drapes an arm over the champion’s chest…

…

ONE!

…

…

TWO!!

…

…

THRE-NO!!!

THE REFEREE GETS PULLED OUT OF THE RING… BY ALLEN PRICE!!!

Rod Sterling: “Oh, come on, Price! You know that’s just too far. Chris Peacock was beat there, guys, and if it wasn’t for Allen Price… this one would be over and we’d have a new FWA World Champion.”

The crowd are beside themselves, and Price protests innocence as the referee scolds him. DJ Franchise seems like he’s about to eject Peacock’s manager from ringside… but before he does, two figures are seen making their way down to the ring… Upon seeing them, one very small and one regular size, the crowd begins to cheer extremely loudly…

Jean-Luc Watkins: “THAT’S KONCHU HAO AND EPSILON! Cyrus Truth doesn’t have any real allies so to speak, but this is as close as they come… and Konchu is not going to allow Allen Price to derail this match any further!”

Epsilon is the first to reach the bottom of the ramp where Allen Price is, and Price laughs in the face of Konchu’s minion… but Epsilon kicks him in the shin! Price jumps up and down on one foot, howling in pain and then Konchu Hao lets out one of his trademark cackles which the crowd joins in with…

“KEHAHAHAHAAHAHA!”

The misfortunes of Allen Price continue as he hops into the path of Konchu Hao… and Konchu grabs him and hooks him up… RASPUTIN’S REVENGE TO ALLEN PRICE!!! The fans cheer loudly as Price could even be dead on the floor, his body entirely limp and motionless. From in the ring, Cyrus Truth nods at Konchu Hao in appreciation… and then together, Konchu and Epsilon pick Price up and begin to carry him to the back.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Alyster Black given his marching orders. Allen Price neutralised. Chris Peacock is all alone. If he wants to beat Cyrus Truth, he HAS to do it on his own.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “I think that Cyrus Truth himself was surprised that Konchu Hao would come out here to assist him, but ‘The Mad Wizard’ has his own history with Peacock, which could have played into it, but fundamentally, Konchu Hao is all of us who want to see which man is the best. Which man can win this match on his own.”

With Allen Price removed from the equation, the attention turns back to the ring where Cyrus Truth picks himself up and measures a rising Chris Peacock. Cyrus applies a Full Nelson on the FWA World Champion… and drops him on his head with a Dragon Suplex! The fans cheer, and Truth bridges impressively…

ONE… TWO… THR-NO!!

Peacock did not kick out - Truth’s knee gave way and caused the bridge to collapse! The damage done by Peacock throughout the match saves the champion. Again, Peacock avoided defeat and losing his championship. Cyrus holds his knee close to his chest, it seems that the more he tries to force it, the worse it gets every time it comes back to remind him that it is still there.

Despite this, Cyrus picks himself up. Peacock rises too, although it seems that he has no idea where he is… Cyrus kicks him in the back of the knee and then runs the ropes at the best of his ability, but he is severely hindered. Truth looks to hit Peacock with a boot to the face, but Peacock springs into life to avoid the Broken Path… and he runs the ropes… PEACOCK COMES BACK WITH A SPEAR… BUT CYRUS LEAPFROGS IT… BUT HIS KNEE BUCKLES UPON LANDING!!!

Cyrus is down on the mat, holding his knee again… and PEACOCK RUNS THROUGH THE CHALLENGER WITH THE STRUT!!! Peacock falls down on top of Cyrus, exhausted, not hooking a leg, just lying on top of his opponent…

…

ONE!

…

…

TWO!!

…

…

THREE-NO!!!

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Listen to these fans! Cyrus Truth kicks out of The Strut, not for the first time ever, and Chris Peacock can’t believe it. Peacock thought he had him, even with that poor excuse for a cover. You can’t afford to cut corners at this level. That could be the turning point in this match, can Cyrus weather this storm?”

Peacock looks desperately, holding up three fingers to the referee, trying to argue his case to the official, but DJ Franchise is resolute in his position. It was only two.

Slowly lifting himself up to his feet, Peacock backs into the turnbuckle and waits for Truth to sit back up. Peacock forgoes the dance moves which often precedes his finishing moves. He runs in, looking for ANOTHER STRUT - BUT TRUTH GETS UP AND DRIVES PEACOCK INTO THE MAT WITH THE MEMENTO MORI! The STO has Peacock’s head slamming against the canvas and both men are now down on the mat.

At this moment, the crowd get on their feet and make their support for Cyrus Truth known with chants of encouragement directed at the challenger.

Rod Sterling: “Look, regardless of how you feel about these men, you have to respect what they have put themselves through, all for the privilege to call themselves the FWA World Champion.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Neither of these men are prepared to give up or prepared to go down. They want to win this match with every fibre of their being. They both need to win this.”

Both men rise to their knees at the same time, and Cyrus hits a chop across Peacock’s chest, which almost knocks him back, and Peacock leans forward and hits Truth with a hard forearm. In a mirror to Jeremy Best and Krash last night, the crowd cheer when Cyrus connects with a strike. Peacock is now being firmly booed by the crowd at each turn, and they jeer him each time he hits Cyrus.

After a particularly hard forearm, Peacock looks around and shakes his head at the reaction he gets from the fans. He rises to his feet and Cyrus does his best to follow… and PEACOCK BACKHANDS TRUTH ACROSS THE FACE!! The disrespect shown from Peacock towards the legend gets him booed even more, but he does not react to it.

What generates a reaction of concern from Peacock is the look of pure rage on the face of Cyrus Truth. Peacock attempts to hit Truth once again, but Cyrus blocks it! Another extremely stiff chop from Truth knocks Peacock back a couple of paces and Truth hits him again, sending him into the ropes. Truth shoots Peacock across the ring and meets him in the middle, looking for another Memento Mori, but Peacock ducks underneath it.

Peacock, with a sudden burst of energy, runs past Truth and climbs up onto the turnbuckle and gets onto the top rope as Truth turns around… GLITTERBALL DROP-NO! TRUTH POWERBOMBS PEACOCK DOWN ONTO THE MAT!!

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Great counter from Truth, and he really seems to have an answer for everything that Peacock can throw at him at the moment. What is it going to take for either man to beat the other?”

Rod Sterling: “It is going to come down to Journey’s End versus The Roller Disco. Both moves have put away countless opponents, it is the key for them both. Cyrus… he’s going for the Journey’s End again, though!”

Instead of going for the cover off of the Powerbomb, Truth grabs Peacock’s legs and rolls him back over and then lifts him up onto his shoulders once more in the familiar Fireman’s Carry… JOURNEY’S END!! NO! PEACOCK GRABS TRUTH’S KNEE AND ROLLS THROUGH… AND CYRUS TRUTH IS TRAPPED IN THE COMMENTATOR’S CURSE!!

Again, Truth fails to hit Journey’s End on the slippery champion, and it is the worst possible scenario for Truth now. The Commentator’s Curse - the very reason that Peacock has targeted his knee the entire match - is locked in. In the middle of the ring. There is nowhere for Cyrus Truth to go. Truth screams in pain, and Peacock roars for him to tap out.

Anzu Kurosawa: “We know that Peacock has no qualms over pulling on that leg until he hears a snap. He has worked on this hold, perfecting it. And Cyrus Truth… he tapped out to weaselperson. He saved himself for this match. Now he’s here… does he risk his entire career?”

As Cyrus makes it clear that he is not going to submit, Peacock cranks up the pressure on the hold. He pulls back as hard as he can. He wants to hear the snap. If Cyrus is not going to end the match on his terms, he will do it for him. The fans almost beg Cyrus to live to fight another day. They’re in the middle of the ring with nowhere for Truth to go.

Cyrus shakes his head, the pain he is feeling almost unimaginable. Peacock pulls back even more; he will break Cyrus’s leg if he has to.

In a shocking move, Cyrus’s hand hovers above the mat. The crowd gasps as his hand shakes. Cyrus contemplates slamming it against the mat. It would end the match, but also everything he has worked towards. It would be admitting that he is not good enough.

That is just something that he cannot bring himself to do. Not here. Not now.

“TAAAAAAAAAP!”

Cyrus shakes his head, he screams out into the sky above the Estadio Azteca. Instinctively, he raises his other foot into the air and he slams it down onto Chris Peacock’s ribs. Peacock gasps, and Cyrus realises that this is his way out of it. More kicks to the ribs follow.

The grip of Chris Peacock slowly loosens. The damage to his ribs from his fall last night means that he is struggling to even breathe as Cyrus doubles down on the stomps.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “This is almost primal. These two are going everything that they can to survive as well as go in for the kill. This is how badly both of these men want to be the FWA World Champion. This is what it means to them.”

Rod Sterling: “After what Cyrus Truth said to Chris Peacock on Fallout, I think that Peacock realised just how much he wants this - how much he needs it. This is a battle of sheer willpower now.”

The stomps do the trick, and Peacock lets go of Cyrus’s leg. Once again, both men are down on the mat. Neither move, and the crowd cheers loudly due to Cyrus escaping the submission. Simultaneously, both men do their best attempts at rising to their feet from the mat.

When standing, Chris Peacock clutches onto his ribs, almost unable to stand straight. Cyrus Truth stands defiantly in the middle of the ring… but the fans all gasp as his knee buckles from underneath him; ‘The Exile’ unable to put any weight on it at all after the Commentator’s Curse. Jean-Luc Watkins speaks, but in a solemn tone.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Whilst the mind may never quit…”

A devious smirk forms on the face of Chris Peacock, and he backs into the corner. Cyrus Truth stares at him with brilliant resolve. His mouth quivers, showing his disappointment, but his eyes have the same steely “fuck you” determination that they have always worn. He knows what is coming and he knows that he cannot stop it.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “...sometimes, the body just can’t go any further...”

The crowd begins to boo as Chris Peacock leans back in the corner and produces both of his middle fingers and directs them at his opponent, fully accepting his role as the villain of this story if that is how the fans wish to view him. Peacock drops his head and CHARGES ACROSS THE RING AT CYRUS AND HE RUNS TRUTH INTO THE TURNBUCKLE BEHIND HIM…

… AND THEN BACK ACROSS THE RING INTO THE OPPOSITE TURNBUCKLE! PEACOCK THEN DRIVES TRUTH INTO THE MAT WITH THE ROLLER DISCO!!!

Boos fill the Estadio Azteca and Peacock falls on top of Cyrus, hooking both of his legs.

…

…

ONE!

…

…

TWO!!

…

…

THREE!!!



‘He’s The Greatest Dancer’ plays through the speakers in the stadium and confetti begins to rain down from above the ring as Chris Peacock moves off of his opponent and onto his knees, and he buries his head in his hands in elation. The crowd do not match Peacock’s happiness due to the attitude he displayed throughout the match and the repeated shows of disrespect towards his opponent.

Kurt Harrington: “Here is your winner and STILL the FWA World Champion… CHRISSSSSS PEEAAAACCCOOOOOOCCKKKKK!!!”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, I am not sure how many anticipated this result, but Chris Peacock has done what many thought to be unthinkable of him; he has managed to leave Back in Business XVII with both of his championship reigns still intact. I think this is a definitive moment in his career; not only is it a victory at the biggest show, but an acceptance of himself as what some have viewed him as all along.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “If you won’t say it then I will, Jean-Luc… I don’t think Peacock can be much blamed for how he acted tonight. These fans wanted Cyrus Truth to win, and he didn’t. Peacock achieved what he set out to do and when push came to shove, he did it on his own. Not sure what else can be asked of him.”

Both of Peacock’s titles are given to him by the referee and he cradles both the FWA World Championship and his FWA World Tag Team Championship close to his chest. Across the ring, sat in the corner is Cyrus Truth. ‘The Exile’ looks forward at Peacock with a blank expression on his face.

Rod Sterling: “After tonight, or even before it, I do not think that anyone was denying Cyrus Truth’s credentials… but ‘The Exile’ will have to wait a bit longer before he can ascend this mountain one more time. I think we all know that he will not stop, and nor should he. Tonight could have gone either way, it just so happened that it was Chris Peacock’s weekend.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Absolutely. I fully expect Cyrus Truth to be back in this position, sooner rather than later.”

Peacock rises to his feet and raises his championships above his head and walks over to the corner where he climbs up onto the second rope. Cyrus Truth pulls himself out of the ring under the bottom rope and starts making his way to the back. The referee attempts to help him due to how much he is limping, but Truth pushes him away as he is going to do this on his own.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, wrestling fans, that is it for another year. We walked the path to Back in Business together, and it has brought us to this point where Chris Peacock has retained the FWA World Championship… wait…”

Anzu Kurosawa: “There’s someone in the ring! The confetti, I can’t see…”

As Chris Peacock celebrates in the corner, he doesn't notice that someone else is in the ring. They are a tall figure but their face and what they are wearing is obscured by the confetti that is still showering down onto the ring. The fans cheer as whoever this is seems to be motioning for Peacock to turn around, shouting at him to do so.

Due to the music and the loud crowd reaction, Peacock is completely unaware that this individual is waiting for him. He climbs down and turns around to scale the opposite corner… BUT GETS KICKED RIGHT IN THE JAW, KNOCKING HIM DOWN!!

Rod Sterling: “Wait… it can’t be…”

The music abruptly stops and the fans are very confused as to what has just happened, as they could not even get a proper look at Peacock getting floored. The confetti finally thins out and the crowd and the cameras can finally get a proper look at the man who just laid out the FWA World Champion, and they uproariously cheer when they see who it is.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “ARE WE SEEING A GHOST? THAT’S… THAT’S RANDY RAMON!! FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A YEAR, RANDY RAMON IS HERE AND HE - LIKE KRASH - IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE!”

The crowd go BALLISTIC at the sight of Ramon back in the FWA after his apparent death in Rio last year at Back in Business XVI. Randy Ramon looks down at Peacock - his former Ground Zero mentee and the man who retired his best friend earlier this year - and doesn’t say a word. Ramon reaches into his pocket and pulls out a purple bandana… and drops it down onto Chris Peacock’s chest.

Rod Sterling: “No one… had seen or heard from ‘Rockstar’ Randy Ramon an entire year. He’s getting inducted into the FWA Hall of Fame at the Eighteenth Anniversary Show, but it turns out that it is not posthumously as we initially thought. He’s here in the flesh and it looks like he is here for one person… and that is Chris Peacock.”

Rod Sterling: “I can’t believe what we’re seeing… this is not how I thought Back in Business would be ending, that is for sure.”

All that can be heard is the crowd’s bewilderment and excitement about the jawdropping events which just occurred. Chris Peacock - spent after two gruelling matches in as many nights - has not moved since taking the Remix, which he never saw coming in the first place.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “That… is all we have time for, I am afraid to say. It has been headlines galore this weekend, but the man standing tall when all is said and done is one we never thought we’d see again. On behalf of myself, Rod, Anzu and now presumably human test subject Allen Price, thank you for watching… and goodnight.”

The final shot of the night is a slow zoom on the bandana on the chest of Chris Peacock… a warning that a new challenge for the FWA World Champion is coming in the form of an old friend.