Meltdown XXXII & Fallout 032 (Aug '23).

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supinesnake
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Meltdown XXXII & Fallout 032 (Aug '23). May 29, 2024 10:57:59 GMT

Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 10:57:59 GMT

Originally posted by Blaine.

Nothing comes easy in life. It’s a harsh reality to cope with. You have to desire victory, you have to love victory. But, what happens to a man who can’t love victory? What happens to a man that needs to learn to love himself before he can love victory?

The street lights dim under the beautiful night sky of Atlanta, as people stretch their legs upon the sidewalk, living their life the way they wish. It’s a lucky thing really, to have control over the direction your life takes.

Some people aren’t lucky like that. Such as the elderly man, shivering in an alleyway, his body coated with dirt and surrounded by a blanket of old cloth. Did he choose to suffer? It’s a disgusting sight to see, someone who found themselves on a downward spiral that they couldn’t climb out of.

That downward spiral is like a vortex, it draws you in with its awe and then it traps you, relentlessly forcing your breath away until you give in to it, falling victim. Anything can be this vortex. Addiction, Mental Issues, Failure …. Failure rings a bell.

Failure can bring out the worst in mankind. What’s the point in continuing on if every single thing you do in life is destined to fail. Your goals, your hopes, your aspirations all mean nothing because you cannot succeed.

Failure creates men like Sawyer Xavier.

In one of these alleyways, a van is parked beside a dumpster. It’s unkempt, dirty, the sides are slashed, and it clearly has had better days. The smell of it was a dirty one. It smelt like someone who just wants to numb all the sorrow and depression of the world. Smoke slid out the slivers of the windows, as coughing could be heard from the inside.

COUGH COUGH COUGH

“ACK! SHIT!”

A disgusting figure sat in the front seat, coughing up his lungs as a part of the blunt in his hands fell to the floor. He dropped his head on his steering wheel, which was falling apart. The horn slightly honked as the figure began to cry. It was a miserable sight to behold, as the figure, leaned back. His beard was scuffed, with some of the paper mixing into it.

“Shit … shit. Why the hell do I do this.”

He banged both his fists against the steering wheel, a loud honk blaring out, one that woke up the elderly man near the van. The figure was angry and lost, as he tried to compose himself. His fingers shook as he grabbed his keys, sticking them inside of the keyhole of his car. He cranked it with struggle, as he took a few breaths.

“Just … need to get back to Jayson.”

He muttered to himself, as he slowly drove out of the alleyway. As he drove down the road, he felt himself jerking at any sort of noise, as he swerved slightly on the road. His breaths heightened, as he gripped the steering wheel tightly, plastic somewhat piercing his skin as he stared off into the road, not watching.

The staring off was ended when he felt himself …

CRASH

The thought wouldn’t be finished as he jolted forward in his seat, the windshield of the van shattering into immediate pieces as the street light he ran straight into fell right on top of his van, denting it. In a simple moment, he couldn’t comprehend what was going on as the blaring alarm of his car faded into the background. His vision went narrow as he stared at his hands, which were shaking with every single nerve.

Time was an incomprehensible facet as an eternity and a second passed at the same time. As he stared at his hands, the events around him didn’t seem to register. All he could focus on were his sweaty palms, not being able to stay still. His pupils stared at them intently.

Then, the next moments flashed by like a passing train. A cop helping him out of the car, him being taken to a hospital, being tested for drugs, being fingerprinted, getting his mugshot, and living in a jail cell. All while this was happening, nothing registered in his brain. He was broken, he was lost. There was nothing left of Sawyer Xavier. All he had was himself, but even then, what was he … who was he?

TWO AND A HALF MONTHS LATER

18:00

Leisure time. The one time that wasn’t such a tax. Orange seemed to fit Sawyer. That seemed to be a running gag in his head. Sawyer sat inside of one of the recreation rooms at the prison, staring into the empty abyss of the tv. His face was a little less unkempt. It was cleaner than usual, and he had trimmed his beard down a good bit. But while he looked like a better man, he didn’t feel like a better man.

No emotion was able to be recognised on his face as he stared at the television. This television represented what he desired in life itself. Anything could happen, and you’d know it end in a happy ending. The prince gets the princess, the bad guy is defeated, and the hero gets a welcome from everybody. Sawyer wants to be the hero, he wants to feel like something useful has passed him by. Yet, for years, what truly has been Sawyer Xavier. What use has he provided to this world? What has he done that anyone else couldn't? Why was he here?

He didn’t know that yet. He never knew. He went into the real world with nothing but a dream, but now he’s decaying away inside of prison. A laughing stock of the business he loved. It never loved him back. So what’s the pur-

He felt his thoughts being cut off by the interlinked sounds of a knocking of a door and some keys ringing. He turned around, seeing one of the guards standing outside the door to the recreational room. His badge read “Dep. Carter,” he wasn’t anything unique. All the officers had become numb to his head, they were only distinguished by their badge names. Other than that, what’s the point in recognizing them. He couldn’t even recognize his own surroundings.

“Inmate! Come with me.”

His voice was stern. No matter what the occasion was, it was always stern. It could be the worst news of your life, or your best. It seemed though that the next few hours flew by within an instant, yet were probably the longest he’s ever felt alive. Papers strapped across the table, the notice that he had served his sentence. It all felt fake, but it all felt real at the same time.

Hours crossed through time as his hands shook, the pen in his grasps growing in weight and density every time he signed a paper. It was unusual, but it was almost like a weight off his shoulders, dragging itself down to his hands.

After what felt like an eternity. He was told the magic words. That he was free. It was almost uncanny. Why was this suddenly happening to him. After nearly three months locked inside of a prison, he was a free man. Yet, a free man with a changed life. He was never going to be normal again. He was always gonna be trapped by the haunting memories of what he’s done. He’ll be judged, spat at, he’ll never be seen as someone who’s useful.

It was late at night now. He was lead out of the jail, and now he sat in the reception. He was wearing khaki’s that didn’t even fit, with the ugliest colored shirt. It felt almost humiliating, waiting for someone to pick him up. His license was suspended from the short bit he actually comprehended, so he had nothing. No family, no friends, no car. It felt like he was going to spend an extra night in prison when he heard a voice above him.

“Hello Sawyer.”

He didn't recognize this voice. He turned his head up, seeing a man dressed up in a lighter suit. He extended his hand out to Sawyer, which Sawyer took. He was pulled up to his feet as the man firmly shook his hand, staring into his beady eyes.

"I'm Oliver Kemp from FWA's Talent Relations Department. You've probably emailed me a few times."

Sawyer stood confused, shaking his head. Kemp didn't look disappointed though, instead turning towards the door.

"You need a ride, right? I'll get everything situated for you, let's get out of here though. Wouldn't look any better for your image. Though, from how you act, it seems you don't care in the first place."

Kemp chuckled a bit as Sawyer looked dazed, following him outside of the prison. After what felt like an eternity, Sawyer opened his mouth.

"Why?"

Kemp stopped in his tracks, turning back toward Sawyer.

"Hmm, why? Well, we all have our favorites. You just happen to be mine. Besides, you're still under contract with us. It looks bad on us if one of our talents are incarcerated."

Kemp chuckled a bit, leaving Sawyer with a slightly bitter look on his face.

"Is this funny to you? You're the first person that's not a hardened criminal or a cop that I've spoken to and you just ... laugh at me?"

"Seems hard time broke your funny bone. Would you rather me talk about the business complications and all that jazz? No. What matters most is that you're out on parole, and that you're back with the FWA."

"That ... doesn't make sense. Why do y'all want me back? I keep constantly fucking up every single chance I get, what's the point of it?"

Kemp doesn't respond, instead leading Sawyer to a nice looking car, especially compared to his now fucked up van.

"Hop in. Since you don't have a license anymore, technically you need someone to transport you. Your lucky I volunteered or you'd have to start hitchhiking your way across the world."

Sawyer stared at the car, a bit skeptical of the entire situation. However, realizing it was this or being to his own wits, he crawled into the passenger seat. He felt a sense of slight comfort, enjoying a luxury that he seemed to desire.

"So, I recommend you get yourself up to researching. You got a match coming up soon in Cuba. But, take your time. I'll take you to your hotel room and we can talk more in the morning."

Sawyer nodded, leaning back into the seat. It was simple. It was different than having to lie on a thin mattress, with the only thing keeping you with some comfort was the clothes on your back. And, for once in months, Sawyer managed to peacefully shut his eyes.

**HOURS LATER**

It seems time passed for the first time in months. Sawyer's tired complex would be ended as the car came to a halt. He would stretch slightly, flickering his eyes open as he stared through the windshield of the car. Instead of seeing fear and obsoletion, he saw hope. He saw a hotel, brightly lit. It wasn't ran down like the motels when money was tight and he had no gas until the end of the week. It wasn't filled with roaches, it was a place where he actually could live like a human.

"And here we are. I've scheduled you ahead of time. So, you should just be able to go to reception and get your key. And, if you need anything, give me a call."

Kemp handed Sawyer a business card, which Sawyer promptly put in his pocket. After a short bit, the two waved each other off as Sawyer stepped towards the hotel, a sign of new life and new hope. The next moments felt like forever. Talking to the receptionist, getting his key, and heading up to his room. His hands shook, the same way they shook two and a half months ago, as he approached his door. He slid the key into the door, and the shaking stopped. The cool breeze from the air conditioned room hit his face, freezing a smile onto his face.

Was life for once going to pity him, helping him out? Was this chapter in his life going to be the reason that he was saved? Is this truly his first moment as a new man? Even in a scenario like this, he'll question himself. But, if he doesn't question himself, it'd be too draining to tell whether or not he earned this. What he does know right now though is that someone believes in him. That gives him the courage to believe in himself. Win or lose, this moment could be the moment that changes him forever.

supinesnake
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Meltdown XXXII & Fallout 032 (Aug '23). May 29, 2024 11:01:39 GMT

Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:01:39 GMT

Originally posted by TGO.

[HEADING=1]

Letter to Death

[/HEADING]

"Mom ... where are we?"

XYZ wishes he never asked the question …

"Take this. Take your bag."

Out comes a black labrador retriever …

"Take Al’s leash, son."

...

“You’re still my superhero."

Those words — spoken in May of 1996 — were the last words this 9-year-old boy ever heard from his mother.

XYZ was just 9 years old when his mom abandoned him on the side of the road – leaving him with nothing but a leash in one hand, a duffel bag in the other hand, and a makeshift cape from a green cloth tied around his neck.

That was May of 1996, more than 27 years ago. XYZ is still recovering from it. As he drives the Magic School Bus through space, the memory of that night in Sitka, Alaska, hits. That memory hits at least four times per day. It used to happen more than 20 times in a day. It has gotten less frequent, but it'll never go away. Never. It will always and forever stick with XYZ, no matter where he is or how he's doing. So even now, as the Magic School Bus putters along through the Pinocchio Galaxy, the memory hits.

"Can children really get psychosis?"

"You mentioned his parents abandoned him a year ago?"

"A couple years ago."

"Enough to be considered severe trauma."

"He says he has power from the stars and the moon and the sun."

"The way we can tell if he is experiencing psychosis is whether or not he believes in ... what he says. He will have ... visions ... or delusions. He may believe he's in ... unrealistic situations. Maybe space, perhaps."

XYZ remember this one, too, and thinks about it every day.

XYZ was 11 years old when a doctor eventually diagnosed him with childhood schizophrenia, characterized by psychosis and multiple personality disorder. He had trouble making friends at school, or at the Foster Home, or the next Foster Home, or the next one. He never had a girlfriend, never even went on dates or tried extracurriculars. Never played sports. All he wanted to do was come home and spend time with his dog, Big Al, his best friend in the world.

In the Pinocchio Galaxy, there are no stars around and no planets within 573 lightyears. It’s pitch black aside from the Charmander nightlight XYZ keeps on the dashboard right above the steering wheel. That nightlight reminds him of yet another memory he'd prefer to forget ... for at least a day.

11-year-old XYZ is sitting in the room of his foster home. It’s the beginning of 5th grade, but it’s Tuesday afternoon. You know what that means?

Tuesday afternoon around this time in 1998? That’s the time Pokemon: Indigo League would air new episodes in the United States and Canada. September 22, 1998 was a particularly important episode, too.

Young XYZ sat with his green cape tied around his neck and his black labrador retriever, Big Al, sitting right next to him like a real good boi. Big Al was incredibly loyal and patient. He would sit right next to XYZ and watch Pokemon with him just to make sure XYZ wasn’t alone.

“Charmander — The Stray Pokemon” was the episode’s title. If you’ve seen it, then you remember it. You know exactly why this episode was particularly poignant for the story of a little kid with childhood psychosis who ended up with this disorder because he was left on the side of the road with nothing but Big Al, the leash connecting him and Big Al, and a duffle bag.

At some point, near the end of the episode, Big Al begins coughing.

In January of 1999, a little more than two years after XYZ became an orphan, his dog Big Al died of lung cancer. XYZ was 12 years old when it happened. It has been more than 24 years since then, but he’s still recovering from the trauma of that event.

XYZ considers the day Big Al, the dog, died as the second worst day of his life. It’s why he concocted a new version of Big Al, to serve yet again as his best friend, only to yet again be taken from him due to the same exact disease as his dog had.

The Pinocchio Galazy provides one of those soothing, peaceful times when everyone is asleep – and has been for a few days, as time is a little foggy in the Pinocchio Galaxy. XYZ looks behind him and sees everyone sleeping: Frank and Wild Jerry in rows closest to the front, PacMan Bert about halfway to the back, and Sierra, Christian Howard, and young Lizzy Golden in the last two rows.

Then, suddenly, a memory he hasn't thought about in a long time hits him like a wave.

Fastforward to some time in 1999 – a few months after the death of Big Al – and the young XYZ, still either a preteen or just barely a teenager, sits in a doctor’s office for his mandated psychiatry screening he has every month. It’s government-funded, which means it's lacking for quality, but it’s the best he’ll get as an orphan. Since he has been diagnosed with pediatric schizophrenia, it’s especially government-mandated. He does it twice a month rather than just the once a month for all other kids in orphanages.

XYZ swings his legs off the black couch while a doctor who is not important enough to describe or name sits in his chair just a few feet away. The white walls and ceiling and strong lighting creates sort of a purgatory feeling, like a middle ground train station aura. The doctor's desk includes a large computer monitor, one of those oversized bulky ones that look like they could be mistaken for tube televisions if not for the big power button in the very center of the plastic horizontal bottom, below the actual screen.

“I know you’re still struggling with Big Al’s death.”

XYZ does not respond. He’s had a difficult time talking about it since it happened. He shells up and won’t even talk to his Foster Mother about it.

“I have an idea.”

More silence.

“Do you ever write?”

“For school.”

“Do you like to write? Do you think you’re good at it?”

“I dunno.”

“Well, your teachers say it’s actually your best subject in school. They say you’re a very good writer.”

More silence.

“How about this … and you don’t have to do it. How about you write down how you feel? It can be any form. Hey … it can even be a letter. A letter to Big Al. What about that? Maybe that will allow you to express your feelings and release this weight on your shoulders rather than bottling everything up.”

XYZ sits on the couch and slowly nods his head. He’s not sure of this tactic, but he’s also willing to try. He’s usually willing to try any suggestion from the psychiatrist, or anyone else in his life who seemingly is trying to help him.

“Write whatever you want. You don’t have to show me. You can show me if you want, but it’s mostly for you. Okay?”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“I’ll see you in two weeks. Same day and time, yeah?”

XYZ did write something. He wrote a letter ... a letter to cancer, to be specific ... and he still has it. XYZ keeps this letter ticked in the glove compartment of the Magic School Bus. He hasn't read it in a while, but with thoughts of Big Al coming back, he figures it's due. X reaches over, opens the compartment, and fumbles through insurance cards and title papers and maintenance receipts before finding four sheets of paper folded about five times into a square small enough to fit in a chest pocket.

Reading this letter, along with the tranquil and quiet setting he's in, has XYZ thinking about the latest version of Big Al and what he would think if he were here and saw Back in Business. What would Big Al think about XYZ’s win against Death Walker and “The Wildcard” Jason Randall? Would he be proud of him? Probably. Would he be in a celebratory mood? Probably not, as Big Al didn’t say much.

Big Al isn’t here, though, and while XYZ hasn’t vocalized his difficulties recovering from the trauma of what happened those months ago, he has been struggling with it mightily.

So, with the Magic School Bus on autopilot and cruise control, drifting through a meteor shower with ease, XYZ does what he knows how to do in this situation. He writes. He always has a pad of paper to write. Most of it is gibberish. Some of it is drawings. Every now and then he writes something ... that has long-term meaning. This is one of those times.

supinesnake
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Meltdown XXXII & Fallout 032 (Aug '23). May 29, 2024 11:01:58 GMT

Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:01:58 GMT

Originally posted by TGO.

As XYZ writes his letter to death, Wild Jerry pretends to sleep near the front of the Magic School Bus. He opens one eye and makes a "psst" sound across the aisle to Frank.

"Frank," Wild Jerry whispers.

No response.

"Hey ... Frank."

XYZ is too entrenched in writing his letter to notice, and Frank is too deep in a dream to notice.

"Psssssssssssst."

Nothing again.

Finally, Wild Jerry takes off one of his shoes, reaches across the aisle quietly, and smacks Frank in the face with it.

"What the ..."

"Shhhhh!"

"If you wanted me to be quiet, then why'd you hit me in the face with a shoe?"

"Hey ... you think we got a shot on Fallout?"

"A shot on Fallout? What ... what you talking about now, Jerry? Damn."

"Yeah ... me ... Christian ... and Sierra ... in that trios match."

"Oh ... right. Wait ... who you up against again?"

"Them Triple J Security gringos."

"Ahhhh."

Frank smirks and then closes his eyes once more as he lays back down on the seat.

"I dunno, man. They're tough. Real tough."

"Pshhh. Those wackos ain't tougher than me. I'll get them gringos. We'll get 'em good. For The Menage, yo"

"If you say so, man."

Wild Jerry then turns behind him and spots PacMan Bert, who's also seemingly asleep about four rows back.

"Pssst."

No response.

Wild Jerry removes his other shoe and takes aim ...

supinesnake
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Meltdown XXXII & Fallout 032 (Aug '23). May 29, 2024 11:02:32 GMT

Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:02:32 GMT

Originally posted by rawr.

The night’s sky was illuminated a shade of orange over the English countryside, and the feed panned down to the panicked scene in the grounds of Manton Manor. The large manor building, a stately home, was ablaze and was surrounded by emergency vehicles. The flashing blue lights of police cars, ambulances and fire engines lit up the burning remains of the centuries-old building.

Zoom out, and a man standing with the grounds holds a microphone. He wears a grey coat and then nods, his cue ready. “Tragedy strikes here at the historic Manton Manor. It was first reported roughly half an hour ago that the roof collapsed into the building, causing an explosion inside. The cause of the explosion is unknown, however several local residents reported seeing a blimp-like craft in the area roughly two hours ago, with one saying it then landed on top of the main house here.”

The reporter pauses as another fire engine barrels past; he waits until the sirens have quietened down. “Whilst there is of course a future investigation into the cause of this terrible accident, the priority now is rescuing any survivors still trapped in the wreckage. It is unknown whether anyone is said to have died in the collapse, but local sources have informed me that the house had been hired for a small private event and some of the attendees are rumoured to be associated with the international professional wrestling company…”

He checks a note in his hand. “The Fantasy Wrestling Association. There are still a lot of questions to be answered, but for now, emergency services are working tirelessly to control the spread of the blaze and perform rescue operations. We will look for further updates, but in the meantime, this is Michael Hunt for BBC News, here at Manor House.”

Just as Mike Hunt is preparing to sign off, raised voices are heard and he turns around, alarmed. The camera zooms back in on the house and some figures are shown running out of it. For BBC News viewers who are familiar with the world of the FWA, they can identify these individuals as Allen Price, Drew Peacock, Rick Vance, Santino Dongarelli and Violet Dreyer. Drew is being helped out of the burning building by both of the Diamond Dogs and Violet drops to her knees and starts coughing her lungs up due to likely smoke inhalation. All are covered in rubble and other debris-like substances.

A few seconds later, a dozen firefighters rush into the building and more shouting can be heard, including a loud “GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME!” from inside the building and some groans of pain. Two of the firemen run back out and remove their helmets, one with a bloodied nose and the other sporting a split lip. Then another four of them follow, carrying one man out. He wears a black mask which covers his face but given the loud Australian protesting, it is clear that it is Alyster Black. Black struggles against the firefighters and is then escorted away by some policemen to allow the firefighters to get back inside and tackle the blaze.

Allen Price screams in despair, dressed in a ridiculous tuxedo which is inexplicably still in immaculate condition. Mike Hunt of BBC News rushes out onto the scene and thrusts his microphone into the distraught and flustered colour commentator. “Excuse me, sir… what happened here? Are you okay? Are there others still trapped inside?”

“IT’S AWFUL!” Price screamed into the microphone, still looking extremely pristine. “We were enjoying a succulent Italian meal and then the ceiling fell down onto us. There was an explosion and I think I even saw Jesus in the flames… I thought that was the end for me.”

“Are there people still inside?”

“What-”

As Price is about to answer the question, raised voices and screaming can be heard… but not from inside the building but from the emergency service personnel outside. An engine revs loudly and the sound of it gets closer…

“AAAAAAAAH!”

The large doors at the front of Manton Manor swing open and Allen Price lowers his arms with a beaming smile on his face. He looks at the guests that have gathered in front of the entry hall up and down, admiring their outfits and the effort that they have made for this grand occasion.

“Welcome! Tonight, you will all play guests to a celebration! A celebration of the achievements of the greatest man in history! I am of course talking about my friend - and yours - the FWA World Champion, Chris Peacock! I am your master of ceremonies for the evening, Mister Allen Price. Please, hold your applause for now.”

It is safe to say that the response was not what Allen Price was expecting, but given he was standing in front of only four people, exactly what he was expecting is anyone’s guess. The four guests were composed of both Diamond Dogs - Rick Vance and Santino Dongarelli - who were accompanied by their dates for the evening; two young women. ‘Slick’ Rick lived up to his moniker in a dapper suit whilst Sonny was far too casual for the occasion in comparison, sporting a blue polyester tracksuit.

“Can we just come in, Allen? It’s pretty cold out here.” Rick said, looking at Sonny’s ‘early 2000’s Sopranos extra’ drip and actually being rather envious of how warm his tag team partner must be. “What’s with all of the extravagance anyway, man? Isn’t it just the five of us and Chris?”

Price beckoned the group to follow him into the large entrance hall of the manor, and the two young women audibly awed at how majestic it was. “There’s no need to be reserved, even when just around friends. As your master of ceremonies, my job is to entertain, excite and THRILL!”

In between marvelling at the architecture and interior design of Manton Manor, the two guests of the Diamond Dogs took time to speak to each other in hushed tones.

“サイラス・トゥルースを騙したバカじゃないの？なぜ私たちはこの愚か者と一緒にここにいるのですか”

“質問しないでください、彼らはただ一緒に食事をするために私たちにお金を払っているのです”

“What’s that now? What are they saying?”

The girls laughing between themselves caused Price to feel slightly paranoid and also upset that he had been left out of some sort of private joke. Both Rick and Sonny D look at each other and shrug.

“I’m not really sure, to be honest.”

“Yeah, don’t worry, Allen. They’re going to be cool tonight, because they might not be getting what they thought at the end of it if they don’t…”

The stern words from Sonny directed at the ladies caused them to stop having their own conversation in Japanese and they then give their full attention back to Allen Price as he continues to escort the guests through the house and eventually into the dining room. A large table almost the length of the entire room was set up to have just six places, with each dining set being a ludicrous distance away from the nearest one to it.

There were a couple of other doors leading out of the room. The first on the west wall was clearly to the kitchen, given the banging together of pots and pans coming from behind it. There was another door on the rear wall to the south, but what hid behind it was a mystery, until Price made sure it was the first thing he pointed out upon entering the dining room with the others. “Chris is just back there, getting ready. You know how he likes to make grand, surprising entrances.”

“Why did you tell us if it is a surprise?”

Allen went to answer and he stumbled on his words, but his embarrassment was saved by a loud thud which seemed to shake the entire building. It caused some of the plates to rattle on the table and the champagne glasses on the sideboard near the door to shake and clink into each other. The guests inside the dining room looked up in alarm, and Allen quickly ran from the room back towards the front entrance to the manor.

As Allen reached the front entrance, a rope ladder fell down in front of his face in the doorway and he looked up to see a figure clad in all black descending. A masked man wearing an uncharacteristic black suit.

“I didn’t think those things weighed anything when they were full. You think they noticed that?” Alyster reached the bottom of the ladder after loudly asking his question and cursed under his breath when he saw Allen waiting for him at the bottom. “Shit. Hey Allen, how are you doing, buddy?”

“What are you doing here, Alyster? You know that he doesn’t want you here.” Price did not have time to receive an answer as his attention turned to Violet Dreyer who landed next to Alyster after climbing down from the ladder. She was not dressed to code, opting for a hoodie/jean combination rather than formal dinner wear. Violet bumped past Price and walked straight into the manor behind him.

“Okay, the zeppelin is fucked, but it’s definitely safe to climb down.” She called out.

“She was definitely not wanted either!!”

“Great…”

Upon hearing a third voice, Allen’s eyes widened and he shook his head in disbelief. Alyster scoffed and looked up to see Krash slowly descending down from the zeppelin, the Moustache Maverick was dressed for the occasion, wearing a suit that mirrored Alyster’s, only it was purple.

“Y-Y-You brought him?”

Alyster did not answer and Krash then planted his feet on the ground and quickly extended his hand to Price, who looked straight into his eyes with a dumbfounded expression on his face. “Thank you for the warm welcome! You look great.”

No answer.

Allen screamed at the top of his lungs and ran away.

“Well, that was fun.”

“That was nothing.”

“It’s going to be that bad?”

“He’s going to hate it.”

“I didn’t want to come in the first place. Maybe I should go…”

“You’re not going anywhere.” Alyster looked ahead into the manor and took his moustachioed friend by the arm, dragging him inside. “Chris is going to get over this one way or the other, and he’s going to do it tonight. Besides, you’ll never snap out of that funk if you just continue to hide away from the world.”

“It’s not a funk…”

“Right, right. Crippling depression. Let’s go.”

Fully aware of the impending disaster - and not the one where the crashed zeppelin causes the roof to collapse later on - Alyster confidently entered the dining room. He knew that Krash and Violet being here was going to annoy Chris Peacock to no end. Hell, his attendance after what happened at Back in Business was going to frustrate his partner.

The fact of the matter was that Chris’s insecurities over Krash were the root cause of any tension between the friends and the true threat to FTN’s survival. So, for Alyster, the importance of resolving those issues could not be understated. Krash was back, but that did not mean that FTN had to end. Alyster knew that, it was just a case of convincing Chris Peacock that was the case. Alyster also knew that was much easier said than done, because Chris Peacock is one stubborn son of a bitch.

With the three additional and unexpected guests, the seats were less spaced out than before, but there seemed to be a clear divide between those already seated. Both Diamond Dogs and their dates were on one of the longer sides of the table, and Krash, Violet and Allen were on the other. Allen in particular was perturbed as the seat he was hoping to take at the end of the table had been unceremoniously swiped by Alyster.

Everyone sat in silence, a silence that permeated for a period of time that felt like it had lasted for aeons. A silence that was broken by the loud-mouthed punk girl.

“Why is is so fucking awkward in here?”

Violet was bored. Bored beyond belief. She didn’t want to attend this dinner party. She didn’t care much for its guest of honour, nor did she care for any of the people in attendance with the exception of one. Two at a stretch. But she still attended anyway in some sort of vain attempt to rehabilitate Krash to life. An idea of Alyster’s that didn’t receive her full backing.

Her outburst was met with laughter from her masked compatriot who was now leaning back in his chair and had put his feet on the table, much to Allen Price’s horror.

“Alyster, please put your feet down! This is an exquisite dinner party that if you insist on crashing you must be on your best behaviour for.”

Alyster ignored Price and instead turned his attention to Violet. “It’s so fuckin’ awkward in here because we’re gatecrashing this shindig.”

“I thought you and Chris had become friends.” Krash asked meekly, looking down at the table in front of him.

Violet rolled her eyes, “Friends is an understatement, they’ve developed an unhealthy parasitic relationship.”

The Diamond Dogs both chortled. They found Violet Dreyer amusing. She in turn found both of them revolting, especially since they were both clearly accompanied by a pair of hired escorts.

“Which one of ‘em’s the parasite?” Rick asked in earnest.

“Isn’t it obvious Rick?”

Violet found it hard to imagine that anything was obvious to Rick.

Alyster chortled, “There ain’t no parasites in this partnership, Violet. Ours is a mutually beneficial tandem that I for one am happy to be a part of.”

“Your partner doesn’t exactly feel the same way at the moment, Alyster.” Allen interjected, locking eyes with the masked man sitting down at the end of the table.

“Don’t you worry a hair on that head of yours, Allen. I’m a people person, I’ll make things right.”

Violet was glad that her eyes were secure in their sockets, she feared that the eye rolling would force them to pop out otherwise.

Beside her sat Krash who had fallen silent and was staring out into the distance. In another daze. She reached out to take him by the hand and bring him back to reality but stopped as the lights suddenly went out.

One of the chandeliers affixed to the ceiling then lit back up and the Diamond Dogs sat up in earnest, knowing what was coming next. Their dates were thoroughly confused and Violet could be heard loudly scoffing. Krash’s shoulders were almost by his ears as he felt a sense of impending doom. Alyster meanwhile sunk down the rest of his glass of wine in anticipation for what was assuredly going to be the grandest of entrances.

A chair scraping across the floor indicated that Allen had clumsily risen from his seat and he had somehow acquired a microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen and wrestling fans of all ages! Please allow me to introduce the man of the moment… he is the ONLY dual champion in the FWA today… you all know him and you all love him - but not as much as I do - he is Chris Peacock!”

To no music, although Price did pathetically sing “He’s the greatest dancer… that there’s ever been!” into the microphone, Chris Peacock jogged backwards out of the rear door in the dining room, wearing a sharp white suit and sunglasses. Chris was clearly living his best life; ignoring the constant pain in his broken ribs. The euphoria was enough to allow him to ignore the agony caused by his tag team partner.

The same tag team partner that he found himself staring at across the table as he grabbed his seat at the other end. “Wha-”

After looking at Alyster in anger and bewilderment, his eyes drifted over to the green mohawk attached to Violet Dreyer’s head. “What the-”

Then he saw him. Him. Whilst Alyster and Violet seemed to derive some enjoyment out of Chris’s party coming crashing down around him, the same could not be said for Krash. Chris locked eyes with the man who he feared more than any other in the world. It was not the typical kind of fear. Chris was not intimidated by Krash, especially with the latter in this state. No, Chris feared what Krash meant. This fucking guy right here was the only person in the world that could take Alyster away from him.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!”

The appetisers were served. Mushroom linguini accompanied by traditional Italian antipasto, sliced cold cuts, olives, bread, artichokes, chillies, arancini and a serving of bruschetta for each dinner guest that was mouth watering to say the least.

“Oh fa!” Alyster beamed as he began to roll the bottom of his mask up. “Drew has outdone himself. This is an entree fit for a trio of World Champions.” Alyster winked at his two moustachioed compatriots, but started with Krash, which Chris Peacock was sure to note and was fuming about inside.

It was true. Drew in the kitchen had done a phenomenal job with the opening course and Alyster was happy to admit it, especially as he found Chris’s brother by far the most tolerable out of his partner’s usual entourage. It was mainly because of how Drew appeared to view Chris in a similar way that he did himself. He loved the guy, but at the same time, one of his favourite things in the world to do was get under Chris’s skin. The linguine slapped, and after all, this was a recipe that he could try back home in his new kitchen.

As Alyster imagined all of the modifications he could make to Drew’s recipe, Chris had barely touched his own plate. He could not decide which of Alyster, Violet or Krash to point the daggers in his eyes at. Quite simply, he did not want any of them there. The others were here to celebrate him, although he highly suspected that both of the Japanese women accompanying Sonny and Rick were there because they were being paid to be.

It pissed Chris off that Alyster was enjoying the food so much. It pissed Chris off that Krash was the only other person at the table who had not eaten anything from his plate. Being present was disrespectful enough; now this guy wasn’t even going to try any of the food?

Allen was enjoying the meal that Drew had prepared almost as much as anyone else. It had been a while since he had eaten at Dazzling Dave’s and tasted Drew’s food. He was so engrossed in his meal that he failed to notice some small pieces of ceiling fall down and land in his wine. He also failed to notice the pieces of ceiling when he took a swig from the same glass.

As everyone began to dig in, Sonny had decided to do something to lighten the mood. Something to cheer his buddy Chris up, who was making no effort to hide how foul of a mood he was in. He stood up from his chair, glass in hand and tapped it with his spoon. The dings grabbed everyone’s attention and hushed the room.

“I think it goes without saying that without Chris Peacock we wouldn’t all be gathered here right now.”

A murmur of agreement from the guest followed that obvious statement. “It is in his honour that we are all here, and it is in honour of his achievements, of which Rick and I are proud to have contributed to.”

Sonny was interrupted by the sound of uncontrollable laughter coming from the other end of the table, specifically from Alyster Black and Violet Dreyer. Undeterred he continued, “It is because of these achievements, of which we are most proud to have helped you achieve that we are enjoying this succulent Italian meal. So with that being said, I think we should all raise our glasses to the man himself.”

Rick and Allen were the first to join Sonny, both springing to their feet with their glasses raised high. After composing himself, Alyster raised his glass but refused to leave his chair. Krash did stand and raise his glass, but couldn’t help spilling a couple of drops on the table due to the tremor in his hand. Violet however refused to partake. The Diamond Dogs’ dates required coaxing from Rick to join everyone else.

Once all the glasses were raised, at least all the glasses that mattered, Sonny finished his toast. “To Chris Peacock, salute.”

“Salute” Alyster, Rick and Allen chanted before downing their drinks. Allen did not notice the ceiling infusion in his drink at this juncture, either. Krash stumbled and followed their lead and the two Diamond Dog’s dates joined in rather half-heartedly.

It was clear that Chris Peacock was furious, giving both Alyster Black and Violet Dreyer death stares until the toast was concluded, at which point Chris actually managed a smile. Of course, there was no better way into his heart than through his ego. Sonny was pleased with his efforts, in spite of those gate-crashers there was still hope that tonight was salvageable, and it was all thanks to the Diamond Dogs.

Not to be outshone by his partner though, Rick immediately sprung back to his feet, glass in hand and bashed it with his own spoon.

“I have something to say too, about our friend Chris.”

Everyone fell silent as Rick stumbled over his own thoughts, desperately trying to find the words that should have come naturally to him. His date turned to Sonny’s date and muttered something under her breath in Japanese. Luckily, Rick was oblivious to the tone of voice she spoke in, otherwise he’d have felt the sharp sting of her judgement.

The silence went on a little longer than it should have, to the point of discomfort. Until Sonny Dongarelli leapt to his partner’s rescue. He turned to Chris, laughing.

“Stunned silent, in absolute awe of your achievements Chris. That’s what Rick is, that’s what we all are!”

“Here here!” Cheered Rick, followed by Allen Price, but they were alone this time.

Chris however was flattered, the smile that permeated over his face during Sonny’s toast had endured through Rick’s attempt and the FWA World Champion was now beaming. Until he turned his attention back to the table, locking eyes with his tag team partner across from him and promptly went back to staring daggers at him.

It seemed that the Diamond Dogs' attempt to cheer up their buddy had ultimately failed. But the pair was blissfully unaware of this, as they began to stir up conversation.

“So yeah, we were in the Cosmic Playground backing up our boy Chris, against those Nephew fucks.” Rick turned to his date and to Violet and Krash across the table from him. “Those Nephews put up a fight but you know, when the Diamond Dogs are sicced on you then you’ve got no hope of surviving.”

“Didn’t you guys lose that match?”

“Wins and losses don’t matter, the point is that we were there for Chris. Where were you guys during that whole fiasco?”

“Fighting Golden Rock, I think.” Krash murmured as early memories of Fallout came flying back to him. He immediately fell silent at the thought of Randy Ramon. In his silence he could almost hear the fire in Chris’s eyes as he too thought of Ramon, and was reminded of what happened at Back in Business.

“That early Nephew stuff was terrible business.”

“But it laid the foundation of something far greater than your Cosmic Playground squad. If not for those Nephews, we wouldn’t be here celebrating today.” Alyster interjected. “We all know what ‘FTN’ stands for, after all…”

Chris scoffed from across the table, “We handled them just fine. That Cosmic Playground squad deserves your respect.”

“Maybe if they’d have gotten the job done we would respect them.”

“If they’d have gotten the job done then Uncle wouldn’t have been around to draft us into his Cibernetico team, and Chris and I wouldn’t have figured out just how insanely good a team we make.”

Krash’s eyes went wide at the mention of Cibernetico. The match that pushed him over the edge and turned fandom into pure obsession. Again, he felt the pulse of Chris’s ire… as he overcame the current FWA World Champion en route to winning the title himself in that match.

Both Alyster and Violet picked up on the sudden downturn in Krash’s mood. Alyster quickly tried to change the subject while Violet focused on calming the very subtly panicking Krash down.

“I mean yeah, we definitely had things down pat by that warehouse. When do you think that’ll get released anyway Chris?”

Peacock furrowed his brow, he didn’t want to reminisce on the good times, he was content with being upset with his masked partner. “Don’t reminisce with me.” He spat.

Alyster smirked under his mask; he was enjoying Chris’s frustration towards him. “Allen, you’re an agent of some sort, can’t you look into the legalities of acquiring that tape and releasing it.”

“Now that’s an idea. Allen Price Productions presents a Thomas Princeton production, the Warehouse 3!” Allen was practically salivating at the prospect, “We can sell it as the night when FTN officially teamed together for the first time.”

Alyster snapped his fingers, “Now that’s an idea that’s sure to draw some dimes!”

Chris gritted his teeth and continued to stare daggers at his FTN partner. Alyster noticed of course and couldn’t help but to poke the bear.

“Come on Chris, are you gonna be sore all night? This is your party! Lighten up and enjoy yourself.”

“It’s hard to feel good when the man who broke my ribs and nearly cost me the World Championship is here breaking balls.”

“Chris!” Alyster threw his hands up in innocence. “That stunt defended our tag team titles.”

“You could have done the save by just hitting Makima!”

“Come on now, we both know I couldn’t do that. She was just too cute.”

“Boys, boys, why are you two at each other’s throats like this? You won all three of your matches at Back in Business, isn’t that what matters? Between the two of you, you beat Cyrus Truth, weaselperson, dayspring/nightfall and Aka Manto.”
“Who the fuck is that last one?”

“Aka Manto?”

“Yeah, who’s that guy?”

“That’s the other tag team from the ladder match you dolt!”

“There was another tag team in the ladder match?”

“Yeah, two Japanese girls. Are you kidding me, did that match mean so little to you that you don’t even know who we fought?”

The Diamond Dogs two dates chirped up in agreement with Chris, both of them nodding their heads before muttering some rather unfortunate words about Alyster under their breath.

“You hurt me, and you don’t even pay attention to who we’re fighting…that’s bullshit.”

“I mean, if we want to talk about bullshit from Back in Business, why the hell did you let Allen cheat for you and not me? I’d have done it. And I would have been out there to kick Ramon’s ass too.”

Chris scoffed and rolled his eyes. He was finished discussing Back in Business with Alyster Black and waved him off. The discussion was over, that much was clear.

Following that exchange, everyone went about finishing off their appetisers and the selection of meats available for sharing on the table. Having already finished, Alyster’s view was drawn to Krash and he hoped that his changing of the subject would have calmed Krash down somewhat. It appeared to have done the trick with Violet’s assistance.

Black noticed that Peacock was finally tucking into the plate of pasta in front of him. Not even someone as stubborn as Chris would allow good food to go to waste, regardless of how angry he was. Despite Alyster’s fondness of annoying his fellow FWA World Tag Team Champion, he did feel a slight swell of relief to see that Chris was sustaining himself. His comfort in Chris’s comfort allowed him another chance to check on Krash’s wellbeing.

To Alyster’s surprise, Krash was reaching forward with his fork towards the pasta. Alyster quickly jumped from his seat and slapped the fork out of Krash’s hand and the clattering sound it made on the floor drew everyone’s attention. Sonny gasped loudly. With all eyes on the Gang Stars, Alyster looked at each face on the table and in particular focused on Chris.

Chris was seething. Breaking his ribs. Abandoning him to help Krash. Crashing this dinner. Bringing Violet and Krash. Mocking his friends. Now he was deeming his brother’s cooking not good enough for Krash?

As the table was being cleared of the appetisers and sharing plates, Chris wondered whether it was time to clear his life of Alyster Black.

It was now time for the main course, a steak dinner as it were. Fillets for every dinner guest, even the ones who weren’t invited.

Even for Krash who didn’t want to be here, let alone want to taste the flesh of a dead cow.

It was an appetising dish, though he did wonder how a steak dinner could be considered part of a succulent Italian meal. He supposed steak was universal, except perhaps in India. Regardless, Drew had outdone himself with the main dish.

Each steak was cooked to perfection, all rare to medium rare depending on the person eating its preference. All except for Allen who insisted on not wanting a single drop of blood in his meat and demanding that it be well done. He was not served a fillet steak like everyone else, instead it looked as if he was served a low grade cut of beef that no one could be sure was actually cut from a real cow. Allen didn’t seem to notice, though people who eat leather hardly do. He also failed to notice the extra sprinkling of ceiling dust that had landed on it from the growing crack in the ceiling above the diners.

Tension was still high and the main course was dug into with only polite conversation. Allen of course was trying to be the centre of attention and lighten the mood. Krash was grateful that at least someone was having a good time and decided to engage him as he was not eating the steak.

“You guys really should have been out there for it, like being there in person, it was magical. Coming out in a big cum truck is just genius.” Allen gushed as he talked about the infamous entrance from Back in Business, still fresh in everyone’s mind. Everyone except for the White Wolf, who at this point barely registered that there even were matches outside his own, let alone watched them. The cum truck was news to him and he couldn’t help but to smile meekly as Allen gave a first hand account of its illustrious debut.

“It certainly sounds like quite an extravagant entrance.”

“Like you wouldn’t believe, and the buzz it generated was astounding. You can’t pay for press that good. You know what I always say Chris?” Allen turned to his client sitting at the head of the table. “All publicity is good publicity.”

“You do say that Allen, but please, we’re trying to eat here. That’s enough about the cum truck.” There was of course a dual purpose for Chris not wanting this to be discussed further. Whilst it made for better dining etiquette not to discuss ejaculate, it was also another fond memory of Alyster he did not wish to be reminded of whilst he was so angry with him.

The Diamond Dogs’ dates were disgusted with Allen regaling them with this tale.

“If I had known we’d have to sit through this then I wouldn’t have come.”

“It’s revolting. What is wrong with you people?”

Rick interjected, wrapping an arm around his date who quickly shoved him away in disgust. “He hasn’t even gotten to the best part darl. Tell ‘em, Allen.”

“Not only did they ride out there with those hoses waving around to imitate their…” Allen quietened down and whispered the next part of his sentence, “cocks.” He chuckled immaturely before continuing at his usual attention demanding volume. “But then they began to spray actual… you know… all over the choir.”

Both of the Diamond Dogs dates pushed their food away in vile horror, the steaks had hardly been touched, but their appetites were now gone. Their dates, the Diamond Dogs themselves, were howling with laughter, slamming their fists down on the table and making absolute fools of themselves. Violet Dreyer was trapped in a daze, trying her best to block out the memories of the opening matches at Back in Business from her mind while Alyster beamed with pride. Chris fought off the smirk trying to form on his face with all of the might that he could.

Krash of course was proud of his friend’s accomplishment, and happy to see him having such a good time. At least until Allen went into detail about his own spraying incident.

“And it got in my hair.” Allen ran his fingers through his impressive mane, then over his handsome moustache. “And it stunk!”

“Riveting.” Krash had reached his limit with this tale. He too pushed his plate away from him. Not that he was going to eat the meat, or had much of an appetite in the first place, but he had reached the same line as the Japanese women. Almost instinctively, Alyster reached over and jabbed Krash’s steak with his knife and hoisted it over onto his own plate.

Chris glared at Alyster once more. It was the second time that Krash had rejected the food that his brother had made for him whilst not even initially expecting to. He saw the look in Violet’s eye as she looked across at Rick, Sonny and Allen. These were his friends, and she was openly using them as a source of derision. As his friends, they were an extension of him. Alyster was sitting there and allowing Violet to mock him.

Alyster’s mannerisms and actions were enough to allow Chris to arrive at the conclusion that he was just there to annoy him and mock him with Krash’s presence. And he’d had enough.

Without even finishing his steak, Chris rose from his seat which attracted everyone’s attention and he threw his napkin down over his plate. Without a word, he left the table. Within a few seconds, he had disappeared behind the door through which he had arrived and slammed it closed behind him. The force of the slam caused a large chunk of the ceiling to fall down and land on the floor behind Alyster, but no one noticed.

Everyone left at the table stared at each other. No one knew what to do or say. Immediately, Allen rose to his feet. “Shall I try announcing him again? He might come back?”

“No,” Alyster said, shaking his head as he too stood up. “I let this go on for long enough. I should have known better than to let him get this upset. Let me go and talk to him.”

As Alyster left to confront Chris, he felt a tight grip on his wrist. He looked down to see Krash holding him in place. “What are you doing?”

“Let me talk to him.” Krash said, quietly.

Alyster looked quizzically at Krash. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I think it is. I’d hate to be the person around this table that acts like they are the centre of attention, but this is all because of me. I should be the one to talk to him.”

Unable to come up with a better reason for him not to go, Alyster watched as Krash slowly rose to his feet and headed towards the door that Chris had left through. Not for the first time tonight, Alyster anticipated disaster. Again though, it was not because of the imminent roof collapse. He wanted to be in control of the moment that Chris finally confronted his issues with Krash. He knew that it was not going to be pretty.

“Krash?” Alyster called out.

Krash didn’t turn around, but stopped just as he placed his hand on the doorknob.

“Be careful.”

“What could go wrong?”

The roof had collapsed, debris had fallen all over and there was an active blaze roaring. What was left of the ceiling was unstable and large, dangerous chunks were falling around him. But Alyster didn’t care, not about his own safety. In the next room was his best friend, and his other best friend. And he needed to save them.

“KRASH!” He banged his fist impotently against the doors, they did not budge. “CHRISTOPHER!” He threw his shoulder into it, his entire body, everything he had. But the door was blocked, likely by whatever debris had stacked up on the other side.

He prayed that their bodies weren’t a part of it.

“Fuck! Answer me guys! I know you’re both okay!” He slammed his forehead against the door, tears welled up in his eyes. “Come on…” he whispered, “I can’t lose you again Krash, I just got you back.”

He felt a hand on his shoulder, it was Rick Vance. “Come on big guy. We’ve got this.”

Besides Rick was his partner Sonny. Both men were hurt, their suits torn with bloody cuts over their faces and arms. They were in worse shape than Alyster. But they were determined to save their friend.

These guys were alright. Alyster was wrong about them. They were willing to march over hot coals barefoot for Chris. They went into Cosmic Playground for the man. How dare Alyster Black judge them, how dare he think badly about them.

Alyster nodded and the three of them began throwing themselves at the doors. Over and over and over again, until all of their arms were numb, until they were sure that they had popped their shoulders out of their sockets. All while the building was falling around them, all while they felt the temperature rise as the fires roared.

Until finally the door was nudged open ever so slightly, but only by a centimetre. Enough to see that the otherside was completely inaccessible, blocked by stone, tiles, and wood. Smoke began flowing through the crack. All three men stepped back.

“No!” Alyster screamed before throwing himself at the door once more. He was about to do it again if not for the Diamond Dogs pulling him back.

“Wait for help, wait for help. This whole place is falling around us, you’re gonna get killed.”

“They wouldn’t want this man, back off.”

“Fuck…” They actually managed to pull him back. Far back enough that he noticed the kitchen door hanging ajar from its hinge.

“Wait a second.” Alyster pushed both Sonny and Rick aside then rushed over to the kitchen. A wood support from the ceiling dropped down in front of him, almost hitting him in the head. He was lucky. Just as lucky as Drew Peacock was when Alyster dragged him out of the kitchen.

Inside was a burning inferno with black smoke permeating through the air, it was almost blinding. Drew had almost made it to the door, it was the only way Alyster could have hoped to find him inside this death trap. But he was pinned down by a large metal cabinet. Alyster began to lift it up, struggling with the weight.

Both Sonny and Rick had followed him, thankfully. All three of them were able to achieve what one could not. Their combined efforts allowed them to lift the cabinet and toss it aside. It was the Diamond Dogs who then carried Drew out of the inferno, whilst Alyster began looking for another way to save his best friends.

He rummaged through the fire, the smoke blinding him. But he wasn’t afraid, nor concerned for his own safety. “CHRISTOPHER!” He called out again, before another hand clasped his shoulder, followed by another, and then a third.

The firemen dragged the screaming and fighting Alyster out of the collapsing building. He put up a fight, and they called for backup. Chalking his protests up to hysterics. It took a dozen firemen to drag Alyster Black out of the building, and they suffered casualties for their efforts, two broken noses, a dislocated shoulder, and some minor cuts and bruises.

Alyster was left in police custody while those brave men went back inside, promising to save his friends. The masked man would have to wait outside with everyone else. Wait patiently while Krash and Chris Peacock were left in that hellhole to die together.

Everyone else was safe, Allen, Violet, The Diamond Dogs and Drew Peacock. Everyone else was outside, being attended to by paramedics. The manor was ablaze, the blimp that had been parked on the roof had exploded. Alyster was sure this would happen, parking a deathtrap like that anywhere near a burning flame was a recipe for disaster.

He remembered the discussion he’d had with Violet prior to taking Krash out in the zeppelin.

“All it would take is one spark and we’re all dead.”

“For the last time, helium is a non-combustible gas! This fucking balloon will not explode!”

How wrong she was. But Alyster was the bigger man, he wouldn’t rub this in her face. Not now, not ever.

He leaned against the hood of the police car and tried his best to remain calm. All while listening to the murmurs of the rubbernecks watching the incident. He could hear them whispering, he knew what they were saying.

FTN was destined to go up in flames.

The foundation of their relationship would collapse at any moment for any reason.

It would all be Alyster’s fault.

He should have seen this coming, he should have known that he’d ruin everything. That all those nay-sayers and haters were all right. FTN was doomed from the beginning.

Fuck that.

Fuck all of them.

FTN wasn’t doomed, it will thrive. Krash made it to Chris, they talked, everything was okay now. That’s just the effect Krash has on people. Chris would have to know that everything was okay, that Alyster was dedicated to this team, to their cause.

All the masked man had to do now was his part. He had to save his best friend, and the very thing he needed to pull it off was staring him right in the face.

A 30 tonne firefighting machine that was left unattended, with the keys in the ignition and a clear line right into the part of the building where both Krash and Chris were.

Alyster took a deep breath then slipped away as the police were distracted by the spectacle of reporter Mike Hunt on the scene.

Moments later the firetruck went careening into the side of the building.

Chris opened his eyes and for a moment he feared that one of his vivid nightmares had come to life. So many times he had dreamt that his world was going to fall down around him that he was stunned by panic when he saw it unfolding in front of his eyes. The fire burned and crackled high up to what remained of the ceiling, obscuring his view of the night’s sky above. The smoke that he had already inhaled caused him to choke and gag, which only served to increase the strain on his broken ribs.

He looked down at his foot to see that it had narrowly avoided being crushed by a piece of falling debris. Despite his peril, he knew that had his foot been pulverised, he would have had no choice but to surrender his championships, which he could not do. The thought of the tag titles immediately caused him to think about Alyster. Petty squabbles begone, this was real. Chris pulled himself up and made way towards the door back into the dining room where all of his friends were waiting and he hoped that they were all unharmed.

“ALYSTER?” Chris screamed as he moved in on the door. “ALYSTER!”

His path to the door was blocked by a fallen dresser with some rubble on top of it. As Chris scanned the room for another exit point, he heard a faint groaning sound above all of the other noises. He could not explain how, but it was a very Australian groaning sound… and it was coming from the fallen dresser.

Chris panicked and immediately set about removing the chunks of stone from on top of the dresser, straining his ribs and his back as he did so. It hurt, but he needed to get to Alyster. He simply had to save him. He could not depart from this world on that kind of note with his best friend. He slid the last off the rubble from the dresser and then erected it back onto its base and swung open the doors…

“H-h-he-help… me…”

“You?”

Never in Chris Peacock’s life had he been more disappointed and angry. He looked down at Krash, bloodied and cowering, in the dresser with abject disgust. Krash’s hand was limply reaching out towards him and his white face showed that he was not really with it. It was highly likely that he did not know who he was asking for help from. This didn’t matter to Chris. What he saw in front of him was the one person in the world that was getting in the way of the happiness in his life.

Without Krash, Alyster wouldn’t need to say that he was fully committed to Chris, he just would be. If Krash was out of the picture, that insecurity would be gone.

“P-please...”

With both of his hands on the doors of the dresser, Chris contemplated what to do next. He could just close the doors again, tip the furniture back onto its front and even heave some of the debris back on it to sell his story more.

“Oh, Chris did EVERYTHING in his power to save Krash, but he was just too weak because of what Alyster did to him at Back in Business!”

He could even just lie down and feign injury until help arrives and let the battered Krash just succumb to whatever injury he has now.

“How could Chris have helped? He was unconscious!”

All of these scenarios raced through Chris’s mind. Constant reminders of how much easier his life would be if Krash was just gone. That fucking dick Ramon, too. Chris hated that river in Brazil for not doing a good enough job on the both of them.

“Alyster?”

The mention of his partner’s name caused him to snap out of his fantasies. The reality was that Chris knew that he would not be able to live with the guilt of allowing someone to die for real. How would he be able to be around Alyster, knowing that he was responsible for probably the worst thing that would ever happen to him? There’s a lot of things that Chris Peacock was willing to do, or condone, but this was not one of them.

The two moustachioed men looked into each other’s eyes and it was at this moment that Krash realised that it was Chris he was with and not Alyster. He went through the same disappointment that Chris himself did. Neither man wanted to be stuck in this situation with the other, and they both actually wished they were with the same masked idiot that they both call their best friend.

Despite this, Chris reached inside the dresser and pulled Krash out and made sure that he could stand on both of his feet. Krash needed to lean on Chris for a moment but soon found his footing. Chris was not best pleased about being leaned on by a man he did not like. “You hurt?”

“Nothing t-too bad. I’ve had worse.”

The attempt at humour by Krash went down like a lead balloon. Krash opted to sit down against the wall and Chris looked down at him. “Do you know what happened?”

“Ceiling fell in.”

Peacock’s cold tone was evident even to someone that had spent over a year away from true civilization and conversations that were not with a madman. “I was hoping to talk to you-”

“No.” Chris looked down at Krash and shook his head, rage bubbling inside of him. “No. I don’t want to hear a fucking word out of your mouth, okay? You should just consider yourself lucky that I didn’t leave you in that wardrobe. Trust me, my life would be much easier if I did.

“My life would be so much better if the two of you would have just stayed dead. You know how fucked it is that’s what I think? I’m aware of how messed up that sounds, but I’m tired of pretending that it isn’t true. Not that I have it in me to actually leave you here to die, mind you, but I have spent the last few months wishing that you were still gone. Now after Back in Business, I wish Ramon had stayed gone, too. Fuck him and fuck you, Krash.

“I can’t even admit that, either. Alyster knows I don’t like you - I’ve made that very clear - but I can’t actually share how I feel with him. I can’t tell him that I wish you were gone, because that’s not fair on him. I’d have to put him in the position where he’d have no choice but to choose between us… and… and…”

Chris stopped, almost choking on his words. “And no matter how many times he says that this is what we’re doing now, I know… I FUCKING KNOW… that he’d choose you and I’d lose him.

“So I bite my tongue. I suffer… but I know in the back of my mind that slowly but surely you’re going to kill one of the best things that has ever happened to me… and there’s nothing I can do but sit there and take it.”

After a small feeling of relief, Chris fell back against a sideboard along the wall and he looked over at Krash, who was wiping a tear from his eye and snivelling. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I know that it would be easy to tell you that you’re overreacting… but you aren’t. You have every right to be as upset as you are and hey, if it wasn’t for… you know who… you’d have your wish, Chris. I didn’t ask to be brought back.

“The reason I wanted to talk to you is to say that there’s no hard feelings here, at least from my end. You stepped up and was there for Alyster when he needed someone to be. It would have been selfish for me to expect him not to move on. He was the World Champion, and you were there for him when he did it. You got him through Truth, Golden and losing the X Championship, Carnal Contendership… he needed someone and you were there. I know it may not mean a lot coming from me, but I can’t thank you enough for doing that.”

There was a pause in the conversation as Chris ingested what Krash had said. He slowly nodded his head, agreeing with what Krash was saying. He was the one there for Alyster when he needed someone, and Alyster was always on hand to return the favour..

“Thank you. It… means a lot.”

“You’ve been worried and paranoid and you’re probably seeing everything tonight as a bit of a slap in the face. I’m really sorry for not eating any of the food; I was turned off of eating that steak after…the whole…truck thing…and Alyster remembered that I have a mushroom allergy, as I’d apparently forgotten.

“I know that Alyster has said that me being back doesn’t change things between the two of you, and I just want to say that you should believe him. I’ve got no plans on coming back and even if I did, I enjoy what you two are doing too much to interfere. That truck seems like it was something.

“I can see why he likes teaming with you… you seem like the kind of guy who would park a zeppelin on the roof of an old country house as well.”

Krash allowed himself a laugh, and Chris even afforded a small chuckle as well. The stubbornness inside of him hated that Krash had managed to melt through his defences and his anger towards him. He had spent so much time and energy worrying about him, and it really did seem like he actually had nothing to worry about. Chris felt like an idiot because this is what Alyster had been assuring him of all along. Krash had no designs to see FTN’s demise and hearing it from the wolf’s mouth made it much more believable to Chris.

Reaching to his side, Chris pulled open one of the doors on the sideboard and opened it, and he grinned upon seeing that the contents were undamaged. He pulled out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. “I take it you’d like one?”

“Unless it has any..truck discharge or mushrooms in there.”

Chris snorted and poured the drinks out and then leaned forward to give one to Krash. Both men raised their glasses.

“To Alyster Black.”

“Alyster Black.”

Both servings of whiskey went down the hatches and neither man reacted in any way to it, impressing the other. Chris tossed his glass into the fire and Krash did the same, both smashing loudly on the first thing they hit.

“Shall we get out of here?”

That’s right. Neither of these idiots had actually tried leaving the active fire. The less-injured Chris stood up and then helped Krash up and together they walked towards the door. However before they could even attempt to escape… the sound of screaming and a vehicle accelerating loudly could be heard from outside…

Everything was a blur to Chris Peacock. The walls had just fallen around him, bricks thrown about in every direction. It was a miracle that he wasn’t struck and killed. It was a miracle that he’d survived this whole ordeal. But he was safe, safe in the arms of the man who had just driven a fire truck through a wall to save him.

That was the relationship that he and Alyster had. This was the lengths they were willing to go through for one another.

Alyster dragged Chris out of the rubble, onto the grass outside then immediately went back into the blazing building to retrieve his other moustachioed counterpart. Krash was laid down beside Chris, both men were stunned, breathing fresh air and looking up at the night sky above. The warmth of the fire kept them comfortable in the cold night air.

Alyster collapsed in between them, laying on his back and looking up at that same night sky. All three men remained silent for a brief moment until Alyster raised his fist beside Chris Peacock. The FWA World Champion raised his own and the two partners fist-bumped in solidarity before all three men broke out in laughter.

Why the roof collapsed was anyone’s guess. Why the zeppelin exploded was another confounding mystery. But everyone who mattered had survived with only the most minor of scrapes.

“So…” Alyster broke the silence, “What did you guys talk about?”

“Ah you know…how much we hate the Nephews.”

“Ah, Nephew hate, the greatest bonding tool in the universe.”

“Sure, screw the Nephews.” Krash rolled over, his bones cracking as he did so. He strained as he pulled himself up to his feet and began dusting his purple suit off. “Does this sort of thing happen around you guys often?”

“What do you mean?”

“I think he was talking about how bad a car crash tonight was.”

“Wasn’t Car Krash what your team with Mike Parr was called.”

“No!” Krash spat back, showing some genuine emotion beside pity and empathy for the first time this evening.

“It was the Parr Krash Car Crash actually.”

“No it wasn’t.”

“I seem to recall it was.”

“Yeah, me too buddy.”

“God, you two are annoying. You deserve each other.”

Krash stumbled away toward Violet Dreyer who had just arrived on the scene. She caught him as he limped toward her and helped him stand upright against the firetruck while watching emergency services attend to the inferno.

Alyster and Chris were left relatively alone.

“I’m sorry.” Chris muttered quietly, loud enough for Alyster to hear but still rather quietly. “I was wrong about Krash, and I was insane for feeling jealous. I shouldn’t have let myself get as worked up as I did.”

Alyster nodded his head in agreement, “Yeah. Well, I’m sorry too. For showing up here just to grind your gears, and especially for hurting you at Back in Business. I will never hesitate like that again, you have my word.”

Alyster sat up, cranking his neck from side to side before continuing. “You know, I would have done everything Allen did for you during the main event and more. You didn’t have to fight Cyrus alone.”

“I know bud. I shouldn’t have been so harsh, I shouldn’t have told you off or stopped you from coming out.”

“Awesome. So we’re all cool then?”

“Yeah, ride or die baby.”

“Forever champs.”

Alyster helped Chris to his feet and they soon joined Krash and Violet by the firetruck. They were followed by the Diamond Dogs, then a recovered Drew Peacock and finally Allen Price.

The whole gang had made it. They’d survived.

At least everyone important had. They all watched in horror as the fire had dwindled down to an ember and paramedics wheeled out two body bags. Body bags containing the dates of the Diamond Dogs.

“That’s grim.” Chris muttered with barely a hint of pity in his voice.

“Eh, they don’t matter. None of them do. All that fucking matters is us, FTN. Fuck everyone else.”

“Absolutely. Fuck everyone else.”

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Meltdown XXXII & Fallout 032 (Aug '23). May 29, 2024 11:03:14 GMT

Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:03:14 GMT

Originally posted by Sully.

Frogs

[ATTACH type="full" width="418px"]72342[/ATTACH]
Knockdrin Castle, Dublin Ireland
August 7th, 2:09 AM

Blair and Celestia Ravenwood find themselves cackling together in the basement of Knockdrin Castle, home and headquarters to The Coven. For once, they are left unsupervised. No Kleio, no Trixie, no Grandma Ethel. Just Blair and her sister Celestia left to their own devices as they plan for their Fallout match against Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe.

Blair is all giggles as she stands over her potions table in the dark creepy cellar. The cobwebs and smell of mildew have no effect on the sisters as they continue to throw a plethora of ingredients into a stereotypical cauldron.

Celestia Ravenwood: Are you sure this is going to work sister?

Blair Ravenwood: Of course it will! We're doing everything that the spellbook says. And, if I must say so myself, I think this is some of our best work yet.

Celestia Ravenwood: Oh I do agree with you Blair! I just can't wait to see what Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe look like when we're done with them. Do you think they'll have warts?

Blair Ravenwood: Warts, green skin, ribbets...all of it! They are going to make the best frogs ever.

Celestia Ravenwood: And who else better than those two? Slimy, nasty, croaking jerks! They will be lucky if we even turn them back after the match is over.

Blair Ravenwood: Oh, were you considering that? I mean I GUESS maybe...we'll see.

Blair adds one more ingredient into the cauldron, and gives it a chef's kiss.

Blair Ravenwood: It's done...now all we have to do...is give our friends Tommy and Chris a drink.

The two sisters began cackling and laughing evilly as the rain falls outside the castle on this dark and stormy night.

[/HR]

Hellshire Beach, Jamica
August 11th, 7pm

Blair covertly sneaks back into the hotel room that she is sharing with her sister. Celestia looks excited as Blair comes in, and she jumps up to greet her.

Celestia Ravenwood: So is it done?

Blair smiles at Celestia, with an evil smirk.

Blair Ravenwood: It is. As soon as those two idiots drink the little...flavoring I added to their waters, they'll be hopping around looking for a kiss from a princess.

Celestia Ravenwood: How lovely!

Afer a couple hours pass, the two sisters decide to eagerly check on their opponents. They sneak over to their hotel room, and open up the door...

*ribbet*

Blair and Celestia smile at each other as soon as they hear it.

*ribbet*

*ribbet*

They run into the room and sure enough, they see two frogs bouncing around the hotel room.

Blair Ravenwood: Oh this is amazing! It worked!

Celestia runs over to a frog and scoops it up in her hand.

Celestia Ravenwood: Ooh, this one is Tommy Bedlam I can tell!

Blair Ravenwood: How can you tell?

Celestia Ravenwood: Because he's better looking!

Celestia gives the frog a big kiss.

Celestia Ravenwood: Sorry Tommy, guess I'm not a princess?

Celestia and Blair laugh as Blair goes on to grab and catch the other frog.

Blair Ravenwood: Hey there Chris! Welcome back to the FWA. It's a shame your return match isn't going to go as..swimmingly as you wanted it too.

Blair and Celestia laugh again. They both put the frogs in a bucket, and take them back to their own room. Blair dumps the bucket into the room's bathtub, and the two green frogs fall inside.

Blair stands over the tub with an evil smile.

Blair Ravenwood: What should we do with them Celestia?

Celestia Ravenwood: Oh I don't know Blair...you know I missed the day in Biology whenever we dissected frogs. Maybe I can finally have my moment?

Blair Ravenwood: You know, in some countries, they eat frogs.

Celestia Ravenwood: Do they eat frogs in this one?

Blair Ravenwood: I'm sure there isn't a law that says we can't!

Celestia Ravenwood: Or maybe...we can just keep them as pets. Take them down to the ring and everything with us.

Blair Ravenwood: Oh but wait, they have a match tomorrow! We have to make sure they get into the ring. I have a new curb stomp move I want to check out.

The two sisters continue to giggle and share ideas of what to do with the frogs. This goes on and on until eventually the fall asleep.

Soon enough the sun comes shining through the hotel windows. The sound of the waves crashing onto the Hellshire sand are enough to get Celestia to open her eyes. She yaws and stretches her arms out, before remembering about her little friends in the bathroom. The jumps out of bed like a kid on Christmas morning, and runs into the bathroom to yet again laugh at the frog versions of Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe.

But to her horror, as she looks into the bathroom, she sees nothing there!

Celestia's scream was enough to wake up Blair, who then ran to the bathroom to see what was wrong. She too let out an audible gasp when she saw the sight of no frogs in the tub.

Blair Ravenwood: Uh...this isn't good.

Celestia Ravenwood: What happened? Where could they have gone! Our room door has been closed this entire time.

Blair and Celestia then look at the open balcony door. They run over to the balcony and look down at the eight stories below them. They both gulp.

Celestia Ravenwood: Uh...you don't think they...

Blair leans her head over the railing and looks down.

Blair Ravenwood: Well...I don't see frog guts splattered all over the ground.

Celestia looks relieved, not wanting to be responsible for the actual deaths of Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe.

Blair Ravenwood: We need to get them back. We can't risk those frogs falling into the wrong hands.

Celestia nods at her sister.

Blair Ravenwood: Let's split up. You check the hotel, and I'll check the beach.

Celestia Ravenwood: Sounds like a plan!

The two sisters both then run out the door and into different directions. Both of them determined to catch a frog, and clean up the potential mess that has been made.

[/HR]

Celestia runs downstairs into the hotel lobby. Despite it being Jamaica, it's mostly filled with white middle class tourists. Celestia hears a scream coming from the continental breakfast area, and runs there as fast as she can. She gets to the dining area, and sure enough sitting right on top of the pancake maker, is a green ugly frog covered in all sorts of warts.

Celestia Ravenwood: Tommy!

Celestia runs to grab the frog, but it hops right out of the way before she can grab him. f

Celestia Ravenwood: Come back here Tommy!

Celestia runs after the frog, as it hops right through the hotel lobby.

Meanwhile, Blair is searching the beach for the other frog. She looks all around her, weaving in and out of the tents set up for the show tonight. She makes her way down the beach and towards a few sandcastles. That's when she sees two kids sitting in front of a giant sandcastle. And sure
enough, in their hands is none other than the frog she's looking for!

"All Hail King Froggy" the one little girl says. That's when Blair walks up with a smile....

Blair Ravenwood: Uh, hi there kiddos...uhm, I see you found my pet frog.

Little Girl: This isn't your pet frog! We found him, he's ours.

Blair's nice attitude turns sour as she scowls at the kids.

Blair Ravenwood: Listen you little brats. You're going to give me that damn frog. Do you want to know why? Because that frog you're holding? It used to be a friend of mine. Named Chris Crowe. And little Chris thought he was better than me too. He thought he could come back to the FWA after running scared and giving up. And he thought that he could beat me. I did the FWA a favor...I saved them from having to be subjected to another Chris Crowe run. Sure? Do people like The Showman? One of the fastest North American Champions of all time? I'm sure they do. And that's exactly the reason why I had to take care of him. He gets your hopes up, makes you become a fan...and then as soon as he gets a little resistence, as soon as he starts to get just a little burnt out...he runs for the hills. He quits. He abandons his tag team partners, he abandons his company, and he disappears. So why should people be subjected to that again? They shouldn't...that's why I turned him into a frog. And I'm going to turn YOU into a frog too if you don't give him back.

The little girl gulps, and looks like she's about to hand him over, when a mother with a Karen haircut comes up behind her.

"EXCUSE ME?" she says.

Celestia meanwhile is still chasing her frog through the hotel.

Celestia Ravenwood: Tommy come back! I just want to talk...Tommy please!

The frog hops into the swimming pool area of the resort, probably headed for the water.

But Celestia is hot on his trail. She corners him right before he's about to jump into the pool, and instead heads a different direction. He finds a path to retreat, and goes through a wooden door. But little did the poor frog know, he went right into the sauna room! A dead end. Celestia smiles as she follows him in and closes the door behind her.

The frog is now cornered.

Celestia Ravenwood: Looks like you've got nowhere to go Tommy...as usual. That's pretty typical of you, huh? Only going half the distance? I mean, that's what happened at Back In Business isn't it? You only beat Summers for half of his titles? Can you even count that as a win? I mean my team left with three titles at Back In Business, and you left with just one. It's a little sad isn't it?

Celestia scoops the little frog up in her hands. Yet again, she is victorious.

Staring down the angry Karen, Blair has no choice. She grabs the frog out of the little girls hand and pushes her to the ground. The Karen roars at her and begins to give chase. With the frog tightly in her hands, Blair runs off as fast as she can. She has the frog back. That is all that matters.

Blair Ravenwood: Sorry Chris. You came close, but per usual it just didn't work. Maybe I'll turn you back into a human and actually show you how it's done?

The Karen looks as though she's about to catch Blair, but then she suddenly gets distracted by a shirtless man wearing rainbow swimming trunks at the pool. She decides it's more important to go scream at him about indoctrination than to chase Blair any further.

[/HR]

Hours later, Blair and Celestia finally meet back up with one another.

Both having their respective frogs in their hands.

Blair Ravenwood: I see you found Tommy.

Celestia nods.

Celestia Ravenwood: I see you found Chris.

Blair smiles back.

Blair Ravenwood: Thank god. Now we can rest easy. Our match is in a few hours, and we have Tommy and Chris in our hands. Still as green and warty as they were last night!

Celestia cackles.

Celestia Ravenwood: There is no way they can beat us now!

Suddenly, they see both Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe walking past them and towards the tents on the beach to get ready for the show.

They both look back at each other in horror.

Celestia Ravenwood: Uh...

Blair looks back at the frogs confused.

Blair Ravenwood: That...um...well...

The two sisters are dumbfounded as they look back at the men who are clearly Tommy and Chris. And again back at the frogs.

Blair Ravenwood: Who the hell are we holding!?

An answer that Blair would never get.

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Meltdown XXXII & Fallout 032 (Aug '23). May 29, 2024 11:06:34 GMT

Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:06:34 GMT

Promos posted by PDF.

Bryan Baxter (originally posted by Dubb).

Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe (originally posted by Tommy).

Trixie Bordeaux (originally posted by Welshy).

Katsu (originally posted by Rosie).

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Meltdown XXXII & Fallout 032 (Aug '23). May 29, 2024 11:08:01 GMT

Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:08:01 GMT

XXXII: “UNSANCTIONED.”
Live from Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana, Cuba.
Thursday 10th August, 2023.

SPOILER: Click to show

{HE’S THE GREATEST DANCER || SISTER SLEDGE}[MEDIA=youtube]TDwutKpVyas[/MEDIA]

The FWA fans inside the Estadio Latinoamericano react loudly as the first entrance music heard on FWA programming since Back in Business XVII is the same song that played out the historic weekend in Mexico City. Whilst the reaction is loud, it is definitely unclear whether the fans are leaning towards a positive or negative one, but the boos interspersed with the cheers and screams of general excitement are definitely obvious.

Even though the music belongs to the FWA World Champion, Chris Peacock is not the first person out through the curtain and visible to the crowd. That honour belongs to a man seldom seen on Meltdown due to his position as a commentator on Fallout, Allen Price. Upon Price’s appearance, the reception from the crowd is unanimously negative and shots of some fans make it evident that they’ve not forgotten Price’s role in the main event of Back in Business. Price himself seems completely unaware of what the crowd makes of him, waving to them akin to a returning hero.

Anzu Kurosawa: “I know we have said that Allen Price is lacking in terms of general awareness… but surely even he can see that the people are not happy about what he did in Mexico City.”

Rod Sterling: “Whilst I am sure that Price is pleased that his friend retained the FWA World Championship… he must know that were it not for his intervention in that match - pulling the referee out of the ring - that Cyrus Truth would be the FWA World Champion right now.”

Price turns to the side and then motions towards the direction he came from and Chris Peacock then peers his head out and the FWA World Champion wears a smirk on his face as he then appears in full view. Notably, he appears to be wearing the same ring attire as his Back in Business one. The FWA World Championship catches the light as it is strapped around his waist and he also carries one of the FWA World Tag Team Championships on one of his shoulders. He motions towards Price with his head and together they walk down the ramp towards the ring, Peacock proudly strutting his stuff and chuckling to himself.

Rod Sterling: “Say what you will about Chris Peacock, but whilst the events of the night say one thing, the record books say another. As of today, he has held the FWA World Championship for one-hundred and seventy-three days… giving him the longest reign with that title since Saint Sully lost it at Back in Business XV over two years ago.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “His attitude and his methods at Back in Business against Cyrus Truth was something that we had not really seen before from him; Chris Peacock has always coveted the support of the fans to boost him… but he saw they all wanted Cyrus Truth to win. He was the villain of the story that night, and he embraced it.”

Rod Sterling: “Indeed, Anzu. But Chris Peacock… he worked that knee of Cyrus Truth relentlessly. He knew that he could not break the will of his opponent, so he decided to make it so Cyrus could not fight anymore.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “But of course, how can we forget what happened at the closure of Back in Business… Randy Ramon - Chris Peacock’s former mentor and friend - made a return to the FWA and he laid Chris Peacock out.”

At the bottom of the ramp, Peacock accepts a microphone from someone at ringside and then pauses when he reaches the steps. After a look around the stadium at the crowd, making eye contact with some disappointed fans in the front row, Peacock drops his head slightly and then enters the ring from the apron, through the ropes.

Allen Price follows his client into the ring and continues waving to the ‘adoring’ crowd around him and trying to get them pumped up more. As the music fades out, the actual response towards the two men in the ring can be heard for the first time. It comes as a surprise to Peacock it seems that the crowd are not happy with the view that they’re witnessing before them. This causes Peacock to raise an eyebrow, and he slowly lifts the microphone.

Chris Peacock: “So… that was something, huh?”

The crowd again responds loudly. Peacock snorts, stifling a smirk which is desperately trying to form on his face.

Chris Peacock: “Be honest with yourselves. How many of you saw me standing here with both of these? How many of you thought that I’d be the guy to walk into Back in Business with two championships and walk out of Back in Business with two championships? Come on, give me a show of hands.”

Peacock lowers the mic and looks around at the showing of hands around him; roughly half of the crowd in attendance does raise their hands.

Chris Peacock: “Okay, that’s fair. Now, let’s have a follow up. How many of you wanted me to walk out with both of these championships?”

Again, the dual champion looks around the arena. The majority of the hands that were raised in response to the first question lower. Allen Price scoffs and begins to scold some of the crowd off-microphone. Peacock chuckles to himself under his breath.

Chris Peacock: “That seems about right. Look, I get it. A lot of you wanted to see Cyrus Truth win against me at Back in Business. The stars had aligned, ‘The Exile’ walked that long and winding road back to the main event of Back in Business. Damn, if I was watching as a fan like all of you, that’s probably what I would have wanted, too!

So, I understand. You’re all disappointed. After the match, I actually took some time to watch it back. I watched the match between me and Cyrus, and I can understand why you’re all so upset after what went down. In fact, there’s something that I need to say to someone… because, like you, I’m quite pissed off over how the main event of Back in Business went down. Allen?”

Suddenly, a large cheer fills up the stadium as Allen Price halts his shouting at the fans and turns around with wide eyes full of fear as Chris Peacock looks at him with an intense glare in his eyes.

Chris Peacock: “Hey, Allen… Do you remember last year what happened when you got involved in one of my matches? Against that fat piece of shit Baxter during the Climaxxx, you remember that?”

The fear in Price’s eyes is evident and he gulps, backing away into the corner, trying to plead his case.

Chris Peacock: “I told you that I didn’t want you getting involved in my matches ever again and then do you remember what I did to you?”

Peacock balls his spare fist and Price is literally cowering in the corner as the crowd begins to cheer loudly, baying for Peacock to lay his hands on Price.

Chris Peacock: “I was so mad at you that I knocked your lights out! So, when I watched Back in Business back and I saw you pull that referee out of the ring… you did what I told you to never do again, Allen. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be standing here as the FWA World Champion. Cyrus Truth would be.

“Allen, you’re single-handedly responsible for dashing the hopes and the dreams of all of these people! You spoiled Cyrus Truth’s ultimate redemption arc! These people want me to punch you again, Allen! I’ve got a good mind to do it, as well. After all, some could even say that you tainted my victory. You lessened my victory and made me look bad! Now, people will never know whether I can beat Cyrus Truth on my own! How will anyone ever know who the better man is?

How can I call myself a real champion? You… you… robbed that from me, Allen. I should tear your fucking head off!”

In the corner, Allen Price is actually weeping and begging for Chris to forgive him, wailing that he was just trying to help and do what he felt was best. The crowd cheer for Peacock probably louder than they have ever before. Peacock stands over him and raises his fist, ready to strike…

Chris Peacock: “So, before I do this… there’s just one thing that I want to say to you, Allen.”

The fist slowly lowers down in front of Price’s face and then Peacock opens his hand…

Chris Peacock: “Thank you.”

With the excitement and relief coursing through his body, Price leaps up and wraps his arms around Peacock and together the two men hug in the ring and Price then raises Peacock’s hand as they both laugh together. The crowd are furious at the swerve and Peacock laughs obnoxiously into the microphone when they break it up.

Chris Peacock: “As if I was going to let that fucking loser take my title from me?

“Cyrus Truth’s time at the top of this company was long over before we entered that ring in Mexico City but now, there’s no doubt in my mind that there’s no way Cyrus Truth is going to even look at this championship ever again! He’s going to whine, he’s going to complain, he’s even going to swear undying vengeance upon me and everyone I hold dear but just like I told Cyrus before Back in Business… I. DON’T. CARE.”

The crowd boos loudly but then breaks into a loud “WE WANT TRUTH!” in unison and for a second, Peacock’s face trembles and he looks scared, but then he smirks and snorts in derision. Allen Price cackles loudly.

Chris Peacock: “You want Truth? YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH! Because the Truth is… that Cyrus can’t lace my fucking boots. I’ve proved it time and time again that Cyrus Truth is not on my level. Cyrus Truth proved time and time again that he’s not at the level he used to be.

“I dumped Cyrus’s ass right back at the beginning of the long and winding road and he’s probably in a recliner with his knee on ice throwing his drink at his television set, ranting and raving about how we screwed him… No, Cyrus screwed himself. He screwed all of you too by making you believe that he had a fucking chance of beating me.

“Anyone with a bit of sense would know that history was going to repeat itself one way or another. Chris Peacock beats Cyrus Truth. That’s the cardinal rule of this company and it has been since I walked through the door three years ago. So, if anyone really thought I’d have any problem with my agent doing what I pay him to do and ensuring that the natural order is maintained, then your stupidity is not on me, or Allen.”

The crowd boos loudly and Peacock shakes his head.

Chris Peacock: “It’s alright for Konchu Hao to come down and knock Allen out, though? Hey, no harm there, really. In fact, I’ve beaten Konchu’s crazy ass every time we’ve fought as well!”

As the volume of the negativity ramps up, Peacock leans back and seems to be protesting some innocence.

Chris Peacock: “Hey, come on. I want to give Cyrus Truth some credit. Cyrus, you made me realise just how much I wanted to keep this championship. I thought I was right before Back in Business; there was no long-term damage to me if I lost. I’d have bounced back… but you made me realise that I had to beat you. Even though I would have bounced back, I’d have been the guy that you broke your duck against. The first person to lose to Cyrus Truth in a Back in Business main event?

“Not this stronzo. Not me. No, no. Cyrus… you only have yourself to blame for what happened in Mexico City. You came down to the ring lighting fires but the one that matters is the one that you lit under me. You made the result of our match a foregone conclusion, even though I was fucked up from the night before.

“You were so focused on that will of yours and how it was never going to break… so focused that you forgot about your body. The same body that has been through countless battles and wars, stretching back longer than I can care to remember. The body that - even in my own weakened state - I knew that I could outlast. Regardless of how we got here, here is where we would have been.

“Your long and winding road led to me, Cyrus. Journey… ended.”

The crowd begins to boo loudly and Peacock stares intensely into the camera, the message firmly sent to his defeated challenger. After a few seconds and a congratulatory pat on the back from Price, Peacock’s face turns into a smile and he begins to address the crowd once again.

Chris Peacock: “Everyone has been so busy talking about what happened in the main event, that they completely forgot that I won another match at Back in Business… I’ve still got this, baby!”

Peacock points to the tag title on his shoulder and then grins once again, but given his comments already, the fans are not very enthused.

Chris Peacock: “Hey, come on, show come love for the cum truck, people!”

Allen Price raises his hands and simulates the infamous moment from Night One of Back in Business when he was coated in the foam from FTN’s vehicle of choice.

Chris Peacock: “Yeah, even with my own tag team partner trying to kill me, FTN are still your FWA World Tag Team Champions and on Saturday night on Fallout, we’ve got to defend the titles again… against Aka Manto.

“Maybe Aka and Keiko can take some lessons from Cyrus Truth about how to overcome multiple losses to Chris Peacock? Because they’re going to need them.

“In fact, speaking of learning lessons. I’ve done a bit of research myself and did you all know that Aka Manto is actually a Japanese toilet ghost? Seems pretty appropriate because whenever Aka and Keiko are out here most people go for a piss break!”

As the boos continue to rain down on the dual champion in the ring, Peacock seems completely past the point of pretending that he cares about what they think of him. However a chant of “WE WANT RANDY!” causes this to falter slightly, and Peacock has to close his eyes tightly for a moment to block the chants out. Peacock shakes his head and then starts talking in a high-pitched sarcastic tone.

Chris Peacock: “Oh, but what kind of state are FTN in? We saw Chris really give Alyster a good telling off at Back in Business! Things must be really rocky between them?

“Why don’t you all take a step into the real world, huh? Friends fight. Alyster pushed me from the top of a ladder and I fell on the barricade and hey, I broke two of my ribs in that fall. Shit, that could have cost me the FWA World Championship - I had to LIE to just get myself cleared to compete.

“Was I mad at Alyster? Of course I was! Who wouldn’t be? Does this mean that FTN is over, though? Are we going to become one of those teams who don’t actually get on but are too successful together to break up?”

Peacock begins to pace around the ring, continuing to ignore the chants around the stadium in support of the man who ambushed him at BIB’s conclusion.

Chris Peacock: “Nope. I’m sure it will come as a great disappointment to you all but me and Alyster are all good and we’ve got our plungers ready to take down a couple of toilet ghosts on Fallout.

“Alyster made a bit of a habit of hurting people at Back in Business. Real shame about what happened to ol’ Zachary… I know there were some people who said that if he was not scheduled to be in Golden Opportunity at the Anniversary Show, he should have been the one to challenge for the FWA World Championship.

“It’s a shame that he's gone, because as things stand, I don’t actually have a challenger! Who here is actually on my level that is actually free for a match? Sure as shit isn’t Cyrus Truth. Danny Toner couldn’t get a booking over the rat and the bat and they’re still peeling pieces of Michelle off the canvas.”

The “WE WANT RANDY!” chants get louder and louder; the fans making it clear that they have someone in mind for Chris Peacock to face. Peacock still ignores their desire whilst Price demands they be quiet.

Chris Peacock: “So, I went and spoke to Jon Russnow… and I provided a solution. The FWA World Champion is lacking competition and a challenge for the Anniversary Show… and there’s an open spot in the Golden Opportunity Steel Roulette.

“That match holds a special place in my heart. It gave me the key to winning this championship, which I did at Back in Town. So, I had an idea which Jon Russnow loved.

“This year, there will be no Golden Opportunity. No briefcase. No cashing in. Instead, I am giving the participants in that match a chance to avoid all of the deniers and naysayers that come along with holding the briefcase I did. This year, whoever walks out of that structure as the winner will do so as the FWA World Champion… and it will be me.”

Peacock’s music begins to play again and the FWA World Champion stares down the camera for a moment and then tosses the microphone over his shoulder. He and Price then leave the ring and begin to walk up the ramp together.

Rod Sterling: “Wait… Chris Peacock is putting up the FWA World Championship in the Steel Roulette at the Anniversary Show! He’s going to defend the title against five other competitors at once? One word that came to my mind when hearing Chris Peacock talk just then was confidence… and it has led him to make this decision.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Everyone thought that he had bitten off more than he could chew at Back in Business… but he prevailed. There was one name that did not pass through his lips the entire time he was talking though, Rod. Randy Ramon.”

Rod Sterling: “There’s definitely some competition there which Peacock definitely skirted over. I just wonder what everyone else in that match is going to make of this - Reagan Cole, Katsu, Jackson Fenix, Death Walker and Alyster Black.”

The FWA World Champion looks back at the fans once more at the top of the ramp on the stage and his confident smirk falters… for a second.

We fade out to a blender commercial.

We return to the arena and the bell rings in preparation for our next match-up…

SPOILER: Click to show

{BRAVE GHOST || BRAVE GHOST}[MEDIA=youtube]n4wMcfNy45w[/MEDIA]

The lights of the stage flash a mixture of neon green, purple, with occasional flashes of red to the music. The screens flash an 8-bit skull logo repeatedly. After about eighteen seconds, the YOKAI Death Squad Trio makes their way out. Katsu keeps her hand to her side, cape flowing behind her. Ririko runs to one side of the stage, amped up, as Cali Hayama hops in place. Ririko joins her partners in the middle of the stage as there are sparks of pyrotechnics. Standing next to Katsu, Ririko spins around and holds up the MAYHEM M, her mask's tongue flopping around. Katsu crosses her arms in front of her, holding her hands in a fox head gesture as Cali Hayama kneels down in front of them, pointing her hand out like a sideways gun. The Canadian jumps up as all three begin to head down the ramp.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following is a round one match in the Trios Eliminator Tournament, the winning team of which will receive a shot at the FWA Trios Championships at Lights Out. Introducing first, representing MAYHEM, the Sky Devil, Cali Hayama, the Crazy Ghost, Ririko and the Kitsune Warrior, Katsu… YOKAI DEATH SQUAD!!!”

The three wrestlers head down the ramp before Katsu makes a break for the hard-cam side of the ring. The former FWA Television Champion opens her cape as she slides onto the apron. Cali Hayama jumps onto the apron and jumps over the top rope as Ririko slides into the ring. Katsu quickly does the spits and slides into the ring. Ririko and Katsu head to parallel turnbuckles as Cali Hayama hooks her leg on the top rope, removing her half mask and showing a smirk. All three put down the MAYHEM ‘M’ before they all jump off. The three head back to the middle of the ring and exchange a triple fist bump before heading to their corner.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "And, already in the ring… Mike Stand, In-Sync, and the Backstreet Boy… THE BAD BOYS BOY BAND!"

The Boy Band get little traction outside a few boos, but pose in the corner as if this is their big break. They engaged in hurried strategic discussions as their opponent's music fades out, the official conducting his final checks and then calling for the bell.

FIRST MATCH || 1/20.
YOKAI Death Squad [Ririko, Cali Hayama, & Katsu] vs. The Bad Boys Boy Band [In-Sync, the Backstreet Boy, & Mike Stand].
Trios Eliminator Tournament - Round One.
Match Writer: SS.

<< 00:00. >>

The match begins with Ririko and Mike Stand in the ring, with the latter getting some advice from his teammates in the corner before psyching himself up and charging at his opponent. Ririko ducks beneath Mike's attempted clothesline, and then nails the turning Mike Stand with a huge forearm smash! Then an elbow… knife edge chop… overhand chop… Mongolian chop!! Ririko hits the ropes… a big boot flattens Mike Stand!!

Rod Sterling: "Is he dead?!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "I think he might be."

Ririko looks over at her two teammates on the apron, offering them a hand and a tag. Both Cali and Vampyra shrug: it's clear that they think Ririko has this one covered herself. The legal woman hoists Mike up to his feet and wounds him with a series of hard kicks to the chest. Stand tries to take refuge against the ropes, hoping for a break, but Ririko instead drags him away from them in a front facelock.

Anzu Kurosawa: "DDT from Ririko! Mike is spiked onto the top of his head!"

Rod Sterling: "She could pin him now, but I don't think Ririko wants to. She was eliminated from the Trios Battle Royale at Back in Business early on, perhaps she wants to show the FWA Cosmos exactly what she can do!"

Ririko has hoisted Mike up to his feet and has his arms hooked behind him. She shows impressive strength in hoisting the heavier man up, planting him on the top of his back and shoulders with a picture-perfect tiger suplex! This time she bridges for the cover…

ONE… TWO… NO!

The Bad Boy and In-Sync are quick into the ring to break up the pinfall with a stomp to either side of Ririko's abdomen. She gets to her feet, and realised that Cali and Katsu are standing either side of her, offering back-up against the interlopers. The Bad Boy and In-Sync look at the assembled trip nervously, then at each other… and then quickly scarper out of the ring! They want no part of the YOKAI Death Squad!

Ririko lets out a chuckle, and then picks Mike Stand up one more time…

Anzu Kurosawa: "Bed Time with Ririko!! She's got the sleeper hold…"

Rod Sterling: "… and there's the body scissors! Mike Stand had no choice but to tap out!"

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: YOKAI Death Squad by submission at 01:32.

Ririko lets go as soon as the bell is sounded, allowing Mike to be rolled out of the ring towards his teammates.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here are your winners, and advancing to the Trios Eliminator Tournament semi-finals… YOKAI DEATH SQUAD!"

There's a moderate cheer for the team as they have their arms lifted in victory in the middle of the ring.

Anzu Kurosawa: "They may have come up just short at Back in Business, but that was an impressive performance against the Bad Boys Boy Band."

Rod Sterling: "They sure made light work of their opponents here in Havana, but something tells me that there will be tougher opposition en route between here and Lights Out, where they will be spying a three-on-three match with the Ravenwood Sisters and Trixie Bordeaux."

Anzu Kurosawa: "I think they know that too, Rod…"

Indeed, there's little celebration of their victory here in Havana. The three women climb out of the ring and, a look of focus on their faces, begin to walk up the ramp as we fade to black.

We cut to the backstage catering table where Jon Russnow is seen. He is snacking on a bismark while holding a little paper saucer, but somehow he's still getting crumbs all over the floor. Suddenly his pastry enjoyment is cut short when he is interrupted by none other than The Witch Queen herself.

Kleio gets a small pop from the crowd when Russnow turns around, and nearly chokes on his donut.

She's not dressed to compete obviously, being that she is wearing her black jeans and leather jacket, but he looks ready to throw fists nevertheless.

Jon Russnow: "Oh, Ms. De Santos! How are you doing on this fine evening? I didn't know you came in…"

Kleio De Santos: "I came to watch Trixie…"

Jon Russnow: "Oh yes! She's done well since you've taken her under your wing. You're a great manager!"

Jon gives Kleio a pat on the shoulder, as KDS just stares him down.

Kleio De Santos: "I'm a competitor Jon. I lead The Coven...I don't just manage them. But how can I lead them when I'm watching them from the sidelines every single week? It's always Blair, or Celestia, or Trixie...I haven't had a legitimate match since the King of the Deathmatch tournament. And yet, in back to back years I put on one of the biggest showings in that whole damn thing."

Jon Russnow: "And back to back years you just came up short...maybe next year?"

Kleio De Santos: "That isn't my point. I want more action Russnow. I am a competitor…"

Jon Russnow: "Ok, ok...I understand."

Kleio De Santos: "No, you don't. I've been on the roster now for almost 3 years now, and I don't have a title to my name. Now the three girls I'm supposed to be leading get to walk around with championships, and I haven't won a damn thing. My biggest accomplishments in three years? Beating Krash one time, and coming up short in back to back King of the Deathmatch tournaments. I want more, I want a chance to prove myself. I have been one of the most talented competitors on this roster since the draft, and yet I get passed up time and time again."

Jon Russnow: "I hear you, but…"

Kleio De Santos: "No buts...I want a match. At the FWA Anniversary Show. And you're going to find me one."

Russnow seems to relax, and appears to give in.

Jon Russnow: "Well...you know what...I might have something in mind for you."

Kleio responds with a huge smirk as we cut back to the action.

SPOILER: Click to show

{SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT || NIRVANA}[MEDIA=youtube]hTWKbfoikeg[/MEDIA]

There's moderate pop in the arena for the returning Sawyer Xavier, who walks out onto the stage with a focused look about him. He limbers up and, after a brief glance around the crowded arena, begins at a brisk pace down the ramp.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one-fall, and with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Savannah, Georgia and weighing in at one hundred and seventy six pounds… Sawyer… XAVIER!!"

Rod Sterling: "And it's a Sawyer Xavier that we haven't seen in a few months, making his return here to singles action on Meltdown."

Anzu Kurosawa: "We've seen flashes of brilliance from the young man, including at last year's anniversary show, where he represented this brand admirably and scored the winning pinfall in the Fallout vs. Meltdown Jailhouse Blues match. Let's hope he can stick around this time and string together a sequence of good performances."

Sawyer enters the ring and waits in his corner, loosening up as his music fades out. It's replaced by…

SPOILER: Click to show

{HEX GIRL || THE HEX GIRLS}[MEDIA=youtube]9btxEC73Dog[/MEDIA]

There's a reasonably loud cheer in the Cuban arena as Trixie Bordeaux appears on stage with a smile on her face, and her newly won FWA Trios Championship around her waist. The positivity in the arena is tempered slightly when she's flanked on either side by her partners in the championship trio: Blair Ravenwoods to her left, and her sister Celestia on the right. The three of them begin their march towards the ring.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "… and his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Blair and Celestia Ravenwood, and representing the Coven… she is one third of the FWA Trios Champions… from Baton Rouge, Louisiana… Trixie… BORDEAUX!"

Rod Sterling: "Trixie won those championships for her team, when she was the last person standing in Back in Business' battle royale. A huge moment for her and the Ravenwoods, and their first taste of gold here in the FWA."

Anzu Kurosawa: "The Trios Eliminator Tournament is ongoing, and we've already seen the dangerous YOKAI Death Squad qualify for the semi-final stage earlier tonight. But Trixie will hope to keep her own momentum going here in singles action, with a returning Sawyer Xavier waiting to upset the apple cart…"

Trixie rolls into the ring, the Ravenwoods waiting on the outside… where they run into some familiar faces sitting in the front row! They come across the masked visages of Jobber Jimbo, Jiggy Jon, and Jugem Jugem, who watch proceedings with interest amongst the fans.

Rod Sterling: "Looks like Triple J Security are here on a scouting mission. They take on the Ménage on Fallout this Saturday. I'm not sure Trixie is aware that we've got company at ringside…"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Probably for the best. Her focus should be on Sawyer alone, at least for tonight. She can't afford to look past him."

The official conducts his final checks and, when he is content, he calls for the bell…

SECOND MATCH || 1/20.
Sawyer Xavier vs. Trixie Bordeaux (w/ the Coven).
Singles Match.
Match Writer: SS.

<< 00:00. >>

After a few moments circling the ring, Trixie throws a hand up into the air and points at it, offering Sawyer a test of strength. Sawyer doesn't know what to make of it, especially when he looks at the somewhat devious visages of the Ravenwood sisters outside of the ring. Upon seeing Bordeaux's beaming face, smiling with a naive encouragement, he's emboldened to reciprocate, taking up the test of strength and immediately pushing Trixie back towards the ropes. Bordeaux leans back into them and the official calls for a clean break, which Sawyer seems to want to provide… only for Bordeaux to poke him in the eye!

Rod Sterling: "We've seen Trixie Bordeaux take shortcuts along those lines before. She's not afraid to circumvent the rules on occasion, but that only seems to endear these fans more to her cause!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Who can blame her? When there's a lack of discernible talent, sometimes a swift poke in the eyes will suffice…"

Sawyer staggers back, and immediately Bordeaux follows up with a jawbreaker, Xavier stumbling but able to stay on his feet. Bordeaux pumps her fist, the Cuban audience cheering her on as she closes in and attempts a body slam… but Sawyer anchors his weight down, and Trixie can't hoist him up! She tries a trio of times, until Xavier throws a series of elbow strikes down into her head and shoulder, causing a little separation… and then wiping Trixie out with a spinning lariat!! Bordeaux lands hard, and Xavier goes for a cover…

ONE… TWO… NO!

Bordeaux gets the shoulder up! Sawyer slaps on a grounded side headlock, keeping Trixie grounded and slowing the pace down…

Meanwhile, shortly after this headlock is whacked on, a trio of interlopers appear on the stage…

Anzu Kurosawa: "Looks like we've got more guests. Triple J are already at ringside, and it appears the Lumberjacks are here to keep an eye on proceedings too!"

Rod Sterling: "They'll face PONI BOI later on tonight, but they're out for some reconnaissance on one of the champions…"

The three LuPones arrive at the ring and are careful to remain on the opposite side of it to the Ravenwood sisters. They lean against the barricade casually (meanwhile blocking the view of about a dozen fans) and watch on as Trixie begins to fight back to her feet.

***

<< 04:38. >>

Anzu Kurosawa: "Things are not looking good for Trixie Bordeaux, here… and seemingly her demise in this match is going to take place in front of the entire trios division!"

Indeed, the Ménage have appeared on the stage and begin walking down the ramp on a scouting mission of their own. They walk past the YOKAI Death Squad, who are huddled on the stage having appeared a minute or so earlier. Sierra, Christian, and Jerry wait halfway down the ramp, not wanting to venture into the crowded ringside area: the Lumberjacks and the Ravenwoods have been joined there by PONI BOI and the Goodes, who aren't even in the Trios Tournament. We've also seen, in cutaways, the Undisputed Xperienx watching on (sidewards on to the screen) in their locker room, as well as LCW's Midnight Train observing proceedings from a bar in Texas.

Rod Sterling: "A lot of people have vested interests in Trixie's well-being, or lack thereof."

Inside the ring: after a snap DDT and another two-count, Sawyer collects Trixie by the legs and begins to attempt to turn her over for a liontamer. Bordeaux resists, though, refusing to turn easily and then grabbing a handful of Xavier's hair. She throws a series of closed fists and open-hand slaps, alternating between the two, and eventually manages to wriggle one of her legs free of Xavier's grasp, which she promptly uses to kick him in the mush. Sawyer stumbles back and Trixie staggers to her feet, charging in and attempting a rather wild clothesline. Sawyer ducks beneath it, and then girls Trixie's slender frame across the ring with a release German suplex!!

Xavier slowly swaggers over to Trixie, pleased with his handiwork, and then decides to begin an ascent towards the top rope.

Rod Sterling: "We know from Sawyer Xavier's previous runs here in the FWA that he's very comfortable up on the top rope! Here he goes… 630 SPLASH!!"

Xavier almost hovers in mid-air whilst performing the room, with the audience (as well as the host of assembled wrestlers at ringside) watching on in awe…

Anzu Kurosawa: "… NOBODY HOME! Trixie rolls out of the way and Sawyer crashes and burns!!"

Bordeaux crawls away from Sawyer, who sits himself up in the corner, trying to catch a moment to recuperate. Trixie is up to her feet across the ring, and notes that Xavier is in perfect position for her cannonball!

Anzu Kurosawa: "BUNDLE OF FUN! She connects!"

Rod Sterling: "But Trixie Bordeaux isn't going for a cover, instead she seems to be hyping up this audience and maybe herself, too…"

Indeed, after channelling some energy from the audience, she grasps Xavier by the scruff of the neck and hoists him onto his feet… and goes for a body slam again!

Xavier budges a few millimetres from the mat!

But then Trixie's back gives in! She collapses back to the mat, dropping Sawyer… who promptly nails her with an enziguri! Trixie slumps to a knee, and Xavier follows up immediately with a shining wizard! He goes for the cover…

ONE… TWO… THR – NO!

Rod Sterling: "Some guts and determination on show from Trixie Bordeaux there, but Sawyer Xavier has her right where he wants her…"

Anzu Kurosawa: "He's got an arm bar, Rod! This might be it!"

Trixie eventually manages to get to the ropes, but the submission takes its toll, allowing Sawyer to continue working away at her arm for the next period of the match.

***

<< 11:13. >>

Sawyer Xavier is again attempting to place Trixie into an arm bar after a two count, but this time she senses the danger and scrambles over to the bottom rope. The official comes in for a rope break, Bordeaux using them to help herself back to a vertical base. She's still gripping the ropes as Sawyer comes back at her, and - just like at the start of the match - goes for an eye poke…

Rod Sterling: "Not this time! Sawyer Xavier sees it coming and catches her hand!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "He drags Trixie away from the ropes and towards him… Northern Lights suplex! Beautiful bridge by Sawyer Xavier!"

ONE… TWO… THR – NO!

Rod Sterling: "Kick out from Trixie! But Sawyer Xavier stills has a hold of that arm… there it is! Fujiwara armbar!!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Sawyer Xavier has been working over that arm for the past few minutes, and now Trixie Bordeaux is sundered in the middle of the ring. She might have to tap, Rod!"

The thought seems to have crossed Trixie's mind, too. With pain etched onto her face, she lifts her hand up parallel to the mat, as if she's about to throw in the towel… but then her hand turns into a fist, and she wriggles and squirms until she's shifted her weight from underneath Xavier. Sawyer does his utmost to keep hold of some sort of wrenching submission on her arm… but Trixie is able to wriggle out from under him and force his shoulders down! The referee slides in…

ONE… TWO… T – NO!

Sawyer kicks out and rolls backwards onto his feet, just as Trixie gets up to hers. Xavier goes for a clubbing lariat, but Bordeaux ducks beneath it and rolls him up with a schoolboy!

ONE… TWO… THR – NO!

Again, Xavier kicks out, and both are up. This time it's Sawyer's turn to duck an attempted lariat, and he goes behind into a rear waistlock. He bundles Trixie forward into the ropes… with the official unfortunately positioned! He gets clattered between Bordeaux and the ropes!

Trixie holds onto the ropes above the downed official, Sawyer - who is attempting an O'Connor roll - rolling back without her. Bordeaux stares down at the official, who isn't badly hurt and is stirring.

She turns to face Xavier, who is just finding his feet…

AND UPPERCUTS HIM IN THE GROIN!!

Xavier's world turns black and white as Trixie gets to her feet, letting out a guttural roar before grasping Sawyer…

Rod Sterling: "BODY SLAM!! TRIXIE GETS IT!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "SHE ABSORBED ALL OF HIS ENERGY WHEN SHE PUNCHED HIM IN THE DICK!! SHE JUST BODY SLAMMED A FOUR HUNDRED POUND IN FRONT OF A HUNDRED THOUSAND SCREAMING TRIXAMANIACS HERE AT THE ESTADIO LATINOAMERICANO!!"

The crowd are cheering Bordeaux on as she scrambles up towards the top rope, her back towards Xavier. She doesn't even look back before taking a leap of faith…

Rod Sterling: "Whistling Trixie!! Bordeaux nails it! She hooks the leg…"

ONE… TWO… THREE!

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: Trixie Bordeaux via pinfall at 14:59.

Trixie is visibly exhausted after the bell is rung, slumping onto the mat and seemingly unable to drag herself to her feet after the exertions of the match. It's only when the Ravenwoods slide into the ring and begin to help her that she's able to rise.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here is your winner… TRIXIE BORDEAUX!"

The official seems to want to lift Trixie's hand into the air, but one stern glare from Blair Ravenwood checks his momentum. She and Celestia perform this task instead, both of Bordeaux hands lifted in victory by her fellow trios champions.

Rod Sterling: "It's been quite a few weeks for the Coven, Anzu. First, they picked up those beautiful FWA Trios Championships at Back in Business, and now Trixie Bordeaux continues the stable's good fortunes with a win here in singles competition."

As the commentators pick their way through the bones of the match, the camera cuts to the faces of many wrestlers at ringside, on the stage, or watching from the back. None of them seem particularly impressed.

Anzu Kurosawa: "And there's a huge opportunity for Blair and Celestia Ravenwood to maintain that momentum in two days time on Fallout, when they take on Chris Crowe and Tommy Bedlam in tag team action. The beach, Rod! We're going to the beach!"

Rod Sterling: "We're not on Fallout, Anzu. We're not going to the beach."

Anzu Kurosawa: "Speak for yourself, Rod! My pockets are deep! My vitamin D levels are low! I'm going to the beach!"

The Coven, unaware of the excitement of the announcers soundtracking them, help Trixie out of the ring and then up onto the ramp.

They walk through the middle of a line of teams out to witness Trixie's win: the Lumberjacks, the Goodes, PONI-BOI, the Ménage, and finally the YOKAI Death Squad. Each of these potential future opponents keeps a close eye on the departing champions. We fade to black.

Returning to Meltdown, there are a couple of people patiently waiting in the ring. One of them is Todd Salum, who waits for the crowd noise to calm slightly and he then brings his special interviewing microphone to his mouth and motions towards the person standing next to him.

Todd Salum: “Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome a special guest at this time; a man who this Saturday will be competing in his first match since officially becoming a part of the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance roster… please put your hands together for Juan Tothrefor!”

The other man in the ring - the masked luchador Juan Tothrefor - waves eagerly to the fans and they respond in kind with nice cheers.

Todd Salum: “Juan, you signed your FWA contract earlier this week and I personally am looking forward to seeing you in the mix and where you fit in. You’re an accomplished competitor in Mexico where you’ve worked closely with Chubby Carlos in the Art of Lucha promotion and you are a multiple-time Television Champion over there.

“This Saturday on Fallout, you take on one of the champions here in the FWA… Big Bryan Bastard, the North American Champion. There’s a chance to make a big splash for you here off the bat.”

Juan Tothrefor: “Haha! A big splash is exactly what I am looking to make here, Todd. I have made my name in Art of Lucha, under the tutelage of Senor Carlos, but this Saturday night, I have some lessons of my own that I want to teach.”

Juan points into the hard camera and nods his head.

Juan Tothrefor: “El Bastardo, Big Bryan… you might be a dominant champion here in the FWA, but it is time for things to change! I am a champion too and you’re going to find out that there are just some people in this world that you cannot bully!

“When we face off in the ring, I am going to teach you a lesson that you will never forget and all of the people will count it together… ONE! TWO! THREE!... FOUR!”

The masked competitor laughs and slaps his hands together and leans in for another question from Todd, but suddenly his and everyone else’s attention is drawn elsewhere.

SPOILER: Click to show

{NOBODY || AVENGED SEVENFOLD}[MEDIA=youtube]UjrRTY2UDjw[/MEDIA]

‘Nobody’ by Avenged Sevenfold begins to blare through the speakers. In the ring, Juan seems to be asking Todd what is going on, but the interviewer does not have any questions due to the unfamiliar music.

Rod Sterling: “Who in the world could this be?”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Your guess is as good as mine, Rod. Can’t say this is a familiar theme for any of our wrestlers to come to the ring with. Someone from Juan’s past, perhaps?”

As the bass and drums go heavy in the song pyro goes off and lasers begin to roll through sky above the crowd and the ring. The entranceway is still dark, but the crowd can see someone make their way onto the entranceway. Because of it still being dark they can not make out who the person is.

Just as the song reaches the line “I’m a god”, bright white lights flare up and shed light on the person at the entranceway. That person is Johnny “The Legend” Johnson. Dressed in a peach colour. He holds his arms out to the side as if he is allowing the crowd to bask in his glory. The white lights shut down and then Johnny begins to make his way to the ring. In the ring, Juan motions for Salum to leave and Todd does so to avoid any potential confrontation.

Anzu Kurosawa: “It’s Johnny Johnson! He has been hinting at his new family coming to FWA, maybe that is why he is coming out to have a face to face with Juan Tothrefor.”

Rod Sterling: “The Legend coming out to recruit Juan? Hey, he’s a champion in Mexico, he could be a pretty good first addition!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “I can only assume I’m going to eat these words, but maybe Johnny is wanting to use his years in the business as an opportunity to teach others how to be successful.”

Johnny gets up the ring steps and then into the ring. Juan is standing in the middle of the ring not sure what to do. He has his guard up, ready for anything. Johnny reaches inside his jacket and pulls out a microphone. He gives it two taps to see if it is on and then his entrance music stops.

He looks over at Juan with a devilish smile. Bringing the mic up to his lips, Johnny begins to speak.

Johnny Johnson: “Juan, look I know this is the first time we’re meeting, but I promise you I have no ill will against you. In fact, I come out here to give you a chance. You see I don’t know if you have heard but I’ve come back to FWA to start a new family. My old family was clearly the reason for all of my failures in my life.

“If I didn’t have them dragging me down like an anchor the possibilities would have been endless of what I could have done with my life. I could have cured cancer, I could have written a Pulitzer Prize winning novel and revolutionized this world. I could have been the next Ghandi and used my powers to help all of the impoverished in the world and have them live a life even better than the losers in this crowd before you!

And that is why I have walked down to this ring right now. Tonight is the night, TONIGHT is the night that The Legend introduces the first member to The Legendary Family!”

Johnny looks over at Juan and then places a hand on his shoulder. Holding a big smile on his face, Johnny gets ready for the big announcement as the crowd gets a little excited as they all anticipate the next move of Johnny’s and what that might mean for Juan.

Johnny Johnson: “Juan, do you feel that? We’re about to have a moment, a monumental moment. One that you, myself, the people in attendance here and EVERY PERSON watching us across this planet. This is something you will remember for the rest of your life Juan.”

Just then the entire place goes dark except for the entranceway from the backstage area which has the floor in front of it illuminated in white. Smoke between to bellow out and cover the entryway. An ominous tune begins play through the places speakers.

SPOILER: Click to show

{TITAN SLAYER || OUTLANDER}[MEDIA=youtube]jnviyqrmfAA[/MEDIA]

Anzu Kurosawa: “Oh no, we know who this is… and we know that it can’t mean anything good.”

The drums kick in and then out from the back Maru storms through entranceway and marches down towards the ring. Bright, white lights cascade move back and forth around the arena as Maru walks with a purpose. Juan first looks at Johnny who looks directly at him and then begins to laugh maniacally as he still has a clasp on his shoulder.

Rod Sterling: “That’s The Great Maru! He’s been leaving a path of destruction in his wake, and that includes Juan Tothrefor!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “That’s right, Maru laid out Juan the last time we saw him on FWA programming before Back in Business… and it could well have been under the orders of Johnny Johnson!”

Maru slides into the ring and without hesitation as the adrenaline kicks in, Juan runs over to Maru and begins to stomp on him as he tries to get up. Maru gets to one knee and pushes Juan back a few feet. As Juan begins to charge Maru once again, Maru makes it to his feet and grabs Juan around his neck, hoists him up and drapes him across his knee as he slams him back down.

Juan writhes around in pain, clutching at his back. Maru then picks Juan back up and Juan begins to fire back with some punches, breaking free of Maru’s grip. Juan runs towards the far ropes and bounces off them, but soon after he does Maru is right there and bends Juan in half with a running cross body to the midsection.

Maru quickly gets up, grabbing Juan by his head to pull him up. He then hoists him over his shoulder. As quickly as he picked him up, Maru spikes him down with The Undertow.

Rod Sterling: “A total decimation, once again, Anzu. That’s the second time that Juan Tothrefor has felt the wrath of The Great Maru and I don’t see why he would ever want to come back for thirds.”

Maru stands up once again, standing over Juan as he lays motionless. Maru stares down at him with a remorseless look. Johnny then walks over to the two of them looking down at Juan with nothing but cockiness showing through.

Johnny Johnson: “Did you really think you were good enough Juan? A pissant like you? You really thought I would see you and what you have done in your short time in FWA and thought, well there he is, someone that can dominate this place for years to come?”

Johnny then bellows out with laughter once more. He then crouches down while looking dead in Juan’s face, lowering his voice and making sure to make it sound more direct as he addresses Juan.

Johnny Johnson: “You’re a worthless sack of shit, Juan. I wouldn’t have chosen you to be a part of my family if I knew you shit out golden eggs.”

Johnny then stands up, gets a little closer towards Maru and slaps him on the chest a few times with a sly smile on his face.

Johnny Johnson: “No, but what did I do? I instead scoured this entire world looking for my weapon of destruction. Looking for a monster that would help me in exacting my vengeance on this place. I’m sure all of you idiots that have been wondering who I would have in my family thought for sure I would get some old piece of trash from the annals of FWA’s hallowed halls. Or perhaps someone from my past, maybe the colossal James Douglas.

“The fact is though, I knew what I wanted for my family. I knew there wasn’t a single person in FWA that would be worthy of being a part of my family. What I did was find a legitimate monster. Someone that everyone here: big, small, skinny, fat, would cower in fear from. Not only that, I also found someone I knew appreciated who I was and what I could offer them in return for being a part of my vision.”

Johnny then looks out to the crowd.

Johnny Johnson: “As promised, the great wave has arrived in FWA. The unstoppable wave that will wash away all of the filth from the landscape. I introduce, before you, THE GREAT MARU!”

Johnny grabs Maru by the wrist and raises it in the air as Maru stoically stands there. His chest expanding and decompressing. Johnny lets Maru's wrist drop back to his side as he begins to address the masses.

Johnny Johnson: “What he did to this vermin in the ring named Juan was only a drop in the bucket of what we’re about to do in FWA. In my travels I offered others to join me but they were too dumb to know what was good for them. I offered those people quarter from the wrath that The Legendary Family is about to bestow upon FWA.

“I offered them a chance to be on the side of just and right. They chose poorly and for their ignorance I only can offer my condolences to their families. Because my family will hold nothing back. The trail of destruction has begun tonight and there is no end in sight. Be afraid FWA, be very afraid. Because this isn’t just any monster, Maru is JUST LEGENDARY!”

Johnny then motions for Maru to leave. As Johnny walks to the ropes Maru grabs the ropes and pulls them apart for Johnny to have an easier exit. As the two make it to the floor and begin to walk to the back Johnny has the biggest grin on his face as he revels in the fact of who walks behind him.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Johnny Johnson is many things but you can never call him dumb. He has seemingly welcomed a monster into his family to do his bidding. The question is who will be able to stop him now?”

Rod Sterling: “Also, what kind of shape will Juan Tothrefor be in for his match on Fallout this Saturday?”

The camera focuses on Juan, with Todd Salum back in the ring to check on his condition. Then back to Johnson and Maru, who are about to exit through the curtain. Maru pauses as Johnson takes a moment to linger and smirk at the fans, before both disappear.

Meltdown returns to the exterior of Jon Russnow's offices once again, this time it's El Vengador standing outside before walking through the doors.

Jon Russnow: "Well, if it isn't our Ground Zero Champion El Vengador! I suppose I haven't had the chance to welcome you properly..."

El Vengador: "Save the pleasantries, I need no welcome."

Jon Russnow: "I can respect that. Then what do you want?"

El Vengador: "At Back In Business... I took Katsu to her limits. I was a fool to come into FWA like a, what's the expression in this realm, a bull in a china shop? Thinking I could just do whatever I wanted as I have done in most realms. This one is different, I admit. At Back in Business, she earned my respect... but I left feeling like now I am the one who needs to earn some respect."

Jon Russnow: "So let me guess... you want--

El Vengador: "The Anniversary Show is the next big stage here in FWA and it's imperative that I am on it. Another chance to show what I am capable of. All I ask for is a shot... any kind of shot... to show that what happened at Back in Business isn't going to be the norm... it's a mere outlier."

Jon Russnow: "Hmm, well it just so happens I may have something in mind for you, but I just need to figure out one more thing... but don't you worry, Vengador, I promise you'll find out real soon and I think you'll be satisfied."

Vengador gives a solemn nod before turning and walking out of the office, leaving Russnow to grab a couple pieces of paper and begins to write down some notes with a grin on his face.

The lights go down in the arena, the big screen coming to life and playing a hype package for a strangely familiar new face…

SPOILER: Click to show

{HYPE.}[MEDIA=youtube]Qhqid3jn85A:73[/MEDIA]

The screen goes black at the end of the video, and then reads:

’THE PRODIGAL SON’
BLAKE TAYLOR.
COMING TO FALLOUT 032.

We return to the commentators at ringside.

Rod Sterling: “An exciting debut to look forward to this Saturday as Blake Taylor makes his first appearance on FWA television. And if that hype package is anything to go by, he’s sure to cause a stir…”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Agreed, Rod…though I think there were some naming issues in the first half of it. Connor Something? Who the fook is that guy?”

Rod Sterling: “Are you asking me?”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Rhetorical question! Next match, please!”

SPOILER: Click to show

{THE LUMBERJACK || JACKYL}[MEDIA=youtube]A52p9jc-gOo[/MEDIA]

There's a moderate cheer around the arena as the Lumberjacks walk out onto the stage, the three of them beginning a march in the direction of the ring in time to their music.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a quarter final match in the Trios Eliminator Tournament! Introducing first, weighing in at eight hundred and thirty pounds… from the Yukon, Canada… Doug, Dan, and Lucy LuPone… the Lumberjacks!!"

The three LuPones climb into the ring, eyeing up their opponents who stand in the opposite corner.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "And their opponents, already in the ring… midnight MUSTANG, sunrise STALLION, and midday MULE… PONI BOI!"

The K-Pop trio lunges into a brief and well-coordinated routine, receiving some meagre applause from the audience for their efforts, and then allow the official to conduct his final checks. Shortly afterwards, the bell is called for…

THIRD MATCH || 1/20.
The Lumberjacks [Doug, Dan, & Lucy LuPone] vs. PONI BOI [midnight MUSTANG, sunrise STALLION, & midday MULE].
Trios Tournament - Round One)
Trios Eliminator Tournament - Round One.
Match Writer: SS.

<< 00:00. >>

We start the match with Dan LuPone and midnight MUSTANG in the ring, with the two circling it and the latter looking for some form of opening against his much larger opponent. As they continue to circle, making three full circumferences around the ring from afar, MUSTANG becomes increasingly concerned that there's not really an obvious weak spot in his opponent's stance. After a nervous look at his corner and his teammates, he shrugs his shoulders and charges in at LuPone…

And gets his head taken off by a huge big boot!!

Anzu Kurosawa: "WATCH OUT!! Can someone please collect midnight MUSTANG's severed head from the eighth row?!"

Rod Sterling: "Dan LuPone doesn't need MUSTANG's head to pin his shoulders… which he doesn't seem to be doing right now, for some reason."

Dan seems to be weighing up his next move, but as he does he doesn't seem to notice that sunrise STALLION has climbed up onto the top turnbuckle in his corner. When LuPone turns to face him, STALLION leaps off with an attempted double axe handle…

Anzu Kurosawa: "sunrise STALLION eats a big boot too! He lands right on top of midnight MUSTANG!"

Rod Sterling: "The official is barking at the incapacitated STALLION to get out of the ring, but I'm not sure that's going to do much. I don't think he's going anywhere in a hurry…"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Unlike midday MULE, who is springboarding into the ring for a cross-body… but he's folded up like an accordion by another big boot from Dan LuPone! He's cooking on gas!"

Rod Sterling: "I think they probably use wood for fuel, Anzu."

Anzu Kurosawa: "…"

Rod Sterling: "…"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Please retire, Rod."

Dan LuPone has a mound of PONI BOI at his feet, with each of the three opponents lying atop one another after the trifecta of big boots. He considers covering one of them (or all three of them), but sees that his sister Lucy is reaching out from the apron, expressing her desire to get involved.

Rod Sterling: "Here comes Lucy LuPone after the tag, and immediately she ascends towards the top rope…."

Anzu Kurosawa: "BIG SPLASH!! And Lucy covers all three at once…"

ONE… TWO… THREE!

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: The Lumberjacks via pinfall at 01:52.

Lucy is helped up to her feet by Dan, whilst Doug - who seems pleased to have got through the match without having to do any work - climbs into the ring and stands next to them.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here are your winners, and advancing to the semi-finals of the Trios Eliminator Tournament… Dan, Doug, and Lucy LuPone… THE LUMBERJACKS!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "The LuPones join YOKAI Death Squad in the semi-final stage, and they'll be hoping to build on this momentum and book their place at Lights Out."

Rod Sterling: "There's still plenty of work to do before then, Anzu. Two more teams will join the Lumberjacks in that final four on Fallout, but they've avoided this potential banana skin, securing victory in decisive fashion."

As if to illustrate the decisiveness of their victory, Dan and Doug lift Lucy up underneath each of her shoulders and place her atop the PONI BOI mound, where she poses like a conquering mountaineer. We fade to black on this image.

We join the backstage area, where a familiar and devious-looking trio are traversing a corridor with an air of purpose about them. We see Jason Quinn, Al Blizzard, and Robert Steel (one of the newest arrivals on FWA television). Quinn and Steel have slight smirks etched onto their faces, whilst Blizzard seems a little more perturbed in his new company and wears his consternation plainly.

Robert Steel: "I agree with Jason, I think it’s a fantastic idea."

Al Blizzard: "I don’t disagree with you but it’s a long shot."

Jason Quinn: "Brother, have some faith. I have foreseen this. The path wills it."

The trio arrive at Jon Russnow's door, which Quinn knocks in a forthright, confident fashion. A few moments later the door opens, with the authority figure standing on the other side of it.

Jon Russnow: "Gentlemen… it's a pleasure to have you here on the pink show, Robert – it really is your colour. I'm glad that you could finally join us. How can I be of help?"

Jason Quinn: "Greetings Mr Russnow. I have a query for you. The visions of the path have foretold a huge opportunity for my brother here, Mr Al Blizzard. He is a legend in this business. He has been competing for years and deserves only the best. On his behalf I would like to demand a wor-"

Al covers Jason’s mouth before he can continue.

Al Blizzard: "What my brother is trying to say. Is that I’ve fought, clawed and scratched my way through my career. Maybe I should get a special opportunity. Really catapult me into stardom."

Russnow has been listening carefully, stroking his chin in an affectation of thought. Finally, a smile creeps over his face, and he nods his head.

Jon Russnow: "I think I might have just the thing in mind, gentlemen. In fact, I was meant to be making an announcement on this very subject tonight, right here in Havana, Cuba!"

Quinn seems to be pleased with the quick decision.

Jason Quinn: "Go on, then. Out with it…"

Russnow wags a finger in his employee's face, much to Jason's chagrin.

Jon Russnow: "Ah, now, don't be hasty! I'm afraid all the pieces aren't yet in position. But they'll get there. If you build it, they will come! I think I'll save my announcement for Fallout. Make sure you're watching, gents! Saturday night – only on the WCNetwork!"

The authority figure offers them a wink and a finger-gun before disappearing back into his office, the door closing swiftly behind them. Jason Quinn seems less than pleased at the brusque response. He looks at his two companions, shakes his head, sighs, and then walks out of shot.

Rod Sterling: "Welcome back to Meltdown ladies and gentlemen and what a night it has been so far! And speaking of great nights, Back in Business was a huge weekend for the FWA but perhaps there was no more memorable moment than on Night One when Krash, in his long awaited return to the ring, was able to literally bury his demons as he defeated the man who had been tormenting him for months, Jeremy Best."

From the announce booth, we fade to some highlights from Back in Business Night One's Main Event including Jeremy's attempt to avoid having to fight Krash at the beginning of the match, Jeremy showcasing Krash's own offense including hitting him with the One Hit Kill, Krash hitting a superplex from the top rope out of the ring through a table at ringside, the pair sparring with shovels by the gravesight, Big Bryan Baxter and "Krash" coming to Jeremy's aid and almost burying Krash only to have Alyster Black and Violet Dryer show up to make the save, and finally the climactic moment ontop of the excavator as Krash strikes Jeremy across the head with the shovel and then hits him with the awe-inspiring Day Breaker off the excavator before rolling Jeremy over into the grave and burying him alive.

The cameras were still rolling after the show.

THREE HOURS AFTER BACK IN BUSINESS NIGHT ONE

The grave by the stage was still covered up as Bryan Baxer and the masked "Krash" made their way back over to try and help their friend.

"Krash": "We've gotta get him outta there, Bryan! We gotta!"

Bryan Baxter: "What do you think we're doing right now?"

"Krash": "Oh... right!"

Baxter grabbed a shovel and handed it to the masked man and took one for himself and the pair began to dig.

And dig.

And dig.

The video sped up into a time lapse until both men were standing in the grave, digging and not having much luck.

"Krash": "Oh no! He's gone!"

Baxter climbed out of the grave, tossing the shovel to the ground while the masked fake Krash also climbed out, in hysterics.

Bryan Baxter: "Jesus, calm down, Frank."

"Krash": "Calm down? CALM DOWN?! HOW CAN I CALM DOWN?! JEREMY IS GONE, BRYAN!"

Bryan Baxter: "You realize Jeremy's not dead, right?"

Almost as if a lightbulb went off in his head, the fake Krash sat up and jumped up to his feet.

"Krash": "...You're right! He has risen! And on the third hour he arose from the dead! Jeremy is alive! He is alive!"

Baxter tilted his head back in exasperation.

Bryan Baxter: "Right... yeah... so, wherever he is, he's fine. I think he'll need some time.. and I think some space is what he's gonna need after what happened. Come on, let's go."

Satisfied with his own logic, Baxter walked away from the grave site, but "Krash" or how we later find out after Back in Business, Sir Stache, remained, looking at the grave.

"Krash": "Oh, you're out there somewhere... and I'm gonna find you! Don't worry Jeremy, your pal is coming for ya!"

The scene from post-BiB Night One faded back to Meltdown with the sight of the masked man rushing off screen.

Anzu Kurosawa: "That guy might be more off his rocker than Jeremy.."

Rod Sterling: "It would appear he may be starting his own... Best Crusade... perhaps we haven't seen the last of Jeremy Best."

Anzu Kurosawa: "Don't wish that evil on us, Rod."

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The following contest is your Meltdown main event of the evening and it is a STEEL CAGE MATCH! The only way to win is by pinfall, submission, or escaping the cage!”

SPOILER: Click to show

{ONE HEADLIGHT || THE WALLFLOWERS}[MEDIA=youtube]Zzyfcys1aLM[/MEDIA]

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Introducing first, from Sitka, Alaska and weighing in at 180 lb…X…Y…ZEEEEEEEE!”

XYZ makes his way out on stage to the delight of the Cuban crowd and they aren’t shy about who they’re favoring in this match. XYZ has a bit of a smile on his face and he quickly poses for the fans before he sets off down to the ring.

Rod Sterling: “XYZ is coming off of a big win over Jason Randall and his opponent tonight, Death Walker, and in doing so he earned himself a date with destiny where he’ll challenge newly crowned X Champion Tommy Bedlam at our annual 18th Anniversary show for that title.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Before he does that though he must go through one final battle with his long time bitter rival, Death Walker. Going into this match he’s taking the risk of not being one hundred percent for Tommy Bedlam, but that seems to be a risk that XYZ is willing to take as long as he can vanquish Death Walker.”

Rod Sterling: “XYZ isn’t the only one with plans for the Anniversary show, Anzu. Death Walker will be taking part in that Golden Opportunity match, so neither man will be walking out of here the same as they once were.”

XYZ enters the ring that’s surrounded by the steel cage and he surveys his surroundings, getting a good look of the structure before him. He removes his cape and hands it off to a ringside attendant before standing in his corner as he awaits the arrival of his opponent while his music gradually fades out…

And now… all of the lights turn off momentarily as a demonic voice speaks out to all who are in attendance. While this intro plays, a bright red spotlight pops in the center of a smoke filled stage where it illuminates over a dark hooded figure. The song begins…

SPOILER: Click to show

{THE DEMON’S CAROL || BLAQKOUT}[MEDIA=youtube]kHYdLveMYxc[/MEDIA]

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “His opponent, from the depths of HELL! Weighing in at 243 lb…he is The Dark Traveler…DEATH…WALKERRRRRR!”

…and the house lights are brought back on but flashing in between the colors of red and white. As we can see the hooded individual in an all-black sleeved cloak with dark red trim along with another individual in just an oversized black cloak standing right behind it. The two of them take a slow, methodical stroll down the path to the ring. They never raise their heads to reveal who's under these big hooded cloaks as each hides their identity well. That is until they step up the ring stairs and step between the top and middle rope. Once the first hooded figure positions itself in the center of the ring, the other walks over and stands in front of the first. Standing motionless for a few seconds as smoke surrounds the outside of the ring, the person from behind unhooks the other's cloak. And the evil entity known as Death Walker steps forward to reveal himself to the audience and drops the entire cloak with his arms forming an X at neck level. The crowd erupts in madness and chaos as his music most likely ends by now or replays all over again but Death Walker remains staring out at the hard camera to present fear and panic to whomever.

Rod Sterling: “Always an intimidating presence when he appears is Death Walker, but I sense a lack of intimidation from XYZ.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “In XYZ’s defense, Rod, this isn’t his first song and dance with Death Walker. As we alluded to earlier, these two men are no strangers to each other, having tangled in the past and most recently at Back in Business. This is it though, this will be their final encounter, and only one of them will walk out of the cage as the winner.”

Referee Larry Stevens is about to call for the bell when suddenly a familiar tune fills the arena…

SPOILER: Click to show

{WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE || BON JOVI}[MEDIA=youtube]8SiS9ZWaCLY[/MEDIA]

The classic song fills the stadium’s airwaves and the crowd comes to life and starts singing along as the opening lyrics kick in. After the opening start, the newly crowned X Champion Tommy Bedlam walks out on stage to a rousing ovation. Tommy is not dressed to compete but he’s in his usual attire of a black t-shirt, jeans, cowboy boots, and his signature cowboy hat. He also has his newly won X Championship wrapped around his waist.

Rod Sterling: “Well, this is certainly unexpected. The new X Champion, Tommy Bedlam has come out and it appears as though he’ll be joining us at ringside.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “As we touched on earlier, Tommy will be defending his title against XYZ, so the champ must want a front row seat to scout his upcoming opponent.”

Bedlam walks around the ring and looks inside where XYZ glances at him but Death Walker remains stoic and has his gaze firmly set on XYZ. Tommy shakes hands with Rod and Anzu, and then Tommy takes a seat next to Rod and he gently removes his cowboy hat, sets it down on the desk, and then replaces it with a headset.

Tommy Bedlam: “Howdy! How are ya’ll doing tonight?!”

Rod Sterling: “We’re just fine Tommy, welcome to the desk."

Anzu Kurosawa: “I take it you’re out here to get a better look at your next opponent, XYZ.”

Tommy Bedlam: “That’s right, and also I figured I’d lighten the mood a little after Death seemed to have killed it with his dark and spooky entrance!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Well, we’re happy to have you join us for what should be an intense match up.”

Tommy Bedlam: “Happy to be here! I don’t doubt that this will be intense and downright ugly, but I hope Death Walker doesn’t rough up XYZ too much before our big match!”

FOURTH MATCH || MAIN EVENT || 1/30.
XYZ vs. Death Walker.
Steel Cage Match.
Match Writer: Jimmy King.

DING! DING! DING!

<< 00:00 >>

Death Walker is stolid as he stands across from XYZ, who, as noted by the commentary team, is unphased by Death’s attempt at intimidation. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, XYZ charges toward Death Walker and starts laying into Death with various strikes, but they seem to have no effect on his much larger opponent and Death swats XYZ away like he’s an annoying bug that’s been buzzing around his face. XYZ remains undeterred though, and picks himself back up and charges back at Death Walker, but this time Death answers back with a throttling of the throat. Death lifts XYZ off of his feet while keeping a tight grip around his throat, attempting to choke the life out of his opponent, and then viciously slams his spine into the steel cage wall! Death Walker repeats this process several times over until he feels like that’s a sufficient amount of damage for the time being…

Rod Sterling: “It didn’t take long for Death Walker to absolutely manhandle XYZ and use the steel cage as a weapon!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “If Death Walker keeps this up, XYZ might not make it to the Anniversary show and you’d likely have to contend with Death Walker instead, Tommy.”

Tommy Bedlam: “Bring it on then! I’ll fight him or I’ll fight XYZ, hell, I’d take them both on if I could!”

XYZ is down on the mat and he’s fraught with anguish after suffering such fate from his opponent. He does his best to fight through the pain and he begins to crawl on all fours in order to bring himself back to his feet, but Death Walker has other plans and grabs a handful of XYZ’s hair and he yanks him back to his feet. Death brings XYZ in close and clatters him with a headbutt! Death keeps a good grip on XYZ and nails him with another headbutt! Then Death Walker drills XYZ with several forearm smashes.

Death Walker has released his death-like grip from XYZ’s hair, and XYZ is backed into a corner where Death continues to punish him with left and right hooks. Death then unleashes some uppercuts on XYZ, and XYZ is being worn down in a hurry. Death Walker drags the nearly lifeless XYZ away from the corner and he lays him out with a snap suplex! Death Walker begins to stalk his opponent and XYZ is trying to find his way back to his feet. XYZ manages to get to his feet but he struggles to maintain his balance and Death Walker catches him with a double leg takedown! Death Walker grabs XYZ by the head this time and he wastes no time in planting him with a spike DDT! Death Walker goes for the pin…

ONE… NO!

Death Walker breaks up his own pin fall and a devious smile falls over him after he’s done that…

Rod Sterling: “Death Walker is in no hurry to end this match it seems.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Clearly he wants to punish XYZ some more, which could spell disaster for XYZ in the long run if Death Walker keeps this up.”

Rod Sterling: “That could also come back to haunt Death Walker if he’s not careful.”

Tommy Bedlam: “Yeah, I’d have to side with Rod on that one. I don’t think that was too wise on ol’ Death’s part there.”

<< 05:02 >>

Death Walker brings XYZ back up and he sends him off toward the ropes, and Death goes for a big boot on the rebound, but XYZ has enough wherewithal to duck underneath it and he heads toward the opposite ropes and he bounces off those ropes and comes back and nails Death with a running dropkick to the chest! Death Walker stumbles backward but he won’t go down easy. XYZ goes for his patented shin kicks but Death Walker has that well scouted and he counters with a dragon screw leg whip!

Death Walker stalks his opponent and he brings him up by the head, but XYZ counters back with a standing dropkick this time! Death takes another dropkick to the chest and he stumbles backward again. XYZ charges at him again and drills Death Walker with a superman-like punch! Death Walker is on the ropes and XYZ unloads on him with vicious kicks to the thighs and shins! XYZ follows that up with a quick sweep of the legs and then a quick jumping elbow drop to the chest! XYZ goes for a pin this time…

ONE… NO!

Anzu Kurosawa: “You called it, Rod. That did come back to bite Death Walker and now the tides have turned in XYZ’s favor.”

Rod Sterling: “It sure did but at the same time I wouldn’t count out Death Walker just yet, Anzu.”

Tommy Bedlam: “I’m sure he does have some fight left in him. It’s going to take a lot more than that to keep Death down, I can tell you that.”

XYZ drags Death Walker to the corner and goes to work on him with various strikes, doing whatever he can to wear out Death Walker. XYZ drags Death away from the corner and XYZ goes for what appears to be a suplex, but Death blocks that and counters that into a capture suplex! Death begins to stalk his prey once more and XYZ is slow to his feet, but he’s brought down by a chop block to the back of his knee! Death runs the ropes and comes back with a devastating boot right to the face! Death drags XYZ to his feet immediately after that and he begins to slam XYZ face first into the steel cage wall! Death grinds XYZ’s face against the unforgiving steel, and he’s doing it right in the direction of the commentary desk to make sure Bedlam gets a good shot of it…

Rod Sterling: “That could be you champ if Death Walker has his way and somehow eradicates XYZ tonight.”

Tommy Bedlam: “I said it before and I’ll say it again, he can bring it! I ain’t a hard man to find and I don’t back down from a fight!”

Death Walker tosses XYZ back and he glares at Tommy, and the champion doesn’t look intimidated at all.

Tommy Bedlam: “You want some big man? Bring it on, but you might wanna turn around and focus on your match instead of looking at me!”

Death seemingly heeds Bedlam’s advice and shifts his focus back on XYZ, who is gradually rising to his feet as he’s on one knee, and Death runs at him with another big boot on his mind but XYZ expertly ducks it and he quickly catches Death with a roll-up!

ONE… TW - - NO!

<< 10:10 >>

Death Walker kicks out with some force behind his kick and he quickly rolls through and pops up back to a vertical base. Death is irate now and he charges at XYZ, but XYZ ducks again and he bounces off the ropes with a springboard into a head-scissors with his legs wrapped around Death’s neck and he spins around 360 degrees in the air before bringing Death down with a head-scissors!

Tommy Bedlam: “XYZ took him for a ride there! Death has gotta feel loopy right about now after that, hell, I’m feeling loopy after watching it!”

Rod Sterling: “That same ride could be in your future, Tommy.”

Tommy Bedlam: “You’re right, it could, but I’d rather take XYZ on a ride of my own, one of a rough variety if you know what I mean!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “I understood that reference!”

After hitting that head-scissors takedown, XYZ has gathered himself and looks at the cage wall and he sprints toward it and leaps onto the wall and starts climbing, but he barely makes it before Death Walker grabs him by the foot and he yanks him back down into the ring! XYZ hits the mat with a thud and Death shakes off any lasting effects from getting spun around earlier.

Death takes XYZ by the head and throws back into the corner, and Death doesn’t miss a beat and hits a running elbow strike on XYZ! Death continues with his onslaught of back elbows, rocking XYZ’s head back and forth. Death relishes in the vitriol being spewed his way by the fans. He backs away from XYZ before he launches forward once more and goes for a flying forearm smash, but XYZ rolls out of the way just in time and Death hits the turnbuckle, which allows XYZ to roll him up again…

ONE… TWO… NO!

Tommy Bedlam: “I’m venturing to guess that the only way XYZ has any chance of winning is by climbing the cage, because Death ain’t staying down so easy!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “You might be right about that, Tommy.”

Death kicks out again and XYZ quickly hops back to his feet, runs the ropes and hits a springboard and drills Death with an enzuigiri! Death is staggered, but he’s not off of his feet just yet. XYZ strikes with a spinning back heel kick to the gut and Death is doubled over, so XYZ hits the ropes and leaps off with another springboard and goes for a hurricanrana, but Death catches XYZ and counters with a brutal powerbomb into a jackknife pin…

ONE… TWO… NO!

<< 16:01 >>

Death shakes that off and he drags XYZ up and he locks in a standing arm triangle choke!

Rod Sterling: “This might be the end of the line for XYZ! There’s no rope breaks so he has nowhere to go!”

XYZ is putting up a fight and he’s struggling to break away, even going as far as backing himself and Death into a corner, but that’s not enough to force a break on the hold. XYZ is doing everything he can to break free as he uses as much force as he can with his body weight to break away, but all he’s doing is wearing himself out. The referee checks on XYZ and after the third time XYZ shows signs of life and he somehow manages to slip out of Death’s grip and slides out to the apron and he drills Death with a jumping kick to the head! XYZ then climbs up top and he steadies himself before he leaps off but Death catches him with a spear in mid-air!

Tommy Bedlam: “Holy hell! If he wasn’t already barefoot he would’ve been knocked out of his shoes after that!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “That took a lot out of both competitors as both of them are taking their time to recover.”

Death musters up strength to drape his arm over XYZ’s body for the pin…

ONE… TWO… THR - - NO!

XYZ STAYS ALIVE!

Death gathers himself and shakes that off. He’s done playing around now.

He brings XYZ back up and he goes for the Dark Cloud, but XYZ somehow scrambles out of it and he lands behind Death and XYZ pushes Death forward right into the cage wall! Death is sent face first into the cold steel and he drops to the mat and rolls to the apron. Death starts to get up but XYZ nails him with a running dropkick that knocks him back into the steel! XYZ hits him with several more dropkicks as Death bounces against the steel and the ropes until there’s nothing left in him and he drops to the apron…

XYZ senses his opportunity and he quickly scrambles up the cage wall, and he almost has one leg over when Death Walker tries to stop him! Death Walker is standing on the ropes now…

Tommy Bedlam: “Death just doesn't wanna stay down, does he?!”

XYZ kicks and kicks at Death Walker until finally Death Walker falls and lands split-legged on the ropes, which allows XYZ enough time to get both legs over and he leaps off of the cage wall for the win!

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: XYZ by escaping the cage at 20:01.

Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Here is your winner...X...Y...Z!"

XYZ has his arm raised in victory at ringside and back in the ring Death Walker is livid at suffering this loss, but he doesn't stick around long as the lights briefly go out and once they return there's a cloud of smoke from he was in the ring.

Tommy Bedlam: "Are we going to pretend that didn't happen?"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Probably for the best."

Rod Sterling: "Death Walker clearly upset over this loss and had no intentions on sticking around, but XYZ will stick around and he'll be facing you, Tommy, at our 18th anniversary show!"

Tommy Bedlam: "I look forward to the challenge! Well, it was a pleasure folks..."

Tommy removes his headset and returns his cowboy hat to his head. Then he walks over to XYZ and offers a handshake, and XYZ looks down at his hand and then out at the crowd before he returns the gesture to a loud ovation from the fans. Tommy exits the ringside area and allows XYZ to have his moment.

Rod Sterling: "Well, that's about all the time we have for tonight fans, we'll see you on Saturday for Fallout and then it's our 18th annual anniversary show! For Anzu Kurosawa, I'm Rod Sterling, goodnight from Cuba!"

The show comes to a close with a final shot on XYZ and the fans celebrating his hard earned win.

supinesnake
Administrator

Posts: 1,039

Meltdown XXXII & Fallout 032 (Aug '23). May 29, 2024 11:08:24 GMT

Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:08:24 GMT

032: “BEACH BRAWL.”
Live from Hellshire Beach in Kingston, Jamaica.
Saturday 12th August, 2023.

SPOILER: Click to show

{BLOOD AND GLORY | ANNTI MARTIKAINEN}[MEDIA=youtube]lFeFdm51sJ4[/MEDIA]

Blood for Glory roars as the crowd in attendance at Hellshire Beach come alive. From behind the stage built into the sands, through the curtain…The Exile arrives.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Rumors have been swarming through the locker room since Meltdown, after Chris Peacock delivered his summation and challenge for the Anniversary Show after escaping Back in Business with the FWA World Championship…"

Allen Price: "Escape?! J.L, the CHAMP did exactly what he always does…beat Cyrus Truth."

Jean-Luc Watkins: "The fact that you can sit there and say that with a straight face is astonishing. Regardless, in a rarity for Cyrus, he’s asked for some time at the start of tonight’s show to speak to the fans here in Jamaica and around the world. Doubtless, he has plenty to talk about with the fallout from Back in Business…"

Allen Price: "The fallout? That’s a weird way of saying ‘losing to the greatest FWA superstar of all time in embarrassing fashion.’ Why Russnow gave this guy any time is beyond me."

Cyrus makes his presence felt, dressed in street clothes. It’s obvious that Cyrus isn’t here to compete or prepared to, and the large brace on his knee tells the story why. The damage inflicted by Chris Peacock in his desperate attempt to survive his title defense is still evident, punctuated by Cyrus’s slower than usual walk down to the ring.

As Allen Price chortles at ringside, Cyrus gingerly rolls into the ring as a stagehand passes The Exile a microphone. Slowly, Cyrus climbs one of the corners to have a seat on the top turnbuckle. As his music dies down and he looks out among the throngs of wrestling fans and beach-goers, all chanting his name and cheering him, we see Cyrus’s face…all the exhaustion and frustration etched in every line around his eyes. Still, The Exile manages a wry smile as he waits for the crowd to quiet down enough for him to speak.

Cyrus Truth: "Well…Back in Business didn’t go quite how it should’ve, did it?"

There’s a chorus of boos and chants of “Peacock Sucks!" that washes over Cyrus like rolling thunder. Cyrus looks almost bemused by this show of vitriol towards the FWA World Champion…and that it was in a show of support for him.

Cyrus Truth: "Yeah, that. Back in Business…well, that was supposed to be it, wasn’t it? That was the endgame, the climax that punctuated a long, winding journey to reclaim the prize I had not gotten a shot for in four years. And the thing is…it was going rather well. In fact, it was going spectacularly. Peacock came into that match thinking he was just going to roll me, but from the starting bell, I was locked in. I had taken Chris’s measure and I was beating…his…ass!"

Huge pop as Allen, again, continues to run his mouth on commentary.

Cyrus Truth: "But…victory wasn’t meant to be, was it? Not because I couldn’t win. Chris said it himself on Meltdown, didn’t he? Had it not been for someone sticking their nose into business that didn’t involve them…"

Cyrus stops, turning his gaze towards the commentary station. And for a few seconds, he just STARES at Allen Price. Allen, full of bluster, simply flips Cyrus the bird as The Exile continues.

Cyrus Truth: "But…it happened. And Chris took every shortcut, every advantage he could scrape together, and won. You know, Chris said during his little shit-spewing session on Meltdown that he expected me to respond with some kind of bitter, hateful rebuttal.

“Thing is…that’s not why I’m here.

“Sure, I probably could. And be justified in doing so. It’s bad enough to have your dream ripped from you through no fault of your own, nor due to your own failure. But the Truth is? I’m tired of living that life. Life’s too short to hold on to your anger or live for revenge, and quite frankly? Chris Peacock isn’t worth it.

“No, the reason I’m out here is…well? To address you all directly. It’s been a long time since I have, after all."

There’s a very vocal, very loud “Cyrus Truth!” chant that starts up, much to Allen’s continued annoyance. Cyrus simply smiles and allows it to run its course before continuing.

Cyrus Truth: "I’ve been doing this wrestling thing for a long time. I’ve seen the rise and fall of federations, sure-fire future legends wither and fade while guys and girls nobody gave two thoughts about rise to the top of this sport. And through it all, through all the tribulations and trials, the rapture and the tears, from the highest of highs and lowest of lows, I take pride in the fact that, through it all? I’ve done it my way. And I’ve never had to sacrifice my pride to get there.

“I don’t know where this journey goes from here. I can’t say whether the end of the Long and Winding Road is near or when we’re going to get there. I can say this, though…I’m still here. And I intend to stay here as long as I’m able."

That gets a massive pop as Allen fakes gagging, much to J.L.’s utter contempt at his broadcast partner’s disrespect towards a man graciously and openly speaking from the heart.

Cyrus Truth: "You know…I know that I’ve never been anybody’s favorite wrestler. Respected, sure…but FWA and its fans have always had others they’ve cheered for more. But, that’s never really bothered me. Because even if I was never your favorite, you all still cared enough to cheer me or boo me. And that’s all a wrestler can really ask for…for people to care about them.

“So…thank you. Thank you all for coming along on this journey with me. And thanks for…"

Allen Price: "Oh, for God’s sake, SHUT UP ALREADY!"

That is not Allen Price on commentary.

No, Allen has actually taken off his headset and grabbed a microphone. J.L. looks aghast at Allen’s brazen interjection…and is shocked as Allen walks to the ring.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Allen, what the hell are you doing? That’s still Cyrus Truth, you idiot!"

Allen doesn’t hear J.L.’s warning as he slides in and stands in the middle of the ring, a cocky grin on his face as he looks Cyrus up and down. The Exile remained perched like a gargoyle on the top turnbuckle, face expressionless and cold as Allen blusters:

Allen Price: "Oh, look, it’s the washed up loser who can’t handle the spotlight having left him for a better man! Aw, what’s the matter? You get a bit of a boo-boo and you start going through a midlife crisis? Oh, and now you care about what people think about you? How rich! Look, Truth…nobody cares about you anymore! You had one chance to change that, and you got beat by the absolute best damn wrestler of this age and any age…my client and best friend…Chris Peac…"

Cyrus Truth: "Allen?"

Allen Price: "Hey! Decrepit has-beens don’t get to interrupt me when I’m spreading the holy Gospel of the man, the myth, the legend…"

Cyrus Truth: "Where do you think you are, right now? Do you even realize where you’re standing?"

Allen looks like he’s about to explode and launch another wave of venom and disrespect towards Cyrus…

…that is, until Cyrus casually hops off the top turnbuckle.

Putting weight on his braced knee.

And not flinching.

It’s at this particular moment that Allen, even without Cyrus telling him, realized that he made a huge mistake.

Cyrus Truth: "You know the rule, don’t you? I know you spend most of your time living in blissful ignorance talking about things you know nothing about…but you know, right? Chris had to have told you. This ring is sacred ground. Wrestlers only. And non-wrestlers? The second they pass through those ropes, and put their feet on this mat without permission…"

With a smile on his face, Cyrus very casually says:

Cyrus Truth: "Their lives and well-being are forfeit."

Allen is stunned, frozen long enough that he’s too slow to turn and run away.

With a burst of unexpected speed, Cyrus gets his hands on Allen Price, the man who cost him the FWA World Championship, cost him the main event of Back in Business. The Exile has Allen by the collar of his shirt, holding him tightly while keeping him face-to-face.

Allen tries to say something in his microphone, but Cyrus quickly bats that away.

Cyrus Truth: "You don’t need that, Allen. You’ve said enough and now? It’s time for you to listen."

Even without a microphone, Allen’s screeches are loud enough for Cyrus’s mic to pick them up. A cacophony of fear-induced blubbering and cries for Chris Peacock to come out and save him.

Cyrus Truth: "Save your breath. If you’re expecting Chris to come out here and save you…well, I’ve got some bad news. Turns out, Chris is running a bit late for the show. Yeah, he’ll still be here in time for his main event Tag Team Title defense, buuuut…not here in time to save you if I decide to crucify you. Shame about that. But you know, a fairly recent World Champion, first time holding the belt…it’s not surprising that he didn’t think to get here on time, or thought he had to."

Allen, having heard this and realizing that he is utterly at Truth’s mercy, begins to beg in incoherent babble as tears start to well up in his eyes. The crowd is laughing at the overly prideful announcer being reduced to a bawling, pitiful excuse of a man. Cyrus sees this pathetic display and just shakes his head disappointedly.

Cyrus Truth: "Stop crying, you idiot. I’m not going to hurt you."

Wait…what?

The crowd seems surprised at that as they clamor for Cyrus to dismantle this little weasel. J.L. seems shocked as well. But none are quite as surprised as Allen as he sniffles and looks Cyrus dead in his eyes.

Cyrus Truth: "At least, not yet anyway."

Allen’s eyes immediately go wide again as Cyrus just stares a hole through him. Despite the anger in his eyes, The Exile’s voice never changes. He just continues to speak casually, as if admonishing a child for something they did wrong.

Cyrus Truth: "By all rights, I should tear you limb from limb. But there’s two reasons why I’m not going to do that, so long as you do exactly what I say. The first is that, quite frankly? Beating the ever-loving piss out of you and sending you away to the finest trauma ward in Kingston is beneath me. The second? While what you did is completely unforgivable, and something I’m not going to forget for quite some time? At a certain level, I understand why you did it. Unconditional, toxic love is a bitch, and if nothing else? You love Chris Peacock. And that kind of love will make a man do incredibly stupid things…things that a man should know are destined to come down on his head like the guillotine’s blade.

“So, out of respect for the fact that, despite Chris having to resort to every shortcut to survive Back in Business as the World Champion, including you? Out of respect for the fact that I got under your boy’s skin enough for him to shut up and put forth an effort to at least put on the mask of a champion, you’ll get to leave this ring tonight without even a hair plucked from your head.

“But…make no mistake."

Cyrus gets real close, to where only an inch of open air stands between the two men’s noses. The Exile, in command. Allen Price, scared and submissive knowing there’s not a damn thing he can do to stop Cyrus from absolutely murdering him here and now, continues to fight back tears and snot dribbling down his nose, stands there with eyes darting wildly looking for some kind of escape or salvation as Cyrus continues.

Cyrus Truth: "You are going to pay for what you did. Pay for your crimes, and pay for it in blood and pain. With interest. But not here. Not now. Because that would be too easy. And I want you to live your life for as long as you can, knowing full well that I’ll be bringing that hammer down sooner or later. Do you understand? You don’t get to die tonight. But you will.”

Allen nods, unsure if that’s what he should be doing or not. However, Cyrus seems content with the gesture as he replies.

Cyrus Truth: "I’m glad you understand. Now, as for tonight? As payment for my generosity, you’ve got to do two things for me.

“The first? You leave this ring and go find Chris Peacock and his masked manservant and deliver a little message for me. You tell Chris that even a rat can escape a trap with the cheese and avoid the end, but the rat’s instincts can’t save him forever. Tell Chris that entering that chamber to defend his belt was a bold plan, but risky and will cost him greatly, win or lose. But regardless of the result? His time will come. And while he might be able to see the killer coming to take his head? He’ll NEVER hear the shot that’s going to take him down. Think you can deliver that message for me, Al?"

Allen Price: "Y-y-y-y…"

Cyrus Truth: "FULL SENTENCES, ALLEN!"

Allen Price: "Y-YES! I-I-I can do that! N-now, c-could you l-let me g-g-g…"

Cyrus, after suddenly shouting, laughs.

Cyrus Truth: "Whoa there! I said there were two things! Now, stop your stammering, and pay attention. Because the second thing is the most important thing. It may even save you from the righteous execution you so deserve. Now, are you listening?"

Allen nods his head as Cyrus, pausing for several seconds, drops his voice an octave as he ominously growls out:

Cyrus Truth: "Run."

Allen looks a bit confused and a lot afraid as Cyrus continues.

Cyrus Truth: "Run away. Stay as far away from this ring and this company as you possibly can. Because the next time I see you? The next time I have to hear your inane commentary? Hell, if I even catch so much as a whiff of that cheap cologne you apparently bathe in? That will be the day that you die. That will be the day that I break your neck, shatter your legs, rip out your throat and force-feed you your own heart. Do you get it? If you don’t want to end up the world’s tackiest quadriplegic, you should make damn sure that our paths never cross again. I don’t care how much you enjoy sucking on Chris Peacock’s…ego. I don’t care how much you love him. If you don’t want to die? You’ll get the FUCK out of my FWA.

“...Well, what are you standing here for, Price? I said…RUN!!!"

With a quick downward pull, Cyrus tears Allen’s shirt and rips a chunk out of the front, including Allen’s stupid little bowtie. Allen, knowing full well what will happen if he stays, immediately rolls out of the ring and up the entrance ramp, fleeing for his life.

There is a moment…just a moment, where he turns back and looks at The Exile, standing tall and holding court in the ring Allen just stood in, unwanted and uninvited. The crowd is egging on Allen with chants of “Run, Allen, Run!” as the commentator almost seems to be looking for a microphone to retort now that he’s a good distance from Cyrus.

However…

SPOILER: Click to show

{ARMY OF THE NIGHT | POWERWOLF}[MEDIA=youtube]C4fExl8RiwA[/MEDIA]

“Army of the Night” roars as the crowd goes ballistic at the arrival of Konchu Hao and Epsilon. Konchu, who’s in tonight’s opening contest, walks right up to Allen Price. Tilting his head amusingly and giving him a manic smile, Konchu simply gives him the absolute most disrespectful goodbye wave.

When Allen doesn’t budge, Konchu starts to wind up his elbow. Remembering the feeling of Rasputin’s Revenge not too long ago, all potential courage leaves Allen as he runs off, screaming in terror.

Cyrus in the ring smiles as he and Konchu share a nod. The Exile slides out of the ring and makes his exit. Not up the ramp…but through the throngs of cheering fans, who offer up pats on the back and cheers of support for both men as Cyrus takes his leave and Konchu continues to make his entrance.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "I feel as a commentator that I have to say this: I can’t necessarily condone violence on my broadcast partner…

“But…as a wrestler? If Allen had done to me what he did to Cyrus? I can’t say that Allen doesn’t deserve everything that’s coming his way. And he should be damned grateful that he got to leave here at all…"

Konchu and Epsilon reach the ring and pose together inside of it; Konchu’s cackling heard over his music as he has the ring to himself. Natalie Rosenberg is seen rushing to get into position.

Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, already in the ring and accompanied by Epsilon… ‘The Mad Wizard’ KONCHUUUUUUUUUUUU HAAAAOOOOOOOO!!!"

SPOILER: Click to show

{HOLOCAUST | BORIALIS}[MEDIA=youtube]BEWIwABGR0k:1[/MEDIA]

Whilst the reception for Konchu Hao was overwhelmingly positive, the same cannot be said for his opponent. Jason Quinn is the first to appear through the curtain, with Robert Steel and Al Blizzard behind him. He motions for them to follow him and he stomps towards the ring whilst having his eyes firmly set on his opponent in the ring.

Natalie Rosenberg: "His opponent, from London, England and accompanied by Robert Steel and Al Blizzard… he is ‘The Wolf Blood’ JAAAASSOOOONNNN QUIIINNNNNNNNNNN!!!"

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, you can see Al Blizzard out here with his brother Jason Quinn, the two of them seemingly joining forces after the hellacious Bloody Massacre Match the two of them competed in at Back in Business.

“His opponent tonight is no stranger to brutality as a former X Champion and his experiences with whatever horrors he has encountered in pursuit of his craft."

Quinn orders both of his associates to join him in the ring and he poses in the middle of the ring with his arms to his side, and Blizzard and Steel stand ominously behind him. Quinn removes his long coat and passes it to Al for safekeeping as referee Richard Davis completes his preliminary checks.

FIRST MATCH || 1/20.
Konchu Hao (w/ Epsilon) vs. Jason Quinn.
Singles Match.
Match Writer: Man.

<< 00:00. >>

Once the match is underway, both competitors approach the centre of the ring. There seems to be something that Quinn wants to say to Konchu and he points out of the ring towards the onlooking Al Blizzard and Robert Steel and then he derisively motions towards Epsilon and makes a point to highlight Epsilon’s height.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "It seems that Jason Quinn is making the grave error of mocking Epsilon in front of Konchu Hao - and ‘The Mad Wizard’ is not going to stand for that!"

JLW’s prediction is correct and the fans cheer when Konchu springs into action and catches Quinn on both sides of the head with a Mongolian Chop! The crowd and Epsilon react with cheers for that and Hao looks to follow up on Quinn, but ‘The Wolf Blood’ rears back and catches Konchu with a kick to the midsection! A forearm strike to the side of Konchu’s head follows, and then a chop across his chest.

Whilst Konchu is known for his striking ability, Quinn shows that he is no slouch either by continuing to chop across Konchu’s chest and he causes him to stagger back towards the ropes. Quinn looks to send Konchu across the ring and he does so, but Konchu ducks the Clothesline attempt that follows and he hits the ropes again - and takes Quinn down with a Leaping Lariat! Quinn drops down and rolls from the ring and Konchu stands tall in the middle of it, getting in a loud “KEHAHAHAHAHA!” before he goes to the outside as well in order to follow up.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "That was a wise move from Jason Quinn to exit the ring to escape Konchu’a ire, but he finds himself separated from Robert Steel and his brother, Al Blizzard. Konchu is out as well…"

The former X Champion skirts around the ring towards his opponent but he finds himself confronted by Robert Steel, who makes a point to stand in Konchu’s way. The crowd aren’t best pleased, and they’re even less so when Jason Quinn uses this to his advantage by rolling back into the ring and connecting with a Baseball Slide to Konchu, sending him into the ring barricade! Epsilon comes over to check on Konchu, worried for his master, who took a nasty bump to the back of the head.

<< 04:12. >>

Jean-Luc Watkins: "We’re seeing Jason Quinn getting in some impressive amounts of offence against the former X Champion and here he is again, taking Konchu over with a Snap Suplex! Quinn transitions into a cover…"

ONE… TWO-NO!!

There is some relief from the fans gathered on Hellshire Beach as Konchu shoots a shoulder up and then kicks Quinn away from him to create a small bit of separation between himself and his opponent. Konchu rises up and Quinn attempts a kick to the chest, but Hao catches his boot and turns him around… and drops Quinn on the back of his head with a Backdrop Driver!

Konchu stays down on the mat himself and looks around, nodding in Epsilon’s direction when his faithful servant slams his hands against the mat to spur him on. Quinn gets up to his knee and Konchu looks to get back into things and he applies a Front Facelock on Quinn and starts driving John Dee’s Knees directly into Quinn’s face! With each connection, the resistance being offered by Quinn reduces.

Satisfied that Quinn is sufficiently weakened, it seems that ‘The Mad Wizard’ is going to go in for the kill as he lifts Quinn up and turns him around… RASPUTIN’S REVENGE - DUCKED! Quinn ducks the elbow strike and Konchu turns around straight into a Jumping Knee to the face from Quinn! Quinn then hooks the recoiling Konchu up from behind and tries to turn him into THE FINAL HOWL - KONCHU SPINS OUT OF IT AND DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE - BOTH ARE DOWN!

<< 07:56. >>

There is a slight desperation in the offence of both men as the effects of this hard-hitting match are beginning to show. Konchu is being pressed into the turnbuckle pad by Quinn and ‘The Wolf Blood’ even contorts the mask of ‘The Mad Wizard’ to reduce his visibility. Quinn ignores the referee’s demands to cease.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "With Konchu Hao not really having had much in terms of in-ring competition as of late and Jason Quinn still likely feeling the effects of his brutal Back in Business match with Al Blizzard; these two have been able to do a lot of damage in a short space of time. It is going to come down to who can hit harder, I think."

Speaking of Al Blizzard, he warns his brother to listen to the official and avoid disqualification by breaking off from Konchu and Quinn reluctantly acquiesces. However, as Konchu looks to fix his mask, Quinn gets in a cheap shot and knocks Konchu down to the mat! The fans cry foul, with Epsilon shown to be very upset by that move from Quinn.

Quinn follows up on Konchu with several stomps to the ribs and head whilst he is down on the mat, and the referee is forced to push Quinn away. This allows Robert Steel to grab Konchu around the throat from the outside of the ring and start choking him out! Again, there is outrage from those watching, although Al Blizzard seems slightly conflicted about what is happening.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, after what happened to his friend and ally Cyrus Truth at Back in Business, we know that Konchu will feel aggrieved by this outside interference - Richard Davis really needs to get control of this one."

Steel stops when Epsilon approaches him from around the steps and starts shouting at him in his own language, and this is when Quinn is finally away from the ref and he pulls Konchu up from the mat. Quinn lifts Hao up from the mat once again and applies a Double Underhook… TIGER BOMB!! Konchu gets dropped onto his back and Quinn stays in position, stacking ‘The Mad Wizard’ up for the pin…

BUT THERE’S NO COUNT! EPSILON IS ON THE APRON AND HE GETS THE REFEREE’S ATTENTION!

It seems that turnabout is fair play! Epsilon sees Steel coming for him and he jumps down and scurries away, looking to avoid a ‘Nate Savage’ situation. The official leans through the ropes and Quinn rises up from the mat with a look of anger on his face. Richard Davis tells both Epsilon and Steel off for their antics on the outside.

However, before Quinn can reach the official to berate him for missing the count, he is grabbed from behind by Konchu who spins him around - BABA VANGA’S ILLUMINATION!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Konchu has blinded him! Quinn doesn’t know where he is and Konchu has him hooked up… RASPUTIN’S REVENGE!"

The crowd are very happy when Konchu drops Quinn with the elbow strike and as Hao goes for the pin, this is when the referee turns around!

ONE… TWO… THREE!!!

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: Konchu Hao by pin fall at 10:27.

Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… ‘The Mad Wizard’ KONCHU HAAAAOOOOOO!!!"

Konchu raises both arms up into the air in victory from the mat, but it is clear from hos heavy he is breathing he is aware of how difficult that match was. Epsilon enters the ring and jumps on top of Konchu, hugging him and holding him close. Jason Quinn is helped towards the ropes by the referee and then both Blizzard and Steel help him from the ring and they put one of his arms over each of their shoulders. Quinn is with it and seems very annoyed, squinting as he curses revenge.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "A victory for Konchu Hao on his return, although Jason Quinn made him work for it and were it not for Epsilon’s intervention, who knows whether Konchu could have pulled it off?

Well, it seems like I am going to be on my own for the rest of the night- oh, wait… you want to join me?"

Watkins seems to be having a conversation with Konchu Hao from inside the ring and Konchu repeatedly points to the empty chair which was occupied by Allen Price.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Why not? Come on!"

The crowd cheers as it seems that Konchu will be remaining with everyone for the remainder of the show and he cackles as he exits the ring and takes the empty seat next to Watkins. He plays around with the headphones and his antennae for a moment.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Konchu Hao, welcome to the booth and congratulations on your victory!"

Konchu Hao: "Gratitude, Jean-Luc. I have always admired the craftsmanship on these chairs - I hear it is sustainable leather - and the comfort of them cannot be understated! I must get one of these for the workshop…

“Now, I assure you that my knowledge of what will be happening in this ring tonight is far superior than that weaselly cretin you usually occupy your Saturday nights with.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: "That was never in doubt, Konchu. Well, speaking of Allen Price, his two prize clients are in action tonight in the main event when they defend the FWA World Tag Team Championships against Aka Manto… it is one you won’t want to miss and given recent events, one you must be interested in, Konchu."

Konchu Hao: "I dare Chris Peacock and Alyster Black to commit the same transgressions as they did at Back in Business in the presence of ‘The Mad Wizard’! KEHAHAHAHA!”

Recorded the Afternoon of August 11th

The Bob Marley Museum: Kingston, Jamaica

In a unique stop on these two’s new tour around the world, both Cali Hayama and Ririko have walked into the Bob Marley Museum in the capital of Jamaica. The famous reggae star’s face is plastered over multiple parts of the area along with his signature green, yellow, and red colour scheme. Cali and Ririko look like proper tourists with straw hats on to protect them from the Jamaican sun along with a pair of t-shirts and shorts with sandals on their feet. Some of Bob Marley’s greatest hits play in the background, adding a laid back and tropical feel. The two walk into the main house to take a look inside. Painted on the walls inside is art featuring the musician along with framed pictures of his albums, moments, and quotes. Cali looks back and shows a small smirk. She takes off her hat to show her silver dyed hair, wiping some sweat off her brow. She speaks in Japanese to Ririko, with subtitles showing on the broadcast.

Cali Hayama: “This palace sure is something. The man’s pretty famous for being chill. Sure feel high just being here-”

Ririko speaks in English to her friend. It is slow, still rough.

Ririko: “Please speak English… I want practice.”

Cali raises an eyebrow, speaking back in her native tongue.

Cali Hayama: “You sure, Ririko?”

Ririko nods nervously.

Ririko: “If I wrestle more in FWA, I want English to be better for fans.”

Cali shrugs.

Cali Hayama: “Whatever suits you, buddy. But yeah, it’s a shame Katsu didn’t want to come, but with that bombshell last night where she found out she’s in a world title match, I kind of get it.”

Ririko nods. The two go around the museum, looking at some of the art, photos, and memorabilia.

Ririko: “I hope I don’t mess her night.”

Cali takes a second to try to piece together what her friend means.

Cali Hayama: “You mean for Anniversary?”

Ririko nods.

Cali Hayama: “Don’t sweat it. If you wrestle like you did yesterday, she’ll be going into that match at 100%. Though when I said it was a night off, I didn’t think I’d literally have one with you kicking their asses by yourself.”

Having a sheepish grin, Ririko covers her mouth.

Ririko: “I really want to show myself.”

Cali pats her friend on the back.

Cali Hayama: “You did. I knew you would. Considering we’re still tag champions in Japan, I’ve teamed with you enough to know you’re amazing. Seriously, I know Katsu’s probably stressed, I don’t want you to be either. Just kick back, enjoy the atmosphere here. Bob Marley’s probably the chill-est person in history…”

She mutters.

Cali Hayama: “Though that’s probably all the weed.”

Ririko: “Weed is smelly.”

Ririko comments. Cali chuckles as they are at a picture of Bob Marley puffing a large joint, totally at ease.

Cali Hayama: “I’m used to the smell even though I don't touch it. It’s legal in Canada and one time visiting downtown Vancouver, there was an area where the smell hit me in the face like, POW!”

She pretends to take a deep sniff, moving her hands to her nose.

Cali Hayama: “I probably felt second-hand high being there.”

And Ririko just laughs. Her friend’s humour is putting her at ease.

Cali Hayama: “See? No worries. We’re chill here.”

The two friends walk around the museum, heading to an all yellow painted corner. The picture on the wall has a black and white image of the musician with the caption “LEGEND” on it, no offense to Johnny Johnson.

Ririko: “I don’t want to mess up.”

Ririko says. Cali turns her head slightly and listens.

Ririko: “It is big night for Katsu. I do not want to get pinned and ruin it. I don’t want her hurt going into main event… I don’t want fans to hate me for not being good and being loser.”

Cali Hayama: “Who said they would hate you for a loss?”

Ririko turns to Cali.

Cali Hayama: “That stuff can take time. I know sometimes people can be finicky, but they’re learning about you. Heck, I have more exposure in North America from before I went to COSMIC and got a decently sized YouTube following but they’re still learning about me. God knows not everyone likes how ‘blunt’ I can be, and I’m not mad about it and don’t hate people for it.”

She winks, doing a pun for their setting which goes over Ririko’s head.

Cali Hayama: “But you can’t rush this stuff….”

Glancing at the wall, there’s a quote from the namesake artist for this Museum. She looks at it and reads it out loud.

Cali Hayama: “As Bob said: ‘Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny.’ and like you can’t control whether or not people will love you overnight. But there’s things you can do. Number one thing, just be yourself. Just do your best. And don’t worry about Katsu. We’ll help her get into the Steel Roulette in one piece, but if Katsu wanted to drop out of the trios tournament, she would have reason to, but she wants this as much as we do.”

“These things you can control. So do it. In the end, I’m sure everyone will love ya with time.”

Cali gives a small grin to her friend.

Cali Hayama: “Just like the fans back home.”

Ririko smiles to herself, Cali picking her up when she’s stressed and worried. She listens to the music playing in the museum and finds herself at ease. The beats of “No Woman, No Cry” hits her. She begins to sing to herself quietly. Her voice is gentle and soothing. Clearly someone who's a natural.

Ririko: “Everything’s gonna be alright… Everything’s gonna be alright…”

Cali Hayama: “Exactly.”

Ririko covers her mouth, surprised Cali heard her singing. She stops, her cheeks flush red.

Cali Hayama: “Now let’s just stop the wrestle-talk and enjoy the museum. Maybe we’ll find a good spot in town for food, and get Katsu to come with us?”

Ririko nods.

Ririko: “Good plan. We will be ready for the Anniversary.”

Cali Hayama: “We already are. Trust me. Just need to remember that.”

Cali winks before the two walk through the museum, leaving their worries, for now, behind as the music of Jamaican legend Bob Marley plays them out.

“So No woman, no cry
No woman, no cry, I say
Oh little, oh little darling, don't shed no tears
No woman, no cry, eh”

The camera opens into a dimly lit room. We hear the faint sound of water dripping onto the floor. As the camera pulls back slightly, revealing a single light hanging from a cord coming from the ceiling, the crowd pops at the sight of Chris Crowe and Tommy Bedlam, who has the X-Title thrown over his shoulder.

Tommy Bedlam: Right before my match with Shawn Summers at Back in Business, I knew that I needed an extra set of eyes. I couldn’t take Randi to the ring with me, I couldn’t take Rocco to the ring with me, but Summers was such a dangerous son of a bitch, I knew I needed to have somebody on standby just in case that snake snuck up from behind and bit me. The only person I knew I could call was this man right here, “The Showman” Chris Crowe.

Chris Crowe: Tommy called me up and said he needed a favor, but what he didn’t realize is that I was needed a path back to the top. I needed a path back to the world of professional wrestling. I needed a path to the FWA. The Cowboy called me up, and next thing I know, I’m on a plane flying to Mexico City crushing Summers’ head between two chairs. That night, that conchairto, lit a fire inside me, and now I’m back for blood.

Tommy Bedlam: A couple years back, The Showman, myself, Johnny Johnson, and James Douglas came together to form Deathswitch Initiative. Now, James is off somewhere making expensive bourbon and doing his thing. Johnny is running around here hiding behind some monster like a little bitch talking about building a family.

Chris Crowe: DSI never became what it could’ve been. Blame it on circumstances beyond our control, blame it on bad timing, blame it on whatever you’d like, but it never reached it’s full potential. Tommy had to leave, then JD had to go, then Johnny took off, and eventually, even I threw the North American Championship down and walked away.

The camera zooms in tight.

Chris Crowe: But now? Things are different. The Initiative may not have worked out the way any of us had planned, but Deathswitch is still alive and well. Tonight, it starts with The Coven. Who’s next? Who knows. But FWA, you better get read because we’re back, and we’re here to FLIP. THE. SWITCH.

SPOILER: Click to show

{TAKE ME TO CHURCH || HOZIER}[MEDIA=youtube]f4UhdgBVtVc[/MEDIA]

The crowd is to their feet for a mixed, perhaps leaning favorable, reaction for The Coven. Blair and Celestia Ravenwood walk out first, each with one of the Trios Titles strapped around their waist. Both are cleary excited coming off their big win at Back in Business, though Celestia seems to be much more excited about everything. Behind them, their Trios partner Trixie walks out, beaming from ear to ear with her own belt as well and then finally Kleio De Santos brings up the rear.

Natalie Rosenberg: “This tag team match is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Kleio De Santos and Trixie… at a combined weight of two hundred and twenty pounds… from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania… Blair and Celestia Ravenwood… THE COVEN!!”

Konchu Hao: "I’m not a huge fan of witches, Jean-Luc, but this wizard cannot deny the momentum these ladies have right now.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Certainly an unlikely and odd friendship that has really flourished between Trixie and the witches of the Coven, but it certainly has worked out for all involved as it was that trio, specifically Trixie being the last one standing, that outlasted the YDS and became the first ever FWA Trios Champions at Back in Business.”

Celestia and Trixie both run and slide under the ring ropes while KDS and Blair both climb the apron and step through the ropes to enter the ring. Kleio gathers the foursome in a circle in the corner of the ring, looking to get the team to focus and prepare for the big match at hand.

SPOILER: Click to show

{COME AS YOU ARE || NIRVANA}[MEDIA=youtube]vabnZ9-ex7o[/MEDIA]

It’s a big reaction as the opening strum of Nirvana begins to play across the speakers on the beach. Tommy Bedlam steps out from the back first, having some gold of his own now attached to his waist in the form of the X Championship. Joining Bedlam is his lovely and quite visibly pregnant girlfriend Randi, walking arm and arm with the champion. Bedlam waves his cowboy hat to the fans to a big reaction before he turns and points to the curtains…

And Chris Crowe emerges!

It’s a big pop for the returning star who is as usual accompanied by his manager Crazy Harry. Crowe walks out from the back and exchanges a fist bump with Tommy Bedlam on the stage.

Natalie Rosenberg: “And their opponents, weighing in at a total combined weight of four hundred eighty four pounds, being accompanied to the ring by Randi and Crazy Harry… the team of Tommy Bedlam… and “The Showman” Chris Crowe… this is DEATHSWITCH!”

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Chris Crowe shocked the world at Back in Business when he returned to help make the save for Tommy Bedlam’s fiance Randi who was being threatened by the now former X Champion, Shawn Summers.”

Konchu Hao: "Ahhh the reunion of friends! Reminds me of my reunion with Epsilon many moons ago.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: "A reunion that could be a big boost to the tag team division because both of these guys are hungry for gold… sure, Tommy has some already, but as we’ve seen with the current Tag Champs, it seems like there’s always an appetite for more here in FWA!”

Konchu Hao: "It would appear we are going to have a crowded ringside area.”

Hao notes as Crazy Harry, Randi, KDS, and Trixie will all be occupying the ringside area during this one. Crowe and Bedlam climb into the ring, Bedlam and Randi sharing a quick kiss before they enter while Trixie gives hugs to both Blair and Celestia before she and KDS also exit the ring.

SECOND MATCH || 1/20.
Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe vs. The Coven [Blair & Celestia Ravenwood].
Tag Team Match.
Match Writer: Dubb.

The bell rings to officially start the match as Tommy and Celestia start things off for their respective teams. The two circle the ring before moving in for a collar and elbow tie up, but Celestia shows off her nimbleness as she instead evades the cowboy with a go behind into a waistlock. The size advantage goes in the favor of Bedlam as Celestia is unable to do much with him in the waistlock and instead Tommy connects with a back elbow to send the witch stumbling backwards.

Tommy comes back with a boot to the midsection before whipping Celestia into the ropes. She bounces off the far side and comes charging back towards a clothesline from Tommy, but she ducks! Celestia comes back off the opposite ropes now and speeds in with a tiltawhirl headscissors to send the cowboy down to the mat!

Bedlam is quick back to his feet, but Celestia is ready for him with a series of quick jabs before attempting an Irish Whip of her own, but Bedlam reverses it and once again its Celestia into the ropes! Celestia comes back off the ropes and slides under the legs of Bedlam before leaping back up to her feet and delivering a dropkick to Bedlam’s back that sends the cowboy down to the mat!

Konchu Hao: “A quick little thing that one is!”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Celestia Ravenwood doing what she has to do here and utilize that speed advantage against the much more powerful and stronger Tommy Bedlam.”

Growing more confident with the fast start, Celestia measures up Tommy as he begins to pull himself back up. She charges in once he’s back up to a vertical base and goes for a thesz press…

But Bedlam holds on to her! And then DRILLS HER with a spinebuster to the canvas! Bedlam gets back up to his feet, dusts himself off and looks to the corner. The fans cheer as they want the tag… they’re ready to see Chris Crowe in the ring for the first time in about a year!

Tommy gives them what he wants as he walks over and makes the tag, eliciting a big pop from the crowd.

Konchu Hao: “That cowboy is certainly a man of the people!”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “You got to give the people what they want! And they’re getting it… for the first time in a year, “The Showman” is going to work in a FWA ring!”

Crowe steps into the ring and makes his way directly over to Celestia, helping her up only to set her up for a piledriver…

But in comes Blair to make the save for her sister! She RAKES the back of The Showman!

Crowe winces slightly from the long nails of the witch, but then his eyes grow wide and he turns to stare down the other Ravenwood sister.

“YOU FUCKED UP! YOU FUCKED UP!” The crowd let Blair have it as Crowe comes in with a big knee to her midsection and he then drops her to the canvas with a running bulldog! Blair rolls back out of the ring where Trixie is quick to check on her, while Crowe gets back up and turns his attention back to Celestia…

Who comes in out of nowhere with a running spinning wheel kick, taking the Showman down to the mat! With the former North American champion down, Celestia wastes no time pouncing on him on the mat and begins to unleash a flurry of mounted punches to Crowe. Referee Larry Stevens steps in, warning Celestia about the use of closed fists, as she backs off, allowing Crowe to begin to get back up to his feet.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “What a series off attacks there from Celestia! The Showman looks to be in a bit of trouble as he perhaps tries to shake off some ring rust.”

Konchu Hao: “I don’t know, Jean-Luc. I do believe he is… smiling!”

Sure enough, Crowe was back up to his feet with a smirk on his face as tapped on his right cheek and dared Celestia to come in with some more.

Not one to turn down that offer, the witch struck Crowe in the side of the face with an elbow smash! And another! Crowe staggers back briefly but stiffens up and smiles once again. He once again asks for some more and a now visibly frustrated Celestia unleashes some fists of fury to Crowe, backing him up into the Coven corner.

Celestia tags in Blair and the pair both go to work on The Showman in the corner, punching him down into the corner before then both begin to put the boots to him before Larry Stevens forces Celestia out of the ring.

With Crowe seated in the corner, Blair backs up before charging in with a running low dropkick to the cornered Showman! Blair pulls him out of the corner and makes the cover.

One! Two! No! Crowe kicks out.

Back up to her feet, Blair circles Crowe on the mat, delivering a couple of stomps to his back before grabbing him by the head and she locks in a sleeper to Crowe… Crowe stumbles to the center of the ring trapped in the hold…

AND DROPS BLAIR WITH A JAWBREAKER!

Blair pops right back up, staggering from the move as Crowe gets back up himself and then drops Blair to the mat with a STO!

Looking to come to the aid of her sister, Celestia climbs the turnbuckle and DIVES AT CROWE with a Flying Crossbody..

BUT CROWE CATCHES HER!

FALLAWAY SLAM TO CELESTIA!

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Forget the ring rust! Chris Crowe is back at it now!”

As Celestia rolls out to the apron, Crowe begins to measure up Blair… perhaps looking to go ahead and end things with The Closing Act, but once Kleio reaches in and pulls Blair out of the ring to safety, much to the disdain of the crowd.

The Showman is unamused in the ring and has some choice words as The Coven regroups at ringside. Tommy climbs into the ring to stand along side Crowe and he begins to fire up the crowd with some hootin’ and hollerin’ as the Deathswitch pair dare the Ravenwoods to get back into the ring.

At ringside, Celestia and Blair look to one another before both charge in, sliding under the ropes and going after Tommy and Crowe! It’s an all out brawl in the ring between all four competitors as Larry Stevens is trying to get things back under control! Crowe and Bedlam both get the upperhand on their respectrive sister and in tandem they both send a Ravenwood into the ropes with stereo Irish Whips. Blair and Celestia both come back off the ropes and both duck a pair of clothesline from the Deathswitch duo before ricocheting back the other way from the opposite ropes…

But it's a POWERSLAM from Bedlam to take Celestia down to the mat while Crowe catches Blair with a big high angle back body drop!

The crowd is electric as both Crowe and Bedlam climb adjacent turnbuckles after laying out the Coven sisters on the mat.

Konchu Hao: “Certainly an impressive series there from Deathswitch, but they must be mindful not to take their eyes of the ball here.”

Tommy steps back out of the ring long enough for Crowe to tag in back in while Celestia rolls out onto the apron and Blair is staggering to her feet…

SPEAR FROM BEDLAM!

Tommy makes the cover!

ONE! TWO! THRE - NO! Kickout by Blair!

The X Champ is undeterred by the nearfall and goes right back to work on Blair. He pulls her back up and sends her into the far corner that belongs to neither team before charging in with a running clothesline. Tommy then climbs up onto the middle ropes and begins to unload a ten count corner punch to Blair as the crowd counts along. One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten!

A fired up Bedlam jumps down off the ropes, blows a kiss to Randi at ringside as Blair stumbles out of the corner and he takes her right back down with a Discus Lariat!

Tommy drops down and makes the cover.

ONE! TWO! THREE! NO! Celestia is there with a running elbow drop to make the save!

Jean-Luc Watkins: “That one was oh so close! If it wasn’t for Celestia, this one would be over!”

Bedlam quickly gets to his feet and chases Celestia back to her corner before returning his attention to Blair. He lifts up Blair for a powerbomb…

But Blair RAKES the eyes of Bedlam as she is lifted up in the air, allowing her to reverse it into a FACEBUSTER!

With Tommy down, Blair rolls to the Coven corner and makes the tag to Celestia!

Celestia climbs to the top turnbuckle as Blair takes a recovering Tommy back down to the mat with a snapmare. She moves out of the way as her sister comes off the top with a FROG SPLASH!

Celestia with the cover now!

ONE! TWO! THR - NO! This time Crowe makes the save!

Larry Stevens warns Crowe and gets him to leave the ring, but with his back turned, in comes Blair to help double team Tommy! This doesn’t sit well with Randi, the 8 month pregnant girlfriend climbs onto the apron to try and alert the referee of what was going on in the ring!

But Blair spots Randi on the apron and begins to confront her. The two ladies begin to exchange some words and things are get heated…

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Randi needs to be careful here! She has a bun in that oven and she can’t be getting physical!”

Surprisingly, it’s Trixie who seems to agree with JLW as she climbs the apron beside Randi, trying to calm Blair down, pointing to her extruding belly. Meanwhile, Tommy begins to fight back against Celestia, hitting her with a big lariat before charging towards Blair.

But Blair moved out of the way and Tommy COLLIDES WITH TRIXIE ON THE APRON!

Trixie falls down as Tommy stumbles backwards into a knee strike from Blair followed by a Jumping DDT from the recovered Celestia! Celestia goes for the pin!

ONE! TWO! THRE - NO!

Tommy gets his shoulder up!

Meanwhile, at ringside, things have not settled down as now Kleio is confronting Randi at ringside, but Crazy Harry steps in between the two to try and break things up!

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Things might explode her soon, Konchu. It was only a matter of time with all these elements at ringside…”

Konchu Hao: “This guy is showing no fear approaching a witch like that. I guess that’s why they call him Crazy Harry.”

Harry gets right in Kleio’s face, shouting at her to get back to her corner… when Trixie comes from behind… LOW BLOW TO HARRY!

Crowe jumps down off the apron to come to his manager and friend’s aid, attacking Trixie from behind and then CONNECTS WITH THE CLOSING ACT ON THE FLOOR! But when Crowe gets back to his feet, KDS strikes him with a kick to the midsection and before she picks up Trixie’s Trios Title and strikes Crowe across the head with it!

Konchu Hao: “This has escalated quickly.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Kleio now returns to her side, the attack gone unseen by FWA Official Larry Stevens… but the damage has been done! Tommy may be left to fend for himself here!”

While Randi tries to check on Crowe, Tommy is in trouble in the ring at the hands of both Blair and Celestia, while Larry Stevens tries to get some order going.

SHINING WITCH FROM BLAIR TO TOMMY!

But Blair isn’t the legal competitor, and doesn’t go for the pin. Instead she points to the top turnbuckle! Celestia nods and begins her ascent to the top turnbuckle..

HEX BOMB!

CONNECTS!

An excited Celestia goes for the pin!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

NO!

CHRIS CROWE BROKE IT UP! At the very last second, somehow Randi had helped Crowe up to his feet and he managed to get in through the ropes and break things up!

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Unbelievable! The Coven had this one wrapped up! But somehow, someway, Chris Crowe came back from out of nowhere to keep this one alive!”

Konchu Hao: “Ah, a simple rejuvenation spell would’ve done the trick.”

Blair and Celestia both go after Crowe, but he doges their attacks and strikes with some punches of his own, taking turns with each one before takes Celestia down with a Cobra Clutch Slam and then he sends both himself and Blair over the top rope with a clothesline!

Tommy and Celestia, the two legal competitors, are left in the ring, both down and slowly starting to pull themselves up. Both get back up but its Celestia striking first with a spin kick to the midsection. Bedlam is doubled over as Celestia goes for a jumping DDT, but Bedlam reverses it into a Northern Lights Suplex!

Bedlam is unable to hold the bridge, but he does roll to the corner and makes the tag to Crowe!

Celestia staggers to her feet as Crowe comes right at her with a boot to the midsection. He hooks her by the head with a double underhook…

BUT IN COMES BLAIR!

BUCKSHOT SUPERKICK from Tommy to Blair as he intercepts her interference! Tommy grabs Blair by the hair to pull her up and he also hooks her with a double underhook.

ROUGH RIDER TO BLAIR!

CLOSING ACT TO CELESTIA!

Crowe makes the cover on Celestia!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: Deathswitch by pinfall at 17:53.

Tommy reaches down and grabs Crowe’s arm, helping pull him up to their feet as they share a side hug before Larry Stevens comes in to lift up their arms in victory.

Natalie Rosenberg: "Here are your winners, DEATHSWITCH!

Crazy Harry, nursing the low blow from earlier climbs in along with Randi to join in the celebration in the ring.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Chris Crowe’s return to the ring was not without it’s obstacles, but in the end it’s an impressive victory for Deathswitch who no doubt will be wanting to eye those tag titles currently held by FTN.”

Konchu Hao: “Oh I don’t know Jean-Luc, I think they aren’t the only ones, you know.”

While Deathswitch celebrates in the ring, Kleio gathers The Coven back up at ringside, the trios champs embracing one another, holding each other for support as they make their way back to the aisle.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “It did not go the way they wanted tonight, but the Coven took it to Crowe and Bedlam here tonight… and at least they still have those Trios Titles. And when we come back, we’ll get our next match in the tournament to find out just who the next challengers for those titles will be!”

As the crowd goes into a frenzy, celebrating Deathswitch’s first win as a tag team in well over a year, Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe shake hands and share a brief hug in the middle of the ring. As the referee hands Tommy his X-Title, The Cowboy walks over to the corner and motions for a microphone.

Tommy Bedlam:First of all, let’s hear it for my boy, The Showman Chris Crowe!

The crowd cheers wildly for Crowe, welcoming him back to the FWA Universe.

Tommy Bedlam:Guy don’t even look like he was sucking down cheap whiskey in a trailer a couple weeks ago, does he? It’s been a couple weeks since Back in Business, so I guess we finally get to talk about the elephant in the room, or I guess in this case, the elephant out of the room. No, I didn’t go 3-for-3. No, I didn’t take all of Shawn Summers’ titles, but I got one of them, and I did something even more important. I put Shawn Summers on the shelf.

A loud cheer comes from the crowd at the mention of Summers not being around anymore.

Tommy Bedlam:Now, putting Shawn Summers away after the hell that he put me and my family through means the world to me. But so does this X-Title. It’s been a while since The Cowboy has held gold in the FWA. In fact, you have to go back a couple years to find the last time that I wore a belt that did something other than hold my Wranglers up. But that’s not the case anymore. Now, I’ve got this X-Title, and by God, I’m gonna fight like hell every single day to hang onto it.

Tommy Bedlam:There’s a locker room full of people who deserve a shot at this thing, and there’s even more who want a shot. All I can say about that is they can get in line. As soon as my match with Summers ended at Back in Business, XYZ made the announcement that he was coming for this title at the FWA Anniversary Show. That’s fine with me, he’s earned it, and I’m ready to defend it. Now, I’ve never gone one on one with anybody quite like XYZ bef-

Before Tommy can finish, he’s interrupted by “One Headlight.”

SPOILER: Click to show

{ONE HEADLIGHT || THE WALLFLOWERS}[MEDIA=youtube]Zzyfcys1aLM[/MEDIA]

The crowd comes to its collective feet as the always-erratic XYZ comes through the curtains with the full force of The Menage trailing behind. XYZ sports his trademark green tights with no shirt and a green cloth tied around his neck serving as a cape. He also has his long curly, frazzled hair and big bulging eyes to complete the general look.

The rest of The Menage is quite different from its leader. Wild Jerry has a t-shirt donning the Mexican flag, Frank has a plain black T-shirt and jeans, Christian Howard wears a full suit and tie, while Sierra is otherwise a plain jane with a tank top and jean shorts. PacMan Bert has his handheld PacMan game firmly in his grip, with a PacMan t-shirt on. Even Lizzy Golden comes out with the group, herself wearing a child’s t-shirt showing a T-rex dinosaur on a skateboard.

XYZ and the rest of The Menage slowly come to the ring, with XYZ bodaciously stepping up to the apron while the other six all use the ringsteps. They enter the ring one by one, now outnumbering Deathswitch Initiative by 7 to 2.

XYZ quickly asks for a microphone and stands opposite the reigning X Champion and the champ’s friend.

XYZ:Ah … the world smells … nice and toasty today … doesn’t it, Bedlam of the Tommys?

The crowd is buzzing and fills this gap with a cheer.

XYZ:Bedlam of the Tommys … and his friend the Crowe of the Chris’ Nest … I am … impressed … by the both of you. But Bedlam of the Tommys … especially you … and your … aplomb … against the Summer of the Shawns. While he did everything he could … to capture your light … to bring torture to your heart … you resisted … and overcame.

XYZ pauses and nods his head to Tommy Bedlam, who is suspicious and unsure, particularly of the way X is talking, but still accepts what he assumes is a compliment.

XYZ:Now you stand here … as the X … Y … Z … Champion … before me … and before all the fighters of this world … all the people who scratch and claw for every crumb of happiness they can muster for themselves … whatever crust of the pie of life they are warranted. You stand before all of us the XYZ Champion … and I … the top … contender … the immediate challenger. It is … quite the circumstance, yes?

Another pause and another cheer.

XYZ:I hold no ill-will towards you, Bedlam of the Tommys. I hold no ill-will towards your Crowe’s Nest friend or anyone else in your Initiative of Switching Death … as I have regularly outlasted and outlived death … as I did at Back in Business … and as I did on Meltdown … when I outlasted and bested a Walker of the Death.

XYZ:So you and I … stand opposite one another … for no reason except fate has placed us here … and placed THAT … symbol of hope … and symbol of heroicness … between us.

Another pause from X as he is ramping up, with the entire Menage all behind him.

XYZ:But when the lights go bright and the stars go dim … WHERE WERE YOU, BEDLAM OF THE TOMMYS … WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE WORLD NEEDED SOMEONE TO LIGHT THE WAY?! You were not here, not there, NOT ANYWHERE! No … no you are simply … fighting your own battle, or the battle of those you know, not one of anyone else you don’t. You’re not … in space against the Sloths of Giggleton or the Angry Bison of Ketchup Row! You’re here … dabbling in little wars … with little men. And I …

Tommy Bedlam puts his hand up in the air, causing XYZ to halt mid-sentence. The crowd begins buzzing as Tommy looks around at the thousands in attendance.

Tommy Bedlma:I’m gonna have to stop you there, XYZ, ‘cause I don’t understand a word of what you’re saying. If we’re being honest, nobody in Jamaica has the foggiest fucking clue what you’re goin’ on about.

XYZ takes a breath and then nods in the direction of Tommy Bedlam. X seems a little rattled, evident by slowing down his speaking.

XYZ:I … can understand that sometimes … people … m … might not … un … understand me. I have a certain … gusto … and life experiences … most people never have had or will have. Let me simplify it. I am here … to let you know that as the seahorse flies in the moonlit sky, I will go with honor and …

Tommy quickly puts a hand up once more.

Tommy Bedlam:See … that … that right there. Something about seahorses flying in the sky. I’m just a regular old cowboy, and where I’m from, seahorses don’t fly. Not even regular horses fly. But they’re good for ridin’ … and if that’s what you’re talking about … then I think we might just have something in common. But people not understanding you has anything to do with, what’d you call it? ‘Gusto?’ No, your gusto isn’t confusing anyone. It’s the fact that every time you open your mouth, this never ending stream of shit that doesn’t even make sense to you comes out.

XYZ:No, no, no. You don’t understand. Let me … explain it slower for you … when the pink platypus takes upon the throne of leaves …

Tommy Bedlam:What?!?!

The crowd laughs as XYZ closes his eyes. He tries to continue but mumbles and stutters momentarily.

XYZ:XYZ: It … will be … the worthwhile force that gets everything in this world … and in every other world … merging as one so that EEEEEVERY little man, woman, and child … everyone down and out … will be able to storm the castle gates and …

Tommy Bedlam:Hang on a minute here, chief. I don’t know shit about castles. I was raised on a ranch. I’ll go out on a limb and say most of the people here in Jamiaca arein’t looking to storm castles. So … what are you actually saying, XYZ? Why are you out here? To talk to me about a pink platypus? Really? Have you ever gone back and listened to one of your promos? You have these little stooges who follow you around yelling about gringos and shit. Do they understand anything you’re going on about?

Just as XYZ is about to respond and try to get his main point across for a fourth time, Wild Jerry steps forward and grabs the microphone. He lowers his face and looks right into Tommy Bedlam’s eyes.

Wild Jerry:He’s actually sayin’, ya’ little hillbilly gringo, that he comin’ for that belt and ain’t no Dallas Cowboy-ass goof like you gonna stop him!

Tommy Bedlam:Oh, is that so?

The crowd lets out an “oooooh”as Tommy’s whole demeanor changes.

XYZ almost responds to Tommy but instead looks behind at Wild Jerry and tries to say something. However, Frank and Sierra point to where Tommy is standing and XYZ turns around at the perfect time to take a nasty right hand punch from Tommy Bedlam to the jaw! The single right hook sends XYZ down like a sack of bricks, and The Menage all scurry down to X’s aide. Even Wild Jerry is crouched, as he probably feels most responsible for what happened.

Tommy Bedlam looks down at the #1 contender to the X Championship – the man he will meet at the Anniversary Show – points to the X Championship belt, and says, ”Try and take this from me. Just try!”

Chris Crowe pats Tommy on the shoulder and the two walk out of the ring just as XYZ sits up, his left hand nursing the left half of his jaw, where the wicked punch landed. As has become the norm, the crowd sings along to “Wanted Dead or Alive” as Deathswitch makes their way back up the ramp.

Jean-Luc Watkins: We’ve got two guys who have endeared themselves to the crowd, who also couldn’t be much more different from one another if they tried, and somehow, that X-Title match at the Anniversary Show somehow got more interesting.

Cue your own inspirational music here
(Because I'm not paying royalties to fucking inspire you! Oh and while I'm at it, this music better be rock and roll or metal! None of this fuckin pussy shit)

The following message is a WWE.com exclusive

"Are you tired of the daily grind of a 9 to 5 job? Working day in and day out while seeing nothing in return!"

"What if I can promise you fulfillment? What if I can offer you a chance to BE A STAR with the WWE?"

"Greatness as none of you are sure to know, comes at a cost and that is a simple cost of $199.99 per week for a program which at minimum can take 6 Months for you to complete"

My name is Trevor Walker and I am here to change your life for the better. Now I know in today's economy what I'm asking from you is tough. But bare this in mind, the money you are paying to be a WWE superstar. You will be apart of the Walker Wrestling Experience and you will get to train at the finest performance center that money can buy. As part of my training I will educate you, I will break you down and rebuild you in my image. I will make you better than you could ever dream of being! All I ask apart from your money is that you are willing to do anything and everything I ask. When I tell you to jump Jack... You don't mention your recent fucking pedicure. You ask me back how fucking high do I need to jump. I do not want Average Everyday Wrestlers in the WWE. AEW TALENTS DO NOT MAKE IT IN THE WWE! Instead with these ads I'm looking to recruit the best of the very best and I am looking for a few good men...

(Just then a voice behind the camera interrupts Trevor midflow)

"Trevor, we spoke about this. It's 2023 and you can't make this a boys club just for men. This is a world of inclusivity now and everyone deserves a chance regardless of their gender!"

(Crinkling his face as he reaches out and lowers the camera in front of him. Walker is clearly unaware that this doesn't stop the audio.)

The fucking shit it does! This is a fucking wrestling school. This is the fucking WWE and at the WWE we don't give a shit about Women's Wrestling! If women want to do classes they can do cooking or drama. The only women we have in the WWE are rats. The only action they get is with the boys after they've finished their matches!

(As Walker takes a deep breath, the voice off screen takes a moment before responding.)

"OK but let me put it to you this way! In the FWA there are just as many women's wrestlers as there are men. If you look into that crowd it's an even split of men and women. Many of whom are willing to pay to chase their dreams of doing this themselves."

So your point is?

"Trevor if you make this a boys club for men only.. You are halving your potential profits! If you want to make as much profit as you can with the WWE. You are going to need to embrace women's wrestling."

Women's wrestling though! That'll never get over.. Not unless it's topless! But I see your point and I am a worker after all. Right lift the camera and we'll take two it.

(Slowly the camera rises while Walker exhales.)

Now, as I was saying before we encountered some technical difficulties. My name is Trevor Walker, wrestling legend and globally known superstar. What I am looking for right now is a few good men and uh, a few good... Women. Because at the WWE we believe in offering a level playing field to you all. So I am looking for a few good men and women as I'd like to offer you an opportunity to be all that you can be. All at the low cost of $199.99 a week which will put you on the path to becoming a WWE Superstar! So what are you waiting for? Become a part of the WWE today!

SPOILER: Click to show

{GOTTA CATCH EM ALL || JASON PAIGE}[MEDIA=youtube]rg6CiPI6h2g[/MEDIA]

There's a mild pop in the arena for the Ménage, the trio promptly appearing on stage with smiles on their faces. They seem to be enjoying their time in the spotlight, and are accompanied to the ring tonight by XYZ himself.

Natalie Rosenberg: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one-fall, and is a quarter final match in the Trios Eliminator Tournament. Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by XYZ… Wild Jerry, Christian Howard, and Sierra… they are… THE MENAGE!"

Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Ménage did better than anyone expected them to at Back in Business, where Sierra lasted until the closing stages before finally being eliminated by in fourth position. And tonight they have the added bonus of XYZ at their side!"

Konchu Hao: "Bonus? Wouldn't be so sure. Strange character, that XYZ. Peculiar. Bit of a deviant, if you ask me."

Jean-Luc Watkins: "The ironing is delicious…"

Natalie Rosenberg: "And their opponents, already in the ring… Jobber Jimbo, Jiggy Jon, and Jugem Jugem… they are Triple J Security!!"

The three members of the Ménage due to compete tonight enter the ring, leaving XYZ to cheer them on from the outside. The two teams engage in brief discussions before eventually deciding that it'll be Jiggy and Jerry to start things off. The official issues some final instructions and then calls for the bell.

THIRD MATCH || 1/20.
The Ménage [Sierra, Wild Jerry, & Christian Howard] vs. Triple J Security [Jobber Jimbo, Jugem Jugem, & Jiggy Jon].
Trios Eliminator Tournament - Round One.
Match Writer: SS.

<< 00:00. >>

Jiggy Jon and Wild Jerry begin to circle the ring before bringing it together in a collar and elbow tie-up. Jon has the strength advantage but Jerry quickly slips through his grasp and goes behind into a rear waistlock. Jerry tries to hoist Jiggy up and over with a German, but Jiggy fights out with elbows to the side of the head and the a stamp on the foot! Jerry hops about in pain, and is then taken off his feet by Jiggy with a shoulder block! Then a clothesline! Jerry gets up to his feet once more, but is doubled over with a boot to the midsection…

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Snap suplex from Jiggy Jon! He neglects going for the cover, instead tagging in Jobber Jimbo. Looks like we're going to get some tandem offence here, with Jiggy and Jimbo applying front facelocks either side of Wild Jerry… double snap suplex!"

Konchu Hao: "Repetitive but effective!"

Jimbo makes the tag to Jugem Jugem, who wastes no time in ascending the turnbuckles. He steadies himself on the top turnbuckle and then plants a perfect elbow drop into the heart of Jerry! He goes for the cover…

ONE… TWO… NO!

Jugem looks a little disappointed, but goes back to work…

***

<< 06:12. >>

The only moment of offense Jerry has managed in the meantime is reversing an attempted leg whip by Jimbo with an enziguri, promptly tagging in Christian Howard. Howard came in with lots of gusto but quickly found himself outwrestled by Triple J Securiy, who proceeded to isolate him in the same way they did Jerry. Now, after a handful of power moves and a couple of near-falls, Jugem Jugem saps the energy out of Christian with a sleeper hold…

Jean-Luc Watkins: "The official comes in close to check Christian Howard's arm… no! There's still life left in him! This one isn't over!"

Konchu Hao: "XYZ seems to have surrounded himself with people just as stubborn as he is…"

Howard starts to fight up to his feet and then fires off with elbow strikes into Jugem's ribs, and then backs him into the ropes before flinging him into the opposite set. Jugem ducks the first attempted clothesline, but then turns around into a standing dropkick! Both men are down and begin to struggle towards their own corner…

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Tags made! Here comes Jobber Jimbo! Here comes Sierra!"

Sierra winds up for a lariat, but Jimbo ducks beneath it and continues to the ropes. He gathers steam, but Sierra first leapfrogs over him and then, upon reapproach, takes him out with a low dropkick to the knees!! Jimbo somersaults and lands on his back, but is quick to scramble up. This time, it's his turn to attempt a lariat, but Sierra is able to avoid it, collecting Jimbo in a backslide to pin his shoulders to the mat!

ONE… TWO… THR – NO!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Broken up by Jiggy Jon! But here comes Wild Jerry! He clotheslines Jiggy up and over the top rope!"

The interruption and stomp from Jiggy, though, cause Sierra to rise slowly, and Jugem is waiting for her when she does. He boots her in the midsection and then hoists her slender form up into powerbomb position… but Sierra slips out the back!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Sunset flip roll-up!! Shoulders down!!"

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: The Ménage via pinfall at 09:30.

Sierra is helped up to her feet by her teammates, the official quick to lift their arms in victory.

Natalie Rosenberg: "Here are your winners, and progressing to the semi-finals of the Trios Eliminator Tournament… the Ménage!"

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Perhaps not as slick or as quick as the Lumberjacks or YOKAI Death Squad earlier in the week on Meltdown, but the important thing is that the Ménage have just posted their place in the final four of this tournament. They seem to be in possession of a rather large amount of beginner's luck right now, but they're certainly getting the job done…"

XYZ slides into the ring to celebrate with his teammates, the scene fading to black on this image.

A cameraman almost trips over himself trying to get over the threshold to the parking lot, where there appears to be some sort of commotion going on. However on a closer look this is the doing of one man only, and the main sound that can be heard is the tunes of ’We Want the Funk’ by George Clifton booming out of a nearby stereo on a table set up in the parking lot.

Of course, the one man party is none other than Funky Fedora, who is dancing on the spot with headphones on. He beams when he sees the camera focused on him. As he has music loudly playing through the headphones, he is unable to regulate the volume of his voice.

Funky Fedora: “WOOOO! BACK IN BUSINESS WAS A FUNKY TIME, RIGHT? I WAS SO FULL OF FUNK THAT THEY COULDN’T EVEN CONTAIN ME ON THE MAIN SHOW! OWWWWW!

“NOW, FUNKY FEDORA IS HERE TO SPREAD THE FUNK, BAY-BAY! WE’VE GOT THE FUNKY SILENT BUT NOT SO SILENT DISCO! THESE HEADPHONES CAN’T CONTAIN THE-”

Despite the music playing both through and outside of his headphones, Funky Fedora hears the deafening honking sound which reverberates through all of Kingston. He shrieks and runs away as a large truck enters the picture and it knocks over the table and crushes the stereo underneath one of the front tyres.

The truck is one that has been seen before and it becomes clear that it is the same truck witnessed at Back in Business as Chris Peacock is standing on top of it once again. The dual champion has both of his belts strapped around his waist and he sprays the hose of the truck around the immediate vicinity, creating a puddle of thick, white liquid on the floor next to the truck.

The driver’s door opens and Alyster Black pokes his head out, and he presses a button to stop the flow of ejaculate coming out of the hose, to Peacock’s disappointment.

Alyster Black: "Why do you always get to stand on the top?"

Chris Peacock: "Because I am the FWA World Champion, numbnuts. When you’re the guy with two titles, you can go on the top."

Alyster Black: "I have two titles."

Chris Peacock: "Neither of them is the FWA World Championship, so until that changes you can stay in the driver’s seat."

Alyster Black: "Well, that might be sooner rather than later, thanks to you. How come you didn’t tell me about that, by the way?"

Chris Peacock: "Are you complaining?"

Alyster Black: "No-"

Chris Peacock: "Then shut your damn mouth, son! Now, are we going to go and defend these titles or-"

There is yet another interruption as a blood curdling scream is heard followed by rapid footsteps. The camera pans to the right and Allen Price arrives on the scene, still in his torn clothes from earlier on. Price runs towards the truck and slips in the puddle, landing flat on his face and ending up covered in the white substance which was spewed from the truck.

Allen Price: "THANK GOD YOU’RE BOTH HERE!"

Chris Peacock: "Allen? What are you doing back here? You’re supposed to be on commentary!"

Allen Price: "It was horrible, Chris. I made a mistake. The man is a lunatic!"

Chris Peacock: "Who?"

Allen Price: "Cyrus Truth."

Both Chris and Alyster begin howling with laughter. Allen is still gravely concerned down on the floor.

Chris Peacock: "Cyrus is harmless, Allen. If he was going to do anything to you, he’d have done more than tear up your clothes. I know he’s toothless. Stick with us, you’ll be fine."

Allen Price seems slightly reassured, and FTN are of course supremely confident going into their tag title defence later on tonight.

-= MEANWHILE =-

???: "-flight was delayed like crazy. If we had been waiting for the pilot any longer I would’ve flown the damn thing myself."

???: "You would’ve been put on some kind of watch list, Jackson."

???: "Yeah, a ‘Watch this guy beat the crap out of the pilot and make the plane do a cool barrel roll’ list. Fly a plane - It can’t be that hard. Push a button, pull a lever, eat a bag of peanuts. Easy."

It’s outside of the arena, not too long ago. A pair of bodies walk across the concrete, one of which with a cellphone pressed against their ear. It’s easy to recognize them by their voices even before they come into view - It’s Jackson Fenix & Nate Savage, of the Undisputed Alliance. Dressed casually, the two approach the arena, as Jackson continues talking on the phone and Nate briefly turns a head behind them.

Nate Savage: "Jimmy, Karl, hurry up with those bags."

Jackson Fenix: "We’re just arriving at the building now. We’ll catch you inside, alright?"

There’s a muffled response from the phone. Jackson nods, sagely, and makes a brief kissing noise into the phone, before holding it out to Nate.

Nate Savage: "What- What are you giving me this for?"

Jackson Fenix: "It’s Monica and Antonio. They said ‘kisses.’"

Nate Savage: "… Okay. What do you want me to do with this information?"

Jackson Fenix: "Y’know. Kisses. Like-"

Jackson repeats the awkward kissing noise into the phone, before brandishing it to Nate. Nate seems hesitant, before leaning in to the phone.

Nate Savage: "… Kissing noises."

Jackson Fenix: "Good enough."

Satisfied with the compromise, as Jackson hangs up, thrusting his hands into his pockets.

Nate Savage: "No Xtacee, just Antonio and Monica, that's weird."

Jackson Fenix: "Xtacee couldn't make it to the phone or something. They wouldn't say what was wrong."

The two approach the backdoor of the arena, passing by an inconspicuous dumpster, when-

???: "Psst!"

Jackson pauses. Nate does not.

???: "Oi! Fenix, Savage, over ‘ere!"

Jackson whirls around in confusion, before his eyes settle on the aforementioned inconspicuous dumpster. The lid is slightly raised, and a pair of eyes glimmer, pointed in his direction.

???: "Ya gots the time for a lil… Interview?"

Jackson Fenix: "Nate, the dumpster is talking to me."

Nate lets out the kind of sigh that is normally deserved for his children’s school teachers, and gently rests his head against the back door of the arena.

Nate Savage: "Just ignore it, Jackson."

The dumpster lid rises slightly, and the head of a giant possum leers out, beckoning the two others with a toothy grin.

Jackson Fenix: "But-"

Nate Savage: "Jackson. "We’re late. We’ll talk to the dumpster later. C’mon."

Jackson hesitatingly draws his attention away from the dumpster, and follows Nate through the arena door. The door closes behind them, just as a half-drunk slushie is thrown at the back door. The dumpster lid is slung against the wall of the arena, and the aforementioned giant possum hisses, shaking a fist.

???: "WELL NUTS TO YOU TOO! Buncha uppity jerkwads. Foine, I’ll find some other shmucks ta interview. Moight not’ve won Ground Zero, but I’m in demand, y’know!"

???: "HEY!"

Suddenly, a frazzled-looking man in a stuntman jumpsuit and a man in a karate uniform are on the scene - each carrying a large, large load of bags. The karate man adjusts his glasses, glaring at the oversized possum-man in stern disappointment, as he jabs a finger into the snout of the man in a possum onesie.

Kung Fu Karl: "How dare you disrespect our beloved mentors!"

The possum figure seems more bewildered, leaning away from Karl's finger.

Jimmy Boom-Boom: "Yeah! I won’t stand for anyone slandering the guys who brought us under their wings! Who throws a slushie, anyway?"

Kung Fu Karl: "What are you, some kind of… Trash Mammal?"

The possum-man swipes Kung Fu Karl’s finger away from him, snarling.

???: "Maybe I am! What’s it to ya?"

Jimmy Boom-Boom: "Stay away from our mentors, you… Weirdo!"

Before there’s any further response, the arena door is wrenched back open, with Nate Savage poking a head out.

Nate Savage: "KARL. JIMMY. HURRY UP WITH THOSE BAGS."

Nate retreats back into the arena. Jimmy Boom-Boom & Kung Fu Karl huff, shouldering the Undisputed Alliance’s bags onto their shoulders with a brief straining noise, marching into the arena - but not before shooting the weird possum in the dumpster an oddly disproportional death glare. The door swings shut behind them, and with a grumble, the oversized possum-man retreats into the dumpster, letting the lid swing shut behind him.

Trash Mammal: "This is somehow Sulley’s fault."

Cut to black.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "An awful lot going on in the parking lot, it would seem…"

SPOILER: Click to show

{SCISSORS || JINJER}[MEDIA=youtube]DZ_WDLA9i7c[/MEDIA]

There's a subdued reaction with some boos as Jack the Clipper - an imposing new presence within the FWA - appears on the stage. He surveys the audience with a scowl on his face, offering a few violent snaps of his barber's scissors in their direction, and then begins to stride towards the ring.

Natalie Rosenberg: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, with a ten minute time limit… introducing first, from Whitechapel, London, he weighs in at two hundred and seventy pounds… Jack the Clipper!"

Jean-Luc Watkins: "This FWA debutant looks mean… and I could actually use a shave."

Konchu Hao: "I know a spell or two for that, if you're interested…"

Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent… already in the ring… 'Mr Europe'... Derrick Hunter!"

No real reaction for Hunter, who continues to loosen up and stare down his incoming opponent. Jack climbs into the ring and looms over Derrick, the apparent mismatch an ominous sight. The official conducts his final checks (as best he can) before calling for the bell…

FOURTH MATCH || 1/10.
Jack the Clipper vs. Derrick Hunter.
Singles Match.
Match Writer: SS.

Hunter backs away from Jack and circles round him, offering up a test of strength. Clipper sneers at this before taking up the offer… only for Hunter to slip beneath his grasp and slap on a side headlock! Jack has the power advantage, but Hunter keeps the hold locked on through his solid technical foundations, before choosing to transition behind into a hammer lock… and then again into a cravat. The audience is quiet as it watches on, meaning they can hear Derrick Hunter himself shout out…

"WRESTLING!"

He has a smug look on his face whilst holding onto his cravat… but this quickly turns to horror, and then he screams out in agony. He relinquishes the hold, and we see that Jack is biting his shoulder!!

Konchu Hao: "Such savagery!"

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Indeed! No place for it in a wrestling ring!"

Konchu Hao: "Oh, but that's exactly the place for it!"

Derrick manages to wrench himself away from Jack the Clipper, and specifically his teeth, and looks on at his opponent with horror on his face. The old pro tries to shake it off and charges at Jack… but eats a huge headbutt! Hunter hits the mat immediately, as if his chest has been caved in by the strike, and Clipper wastes no time in dragging the journeyman up to his feet…

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jack the Clipper lays into Hunter with a series of slaps to the back of the head! I believe he called this Short, Back, & Sides..."

Clipper only relents to connect with a boot to the midsection, hoisting Hunter up before driving him down with a spinning sit-out powerbomb!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "That's Chapel Street! But Jack isn't done…"

Indeed, the big man drags Derrick Hunter up to his feet once more. He throws him into the corner, Hunter facing away from him and maybe out cold already. Jack takes a step back, runs in, and connects with a discuss lariat to the back of the head!!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "LITTLE OFF THE TOP!! Count to a hundred!"

Clipper places a single boot on Derrick's chest.

ONE… TWO… THREE!

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: Jack the Clipper by pinfall at 02:02.

SPOILER: Click to show

{JUNGLE || FRED AGAIN..}[MEDIA=youtube]fzSjRfuV6GI[/MEDIA]

After the conclusion of the match - with barely anytime to celebrate the victory, a figure who hasn't been seen in FWA for just over three months Madison Gray. Madison slowly marches down towards the ring where she is charged at by The Scissor Sisters. Madison though appears focused and prepared as she ducks and rolls out of the way, before tossing Dyeanne with a Judo Toss to create some separation for herself only to charge at Barbara and nail her with The Disappointed Master and smiles to herself as she stands over both valets making direct eye contact with JTC before asking a mic from one of the ringside staff.

Madison Gray: "Did you know Jack that when I got cleared by the Doctor just a few days ago, I was given two options by the management team. Option One - take a lump sum and have my contract terminated or Option Two - prove my worth and actually show that I have some grit to my character. Actually show that I have some desire to be part of this company and fight for my place. And fight for these fans - and show I am worthy of their love."

Madison points at the fans, but receives very little reaction - unsurprising considering she has yet to win a match in any capacity since signing with the company.

Madison Gray: "Jack me and you - back home in Blightey. We aren't neighbors, we aren't close and we wouldn't even consider ourselves to have any sort of regional rivalry - but to most people especially in the States, we practically live next door to each other. And so I found myself clambering onto a step ladder and peering over the garden fence, looking at what you have and wanting a piece of the action. What you have, I want. And what I want, is your time under the spotlight. Because bad guys like you, you don't deserve love. Young kids like me - kids that have got their whole lives ahead of us. We deserve the time to shine and this Lioness - she intends to..."

Jack the Clipper: "Nah. Nah, Nah…"

The grizzled Barber has, at some point, snatched a mic from the ring announcer and cuts off the young Lioness as she speaks, a sour, bitter expression on his face as he looks down at Gray and ushers her to join him in the ring.

Jack the Clipper: "I don't know who the hell you think you are or who I am, but you picked the wrong time and the wrong place to make your little rah-rah speech, sunshine."

Madison has now clambered up the stairs and is standing in front of Jack as he leans down somewhat to make sure he's on eye level.

Jack the Clipper: "You want to pick a fight? You wanna make your name with Jack The Clipper? I ain't making nobody famous. Ain't nobody making their name off me. Because I don't pick fights with young punks. I send them off to the devil with a shave and a haircut. So why don't you pick up ya little karate yellow belt, crawl back under the rock you've been hiding under, and don't open doors ya can't close, girly, and be thankful all you got from me was a close shave!"

Jack stomps over to the ropes swearing under his breath, going to leave the ring, when all of a sudden...

SPOILER: Click to show

{TILL I COLLAPSE || EMINEM}[MEDIA=youtube]Pi3_Zs-oRUo[/MEDIA]

Blake Taylor makes his way to the ring, with Madison and Jack The Clipper

Blake Taylor: "I see both of you are in a conundrum, so let me make it clear, both of you are in my way of achieving greatness, do you two bozos not know who I am? I am The Prodigal Son, Blake Taylor, the most decorated combat athlete this sport has ever seen, a 2 weight champion in both MMA and boxing, and the most dominant striker in the history of both sports."

The crowd begins to Boo Blake aggressively, and begins chanting, ‘You Suck!’

Blake Taylor: "If I suck then you all swallow so shut the hell up. All of these Wankers pander to you fools, but a man like me doesn't give a damn, what these idiots here think, I'm not here to make friends I'm here to make money, here to break bones, and here to make this roster fear me. So if you 2 are going to sit here and run your mouth and not be about the action then this roster is full of Wankers and Gentle people who like to sit around and make victim noises."

Blake drops the mic as he continues to stand in the middle of the ring with Madison in the center and Jack having remained close to the ropes. Madison's eyes narrow clearly, not enjoying the newcomer's words as she goes to raise her mic a second time, only to get a double sledgehammer in the back by Jack The Clipper! Pushing her into Blake Taylor!

That's all the prodigal son needs to start swinging fists! It's a brawl in the middle of the ring as Madison, fighting from underneath, tries and creates separation with a few well-placed and well-practiced blows, which gains enough distance between herself and Taylor for her to execute a Judo Toss, although Taylor bounces up almost instantly from the mat, eyes bulging out of his head, stunned that Grey would dare put her hands on him and comes running towards her, and a brawl is on.

Meanwhile, Jack (who you might remember caused the entire fight in the first place) has rolled out of the ring and walked up the ramp and help the Scissor Sisters back up onto their feet as they disappear backstage, as officials begin to get in between Gray and Taylor preventing the fight from escalating any further.

Meltdown returns to the exterior of Jon Russnow's offices once again, this time it's Johnny Johnson standing outside before walking through the doors.

Jon Russnow: "Well, if it isn't former North American Champion Johnny Johnson! I suppose I haven't had the chance to welcome you back properly..."

Johnny just stares at Russnow with a suspicious look.

Jon Russnow: "Can I do something for you?"

Johnny keeps staring at Russnow with a suspicious look.

Jon Russnow: "I’m not really sure what kind of little game you are playing right now, but I don’t have time for it today. You’re about the nineteenth person that has come in this office this week with no appointment and honestly, it’s a little annoying. "

Johnny then begins to speak finally with a condescending tone and looking aghast.

Johnny Johnson: "Oh, so sorry boss. I didn’t mean to come in here and bother you. I’m sure you are very busy with the many things you have to do for FWA. Like not book Bryan Baxter in a title match this week to ensure his title reign is ninety years long. Or put on display some of the talentless hacks like DSI on your card, yet fail to book my client, The Great Maru with a match."

Russnow looks over at Johnny with an irritated look and just crosses his arms over his chest.

Jon Russnow: "If you just came in here to insult how I run this company I suggest you turn yourself around and make your way back out of my door. "

Johnny then holds his hands up in front of him, waving them about and making a face as if he is being apologetic.

Johnny Johnson: "Sorry again boss, I just am such a turd sometimes and forget that no one shall question the great and powerful Jon Russnow. Especially someone as lowly as The Legend, himself. "

Russnow looks even more irritated as Johnny continues to yammer on.

Jon Russnow: "You know damn well that isn’t what I’m saying. If you have a point to all of this I would really insist you get to it very soon or my patience will be running very dry, very quickly."

Johnny then looks down at the chair across from the desk of Russnow, pulls it farther from Russnow’s desk and then sits in it.

Johnny Johnson: "Fair enough, boss. As you know, and I stated a few moments ago you seemingly forgot to involve my client, The Great Maru, in either of this week's shows. I would like to ensure that this oversight doesn’t happen again with the next two shows."

Jon Russnow: "Fair enough, I don’t think it’s an unreasonable request. Did you have any suggestions on who his opponent should be? After all, you seem to believe I am failing at providing an entertaining product here in FWA. "

Johnny nods his head in agreement as Russnow speaks his last words.

Johnny Johnson: "I want Maru to face the DSI. "

Russnow thinks about it for a second and then nods his head as the idea isn’t too high of a request.

Jon Russnow: "Fair enough, would you like him to face the returning Chris Crowe or our new X title Champion, Tommy Bedlam. "

Before Russnow can even complete his sentence Johnny blurts his next word out.

Johnny Johnson: "BOTH!”

Russnow’s lip pucker up, ensures that Johnny realizes that he really isn’t on the same level with Johnson’s idea.

Jon Russnow: "I’m not putting The Great Maru in a handicap match with both members of the Deathswitch Initiative. "

Johnny looks over at him with beady eyes.

Johnny Johnson: "I assure you The Great Maru can handle those two clubs…."

Before Johnny can finish his sentence Russnow interrupts him with an irritated look on his face.

Jon Russnow: "No, how about another idea for the Great Maru."

Johnny looks at him with a smug look before he moves on to his next thought.

Johnny Johnson: "Fine, fine. Then I order you to declare The Great Maru the new TV title champion. I believe this idea is only doing you a favor since I would assume any idea you have on what to do with the current, vacant championship is a brain dead idea that would only ensure financial hardships for this company."

Russnow sits there as Johnny speaks with a stoic look on his face. He has crossed his arms once again across his chest and begins to look almost entirely uninterested at what Johnny is saying.

Jon Russnow: "NO! While I admire your dedication and belief in your client. The Great Maru has done nothing but use backhanded tactics and cheap shots at talent since he’s been here. Not only that he hasn’t even had one official match in FWA yet.

I have no doubt that he has the ability and talents to go far in FWA, but until he actually shows those abilities and talents properly he doesn’t deserve to even be mentioned in the realm of receiving a title shot, let alone just handed one of FWA’s championships. "

Johnny sits there in the chair. The more Russnow talked the more his face steamed a little bit. By the end of it he lets out a giant sigh. As he is about to open his mouth back up Russnow continues to speak.

Jon Russnow: "However, I do agree that I had a slight oversight not booking your client in a match this past week and that is my folly. I, however, do not agree with what you and your client decided to do to Juan in that ring on Meltdown. Since it’s abundantly clear that you believe Juan Tothrefor wasn’t good enough to be in 'your family' as you call it. What if we had The Great Maru face Juan Tothrefor in a match on the next Meltdown show."

Johnny sits there not with a smug look on his face and grabs the arms of the chair that he is sitting in and squeezes tightly. He bites down on his bottom lip, formulating how to exactly reply. And with a low and direct voice he says his peace.

Johnny Johnson: "That isn’t what I asked for and that pond scum, Juan Tothrefor is so far beneath him. The only thing Juan deserves to do, involving The Great Maru, is shining his boots and wiping the sweat from his forehead. "

With Johnny’s reply Jon Russnow just shrugs as a retort. The blow-off of a reply obviously gets under Johnny’s skin and he stands up, leans forward slamming his fist on Russnow’s desk.

Johnny Johnson: "I would suggest you begin to adhere to whatever demand that comes from my mouth. I might have been a stepping stool before. But that was before when I had to be your little puppet in that ring out there. Now however, I don’t need to dance in that ring for you. I don’t need to be at my physical peak. That isn’t something I need to focus on on a daily basis. Now, without that, I can just sit back, day in and day out and just ponder what and exactly how I’m going to ensure Jon Russnow’s life is a living hell unless he gives what me and my client want. "

As Johnny finishes up his little tirade Russnow looks at him with a very stern and belittling face.

Jon Russnow: "You really are an egomaniacal twat, Johnny. You have the audacity to come into my office, belittle the quality of my job. Shoot your mouth off about this product that I know is the best damn thing in this business, today. And then want to act like I should bend over backwards and kiss the ground that you walk on."

Johnny tries to but in, but Russnow quickly snaps back before he can. Russnow then stands up, placing his palms on his desk leaning forward to where his face is within inches of Johnny’s face.

Jon Russnow: "I don’t give a damn how much time you have to sit in your basement and draft up fantasy bookings for my business. I don’t give a damn how many minutes you waste formulating fictitious plans to somehow get one over on me. I don’t give a damn if God himself comes down from the heavens and anoints you as God II. You are merely someone I allow to have a job in this federation and you will respect me as your boss.

As for what you and your client will be doing in relation to future bookings. I wouldn’t give a shit if the two of you didn’t see the inside of and FWA ring from now until we somehow fly a man to Mars. And right now this isn’t me suggesting it to you, this is me telling you as your boss. I need you out of my office…right…..now. And I will not repeat myself. "

Johnny is wearing a very smug grimace on his face. He one eyebrow curls up a little bit.

Johnny Johnson: "Is that how we’re going to end this today?"

Jon Russnow: "It would seem so. After all this was your choice to come into my office and act in this manner. "

Johnny Johnson: "Fine…fine…I’ll go. But let me just remind you, the great wave has arrived. And no one is safe, not even the high and mighty King Russnow himself. "

And with that last bit said, Johnny turns around, opens the door and exits through it. Jon Russnow, still standing there, is relieved that the burden of Johnny Johnson is finally gone.

Recorded the Night of August 11th.

Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica

The camera zooms in on the coastline where, in a stunning display, there is a luminescent blue glow from the various species in the water. The night sky has some haze from the near-by town lights, but hardly detract from the natural beauty of the water below. The waves gently roll onto the beach before pulling back out to the sea. Footsteps are heard in the sand, having a very gentle crunch. The camera zooms to see the silhouette of a woman in the night, with the light from the water giving her body a faint outline. The distinguishing characteristic of the woman is the shape of ears from a mask, looking fox-like. Katsu.

Katsu: “September 29th, 2022. I make my first appearance on FWA television to introduce myself as Vampyra. Plans change when three idiots chose to interrupt me that night, resulting in a change of plans. Thus leading to my FWA debut two nights later in the ring.”

The camera looks over the glowing waves. Katsu’s masked covered face looks on.

Katsu: “November 10th. It is announced that Danny Toner, upon being injured, was out of the F1 tournament. Thus it resulted in a change. The unproven newcomer, Vampyra, was to enter in his place. I slowly found myself drowning in the pressure of such a tournament, only getting a win with my last match.”

The waves move up to Katsu’s sandal-wearing feet. The glowing water gently touches her toes.

Katsu: “January 28th, 2023. New year rolls around and it is originally slated that I defend my newly won championship against a former champion. However, due to my future opponent’s neglect in a tag match, that match changed to a four-way match, resulting in me losing…”

She takes a deep breath. The loss still stings a bit, not so much the championship itself, but the feeling of losing it in one defense.

Katsu: “Losing my first singles championship in my career without even being pinned. Upon returning to Japan, my doctor informed me that, for the betterment of my health, I was not to come back to FWA for an extended period.”

Zooming in on Katsu, we get a glimpse of her face under the night sky. The yellow contacts in her eyes create a light glow.

Katsu: “Thus resulting in the emergence of something new. April 30th, I changed into Katsu, my true persona, upon entering the ring at the Carnal Contendership. My efforts earned myself a chance to compete in the Steel Roulette match at FWA Anniversary XVII. With it, I can win the Golden Opportunity Briefcase, earning an FWA World Championship match at any time of my choosing…”

A small smirk appears on Katsu’s face.

Katsu: “Until things changed again. With the death of the Rodent, now a bird enters the fray, putting a championship on the line and the allure of gold.”

Stepping forward, Katsu puts her feet in the shallow water. The neon glow wraps around her legs, like little stars dance around her in the water.

Katsu: “If there is one thing that has defined the last year of my life both professionally and personally it is that: change. From expanding new horizons, gaining and losing friends, forging new identities, and hurdles and goals changing and emerging from nowhere. Some of it has been by choice, by my design. I stand here somewhat matured. A new woman. But for each change outside of my grasp I have found myself… pulled in.”

As the tide pulls in and out, water splashes on Katsu’s legs, resulting in the water practically sparkling as it is broken up by the Joshi.

Katsu: “I found myself continually overwhelmed by wave after wave crashing against me, trying to pull me to the depths below: suffocating me. Yet, here I am. I have survived. Not unscathed, but each time I have found myself just that bit more prepared for the next one.”

Looking forward, Katsu sees the glistening water under the night sky. The ripples form and with it, the neon glow continues to create an unworldly experience.

Katsu: “And that wave is what I consider to be my first true FWA World Championship match at Anniversary and finally, I want to turn a change into a positive. I know I am not considered the favourite. People are already picturing an FTN final. Black vs Peacock. A former and current world champion. One with an underlying anger in his soul. The other on top of the world now looking down on others. Then we have Reagan Cole, a man who has been a nomad in his career, traveling from place to place, with misfortune coming his way each time he comes close to the peak. Fenix, a man with a change of heart. A free-spirit earning sentiment for those who witness this change. Darius the Death Walker…”

She mentions Death Walker’s real name, trying to strike a chord with the man under the mask.

Katsu: “A man who’s life of pain has led him to be the perfect host for the demon of Death.”

Looking up, Katsu clenches her fists.

Katsu: “I have had short-coming after short-coming. Moments of triumph followed by being pulled back into a feeling of blue. Not this time.”

The masked woman shakes her head.

Katsu: “This time as the wave comes, I will stand firm, cutting through it, and standing tall to face the next. This is not a moment a year in the making, but a life-time. Because through each change, each set-back, I constantly find myself thinking ‘Why? Why keep fighting? What do you want?’ and the answer is the same each time.”

A particularly large wave comes towards Katsu. It comes in at about chest height on her. It crashes into the woman-

But she stands firm. Water drips from her clothes, showing a blue glow from the water.

Katsu: “-I want to belong. I don’t want to be someone forgotten to the waves of time. I want every single sacrifice I have made to become a wrestler, my home, my identity, moments of my life I gave up to become a wrestler, to be worth it! I want Katsu to be considered the best in FWA. So that one day I can inspire someone like me when they need it, and that will come with the FWA World Championship…”

From the other end of the Lagoon, a larger wave is beginning to form, moving into the shore towards Katsu. She stands firm, unafraid.

Katsu: “At FWA Anniversary…”

The sparkles of the water approach her as the wave continues to grow and grow.

Katsu: “A wave of change is coming and its name…”

Reaching in front of Katsu, the wave expands to greater than her height; it crashes into Katsu as the star-like glow splashes and twinkles in the night. Despite the wave’s strength.

She remains standing.

Her hair is drenched, with her grey tips looking slightly blue from the water’s glow. Her signature mask, with its red and white, instead looks slightly blue from the water dripping on it.

Katsu: “-Is the Kitsune Warrior, Katsu…”

Katsu stands in the middle of the glowing lagoon, looking off in the night sky as the segment cuts away.

Fallout returns to the ringside area where the team of Tex Hollis, Calamity Jane, and Tadamasa Yamada are already in the ring.

Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is a Trios Eliminator Tournament match and it is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, the team of the LCW Tag Team Champions, Tex Hollis and Calamity Jane, and Tadamasa Yamada!”

There’s a polite ovation for the LCW Tag Team Champions and their partner as they await the arrival of their opponents…

SPOILER: Click to show

{JANET JACKSON || THAT’S THE WAY LOVE GOES}[MEDIA=youtube]Khpb4yjL3Eg[/MEDIA]

The sensual sounds of the Janet Jackson classic echoes out throughout Hellshire Beach and after a few seconds of the song playing, the trio of Jackson Fenix, Nate Savage, and Xperienx Xtacee make their way out. The crowd has come alive for this trio, who is accompanied by a weird looking clown that Jackson Fenix is riding on the back of like a cowboy on a horse.

Natalie Rosenberg: “Their opponents, being accompanied by Bubbles the Clown and weighing in at a combined weight of 656 lb, the team Jackson Fenix, Nasty Nate Savage, and The Sensual Enigma Xperienx Xtacee…The Undisputed Xperienx!”

Konchu Hao: “One clown riding another clown, how exciting.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “I understand your history with Savage and Fenix, but Fenix has taken a turn for the better lately, and he’s not the same man you had run-ins with in the past.”

Konchu Hao: “Fair enough, I suppose, but Savage should be forever grateful that I spared him when I did.”

Fenix has hopped off of Bubbles’ back and gives his clown friend a hug. Jackson and Nate enter the ring and stand on opposite turnbuckles where they do their thing, while in the center of the ring, Xperienx Xtacee is doing his usual posing when UA joins him and the three men pose together as the theme music gradually fades out…

Jean-Luc Watkins: “While certainly an odd pairing on paper, The Undisputed Xperienx have been proven to be quite the trio despite coming up short at Back in Business.”

Konchu Hao: “My personal feelings aside, I’m afraid I must agree with you, Watkins.”

FIFTH MATCH || 1/20.
Undisputed Xperienx [Xperienx Xtacee, Jackson Fenix, & Nate Savage] vs. Midnight Train [Tex Hollis, Calamity Jane, & ‘The Texan Dragon’ Tadamasa Yamada].
Trios Eliminator Tournament - Round One.
Match Writer: Jimmy King.

DING! DING! DING!

<< 00:00 >>

Jackson Fenix will kick the match off for his team while Tadamasa Yamada will begin for his team. Fenix offers a handshake and Yamada accepts, and he’s eager to get this going as he goes for a grapple but Fenix backs away from him. Fenix holds a hand up before digging in the front of his trunks before retrieving a golf ball. Savage looks on from the apron with a mortified expression while Xtacee is giggling.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m going to regret bringing this up but unfortunately, against my own will, I heard of a story of Jackson Fenix and a trick with a golf ball he picked up in college.”

Konchu Hao: “I can’t discern what is more shocking; that man going to college or whatever it is he did with a golf ball.”

Fenix looks at the golf ball in his hand and the crowd isn’t sure what to make of it at first, but then they start cheering when Fenix teases he’s about to show off his trick with the golf ball.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “I can’t believe the crowd actually wants to see this happen on live television.”

Konchu Hao: “I weep for humanity.”

Savage shouts at Fenix from the apron and apparently has talked some sense into his friend. Fenix then extends his hand out with the golf ball and offers it to Yamada. The wrestling legend looks thoroughly confused by this entire ordeal and he’s not sure what to make of it. Fenix pulls his hand back, exits the ring, and goes to Bubbles the Clown and asks for something. Bubbles pulls a bunch of random items from his pocket that include his horn, a handsaw, 25 cents, hammer, a pair of socks, an Xbox controller, and a banana. He finally finds what he’s looking for, sanitary wipes, and Jackson uses the wipes to clean off the golf ball.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Do I want to know why he had all of those items in his pocket?”

Konchu Hao: “I think it’s best not to ask questions at this point, Watkins.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, at least Fenix is trying to be sanitary before sharing that golf ball.”

Bubbles picks up the banana from his pocket and offers it to the commentary team, who refuse to acknowledge it. Bubbles gently places the banana down on the table and leaves it be.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “I wouldn’t touch that if I were you.”

Konchu Hao: “Do you take me for a fool, Watkins? Of course I’m not touching that!”

Back in the ring, Fenix offers the golf ball to Yamada, and Yamada has had enough of these games and kicks the golf ball out of Fenix’s hand! Fenix clutches his hand and shouts at Yamada…

“Hey, that hurt!”

Yamada goes for another kick on Fenix but this time Fenix ducks underneath and he drills Yamada with a forearm strike! Fenix repeats this offense a few more times until Yamada is backed into a corner, and Fenix tags in Xtacee. The two men take turns punching Yamada between vigorous hip thrusts and Savage tags himself in, knocks Jane and Hollis off the ring apron before charging toward Yamada and he squashes Yamada with a cannonball!

Jean-Luc Watkins: “An intriguing form of offense from the trio of Xtacee, Fenix, and Savage!”

Konchu Hao: “I’ve been on the receiving end of that cannonball from Savage, so I can relate to Yamada right now.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “You’ve never had two men punch you while thrusting their hips though, right?”

Konchu Hao: “I’m afraid not.”

The match starts to break down now as Hollis and Jane have re-entered the ring, but Fenix takes Jane down with The Britney Spear while Xtacee levels Hollis with Educated Feet! Savage throws Yamada toward Xtacee, who connects with another Educated Feet! Yamada stumbles into the waiting arms of Savage who hoists him up high for his Nasty Bomb as Fenix comes off the top with his SMD Meteora! Savage then hooks the leg for the pin…

ONE…TWO…THREE!

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: The Undisputed Xperienx by pinfall at 5:06.

Natalie Rosenberg: “Here are your winners of the match, Nate Savage, Jackson Fenix, and Xperienx Xtacee…The Undisputed Xperienx!”

Fenix and Xtacee jump on Nate and both of them hug him on each side, much to his chagrin, but there is a slight smile underneath that tough exterior of Nate Savage.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “It started off with fun and games but in the end it’s another win for The Undisputed Xperienx as they move on in the Trios Eliminator tournament! There is certainly no getting up from that combination of moves from the trio of Undisputed Xperienx!”

Konchu Hao: “I don't think there’s a snowball’s chance in hell he’ll be the same after that, and as interesting as that was, I wish to never experience that again.”

Fenix jumps into the waiting arms of Bubbles the Clown and shares a hug with his clown friend as they all exit the ring and the show rolls on…

We cut to the backstage area, where a slightly flustered (it's been a long few weeks for us all) Jon Russnow is busy at work in his office. Well, by 'busy at work', I mean that he's throwing darts at a board. Around the edge of the dartboard are words like 'BOUNTY', 'TOURNAMENT', and 'TRIOS, and after each dart sticks in he makes a careful note in his notepad before retrieving it. Eventually, he notices that he isn't alone and winks at the camera. He takes a sip of his white chocolate London Fog before addressing it.

Jon Russnow: "What a couple of weeks it's been, wrestling fans! 'Back in Business' was a record breaker, and the wheels just don't stop turning. Already, we've had to confront the sad news of Shawn Summers' retirement from professional wrestling, which leaves us with a vacant FWA Television Championship. Would've been considerate of Shawn to lose it before he left, but there you are. But these aren't my only stresses, comrades: last Thursday, on Meltdown, I had wrestlers queuing up at my door to demand opportunities on the upcoming Anniversary Show, and right here in Jamaica I have three of our newest talents already promising to rip each others' throats out…"

Here, the authority figure pauses. He shakes his head ruefully, the stresses of the job quite clearly taking their toll. He begins again in defiance of his sorrows.

Jon Russnow: "Well, they don't call me the troubleshooter without good reason, friends! I've decided to kill three birds with one stone! We're going to have ourselves a pair of triple threat matches on the 18th Anniversary Show in Barbados. If Madison Gray, Jack the Clipper, and Blake Taylor want to fight, they can! If El Vengador, Kleio De Santos, and Al Blizzard all want a match, they can have one against each other! And the winners of each of these matches will compete in a singles match in Kinshasa at Lights Out… to be crowned the new FWA Television Champion!!"

Satisfied with his judgments, Russnow takes another sip of his tea, forgetting how hot it is and burning the inside of his mouth. He sets is down and, whilst grumbling, goes back to his dartboard.

SPOILER: Click to show

{I KNOW YOU WANT ME || PITBULL}[MEDIA=youtube]hFoxg4IFtqc[/MEDIA]

There’s a positive reaction from the former Art of Wrestling star, Juan Tothrefor, very slowly staggers out from the back.

Natalie Rosenberg: "The following match is scheduled for one fall with a twenty-minute-time-limit! Introducing first, already in the ring, he is Mexico’s own… JJJJJJUAN TOOOOTHREEEEFOR!

Konchu Hao: “This guy doesn’t look so great.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “This should be a big night for Juan Tothrefor. His first match after officially signing a FWA contract but on Meltdown he was assaulted by that monster, The Great Maru.”

Clearly not in any condition to be out there, Juan continues to limp down to the ring, earning some more cheers from the crowd for just showing up for this match.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t like this at all, Konchu. Juan shouldn’t be out here… he needs to recover from that attack on Meltdown.”

Konchu Hao: “This is an opportunity of a lifetime though. Facing off against the North American Champion? Perhaps I can come up with an elixir for him because I’d love to see the upset.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Facing off against The Bastard at full health is no easy task… but going into the match with injuries is not a recipe for success. He’s going to need some magic to pull this off.”

Juan, clutching his midsection, rolls into the ring and then uses the ropes to pull himself up as he tries to play to the crowd, but immediately has to go back to clutching his side.

SPOILER: Click to show

{ANIMALS || NICKELBACK}[MEDIA=youtube]DLYwwtPA49w[/MEDIA]

The boos immediately pour in as the FWA North American Champion walks out from the back. Bryan “Bastard”, as he was self referred to at Back in Business walks out from the back, his title tucked away underneath his XXL Red Letterman Jacket. The Buddy System insignia has been replaced with just one word.

“Bastard.”

Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent, weighing in at three hundred, eleven pounds, from Hickory, North Carolina…. BIG BBBRRRRRYYYAAANN BBBAASSSSTARD!”

Konchu Hao: “At least he knows what he is. No arguments here.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “In case you missed it, Bryan Baxter declared himself Big Bryan Bastard at Back in Business, quite literally bringing out the Bastard inside him when he unleashed an all out assault on Mike Parr before their scheduled North American Title match would begin. It ultimately lead to an easy victory for Baxter at Back in Business and that’s why he still has that title around his waist.”

Baxter ignores the boos as he makes his way down to the ring, a confident grin on his face as he climbs into the ring. Baxter removes his belt as he holds it proudly up in the air, garnishing more boos from the crowd.

Abruptly, Baxter tosses the belt to the ground and charges at Tothrefor, attacking him with a high impact shoulder block, knocking his unsuspecting opponent to the ground as Larry Stevens slides the belt out of the ring and quickly calls for the bell.

SIXTH MATCH || 1/10.
Juan Tothrefor vs. Big Bryan Bastard.
Singles Match.
Match Writer: Dubb.

Baxter wastes no time after his cheapshot before the bell, stomping a mudhole into the back of Juan before pulling him back up to his feet. El Bastardo lifts Tothrefor up onto his shoulders,,, and runs, ramming Tothrefor’s back into the turnbuckle before running back to the center of the ring and power slamming the former Art of Lucha star into the center of the ring!

Baxter hooks the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

NO! Juan kicked out!

Konchu Hao: “How about that? It isn’t over yet!”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Juan may have more guts than brains. He’s clearly in no condition to be in the ring… just live to fight another day.”

Konchu Hao: “Something tells me this Juan Tothrefor is no coward like you Jean-Luc! He will see this fight through to the bitter end!”

Getting back up to his feet, Baxter argues with Larry Stevens over what he considered a slow count, giving Juan a chance to start to try and get up. Baxter notices Juan’s recovery and immediately kicks him in the face before lifting him back up and sending him into the corner with an Irish Whip.

Baxter charges in…

JUAN GETS BOTH BOOTS UP! They connect with Baxter’s jaw, sending him stumbling backwards! Perhaps feeling a rush of adrenaline despite the current condition he is in, Juan gets a head of steam and charges out of the corner..

Right into a back body drop from Baxter!

Baxter bounces off the ropes and comes in looking for a big splash to the fallen Tothrefor… but the Luchadore rolls out of the way! Baxter crashes to the canvas as Juan rolls under the ropes and to the floor to safety.

Despite temporarily avoiding more damage, Juan is clearly in rough shape, unable to immediately pull himself up at ringside. He clutches at the ring apron, desperately trying to get back to his feet while Baxter is back up in the ring.

The Bastard stares down the struggling Juan on the outside… and suddenly flashes a smirk. He runs to the opposite ropes, and sends all three hundred plus pounds of his body HURLING THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPES!

Jean-Luc Watkins: “My God… A TOPE SUICIDA FROM BRYAN BAXTER!”

Konchu Hao: “It would appear that the old dog learned some new tricks down in Mexico!”

El Bastardo’s body collides with Juan, crushing the smaller competitor down to the floor. Baxter pulls himself up as even the Jamaican crowd is impressed, giving Baxter a “HOLY SHIT” chant as he looks proud of himself, brushing himself off before grabbing and tossing Tothrefor back into the ring.

Bryan climbs back in, stepping through the ropes and grabs Tothrefor once more… hooking him by the head with a front face lock before grabbing his tights to lift him up into the air, spinning him back around and driving him head first into the canvas..

BASTARD DRIVER!

Big Bryan Bastard hooks the far leg.

ONE! TWO! THREE!

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winner: Big Bryan Bastard by pinfall at 2:42.

Baxter sits up on his knees with a proud grin on his face. The crowd pelts him with more boos as he stands up and is handed the North American Championship.

Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… Big Bryan Bastard!”

The Bastard gets to his feet and looks over to Natalie, motioning for the microphone. A stagehand brings one over.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Can you conjure up a spell so that we don’t have to hear this jerk?”

Konchu Hao: “Ahh, unfortunately not even my magic is that powerful.”

Baxter takes the microphone and begins to speak amidst the sea of boos.

Bryan Baxter: “You like that don’t ya?”

”BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Baxter scoffs and smirks.

Bryan Baxter: “I’ve had a busy couple of weeks. Back in Business I got in, what… a minute of work. And what did this one clock in at Natalie? Two? Three minutes of work. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Oh come on. Everyone knows both of those matches are incredibly tainted!”

Bryan Baxter: “Just keep settin’ em up and I’ll keep mowing them down. Let’s face the facts… I am the most dominant force in FWA. Perhaps FWA has ever seen! I’m untouchable! I’m unstoppable!”

Bryan lifts up the FWA North American Championship in the air.

Bryan Baxter: “This belt… it ain’t goin’ anywhere! People thought Parr would be the savior… the man with the most legendary of North American Championship reigns… the man synonymous with this title… but I destroyed him! You know what that means? There’s no one… and I mean… NO ONE who can take this belt from me!”

SPOILER: Click to show

{"COME AS YOU ARE || NIRVANA"}[MEDIA=youtube]vabnZ9-ex7o[/MEDIA]

The crowd becomes unglued as the music could only mean one thing. In the ring, Baxter’s confident expression quickly disappears.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “HERE WE GO! Big Bryan Bastard may have just bit off more than he can chew!”

The pop grows louder as the former FWA North American Champion, Chris Crowe - a man who never lost that very title - walks out from the back. While the crowd is elated, Crowe is more interested in the man in the ring, his eyes locked in tight on Baxter and that title around his shoulder.

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Look at that look on Crowe’s face… in his mind, that title has to be considered his. His run as champ was so dominant and he was taken out by injury… he never lost that belt! And let’s not forget the confrontation between these two at Carnal Contendership, and it being Baxter that eliminated Crowe in that match!”

Crowe slowly walks down to the ring, climbing up the steps and stepping through the ropes to enter the ring. He walks straight up to Baxter and they go nose to nose.

No words are spoken between the two.

Just an intense stare as the crowd demands a fight between the two…

But instead, Baxter just shakes his head and turns away, walking away from Crowe and exiting the ring, much to the disdain of the crowd. Boos rain down on Baxter as he walks away from the ring, back up the aisle, never turning around to look at Chris Crowe in the ring.

Meanwhile in the ring, Crowe lightly chuckles to himself as he keeps his eyes locked on Baxter’s exit.

Konchu Hao: “All talk and no action from the champ… typical bully behavior.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: “Not surprising at all, Konchu. But you can tell Chris Crowe has his eyes on that title… and from what we’ve seen from him in the past, it’s only a matter of time before these two paths cross!”

SPOILER: Click to show

{ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU || MARIAH CAREY}[MEDIA=youtube]NrGGIoDL6U4[/MEDIA]

There is a loud enough groan from the audience having to hear this song so early, that it almost drowns out the song entirely. There is an equal amount of confusion and annoyance in the arena, and both feelings only grow as the long intro plays out.

‘ALLLLLLLL I WANT
FOR CHRISTMAS
IS…
YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU’

Finally after much anticipation, the upbeat part of everyone’s favorite Christmas song begins and out of the curtain slowly stroll three wise men. Leading the trio out is Jeffry Mason, smoking a cigarette and sporting his black jeans and a white t-shirt with ‘Cuddlier Than a Cactus’ scrawled down it in black Sharpie. Fittingly, in addition to his normal outfit, he wears a classic red and white Santa hat on top of his mess of black hair.

A couple steps behind him walks TYLER, wearing his usual black pants and greyscale Union Jack mask. Atop the mask is a medium sized green and red gift bow, and he carries a large red Santa sack carefully slung over his shoulder.

Many paces behind the other two, Reagan Cole slowly walks behind them looking like he would rather be literally anywhere else but here right now. Foregoing the signature red jacket (probably not wanting to be mistaken as someone who is actually in support of whatever this Christmas nonsense is), Cole comes out in just basic jeans and a black tank top.

One by one, the trio climbs into the ring. The unusually giddy Savior grabs a mic from a ringside attendant. The music begins to fade.

Jeffry Mason: "No, no, no, keep it playing sound guy! What the fuck?"

For some reason, the sound guy gets the song back to normal volume and it plays all the way through, much to the chagrin of nearly everyone. The song finally comes to an end, and Mason is met with thunderous chants of ‘FUCK YOU JEFFRY!.’ Even more than usual, this reaction brings a huge smile to the deathmatch legend’s face. He completely ignores their chants and begins to speak loudly in a barely successful attempt to be louder than the crowd.

Jeffry Mason: "Well, I know it’s a little late for Christmas in July. But it’s never too early to be in the Christmas spirit, is it? HO HO HO!"

The fans in the arena continue to boo. Meanwhile, Reagan Cole leans on the corner with his head down and shaking, clearly frustrated and questioning why he puts up with this nonsense.

Jeffry Mason: "You’re all probably wondering what in the hell The Savior of Death is coming out here dressed in a Santa hat for, right? Or why TYLER is out here carrying a big sack of gifts? Well I don’t have a whole ton of time, so let me cut straight to the point. I’m proud to announce that this year for Christmas, Jolly Old Saint Jeff has a vision.

See, I’m a pretty giving man. Look what I did for that young rookie Keegan Role last year for his birthday. It was a damn shame I couldn’t give him a rematch this year, but shit happens. I feel really bad about that, and I’m here to make it up to the Keegmaster by officially announcing him as the first entrant of the first annual Jeffry Mason Orphanage Onslaught Classic!

What is the Jeffry Mason Orphanage Onslaught Classic? I’m glad you all asked. December 25th, Christmas Day, yours truly will be hosting a one night holiday themed deathmatch tournament. And better yet, all the proceeds will go to saving an orphanage, just like all those classic movies! The orphanage shall be named at a later date, of course, as I’m still searching for an orphanage that is in desperate enough financial need to allow such a night of violence and depravity. But trust me, I’m hard at work finding one. Surely there must be a nun out there that will fall for my charm. It’s a small price to pay to save the place for all the orphans to be taken care of, right?"

Mason winks at the camera. The boos begin to slow down, but are clearly still audible.

Jeffry Mason: "I don’t get it. Are you people booing Christmas? Orphans? Charity? What’s wrong with you, do you all WANT to get coal?"

At this point Reagan has had enough. He turns away from the turnbuckles and goes over to Jeffry, and fiercely snatches the microphone from his hand.

Reagan Cole: "Maybe these people DO want Cole."

A portion of the crowd lets out some cheers and whistles, though many just go silent, no longer as behind Cole as they once may have been. Reagan could care less right now though, as he’s laser focused on the Necessary Evil leader.

Reagan Cole: "Let’s cut the bullshit Jeff. I agreed to come out here with you so you can make your big announcement, and you did. Well congrats. You told me in the car after Back in Business that you walked out because you didn’t want to put up with a ‘comedy bullshit filler match’ right? I didn’t really buy that, but I bit my tongue because what else could I do? But now? You ruined my shot at those ‘comedy’ titles, but then you come out here dressed like an asshole in your stupid Santa hat and announce some meaningless, self-serving show that you don’t have a venue for and probably isn’t even approved by the FWA? It might not be comedy, but I sure as hell can’t help but laugh at the hypocrisy. I don’t ask for much, but I think you owe me an answer. Why did you and TYLER walk out on me in that battle royal?"

Jeffry now takes the mic and turns away from Cole, casually leaning on the top rope before bringing the mic to his grinning face.

Jeffry Mason: "You really wanna know why I walked out on you, Reag? Hahaha."

Reagan impatiently waits for an answer.

He is instead met with the CRASH of a light tube to the back of the head from TYLER, who unbeknownst to Reagan had slipped it out of Santa’s sack. Caught by surprise, Reagan’s reflexes cause him to go to a knee. TYLER plants a foot on the back of Reagan’s other leg and grabs his arms from behind in a double underhook, leaving him helpless on his knees. Jeffry turns back around, still sporting a shiteating grin, and walks over to Cole. He leans over a bit to get his face within inches of the British Apprentice before speaking.

Jeffry Mason: "Why did we walk out on you Reag? You really want to know? God, for someone who spends most of their time researching, you really are a stupid motherfucker sometimes."

Mason lands a pair of hard right forearm shots to the forehead of the already dazed Cole.

Jeffry Mason: "We’ve been together as a team for what, a year now? And what have you accomplished in that time, huh? Oh sure, you had your little Tag Title run. You had a few big moments and matches. But really in the grand scheme of things, what the fuck have you done that actually meant anything? HUH?"

The uncharacteristically angry and yelling Mason puts the mic up to Cole’s mouth, but brings it back to his own before getting an answer.

Jeffry Mason: "Not a goddamn thing, exactly!"

Mason reaches in the bag and retrieves another light tube. He signals for TYLER to bring Cole to his feet. He does so and steps aside. Jeffry brings the second light tube crashing over the head of Cole, almost instantly creating a small trickle of blood from his forehead. Before he can even react, Mason takes a few running steps and sends Cole to the ground with the Saigon Kick. Cole begins to crawl to the ropes, but TYLER plants his foot on the back of his neck to stop him in place. Mason takes a cross legged seat in front of him, making sure Cole’s gaze is directed right at him. He calms back down before speaking to the restrained Cole.

Jeffry Mason: "You wanna know why we walked out on you, Reagan? Yeah, I did think it was a filler comedy match. And sure, I have a history of not caring about titles. But if you think we cost you that match for my benefit, you’ve got it all wrong. We did what we did simply to keep you from embarrassing yourself. You think anyone gives a shit about who the Trios champs are? You think a year from now anyone will even remember your Tag Title reign with some joshi nobody?

Maybe, maybe not. But you know what everyone WILL remember? They’re never gonna let you live down the fact that you blew yet another big shot. A golden opportunity, if you will. And what a nice way to cap off this losing streak you’ve been on lately, right? A losing streak that’s clearly been getting to your head, because if you were thinking even remotely clearly, you wouldn’t be out here getting all pissy with me about losing some little battle royal when the very next show you have a fucking World Title shot!

Get him up TY, he’s clearly not gonna do shit anyway."

TYLER releases his boot from Reagan’s neck and lifts him to a standing position. Blood has now covered one side of his face from having his head pressed into a small pool of it. Jeffry stands face to face with the now unrestrained Reagan. When Reagan shows no sign of immediately fighting back, Mason slaps Reagan, almost a chop to the face, sending a small mist of blood in the air and leaving Jeffry’s hand covered in red. He presses his palm onto his own white t-shirt, leaving an imperfect bloody handprint on the fabric.

Jeffry Mason: "You have a World Title shot, dude. And you fucking earned it with your performance in Carnal Contendership. But you wanna piss that away worrying about petty bullshit? You think you’re in any frame of mind to survive against some of the best talent in this damn company inside a structure like Steel Roulette? Look at you, you’re pathetic in this state. A couple shots and you already look like you’ve given up, and there’s only two of us right now."

Mason now delivers a trifecta of right hands to Cole, causing blood to now start trickling from his nose.

Jeffry Mason: "And no one comes out here to help you either, do they Cole? Is that because they are afraid of me? Or is it because you have no one left?"

Shaking his head, slightly confused at Reagan’s refusal to go down, Mason reaches in the sack again and slowly gathers a staple gun and a photograph. It’s a photo of Reagan’s son, Jason, and his wife, Sarah. He holds the photo up to Reagan, causing a slight stream of a tear from his eye. Mason turns the photo around and staples it violently to his head, then adds another staple for good measure. Still Reagan stands with the photo over his face, willing himself to not go down to this. He couldn’t give Jeffry the satisfaction of dishonoring his family like that. But yet… he couldn’t find it in himself to fight back.

Jeffry Mason: "The next time you look in the mirror, now you don’t have to look at all of the shame and lack of confidence and self-loathing you’ve been building up. Now, you can look and see two people who actually ARE still there for you. I kept my word and stayed away from them, just like you wanted. But what kept YOU away, Reagan? The only reason you do this, the only thing you do ANY of this shit for, is your family. And you’ve gotten so low that you can’t even bring yourself to look them in the eye. How do you think that makes ME feel, Reagan?"

Mason turns to look away from Reagan and pauses for a moment, hanging his head slightly.

Jeffry Mason: "You can go see your son and your wife any time you want, and yet you don’t. You can call them and hear their voices, you can get pictures of all the fun things you miss at home when you’re on the road. And all because you’re protecting them from me? Bullshit. You’re scared they won’t think of you the same. But you’re dead wrong. They’re there for you no matter what. Or at least, they are for now. But at least you get that opportunity. Me? I can’t go home and sip coffee with my dead wife. I’m not hearing about how school went from my dead kid. And for 9 years, I haven’t gotten to see or hear from my daughter who DID survive the crash."

Jeffry snaps back around and gets in Reag’s face, a small stream of tears now running down Jeffry’s cheek.

Jeffry Mason: "9 FUCKING YEARS, REAGAN!

And until right this moment, you were one of only a handful of people to know about that, and yet you still take it for granted. I can’t tell at this point if you’re doing it to hurt me or if you really don’t realize what a slap in the face that is, but either way it stops NOW! Because at Anniversary, you’re not just getting one Golden Opportunity, but two. You’re gonna walk into the Roulette, and you’re gonna have your shot at that World Title that you’ve chased for so long now. And whether you win or you lose, you’re going home and you’re taking advantage of your real Golden Opportunity.

Because if you win, you’re flying your ass back across the pond and going to take pictures of Jason wearing YOUR World Title, and maybe pop some champagne with Sarah. And if you lose, then you’re still going home and you’re gonna make everything right. You’re gonna go and spend some time with some of the only couple people left who still give a shit about you, and make you remember what it is that you still fight for in the first place!"

This garners a surprising amount of applause. Jeffry steps back and glances briefly at the crowd, grabs a third light tube from the sack, then stares back at Reagan.

Jeffry Mason: "Whatever the outcome is, you’re gonna go spend time with that family. And whether that’s a couple of days or a couple of months, you’re gonna come back and start kicking ass and winning matches with THIS family. Because this guy right next to me? TYLER never stopped having your back. TYLER is your fucking family-o! And whether you realize it or not, Jeffry Mason is your family, too! I might have my own goals for this little group we have, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have your back for your own goals, too. You proved me wrong at King of the Deathmatch when you came back to try to save me from those explosions. You aren’t the selfish prick I thought you were a year ago. In two weeks, you get to prove EVERYONE wrong when Reagan Cole walks out of Anniversary as the World fucking Champ."

Jeffry takes the light tube and swings it over Reagan’s bloody head, sending glass splinters everywhere. At this point, it hardly seems to phase Cole. In fact, there is the faintest hint of a smile beginning to form.

Jeffry Mason: "But none of that can happen if you don’t…"

Mason hits a vicious European uppercut to Reagan’s jaw.

Jeffry Mason: "…start…"

He grabs Reagan by the back of the head with his left hand and nails another forearm to his face.

Jeffry Mason: "…fighting…"

He rips the stapled photo off of Cole’s crimson face and lets it fall to the ground before hitting another forearm.

Jeffry Mason: "…BACK!"

This time Mason grabs him with both hands and hits a massive headbutt that creates a sickening thud. Still not budging, Mason steps away and feels a trickle of his own blood down his face now. He takes his shirt off and tosses it down, then motions to TYLER with a nod, who understands the signal and picks up one of the jagged ends of broken light tube.

Jeffry Mason: "You took me to my limit in my own element. You’ve had all sorts of violent experience gained being around me. Fuck, you’ve been fighting and surviving your entire life even before we met, man! It’s who you are, it’s what you do best! Quit being a sad little bitch and be the best Reagan Cole you’ve ever been!"

Another nod to TYLER, and he steps in between the two men, glass in hand. Surprisingly, it’s Mason who he turns to, though. He brings the sharp piece of glass in his hand and grinds it into the right side of Jeffry’s chest, dragging it down in a straight line about 4 inches. Not extremely deep, but enough to cause immediate droplets of blood to form. The Savior of Death grins and holds one arm outstretched, freely allowing this twisted torture to be brought onto himself. Reagan looks slightly puzzled at first, but allows the smile to grow as he slowly realizes what’s going on. Mason begins to talk using his other arm as TYLER begins to carve some diagonal lines.

Jeffry Mason: "I might not have the most traditional way of showing it, but I really do care about you, dude. You might not have a lot of people left, but I’m your friend. I haven’t gone anywhere, and I’m not going anywhere. Sometimes I’ve gotta show some tough love, but it’s love all the same. A necessary evil, right?"

TYLER drops the piece of tube and steps away from The Savior. Mason takes his hand and wipes away some of the blood on his chest, making it much clearer to make out TYLER’s handiwork. It’s crudely done with no curved lines, similar to a bored troubled senior carving his favorite band name into his desk, but there on Jeffry’s chest read two letters:

R C

Jeffry now bends down and retrieves what appears to be the last tube from the sack. After a small pause, he extends it toward Reagan.

Jeffry Mason: "So what’s it gonna be, Reag? Have I literally beaten the fight back into you yet? Are you ready to finally get everything you’ve ever wanted out of life? Or are you gonna keep being the loser that so many of the fans and guys in the back think you have been all along? The choice is yours. Either fight back. Or give up for good, dude."

A thud is heard from the microphone being dropped to the canvas. For the first time this entire encounter, Reagan Cole peels his gaze away from Jeffry and looks down at the light tube being handed to him. As if in slow motion, he takes hold of the glass cylinder with one hand. Then two. And then…

SMASH!

With all the force he has in his body and with more determination than he’s had in months, he swings for the fences with the tube and shatters it right across Mason’s new ‘tattoo.’ An enormous gasp and very mixed reaction washes over the crowd.

Shaking from the emotion and now both very bloody, Reagan Cole and Jeffry Mason stare at each other and just smile. Completely ignoring the chest wound, Jeffry steps forward and gives Reagan Cole a huge hug, and TYLER shortly joins in as well. Reagan doesn’t quite return it, but he doesn’t fight it off either. They break away and Jeff and TYLER exit the ring. Reagan kinda just stands there for a moment before they call after him, and he follows them from a few paces behind.

Returning to Fallout for the final time for the night, Natalie Rosenberg is in the middle of the ring, waiting for her cue.

Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall… and it is for the FWA World Tag Team Championships!"

However, before any entrances can take place, the cameras rapidly cut to backstage where FTN AND AKA MANTO ARE ALREADY GETTING INTO IT!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "We know that Aka Manto were desperate to get another bite at the tag team champions and from the looks of things, it seems like they did not wish to wait until the match had officially started. That’s the entrance way of the arena and they’re really going for it back there!"

Konchu Hao: "High time that someone stopped that terribly-long entrance that FTN employ to troll their opponents - good on Aka Manto. KEHAHAHA!”

There is a cheer from the crowd as Chris Peacock and Keiko Hirabayashi emerge from the back, with Peacock fleeing from ‘The Mistress in Blue’ as she pursues him towards the ring. He seems unable to properly defend himself as he holds both of his championships close to his chest. Behind them appear Alyster Black and Aka Yurei, who are in the process of knocking lumps out of each other, but it seems that ‘Black Jesus’ is getting the better of it.

Chris Peacock rolls into the ring as Natalie Rosenberg escapes and the dual champion looks for solace behind the back of Larry Stevens, the appointed official for the match. Keiko decides to leave Peacock be and she turns around to assist Aka, cutting Black off with a sledge to the back. Together, Aka Manto get Black down onto the floor and then Aka nods at Keiko and makes her way over to the ring, entering it as well.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, with Chris Peacock and Aka Yurei in the ring, I think this match can start… both Alyster Black and Keiko Hirabayashi will take their places in their respective corners."

Stevens tries to restore some order and he provides instructions to both Peacock and Yurei, but Peacock blows this off and goes to speak to Alyster Black, who is now up on the apron. FTN deposit their championships on the steps closest to the entrance ramp and Peacock gives a nod that he is ready to begin.

SEVENTH MATCH || MAIN EVENT || 1/60.
FTN [Chris Peacock & Alyster Black] [c] vs. Aka Manto [Aka Yurei & Keiko Hirabayashi].
Tag Team Match for the FWA World Tag Team Championships).
Match Writer: Man.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "There’s the bell, and things are going to get underway here in our main event match after that pre-bell exchange. We’ve got Aka Yurei with a chance to share the ring with the FWA World Champion, Chris Peacock.

“Peacock had some less-than-pleasant things to say about Aka Manto on Meltdown, and we’re going to see if those words will come back to bite him, should they have lit a fire underneath ‘The Crimson Ghost’."

Both Peacock and Yurei begin to circle the ring after some order has been restored and whilst the challenger’s determination and focus is clear to see, the dual champion seems much more laid back about proceedings. Peacock takes a step closer to Aka and attempts to initiate a grapple, but Aka evades his grasp and then delivers a straight punch directly to the ribs! The still-recovering broken ribs of Peacock take an early hint, and the swearing and shouting from Peacock makes it clear that he definitely felt that one.

Yurei looks to grab Peacock around the waist, but a strong elbow dripping with annoyance cuts her off and sends her back a couple of paces. Peacock meets Aka with a boot to the midsection, which doubles her over, and he goes for another from below directly to the face, but Aka stands straight to dodge it. With Peacock’s leg still high, Aka adjusts her footing and grabs him between the legs… Teardrop Suplex!

There are some laughs from the watching crowd as Peacock holds his groin, paying for his underestimation of Yurei. He shuffles on his backside across the mat and tags in Alyster Black, who enters as Peacock leaves onto the apron.

Konchu Hao: "KEHAHAHAHA! That was most amusing. That appendage our World Champion holds so dear… He’ll probably be feeling like his cousin Lim after that one!”

Jean-Luc Watkins: "A strong start for Aka Manto here, but now Aka Yurei must deal with Alyster Black, who wastes no time in rushing her!"

A running Forearm Smash from Black knocks Yurei down onto the mat and she holds her face, turning onto her front. Aka holds her nose, but Black then grabs both of her arms and attempts to get them behind her back to enable him to drive her back into the mat with a Curbstomp - but Aka manages to shake herself out of it and she rushes to get a tag to her tag team partner, Keiko.

Keiko comes in and she rushes towards Black, but the former X Champion meets her and cuts her off in her tracks with a Headbutt! Keiko holds her head on the mat and Black picks her up and sends her into the FTN corner, and he makes a tag back in to Peacock, who slingshots himself over the top rope and back into the ring. Black holds Keiko in place and Peacock strikes her with a couple of jabs, and then spins on the spot and then drops her with a final punch to the face.

The FWA World Champion stands over ‘The Mistress in Blue’ and shows a level of disrespect by then standing on her chest and flexing his biceps, until Keiko shrugs him off from down on the mat. Peacock snarls and then drops a leg across her throat with a Splits Leg Drop! Peacock leaves his leg on top of Keiko’s chest and Larry Stevens gets down to make the cover;

ONE… TW-NO!!

It is not enough for the champions to put their challengers away, and in kicking out, Keiko shoves Peacock’s leg off of her and kips up, whilst Peacock appears to be stuck in the splits on the mat. With his leg extended, Keiko jumps into the air and lands down on his knee with a Double Foot Stomp! Peacock attempts to reach up for a tag to Black, but Keiko drags him away towards the middle of the ring.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Chris Peacock getting a taste of his own medicine there; it was his work on Cyrus Truth’s knee which enabled him to retain the FWA World Championship at Back in Business but that time it was Keiko Hirabayashi targeting his own."

Konchu Hao: "That retention was actually due to the nefarious doings of a commentator who would do well to learn his place, Jean-Luc! Epsilon agrees, too.”

Jean-Luc Watkins: "My apologies, Konchu."

There is a quick flash of Epsilon crossed arms and nodding along to what Konchu was saying, before attention turns back to the ring where Keiko has Peacock on his back and she drops an elbow down across the side of his knee. Keiko then wrenches back on Peacock’s knee to contort it out of position and she uses a spare arm to strike him in the hurt ribs at the same time!

It is an awkward position for Peacock, but he uses the anger from the shot to the ribs to shove Keiko away. Both look to go for a tag out, but Peacock finds that his leg is slightly sleepy and Keiko tags in Aka before Peacock can hop towards Black… and Yurei comes in and wipes Peacock out from behind with a Chop Block! Peacock falls onto his back, holding his knee and Aka quickly flips him onto his back…

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Aka Manto have a clear strategy here, and it is to target Chris Peacock… and now Aka Yurie threads her hand through, turning Peacock over… Texas Cloverleaf is locked in!"

Peacock screams in pain as a result of the submission being applied, clawing at the mat to try and drag himself towards the ropes.

Konchu Hao: "Yes, the desperate screams of a doomed man; even better when this man has wronged a friend of mine, too.”

However, whilst the hold seems to be doing some decent damage to Chris Peacock, Aka has has back turned to Alyster Black and this allows him to enter the ring and strike her from behind! The crowd aren’t too happy as Aka drops to the mat holding the back of her head. ‘Black Jesus’ ignores the crowd’s displeasure with his actions and he drags Peacock towards the FTN corner and then tags himself back in from the apron.

On the other side of the ring, Yurei makes a tag to Keiko and once again Alyster looks to cut her off as soon as she enters the ring, but this time Keiko is ready for it and she catches Black out with a Drop Toehold. Black lands flat on his face and holds his face. His other arm is at a right angle to the mat and Keiko stomps down onto the point of his elbow! There is a loud curse from Black’s mask as he holds his arm close to his chest.

Keiko grabs the arm and wrings it, bringing Black up to his feet, but he chops down onto Keiko’s hands to release her grip and then cracks her in the face with a Rolling Elbow!

Konchu Hao: "Stealing moves? Are there no depths that these two will not stoop to in their pursuit to disrespect every being in the company?”

Keiko is felled by the move, and Black charges across the ring and knocks Aka Yurei down from the apron! The cheap shot sends Aka falling onto the floor and she seems to land awkwardly, twisting her knee. After doing that, Black tags Peacock back into the ring and then lines Aka up on the outside and then dives through the ropes - taking out ‘The Crimson Ghost’ with an Elbow Suicida!

Chris Peacock watched on whilst Black dove through the ropes and he lifts Keiko from the mat and tosses her over the top rope to the outside where she lands in a heap next to Alyster Black’s feet. Slapping his knee, Peacock measures Keiko up as well and he ignores the warnings of Alyster Black to go for the same move he did. The dual champion hits the ropes and is prepared to fly - but puts on the brakes as Alyster Black gets in the way!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "There we have Alyster Black warning Peacock off of that Elbow Suicida - Peacock has tried it numerous times and it has never come off for him! Even the FWA World Champion has his limitations, it would seem."

Konchu Hao: "A primary one being his inability to win a match on his own without assistance from one of the plebeians he associates himself with. In all of the bickering, Alyster Black has forgotten about Aka Yurei!”

Unbeknownst to Alyster Black, Aka Yurei is back up and she climbs up the steps on the outside, and she leaps from the top step and takes Black down with a Diving Frankensteiner! Yurei then lifts Keiko up from the floor… but neither Aka Manto member had noticed Chris Peacock exit the ring and he runs around the steps and takes them both down at ringside with a Double Spear!

Peacock favours his ribs for a moment and then grabs the legal competitor - Keiko - and rolls her back into the ring. The FWA World Champion then scoops her up onto his shoulders and starts spinning her around in an Airplane Spin…

Jean-Luc Watkins: "He spins her right round like a record… and into the Samoan Drop! Dance Dance Revolutions! Peacock hooks a leg…"

ONE… TWO… THR-NO!!!

Again lifting Keiko up from the mat, Peacock sends her into the turnbuckle and looks to follow up quickly with a splash in the corner, but Keiko avoids it and Peacock goes ribs-first into the top turnbuckle! Hirabayashi quickly scales his back and hooks both of his arms and drops him down into a Crucifix Pin!

ONE… TWO… TH-NO!!!

From the pin, Peacock rolls all the way back and Keiko springs up. Both go for the same thing - a Clothesline - and both go down! Both Peacock and Hirabayashi are down on the mat, looking up at the lights.

Konchu Hao: "This happened in my match earlier… what is this lunacy? Does Chris Peacock have anything original about him?”

With both legal competitors in the match down, both of their respective partners are back on the apron and they reach out for tags. Alyster Black stretches as much as he can as Peacock crawls towards him. On the other side of the ring, Keiko leaps into the air…

AND TAGS IN AKA YUREI!

JUST AS PEACOCK DOES THE SAME!

Alyster Black and Aka Yurei pick up straight from where they left off in the pre-match brawl and start laying into each other with strong strikes to the heads and chests. A big chop from Black knocks Aka back a few paces, but she comes straight back at him with an ear-splitting slap across the face! Black holds his cheek and then goes for a slap of his own, but Aka manages to block it and catch his arm.

Yurei gets behind Black and tries to apply a Crossface Chickenwing - the Early Grave - but Black fights and spins out of it. He keeps hold of Aka’s arm and sends her straight into the corner, sternum-first! Black follows her in and strikes her in the back of the head once again, and then spins her around. He looks around at the fans and they are visibly less enthused as usual as BLACK INVITES YUREI TO A VIOLENCE PARTY!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Elbow. Chop. Punch. Punch. Chop. Elbow. This is one party you do not want to attend, wrestling fans."

The strikes cause Aka to become limp in the corner and Black quickly scoops her up onto his shoulders and then sends her into the mat with a Death Valley Driver! Black pops up and then goes for a pin on Yurei;

ONE… TWO… THREE-NO!!

The pin is broken up by Keiko at the last second! It is not clear whether it would have been enough to get the win for FTN, but Hirabayashi stomps on the back of Black’s head to break up the pin. However, before she can do anything further, Chris Peacock gets back up and tries to knock her down, but she avoids the Clothesline attempt from the FWA World Champion. Peacock puts the brakes on and then shoots his fist up into the air, catching Keiko in the face with Fight Fever as she attempted to follow up.

Alyster Black is back up and FTN decide to team up on Keiko, elevating her up into the air for a Double Suplex, but she elegantly manages to float over them and she lands on her feet. A smarting Aka Yurei is up as well and Aka Manto connect with stereo Dropkicks to the FWA World Tag Team Champions! Both Peacock and Black drop down to the mat and then Keiko retreats to the apron, with Chris Peacock rolling to the FTN corner as well.
Konchu Hao: "This match seems very delicately poised, Jean-Luc. Aka Manto are making a very good account of themselves here tonight. Most impressive.”

Aka Yurei lifts Alyster Black up from the mat and she hits him with another couple of chops and slaps to the face. This lights a fire under Black and he tries striking back, but Yurei ducks his elbow strike and then sends him into the ropes… where Chris Peacock reaches across and tags himself back into the match. This is seemingly unknown to Yurei as when Black comes back she DRIVES HIM INTO THE MAT WITH THE SOUL CRUSHER!!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "There’s the Soul Crusher - the Sourukurasshā - and Aka Yurei would surely have it here… were it not for that blind tag by Chris Peacock. Alyster Black is not the legal man in this match and as thus cannot be pinned!"

Black’s chest is stomped into the mat and Aka drops down to make the cover, certain she is about to deliver Aka Manto the tag titles, but the referee refuses to count as Chris Peacock is the legal man! Aka protests to the official for a moment, but when she turns around she gets kicked in the midsection by Peacock - and he hits her with the Disco Thriller Stunner! The impact sends Aka careening backwards and into her corner, where Keiko tags herself in.

Alyster Black rolls out of the ring, as does Aka. This happens whilst Keiko sets herself up on the top rope as Peacock gets up from hitting the stunner. She looks to take flight, but Peacock dodges it. However, Keiko rolls through upon landing and then waits for Peacock to turn around. When she does, she boots him in the midsection and then looks to set him up for THE SIREN’S CALL - BUT PEACOCK BACK BODY DROPS HER OUT OF IT!

Stumbling forward, Peacock stops himself in the corner and then turns around to see Keiko getting back up to her feet and he CHARGES FORWARD AND RUNS KEIKO INTO THE CORNER… AND PLANTS HER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MAT WITH A SPINEBUSTER! THE ROLLER DISCO!!

Peacock goes to make the cover, but there’s no count! Upon closer inspection, he sees that Larry Stevens is down on the mat - AS THE REFEREE WAS SANDWICHED IN THE CORNER WHEN PEACOCK CHARGED KEIKO IN!!

Konchu Hao: "Disaster strikes for our glorious World Champion - he surely would have won this match but now it is he who is caught out.”

Despite a couple of attempts to revive Stevens, Peacock decides that there’s no luck or chance that he’s going to do it. He stands with his hands on his hips for a moment, unsure of what to do. Aka Yurei gets back up onto the apron… but Peacock runs over and knocks her off! The dual champion then turns his attention back to Keiko, BUT KEIKO SUDDENLY SPRINGS BACK TO LIFE… DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN… THE BLUE SCORPION IS LOCKED IN!!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "This is a weakened Chris Peacock; his ribs from Back in Business will be restricting his mobility and his breathing in this submission… although if he does submit there’s no referee here to see it!"

Konchu Hao: "This fool would also sooner pass out than submit, as we saw before Back in Business against weaselbeing.”

As Chris Peacock struggles in the hold, his hand hovering above the mat… there is a commotion of sorts from the crowd as someone sprints out from the back. This person is not very agile or even mobile and their clothes are torn and tattered.

Konchu Hao: "It cannot be…”

Jean-Luc Watkins: "It can be. It is Allen Price. What is he doing out here!"

Price runs towards the ring apron and whilst clearly out of breath, collects the FWA World Championship from the ring steps and then rolls into the ring with it. Keiko Hirabayashi is completely unaware of Price’s presence in the ring so she does not see it coming when ALLEN PRICE CRACKS HER IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH THE BELT!!!

The crowd are NUCLEAR in their reaction as Keiko falls flat on her face, releasing Peacock from the hold and Peacock takes a sigh of relief. Price grins for a moment but then his eyes widen… as KONCHU HAO IS UP FROM HIS PLACE AT THE DESK! The headset is removed, and both Konchu and Epsilon start to make their way towards him. Price escapes the ring, dropping the championship.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Allen Price was warned. Now I think that Konchu Hao is going to pay up on the promise made by Cyrus Truth earlier on tonight."

Price quickly leaves the ring and starts to back up the ramp as Konchu and Epsilon take a flank each around the ring. Just when it looks like he may escape, the crowd explodes into cheers as CYRUS TRUTH EMERGES FROM THE BACK! Allen Price is totally trapped on the ramp, with Truth on the stage and Konchu at the end of it… AND HE VAULTS HIMSELF INTO THE CROWD, AND STARTS RUNNING AWAY THROUGH THE FANS!!!

There is a moment of hysteria in the crowd as some even try to get some shots into the weaselly commentator, but eventually Price disappears from view. Although it is clear that Cyrus Truth and Konchu Hao are extremely angered by his involvement in this match.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "A very lucky escape for Allen Price - one can hardly imagine what would have happened should Cyrus have gotten his hands on him… Wait.. in the ring… Peacock covers Keiko… Larry Stevens is back to make the count!"

The count from the groggies referee is slow and painful for the fans to watch. A grin forms on Chris Peacock’s face, directed at both Truth and Konchu.

…

…

ONE!

…

…

…

TWO!!

…

…

…

…

…

THREE!!!

…

…

…

NO!! KEIKO GOT A SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST SECOND!!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Listen to this reception! Aka Manto are still in this match, although Keiko is looking worse for wear and Aka Yurei is still down on the floor… they could still be working on borrowed time."

There was not any sort of reaction to that from Cyrus Truth, who now watches with his arms crossed. In the ring, Chris Peacock is beside himself and he slams his fist into the mat and then notices Alyster Black back on the apron and he rushes across and tags his partner back in. FTN have a brief discussion and then decide that they’re going to end it now.

Black picks Keiko up from the mat and places her up onto his shoulders as Peacock climbs the turnbuckle; FTN looking for some sort of double team finisher. Peacock steadies himself and goes for a LEG LARIAT FROM THE TOP - BUT KEIKO DUCKS IT AND PEACOCK CRASHES DOWN ONTO THE APRON! KEIKO THEN ROLLS BLACK DOWN INTO A VICTORY ROLL!!!

…

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ONE!

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TWO!!

…

…

…

THREE-NO!!!

Alyster Black kicks out and both he and Keiko pop up from the pin… but BLACK REACTS QUICKER AND RUNS THROUGH KEIKO WITH THE ONE SHOT KILL!!! It feels as if the life has been sucked out of the crowd as Black pushes both of her shoulders down onto the mat.

…

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ONE!

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TWO!!

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AKA YUREI LEAPS TO MAKE THE SAVE!

…

…

…

BUT SHE CAN’T GET THERE IN TIME!!

…

THREE!!!

SPOILER: Click to show

{RESULT}Winners: FTN by pin fall at 17:44.

As ‘Try A Little Tenderness’ begins to play, Alyster Black drops to the mat and puts his hands on his hips, frustrated with how difficult that defence proved to be. He is met by Chris Peacock, though, who has the FWA World Championship in his hand. Black’s eyes linger on the title he will be challenging for at the Anniversary Show for a moment, but not for long enough for Peacock to notice. Aka Manto leave the ring, with Aka checking on Keiko and thanking her friend for the valiant effort.

Natalie Rosenberg: "Here are your winners and STILL the FWA World Tag Team Champions… FTNNNNNNNNNN!!!!"

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Despite a strong performance from Aka Manto, FTN remain the FWA World Tag Team Champions here tonight on Fallout 032. Although, once again, a sizable assist can be given to Allen Price."

Peacock and Black rise to their feet together and both seem to be asking for their tag titles, questioning the official who points them in the direction of the base of the ramp. FTN see the FWA World Tag Team Championships… in the hands of Cyrus Truth and Konchu Hao!

Jean-Luc Watkins: "Now this is interesting."

FTN are incensed in the ring and they demand the titles are handed over to them. Truth and Konchu stare at each other for a moment and a small smirk forms on Cyrus’s face as Konchu laughs to himself. They share a nod and then deposit the titles on the ring apron which FTN duly collect.

With their apparent intentions clear, Cyrus and Konchu leave together with Epsilon up the ramp and their backs turned on FTN in the ring. As Black and Peacock hold their titles together, both of their eyes once again turn to the FWA World Championship and this time Chris does notice Alyster eyeing up his gold.

Jean-Luc Watkins: "We know Chris Peacock said Cyrus Truth didn’t have a hope of taking the FWA World Championship from him… but that’s not the only gold he possesses.

But with five competitors coming after his FWA World Championship at our Anniversary Show, who knows what could happen before Cyrus and Konchu come back for FTN?"