At the same time a countdown appears on screen.
The guitar riff is playing over this countdown.
When the countdown reaches zero, there’s a pause, and then the rest of the hard hitting instruments kick in.
Rapid action shots of Keith Owens bashing people with light tubes are shown.
Caskets are flying over the edge of stages.
Dwayne Bishop and Jaime Alejandro powerbomb Keith Owens through the announce table!
Mike Lane Shadow Kicks a jobber iinto next week.
Mike Stryker has the New York Cloverleaf locked and his opponent is screams in agony.
The Wild Boys perform a double suplex on someone.
Diamond Del Carver executes the Diamond Death Drop on someone.
We cut to Keith Owens drilling David Kurresh with the Difference Maker, and then the song hits with a giant drum roll.
The intro video ends and we flash to the Annihilation logo.
ON
Cue the huge boom of the indoor pyrotechnics display.
BOOM!!
BOOM!!!
(JB) Welcome to another edition of Annihilation on TNT. I’m JB Mann along side Tom “The Bear” Kalhoun.
The camera cuts to the ringside announcer’s table, where JB Mann and Tom “The Bear” Kalhoun are standing by.
(Tom) And right now, we’re going to cut straight to the action and see Trevor Cunning beat the holy hell out of Ainsley Lake.
Trevor Cunning vs. Ainsley Lake
NO HOLDS BARRED
(Troy) Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is a No Hold Barred contest scheduled for one fall with a 45 Minute time limit. Introducing first, about to make his way to the ring, he hails from Greenwich, Connecticut, and weighs in at 268 pounds, this is…
“Sober” by Tool kicks in, and Trevor Cunning appears in the aisle, and starts to make his way down to the ring. Cunning is wearing a blue and white tear away tracksuit. As he reaches the ringside area, he removes the tracksuit, and stands there in his Navy blue and white singlet, white boots, wrist tape, knee, and elbow pads. Cunning has a disgusted looking sneer on his face as he climbs the steps into the ring. The fans are showering The Godfather with boos, but Cunning doesn't even seem to notice.
“Kiss Me Deadly” as covered by Reel Big Fish, starts to play over the speaker system. Ainsley Lake comes jogging out, her mouth moving to sing along to the lyrics, her smile bright. She does a front flip, before starting to jog again. She high fives the people in the crowd, speeding up and swinging herself into the ring from the ropes. She does a backflip once she gets into the ring, blowing kisses to the fans when she stands up, waiting in her corner impatiently for the match to start.
(Troy) His opponent comes to us from Wantagh New York and weighs in at 160 pounds…AINSLEY LAKE!
The bell rings, and Ainsley slowly approaches Trevor Cunning, who quickly ties her up, catching her off guard with a scientific wrestling move, rather than a violent attack. Trevor Cunning engages in a go-behind, and takes Ms. Lake down at the knees. Floating over in pure amateur form, Trevor Cunning locks onto Ainsley's head, trying to keep her off her feet. It appears Cunning knows he has the edge in power, but that Ainsley Lake could shock him with a high flying move, so he is determined to keep her grounded.
Trevor Cunning quickly goes to the arm, and begins working it, applying somewhat of a reverse arm bar, all the while keeping the pressure on the back of Ms. Lake's neck. Ms. Lake slowly tries to work her way out of it, but Trevor Cunning keeps the pressure applied, causing more and more pain. With a grimace, however, Ainsley reaches the bottom rope and the referee calls for the break.
(JB) Smart work here by Trevor Cunning. He's shifted away from the emotional start and working toward a more controlled attack. He's showing Ainsley that he’s not just a brawler, he’s a wrestler.
(Tom) Give this man a medal, folks… he's a genius. But I won't argue with that assessment. Problem is this match has a long way to go, and you and I both know that Trevor will beat her down eventually.
The tandem are to their feet now, separated by referee Dave Conners. Dave smartly moves out of the way and they quickly resume their lockup. They tie it up once again, this time with Ainsley as the aggressor. She pulls Trevor Cunning into a side headlock, and delivers brutal right punches to Trevor Cunning's skull! Ainsley whips Trevor Cunning into the ropes, driving a knee straight into his gut, flipping Trevor Cunning over and onto his back. From there, Ainsley locks in a vicious chin lock, suppressing any desire or instinct Trevor Cunning might have had to move. Ainsley, with a hold on Trevor Cunning's head, flips over, snapping Trevor Cunning's head down in a neck breaker-esque maneuver.
Ainsley turns around to see Trevor Cunning almost back to his feet and vulnerable. She charges Trevor Cunning, aiming to deliver a low dropkick to the prone Trevor Cunning. Cunning though, quickly sees it coming and, in a bit of a dirty move, pulls the top rope down and ducks, causing Ainsley to dump out to the floor.
(JB) Here we go! You were right!
(Tom) Does that surprise you? I’m always right.
Trevor Cunning slides outside of the ring now, and he paces over to the announcers table, and with one arm, sweeps all of he items off the surface, onto the floor! Papers, the monitors, water bottles…everything goes flying as Trevor Cunning clears room. JB and Tom have ripped off their headsets, and fled the scene. They stand a few feet away, with Dave Conners, watching warily.
Trevor Cunning grabs Lake by the hair, and violently rakes her eyes, just as she was starting to get back to her feet after getting dumped on the outside. Trevor Cunning walks with Lake, still pulling the hair, and then climbs up and stands on top of the announcer’s table! Trevor Cunning pulls, and Lake has no choice but to stumble after him, or have her hair yanked out by the roots. Trevor Cunning scoops Ainsley up, and throws her over his shoulder…and then drives her forward, through the top of the announcers' table, as hard as he can! POWERSLAM!
CRASH! The fans erupt at the sight of Ainsley Lake being driven through the announcer’s table! The chant of Holy Sh*t goes up, as Ainsley Lake and Trevor Cunning both lay amidst the wreckage of the announcers' table. The tech crew in the back show a replay to the fans at home, and in the arena over the video screens. Ainsley Lake and Trevor Cunning both start to slowly sit up. Trevor Cunning lurches forward, and then he reaches out, and grabs Lake by the back on the head with his left hand, and rears back with his right hand in a closed fist…
Trevor Cunning pummels Ainsley Lake right in the face with his right fist, and to add to the impact, he pushes Lake's head forward with his left! Blood spatters from the face of Ainsley Lake…but Trevor Cunning isn't done. Trevor Cunning keeps Lake secured by the back of the head, and continues to slam his closed fist into the female high flyer's face in a rapid barrage of shots! Finally, Trevor Cunning lets his grip on the back of Ainsley Lake's head go…and Lake collapses. Trevor Cunning pulls Ainsley to her feet by the hair, and then tosses Ainsley Lake by the hair, over the security rail, into the crowd!
(JB) Hello? Hello Tom, can you hear me?
(Tom) Yeah, we're back on. We got no table left, but our headsets and monitors still work!
(JB) Well fans, as you can see, this No Holds Barred match is now living up to it’s billing…and Trevor Cunning has thrown Ainsley Lake out into the crowd!
(Tom) So much for our great scientific wrestling match, and I KNEW we wouldn't make it all the way through a No Holds Barred Match without losing our table...I KNEW it!
The crowd scatters, as Ainsley Lake sails over the railing, and lands in a heap, sending chairs and spectators flying everywhere! Trevor Cunning, his face a mask of rage and determination vaults himself over, into the crowd! Trevor Cunning is now out in the crowd, surrounded by fans. Trevor Cunning pulls Ainsley Lake to her feet, however Lake surprises Trevor Cunning, and everybody, by rearing back, and nailing Trevor Cunning with a knife-edge chop! Trevor Cunning fires a brutal kick catching Ainsley Lake right in the gut! The female high flyer drops and falls to the floor with the wind knocked out of her. Trevor Cunning grabs a steel chair from the crowd, and in a battering ram like motion, rams it right into Ainsley Lake's FACE!
Ainsley Lake falls back, stunned. Trevor Cunning brings the steel chair down as hard as he can across the top of the head of Ainsley Lake! Ainsley Lake starts to stumble away from Trevor Cunning, holding her head. Once again, the fans part to make way, as Trevor Cunning chases Ainsley Lake through the crowd! As the two competitors reach the crowd barrier, Trevor Cunning throws the female high flyer over, and then gets ready to hop over the railing himself, back to the ringside area. Ainsley Lake sees his chance, and grabs the chair away from Trevor Cunning...
Trevor Cunning was trying to jump back over the railing while still holding the chair, but Ainsley snatches the chair away from him, and clobbers Trevor Cunning in the torso with the chair! Trevor Cunning screams in pain, and falls over the railing towards the ring. Lake grabs Trevor Cunning by the hair, and rolls him back into the ring! Trevor Cunning lays in the ring, gasping for air. Lake reaches through the ropes, and grabs the steel chair again.
(JB) Uh oh…
(Tom) This isn’t very ladylike!
Ainsley Lake holds the steel chair over her head, as she stands over Trevor Cunning…WHAM! he crowd gasps…as Ainsley Lake drives the steel chair right into the head of Trevor Cunning! Trevor Cunning actually sits up for a moment, screaming, and then falls backwards! Ainsley Lake tosses the chair aside, and then falls on Trevor Cunning for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Trevor Cunning kicks OUT! Ms. Lake gets up, and stands over Trevor Cunning. She hooks one arm back, and with her other arm she wraps it over his Trevor Cunning's neck...and pulls back! Trevor Cunning starts to scream, as he is obviously in unbelievable pain! Ainsley Lake has modified Camel Clutch locked in tight! Trevor Cunning tries reaching up to get to Ainsley Lake, but since Lake has the hold on properly, he cannot connect! Next, Trevor Cunning tries to twist to one side, reaching for the ropes to break the hold! It doesn't work. Trevor Cunning then twists the other way, trying to reach for the ropes…but he is too far away. Trevor Cunning slaps both his hands on the sides of his head, and screams in agony, twisting and turning, trying to get out of the brutal torque of the hold which is twisting his neck!
(JB) Ainsley Lake is trying to pull Trevor Cunning’s head right off his body with this hold!
(Tom) After nailing Trevor Cunning in the head with that chair, Lake has already weakened him too!
Trevor Cunning's face is distorted in absolute agony, as his back arches, he contorts with the pain. Trevor Cunning looks over at referee Dave Conners…reaches his arm out…and grabs the bottom rope! Dave Connors orders the break, and Ainsley Lake releases the hold. As Ainsley stands up, we can see Trevor reach into his singlet, and pull out…BRASS KNUCKLES!
Trevor Cunning has pulled on a pair of brass knuckles, preparing for his famous “spiked punch!” The crowd starts to buzz, when suddenly, we see Diamond Del Carver, charging down the aisle! The fans erupt, as Del Carver slides into the ring, and spears Trevor Cunning! Ainsley Lake and the referee both look on in shock, as Diamond Del Carver and Trevor Cunning roll around on the mat…Carver trying to wrestle the brass knuckles away from Trevor Cunning.
Dave Connors shakes his head and waves his arm. The bell rings!
(Troy) Ladies and Gentlemen, although this match is NO HOLDS BARRED outside interference is still NOT ALLOWED. Referee Dave Connors is calling a HALT to this match…NO CONTEST!
The fans erupt in jeers and boos, as a herd of security men and referees charge down the aisle and attempt to separate Diamond Del Carver and Trevor Cunning. As Del Carver is pulled away from the furious Trevor Cunning, you can see that Ainsley Lake looks none to pleased with the Foundation Heavyweight Champion. Carver points at his fist, and then points back at Cunning, but Ainsley shouts something back at Carver.
(JB) A disappointing finish to this match fans.
(Tom) Diamond Del Carver should be fined, suspended, fired, arrested and jailed! So WHAT if Cunning was going to use brass knuckles? This was a NO HOLDS BARRED match!
(JB) Tom, I don’t know if it was his hatred for Trevor Cunning, or his rumored feelings for Ainsley Lake that brought the Champion out here, but whatever it was…nobody seems happy…not Trevor, not Carver, and not Ainsley Lake.
(Tom) Who cares if that old goat has a crush on Lake. So does half the locker room! What is this…the Old and The Restless?
An Unexpected Return
The NAFW-tron comes to life suddenly, a closeup of a face not seen in the NAFW for quite awhile dominates the screen. Although familiar, the face seems different, a little older and wiser, and his ice blue eyes reflect a life that has been far from easy. A shock of long, light brown hair is tied back in a ponytail, he stares at the camera for a long moment, scratching his goatee a bit, as the camera pans back, revealing him to be seated in front of an old wooden table, clad in a pair of blue jeans, black boots, and a tan t-shirt with "The Beatles" emblazened on the front of it. He brings a cigarette to his lips, a Marlboro 100, strikes a match and lights it. The match is tossed into an ashtry sitting in front of him, as he leans back a bit, taking a long drag, inhaling the dark smoke, letting it fill his lungs, before blowing out smoke rings, and finally speaking.
(MC) I bet I know what a good deal of you people are thinking... 'who is this guy, and why is he taking up our time?' While, a few of you hardcore NAFW fans know who I am immediately.
He pauses, as some of the audience cheers, and a small group of people chant "Creeping Death! Creeping Death!"
(MC) For those of you not in the know, the name is Mike Castleberry, better known around these parts... or at least the old NAFW as Creeping Death. I'm a former European and United States Champion...
He stops again,the grin that was once on his face as he spoke vanishes, as he suddenly becomes intense.
(MC) And I have never been given the respect that I deserve! I bled buckets for this company, I organized the first NAFW day because I believed in this promotion so much, that I knew one day we'd be on top of the world. I even broke my god damned neck for this company!
He pulls his hair to the side as the camera zooms in on the back of his neck, revealing a large scar that he points at.
(MC) You see this scar!! This is from the neck surgery I had after snapping my neck in that dmn ring for you people! And did I get a thank you for everything I did? No... I got a pinkslip, a $2,000 severence check, and a "good luck on your recovery" from the brass. For two years, I went through hell, just so one day, I could mak it back to a wrestling ring. Every doctor I saw said I was crazy, and that my career was over. Well, I'm here to say, that tonight crazy has won out.
He reaches into his back pocket, pulling out rolled up papers, slapping them on the table.
(MC) These two papers represent everything I've worked for. One is a medical release, clearing me to compete.. the other is a brand new NAFW contract.
The old NAFW fans in the audience begin to cheer even louder, always happy when an original returns.
(MC) To all those that remember me... the true fans, who sent me letters wishing me luck... I truly thank you. I've never been one to suck of to the fans, but many of you helped me through my darkest hours. As for the rest of you... well, I really don't care what you think of me, I'll let my ring work do the talking, and you can make up your minds about me from there
Castleberry leans back in his chair, putting his feet up on the table, taking a another long drag of a cigarrette, ashing it as he lets it out slowly.
(MC) Of course, I won't forget the actual wrestlers, I browsed over the roster a bit, and lo and behold, Intruder and Spaz are still hanging around. I've been up and down the road with you both... had a few laughs, and bled with you to help build this company six years ago, and as far as I'm concerned, you have my respect... but not my mercy, if you get between me and gold, and I know you guys wouldn't have it any other way. To the rest of you, this is my one warning... I've had two long years to think about this moment, and none of you will stand in my way. Through my career, I've won a few, I've losta few, but I damn sure left it all in the ring, and had more then a couple men's careers shortened by me. I will not be denied this time. 2006 may be winding down, but you can guarantee that 2007 will be the year of Creeping Death, and soon, every last one of you, will take your last breath.
Castleberry chuckles a bit, taking another drag on his cigarette,as the camera fades to black.
(Tom) Who was that guy, and why did he take up my time?
(JB) You are hopeless. Let’s cut backstage.
Got Any Aspirin?
Welcome to the catering room here at The Joe. Standing by the table are two men that some have referred to as NAFW Originals... But they simply refer to themselves as Spaz and Mike Lane (or Mike Lane and Spaz, depending which one you ask). They're watching the monitor off in the corner, and Spaz is chuckling.
(Spaz) So Castleberry's back...
(Lane) And you got a shout out, too!
(Spaz) Yeah, I'm so honoured. Today is the happiest day of my life. None of my Championships nor Awards are as special to me as a shout out from Creeping Death!
Do you hear that dripping sound? Yeah, that's the sarcasm. But I assure you, it's all in fun.
(Lane) I'm gonna hit the head.
(Spaz) Thanks for sharing.
As Lane walks out one door, the other opens, and a familiar voice fills the room.
(Voice) Finally!
Spaz and Lane turn around, and see the man that has joined them... A man that, not too long ago, was trying to help get rid of Spaz for good.
(Twitch) I never would have expected a skinny bitch like you to be in here eating.
Spaz frowns.
(Spaz) Twitch, what are you doing here? And how did you get past McJohnson's Security?
Without a word (which is rather rare for him) Twitch hands a stack of papers over to Spaz. Spaz flips through them and frowns again.
(Spaz) What is this... The contract you signed with Cardinal?
(Twitch) No... It's the contract I signed with Sean Thomas. That would be you.
Spaz sighs.
(Spaz) No, that would be Ryan Cardinal, pretending to be me.
(Twitch) Here's the thing... I don't give a damn which one of you it was! I'm legally contracted to be Sean Thomas' manager, and I'm damn well going to do it! Twitch doesn't give up that easily!
(Spaz) You've got to be kidding me. At Showdown you tried to screw me over, and now you expect me to trust you as my manager?
(Twitch) Pretty much, yeah. But really, you don't have a choice Pez... A contract is a contract is a contract.
(Spaz) But only between Ferengi.
(Twitch) Gord, you're such a nerd. I work for a nerd.
(Spaz) No, you don't. Unless you work for Castleberry... Hey, why don't you go work for Castleberry?
(Twitch) Because I don't have a contract with Shackapple... And Shackapple's almost as bad a name as McJohnson.
Spaz smiles.
(Spaz) OK, I'll give you that one... But you still don't work for me.
(Twitch) Tonight, I'll show you different.
With that, Twitch snatches the contract out of Spaz's hand and leaves... As the one door closes, Mike Lane returns through the other to find his partner shaking his head in confusion.
(Spaz) Got any aspirin, Mike? I think I feel a headache coming on...
Cut.
COMMERCIAL
Fade in to JB and Tom, sitting at their post with a folding table set up in place of the normal announce table.
(JB) Well folks we are coming back from commercial break and it appears that our next scheduled match… isn’t happening.
(Tom) We saw Rurik Krychek make his entrance during the commercial break, and we were waiting on the entrance of Andy D when… well, let’s just roll the replay footage.
From The Commercial Break:
Andy D’s music hits the PA system, but instead of Andy D coming out, it’s Keith Owens, and he has a steel chair in hand. Krychek looks confused as all hell in the ring as Owens continues to storm down the ramp. Once in the ring, Kyrchek begins to curse at Owens in Russian. Owens looks at him dead in the eyes. As he keeps going on, Owens takes a quick glance around the crowd before DRILLING Krychek with the steel chair suddenly. Krychek stumbles backwards into the ropes, and one more chair shot from Owens sends him collapsing to the floor below after falling through the ropes.
Cut back to the middle of the ring, where Owens stands with the steel chair in one hand and a microphone in the other hand. The crowd is relentlessly booing him as he stands there silently.
(Keith) I want to know what the hell Ray Buchanan is doing booking Spaz versus Mike Lane for the number one contendership? I was SCREWED out of my win last week thanks to Spaz and Mike Lane. As far as I am concerned, that match didn’t even count because the official assigned to the match never made the three count.
(JB) Fair? What was fair about Ron Barker being the special guest referee, allowing Trevor Cunning to interfere.
(Keith) The Foundation Heavyweight Championship is MY title, and I should get a fair shake in getting it back. But instead of booking a fair rematch, I see Buchanan rewards those who cost me my title shot. So guess what Buchanan… You rob me of my title shot? I’m robbing you of your show. I already took one match off your hands for tonight, and I can sit right here in the middle of the ring until I get what I rightfully deserve – a shot at the gold!
Keith unfolds the steel chair he just drilled Kyrchek with a few moments ago and places it in the center of the ring, where he takes a seat.
(Keith) C’mon Buchanan, I’m waiting. I will stay out here all night. What’s next on the card? The Wild Boys versus the Old School Empire? I guess we might not be seeing that match either due to your selfishness Ray. Don’t throw away your entire show just because you won’t give me what is rightfully mine.
Keith continues to sit in the ring, and it is apparent he’s not going anywhere.
(JB) What a big baby Keith is!
(Tom) Baby? He just wants a fair shake to get his championship gold back!
Finally after a few more moments, the theme to Annihilation (“Assassin” by Muse for those of you who are still unaware) hits the speakers and Ray Buchanan walks out onto the stage with a mic in hand.
(Buchanan) You know Mr. Owens, I don’t know why you think you can come out here and do whatever you feel like on a weekly basis. You might have your hand in Mr. Gonzales cookie jar, but it’s not in mine. I should have Ryan McJohnson out here to throw you out of the building!
The crowd pops at the notion of Keith Owens being ejected from the arena.
(Buchanan) But I know if I did that, you’d be back here next week, playing the same crying game, and getting in the way even more. So here’s what I’m going to do… Tonight, our main event will be changing. Tonight, it won’t be Mike Lane versus Spaz for the number one contendership. The match will now be Spaz and Mike Lane teaming up to take on… you Mister Owens, and your partner in crime, Trevor Cunning. But here’s the catch Owens… Whoever makes the winning pin fall will be the new number one contender to Diamond Del Carver’s Foundation Heavyweight Championship!
Keith isn’t sure what to think of this. He wanted a title shot handed to him. He doesn’t want to have to earn it in a tag team match. He gets up off his seat and walks towards the ropes, raising his mic to his lips to address what Buchanan just said. However, Buchanan cuts him off.
(Buchanan) Hold it right there Keith. I don’t want to hear another word out of your mouth for the rest of tonight. You either take part in this match and try and earn your shot at the title, or I will have you removed from the building, and you’ll never get another title shot again. And if you think I’m kidding, just try me.
(JB) Wow! What an ultimatum from Commissioner Ray Buchanan!
(Tom) I can’t believe this. I think Keith is actually going to stay quiet and compete in this match tonight.
With Buchanan and Keith staring each other down, our shot fades out here and cuts to elsewhere.
Parking Lot
(JB) Folks, we’re gonna’ take you down to the parking lot because ,it seems, that Mark Herriot wishes to inform us on some current developments!
(Tom) Herriot!? Hah, good luck with getting a story that could hold my interest! That guy makes watching paint peel bearable!
(JB) Don’t say that, he’s about to-…
The live feed switches to outside of the parking lot, where a stern Mark Herriot, dressed in a velvety red buttoned up shirt and black slacks, stares into the camera, with a look of disgust written across his face.
(Herriot) I make watching paint peel bearable, Tom!? I don’t think you’ve seen yourself once since we’ve gotten back on air! Sometimes I put the damn show on mute because of your mouth-…!
(JB) Now, now, gentlemen, I’m sure that what Mark here has for us down at the Joe Louis Arena parking lot is much more important than the two of you bickering-…
(Tom) Important, my ass, if that charity case has something to say to my face, then I say BRING it, bitch!
(Herriot) Oh, Tom-boy, if I didn’t have to cover the IMPORTANT stories, out here in the freakin’ St. Louis cold, it’d make my day to shut your face right up, but you see, Tommy, there just so happen to be much more important matters at hand than say questioning every freakin’ wrestler’s sexual orientation, or making “your mom jokes” about as old as Martin Harbor, for example, I just so happen to know that The Intruder, Matthew Kurresh, is on his way to the arena for his Atlantic Championship match with Mike Stryker, and I am going to get the exclusive first words from the former two-time Foundation Heavyweight Champion before any of your lazy asses do!
At the mere mention of Matthew Kurresh, the St. Louis crowd explodes into hysterical cheers.
(JB) The Intruder’s almost here, Mark!?
(Herriot) You bet, and if your inept co-ring announcer can shut his yap for a few seconds, I might be able to get something meaningful out of Kurresh!
(Tom) Herriot, you think you’re actually WORTH something in this business, right? Well, tell me something son, why the hell is it that I’m right here, week after week, giving commentary, when YOU’RE lucky to be spared for 3 minutes of wasted air-time!
(JB) Now, c’mon boys! Act like civilized-… Wait, the hell is that behind you Herriot?
(Herriot) Huh?
As the screen snaps back to Herriot outside in the parking lot, a peculiar object steps, or rather, rolls into the scene; it is a classic horse-driven carriage, and a mammoth one at that. It rolls to a complete stop barely a foot away from where Herriot was standing and, as the driver shook off the reigns to the all-black stallions and jumped out of the would-be driver’s seat, Herriot approached the carriage to find out who it was that was arriving in so peculiar a vehicle.
(Herriot) Well, I was told that the Intruder wouldn’t be arriving just yet, but still, I know that at least I want to see who the hell would show up to a wrestling show in a horse-… drawn-… carriage-…
And at that, Mark Herriot temporarily ceased talking, for he was no longer staring at the ominous black curtain cloaking the passengers in the buggy, oh no…
He was staring AT one of the two passengers of the carriage, staring right into the masked, demonic face…
Of Hush.
Ah, Mark Herriot, isn’t it? Strange… You don’t look the slightest bit French or Cajun, however, I’m not surprised that you share a name consistent with that of French royalty… We all want to grow up, one day, to be rich and famous, right?
And that, of course, would be the voice belonging to the one and only Aleister Essex; the handler and trainer of the living behemoth, Hush.
(JB) What the hell are Hush and Essex doing here tonight!?
(Tom) I don’t know, Mann-wheel, but for once that bastard Herriot’s doing his job and actually putting on camera people I give a damn about!
Naturally, the St. Louis crowd jeers as Hush and Essex step into plain view as Herriot, eying the near-7-foot-tall monster precariously, allows Essex to continue.
(Essex) Then again, I see that as a common trait among your people, bestowing upon yourself names that denote nothing short of proverbial fool’s gold in terms of royal status… Especially here in St. Louis, where it’s pervasive-…
(Herriot) By “your people” I certainly hope you do NOT mean the African-American race, Essex, because let me tell you that the history of kings and queens in the Black culture goes back far further than whatever YOUR racist ass has been taught-…
Essex scoffs, catching Herriot off-guard.
(Essex) No, dear boy, I was talking about the kind of people who wear tacky red clothing, much like yourself. Seriously, Herriot, do what you and the rest of Americans call… “chill”, it will do wonders on your blood pressure…
(Tom) HAH HAH HAH!! SO TRUE!
(JB) Oh shut up…
(Essex) And, honestly, Herriot, even if I was referencing Eugenics, what are YOU going to do about it?
It’s at this moment where Hush leans over just a little bit, and tenses up his shoulders, as if prepared to defend Essex should Herriot have a death wish and attack his master.
(Essex) Exactly… However, there IS something of use you can tell me, Herriot, and that is… Just why are you out here tonight? I mean, you could have had your nose rubbed-in anywhere in the arena tonight, and I presume that if you were to be emasculated in front of a world wide audience, that right out here where what’s left of your masculinity would certainly shrivel up, is NOT the ideal place to have it occur…
So, out with it boy, just why are you out here?...
Herriot, still staring nervously at Hush whose presence constantly looms over the situation, mutters something incomprehensible into the mic.
(Essex) I’m sorry, Herriot, I couldn’t quite hear a shred of what you were trying to say-…
(Herriot) I SAID THAT I’M OUT HERE TO INTERVIEW MATTHEW KURRESH!!!
Unfortunately for Herriot, those words were like a trigger for Hush who, upon hearing them, grabbed Herriot by the shirt collar and yanked him into the air. However, as Herriot’s legs danced uselessly in the cold St. Louis air, Essex, smiling, decided to take pity on him.
(Essex) Oh, put him down already, Hush… Having his blood on our hands would do nothing to further our goals… Aside from, you know, adding an artistic touch to this indubitably drab parking lot…
Nevertheless, the fact that Herriot’s out here proves something to me, and for me to elaborate on that, I’m going to need you to set the gentlemen down now, Hush…
Hush, turning his attention to Essex, complied with Essex’s orders as he let Herriot down back to earth, albeit ungracefully, as Herriot fell back onto his butt. That as well as Essex immediately getting right up in Herriot’s face didn’t make the situation any better.
(Essex) You see, Herriot, tonight you will prove your usefulness to me, because when you see Matthew Kurresh tonight, inform him that he might as well fly in his friends, his relatives, and the rest of his family members, for if Matthew Kurresh takes one step onto the arena floor…
St. Louis will witness the burial of Matthew Kurresh!
And with that, Essex let out a maddening laugh, all the while made more terrifying by how his ruby red eyes shone in the moonlight, as the devious duo made their exit, stage left, to lie in wait for the coming of Matthew Kurresh.
(JB) I’m speechless. I can’t imagine what Hush has got in store for Kurresh tonight.
Wild Boys vs. Old School Empire
A siren hits the speakers and the word "EMPIRE" appears on the video screen.
The lights flash red and blue, as the camera pans around the arena. Lil' Wayne's "Fireman" starts playing. As the intro continues, the lights flash red to black to blue and back to black as a spot light is focused on the curtain. The song kicks in and Dustin Thomas blows through the entry way, his hand pointed towards the stage. New School points up, and Shane comes out of the curtain, all oiled up and ready to go.
Dustin taunts the fans as he walks down the aisle, while Shane takes every opportunity to get in his bodybuilder poses. When he reaches the bottom of the ramp, the Alpha flexes his biceps and points his toe, much to the hatred of the fans. Dustin slides into the ring, and leaps up to the turnbuckle to soak in the jeers. The Alpha hops up the steps, and climbs into the ring. He looks around the arena before stepping between the ropes. Dustin pats him on the back one more time before Shane makes his finale pose in the middle of the ring.
(Troy) The following tag team match-up is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, at a combined weight of 505 pounds, The Old School Empire!
"Fully Alive" by Flyleaf hits the PA as the lights dim and then flicker out. Strobe lights flicker on as smoke fills the entryway and the ramp. All the sudden, a figure comes out from the back and stands in the smoke, right fist pumped up in the air. The strobe lights make the figure seem like it is blinking as the figure cuts through the smoke. The crowd cheers as it is NAFW's very own psycho, Crazy Boy. CB walks down the ramp, adknowledging the crowd as he slides under the bottom ropes. The lights flicker back on as CB pumps his fist in the air, runs around off the ropes and then turns, and waits for his opponent to come.
(Troy) And their opponents, introducing first, Crazy Boy!
(JB) Wait...Where's Snake?
(Tom) Playing with his balls, obviously...
(JB) That was inappropiate and uncalled for!
(Tom) Well, tell me i'm wrong!
If you're feelin' it when I drop this!
"Rawkfist" by Thousand Foot Krutch hits the PA system before Snake comes out from the back to the delight of the crowd. He's got Wilson under his right arm. Snake starts to make his way down the ramp and when the first verse comes to an end, Snake sets Wilson on the ground and throws his hands up above his head allowing two large green fireworks to go off behind him. Snake then picks up Wilson and makes his way to the ring, high fiving some random fans before climbing into the ring.
(Troy) And his partner, being accompanied by Wilson, Snake!
(Tom) And here's the ball buster!
(JB) ...
After a few seconds of planning, Dustin steps out on the ring apron, letting Shane start out the match, but over in the other corner, Snake and Crazy Boy are arguing who should be the first one in the ring. After several more seconds of bickering from both men, Snake reluctantly steps out onto the ring apron. The referee calls for the bell and Dustin and CB begin to circle each other before locking up in the middle of the ring. Both men jockey for position, with Dustin able to get the upperhand rather quickly, backing CB into the corner. The referee quickly begins to utilize his five count, forcing Dustin to release his hold, and as Dustin backs away, he pats CB on the cheek. CB gives both Dustin and the referee a confused look before pushing Dustin back, Dustin retaliates with his own shove, causing CB to laugh, then deck Dustin with a hard right hand.
(JB) CB looks to be doing a number on the OSE right off the bat!
(Tom) Pfft...This'll be over quickly...
Dustin gets up to his feet and rubs his cheek, nods, then tags Shane in. Shane steps into the ring and CB is ready for him. Shane and CB lock up, but Shane quickly turns the move into a side headlock. Shane seems to have a decent hold on the Crazy One, that is until CB quickly maneuvers himself into position to hit a back suplex. CB quickly goes for a cover.
One...
Kickout!
(JB) Not even a two count!
(Tom) Sadly, I have no joke for that...
CB gets up to his feet and picks up Shane, whipping him into the corner. CB follows that up with a hard clothesline and whipst Shane into the other corner and follows it up with another clothesline. CB starts to play up to the crowd, but doesn't notice Shane tagging out to Dustin, and as soon as CB turns around, Dustin takes him off of his feet with a hard clothesline. Dustin taunt Snake, and Snake tries to step into the ring, only for the referee to stop him. With the ref busy with Snake, Shane comes into the ring and the two men begin to stomp on CB. They pick up CB and hit a double suplex, then Dustin and Shane clap their hands to make it seem as though the duo has tagged as Dustin steps onto the ring apron. Shane picks up CB and chops him in the chest a few times before whipping him off the ropes and connecting with a back elbow. Shane tags Dustin back in, and he quickly drops a few elbows across CB's chest before attempting to pin CB.
One...
Two...
Kickout!
(JB) Near fall for the OSE...Maybe CB should tag out and get the fresh man in the match.
(Tom) He'll tag out when he's good and ready!
Dustin gets up to his feet and stomps on CB a few times and picks him up to his feet, only to snapmare him back down to the ground and tag Shane back in. Both men go to pick CB up to their feet and whip him into the ropes, but Snake gets in a blind tag whilst CB ducks under a clothesline attempt. Snake sizes up the OSE, and launches off the top rope with a springboard dropkick. CB grabs the top rope on the other side, and is ready to attack the OSE, but didn't realize that Snake had made a blind tag until the referee tries to get CB out of the ring. CB, on the other hand, doesn't think that Snake made a tag and tries to attack the OSE. Meanwhile, Snake's taken out Shane with a right hand, Dustin with a right hand, scoop slammed Shane onto the mat, and sent Dustin over the top rope. Snake stalks Shane for possibly the Snake Bite Driver, but CB begins to yell at Snake from his corner that he wasn't ready to leave the match.
(JB) I'd say that it was a smart move for Snake to tag in when he did, but Crazy Boy doesn't seem to happy that he gets to rest for a minute or two...
(Tom) Well he wasn't good and ready!
Snake turns his attention to CB and the two men begin to get at each other's throats. Eventually, Snake gets fed up with CB's bickering and slaps CB across the chest and exits the ring, but instead of staying on the ring apron, Snake grabs Wilson and starts to head up the ramp. CB looks on at Snake, not sure what to say, but thanks to this distraction, Shane rolls up CB from behind, grabbing a handful of tights and a hand on the ropes.
One...
Two...
Three!
(Troy) And here are your winners, The Old School Empire!
Shane quickly rolls out of the ring and he and Dustin celebrate their win whilst CB looks on with a confused look on his face.
(JB) What the hell has gotten into Snake?
(Tom) Common sense, possibly? He and Crazy Boy have yet to win the tag team championship since they started teaming, and maybe Snake is starting to realize that maybe Crazy Boy is to blame for it. Or vice versa...
(JB) Oh please, I don't think that's the problem, I think this goes down deeper than that.
A Much Needed Visit
The scene opens up to Ainsley Lake, sitting in the infirmary, her hands covered in ice packs. She is staring at the floor, her eyes gazing holes into the ground, her
demeanor showing nothing. No emotion, no feeling. Just…cold.
(???) Hey! Ainsley!
A familiar voice is heard off camera. Jester Smiles enters the frame, inconspicuously holding something in his left hand behind his back, his usual goofy, clueless, “I have no idea where I am” grin on. Whatever he is holding is currently off frame. Ainsley looks up.
(Ainsley) What is it, Jester? Our match is done, you apologized for being a loser and a jerk. You can go away now.
Jester loses the grin and begins to think.
(Jester) Actually…umm…Ainsley. That’s not why I’m here at all. I mean, sure, I feel bad about the way I acted last week, but that’s not why I’m here. See, I heard you and Del Carv-
Ainsley shoots Jester the death glare.
(Jester) Okay, bad way to start. See, I-
(Ainsley) You needed to rub salt in my wounds? Seriously, get the hell away from me. I'll hurt you, too.
Ainsley looks down at her hands and moves the ice pack. Her hands are red from the cold, but the swelling looks to be under control.
(Ainsley) I've got more important things to worry about then dealing with your stupidity, Jester.
Jester sighs and looks down at the ground shaking his head.
(Jester) I’m sorry. I am. I can make a cheap joke about anything, but I can’t have a simple conversation.
Jester looks at Ainsley, a look of sincerity in his eyes.
(Jester) I’m not here to rub salt in your wounds. I’m here to….try and make you feel better.
(Ainsley) The worst part of that is I believe you.
Ainsley sighs, lifting her hand to her face and brushing her hair out of her eyes.
(Ainsley) I'm sorry I jumped down your throat. It's been a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day.
Jester giggles.
(Jester) I grew up on that book!
Both Ainsley and Jester share a slight giggle.
(Jester) Look, I understand what you’re going through, to some extent. I’ve been down a fairly similar road, and let me tell you, you don’t want to go down it. Cold, emotionless, it won’t get you anywhere. It will make you just like guys like Trevor Cunning. Don’t do that. You’re far too pretty for that.
Jester blushes and turns his head. Ainsley would have blushed too, if she didn't find him so completely comical.
(Ainsley) I have no idea if I should thank you for the compliment, make excuses for tonight, or make fun of you for blushing. Either way... Thanks for not being a tool. Most people in this business would be mocking me right now.
(Jester) Hey, thanks for not beating me with a bike chain for coming in here. But…on to the reason I’m here. It’s just that-say…what’s that behind your ear?
Jester reaches forward, causing Ainsley to lean back, but Jester still manages to reach behind her ear.
(Jester) What is this? Do you have something growing?
Jester flicks his wrist and pulls a Tiger Lily from behind Ainsley’s ear. Ainsley stares, wide eyed. She starts to laugh, and takes the flower from Jester's hand. She wipes tears from her eyes, holding the flower to her chest.
(Ainsley) That was amazing! You're my new hero!
(Jester) Wow. If I had known that’s all I had to do, I wouldn’t have gotten these.
Jester pulls a small bouquet of tiger lily’s from behind his back.
(Jester) I guess I wouldn’t have had to write that little letter, either.
(Ainsley) You...? Do you have a cell phone I can borrow?
Jester looks a little bit surprised, expecting many reactions, but not “Do you have a cell phone I can borrow?”
(Jester) Umm….sure?
Jester reaches into his pockets and hands Ainsley his cell phone. Ainsley smiles, flipping it open.
(Ainsley) Yes... I'm afraid I have to call 'Shenanigans', you lying sack of shit.
Jester gets wide eyed.
(Jester) No…I…uh..I…well…err..I..ugh…uh..I wrote the letter. I am the secret admirer. God, I’ve been calling you hot and saying I liked you in my promos since I got here.
(Ainsley) And you never worked with me, and why the hell would you mention the press conference? Seriously, either way... You're a liar, cute magic tricks or not.
Jester stands tall and gets a serious look in his eyes.
(Jester) I had a press conference.
Ainsley gives him a look.
(Jester) Press conference…promotional web cast…same thing in my book.
(Ainsley) Never worked with me before. Get around that one.
(Jester) Oh, come on. I just threw that in there so it wouldn’t be too obvious.
(Ainsley) So you're a magician, a comedian, and a cunning trickster, eh?
Ainsley is inclined to believe him. His smile, Del's refusal, the flowers. He just doesn't seem like a liar.
(Ainsley) ...I'm impressed.
Jester nods and grins.
(Jester) What can I say? I’m awesome.
Jester thinks.
(Jester) Wait! Except for the trickster part. Cuz, you know. I’m not a liar.
(Ainsley) If you insist, Jester. Now... You should leave me to my healing and my flowers. Go get ready for your match.
Ainsley stands on her tiptoes and gives him a hug.
(Ainsley) Thanks for cheering me up. I owe you one.
He hugs back, lightly, his face bright red with all the blushing. Ainsley lets go, and Jester is smiling and blushing.
(Jester) You don’t owe me anything. I just did it to see you Smiles.
Jester is now beet red. Before Ainsley can say anything more and cause Jester to pass out, he heads towards the door.
(Jester) I shall now go and triumph over my adversary Jimmy Riley, for you, Mrs. Lake! ONWARD!!
Jester acts like he is on a horse as he gallops out of the room. The camera focuses in on Ainsley Lake, who is laughing. When she calms herself, she looks back at her hands, before sputtering...
(Ainsley) W- wait a second... Missus!?
The camera cuts off of her confused face.
COMMERCIAL
A Late Arrival
The camera cuts to the announce team, who’s sitting ringside. As they begin, we can hear that their commentary is being heard in the arena as well as on TV.
(JB) Folks, we’re literally minutes away from the Atlantic title match between the champion, Mike Stryker, and his challenger tonight, “The Intruder” Matthew Kurresh. However, all day, we’ve had Mark Herriot waiting outside in the arena parking lot, hoping to get an interview with The Intruder when he got here. Apparently, Mark hasn’t seen or heard from Kurresh all day, so right now the big question is…..why hasn’t Matthew Kurresh shown up?
(Tom) Because Hush knocked the fight out of him at Ultimate Showdown Mann of la mancha, that’s why. Nobody has seen or heard from Kurresh in almost two weeks. He hasn’;t spoken, hasn’t appeared, nothing. Matthew Kurresh is scared.
(JB) Tom, come on. He’s Matthew Kurresh. He’s a verifiable legend here in the NAFW. You think one beating and controversial loss is going to make him walk away without saying a word?
(Tom) Have you seen him? Have you spoken to him? Don’t you find it odd that someone like Kurresh has simply vanished? Right now, he’s not here, his match is up next. If he’s not scared of Hush, I can’t think of another reason to explain this. Well, unless he’s avoiding Herriot out there. Mr. Personality, how’s it going in the parking lot?
The scene cuts to Mark Herriot, standing, looking into the camera, holding back his anger at Tom. As the bear chuckles, Herriot loses it.
(Herriot) You know what Tom, nobody wants to hear it. You want personality? You want some edgy interviews? How about I come inside and interview my foot as I break it off in your-
(JB) MARK!! TOM!!! Both of you, stop it!!
(Tom) It’s not my fault that he’s got the charisma of a celery stalk.
(Herriot) I’ve had just about enough!! I’m not taking this anymore!!
Herriot is looking right at the camera…which means he’s not paying attention behind him. He’s not paying attention to the fact that the massive torso of one Matthew Kurresh is now serving as his backdrop. He bumps into MK as he takes a half a step back, freezing, and looking up. The camera looks up with him as the crowd inside can be heard exploding in cheers for the face of one Intruder.
Kurresh’s face looks bland, vanilla. It looks as though he has no emotions whatsoever. Herriot isn’t saying a word. Then…it changes.
Kurresh takes a deep breath, and the fire in his eyes is unmistakable. He puts a hand on Herriot and gently pushes him aside, proceeding through the halls towards the entranceway. A couple crew members and wrestlers are along the hall, and they all stop what they’re doing when Kurresh walks past. They look like they’ve seen a ghost.
As Kurresh continues his walk, “Born of a Broken Man” By Rage against the Machine plays, and the crowd continues their cheering, watching Kurresh make his way closer and closer. The camera stops following him and focuses on the entranceway. As the song plays, the crowd waits with anticipation. When the curtain moves, they explode once more as Matthew Kurresh, The Intruder himself, steps out and heads straight for the ring.
(JB) HE’S HERE!!! MATTHEW KURRESH IS HERE!!! HE’S NOT SCARED, HE LOOKS READY TO WORK!!
(Tom) I’ll be. I’m surprised he showed up.
Kurresh rolls into the ring, no theatrics, no showboating. He stands center ring, staring back at the entranceway, as his music dies down. The crowd is buzzing with anticipation as Kurresh stands, awaiting his opponent.
The lights go down as “Til I collapse” by Eminem fires up in the arena. The crowd hums, buzzing, awaiting, as scenes of the NYC skyline play on the NAFWTron.
YO LEFT, YO LEFT, YO LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT! YO LEFT, YO LEFT, YO LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT!
The line repeats as the beat picks up, when the song kicks in the lights come back on as Mike Stryker walks out onto the stage, igniting the crowd in a shower of cheers. Stryker walks out, head down, hood on his sweatshirt up over his head. He holds his Atlantic title in his right hand, raising it high over his head and pausing. As he lowers it, he picks up his head and looks directly into the ring, into the eyes of Matthew Kurresh. He marches his way to the ring, oblivious to the chaos in the arena, never looking away from his challenger. Kurresh doesn’t move, keeping his gaze locked on Stryker. Stryker climbs the ring steps and steps into the ring, taking a second to stare down Kurresh before he turns, climbing the ropes and posing with his belt to the crowd. He climbs down, hands the belt to the official, and peels off his sweatshirt.
(JB) This arena is on fire right now!! These fans have not sat down for five minutes, and they don’t look as though they will any time soon.
(Tom) Well, since he showed up, I guess I should mention how insane Stryker is for calling out Kurresh for this match. I still don’t understand it.
(JB) Stryker is here to prove he’s the best, and he can’t do that unless he faces guys like Matthew Kurresh.
(Tom) He’s still a nutjob for doing this.
The Intruder vs. Mike Stryker
Atlantic Championship
The music dies, the ref holds up the title to signify that it is indeed on the line, and the bell rings. Both men continue to stare each other down, sizing each other up, starting slowly. The circle a couple times, before meeting at center ring with a lockup. After a second, Kurresh rears back and heaves Stryker halfway across the ring into the corner. The crowd oooohhhs as Stryker hits the buckles hard, looking up at Kurresh and shaking his a head a bit.
(Tom) Raw power. Stryker better keep his distance and make this a track meet soon, because he certainly can’t go toe to toe.
Stryker shakes out his arm, nodding his head as if to say “ok, lets go then”. They circle again, and go to lock up, but Stryker slips in behind Kurresh, taking him down by the leg. The big man rolls to his back and kicks Stryker off.
(JB) There you go, quickness.
Stryker doesn’t hesitate as he pops back up, hitting the ropes and catching Kurresh with a running dropkick while MK was on his knees, knocking him back down. He follows it up with a quick legdrop and slaps on a headlock, grounding the monster.
(JB) Stryker is relentless.
(Tom) He better be.
Kurresh makes it up to a knee as Stryker tires to bear down to no avail. Kurresh throws him off to the ropes, missing a clothesline as Stryker ducks and hits across the ring. Kurresh tries a big boot, missing again, as Stryker gains a full head of steam coming back off the ropes. Kurresh makes him pay, lighting him up with a monster clothesline that turns Stryker inside out, the crowd groaning collectively as Stryker hits, stopped dead. Kurresh doesn’t waste time, picking up Stryker and tossing him into a corner. He whip;s Stryker across to the other buckle and follows him in, smothering him with a body press. As Stryker stumbles out of the corner, Kurresh grabs him by the throat and drops him in a Baldo Bomb.
(JB) COVER!!
1….
2……..
Stryker gets a shoulder up just in time, as Kurresh takes his time getting up. Stryker rolls to his stomach and slowly gets up as Kurresh measures him.
(Tom) Stryker’s already in trouble here early as Kurresh is just using brute force.
Kurresh charges at Stryker, but misses as Stryker sidesteps him. Kurresh hits to corner and Stryker is on him like a flash, standing on the ropes, peppering the big man with right hands. After a few shots, Kurresh gets a hand up and shoves Stryker off. Stryker hits his feet and comes right back, mounting Kurresh in the corner and laying in more hard right hands. Kurresh again shoves Stryker off, this time with enough force to knock Stryker back off of his feet. Kurresh comes out of the corner, stepping into Stryker, who was waiting. Stryker cinches him up for a T-Bone Suplex as the crowd buzzes.
(JB) MY GOD!! HE THREW THE BIG MAN!!!
Stryker indeed gets Kurresh Over with the suplex, although he took a little out of himself in the process. Stryker gets up slowly, holding his back, as Kurresh is down by the ropes. Stryker comes across the ring, laying a few boots into MK before he heads outside and climbs the ropes.
(Tom) Stryker can’t let up for even a second.
Stryker is perched on the top, waiting for Kurresh to get to his feet. As Kurresh rises, Stryker comes off the ropes, looking for a cross body block. Kurresh ducks and Stryker catches nothing but air and canvas. Kurresh shakes the cobwebs and comes to attack Stryker in the corner, hammering away with right hands. He pulls Stryker out to the center of the ring and drives him down with a huge belly-to-belly. He peels Stryker back off of the canvas and drops him right back down with a sidewalk slam. He makes the cover
1…………
2……………………
Stryker again kicks out. Kurresh, frustrated, hits the mat and looks at the buckles. He walks over and to the apron, scaling the ropes.
(JB) This is a little out of his range here I think.
Kurresh slowly gets to the top rope, pausing for a quick second to get his balance. He comes off the top, looking to drop the leg.
(Tom) INTRUDER IN FLIGHT!!
Kurresh comes down hard…on nothing. Stryker, playing possum, is up like a flash, getting a hold of Kurresh’s legs.
(JB) NEW YORK CLOVERLEAF!!!
Stryker has the legs locked, but he’s struggling to turn MK over. Kurresh makes it to the ropes before the move is locked on. Stryker lets the hold go and as Kurresh comes up, Stryker tries to keep him grounded. Kurresh lands a quick right to Stryker’s midsection, doubling the champion over. Kurresh jumps on his chance…
(Tom) DROP OUTTA HELL!!
Kurresh lifts Stryker up for the powerbomb, but Stryker starts hammering away on Kurresh’s had as soon as he’s lifted up. Kruresh tries to hold him, but after a few seconds, loses his balance, falling flat on his back. Stryker lands, sitting on Kurresh’s chest. He rolls backwards, right to Kurresh’s legs, and once again ties him up for the Cloverleaf.
(JB) He’s like a pitbull!
Stryker turns the big man this time as the crowd explodes in cheers. Kuuresh reaches, only a few inches short of a rope. Stryker bears down, screaming for Kurresh to tap out. Kurresh refuses, pulling with everything he has to get to the ropes, Again, Stryker has to break the hold.
(Tom) I thought he had it, that was a great counter.
Stryker begins to lay stiff kicks into the thighs of Kurresh, hoping to soften him up and go for one more cloverleaf. As Stryker grabs for MK’s legs again, Kurresh kicks him off and gets up, dropping the champ with another huge clothesline. Stryker is laid out and Kurresh, hurting, signals for the end.
(Tom) He wants one more shot at the Drop outta hell. If he hits it, we’re done.
Kurresh positions Stryker for his finisher, lifting the champion high up once again. Stryker again counters, this time rolling over the Big Man, down his back for a sunset flip. Kurresh loses his balance again, and one more time, Stryker ties up his legs!
(JB) I can’t believe it!! Stryker’s got him again!!
Stryker, one more time, rolls the huge challenger over, kneeling down and locking in his finisher. The crowd once again goes insane as Stryker cinches down hard.
(Tom) He’s too far from the ropes this time!!
Kurresh begins to inch his way closer and closer to the ropes. Stryker, tries to hold with everything he has as Kurresh creeps closer to escape. Kurresh swings for the rope, brushing it with his fingertip. Stryker realizes how close he is and he gets to his feet, struggling to walk the monets back to center rine, where he finally kneels back down.
(JB) STRYKER WILL NOT BE DENIED!!
Stryker holds on for deal life as Kurresh begins to scream. Kurresh holds his hand up and the volume of the crowd goes one notch higher. The arena can sense the hope draining from the challenger.
Kurresh, however, has other plans. He buries his hand into the mat, follows suit with the other hand, and begins to push up. Screaming in effort and agony, MK slowly raises his torso off of the mat. Stryker looks around, holding on for everything he’s worth. After a few seconds, Stryker’s hold breaks and the champions falls down tino the opposite ropes. He rolls over sitting, staring in amazement at Kurresh, who’s lying on the mat, clutching his knee.
(Tom) What POWER!!
(JB) Nobody’s ever broken out of the New York Cloverleaf like that!! Stryker can’t believe it!
Stryker, exhausted, pulls himself up by the ropes as Kurresh makes it to one knee. Stryker walks in, and Kurresh grabs him by the throat. The fire in his eyes tells the whole story.
Kurresh lands a vicious knee to Stryker’s midsection and once more time, lines him up. He lifts Stryker up for the powerbomb. There is no escaping this time. Kurresh holds Stryker high for a second, before-
(JB) DROP OUTTA HELL!!! HE CONNECTED!!!
Kurresh drills Stryker and lies back, exhausted and in pain. Stryker lies in the ring, looking dead.
Kurresh sits up, slowly crawling to his fallen victim. He lies across Stryker’s chest.
1…………….
2……………………….
3!!!!!!
(JB) NO!!! KICKOUT!!! STRYKER GOT THE SHOULDER UP!!!! STRYKER IS STILL ALIVE!!
Kurresh rolls off of Stryker and sits up, the same look of shock on his face that Stryker wore moments earlier. The crowd immediately begins to boo at some commotion away from the ring.
(Tom) Uhoh…here we go!!
(JB) What are they doing out here?
The “they” in question is Aliester Essex and Hush, who are walking themselves to ringside. Kurresh catches them out of the corner of his eye and gets up, heading to the ropes and begins jawing at Hush to get into the ring. Essex holds back his monster as Kurresh insists on letting him go. Hush wants in the ring, but Essex manages to keep him at bay. Kurresh has not takes his eyes off of Hush for a good minute…and he hasn’t looked at Stryker. Stryker slowly gets up to his knees. Kurresh is oblivious as Stryker comes up from behind with a schoolboy rollup.
1…………
2……………
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bell rings and Stryker collapses to the side, exhausted. The crowd explodes, but the mood is short lives as Hush hits the ring in an instant, laying into Kurresh before he can get up!!
(JB) STRYKER WINS, BUT WE GOT ACTION!!
(Tom) Kurresh should have stayed home.
Hush picks up Kurresh and whips him across the ring. He goes for a clothesline and misses as the crowd explodes in cheers. Kurresh rebounds…right into the waiting arms of Hush, who hits The Intruder with his version of the black hole slam.
(JB) ECHOES OF ETERNITY!! Hush just destroyed Kurresh again, and The Intruder isn’t moving.
(Tom) He’s unstoppable.
Hush stands up, holding his arms high over the head of his fallen nemesis. As he turns to leave, however, he’s met by one Big City Hitman, who swings him around and starts peppering Hush with rights. Stryker drives Hush back, nearly dropping the giant as they reach the ropes. Stryker whips Hush, only to have to reversed. Stryker hits the brakes, catching himself on the opposite ropes facing the aisleway. Hush charges at Stryker, only to be lowbridged as Stryker ducks down and pulls the rope. Hush goes flying out of the ring as the crowd cheers. Stryker gets up and stares down Hush, who is being restrained by Essex.
(Tom) What the hell!!?? Stryker’s got a death wish!!!
(JB) Maybe he does, but something had to be done.
Stryker stands in the ring, as the ref hands him his Atlantic title. “Til I collapse” blares over the arena’s PA system, as Stryker holds his title high, staring down Hush as Essex corrals his monster back up the ramp.
Cut.
Hi Ho, Hi Ho...
Cut to the hallways backstage, where we find Twitch walking. You might even say "walking with a purpose" and not be wrong. Now, given the title of this little piece and the fact that it's Twitch, you might expect this to be a bit where he greets a couple of prostitutes...
While that's an idea he would certainly not turn down, he's walking far too fast to be saying "hey" to hookers. And I'd think he'd be sitting on a chair, not carrying one.
So really, it's just a little Snow White reference. You know... "Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work we go!"
And cut back to ringside.
(Tom) What was that about?
(JB) Twitch is up to something! But what?
(Tom) Who cares about that idiot? It's match time!
Ron Barker vs. Sebastian Hawke
"I'm The One" begins blasting out the speakers of the NAFW-Tron, as Sebastian Hawke walks out onto the stage, underneath the NAFW-Tron itself. He adjusts his wrist tape before looking out to the crowd. He slowly walks down the ramp to the ring, staring at the ring as he does. He passes by a few fans, who are waving their hands at him trying to get a high-five, but he ignores them, as he walks down to the ring. He comes up to the apron, walking over to the stairs and escalating them. He walks along the apron, facing the crowd as he stares out at them.
(Troy) This next match is scheduled for one fall, with a 20 Minute Time Limit! Introducing first, making his way to the ring... SEBASTIAN HAWKE!
Cruci-fiction in Space by Marilyn Manson starts to play, and Ron Barker emerges into the aisle, decked out in standard black tights and black boots. As per usual, the stoic Barker has no expression on his face as he calmly saunters up the aisle and climbs into the ring on the opposite side of Hawke.
(Troy) And now his opponent, hailing from Toronto Canada and weighing in at 275 pounds... RON BARKER!
The referee slides under the bottom rope, and calls for the bell to starts the match. Sebastian Hawke is only now slowly ducking under the rope to actually get into the ring, when Ron Barker charges! Barker hammers Hawke with a flying knee lift, and Hawke bounces unceremoniously into the ring! Hawke hits the mat, and Ron Barker locks him up, and hoists him high into the air. Barker drops Hawke head first to the mat from the suplex position with a brainbuster! However, Barker is not done there. The angry veteran hoists Hawke into the air again, and for a second time, spikes him head first into the mat with another brainbuster! The fans are somewhat shocked and subdued by the sight of the onslaught being unleashed toward Hawke in such a dominating manner. Barker locks Hawke up, and hoists him high into the air for an incredible third consecutive brainbuster suplex! WHAM!
(JB) Fans, Ron Barker Sebastian Hawke with a series of Brainbuster Suplexes!
(Tom) Barker is a vicious man, and his anger has been out of control since he lost in the Ultimate Showdown tournament. That could be anybody with him in there right now.
Ron Barker stands over the visibly stunned Sebastian Hawke, relishing the clear advantage he has. Sebastian Hawke rolls over onto his back, holding his head...Barker walks around Hawke's body. Ron Barker stands behind Sebastian Hawke. Ron Barker reaches under one of Sebastian Hawke's arms with one hand and places it behind Hawke's neck and with his other arm he reaches around under the Hawke's chin and squeezes across his throat.
Kataha-jime!
Ron Barker has Sebastian Hawke locked up in a lethal Mixed Martial Arts choke; Hawke starts to struggle as hard as he can! Barker grits his teeth in determination, and squeezes as hard as he can! Hawke is fighting the pressure as hard as he can, and he is unable to escape!
(JB) I don’t know what to say here, fans. Ron Barker has Sebastian Hawke locked up in the Kataha-jime...and he can’t get out.
(Tom) Barker came into this match riding a whole bunch of momentum, and he’s on fire tonight.
Sure enough, the sweat is streaming down the face of Hawke, but he cannot break the hold! Hawke reaches out, as hard as he can, straining...stretching for the bottom rope...but he cannot reach it. Hawke has his arm extended... and he taps out!
(JB) Hawke taps out! The onslaught of Ron Barker is too much!
(Tom) They say anything can happen in this game, and Barker just proved it!
Manson starts to blast from the sound system...
(Troy) LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...HERE IS YOUR WINNER...RON BARKER!
(JB) I think Barker’s cheap shot right after the bell is what won this for him. I for one would love to see a rematch somewhere down the road.
(Tom) Uh, Mannatee... Did you invite that idiot out here?
"That idiot" would be a man by the name of Twitch... Who is currently charging toward the ring area with a steel chair in hand, as Ron Barker begins to head up the ramp.
(JB) I didn't, Bear! Is this how he's going to prove himself to Spaz?
(Tom) I hope so... Barker will break him in half and we'll never see Twitch again!
It would seem that Twitch is indeed making an attempt to assault the victorious Barker... "Attempt" being the key word, of course. Barker clearly sees it coming, and easily avoids the uncontrolled swing of the announcer-turned-manager. Barker quickly spins around and locks Twitch in the same hold that just won him the match... The Kataha-jime.
(Tom) That's the way, uh huh, uh huh, I like it, uh huh, uh huh!!
(JB) This is a complete mismatch!
The frantic, and (as JB rightly stated) completely mismatched Twitch flails his arms tapping wildly... Barker, vicious and unrelenting, applies more pressure to the hold and the helpless manager begins to fade toward unconciousness.
(JB) Here comes the cavalry!
Better late than never, Spaz and Mike Lane barrel down the ramp. Seeing his odds are changing, Barker releases the hold and drops Twitch to the ground like a sack of potatoes. As Spaz and Lane arrive to check on Twitch, Barker backs away. The two Toronto-area natives lock in a vicious glare, until Barker turns his back and proceeds up the ramp.
Spaz and Lane pull Twitch up, and supporting his weight between them, carry him backstage.
COMMERCIAL
Look Before You Leap...Or Devastated.
(JB) I'm not sure what's going on, but I think we've got a funeral procession heading our way.
(Tom) I think I know what this is and this is gonna be fun.
The arena is flooded in a dark blue light as ominous music can be heard playing as pall bearers in full blown cloaks are carrying a casket down towards the ringside area. Nobody really knows or understands why, until the NAFWtron lights up with a caption of The Reaper and the words...
Entered the NAFW: November 2005
Left the NAFW: November 2006
Underneath the caption in crimson red. The ominous music and chants continue as the coffin's set up inside the ring.
(JB) Now this all makes sense. For those of you who weren't with us a week ago, Vanessa Chamberlain was behind a vicious assault on The Reaper prior to his matchup with "The Beast" Dwayne Bishop. Vanessa distracted Aarons long enough for Bishop to run in like the coward that he is and...
(Tom) Coward nothing, he was defending the honor of a woman who was about to be assaulted by that neanderthal.
(JB) What? Have you lost your...
The lights dim as we hear a Lion's roar throughout the arena. Three huge pyrotechnic bursts bring the lights back on as the arena is flooded with strobing gold and crimson lights as "Tha Realist Killaz" by 2Pac w/50 Cent is pumped over the speakers. As dry fog starts to emanate from the entranceway, a few moments pass before a figure emerges only it's not who everyone thinks it is. And just as quickly as the fans were on their feet cheering the impending arrival of The Reaper, they are booing as the track cuts out and we hear "What You Waiting For?" by Gwen Stefani as Vanessa Chamberlain emerges wearing hte Reaper's usual black sleeveless hoodie over the top of her business suit which shows a bit of her rather impressive physique up top so to speak. She saunters down the aisle with a real smug look on her face as she reaches the apron and hops up, with her left knee touching the apron first as she pulls herself up. She walks over towards the turnbuckle and mounts it from the outside, spreading her arms with three fingers extended making the trademark Reaper pose as the fans continue to shower her with boos. She hops over the top and lands inside, as she walks towards the podium in the middle of the ring. She removes the hoodie and lets her hair down, as she stands at the podium with a solemn look on her face.
(Vanessa) Last week on Annihilation, we saw the end of...well...I guess it's not an era so to speak because one never really begun.
She pauses briefly, to wipe away a fake tear as the boos rain in from every direction.
(Vanessa) Last week, a plan started. One that had been in the making for about a year and change now, one that The Reaper put into effect the SECOND he came back to the NAFW for (pointing to the fans) all of you mentally insipid morons out there.
Another chorus of boos as she sighs, shaking her head as she resumes.
(Vanessa) Tonight, marks the end of one bitch and the beginning of a new era for my business associate so to speak. With my beauty and the sheer brawn of The Beast, we will begin laying people out one by one until we lay claim to the Foundation Heavyweight Championship currently held by one old fogey who's a solid shot to the hip away from being permanently on disability... Fugazy Del Carver.
As if she wasn't being booed before, calling the Foundation Heavyweight Champion a 'fugazy' sure didn't earn her any mercy with the fans, like she really cares.
(Vanessa) Leonard, when I walked away from you in January of 2005, I did it because simply put, you were a shell of what you were. A shell of what you used to be and a shell of what I fell in love with many years ago. But now, now that I am free and clear of you, I don't have to feel anything for what I'm going to do to you. Rather, what Dwayne Bishop will do to you. You see, I had to search high and low for someone who d you just as much as I do and someone who would do any and everything under the dark sun to see that you never wrestle...AGAIN. Not just in the NAFW, but anywhere, PERIOD.
Pause.
(Vanessa) Last week was your warning Len, your first and last one. But...I know you all too well and I know that won't be enough to stop you. So how's about you try this on for size? At Last Rites...you and Dwayne Bishop one on one and just to sweeten the deal, I've got a fitting stipulation that you're sure going to love because I know Bishop's going to. It's something that you've made a career off of in some respects and in a lot of circles, you've called it your specialty match and I couldn't think of anything more fitting than to have your career ended than in the match that you yourself invented. So...at Last Rites, on behalf of the future Foundation Heavyweight Champion Dwayne Bishop, we challenge you to...
A Doddtown STREET FIGHT. How do you like those...
And just like that, her microphone's cut off. She's tapping it to make sure that the thing hasn't malfunctioned and that's when there's the sharpening of claws being heard over the loudspeakers as the arena is now cast in a dark crimson light. The fans are now on their feet as the Lion's roar can be heard and a loud booming voice cuts through the roar of the fans as we hear...
(The Reaper) SHUT...UP...BITCH.
The fans go nuts as Vanessa jumps back into the stationary coffin, only to stagger back yet again only this time knocking the podium over. There's no real sign of The Reaper yet, but his voice can definitely be heard throughout the arena.
(The Reaper) So...you've aligned yourself with Dwayne Chess Piece all in the hopes of what? Ending my career? Darling, I really hope that this isn't the grand Wily E. Coyote scheme of yours because if it is, ya might wanna go back to the drawing board and come up with something new. But no matter, at Last Rites, you can bet your last dollar to the [bleep]ing time I will accept your...challenge.
The crowd goes nuts as Vanessa can be seen still looking around for The Reaper, yet not finding any sign of him at all.
(The Reaper) You see Vanessa, when you walked out of my life it cut deep. Real deep and in a lot of ways, I wasn't really sure if I'd ever really get over it. But ya know what? With what you did last week, you helped remind me of something I had long since forgotten. Something that in the midst of being all mopey and what not over you walking on to much browner pastures, I totally lost sight of. That being, I'm the Devastator From Doddtown and no matter what you do or who you choose to do it with, you...can't...stop me.
Loud roar from the crowd.
(The Reaper) And on top of all that, at Last Rites, I see you got yourself a little casket out there which is supposed to be for yours truly. Well, at Last Rites, you can go ahead and rest easy knowing that you just signed Bishop up to be publically devastated by the absolute best in this business at what he does and you above all people should know that when it comes to Doddtown Street Fights...
I don't lose.
Another loud roar from the crowd as Vanessa screams at the NAFWtron which is flashing off and on.
(The Reaper) Vanessa, you'd better have your boy ready for war because at Last Rites, he's going to see exactly why I am the Reaper and why he's going to have no other choice but to...
FEEL. MY. WRATH!!!
Just as the audio cuts out, the Reaper's log appears on the NAFWtron and as it does, a red substance comes down from above covering the ring and Vanessa in it. She lets out a very loud scream, as she's covered in the red substance as "Tha Realist Killaz" by 2Pac w/50 Cent plays.
(Tom) Can you believe what we've just heard? For the first time in NAFW history, a Doddtown Street Fight will commence at Last Rites as The Reaper takes on Dwayne Bishop one on one.
(JB) I can't believe what The Reaper just did. How dare he interrupt Vanessa's stirring eulogy for The Reaper.
(Tom) Are you serious? She was out here trying to kick the man while he's down and now, she's got her man booked in The Reaper's match under the Reaper's terms. This doesn't bode well for Bishop.
(JB) Please. You remember what happened last week? Multiply that by a million, because that's exactly what's going to happen to The Reaper at Last Rites.
Forget Aspirin... This is Motrin Pain!
Cut backstage, where one of Diane Clarke's medical staffers is looking over someone who pretty much got his ass handed to him earlier tonight. That man's name is Twitch. And standing next to him as the medic checks Twitch's vitals, is the man who would be Twitch's client, Sean "Spaz" Thomas.
(Spaz) Two things, Twitch...
Twitch merely groans in reply.
(Spaz) One. You've done some pretty stupid things over the years... But rushing Ron Barker after he's just choked someone out? That's approaching the top of the list.
Another groan.
(Spaz) And two. That's not how I want to do things. If you're going to work for me, you're going to have to get that.
(Twitch) Maybe that's how Pez should do things, that hippie bastard.
Spaz stares silently, waiting for the key point in what he said to sink in.
(Twitch) Wait... Twitch just heard "if Twitch is going to work for Pez!" Twitch knew it!
(Spaz) Twitch must have lost a few brain cells... Does Twitch know he's talking in third person?
(Twitch) Twitch hasn't lost anything! Twitch is the greatest manager ever! Twitch is going to be rich!
As Twitch celebrates his return to the realm of the employed, Spaz turns and leaves... He meets Mike Lane outside the room.
(Spaz) Remember that headache? It might be worse than I thought...
Cut.
Jester Smiles vs. Jimmy Riley
The commanding riff of Living Color's "Cult of Personality" plays through the air of the arena, as the fans rise to their feet. The second the song kicks into gear, "The Star of the Show" Jimmy Riley pushes the curtains out, stepping into the spotlight that has been shown onto the entry way. Riley glances around, then heads to the ring, generally ignoring the fans. He climbs up onto the apron and quickly wipes his feet before getting in. Jimmy Riley calmly bounces off the ropes before removing his plain t-shirt and throwing it down to the ringside area.
"Entry of the Gladiators" kicks up, the lights begin to flash with green and purple. About 8 seconds in, Jester walks out from the back, looking down at the ground. As the main chorus line kicks in, Eric looks up into the sky suddenly, throws his arms out with his hands balled into a fist, and screams "BOOYA!" into the sky, which is followed by two green pyros going off. He then dances his way down to the ring, high-fiving the fans, looking as goofy and ridiculous as possible. Upon reaching the apron, he leaps up onto the ring apron in one jump, grabs hold of the top ropes, and bends backward, again screaming "BOOYA!". He then gets in the ring and begins to taunt to the crowd on two opposing turnbuckles.
(Troy) Ladies and Gentlemen, this next match is a one fall contest, with a 30 minute time limit! Introducing first, from Cleveland Ohio, weighing 249 pounds…JIMMY RILEY! His opponent from Richmond Virginia, weighing 245 pounds…JESTER SMILES!
The house lights dim as the bell sounds to start the match. Riley charges at Jester Smiles at full speed. At about three-quarters of the way across the ring, Riley launches himself into the air, and flies at Jester Smiles, connecting with him, and driving him right back against the corner with tackle. Smiles looks caught off guard by the sudden attack from Riley. Riley starts to rain down huge punches to the head of Jester Smiles, hammering him with lefts and rights as the fans cheer the action, if not the man. Riley is swinging madly, peppering the head of Smiles with repeated shots from both of his hands. Smiles is rocked. Finally, Riley backs up and folds Smiles up with a boot to the gut. Riley steps back a few inches, reaches over and grabs Jester by the neck and then heaves him over the top rope! The crowd erupts as Smiles sails over the top rope and lands flat on his back on the floor outside.
(JB) Riley came charging right out of the gate, and nailed Jester with that tackle and now he’s tossed his fellow newcomer over the top rope!
(Tom) Both these guys are not really newcomers though, they have experience in their own way, and both need to make an impression, so Riley is doing the right thing by throwing the rule book out the window!
Riley slides out of the ring, reaches down and pulls Smiles to his feet, and then runs with him, and fires him face first into the steel ring post. Smiles stops short! Jester turns around and runs back toward Riley, hitting him with a nice clothesline! Meanwhile, the ref has been standing at the ropes ordering the two men to get back into the ring this whole time, and Smiles finally complies and rolls Riley back in.
(JB) Good move by Smiles getting this match back in the ring…he’s not going to win it out there.
(Tom) Yeah Riley’s plan of taking the match outside backfired on him.
Riley is still a bit dazed as Smiles pulls him into a sitting position in the middle of the ring. Smiles backs up, and then fires a boot, with his foot smacking Riley right across the back. Jester fires another, and then another, and then another! Riley is gasping for air after all the kicks from Smiles. Jester Smiles quickly rolls Riley onto his back, makes the cover, and hooks the leg...
One...
Two!
Right before the count of three, Riley lifts his shoulder from the mat, as the fans cheer the close call.
(JB) That was a close one.
(Tom) Too soon. You’re not going to put a guy like Jimmy Riley away after a clothesline and a couple of stomps.
Riley shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Jester pounces on Riley, and pulls him to his feet. Smiles locks Riley up, and fires him quickly backwards with a suplex. Riley hits the mat at full speed, and bounces with the impact. Smiles locks Riley up again, and pulls him to his feet. Smiles grabs Riley by the wrist, and throws him into the ropes. Riley comes off, and Smiles throws a clothesline…but Riley ducks! Riley puts one hand on Smiles’ shoulder and spins him around, and then starts firing rapid-fire right hand closed fist punches directly to the face of Jester. Jester Smiles’ head snaps back violently from the impact of the shots from Riley. Finally, Riley grabs one of Smiles’ flailing arms, and pulls him in quickly with a short clothesline. Smiles hits the mat.
(JB) The pendulum has swung, and now Riley is in control.
(Tom) I told you Jimmy Riley still had a lot left in him! You need to listen to me more.
Riley circles around behind Smiles and crouches, waiting patiently, as Smiles slowly gets to his feet. The fans are clapping their hands and stomping their feet, as Smiles slowly stands up. Riley grabs him, sets him up, and powers him into the mat with a side slam! Riley rolls over for the cover…
One!
Two!
Jester sharply kicks out. Riley pulls Jester to his feet, and he grabs Smiles by the back of the head, and runs towards the corner. Riley smashes Smiles’ head off the top turnbuckle, and then does it again. Jimmy Riley starts to repeatedly ram Smiles’ head into the turnbuckle over and over again, as the fans count along. When Riley reaches TEN, he lets Smiles go, who collapses to the mat. Riley comes off the ropes with a legdrop onto the stunned Jester Smiles and then makes the cover…
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
(JB) Big comeback by Jimmy Riley but he can’t put Jester Smiles away.
(Tom) I bet Buchanan is watching this match, and whoever wins could be in line for a shot at that Atlantic Championship I bet.
Riley cusses, and then pulls Smiles to his feet. Smiles shocks Riley with a quick uppercut to the midsection, knocking the wind out of him. Riley doubles over, and Smiles hoists him into the air…into a spinebuster! Cover by Smiles this time!
ONE!
TWO!
This time Riley kicks out. Smiles starts to pick Riley up, but Riley reaches up, loops his hand around Smiles’ neck and rolls him up in a surprise small package pin attempt!
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Smiles kicks out with all his might, breaking the small package up, as both men go sprawling. Riley and Jester both get to their feet and the same time, and stumble towards each other. They lock up, and Smiles places his arm over Riley's shoulder, and reaching across the front his body with his right arm...he lifts Riley up, and falls back, throwing Riley over his head in an exploder suplex! Riley hits the mat and Smiles covers…
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
At the last minute Riley kicks out, as the fans are on their feet! Smiles pulls Riley up, but Riley buries a shoulder into Smiles’ midsection. Riley hoists Smiles up, scooping him up in a bodyslam position. Riley runs, and then powers Smiles into the mat with a powerslam staying on him for the cover…
ONE!
TWO!
Smiles kicks out.
(JB) Both these men are really letting it all go!
(Tom) It goes to show how much they want this win. Both these guys want to make a good impression.
Jimmy Riley is the first man to his feet out of the two, since it was he who executed the last offensive move. Riley pulls Smiles to his feet, and then in a smooth and fluid motion, he hoists him into the air and holds him high up, for a long moment. Flashbulbs go off, as Jimmy Riley holds Jester Smiles aloft in the high vertical suplex…and suddenly Riley sits out, sending Jester Smiles crashing to the mat on top of his head in a picture perfect brainbuster!
“The Ego Check!”
Riley makes the cover and counts along with the ref…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The ref hauls Jimmy Riley’s arm into the air in victory, as “Cult of Personality” starts to play and Troy Gilmore makes it official…
(Troy) HERE IS YOUR WINNER…JIMMY RILEY!
(JB) And a successful debut for NAFW newcomer Jimmy Riley!
(Tom) Yeah yeah yeah. We’ll see just how long he can hack it here in the NAFW. Even I could beat Jester!
Challenge Is Closed
Mike Stryker is sitting, removing the tape from his wrists as Mark Herriot knocks and enters his dressing room. Stryker looks none too pleased at the moment.
(Herriot) Mike, huge win!!
(Stryker) Bulls***!!!
Herriot freezes as Stryker goes off.
(Stryker) All I wanted was one clean match. Win, lose, whatever, I had to know if I was good enough to beat Matthew Kurresh. Now I’ll never know, because Hush and Essex came down and got involved. You might say a win is a win, but it ain’t, not this time. That giant mongoloid ruined my night! So you know what I’m gonna do?
Herriot shakes his head, terrified.
(Stryker) I’m gonna get some payback. Essex and hush wanted to be big time hotshots and issue an open challenge last week? Well, consider your challenge filled Hush. Next week, you and me are getting in that ring, and I’m gonna beat your huge ass all over that arena. Hush messed with the wrong man. Now, Mark….get out.
Herriot doesn’t need to be told twice as he makes a break for the door. The camera freezes on Stryker’s face, seething with rage.
Fade to black.
COMMERCIAL
Good Friends = Better Business Partners
And there he is, the man himself, and Cleveland’s own, Jimmy Riley. After his debut against Jester Smiles, Jimmy is in the locker room, throwing his wrestling gear into a black duffel bag. After throwing several items into the bag, he zips it up quick before grabbing a black leather jacket and throwing it on over a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Apparently Jimmy was accustomed to the cold winters and a winter in Detroit would dare compare to a Cleveland winter. But that’s not here or there. Jimmy reaches into pocket of his leather jacket pulling a simply cell phone, flipping it open, finding that gets no signal in the Joe Louis Arena.
(Jimmy) Crap…
You know…James…if you would answer your damn phone before you would be having this problem.
Riley turns around to see ‘The Madman from Miami’ and his old running buddy in Heatwave holding up a cell phone of his own. Jimmy only smiles as Heatwave steps into his locker room, they both quickly shake hands as Heatwave slips his cell phone back into a pocket of his dark red velour jacket.
(Jimmy) You know I would kick anyone else’s ass for calling me James. Besides, I thought you weren’t going to show tonight?
(Heatwave) Well, I’m not just anyone besides, you think I would miss your debut? Man, please…you knew I was going to be in Detroit besides, with all the buzz going around this place I would be a fool not to show up and get some face time. Besides, I came to see you because we need to talk about something.
Jimmy arches a brow slightly as he crosses his arms over his broad chest.
(Jimmy) Yeah, like what?
(Heatwave) Remember what we talked about on the phone before your flight to Detroit about the history we have together in New Hampshire? How we ran the gambit of those fools on the East Coast and they never saw what hit ‘em?
(Jimmy) Do I remember? How can I forget about that, man? We were huge there…besides, that’s old news anyway. Like you said before this is the big show, not some rinky-dink independent circuit like before. We can’t compare what we got paid in New Hampshire to the NAFW. Besides, I know you got some sort of scam in mind…what do you have in mind.
(Heatwave) I’m think that we do the same thing in the NAFW that we did in the WMW.
Jimmy is a bit taken back as he places a hand on his chin, seeming to see his idea taking shape.
(Jimmy) You want to bring back The Undisputed Truth?
(Heatwave) No, no…not The Undisputed Truth, far from it. I’ve been thinking about what went wrong with that plan. We got to big for the WMW and we ended up crashing because of it. This go around, I’m thinking something a lot more different. Instead of four…we stick with the two guys who made the UT into what is was. Something to be respected and something to be fear. Jimmy, I’m thinking, just the two of us running the gambit in the NAFW.
He smiles softly as nods his head slightly.
(Heatwave) But this time, instead of going straight to the top…we start from the bottom and work our way to the top.
(Jimmy) I like where you’re going with this, I really am. So let’s say that I’m game for this…what’s first?
Heatwave shrugs his large shoulders as his smile has yet to waiver of leave his lips.
(Heatwave) Well, check this out…we both now that as separate entities we are a force to be reckon with as it were. But just imagine if we hit up the tag-team ranks? There isn’t a team on the roster than can even come close to adding up to what we have to offer. Besides, we dominate the Tag Division…and then once we get bored with that, we take our act to the Singles and let the chips fall where they may.
Heatwave puts a hand on the shoulder of Jimmy and smiles softly.
(Heatwave) What do say?
(Jimmy) Com’n, Nic…don’t jerk me around. You know from day one that I signed my name on the dotted line that this was going to happen. Besides…I only got single question for you anyway.
(Heatwave) And what’s that?
(Jimmy) What the hell took you so long?
Heatwave laughs as he nods his head.
(Heatwave) I couldn’t tell you, man. I couldn’t tell you…but com’n. Let’s get the hell out of here…I’m sure we can still hit up a bar and down a few before you leave.
(Tom) I think we’ve seen the start of something beautiful here tonight.
(JB) Is that sarcasm I sense in your voice?
(Tom) Ask your mom later tonight.
(JB) Good one, but not as good as our main event coming up. We saw Keith Owens bitch and moan earlier tonight, and now the number one contendership will be decided in a fairly unique way in this tag team match.
The Trust Fund Kids vs. Spaz and Mike Lane
Whoever Scores The Pin Fall Is The #1 Contender To The Foundation Heavyweight Championship
(Tom) This is something else, I have to admit. I’m honestly not sure who is going to walk out as the number one contender. My money is on one of the Trust Fund Kids though.
(JB) This was originally supposed to be a contest of sportsmanship between Spaz and Mike Lane, but now they’re back to teaming.
”It’s All About The Benjamins” rock remix hits the speakers and the Trust Fund Kids make their way out onto the stage, accompanied by Melissa Hayes. The crowd showers them with boos, like they normally do. No surprises there.
(Troy) Ladies and gentlemen, making their way down to the ring accompanied by Melissa Hayes are Trevor Cunning and Keith Owens, the Trust Fund Kids!
(JB) We’ve already seen Trevor Cunning in action once tonight when he got himself disqualified against Ainsley Lake.
(Tom) What are you trying to imply Manwaggon? That Trevor won’t be ready to go tonight in this match?
(JB) I’m just saying he’s already had a lot on his plate for one night; can he really go and be successful in another match?
(Tom) Of course he can!
The Trust Fund Kids enter the ring and do their cocky posing with Melissa. As they do this, “Cochise” by Audioslave hits the PA and Mike Lane and Spaz emerge from the back interrupting their pose-a-thon, accompanied by… Twitch?
(Troy) And making their way to the ring being accompanied by Twitch… Spaz and Mike Lane!
Both men look at each other, slap hands, and then storm the ring. They slide in under the bottom rope and immediately begin brawling with the Trust Fund Kids, to the delight of the crowd!
(JB) Spaz and Lane are wasting no time getting the action under way tonight!
(Tom) Where are the manners of these two? Who storms the ring like that? Now really!
(JB) The Trust Fund Kids are a menace to the NAFW and Spaz and Lane are going to end their title hopes here tonight!
Walt Mason struggles to keep things under control as both teams brawl. Spaz and Lane seem to be getting the upper hand as Lane clotheslines Cunning over the top rope and follows with him. This leaves us with Spaz and Owens in the ring, where Spaz drops Owens with a big back body drop. He quickly drops a few elbows before Owens finds the strength to muster back up to his feet. As soon as he does, Sean Thomas drops him with a dropkick.
(JB) Spaz sure is taking it to Owens right now!
Keith is back up once more and Spaz lays a few hard chops to the chest. Owens finds himself backed into a corner and Spaz whips him across the ring into the other corner. Owens crashes against the turnbuckle hard and flops on his back, just far enough out to meet a springboard moonsault by Spaz! He hooks the leg and we’ve got a cover. Mason counts… 1… 2… Kickout!
(JB) A near fall by Spaz early on. He could have become number one contender with moves like that!
(Tom) No one wants to see Spaz as the number one contender!
Both men are back up, with Twitch in one corner trying to shout orders at Spaz, and Melissa in the other corner begging Keith to get his head together. The two exchange some chain wrestling which gets the crowd back into it… until Keith Owens locks on a sleeper hold!
(Tom) Sleeper hold! Sleeper hold!
Tom’s excitement doesn’t last long as Spaz elbows his way out of it, and snaps Keith over his shoulder. One more drop kick to the back of the head leaves Keith writhing on the mat. Spaz tags out to Mike Lane.
(Tom) Why would Spaz tag out? If his team wins, he’ll have handed the number one contendership to Lane!
Cunning charges the ring after Lane is tagged in and keeps the big man busy as Keith recovers. Walt separates the two men then forces Cunning back into his corner. Keith takes this as an opportunity to low blow Lane then roll him up with a school boy. Walt turns around to see the pin and makes the count. 1… 2… Shoulder up! Keith is furious and tells Walt Mason that should have been a 3 count. While he argues, Lane clocks him from behind, sending Keith stumbling forward. He grabs Keith around the waist from behind and seems to be looking for a German suplex but Keith flips out of it. Facing the corner of his opponents, he slaps Spaz in the face for good measure, only to turn around to meet a Mike Lane lariat. Lane picks up Keith and whips him into his own corner where Trevor Cunning quickly makes the blind tag. Blind tag to Keith that is, as Mason sees it, and now Cunning is the legal man.
(JB) A smart move by Trevor Cunning there to tag out his partner.
(Tom) I don’t know if Keith will be happy about this…
Cunning and Lane, nearly equal in size, begin to brawl. They slug out left and rights before Cunning goes downstairs and tries to bring Lane to the mat with some amateur wrestling. He gets him in a fireman’s carry and slams him to the mat. Cunning applies a rear naked choke and eventually Lane gets to the ropes. Mason starts counting Cunning to disqualification for not breaking the hold. At a count of four, he breaks the hold. Lane gets back up and looks to tag in Spaz but gets pulled down by Cunning. Cunning locks him up and lifts him for a very large vertical suplex. After completing the move, Cunning bounces off the ropes and knee drops Lane in the upper section. Keith holds out his hand for Cunning to tag out, but Cunning stalks Lane, egging him on to stand back up. Lane gets to his feet and Cunning hits a huge German suplex. 1… 2… Spaz makes the save!
(Tom) Look at that, Spaz is clearly cheating for his team!
(JB) He did what any good tag team partner would do.
While Walt escorts Spaz back into his corner, Keith takes this opportunity to double team Lane with Cunning. When Walt turns back around, he tries to send Keith back into his corner, but Keith swears he made a tag when he clearly didn’t. Cunning drops Lane and begins to argue with Keith as Walt tries to force Keith back into his corner. Keith keeps saying he made the tag but Walt doesn’t believe him and Cunning is starting to get agitated. This goes on for a while, giving Lane enough time to recover. He tries to tag out to a fresher Spaz, but Spaz refuses because he knows Walt won’t see the tag. Instead he tells Lane to do something else. Lane begins to stalk both men. Finally Keith reluctantly gets back into his corner. Cunning shares some stern words with him, then turns around a eats a SHADOW KICK!
(JB) Shadowwwww Kickkkkkk!
Lane covers Cunning. 1… 2… Keith makes a diving save. Cunning rolls out of the ring to the outside and now Owens begins to brawl with Lane. Owens hits a big heel kick and Lane gets tangled in the ropes. Owens turns and runs toward the other ropes and Spaz makes a blind tag. Walt signals its good as Owens is bouncing off the ropes and delivers a leg high across Lane’s throat. Lane gets untangled and stumbles forward. Keith is up and locks up Lane… DIFFERENCE MAKER! Lane is out and Keith makes the cover. Walt doesn’t count at all as Lane isn’t the legal man (not to mention Keith isn’t either). Keith gets up and starts getting in Walt’s face about what the problem is and Walt tries to tell him that neither man was legal. Spaz decides now is his time to re-enter and he nails Keith with a spinning heel kick, known as the Sweets Kick. This knocks Keith off his rocker. Spaz looks around to see where Cunning is. Cunning is still downed somewhere on the outside of the ring. Twitch points from the outside where he is, and as Spaz goes that way, Ron Barker storms down the ring from the back with a chair in hand!
(Tom) Ron Barker, the smartest man in the NAFW, with another smart decision!
(JB) How is interfering in this match a smart idea?
(Tom) Something good will come of this…
He hits the ring and drills Walt Mason with the chair! The referee is out! Spaz turns around when he hears the commotion and eats a chair shot too! Cunning rolls back into the ring, and Keith begins to make his way back up to his feet. Lane starts to stir and both Keith and Trevor are confused as to who is the legal man to pin. They see that Mason is down, and with Barker’s help, they all start wailing on Spaz and Lane in a two on one attack. The crowd begins to pop big time because here comes Diamond Del Carver to make the save with a barbed wire baseball bat as an equalizer!
(JB) So much for a smart decision. He took out the referee and now there’s no one to make a pin count, if Keith or Trevor could figure out who the legal men were in the first place.
(Tom) Yeah, like DDC and a barbed wire baseball bat are going to make matters any better!
Carver takes a few swings and rips into both Cunning and Owens with the bat. Barker picks up the chair for defense as the Trust Fund Kids scramble into one corner behind him. Spaz and Lane guide themselves to another corner behind DDC. All six men stare each other down before slowly walking forward again into the middle of the ring.
(JB) The sides have been drawn! We’re going to see a nasty brawl!
Carver picks up the bat and stands in a battle ready position. Barker points the chair at him and seems about ready to lead a charge when…
HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!
Cut to the stage where NAFW Commissioner Ray Buchanan has just stormed out from the back with a microphone in hand.
(Buchanan) The next person that flinches is FIRED!
All six men in the ring remain calm and don’t move forward with their attack.
(Buchanan) Now look here… I’m sick of this situation. Owens, you can’t keep your eye off that title. Cunning, you can’t keep your hands off Diamond Del. Barker, you seem to like to meddle in the affairs of the champion. All while I tried to give Spaz and Mike Lane a chance to step up to the plate. And instead of deciding a number one contender tonight, we have a downed referee and a match about to escalate into a brawl. This is not the kind of show I was hired to run.
(JB) The man has a point. What seemed like a simple way to decide the new #1 Contender has escalated into so much more.
(Buchanan) And since you men couldn’t have any kind of a fair contest to decide the new number one contender… Seeing how we just wrapped up a very political time in our nation, I’m going to let the fans decide who the number one contender is. At Last Rites, it will be a Vote or Die main event!
(Tom) What? Vote or Die! We haven’t seen that in ages here in the NAFW!
(JB) How is he going to make this a Vote or Die main event for the PPV?
The crowd pops as all six men look around the ring, slightly confused at what this has in store for them.
(Buchanan) At Last Rites, Diamond Del Carver will defend the Foundation Heavyweight Championship against either Ron Barker, Trevor Cunning, Mike Lane, Keith Owens, or Spaz in the main event with the remaining four men facing off in a tag team contest. You the fans can begin voting for who you want to see challenge Diamond Del Carver starting tomorrow morning on TheNAFW.Com!
The crowd pops big time, as the last time Vote or Die was used, it was a massive success.
(Buchanan) Oh and since you gentlemen have deprived the fans of a solid main event for yet another week, be prepared for action next week as Owens, Cunning, and Barker will take on Carver, Spaz, and Lane in a six man tag team match!
(JB) What a huge main event match next week, and for Last Rites!
(Tom) I can’t believe this. I need to set my alarm to vote in the morning!
With all six men staring each other down in the ring, the show begins to fade out to the NAFW logo.
(JB) Be sure to join us on the next edition of Annihilation as we make our last stop before Last Rites!
Cue that logo.
