At the same time a countdown appears on screen.
The guitar riff is playing over this countdown.
0:03… 0:02… 0:01… 0:00…
When the countdown reaches zero, there’s a pause, and then the rest of the hard hitting instruments kick in.
The standard fast pace hard hitting action clips are shown as the song plays on, bulding up to a giant drum roll where the intro video ends and we flash to the Annihilation logo.
ON
Cue the huge boom of the indoor pyrotechnics display.
BOOM!
BOOM!!
BOOM!!!
(JB) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Annihilation! Tonight is a huge night for the Foundation as we'll crown not one, not two, but THREE new Number One Contenders for the Tag Team, Atlantic, and Foundation Heavyweight Championships!
(Tom) Additionally, I'll be given the award for Color Commentator of the Century!
(JB) I don't see that here on my programming sheet, Bear.
(Tom) Commissioner Ray Ray added it in at the last second, I swear.
Opening Talky Bit
"Lip Gloss and Black" by Atreyu 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 Tyrone Smith. Tyrone walks down the ramp, adknowledging the crowd as he slides under the bottom ropes. The lights flicker back on as Tyrone pumps his fist in the air, runs around off the ropes and then turns, grabbing a microphone from the ringhand. Tyrone has his ribs taped up and his body is broken and bruised, but Tyrone has a little bit of a smirk on his face. The smirk then fades as he turns too the crowd and starts to speak.
(Tyrone) These past 2 weeks have been hell for me. At Chain Reaction, I get powerbombed and brutalized during the match by the monster known as Hush. I was determined to get my revenge last week when I was supposed to face Hush again in one-on-one action, but before the match even starts, I get beat down again. I mean, look at me! I am bruised from head to toe, I can barely moved, I am bandaged up, and you know what?
Tyrone's smirk returns as he nods his head and laughs lightly.
(Tyrone) Frankly, I don't give a damn. I am still standing. I am still here, and DAMMIT I am still ready to fight!
Now the conventional person would say that I should stay away from the ring tonight, as I am not at 100% percent to be in a match, but you know what? I'm not a conventional person. I have a #1 contenders match for the FOUNDATION HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP tonight against the man who has made my life a living nightmare the past couple of weeks, Hush.
That gets a pop from the fans.
(Tyrone) I've heard it all. The people backstage, hell even my own FAMILY has told me that I should just give up this time because I cannot beat him. I cannot destroy the monster known as Hush. Hell, I don't think any man by himself could actually beat Hush without some kind of cheating, but you know what I think? I think all of those people are completely OUT OF THEIR DAMN MIND! I have come so far in this business to [beep] out now. If I am to accomplish my dream and to prove to everyone that I am what I say I am, and that is THE BEST, I will have to beat Hush. The tides will turn tonight, and Hush will know what it feels like to feel NO REMORSE.
Tyrone stares at the crowd, then turns to the entryway as the smirk turns into a full fledged smile.
(Tyrone) Hell, why do I even have to wait? I'm ready right here and now. Hush, I know that you are watching this. I know that you are lurking somewhere in the backstage. I want you here in the ring... RIGHT NOW! Why do we have to wait until later? I want you right now so I can show you that I mean business. So if you have the balls, Hush. I'm waiting right here. No strings attached.
Tyrone stares at the crowd, then turns to the entryway as the smirk turns into a full fledged smile.
Do my ears deceive me, or do I hear the faint sound of immature posturing?
The attention of everyone in attendance is immediately directed towards the jumbotron where the visage and upper torso of Aleister Essex, fedora and all, appears.
(Essex) But of course it's just that rodent, Tyrone Smith. Though I find it strange that roadkill can speak...
Tell me something, Tyrone, what's it feel like to be Hush's personal punching bag these past few weeks?
The crowd jeers as Essex, backed by a production screen, sneers insidiously at everyone.
(Essex) Wait, don't answer that, Smith. Don't answer it because I think that all of those people you mentioned have been telling you what you already know; that this just isn't worth it. That you are, without a doubt, worthless collateral.
Face it, Tyrone, there is nothing special about you, nothing at all. The only thing particular about your situation is that, for some god-forsaken reason you've found yourself in the midst of my monster's destructive path time and time again.
The words roll off like daggers from Essex's acidic tongue.
(Essex) And now, NOW that my monster has done what is necessary to secure a chance to destroy that derelict, Mike Stryker, NOW you want to "man up" and fight the behemoth face-to-face?
(Tyrone) YES. Bring him out Essex!
The crowd cheers wildly which makes Essex's following words all the more cutthroat.
(Essex) No.
No, my monster will never be ordered about by the likes of you, Tyrone Smith; a man so wrapped up in trying to prove himself that he has no clue where to begin. Nor will he appear on the whim of these mongrel, witless fans!
Cue the fan-like, fan-oriented jeers.
(Essex) You WILL wait to be decimated tonight, Smith. If I were you, I'd at least savor the spotlight. For you see, my monster could decimate you whenever I see fit, and it's just your luck that tonight, destruction awaits you in the main event.
I've played Buchanan's games LONG enough, and I will NOT jeopardize my monster's inherent right to the Foundation Heavyweight Championship belt, MY Championship belt, because some fool who thought that just by changing his scrofulous name that he'd attain some delusion-induced power that he couldn't achieve before, INCLUDING being able to order up my monster on whimsy.
The cameras cut to Tyrone who grips the microphone in hand like an object he'd like to shove down Essex's throat.
(Essex) The fact is, Tyrone, while your name has changed, your ways have not. You will NEVER overcome your limitations, just like Hush will never fall to the likes of you, and just like Mike Stryker will once again fall to the might of my unstoppable brute, HUSH.
We will see you tonight.
Just like that the jumbotron goes black, as all eyes refocus on Tyrone Smith still staring daggers at where Aleister Essex's image was projected.
Tyrone paces around the ring like a rabid dog, his smirk not fading from his face as he coughs and starts to speak again.
(Tyrone) So, that's how you are going to play, huh Essex? You aren't going to bring Hush out right now, and going to force me to wait? That's fine and dandy, but let me just say this:
The longer you have me to wait, the more determined I am going to be when the time comes. It's true that your monster has gotten the best of me the past 2 weeks, but that is just getting me more determined to tear him limb from limb. I may be stupid enough to think that I can do it myself, but dammit, frankly I don't give two rat's asses anymore. Tonight, I am going to beat Hush. I will find someway to topple the monster. He is not invincible. All I have to do is exploit his weakness and he will be MINE!
Tyrone drops the mic down to his side and looks at the crowd one last time before raising it up again.
(Tyrone) After the dust settles and the smoke clears, despite what everyone says, there will be one man standing tall in the ring, his name forever etched in stone.
My name is Tyrone Smith, and I will beat Hush.... and then at Breaking Point I will beat Mike Stryker to become the New Foundation Heavyweight Champion!
Tyrone throws the microphone to the mat as "Lip Gloss and Black" Fills the PA again. Tyrone crawls under the ropes as he makes his way to the backstage and disappears through the curtains.
(JB) Strong words there from Tyrone Smith as he prepares for his main event match against Hush tonight for the top spot to challenge our world champion. We’ll be right back.
COMMERCIAL
The following advertisement is paid for by the Stephen Owens Presidential Campaign:
Are you tired of the heelish politics of Washington?
Sick of being double crossed by your elected officials?
Do you want to see pork barreling counted out?
Then its time to crown a new champion!
Vote for Stephen Owens to be your next President of the United States in 2008!
"I am Stephen Owens, and I approve of this message."
Old School Empire vs. The Goods
#1 Contendership Match for the Tag Team Championships
(JB) Who does the Old School Empire have dirty pictures of?
(Tom) Well – your mother, Mann-Wheel – but then again – everyone does. I have copies, if you want to look?
(JB) That’s not what I meant, Bear – and thank you for bringing my mother into this, yet again.
(Tom) It’s what I do.
Pause.
(Tom) So tell me, Mann-Wheel – what did you mean?
(JB) The Old School Empire has had opportunity after opportunity – title matches, number one contenders matches – and even though they’ve seemingly never won one – they still get these shots time and time again!
(Tom) That’s one of the perks of being in Mike Lane’s Entourage, Mann-Hole! Bottles of Dom, trips to the Playboy Mansion, V.I.P. lounges and loose women! Title Shots are only one perk in the playbook! Lane is a powerful, influential man, Mann-Wheel – and the Old School Empire are blessed to be his friends.
Hell – we are blessed to have Mike Lane in our lives!
(JB) When did you become such an unabashed Mike Lane fan, Bear?
(Tom)
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.
(Tom) Allow me to make a bold prediction, if I may.
(JB) You’re going to make it, even if I say no, aren’t you?
(Tom) At Breaking Point – the Old School Empire will take on the Trust Fund Kids for the Tag Team Championships.
(JB) There’s nothing bold about that prediction.
(Tom) You’re agreeing with me, then?
(JB) Of course not.
(Tom) Look at the facts, Mann-Chowder. Not only have the Goods not won any significant tag matches since they returned to the NAFW – but they got knocked the BEEP out by Ashley Collier last week.
(JB) You can’t say that on television.
(Tom) That the Goods aren’t winning? You had no problem bringing up the Old School Empire’s losing streak.
(JB) That’s not what I meant.
(Tom) Oh. BEEP You mean I can’t say BEEP.
The lights cut out and the rapid chords and drums of "Riot" by Three Days Grace ring through the arena. A red spotlight shines on the top of the stage, and three figures step out. In front are Slush and Ammo, in their dark red tights, both wearing fingerless gloves and black sunglasses.
As the music goes into the chorus, The Goods stalk down to the ring. Slush slides under the bottom rope, then Ammo pulls himself up onto the apron and steps over the top rope. Slush and Ammo toss their sunglasses out to the crowd and play a game of paper / rock / scissors to determine who goes first..
(JB) Please, Bear – stop cursing.
(Tom) Why the BEEP should I? That miserable BEEP-hole Jamie Alejandro gets to swear! Ashley BEEP-ing Collier gets to swear. And Leonard Aarons – don’t get me started on that motherBEEP.
(JB) The bell has rung – let’s take it to the ring!
Slush and Dustin start for their respective teams. They lock in the center – Dustin falling to a knee to gain some leverage before standing and pushing Slush back towards the ropes. Referee Phil Redding steps in, asking Dustin to make a clean break – and Dustin shockingly obliges… only to rush forward and try to clothesline Slush over the top.
Slush however, ducks, and responds with a pair of lefts to Dustin’s jaw. He irish-whips Dustin across the ring and, using Dustin’s momentum to lift him higher in the air, hits an inverse atomic drop on the way back down. Slush then hits the ropes himself, hits a running knee lift doubling Dustin over, and then stops, leaps in the air, and hits Dustin with a rocker dropper. He covers for two.
Slush then drags Dustin into the Goods’ corner and tags into Ammo – but before the Goods can capitalize, Dustin crawls through Slush’s legs and across the ring into his corner, where he wraps himself around his brother’s legs. Shane tags in.
(Tom)BEEP ‘em up Alpha, BEEP ‘em up!
(JB) Needless profanity aside – the Alpha and Ammo have matched up well. Both are big, strong, and…
(Tom) And the Alpha doesn’t have a black eye from where Ashley Collier knocked him the BEEP out last week.
(JB) No, he just has a lacerated forehead from where Trevor Cunning smashed his face into the steel ringsteps.
(Tom) Why are you always so BEEPing negative, Mann-Hole?
Shane asks Ammo for a test of strength – and the big, blonde, black man locks knuckles without hesitation. Their arms loser, their chests bump, and after seven seconds of sumo – Ammo swings his arms back up and pushes the Alpha down with a Greco-roman knuckle lock.
Dustin enters the ring, looking for a cheap shot. Ammo ducks, but Dustin flips over Ammo, looking for a sunset flip. Ammo allows himself to fall backwards, but holds on to the knuckle lock while placing a foot in Shane’s gut, bringing the Alpha back to the mat with him.
Slush springboards in, hitting the seated Dustin with a lariat on the way down. Both Dustin and Slush roll outside the ring as the Alpha and Ammo roll back to a vertical base, still in the knuckle lock.
With Redding looking to the outside, ordering Slush and Dustin back to their corners. Shane takes the opportunity to kick Ammo square in the gonads. Ammo collapses in a heap and Shane falls to the mat to take advantage, choking Ammo until Redding returns and counts to five.
(JB) He’s not even the legal man!
(Tom) Well, who the BEEP is the legal man?
(JB) I think Shane and Slush are!
(Tom) Not like it BEEPing matters. Redding’s a ‘tard.
Shane pulls Ammo up to a vertical base and Irish-whips him across the ring. He drops Ammo to the mat with a snap power slam. Outside, Slush retaliates, whipping Dustin into the steel steps. He slides back inside, only to meet a boot from the Alpha.
Shane pulls Ammo towards the corner, and after peppering him with right hands, perches him on the top rope. He climbs to the top rope, looking for a superplex attempt. From seemingly out of nowhere, Slush charges in and dropkicks the Alpha in the small of the back. Ammo pushes Shane off and then leaps into the air, landing on Shane with the full brunt of his girth.
Dustin slides back inside the ring, kicking Ammo square in the temple before Redding can even count to one. Ammo spins off, groggy.
Slush, meanwhile, uses this opportunity to fly towards Dustin with a cross body and take both men over the top rope in a hurricane of flailing limbs.
(JB) This is chaos!
(Tom) BEEPing A Mann-wheel! BEEPing A!
The bell rings.
(JB) What the fuck?
(Tom) Sure – that doesn’t get BEEPing censored.
Back inside the ring – Ammo and the Alpha lay prone, side by side. Each man has an arm across the other. Dustin and Slush are both in the ring, asking Phil Redding to raise their arms.
Redding leans outside the ring and discusses the situation with Troy Gilmore
(JB) Folks… I’m not sure what’s going on?
(Tom) Other than a massive FCC violation?
(JB) Now you’re concerned?
(Tom) Yeah – I won’t get the press!
The Goods and the OSE have each taken one side of the ring as their own, awaiting the referee’s decision.
(Troy) Ladies and Gentlemen – both Ammo and Shane Thomas had their shoulders on the mat for a count of three. Accordingly - this match has been declared a draw!
Inside the ring, the OSE are screaming at Redding, demanding he declare them the winner. After looking at each other, the Goods charge and lariat the OSE over the top rope and to the floor.
Shane and Dustin start throwing a tantrum on the outside as they make their way towards the back. Riot hits the P.A. – but the Goods don’t celebrate.
(JB) A draw!
(Tom) No BEEPing way! So who’s the number one contender?
(JB) I guess we’ll just have to wait for Buchanan to let us know, which I’m sure he will sooner, rather than later.
Sister Krystin
We're in a locker room with Spaz and Twitch. It's pretty much the usual locker room scene. Spaz is watching clips from last week's show - at the moment, scenes from the end of the Ashley Collier Guantlet - and Twitch is having a heated debate with his towel.
(Twitch) The new Knight Rider series will be awesome, Blake Bouchard!
He pauses, clearly hearing a reply that nobody else does.
(Twitch) So what if KITT's a Mustang instead of a Trans Am! And maybe they're saving Turbo Boost for the series instead of showing all their tricks in the movie?
Just as Blake is "replying" again, there's a knock at the door. Spaz stands up and goes to the door, while Twitch continues his conversation.
(Twitch) Besides, that new chick is hot! No, not the one that was on Veronica Mars... The hot one!
Spaz reaches the door, shaking his head in amusement at his manager's "discussion."
He opens the door, revealing a beautiful young woman who appears to be in her early-to-mid 20s, but is actually closer to 27. She stands at an above average 5'8" and sports shoulder-length blonde hair. She's wearing a pair of jeans and a red blouse.
(Spaz) Krys!
At the sight of her, Spaz's smile widens even further... But this isn't a smile of amusement: It's one of love. Spaz and the newcomer share a hug, after which Twitch looks up.
(Twitch) Speaking of hotties... Who's the Vixen?
After the situation with Twitch disrespecting Amie Carmichael, you'd expect Spaz to have a somewhat negative reaction to Twitch's comment. Your expectation would be right, but for the word "somewhat." Spaz cuts Twitch a rather vicious glare, and with no hint of amusement in his voice, responds.
(Spaz) She's my sister.
Twitch gets up, leaving Blake on the bench behind him.
(Twitch) How has Twitch never met Vixen before?
Spaz frowns.
(Spaz) Her name is Krystin... And your not meeting her was quite intentional.
Twitch gasps in apparent shock.
(Twitch) How could you deprive poor old Twitch of such beauty?
Throughout all of this, Krystin has been smiling in mild amusement. Now, she steps forward, reaching a hand out to Twitch.
(Krystin) Don't mind Sean... He's just a little over-protective of his little sister. I'm Krystin Thomas. Pleased to meet you...
Before she can finish, the sentence (as she clearly knows who Twitch is), the manager takes her hand and plants a shockingly polite kiss on the back of it. Spaz frowns.
(Twitch) Twitch, at your service.
Krys continues to smile.
(Krystin) Well Twitch, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to talk to my brother alone for a bit.
(Twitch) Of course! Twitch would never get in the way of Pez and Vix... I mean, Krystin!
Twitch goes back to his bench, picks up Blake and leaves the room. Spaz invites his sister to sit down, and we're done here.
(Tom) For once, Twitch isn't wrong... Spaz's sister is hot!
(JB) A little young for you, isn't she Bear?
(Tom) Young schmoung! Tom Kalhoun is an all-ages lover... Just ask...
(JB) Stop right there!
(Tom) What?
(JB) You're going to talk about my mother again.
(Tom) Actually I was going to mention your cousin and your niece. You know, because of the all ages thing.
(JB) I hate you.
Hello NAFW…
The lights begin to dim with a loud gong. A few seconds pass before another gong sounds, and the start of Evanescence’s “Haunted” begins to play. As the light goes completely out a dark light hue begins to emit from above. A bright light Is shown above the above a portion of the tron. A tall male figure is show standing there with his arms extended out near his waist.
(JB) Tom, who, and or what is going on here?
(Tom) Gee JB if I knew that I’d be a multi-billionaire and not sitting to a Mann-hole.
(JB) Yeah Yeah whatever man.
The tron starts to come to life as a very heavy snow static. A hardly noticeable figure is comes into view. Any distinguishing features are hard to make out. The figure stops and sets down something upon a table top. The sound of a tape recorder being turned on is heard, and the beginning of a tape is heard running.
(???) Hello, NAFW… It is unfortunate that I am not here in person to properly introduce myself….
I would like to introduce myself as Xavier Caine, and I have come to the NAFW for one reason. It is to show that everyone of the NAFW stars that they have hopeless dreams, and goals that they are trying to attain. Unfortunately I feel it is my duty to put them out, and silence them forever…..
Everyone has different stages of their hollowed dreams. The ones that think they have gained everything from a career that has been good to them like Mr. Kurresh, who’s storied career put him in the spotlight to quickly, and then it faded from him quicker than it came. Others that have suffered from this grave situation are Thomas Fitzgerald, Stud Muffin, Demonfire, and TomWorth……
That is only the beginning of a long list of different and storied careers that have long been silenced on their own. I am more interested in the ones that have slowly established themselves, or ones that are coming to life slowly on their own.
The sounds of the tape player is heard, and the static on the screen eases up a little more, and some of the features of the face before you is seen, and the figure speaks.
(XC) Like I told Mr. Sorrow last week. He shall be the first to feel the affects of my work. Ladies and Gentlemen of the NAFW the great silencing has begun. Mr. Sorrow all your hopes, dreams, and goals shall be silenced.
The lights and the tron return to normal shortly after the figure finishes speaking.
(Tom) What a wacko we have there Mann-Wheel.
(JB) He might be a wacko to you, but he scares the heck out of me.
(Tom) Oh man you set yourself up for that Mann-hole, but I’ll be nice just this once.
COMMERCIAL
The following advertisement is paid for by the Stephen Owens Presidential Campaign:
Do you want to see violent criminal offenders body slammed by justice?
Do you want drug dealers to tap out to the law?
Do you want gang members to tag out of your neighborhoods?
Then its time to crown a new champion!
Vote for Stephen Owens to be your next President of the United States in 2008!
"I am Stephen Owens, and I approve of this message."
Spalding’s Revenge
While it’s not the greatest idea to arrive at the arena after the start of a show, having not been booked in a match tonight seems to let Andy get away without any serious discipline. Walking down one of the many hallways that litter the backstage area, the Atlantic Champion carries a bag over one shoulder, the belt around his waist and talking on a mobile phone.
(Andy) And what exactly am I going to say?
While we can’t hear the other side of the conversation, it seems like the apathetic, and very lazy, Andy is once again trying to get out of making a promotional video
(Andy) My pay per view match ended in a draw and I got owned with that chair shot during my last match
Those with good memories will recall that not only did Snake nail Andy with a chair shot after Pete Gilmour ducked, but Snake has also since stated that the chair shot was intended for Andy all along. Those with bad memories wont remember any of that, so don’t bother trying.
(Andy) Yeah, trying to build respect for the AC belt is one thing, but how do you do that with a count out draw and a beat down?
Andy finally arrives at his destination, his locker room for this evening, still talking on his phone, Andy opens the door and starts to walk through
THOWMP
That’s the sound of something heavy smacking Andy in the chest and the AC champ flying backwards, phone hitting the floor and the voice on the other end yelling “Andy? ANDY!? ANDDDDYYYYYYY?!?!?”
(Andy) What the…
As Andy looks up to see what hit him, so do we. And the sight that we all see is surprising. A medicine ball suspended from the ceiling inside the locker room by a rope. It would seem that it was set up to fall as soon as the door was open. Upon it is the word ‘REVENGE’
(Andy) Damn it Snake.
And as Andy picks himself off the floor, we’ll move our scene to other places.
Yelling Gets You Nowhere
Welcome to Commissioner Ray Buchanan's office. Normally this is a nice, quiet area where the boss can do his work in peace. Right now, it is far from that.
In addition to Buchanan, his head of Security Ryan McJohnson, and his intern Brian McJohnson, four men have crowded into the room... Three of them are yelling at or near the top of their lungs. The fourth is being his normal, stoic self, contributing only the occasional grunt.
Shane and Dustin Thomas on one side, Slush and Ammo on the other. They're all yelling over each other (except Ammo, of course), to the point where none of the specifics are really discernable... But the general idea is that both teams are certain that they won their match moments ago, and both are therefore insisting that they are the #1 Contenders to the Foundation Tag Team Championships.
Behind it all, Ryan McJohnson decides that enough is enough. He puts one hand under the edge of Buchanan's desk, and with no sign of effort, lifts it six inches off the ground. Only his nephew Brian, and Buchanan himself seem to notice the movement. Without warning, he drops the metal desk back to the ground, at which point a rather loud and painful sound erupts. It's enough to shut everyone in the room up.
It's only now that Buchanan stands up from his chair.
(Buchanan) You can claim victory all you want, gentlemen... But the decision on the Number One Contendership lies with me, and me alone.
Shane and Slush start to talk again, but Buchanan's going to have none of that.
(Buchanan) Let... Me... Finish.
With his firm order obeyed, Buchanan allows a moment of quiet to fill the room before continuing.
(Buchanan) By the referee's decision, both of your teams won the match. But I want a two-on-two tag match for Breaking Point.
Pause.
(Buchanan) So both of your teams will be represented against the Trust Fund Kids... One man from each.
This prompts the beginning another outburst. This time, Buchanan simply talks over them, and they quickly stop to listen.
(Buchanan) Here's how it's going to be. Next week, Slush will face off with Ammo, and Shane will battle his brother Dustin. The winners - and there will be single winners, I'll make sure of that - will pair up to face the Trust Fund Kids at Breaking Point. That's my decision, and it's final!
Before anyone can jump in with a complaint, Buchanan issues one final order... This time to McJohnson.
(Buchanan) Ryan, kindly get these people the hell out of my office!
With a finger to his earpiece, McJohnson quietly says a single word, and within seconds the office is swarmed by Security guards. As the guards clear the room, over continued protests from Slush, Shane and Dustin, we cut.
(JB) This is extremely unorthodox!
(Tom) And it pretty much ensures the continued reign of the Trust!
(JB) It certainly will be difficult for a member of The Goods to work with a member of the Old School Empire! These two teams have been at each other's throats for months!
(Tom) And they're going to have to fight within their own team to even get to Breaking Point!
(JB) Next week is already shaping up to be an interesting night! And we've just gotten started with tonight!
Jaime Alejandro vs. Psycho
As the bass and drums kick in "Naveed" by Our Lady Peace cranks up...
Come come Naveed
Come come Naveed
Come come say
Come come Naveed
Come come Naveed
Come come Naveed
Go
Jaime Alejandro hits the ramp and looks at the crowd. As he does, he raises a fist in the air to the sound of a huge pyro shot.
He walks to the ring clad in the Blue MMA trunks and his matching boots and gloves. As he takes a second to jump into the ring, he lands with both feet and looks around ready for action.
(JB) For those of you that missed it, Jaime Alejandro returned unexpectedly last week at the end of Ashley Collier’s gauntlet match, upsetting the boxer who thought he had the match won.
(Tom) In my opinion, Jaime Alejandro wasn’t listed on the card, and therefore he shouldn’t have been able to come in and win the match.
(JB) That match was punishment for Collier’s actions at Chain Reaction, and as always, the card is subject to change.
(Tom) Yeah well, at the very least, Buchanan could have done better than Jaime Alejandro. A washed up drunk looking for one more victory tour before retirement will never be any match for the Born Warrior in a legitimate one on one situation.
The arena darkens as Terrible by the Insane Clown Posse comes over the PA and neon green strobe lights flash into the crowd. Carlos Smith's face appears on the big screen with red eyes. Psycho comes out from the entrance area wearing a straitjacket followed by Carlos himself. The two make their way to the ring. Once inside, Carlos releases the straitjacket and Psycho stands in the middle of the ring screaming. Carlos barks some orders before going to the outside to manage Psycho.
(JB) And here is Jaime Alejandro’s opponent for tonight, Psycho. He was on the winning side of a tag team match on Annihilation 19 with Snake, let’s see if he can keep the momentum rolling tonight.
(Tom) Whatever reason Carlos Smith has brought Psycho here for, I’d hate to be standing across the ring from him. I can’t understand a word he’s screaming, but if I were Jaime Alejandro, I’d be soiling my pants right now.
Referee Richie Howard calls for the bell, and this match is on. Psycho stops his screaming and stares down Alejandro, who is meticulously sizing up his opponent. Alejandro rushes in for a front grapple and Psycho boots him in the stomach, sending him back a few steps. Jaime comes in for the front grapple one more, and receives the same boot to the midsection.
(Tom) Looks like old man Jaime doesn’t know not to do that.
Jaime slaps his quads then charges in for what seems to be a third front grapple. Psycho once again goes for the midsection kick, but this time Jaime grabs his leg. Psycho immediately goes for an enziguri, only for Jaime to duck it. Psycho manages to spin around and land on his feet in the exact same position he was in before. Jaime then pulls Psycho’s leg in closer, lifts him up, and drops him onto his back with a modified spinebuster.
(JB) I think Jaime found a way to make an impact start to this match.
(Tom) Fluke.
On the outside, Carlos is not happy with that and starts barking at Psycho to get up off the mat. Psycho gets up, grabbing his back. Jaime charges at him with a short order clothesline, which Psycho manages to duck. Jaime turns around and gets hit with a dropkick from the Psycho one. Jaime falls onto his behind, while Psycho hits the mat and once more grabs his back. Psycho rolls to the outside of the ring to buy himself some time. Referee Howard begins to count him out. Meanwhile, Carlos runs around and takes off his belt. He reaches between the ropes with it and hooks Jamie’s neck, choking him with the belt against the bottom rope. With Howard counting out Psycho on the other side of the ring, he doesn’t even see this help.
(Tom) Go Carlos go!
(JB) I thought you were all about the fair one on one matches Bear?
(Tom) Yeah, for Ashley Collier. I could care less about this washed-up has-been.
The referee’s count reaches eight, so Psycho rolls back into the ring and Carlos lets Jaime go. The referee turns and sees that something was amiss, so he begins to admonish Carlos. Psycho uses this as an opportunity to stand on Jaime’s throat as Jaime’s neck is still propped up against the bottom rope. Psycho jumps up and down using the top rope to keep his balance. Howard is quick to come in and issue an extremely fast five count, to which Psycho yields to at the count of four.
Psycho drags his bigger opponent up to his feet. But Jaime latches onto him with a big bear hug. Psycho gets lifted into the air, grasping for air as Jaime depletes the oxygen in Psycho’s lungs. This only lasts a few seconds before Jaime turns the bear hug into a belly to belly suplex. Psycho goes flying and Jaime takes a few moments to recover his own oxygen supply. Jaime walks over to Psycho and starts laying in the knees to the head and midsection. He launches Psycho off against the ropes with an Irish whip, and on Psycho’s return, Jaime catches him and redirects Psycho’s momentum with a big power slam.
(JB) Another huge move from Alejandro right there!
Jaime drags Psycho up off the mat and calls for the end of the match. He lifts Psycho up for the Crimson Revolver, but Carlos jumps on the apron in plain view of Jaime! This distracts Jaime enough that Psycho wiggles out, then plants a big backwards elbow to Jaime’s skull. Psycho spins Jaime around and grabs his throat, looking to hit the Klown chokeslam into the corner. Unfortunately, Jaime weights sixty-five pounds more than Psycho, and pushes Psycho off of him, then throws him into the corner. Jaime turns and walks to the opposite corner before running back at Psycho. Jaime plants the 50 Caliber Kick, or a Yakuza Kick, to the face of Psycho. The demented competitor stumbles out of the corner and into the middle of the ring, where Jaime ducks under Psycho’s right arm, placing Psycho’s arm across Jaime’s back. Jaime takes his own right arm and wraps it across Psycho’s back. Jaime then sweeps out Psycho’s leg from underneath him, and in the same motion, does a forward flip, flipping Psycho onto his neck and into a pinning situation. We call this concoction Revolution No. 2, and it’s more than enough to get Jaime Alejandro the decisive three count from referee Richie Howard.
(Tom) What in the world was that?
(JB) If I had to guess, it’s what Ashley Collier has to look forward to in the future.
(Tom) But really, what was that?
(JB) It’s a Japanese strong style move that called a Ranhei that Jaime has renamed Revolution No. 2!
(Tom) Yeah well, if the old man tries that one too often, he’ll throw out his hip or break his own neck.
After being pinned, Psycho rolls to the outside of the ring. Carlos immediately runs over to him and begins whipping him with his belt, calling him a failure. He drags Psycho up to his feet, secures the belt around his neck, and leads Psycho to the back like an animal on a leash.
(JB) Carlos was certainly not happy with Psycho’s loss.
(Tom) Carlos is a man with big plans. He’s got to get his creature into shape.
With that distraction gone, Howard raises Jaime’s hand in victory in the middle of the ring. Suddenly, the big screen lights up with Ashley Collier’s face.
(Ashley) What a laughable performance old man. We both know your opponent tonight was not even close to the caliber of opponent that the Born Warrior is.
I bet you’re feeling great about that win though. You probably feel as youthful as ever since shedding that beer gut of yours.
But guess what? I’m the best conditioned athlete in this entire place, and I guarantee you that the next time you want to try and pick a fight with me, you’ll be going down. Any time, any place: I will knock you the [bleep] out.
Watch your back, vato.
Collier snickers as Jaime Alejandro stares him down on the big screen from the middle of the ring.
Cut.
Don't Let Him Get to You
Welcome back to The Goods' locker room. It's pretty much as we last left it. Spaz is seated with his sister Krystin, having a conversation.
(Spaz) I'm glad you could make it, Krys.
Krystin smiles.
(Krystin) Of course I could make it! It's not every day you're working this close to home. Besides, I have another good reason to be here tonight.
Spaz raises an eyebrow.
(Spaz) Please tell me you're not dating another wrestler. I know you and Andy didn't work out, but after Maxx... And let's not forget JaZon's infatuation... I'd hope you'd gotten your fill of wrestlers.
Krystin slaps Spaz lightly on the shoulder, and he jokingly acts as if it actually hurt.
(Krystin) Yes Sean, that's it... I came here to tell you in person that I'm dating Snake. There's just something about that mask that I can't resist!
Spaz knows his sister well enough to catch the obvious sarcasm, as if the slap wasn't hint enough. The siblings share a laugh, before getting back to the conversation.
(Spaz) So what's your other good reason then?
(Krystin) To talk some sense into a couple of people. And the first is you, Sean.
Spaz raises that eyebrow again, and smiles.
(Spaz) Me? What did I do now?
(Krystin) Last week... You let Mike Lane distract you. You could have won the title again, and I know how much you want that... But you let Mike Lane get to you, even after you said you were done with him.
Spaz frowns.
(Spaz) Kind of hard to ignore someone when they're jumping into your match left, right and center.
(Krystin) I didn't say it was going to be easy... But you have to stick to this one, Sean. Leave everything, good and bad, in the past and move on. Just like you said.
Spaz nods.
(Spaz) I'm trying, Krys.
(Krystin) Don't try. Just do it.
Spaz smiles now, seeing that his own influence on his sister coming right back at him.
(Spaz) OK, you've got a deal.
(Krystin) Good.
She stands up, and this prompts Spaz to raise his eyebrow yet again.
(Spaz) Leaving already?
Krystin shakes her head.
(Krystin) Of course not. Just going to talk to that other person I mentioned.
(Spaz) Want me to come along?
Krystin pauses a moment before replying.
(Krystin) That's OK. It's just an old friend. And I think I know my way around the arena well enough.
Spaz doesn't reply immediately either, sensing that his sister isn't telling him something. But in the end, he trusts her judgement.
(Spaz) Alright. So I'll see you back here later?
(Krystin) Definitely.
And with that, Krystin walks out of the room. A moment later, Twitch returns.
(Twitch) So... Is Pez's sister single?
Spaz bores a hole through Twitch's head with a glare.
(Spaz) Don't even think about it, Twitch. In fact, don't think about thinking about it.
Twitch shrugs, then looks to Blake Bouchard.
(Twitch) A simple "no" would have sufficed.
We're done here.
(Tom) I hope I'm that "old friend" of hers. I wouldn't mind having her talk a little sense into me, if you know what I mean!
(JB) I don't see how that's even close to an innuendo, Bear.
(Tom) That's what she said!
(JB) That doesn't even make sense.
(Tom) Shut up, you!
(JB) Gladly, if it'll end this nonsense. We’ll be right back, after a word from our sponsers!
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The Iron Seven’s Revenge
We’re backstage at some catering facility with the Atlantic Champion, Andy D, recovered from his earlier ‘attack’ from a medicine ball, grabbing a sandwich. While piling his plate up with various different things to make up the sandwich, Andy takes a small drink from a glass of water, setting it back on the table.
CRASH
(Andy) What the…?
While his first thought is that Andy didn’t place the glass properly on the table, upon closer inspection Andy see’s a professional style Golf Ball with a letter written in red on it.
(Andy) R? What’s that supposed to OW!
Andy’s vocal train of thought gets derailed when another golf ball baring the letter E hits him in the face. This is quickly followed by 5 further golf ball’s striking Andy in various parts of his body. Unfrotunatly due to the speed of the balls and the camera angles, its only the production notes that will inform you that the following 5 balls all had a letter written upon them, V, E, N, G, and E struck Andy in that exact order. Bonus points to all those who work out what the secret message was while Andy runs away to hide out in his locker room, assuming another Medicine ball won’t attack him upon his entrance to it.
The Time is Now
We go backstage where our good friend Mark Herriot is standing by. Mark is in a black suit and pants with a white shirt unbuttoned at the top. He smiles into the camera and begins to speak.
(Mark) Hello wrestling fans, Mark Herriot here and my guest at this time is none other than the Xtreme Icon Peter Gilmour.
Peter comes into the shot alone. Max is nowhere to be found.
(Mark) Uhh, where is Max?
Peter shrugs his shoulders but then laughs as Max is right behind Mark giving him rabbit ears.
(Mark) What's so funny?
Peter points to where Max is standing and Max moves forward like he is about to punch Mark out. Mark flinches and moves back. Peter and Max start laughing hysterically.
(Max) Man, that was funny. You're a real easy target Marky Mark.
(Peter) Hey Mark, do you have a funky bunch of friends?
Peter and Max chuckle again. Mark is not looking too happy.
(Mark) Real funny guys. Peter, tonight you go one on one with a man who has beaten you before, SNAKE. Do you think since the stakes are higher you can beat him and get a ounce of revenge for him beating you about a month ago?
(Peter) I think I can beat him. Snake is a tremendous talent and yes, he did beat me. Although he CHEATED because of that moron Psycho. But he is a distant memory. Tonight, I get the chance to fight for the right to become the #1 contender for Andy D's Atlantic Title. Now what happened to Andy D last week wasn't my fault. I knew Snake had something planned to hit Andy with that chair and not me. I'm sorry to Andy for that happening and I will beat his as for you tonight. But Andy, don't think I'm doing this as a favor to you. I know you want a piece of Snake's ass. But I want revenge too for him beating me a few weeks ago. If I beat him, then I get to fight you for your Atlantic Title. I would love to fight you in that ring for the title. It should be an exciting match and may the best man win. But tonight, I got to beat Snake. This may be the last chance I get at a title for a long time. I will not give up and I will stop at nothing to get that title shot even if it kills me.
(Mark) Do you have any worries that Psycho or Carlos may want to interfere in your match?
(Max) If he does, I will make sure that Carlos never walks again.
(Peter) Don't worry my friend. Psycho is nothing to me. I beat his ass at Chain Reaction and I beat his ass last week. He wasn't even a factor in my match. SO I am done with his punk ass, but if he wants to get his ass beat again, I won't hesitate to send him back to that hellhole he calls a home. And if Carlos wants some, I will put him in the ground as well. But back to you Snake, I know you are hungry for a title shot. Hell You were a former champion here in the NAFW. That's mighty impressive but this time you won't have that stupid soccer ball to help you. I am going to make you regret hitting Andy with that chair then making ME tap out. I am going to make YOU tap out and I will become the #1 contender and face Andy at a later date for the Atlantic Title. But tonight, you are going to take a walk on the wild side and you are going to face you JUDGE, JURY AND GODDAMN EXECUTIONER. Snake, tonight you will be struck down by this animal. Get ready to be VENOMIZED!!!
Peter rolls his eyes in back of his head as blood pours out of it. He then spits it on Mark who is blinded momentarily. Peter and Max leave as Mark tries to regain his sight.
We cut back to ringside, to the announce table.
The Trust Fund Kids (Keith Owens & Trevor Cunning) (TT) vs. Derek Clarke
5 Minute Handicap Survival Match
(JB) Poor Mark…
(Tom) Try poor Dereke.
(JB) What are you talking about?
(Tom) He might try to hide it, but Ray Buchanan is an evil, evil man.
(JB) Come again?
(Tom) Just look at poor Derek Clarke standing there in the ring. He thinks he’s tough – and don’t get me wrong – he’s putting up a good front, but Derek knows that he’s in for the beating of his life.
(JB) What makes you think that Keith Owens won’t just go out and try to wrestle a good, solid, match?
(Tom) Because Trevor Cunning is with him!
(JB) Well, even if Cunning tries anything…
(Tom) Which he will.
(JB) Even then, all Derek has to do is survive five minutes!
(Tom) Five minutes is an eternity when you’re bleeding from the face, Mann-Wheel.
(JB) How would you know, Bear?
(Tom) Well, Mann-Hole…
(JB) You’re going to make a joke about my mother, aren’t you?
(Tom) Technically, it was her blood on my face – so…
Indeed, Derek Clarke is in the ring, stretching, trying to stay loose. Generic rock – of Jerry’s choice – whatever it may be – plays in the background.
The hush fades, guitar and drums kicking in past the whisper. Gold pyrotechnics rain from the ceiling like the morning sun – filling the dimmed arena with new light.
It’s that very same light that sets off a hangover.
Trevor Cunning stumbles through the curtain – clutching a bottle of Jack Daniels to his chest like a newborn baby. He runs his hands through his hair, as if confused – blinking rapidly to try to dull the pain of a dehydration induced migraine.
His parallel – Keith Owens, bounces out from behind the curtain with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. His title belt, strapped around his waist, shines in comparison to Cunning’s – which is stained dark brown.
The pair head towards the ring – where Keith hops up on the apron and wipes his boots. Before he can enter the ring, Cunning slides underneath the bottom rope and attacks Derek Clarke. He buries a boot in the poor kids’s midsection and knocks him to the mat with a running knee lift.
(JB) What a jerk!
(Tom) Look at the bright side, Mann-wheel, at least he didn’t spit Jack Daniels all over you this week.
Cunning rips his polo off and starts choking Clarke with it. He dares referee Dave Connors to disqualify him. With Clarke down on the mat, Cunning lets go of the shirt and starts putting the boots to him. Irish-whip is reversed, Owens tags in blindly.
Cunning eats a hip toss and a standing drop kick – but before Derek can capitalize further – Keith takes him to the mat with a dropkick of his own. Keith slaps on a side headlock, Derek powers up to a vertical base, and pushes off against the ropes. Cunning tags himself in blindly, and after Owens leapfrogs Derek – Cunning levels young Clarke with a lariat.
Cunning points to the outside – telling Keith to get back on the apron. Owens looks at Cunning, then leaves the ring begrudgingly.
Derek takes that opportunity to toss a right into Cunning’s midsection. He ducks under a right – then responds with a right of his own. Derek hits the ropes – ducks a lariat, then tries a dropkick. Cunning swats him away, waits for him to get to his feet, and plants him with a back suplex. He covers for two.
Frustrated, Cunning slams Derek’s head into the mat twice, before covering again for two. He pulls Derek to his feet and whips him into what would be Derek’s partner’s corner. Instead of Kobashi Ten, Derek finds ten rights connecting with his temple. He stumbles out into the center of the ring, where Cunning’s waiting to scoop him into a fireman’s carry. Before Cunning can toss him into a boot, Derek escapes, rolling Trevor up for two. Cunning rolls through, allowing Owens to tag himself back in the match.
Cunning moves to attack Clarke again, but Dave Connors pushes him to the outside. Owens exchanges arm drags with Clarke before taking him to the mat with a spinning wheel kick. Difference Maker looks to finish, but Cunning enters the ring to distract Connors.
Owens gets off Clarke and goes to “discuss” the situation with his partner. Cunning backs off to the corner, stepping through the ropes to grab the tag rope. He again tags himself in, grabbing the bottle of Jack on the apron as he enters. Connors moves to check on Derek.
Cunning enters the ring – but Owens steps in his way. He rips the bottle of Jack out of Cunning’s hand and leaves the ring. Cunning looks surprised as Owens tries to exit to their corner of the ring. But Derek Clarke is back on his feet, and he uses his might to shove Cunning into Owens. Owens is sent tumbling to the outside of the ring, not knowing what just happened!
In the midst of the confusion, Cunning spins around and walks right into a Northern Lights Suplex and a three count.
(JB) Wow! What an upset!
(Tom) What! That didn’t just happen!
(JB) Not only did Derek Clarke survive – he defeated the Tag Team Champions!
(Tom) Please, Mann-Wheel! They defeated themselves!
By the time Owens looks up, the damage has been done. Connors is raising Derek’s hand while Cunning is pulling himself up to his feet.
Owens gives Cunning a pissed off glare, shakes his head, and turns his back on his partner. He walks away from the scene, up the ramp, and into the back.
Cunning immediately rolls to the outside the ring. He tosses Troy Gilmore into the announce position and grabs Gilmore’s chair before sliding back in the ring. Clarke, who was celebrating, bails to the outside before Cunning can do any more damage.
With the object of his aggression no longer in the ring – Cunning blasts Connors in the back and tosses the chair up the ramp.
(Tom) There’s going to be repercussions, Mann-Wheel! Someone’s going to pay!
(JB) Well – Dave Connors did – I’m afraid to see who else will. Derek Clarke survives another handicapped match, beating the Tag Team Champions, so he’ll face another challenge next week.
(Tom) Clarke never would have won if Owens hadn’t gotten in the way of Cunning, then distracted him.
(JB) From where I was sitting, it looked like Owens was merely taking the bottle of Jack Daniel’s away from Cunning before he was shoved to the outside of the ring.
(Tom) Well, we all know I’m right. So there!
Visits to The Empire
Backstage once again! This time, we're inside the locker room of the Old School Empire. Mike Lane and The Thomas Brothers are there, as is to be expected. But they're going to have a couple of visitors in the next few minutes.
The first enters now, without knocking. The door opens to reveal one Brian McJohnson, NAFW Intern extraordinaire.
(Lane) Can I help you?
(Brian) Not really. Buchanan wants to talk to them.
Brian is looking toward the only possible "them," the Thomas Brothers.
(Shane) Again? What does he want now?
McJohnson shrugs.
(Brian) How the hell should I know? Buchanan doesn't trust me with important stuff after Operation Spaz Begone... Which I was seriously underpaid for, by the way.
If you've forgotten, Brian's talking about events from Annihilation 16. Watch it online if you missed it.
(Dustin) Fine, we're coming...
Shane and Dustin get up and leave the room. Mike Lane is now alone... But not for long, as there's a knock at the door.
(Lane) Come in!
Lane looks up, and is quite surprised to see who has come to see him.
(Lane) Well, hello there Krystin. What can I do for you?
Yes, it's the same Krystin who we saw earlier tonight. Spaz's little sister is visiting her brother's nemesis.
(Krystin) I came to ask you for help. We've helped each other before, so I'm hoping you'll help me again now.
This piques Lane's interest.
(Lane) Care to take a seat?
Krystin shakes her head.
(Krystin) No, thank you. I won't be long.
Lane nods, and gestures with his hand, as if to say "go ahead."
(Krystin) I want to ask you to leave Sean alone.
Lane laughs.
(Lane) Wow. I knew Sean was weak... But to send his baby sister in here to beg big bad Mike Lane to let him be...
Krystin interrupts.
(Krystin) First of all, Sean doesn't know I'm here. He'd rather I go on a date with Snake than be in the same room as you.
Lane smirks.
(Lane) And second of all?
(Krystin) I'm not begging. I'm asking for a favor, from the Mike Lane I used to know... If there's any part of him left.
(Lane) I see. Well, I'll take your request under advisement. No promises.
Krystin looks ready to press the matter, but decides against it.
(Krystin) That's all I can ask.
Without another word, Krystin turns to leave. But Lane's not quite ready for her to go yet.
(Lane) Krystin!
She stops and turns around and sees a wicked grin on the face of Mike Lane.
(Lane) It was nice to see you again.
She frowns.
(Krystin) I wish I could say the same.
Krystin leaves the room now, and we're done.
(Tom) Spaz's hot sister was friends with Mike Lane!
(JB) Well, Lane and Spaz were tag team partners for some time, Bear.
(Tom) Twitch never met her in all that time, but Lane did? No Mannwheel, I think this is something different.
(JB) But Lane is married, and quite simply, not Twitch. That alone would be reason enough for him to know her while Twitch doesn't. In any case, I for one hope that she got through to him.
(Tom) Care to place a wager on that hope?
(JB) Sadly, I don't. The Mike Lane that Krystin Thomas said she knew doesn't seem to be around here anymore.
(Tom) And I say good riddance to him!
(JB) You would, Bear.
(Tom) I know. I just did.
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Do Brothers Still Hug?
Fade into the Trust Fund Kid’s locker room. Keith Owens storms through the door and throws his Tag Team Championship belt against the wall. He’s still pissed off after losing that handicapped match to Derek Clarke. If only Trevor hadn’t tried to cheat, they wouldn’t have been distracted and lost the match.
Keith starts to let out his frustration further by tossing steel chairs and flipping the bench in the locker room. As he’s losing his temper, Trevor Cunning bursts through the door dragging his Tag Team title belt behind him.
It looks like things could very well explode.
Keith immediately stops his tantrum and points his finger at Cunning, who stops dead in his tracks.
(Keith) What the hell was that out there Trev?
Cunning starts to say something but Owens cuts him off.
(Keith) Save it. Last week, you showed up drunk the stole the win away from me. And before that? I thought it was you cracking bottles of Jack over my head.
So what’s your [bleep]ing excuse for this week?
The two stand face to face staring each other down before Trevor speaks.
(Trevor) My excuse? The Godfather doesn’t make excuses. But I have one question for you: Since when did you have a problem with breaking bottles of Tennessee whiskey over some punk’s head?
Cunning stares a hole into his partner.
(Trevor) I thought we were back on the same page Keith. I thought you were over your little emo-streak that Melissa put on you. I thought you were back to kicking ass and taking names like we did at Chain Reaction. I thought you were the same man that defeated the Intruder the win the Foundation Heavyweight Championship, that embarrassed Jack Flint just because you could, and that retired David Kurresh at Oblivion.
Pause.
(Trevor) So Keith, what page are we on?
The two continue their stare down until Keith takes a step back from his tag team partner.
(Keith) The only page we need to be on is the one where we keep our titles.
Keith reaches down and grabs onto the Tag Title belt that Cunning is holding, and pushes it into his chest.
(Keith) So whatever Buchanan wants to do to determine our challengers for Breaking Point – we’re going to go with it, so maybe you should save your Jack-crackin’ energies for later.
Owens steps away from his partner and turns around. He slides his hand over his face to regain his composure before turning back around to face Trevor. The tone of Ketih's voice changes.
(Keith) Look - I ’ve got a lot on my mind right now Trev. Mel is still in the hospital. The [beep]ed up letters keep coming in the mail. I’m getting phone calls from mysterious people I don’t even know. My father is running for President of the United States. I don’t want to put the Tag titles in jeopardy. I don’t need to be fighting with my tag team partner. I don’t need to be fighting with my best friend.
Keith steps forward and extends his hand.
(Keith) So can we put this behind us and prepare for next week and Breaking Point?
Trevor stares at Keith’s extended hand before extending his as well, pulling Keith in for a ‘man-hug.’
(Trevor) Alright bro, lets regroup then.
(Keith) Deal.
Keith turns and reaches into his gym bag and pulls out a manila colored enveloped. After tucking it under his arm, he starts to head for the door.
(Keith) I’ve got to go. There’s someone I have to meet.
(Trevor) About?
(Keith) It’s my problem. I’ve got to deal with it.
And with that, Keith exits the room, while Trevor picks up a steel chair to sit on. He shakes his head at the door and his partner as the shot fades out.
Brunswick’s Revenge
To say it hasn’t been Andy’s night would be a bit of an understatement, first being side swiped by a medicine ball on the way into his locker room, then getting pelted by golf balls, Andy’s having a bad day. But we now find the AC champ walking backstage heading towards the ring. Why he’s doing that when he’s not due out only he knows.
(JB) And the Atlantic Champion is heading out this way
(Tom) Oh wonderful, just what I needed to make my life complete, seeing a champion who couldn’t care about breathing let alone having a title
Insert your basic description of an intense looking Atlantic Champion walking down a hallway on his way to the ring…
SPLAT
…at least until he falls flat on his face anyway
(Tom) HAHAHA! That has to be one of the best things I’ve seen all night
(JB) That has to be a bit embarrassing for the champ
(Tom) What a champ, all the intimidation of a pansy and the coordination of a brick.
As the camera pans to see Andy on the floor we see that his feet have been taken off the floor by a bowling ball that had been rolled on the floor to do exactly what it had just done. As Andy picks himself up from off the floor, he reads the word written along the bowling ball... ‘REVENGE’
(Andy) Ok, that’s it… Now I’m PISSED
As the usually apathetic and lazy Andy D blows his top, he angrily walks off in the direction he was heading
(JB) I think Andy’s angry
(Tom) Well thank you captain obvious, got any more nuggets like the sky is blue or water is wet?
(JB) How about it looks like Andy’s going to be coming out to the ring before the Atlantic Number One Contenders match, which is coming up after our next commercial break?
(Tom) Well commercials be damned, because whoever is on the other side of this headset is telling me that we’re going backstage to Ray Ray’s office!
Buchanan's Insurance Policy: The Empire
We're back in Ray Buchanan's office. Earlier tonight, it was a madhouse with lots of yelling and the ringing of a desk hitting the ground from half a foot in the air. Now, it's much more peaceful, with only the sound of Buchanan shuffling papers to fill the room.
The door to the office opens and reveals Shane and Dustin Thomas. Buchanan looks up and acknowledges them. But it's Shane who speaks first.
(Shane) So, what do you want now?
If Buchanan is offended by The Alpha's lack of respect, he doesn't show it.
(Buchanan) I've made an addition to your match. As I told you earlier, I'm going to make sure that one, and only one, of you walks out of next week the winner.
Shane and Dustin don't appear to be entirely enthused. And they're about to become even less so.
(Buchanan) So to ensure that there is a winner, I've assigned a special guest referee for the match... Trevor Cunning!
Here comes the "less so."
(Dustin) No way.
(Shane) You've got to be kidding.
Buchanan smiles.
(Buchanan) I assure you, I'm completely serious.
(Shane) How is that fair? What about The Goods?
Still smiling.
(Buchanan) Don't concern yourselves with The Goods.
Abruptly, we cut away from Buchanan's office...
Visit to The Goods
... And we're following Brian McJohnson outside of a locker room. The sign by the door indicates what you already know: The room belongs to The Goods.
McJohnson walks in to see Slush and Ammo, both seated, chatting with Krystin Thomas. Well, Slush is chatting, at least. All three of them look up at McJohnson.
(Brian) Buchanan wants to see you. Don't ask me why.
After a moment's pause, Slush and Ammo stand up. Slush looks to Krystin.
(Slush) We'll be right back.
Krystin nods, and The Goods vacate the area, on their way to Buchanan's office. Brian McJohnson, however, doesn't go anywhere. In fact, he moves further into the room, and stands right in front of Krystin.
(Brian) Hey baby... I don't look like much now, but I'm drinking milk.
Krystin laughs, but doesn't say a word. McJohnson doesn't give up. Instead, he sits down and puts a hand on Krystin's lap.
(Brian) So, how would you like to make an easy twenty bucks?
The amusement drains from Krystin's face now. She grabs hold of Brian's hand, twists it behind his back into a hammer lock and proceeds to push him out of the room. As the door closes, his voice can be heard from outside.
(Brian) Fifty! That's my final offer!
Krystin shakes her head and sits back down, as we cut.
(JB) That's huge news!
(Tom) No it's not. Brian McJohnson couldn't pick up Mae Young, let alone a beauty like that.
(JB) I'm talking about Buchanan's announcement, Bear.
(Tom) Oh, that. Seems to me like Ray's stacking the deck for the Trust.
(JB) I doubt that. But now the Thomas Brothers not only have to deal with each other, but Trevor Cunning as well!
(Tom) And Ray's got something in store for The Goods, too.
When Walking Away Means Welcome Back...
(JB) Well, we've still got one heck of a night ahead of us when we determine the number one contender for the...
He's interrupted by the sound of gunshots as the arena's speakers pump out "I'll Still Kill" by 50 Cent w/Akon. The fans boo as the first image they see on the NAFWtron, is that of Heatwave striking the blow in Tokyo with the steel steps. Other highlights flash on the big screen as the Burbanks arrive to a chorus of boos. Heatwave's out wearing of all things, a Vince Carter jersey which for those of you uninitiated types, is like wearing an Arsenal jersey in Manchester United territory. Ya just don't do it. In any event, his wife's wearing pretty much the same thing, a VC jersey and jeans as they proceed down the aisle with pyro bursts erupting every few seconds.
(JB) I can't believe how low this guy stooped to try and end someone's career.
(Tom) Try? Did you fall asleep last week and miss it? He did it. It's over. He did what he told the world he'd do and now, we'll never have to see the Crapper ever again.
(JB) Ladies and gentlemen, for those of you unaware and didn't catch last week's broadcast, Heatwave showed us footage from an incident over in Tokyo where he egregiously assaulted...
(Tom) What do you mean assaulted? He had it coming. He broke Nicole's neck and got what's been coming to him for a very, very long time.
(JB) I can't believe you can sit here and justify this man's actions since his return back in the summer of 2007.
(Tom) The man had to lose time as a result of what some selfish prick did to his wife, I can't say I blame him.
Heatwave steps inside the ring, holding the ropes for his wife to enter as he has a microphone in hand. He gives the kill signal for his music, as he's bombarded with jeers galore which only bring a rather wide smile to his face.
(Heatwave) Thank you, thank you for such a warm reception. I'll get right down to it, because simply put, being around you Canucks is making me sick to my stomach. I mean, I can see what drove Vince and T-Mac to leave this God forsaken town.
Huge heat.
(Heatwave) I mean, are you kidding me? Even your hockey team can't seem to win crap, but considering how craptastic this city is, it's not really a big surprise.
More boos and catcalls, the occasional fan's throwing stuff at Heatwave which he simply laughs at. Nobody makes fun of the Maple Leafs.
(Heatwave) Anyway, the question I keep hearing is why. Why did I break Charlene's neck? Why did I break Lorenzo's ankle? Why did I throw a fireball in Vanessa's face? Why did I ambush Aarons in Japan and why did I take away his career? Considering the fact that I really, don't have to answer a single one of these questions...I will out of the kindness of my heart.
Short pause as he lowers the mic and simply revels in the hatred the crowd's giving him.
(Heatwave) The answer's simple people, it goes back to what I said in the very beginning. I was going to take away from him, that which he took away from me. He took away a heavyweight crown I worked hard to get, once I freed myself from his overwhelming shadow. He took away my career by breaking my wife's neck!
There's a momentary pause as his wife calms him down, as he nods his head, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
(Heatwave) So for three years, I sat and I waited. I watched and most importantly, I planned. The original plan had you going up in a crisp back in Boston. But you couldn't stay down, could ya? So we go to Chain Reaction in Chicago and once again, got ya dead to rights.
A long pause as he stops to look to the back, almost as if he were speaking to someone back there we don't know about.
(Heatwave) But that clueless whore that loves you just couldn't keep her nose out of things. So I took the liberty of burning it off that pretty little face of hers.
Huge heat, for even though they aren't entirely fond of Vanessa Chamberlain, even they can't condone his actions against her.
(Heatwave) But of course, once I got everyone out of the way, it left just you. So I followed you to Tokyo and with my lovely wife getting the footage, I finished what I started. You see Leonard, I told you that in the end, it would catch up with you and it did. I've done what nobody before me, not Cunning, not Stryker, not Bishop, not anyone has had the balls to do.I took the fight to you in your own unique way and I won. No grand comeback this time, no retaliatory strike because as you taught me during our days in the East Coast Connection...a man in the hospital can't get you back if he's physically incapable of doing so.
Sinister grin from Heatwave as his wife applauds most approvingly.
(JB) Not a single lick of contrition from...
(Tom) Quiet!
(Heatwave) Well, there's that and here's one I picked up from you. You can't get back at someone if they aren't there. So it's with this, having accomplished what I said out to do, that I am retiring from the NAFW.
A shocked gasp and some actual cheers at this announcement, yet a good chunk of the boos are from those who wanted to see Heatwave get his. Heatwave smiles, knowing that he has
(JB) I can't believe him. He viciously sabotages the career and lives of those around Aarons, along with Aarons himself, now he runs away before Aarons can return.
(Tom) Aarons isn't coming back, didn't you hear him? He has nothing left to prove and he's going home.
(Heatwave) Yes, I know, all of my little fans out there hate to see their hero hang it up, but it's time. I've done what I came here to do and I said all along that it was about Aarons. About making him suffer and I did just that. I made him suffer and when I couldn't wait for things to resume here, I sought him out and finished it once and for all. So it's...
Not. Over.
"Whatcha Waiting For" by Gwen Stefani blasts over the PA as fans give a rather surprising round of cheers to the one and only Vanessa Chamberlain. Could have something to do with the fact that she's wearing a Chris Bosh jersey or the fact that she's smoking hot. Her face has fully recovered from the fireball she took to the face at Chain Reaction and her hair ironically enough, is up in a mane, similar to that of a Lion. Heatwave and Nicole aren't the least bit happy by this interruption, but as Vanessa stands on the ramp with a smile on her face, she's not caring the least about it.
(Vanessa) Why Niccoli, you're calling it quits? And to think all of these fans here were hoping that you'd hang around to...
(Heatwave) To what Vanessa? Get Aarons back into an NAFW ring and put him out of his misery once and for all? Ya know something, I'm gonna agree with you on one thing. You were right that he couldn't keep that nice guy act up forever and expect to maintain that aura of invinci...well, I think that's gone for good so let's call it what it is. He couldn't keep expecting people to cower at his name and I shattered his mystique once and for all.
Vanessa stands there, nodding her head shockingly in agreement.
(Vanessa) Ya know something, you were right. But guess what? It's not over.
(Heatwave) Oh yes it is, he's done. I finished that clown off in Tokyo and he's not coming back. You hear me?! IT'S OVER! HE'S DONE!!! I ENDED HIS CAREER! I...
A loud roar disrupts Heatwave followed by the sinister laugh of the one and only Springwood Slasher you all know as Freddy Krueger. The NAFWtron starts to flash a ton of images at light speed before we see the date in crimson...
March 16, 2007
The first face to face encounter Aarons and Heatwave have had since 2004.
"Know this one thing for certain and two things for sure. You're gonna catch more than hell for what you did to my wife and what you did to me. I don't care if you're 15 country miles past it. I'm not. My wife's not."
This is followed by L's rather blunt response...
"If it's a vendetta you're after, I'm obligated to tell you that Devastation is what you're going to get."
One more time...
"If it's a vendetta you're after, I'm obligated to tell you that Devastation is what you're going to get."
July 3, 2007
A handcuffed Reaper lies bound to the rope as the lights go out briefly, only to be set ablaze. In a view we haven't seen, not even at Redemption, we see Heatwave running through the crowd and over the barrier to light the match as he hops out of sight as Aarons burns.
We get the not so friendly tone of Freddy as he says...
"First, they tried burning me..."
Redemption. August 5, 2007
The "unmasking" of Mr. Black as Heatwave, the man who burned Aarons and attempted to end his career with just the flick of a Zippo.
"I hate you, Leonard Aarons. This isn't about the title..."
Heatwave's last words to Aarons on that night cut through the next set of clips the fans see.
"This isn't about careers..."
A black chair slamming off the back of Vanessa Chamberlain in a parking lot just one month after the fact at Annihilation.
"This is about livelihood...which you took from me and because of it...I will make sure that you never know what peaceful night sleep is, Leonard. I promise you."
A beatdown in the locker room as Aarons is ambushed by a chair wielding Heatwave the same night.
"I got to you once...I will get to you again."
A shot of Heatwave laying out Lorenzo before proceeding to break the neck of Charlene Richards, Lorenzo's wife. Again, we get more commentary...
"This will not end until I get what I want."
The feed we get is interrupted briefly by a shot of Aarons wearing an Illtown Rules throwover as he walks down the aisle while in the NWC..
"I want Leonard Aarons...the Leonard Aarons -I- know..."
A vicious chairshot from Aarons on his longtime nemesis, Nathan Wylde in the last match on the NWC's last PPV, Return To Purgatory.
"I want the Leonard Aarons that wouldn't piss on Vanessa even if she was on fire...no pun intended."
The end of said match, where Aarons has won and low blows Wylde with a knee to the junk, followed up by two vicious sledgehammer shots. Two to the spine that effectively ended Wylde's career.
"I want the Leonard Aarons that everyone hated...the true Reaper."
We hear little girls humming the infamous Jump Rope Song as more clips show of Aarons in his NWC heyday, doing dastardly things to people. Running over a wrestler's kid, dropping a man's ex-wife off a stage through a table, killing a drugged wolf with a sledgehammer while its owner is handcuffed to a cage and forced to watch his pet die by Leonard's hands. All of it is capped by a real shit eating grin by a slightly younger Aarons.
"I want the bastard that broke my lady's neck in the middle of the ring all those years ago."
We go back to that exact moment, when Aarons with Heatwave restrained by two of the other members of the East Coast Connection, has Nicole Burbank on the top rope. He sets her up in between his legs, hooking both arms as he jumps driving her headfirst onto the chair which has the Lendo Stick sandwiched in between right where her head lands.
"I will continue to literally destroy anyone and everyone I have to until I get what I want..."
We cut to a shot of the No DQ match with Heatwave and Lorenzo that ends with Lorenzo's ankle being shattered by Heatwave as Aarons watches from the ramp almost without emotion.
"But I refuse to stop and this will not be over until I say it's over."
Cue the footage from Chain Reaction, Heatwave blasting Aarons in the back of the head with the title belt, which preceded him being beaten by Stryker for the Foundation Heavyweight Championship. The post match attack is swift and brutal, as he attempts to set him on fire again only this time, someone's there to stop him.
Vanessa eats a fireball to the face as Aarons is helpless to stop it from happening. Then we get the final words from Heatwave before the final clip airs...
"It will be when I leave Leonard Aarons in a pool of his own blood..."
Cue the footage from Tokyo, with Heatwave attacking Aarons. Heatwave setting up Aarons on the ring steps for the final blow as we hear him say one more time...
"It will be when I leave Leonard Aarons in a pool of his own blood."
It's the thunderous blow from the ring steps that is repeated again and again followed by the image of Aarons being left lying in a pool of his own blood before we hear...
9...10...he's back a-gain.
A quick glimpse of Illtown laughing causes the screen to go black.
We open inside of a cemetary at a recently dug plot. For those of you familiar with it, this is the spot where Aarons buried his "past" so to speak quite a few months ago. We see a rather large pile of dirt and a chest, which has a person in front of it. As the camera pans back, we hear that sinister laugh from Krueger as fans start to react accordingly. They know who it is and they couldn't be happier to see him. As the camera continues to pan back slowly, for dramatic effect and all, the chants of Reaper grow louder. The camera finally has panned back and it is indeed Aarons, with a pencil thin goatee and of all things, a rather devilish goatee that connects with his sideburns. His hair's sharply cut, lined up neatly and he's clad in an all black ensemble with his right foot resting on top of the chest as he looks into the camera.
Heatwave, as you can expect, resembles a balloon which just had the air let out of him as he stares into the NAFWtron and sees Aarons staring back at him.
(The Reaper) As Freddy said to Nancy in Wes Craven's New Nightmare when he first saw her face to face...
He leans in a little closer as his voice drops into something of a knockoff (and a damn good one) of the sweater clad villain...
(The Reaper) Miss me?
Huge roar from the crowd as he leans back smiling.
(The Reaper) Ya know, I gotta hand it to ya Husker. You really, ruly and truly went farther than I expected. I guess all that time you spent under the learning tree yours truly provided wasn't a total waste of time after all. I mean, from setting me on fire to systematically picking off every last person in my life before finishing me when I didn't even see it coming.
He mock claps, tipping an imaginary cap before his face goes stone.
(The Reaper) But...much like most of your career and various other things, you got the job HALF DONE. Because as you can see, I am back and I'm here to tell ya, you're gonna get what you want. Oh yeah, see with the downtime I had after the attack and company's hiatus, I had time to sit back and analyze it all from every angle imaginable. I tossed it back and forth before finally, I went to church one night and I knelt before God to ask forgiveness.
He pauses briefly to let it set in before he finishes, pointing down at the chest underneath his foot.
(The Reaper) Forgiveness, for what I'm going to do to YOU at Breaking Point. Because you see ole Husker, at Breaking Point, for one night only, you will look the bastard that broke your wife's neck in the eyes for the first time in four years. For the first time in four years, you will stare into the eyes of the Monarch of Maelstrom and you know what? You're going to fold. Check that, you're going to GET folded, boi. I tried to tell you to let this thing go, that the only thing that you'd get from it was your inevitable Devastation. Well since you don't seem to hear too well, only thing left to do is get your ass into the ring and beat it into you. While beating every bodily fluid you own OUT of you.
Beat.
(The Reaper) Breaking Point. Heatwave. One on one with...Illtown. Leonard. Aarons. But ya see, I think it'd be remiss of me to say that I just want to pin you or make you tap. So given the depths you've gone to in order to get me back to this point, I want to make this worth your while. So that said, we're gonna settle this in Doddtown...rather, with a Doddtown STREET FIGHT!!!
Huge roar from the packed house in the Air Canada Centre as Heatwave goes pale and starts to lose it.
(The Reaper) That's right. No rules, pinfalls count anywhere, one fall to a F**KING FINISH...namely...yours. You will rue the day you didn't finish me off. You will rue the day you made me dig up my past and most importantly...you're going to rue the day that YOU...ASKED. FOR THIS.
A rather intense glare in the eyes of Aarons as he sneers.
(The Reaper) I warned you that if it's a vendetta you sought, it was Devastation that you'd get...
It's here that there's a giant sized Cornhusker mascot lowered from the rafters as the Burbanks look on rather curiously.
(The Reaper) At Breaking Point, Heatwave...
Vanessa pulls a Zippo out of her pocket and lights it, dropping it as the mascot which has come to represent Heatwave's alma mater catches fire immediately as Heatwave and Nicole watch on in horror from the ring.
(The Reaper) Prepare for Devastation. See ya next week.
He winks as the feed cuts abruptly. "Go To Sleep" by Eminem, Obie Trice & DMX gets the fans on their feet roaring as Heatwave flat out loses it in the ring. The Herbie Husker doll is just now being put out by ring crews as Nicole's eyes don't leave that stuffed thing. She turns back to look at her husband with a rather concerned look, as Heatwave simply screams out of frustration kicking the bottom rope.
(JB) Can you believe this?! Aarons is coming back next week and at Breaking Point, it'll be him going one on one with Heatwave!
(Tom) ...
(JB) Heatwave can't believe it! He succeeded in bringing back the bastard who broke his wife's neck, but it doesn't look like he's too thrilled with it.
(Tom) He...he does not deserve to be treated like this damnit! Heatwave was supposed to be done, Aarons was supposed to have been gone. Well at Breaking Point, he's going to wish he stayed gone.
(JB) Illtown Leonard Aarons will return for one night only at Breaking Point, but next week, The Reaper will make his return to Annihilation.
(Tom) Good. Heatwave can finish him once and for all on U.S. soil, I'm telling you Heatwave's got this thing all figured out.
(JB) Yeah, I bet he does. But when we get back from commercial break, we’ll have the number one contendership match for the Atlantic Championship between Snake and Petere Gilmour.
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Snake vs. Peter Gilmour
#1 Contendership Match for the Atlantic Championship
(JB) It’s time to decide the number one contender for the Atlantic Championship
(Tom) Can’t we just do this by lottery draw so I don’t have to watch this next match?
The Arena lights go down as the 'Ace' Signature logo appears on screen. A large '1' is spray panted over the top before Keep Yourself Alive II kicks in over the PA. Andy comes out and heads towards the ring, hand slapping a couple of the audience along the way.
(JB) And here comes the Champ himself.
(Tom) Oh Joy!
(JB) With him not scheduled to be in the match, you’ve got to wonder what he’s doing out here.
(Tom) Maybe he’s come to do that lottery idea.
As Andy goes around the outside of the ring while slapping the audience hands. He heads over to the announce table, grabbing a chair and sitting down, putting on a headset
(JB) Well it looks like we’re being joined here unexpectedly at the announce desk by the Atlantic Champ.
(Tom) You really are full of obvious statements today aren’t you?
(Andy) Hey Guys
(Tom) And whatever Mann-Wagon is.
(JB) Andy, Welcome to the announce desk. We’re were wondering what you were doing down here?
(Tom) We thought that maybe you’d come to skip the next few weeks and just hand your title over to the winner tonight.
(JB) Ignore him.
(Andy) I thought that since this is a match to decide who will face me at Breaking Point that’d I’d get a good seat to watch it.
The lights in the arena go black and the fans get excited as cameras flash all around. Suddenly, a gigantic lightning bolt comes down from the ceiling and hits the rampway and engulfs into flames for just a moment. The beginning chords of Walk With me in Hell by LAMB OF GOD begins to play as the lights turn dark red. The song speeds up as Peter Gilmour comes out wearing a long red cloak with no hood. Peter sees the flames in front of him and goes right through it with no fear of getting severely burned by the intense heat. Peter rolls his eyes to the back of his head as blood begins to come out and the camera cuts to some fans who are scared to death of what they are seeing. Peter gets into the middle of the ring and throws up a "X" as fire emits from the turnbuckles.
(JB) So what are your thought’s on Peter Gilmour?
(Tom) He’s a nobody going nowhere.
(JB) Not you, Andy?
(Andy) The guy’s alright. He’s got a lot of potential and I think a match with him for the title would be a great one.
The opening riff plays as the word and name "SNAKE" flashes across the screen. As the guitars start to pick up, Snake is seen coming out from the back to a chorus of boos from the crowd in attendance. Snake throws his arms up in the air causing green pyro to go off on the stage behind him before he starts to make his way down to the ring. Snake takes his sweet time getting to the ring, showing his "appreciation" for the fans. When he does get to the ring, Snake slides under the bottom rope and climbs onto the nearest turnbuckle, throwing his arms up in the air once more to get one last rise out of the crowd before he turns to the referee and waits for him to signal for the bell.
(Tom) Here’s the reason you’re out here though right? You’re going to get in the ring and pound Snake into a bloody pile of guts and bones!
(JB) And why would Andy be doing that?
(Tom) Oh come on, we’ve all seen the attacks Snake’s been making on Andy tonight. The D-man here is out for some payback right?
(JB) There’s no Proof that Snake’s been doing those attacks.
(Andy) Who’d be dumb enough to frame Snake?
And the bell rings and Snake charges, pounding away at Gilmour with fists. He back’s Gilmour in to a corner and hits a few knife chops on the chest (each accompanied by obligatory ‘wooo’ by the crowd. After the fourth knife chop, Gilmour get the strength to fight back with his own knife chop. Trading knife chops, Gilmour starts to get the get the upper hand, a quick kick and a DDT sends snake on the floor.
(JB) And Snake’s taken down with a well executed DDT.
(Tom) I bet you’re happy seeing Snake get beat
(Andy) It’s too early in the match to count Snake out.
Gilmour’s in the driving seat now as he starts to hit a combo of punches, kicks and slams on Snake all make Gilmour in a strong position to win this match. A Fisherman’s Suplex get’s Gilmour a two count but Snake kicks out easy enough. Snake tries to mount an offence again when the two rise to their feet, but it’s countered easy enough by Gilmour, who follows up with a Gut wrench powerbomb.
(JB) Gilmour’s on fire tonight
(Tom) Then get him to the burn ward in the back, we had one of those put in after that whole Reaper - Heatwave thing.
(Andy) I’ll be the first to admit I want Pete to win this match tonight, but he’s definitely got to earn it by beating Snake. I’m not getting into that match and handing it to him.
(JB) And if Snake wins tonight?
(Andy) I’ll kick his ass
Gilmour picks up Snake of the floor, slamming a couple fists into his head. He whips Snake into a turnbuckle and charges in, crushing him into a corner. A belly to belly suplex get Gilmour another 2 count. Getting slightly annoyed he didn’t get the 3, Gilmour picks up Snake and signals for his finisher move, the Doomsday. Whipping Snake to the ropes, Gilmour grabs Snake on the rebound, but unfortunately for him, he doesn’t have as good a grip as he wanted and Snake slips out, slamming to the mat and almost out of the ring.
(JB) And Snake slips out of Gilmour’s finisher there
(Tom) Did Snake slip, or did Gilmour screw up like I think he did?
(Andy) Looks like Snake tried to counter, using the momentum to spin above Pete and hit with some kind of DDT, but with the beating he’s taken, he obvious couldn’t do it
(Tom) I bet you’re upset that Snake took a nasty fall
(Andy) Heartbroken!
(JB) And I thought Bear was good at sarcasm
Gilmour takes a moment’s breather before picking up Snake again and whipping him to the ropes once more. This time Snake’s counters before his opponent’s finisher, hitting with a drop kick and sending both down to the mat. The ref even starts to make the count, getting to five before Gilmour is back to his feet.
(JB) Gilmour’s back up first
(Tom) Oh look, Capitan Obvious strikes again
(Andy) Problem is that Snake’s had all that time to recover some too, Gilmour better not think he’s still in front. I’ve made that mistake before.
(Tom) Should you really be admitting that on air?
Gilmour picks up Snake, but the masked wrestler gets a couple of gut shots in before being whipped again to the ropes. This time Snake counters with roll up pin, barely getting a 2 count but allowing him to be up on his feet at the same time as Gilmour. Fists fly back and forth before Snake once again starts to get the upper hand. a couple of slams and a 2 count later and this suddenly looks like a different kind of match.
(Andy) And there’s a case of just how one mistake can cost you a match.
(JB) Gilmour will need to be lucky to get back into this one.
(Tom) Somebody please shoot me now. Listening to you two is draining my will to live.
Snake grabs Gilmour, whipping him to the ropes and slamming him down a couple of times before setting up for his Venom Bite, Gilmour manages to get out of the hold and attempts one final comeback. Snake unfortunately has the better of this conflict, and after blocking Gilmour’s punches, Snake finally gets the Venom bite and the 3 count afterwards.
(Troy) Here is your winner, and Number One Contender to the Atlantic Championship… SNAKE!
(JB) Snake has done it. Snake is now the number one contender for the Atlantic Championship
(Andy) I think it’s time I ‘Congratulate’ the winner
(Tom) I was wondering when he was going to go beat down Snake.
(JB) And why were you expecting…
(Tom) Oh come on Mann-Wheel. That’s the only reason Andy was out here and everybody knows it.
Andy has moved from the Announcers desk to the outside of the ring, ready to storm in and smack down Snake. Unfortunately for Andy, Snake already knows he’s there and the Champ’s sneak attack wont work. As Snake and Andy exchange words, Terrible by the Insane Clown Posse hits the PA and both look towards the entrance way.
(JB) What’s Psycho and Carlos doing out here now?
(Tom) Why don’t you ask him, and if I’m really lucky, Psycho will put you in traction.
Psycho and Carlos storm the ring. Carlos immediately throws Gilmour’s corner man Max into the steel steps head first, knocking him out cold, then joins Psycho in the ring. Andy looks at the three men inside the ring. They all look like they want a piece of him and to take his belt back as a prize. The only option that doesn’t make him look like a coward is to storm the ring himself, and Andy does, getting stomped down by both Snake and Psycho.
(Tom) See, that’s why he’s an idiot. Me, I would have just run away
As Snake picks Andy off the mat, Carlos yells at Psycho to grab Gilmour and he obeys, the two walking backstage with their prize. Meanwhile Andy counters Snake’s barrage of punches and starts slamming back with his own. They trade punches for a while before Andy ducks the next punch of Snake’s, using it to get behind to lock in a sleeper hold. Andy D jumps backwards, turning the sleeper hold into a devastating move. As Andy gets up to help Gilmour, he and his two kidnappers are no longer around. The champ is confused. He picks up his Atlantic Championship belt, staring down at the prone body of Snake, before rolling out of the ring to head to the back.
(JB) It looks like Carlos and Psycho were down here just to get Peter Gilmour all along. They had no interest in Andy.
(Tom) And what a great time to take away a pain in the butt - After they’ve just been handed theirs!
(JB) At least Andy has some measure of revenge on Snake
(Tom) Oh yeah, the goody-goody managed to hit Snake a couple of times. If he attacked him in the middle of the match like I suggested, not only would he have got his revenge then, but Gilmour would have had enough fight to defend against Psycho and Carlos.
(JB) Are you suggesting Andy’s to blame for Gilmour getting kidnapped?
(Tom) Exactly.
(JB) Good thing you didn’t write the book on logic.
The Meeting
Fade into the parking lot of the Air Canada Centre. Keith Owens steps outside into the chilly air that fills the underground parking garage here in Toronto. The Difference Maker is still in his ring attire, and he has that envelope tucked under his shoulder.
He looks around confused, as if whoever he is supposed to meet with isn’t where he told Keith he’d be.
The camera catches this from the opposite side of the parking structure.
Owens starts to run his hand through his hair, pulling it in stress. Then out of the shadows behind him, he hears a voice.
(???) Owens…
Keith, surprised turns and a man in a dark hoodie steps out of the shadows.
(Keith) Hold it. Who are you?
(???) I’m Henderson, Jack Henderson.
This Jack Henderson fellow flashes some identification at him, but the camera can’t catch the details of it.
(Keith) Why the sweatshirt and jeans?
Keith is commenting on Jack Henderson’s attire. Jack stands at about 6’4” and looks to weigh in the ballpark of 240 pounds. He hasn’t had a shave in days and his hair is short, a dark blonde color, and unkempt.
(Jack) I’m a bit outside of my turf. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself with a suit and trench coat. This isn’t the movies, kid.
Henderson uses the word “kid” because he’s also looks like he’s nearing 40 years in age, and Keith is quite a bit younger.
(Keith) Wait a second, I’ve seen you before… On Leg…
Henderson cuts him off.
(Jack) …Yeah, you probably have. I was working a mission then like I’m working one now.
(Keith) So you’re going to be able to help me out?
(Jack) That depends. Did you bring what I asked for? Hurry it up, there's not enough time.
(Keith) I think I’ve got it all here.
Keith quickly passes off the folder to Henderson who takes a peak inside.
(Henderson) I’ll look over the material and let you know what’s going to be done.
(Keith) How can I get into contact with you?
Henderson closes the envelope and tucks it under his arm.
(Henderson) You don’t. I’ll be in contact with you. And next time we meet… Try wearing some clothes, and leave the camera crew inside.
Keith looks over his appearance, then around for where the camera crew is. In those seconds where Keith is confused, Henderson disappears back into the shadows.
Totally perplexed, Keith turns and walks back into the arena. Fade out.
The Smash Pack’s Revenge
It’s been one of those nights for the Atlantic Champion. Not those nights where you get so drunk you cant remember anything past 8:06am for the next week and wake up in a bed full of beautiful girls, but one of those where stuff happens, and not much of it good. Andy has been brutally attacked by Wilson’s ‘Family’ throughout the night and somehow Snake managed to become the number one contender to his title. But its ok, for tonight’s last laugh belongs to Andy. What that laugh is exactly, nobody’s sure, but it might involve 2 bikers, a nun and an elephant balancing on a tightrope
THUDUNK
Yup, that’s a bit of a weird sound, but it’s the sound of a tennis ball bouncing of the floor and hitting our Atlantic Champion in the back of the head as he walks down one of the hallways, just several minutes removed from a curious 3 on 1 attack. Of course, he turns and looks down the hallway to see a rather familiar face holding a tennis racked and several tennis balls
(Snake) Didn’t you call for new balls?
(Andy) What the…? I thought I left you lying out there in the ring!
(Snake)Snakes are a bit more resilient and sneaky than what you thought.
Andy takes off down the corridor, unfortunately, Snake’s serve is quite quick and before Andy’s a quarter of the distance, three tennis balls are flying his way. He manages to miss one of them, but the other two hit him. It doesn’t do much to him, but it does seem to stun him slight when the next one served slams his knee cap
(Snake) This Revenge was brought to you by Wilson’s extended family. You will pay further for harming Wilson when I take that belt away from you
Snake fires off more Tennis balls as Andy gets closer to him. A lucky shot to the face blinds Andy in pain and Snake takes the opportunity to live up to the phrase, he who fights and runs away, live to smash more balls into the face of the Atlantic Champion. When Andy finally recovers, Snake’s long gone and Andy’s left surrounded by tennis balls. He grunts angrily as we fade to wherever it is we need to be next.
(JB) I guess it wouldn’t have mattered if Andy D attacked Snake during or after the match. Either way he still make a recovery!
(Tom) Bah!
Buchanan's Insurance Policy: The Goods
Back in Ray Buchanan's office once again. This time, he's joined by The Goods.
(Buchanan) Slush, Ammo, thank you for coming.
(Slush) Have you changed your mind about next week?
Buchanan shakes his head.
(Buchanan) Oh no. Quite the opposite, in fact. But I have made an addition to your match... Keith Owens will be your special guest referee.
For once, Ammo's the one to speak up. His first word on screen since the Chain Reaction webcasts.
(Ammo) So?
This is not exactly the reaction Buchanan was expecting. Perhaps a protest of some sort... But what basically amounts to indifference?
(Slush) Is that it?
(Buchanan) You're not going to argue?
Slush shrugs.
(Slush) No point. Your decision's made, and we'll deal with it. Can we go now?
Buchanan gestures toward the door.
(Buchanan) By all means.
Back to ringside.
(Tom) I told you! Buchanan's giving this title match to the Trust!
(JB) How is that, Bear?
(Tom) Cunning and Owens basically have the power to pick their own opponents for Breaking Point!
(JB) As referees, they'll be bound by Foundation rules.
(Tom) Since when have special referees ever followed the rules, Mannwagon?
(JB) You may have a point.
(Tom) I'll tell you this right now: The Trust Fund Kids will know exactly who's going to win those two matches next week long before anyone steps in the ring. We'll be back in two minutes, kiddos.
COMMERCIAL
The NAFW Presents:
BREAKING POINT: BEYOND THE LIMIT
Live on Pay Per View!
Call your local cable or satellite provider today!
Spaz vs. Ashley Collier
(JB) Alright folks, we're almost to the main event, which is featuring Hush and Crazy Boy for the Number One Contention Spot for the Foundation Heavyweight Championship.
(Tom) First, Mann-wagon. We get to see Ashley take out his frustration out on that geek, Spaz. Especially after what happened last week with that damned Alejandro.
(JB) Ashley already made his feelings felt about Alejandro after his match. I'm sure Alejandro feels just about the same.
(Tom) I'm sure Collier doesn't really care, Mann-wheel.
(JB) We both know Jaime's stance.
(Tom) I'd rather not, but beating the hell out of someone seems to be the best one he's got.
The house lights drop out, to be replaced by red lights, pulsing in time with a high hat playing a steady beat behind the rapid opening bass riff of "There and Back Again" by Daughtry. A single spotlight focuses on the top of the ramp, and Two figures are in that spotlight.
The crowd in the Air Canada Centre goes nuts. The man about to come out is their NAFW hometown hero.
Spaz steps forward, wearing his usual attire: simple black pants, dark red elbow pads and wristbands, and the trademark Ruby Oakleys. He also sports his new "SpaZ" Throwback t-shirt. Standing behind Spaz is his manager, the man known as Twitch. The former commentator wears navy blue khakis and a red golf shirt. As usual, Twitch has Blake Bouchard over his shoulder.
(JB) For a man who lost a shot at the Foundation title last week, you think he's not in a bad mood.
(Tom) I might not like the geek, Mann. But seeing his sister would make any man happy!
(JB) And you can't go wrong with a hometown crowd behind you!
(Troy) Introducing, from Brampton, Ontario... He weighs in at 202 pounds... SPAZ!!!
The lyrics begin, and Spaz slowly approaches the ring, slapping the hands of fans along the way. But on the word "Shine" Spaz bolts down the ramp and slides into the ring. He mounts the second turnbuckle and takes off his t-shirt, tossing it into the crowd. As the music fades, Spaz hands his Ruby Oakleys to Twitch, who then plays a brief game of "Want it? Can't have it!" with a fan in the front row before handing over the souvenir.
(Tom) Remember what I said about Twitch last week. You know, being an ass-suck.
(JB) BEAR!
(Tom) Still stands.
Ashley Collier starts walking down to the ring slowly with his fists taped up with his motto of 'KTFO' in Sharpie black. His black and gold shorts and attire gleam within the lights of the Air Canada Centre.
(JB) Ashley Collier with a lot to prove this week, Bear.
(Tom) I think he's going to take out Spaz, just to send a message to the NAFW. And if he needs a reminder...
(JB) I think Jaime knows, Bear.
Ashley ducks in under the ropes and slowly starts sizing up Spaz.
(Troy) His opponent from Waco, Texas... He weighs in at 245 lbs... 'THE BORN WARRIOR' ASHLEY COLLIER!
Ashley starts doing this shadow boxing right in front of Spaz to get him shaken up.
(Tom) Collier giving Spaz a taste of what he's got for him after that bell rings.
(JB) I hope Ashley isn't underestimating him one bit. He knows what can happen.
(Tom) Don't remind me...
James Elbourn calls for the bell as Spaz goes up and slaps Ashley upside his head. Collier takes major exception and decks Spaz with a right hand. After screaming at him to get up, Ashley plants another right to the jaw and then goes down and starts to hammer on Spaz.
Elbourn starts giving the five count. As he get to 'FIVE', Collier lets up and gives a stomp to Spaz.
(JB) That's totally uncalled for on Collier's part.
(Tom) Serves the runt for thinking he can go toe to toe with the Born Warrior.
(JB) What's this?!!
Spaz rolls himself over and pulls himself up. Collier goes over and tries to trap him in a sleeper. Spaz takes a seat and takes out the jaw with a sitdown jawbreaker. Collier holds up his jaw and looks over at Spaz ready to hurt him.
Instead, Spaz springs up fast with a snap dropkick to the chest. Collier goes back hard into the ropes. He springs himself into Spaz, who uses his superior speed and snaps around him and slings him into a Russian Leg Sweep.
(Tom) No, no, no. Not again. Spazzy is outwrestling Collier right now!
(JB) The man was a former FHC, Bear. He knows a little bit about how to go in the ring.
(Tom) He's still a damn geek!
Spaz goes to the perpendicular rope and runs for the momentum. He attempts a jumping leg drop into... A MISS! Collier rolls out of the way fast. He's still holding his head as Spaz is sitting on the ground in pain.
He runs to the rope behind Spaz and delivers a hard soccer kick to Spaz's back. Spaz grimaces in pain from that hard kick. Collier then watches as he falls over. With one easy motion, the Born Warrior picked up his opponent. He then lifted Spaz into a quick backbreaker attempt.
(Tom) YES! Break him, Ashley. BREAK HIM!
(JB) This is looking bad for Sean Thomas... Collier has enough hatred in him to end Spaz's career.
(Tom) Do it!
Spaz slips out of it and tries a quick rollup of Collier, but can't even get a one count.
He stands up and tries a front kick, but Collier catches the leg. Spaz goes for the Enziguri, but Collier ducks the front attack. However, Spaz springs up and cracks him with the mule kick on his second attempt. Spaz rolls over in a forward roll and puts his right arm in front of Collier's throat.
(JB) SUGAR RUSH! HE'S GOING FOR IT!
(Tom) No! Not another loss...
As he readies Collier for the Sugar Rush, Ashley slams a fist into the Candy Man's gut, doubling him over. Both men separate to regroup.
It's right at this moment that Mike Lane appears on the stage and gives the crowd that Crucifix pose of his. Lane gets a massive chrous of boos from the Toronto crowd. But the men in the ring pay Lane no mind. Rather, they both look ready to lock up once more.
(JB) What's he doing out here again?
(Tom) Not listening to Spaz's sister, that's for sure.
Before Lane gets very far, though, two more men appear on the ramp to a big "hometown" (or close to it) pop from the crowd: Slush and Ammo.
Lane doesn't quite like these odds and takes off, jumping off the ramp and turning back toward the backstage area. Ammo gives chase, but Slush runs straight to the ring.
Back in the ring, Spaz and Collier are tied up collar-and-elbow. Spaz gets the upper hand, spinning behind Collier and landing a German suplex.
(Tom) Why isn't Slush following Lane?
(JB) I don't know, Bear.
Slush reaches the ring, calling Spaz's name. Spaz doesn't go for the pin after the German, instead leaning over the ropes to hear the few words Slush has to say. When Slush finishes, Spaz quickly vaults over the top rope straight to the ground. Instantly after landing, he's already on the run. Within seconds, he's up the ramp and through the curtain, with Slush close behind him.
(JB) What in the world is going on here?
(Tom) Spaz is bailing! He knew Collier was going to beat him, so he's taking a less humiliating count out loss!
(JB) I seriously doubt that, Bear. Spaz doesn't run from a fight.
(Tom) If that's true, what could possibly be so important to make him bail?
Meanwhile, Collier is looking out at the entrance a bit stunned, but he smirks as referee James Elbourn gives the final count of 'TEN!' As he gets his arm raised, he just laughs at what he's seen.
(JB) Spaz could have had this won...
(Tom) His own buddy Slush cost him the match. Can't blame Mike Lane this time... What the hell?!!
Cashing the Check
(JB) It's Alejandro, he's right behind Collier.
Jaime is staring a hole right into Collier. Collier turns around and gets a hard right into his jaw. He and Jaime trade hard shots back and forth, as Elbourn tries to get them separated.
Jaime tries an overhand left on Collier, but it gets blocked quickly. Collier throws a hard right uppercut into Jaime's diaphragm. Jaime goes reeling into the ropes as Collier reaches into his trunks for those damned brass knuckles!
Jaime tries to come back for another round.
CRACK!
Overhead right to the head. Alejandro goes down hard, and of course, twitching.
Collier looks over Alejandro and poses with both arms raised in the air. He mouths into the camera.
(Ashley) Hey, Jaime. Just remember, old man... You just got KNOCKED THE F(beep) OUT! And yes, you old f(beep), we're going to dance at the Pay Per View. I am the BORN F(beep)ING WARRIOR. And I've just passed you by, has-been.
Gone...
Cut backstage. The shot is shaking, as the cameraman tries to keep up with Spaz and Slush. The pair bolted from the ring moments ago, forcing Spaz to lose by count out. They finally reach their destination: Their own locker room.
They burst through the door and we follow... To find an empty room. It's rather a mess, with items strewn about the floor. Clear signs of some kind of struggle. But aside from Slush, Spaz and our cameraman, there is nobody there.
But there should be someone there...
(Spaz) She's gone.
"She" is Spaz's sister Krystin. And those two words sum up what's important enough to make Spaz bail on a match.
Cut.
... And Gone
To the parking lot. Once again, the shot is shaking as a cameraman tries to keep up. Luckily for this particular cameraman, Ammo doesn't move quite as quickly as Spaz and Slush do.
Unfortunately for Ammo, he also doesn't move as fast as his current quarry, one Mike Lane. Lane is a few yards ahead of Ammo, running across the parking lot toward a waiting limousine. The door is open, and Dustin Thomas' upper body is out the sunroof. Lane quickly hops in and slams the door shut. Dustin disappears back into the car, which promptly speeds off just as Ammo catches up.
Mike Lane is gone.
Cut back to ringside.
(JB) Spaz's sister is gone?
(Tom) She's probably just...
(JB) Don't finish that sentence.
(Tom) I was just...
(JB) Bear!
(Tom) Fine.
Hangman
We suddenly cut back stage to a very shaky camera shot. The camera man is on foot running down one of the corridors of the backstage area. He rounds a corner and we see a gruesome sight.
Peter Gilmour is being hanged by Psycho and Carlos with a straitjacket!
Gilmour has had the hell beaten out of him since he was kidnapped by Psycho and Carlos following the end of his match with Andy D. He’s got facial bruising and he’s bleeding from the mouth.
Psycho stands on the top of a scaffolding structure where some repairs were being done to the ceiling inside the arena corridor. Below, Peter Glimour is struggling to create precious inches of space between his throat and the makeshift noose with his hands as he dangles a few feet off the ground.
Carlos stands near Gilmour’s dangling legs and addresses the camera. Gilmour screams in the background.
(Carlos) I told Psycho that playtime is over. I told him it is time to instill fear into the heart of the NAFW – especially one man in particular.
The handler of Psycho and the brother of Tyrone Smith pauses for just a moment as Psycho descends the scaffolding.
(Carlos) Peter Gilmour has been made an example of, and those who have crossed me will suffer a similar fate.
With that, Ryan McJohnson and the NAFW security force rush onto the scene and push Carlos and Psycho away from the scene. Two security personnel climb the scaffolding. One of them breaks out a utility knife and cuts the straightjacket noose away. Several more of security team members attempt to catch Gilmour, then lay him on the ground.
He’s still breathing, but badly beaten.
EMTs rush onto the scene and a security guard pushes the camera down and away. We cut to static, then to the announce table at ringside.
(JB) My gawd, what a sickening sight!
(Tom) I guess Peter Gilmour’s extreme attitude came back to bite him in the ass.
(JB) What Carlos had Psycho do to Gilmour tonight was barbaric and torturous. He could have killed Peter! I suspect there will be repercussions for this. If we hear any more about the condition of Peter Gilmour before the end of tonight’s show, we’ll be sure to update you.
(Tom) Yeah well it’ll take a miracle for Gilmour to recover before this show is over, because our main event is next!
Hush vs. Tyrone Smith
#1 Contendership Match for the Foundation Heavyweight Championship
The house lights go down as "Til I Collapse" by Eminem begins to play through the arena. As the song goes through it's dark intro, various scenes from NYC come across the NAFWTron.
YO LEFT, YO LEFT, YO LEFT RIGHT LEFT!!
As the line repeats and the dialouge of the song starts in the background, the scene changes to a simple panoramic of the NYC Skyline. When the drums kick in, lightning fills the sky with each beat, and through the cloud cover, the word "STRYKER" can be made out with each bolt of lightning.
When the song finally kicks in, The house lights come up, with a bright white light punctuating each clap in the songs beat. Mike Stryker comes out in his black sweatshirt, hood up, hair hanging down in front of his face. He marches out, and as the crowd gives a roar of approval, he raises his Foundation Heavywieght Championship belt over his head.
(JB) Wow!! Talk about your unexpected surprises. The Foundation Heavyweight Champion is coming out here right before our main event. Looks like he’s coming to take a good look at his two potential contenders for the title.
(Tom) Well Stryker has no balls, so I doubt he’ll be trying to make an attack like Andy D wanted to. Maybe he wants some popcorn.
(JB) What?
(Tom) Or cotton candy. Ohhhh, maybe he wants one of those hot dogs wrapped in a pretzel. You ever have those? I haven’t had anything that satisfying since your mother told me she’d let me-
(JB) ALRIGHT!! THAT’S ENOUGH!!
(Tom) Just saying, it’s a tasty treat….you know….the hot dog.
Stryker makes his way around the ring, slapping hands with some of the fans along the guardrail, as he makes his way to the announce table. He arrives and points at a third empty chair that, you know, just happens to be there with nobody sitting in it. Stryker grabs a headset that, you know….HAPPENS to be there without an owner and puts it on.
(JB) Champ it’s a pleasure to have you here with us.
Stryker shakes JB’s hand with a nod, then waves off Bear like he’s carrying a bad case of tuberculosis on him. JB chuckles as Tom sits back down, stewing. The FHC lays his belt down in front of him, displayed proudly on the table and takes a seat to JB's left.
(Stryker) Always good to come out here JB, thanks for having me.
(JB) So what’s your feelings on this match. You know both of these guys pretty well, but how do you see this playing out?
(Stryker) Well it’s not an easy call for sure. I mean, for how dominant Hush can be, it’s never a guarantee that he can keep himself in control, or even that Essex can keep him there. Tyrone, on the other hand, is about as tough as they come, and trust me when I say, nothing can unnerve Hush like someone taking him best shot and getting back up.
(JB) So you think Tyrone’s got an edge here?
(Stryker) Maybe…of course I could be wrong, and all it really takes is Hush to hit one of those awesome power moves to keep things in his favor. It may unnerve Hush if you can take his kind of punishment…but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. Could go either way.
(Tom) Wow…way to reach out on that limb, champ.
(Stryker) Hey Bear, why don’t you zip it and go get me one of those pretzel wrapped hot dogs? Make yourself useful.
(Tom) How GOOD are those things? Seriously!!
The silence speaks volumes as the familiar dark tones of Nine Inch Nails' "The Line Begins to Blur" blare over the PA system as all the lights in the arena fade into several shades of gray. From the fog emerge Aleister Essex, with a not-so-subdued cheshire cat smile on his face as he leads out his personal slice of the Wrath of God, Hush. Hush follows his leader and manager out, both men making a beeline for the ring. As Essex walks into the ring Hush slides under the bottom rope and, possibly just as a force of habit, locks eyes with Mike Stryker. Stryker looks back from the commentary table without an ounce of fear, but plenty of respect. Essex puts a hand up to stop Hush from going after his longtime rival, but still finds the time to give Stryker a look and an evil chuckle.
(Tom) How's it feel, Champ, to know that the monster in that ring is eyeballing you and your precious new title.
(Stryker) How's it feel to be both past middle age and still have your virginity Bear? If Hush wants to come here and try something, he'll be reminded of what happened LAST time he tried me.
"Lip Gloss and Black" by Atreyu 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 Tyrone Smith.
As Tyrone makes his way to the ring, he sees Essex giving his personal destroyer some final words and decides to take full advantage. He slides under the ring apron and under the ring itself as the crowd begins to buzz. As Hush stands, facing his manager, Smith slides out behind him….and not unarmed. Lead pipe in his hand, he charges and takes Hush out at the knee. The Monster howls in pain and Essex runs for the hills.
(Tom) NOW We’re talking!! That’s a guy who wants to be champ around here!! Or maybe just a guy that wants to cash in a death sentence from Hush!!
(Stryker) They all want the gold, but some want it more. Tyrone’s not here to mess around and show off technique.
(JB) And Hush might be hurt. Walt Mason is out there trying to get control but Tyrone Smith has lost it!! We haven’t even rung the opening bell!
Smith lays a few more pipe shots in on Hush’s left leg, making sure he finishes what he starts. He drops the pipe and raises his arms to the roar of the crowd before going to work with some stomps, further softening the injured limb. Mason finally seems to corral Smith and get him separated from Hush. Essex comes back to his charge to check on him.
(JB) This match may be over before it starts, Hush might be seriously injured here.
(Tom) Oh stop, he’s fine.
(Stryker) I hate to say it…but I gotta agree with Bear. I can’t see Hush just calling it a day, ever.
True to the words, Hush gets up to his feet and limps his way into the ring. As he rolls under the ropes, the bell rings and Smith jumps back into action, going to work on the injured limb one more time. As he stomps away, Essex is irate, shouting at Walt Mason to get control.
(Stryker) Hey Essex, why don’t you calm down and let them have it out?
Essex whirls around and shoots daggers at Stryker, who shoots them right back. As they stare each other down, Tyrone Smith continues his assault, putting the boots to Hush to try and keep him down. He lays a final boot in for good measure before stepping back to the opposite corner, looking to skateboard in a dropkick to keep it up. As Smith charges in, Hush musters what he has left in the tank and charges out of his own corner, leveling Smith with a clothesline. Hush collapses to the mat afterwards, but Smith, just like that, is down.
(Stryker) Yes, those kinds of moves. Big power moves, I know from experience, all it takes is one, and all the work you did is derailed in an instant.
Hush and Smith get back to their feet at the sime time, which would spell a big advantage to Hush. Smith comes in and lands a couple rights, but Hush simply absorbs them and gets inside, lifting Smith up and drilling him home with a sidewalk slam. Hush finally seems to have a little momentum as he gets to his feet and limps around a few steps to get his legs back under him. Essex, for his part, is pleased as punch as he applauds his monster. He turns to the commentary table and claps at Stryker, pointing to Hush and then to the belt in front of Stryker. Stryker gives Essex a look and keeps on commentating.
Meanwhile Hush is keeping it up in the ring, whipping Smith into the buckle and smothering him with an avalanche. Smith slumps down as Hush looks at his prey with a sense of complete control. He stomps on his fallen opponent before peeling him off the canvas and signaling for the Echoes in Eternity.
(Tom) Game over here if this connects.
Essex turns and keeps it up with Stryker as Hush whips Smith across the ring, waiting for the rebound. As Smith comes back, he lets out a yell and counters by coming through with a hard dropkick to Hush’s injured knee. Smith stays down as Hush collapses. Stryker points to the ring and Essex turns to see what’s occurred. As Smith and Hush begin to get up, Smith does not make the same mistake as he did earlier as he throws another dropkick into the face of Hush on the way up. Smith begins to gain some momentum as Essex has now diverted his attention from Stryker back to the match. Smith meets Hush as he rises and backs him up looking for the irish whip. Hush reverses the move and sends Smith across the ring, again looking for the Echoes in Eternity. This time he catches Smith, but the smaller man uses his speed to elude the grasp of the monster, floats over, and deliveres a thunderous DDT that gets the crowd to it’s feet.
(JB) TYRONE SMITH LOOKS LIKE HE CAN DO THIS!! HUSH IS REELING!!
As Smith keeps momentum on his side, he hits the ropes looking to capitalize. He never gets the chance as Essex reaches under and trips up Smith from the outside. Boos rain down from the rafters as Smith grabs his face, taking the impact nose first.
(Stryker) That’s about enough of Aleister Essex for me tonight boys, see you later.
The familiar clunk of a headset being dropped triggers a roar of approval from the crowd as Stryker gets up and makes a beeline to Essex, knocking him aside and to the mat.
As Stryker knocks over Essex, Smith looks outside.
He sees Stryker…and points right at the Foundation Heavyweight Champion. Smith leaves the ring and the two go face to face as Stryker tries to explain and Smith could care less. They seem to be about to come to blows when-
(Tom) HUSH!!
Hush reaches over the ropes and pulls both men to the apron by the hair. As he drags them both into the ring, both men have the same idea as they land dueling kicks to Hush’s midsection. Smith lands a perfect standing dropkick to Hush, backing him up, and Stryker is right on his heels with a clothesline that sends Hush up and over the ropes.
Meanwhile Essex has hit the ring, cane in hand, looking for vengeance. Stryker and Smith keep at each other as Essex rolls in and charges at Smith from behind. Stryker sees him coming and, in an instinctive move, shoves Smith away as he catches Essex’s cane. Essex lets go and scrambles to the outside as Stryker is standing alone with the cane.
(JB) This has broken down into madness folks!!
(Tom) You know if anyone in there would stop being all manly and just listen, this would be over…but NOOOOO, not Mike Stryker, not Tyrone Smith….they have to be in each others face.
(JB) SMITH SHOVES DOWN STRYKER!!!
Stryker pops right up and comes in looking to put Smith into next week with a superkick.
Smith ducks.
Walt Mason….he does not.
(Tom) Jesus!! Walt Mason is DONE!!!
Stryker looks in disbelief at the mangled body that was, at one point, Walt Mason. With his back turned he never sees Smith, lining up the GTS.
Smith, however…..never sees Hush.
(Tom) THE MONSTER IS LOOSE!!
Hush wheels Smith around and tosses him over the top, clearing the ropes by a good couple of feet. Stryker turns to see himself one on one with his biggest nemesis. The crowd goes berserk as Stryker and Hush start at it, exchanging punches, until Hush overpowers the smaller Stryker. Stryker goes down, but as Hush tries an elbow, Stryker rolls away. Hush gets to his feet and charges Stryker, who’s by the ropes. Stryker, on instinct, low-bridges Hush, sending the behemoth sprawling over the ropes and to the floor. Essex quickly corrals his charge on the floor, trying to make him stop. Stryker is staring daggers at Hush, leaning on the ropes…
…He never sees Smith. As he turns around, it’s all academic with Smith connecting with a big time GTS.
(JB) Stryker’s OUT!!!
Smith rolls outside and grabs the Foundation Championship belt from ringside and rolls back in, holding it to Stryker’s unconscious face and talking smack in his ear. He stands up, holding the belt high, and staring down the aisle at Hush, who’s being restrained by Essex and a host of NAFW Security.
(Tom) Is that Tyrone Smith? Holding the Foundation Championship?!?
(JB) It certainly is!! Folks, we’re out of time, we will see you all again next week at Annihilation. TYRONE SMITH HAS STAKED HIS CLAIM!!!
Fade out on Smith, holding that belt high, perhaps as a premonition of things to come.
