The guitar quickly turns into shredding, and this is where the opening video kicks in. We see shots of all of the Foundation's regular wrestling superstars including Mike Stryker, Spaz, Keith Owens, Trevor Cunning, Mike Lane, "The Reaper" Leonard Aarons, Hush, Snake, Tyrone Smith, Andy D, Derek Clarke, Peter Gilmour, and Jaime Alejandro among others. Some are striking their signature poses while others are executing their signature moves in the ring, or if they are more hardcore inclined, taking swings with various weapons.
Intermixing with these short clips are classic moments from recent Annihilation history, including "The Reaper" being lit on fire, Trevor Cunning attacking people with bottles of Jack Daniels, Hush throwing bodies off the stage, and Mike Stryker making opponents tap out to the New York Cloverleaf.
As the last line is sung and the instruments go silent except for some light guitar feedback, the opening video comes to an end. When the heavy hitting music returns just few seconds later for the chorus of "Erase/Replace," indoor pyro and fireworks are set off as various cameras pan around the screaming crowd in attendance holding up their unique signs.
BOOM!!
BOOM!!!
As the chorus to the Foo Fighters song plays, the camera shot cuts to the ringside announce booth where JB Mann and Tom "The Bear" Kalhoun are standing by.
(JB) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Annihilation, live from the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington! As always, I'm JB Mann along side my broadcast partner, Tom "The Bear" Kalhoun!
(Tom) Our NAFW superstars went through hell at Breaking Point, and it shows tonight as many are licking their battle wounds. However, some will still pick up their battle axes and continue to forge ahead as we begin the road to Oblivion.
(JB) That’s right Bear. As Breaking Point came to a close, we saw Mike Stryker successfully retain his Foundation Heavyweight Championship against not only Tyrone Smith, but the monster Hush as well.
(Tom) But even more shocking than that was Mr. Old School Hollywood, Mike Lane, cashing in his Wish to challenge Mike Stryker one on one for the Foundation Heavyweight Championship in the main event of Oblivion!
(JB) And it seems like our Foundation Heavyweight Champion has something to say about that…
The Road Begins
The lights in the KeyArena go black as the crowd begins to buzz a little bit. The ever familiar NYC skyline comes across the screen of the NAFWTron, along with the opening notes of “’Til I Collapse by Eminem”. The buzz turns to a monster pop as the images and song can mean only one thing.
It means the Heavyweight Champion has arrived.
It means the Big City Hitman is here.
As the beat to the song kicks in and the intro ends, the lights come up and Mike Stryker emerges from backstage as the crowd erupts into an 18-35 year old male testosterone fueled roar. Stryker stand at the top of the ramp and holds his title high in the air to another cheer. He jogs over to the left side, displaying his prize and pounding his chest as the crowd continues to eat it up. He jogs over to the right side, pointing at his title, then himself, telling everyone there exactly who he is. He come back and beings to walk down the ramp, slapping hands with some fans before rolling under the ropes.
As he pops up he mounts one set of buckles and holds up the Heavyweight Championship, flashbulbs and cheers showering down from all angles. He rinses and repeats on the other side of the ring. As he dismounts the ropes he takes center ring, catching a microphone from Troy Gilmour. He waits patiently for the crowd to quiet down, which takes a few seconds.
(Stryker) You know, a funny thing happened at Breaking Point. I got my ass kicked by not one, but two men. I got beaten pillar to post and back by both the most dominant man in this company, and the one guy who’s been neck and neck with me since day one in this company. There were points in that match where I wasn’t sure how I’d find a way to keep pressing forward. There were points where I don’t even know what kept me on my feet and in the action. But in the end, here’s the funny part…
…..I walked out just like I walked in….
…With this!!!
Stryker holds the championship high in the air as the crowd responds in kind with another pop.
(Stryker) Of course, this would normally be the part where I’d be calling out Ray Buchanan and begging to know who’s next on the list. The part where I’d be asking just who’s next up in that locker room that would like to test himself against the Best the World’s Got. But I guess we already know who that’s going to be. That little mystery was solved right after my match was over. It was solved with a simple wish. A wish cashed in by one Mike Lane.
The crowd spews venom at the mention of the name as Stryker continues.
(Stryker) Of course that’s assuming Mike Lane can carve some time out of his busy schedule to make it to Oblivion. I know he’s got a lot on his plate, what with his movie premiere, and of course his second career of playing fellatio for dollars with any strapping young man he can find out there.
OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! From the Seattle crowd as Stryker flashes that smirk of his.
(Stryker) But I’ll assume he has an assistant or something to help him take care of that. Bottom line, this is going to be short and sweet. Mike Lane wants me at Oblivion? Well-
Stryker is suddenly cut off by the lights dimming and the NAFW video screen suddenly displaying the standard green screen that kicks off movie trailers. You know the one, it tells you that the preview was approved for all audiences.
(JB) What the...
(Tom) Shut up, I hate people that talk over the previews!
We start off with the opening riffs to some cheesy production song and an image of a red convertable driving through New York City with the top down. The driver can be recognized as Michelle Monaghan. A voice cuts over the music, that of the cheesy trailer narrator!
(Narrator) Rebecca could have any man she wants.
We flash to her getting a beverage at a coffee shop. A random dude walks up to her.
(Random Dude) Hey babe, lookin for a good time?
She blows him off, and walks over to a table where Dane Cook is sitting.
(Narrator) She is engaged to Greg.
Greg looks over at the random dude, and smriks.
(Greg) That guy is low class, Beck'.
Rebecca shakes her head, but laughs at the comment anyway.
(Narrator) Her father is Tom Chambers...
Flash to a shot of Emilio Estevez walking down a hallway, in a very nice suit, with a secretary following behind him.
(Narrator) ... the second best lawyer in New York City.
Flash to Estevez standing in a court room from the POV of the Judge's seat. Said Judge bangs his gavel on the wood.
(Judge) Not guilty!
Chambers' head falls as we pan across the courtroom to show the man defending the man ruled Not Guilty.... Mike Lane himself.
(Narrator) Meet the best... Nathan Rowe.
Flash to Rowe rolling a strike in a game of bowling.
(Narrator) His sole focus in life is winning.
Flash to him throwing a bullseye in darts. Another flash back to the car driving through the city. We see a traffic light go from green to yellow, and Monaghan slams on the breaks, but still slams into the car in front of her. Cue a large car pile up, and an old woman screaming that she hurt her back. Flash to an office where Rebecca is standing in front of her father.
(Rebecca) What!?!? You can't defend me?
(Chambers) I'm sorry, babe, but I'm all tied up.
Flash to Rebecca walking into a building marked as the firm of Nathan Rowe.
(Rebecca) I need you to help me.
(Rowe) Finally realized your old man wasn't good enough, eh?
Flash to Tom Chambers staring at his daughter with a look of shock.
(Chambers) Of all the people, you pick Rowe?
He grins, and leans in close.
(Chambers) I want you to do something for me.
Flash to Rebecca and Rowe sitting at a restaurant.
(Rebecca) I think we need to get to know each other a little better in the interest of winning this case.
Flash to a montage of several scenes. The clincher has Rowe going to roll a ball down a bowling lane, but Rebecca yells at him, and he throws the ball into the next lane over.
(Narrator) This summer, love needs some help... The Defense starring Mike Lane!
Several more scenes follow, and we get a screen indicating that The Defense is several weeks away. The lights come back up, and Stryker is shaking his head in the middle of the ring, looking bored out of his mind.
(JB) Did we really need that, Bear?
(Tom) Of course we did. I've been anticipating this movie for months now! Can you say Oscar?
(JB) Oscar Meyer, maybe.
(Tom) I figured you'd say that.
The glory doesn't end though because Jane's Addiction's "Superhero" hits the speakers.
(JB) How much shilling can we get in one segment?
(Tom) We're just getting started.
And just as we'd expect, here comes Mike Lane, but he's not alone. He has a gaggle of people with him, ranging from huge black bodyguard looking guys to short guys wearing the latest fashions. Lane has a huge grin on his face as he leads his enterouge out to the ring, joining Stryker, who looks a little more willing to fight than he had been at Breaking Point. Lane takes a microphone, and shoos Stryker to the other side of the ring but the Hitman doesn't move.
(Lane) Ladies and gentleman, you just saw the exclusive Verses trailer for my new film, The Defense. It'll be out in just a few short weeks, and the buzz is at a high point. It's not just a blockbuster, but it's my one way ticket to Best Actor. Just as I'm the best damn wrestler on the planet, I'm the best damn actor on the planet also. It's not too hard of a stretch to play Nathan Rowe, because just like me, he's a winner! So not only will I be headlining Oblivion, in Los Angeles no less, I'll be headlining the Box Office. Everyone is afraid of my power. Iron Man, Prince Caspian, Indiana Jones, Batman... they all cower in the presence of Mike Lane.
Stryker is busy rolling his eyes as Lane turns his attention to the Foundation Champion.
(Lane) Just like you, Mikey. Look at you, the temporary Champion waiting for the true Champion to reclaim his throne. I'm not just the star of the movie, I'm the star of the NAFW, and everyone knows that the ratings go up just when I appear on screen. Sean Thomas went from old hasbeen to contender in the people's eyes because I made him look so good in beating him from pillar to post. But you, Mike Stryker, when you roll with me, you're nothing but the Supporting Actor. You tried to carry a film on your own, and it's going to be a flop when the real star brings out his best stuff. You will go from undeserving Champion to nobody in the three seconds it will take me to deliver you the Shadow Kick at Oblivion.
Stryker steps up to say his piece, but Lane keeps going.
(Lane) Why? Because I'm a movie star, and that means I'm better than you!
He gets ready to leave the ring, but Stryker cuts him off.
(Stryker) Wait just a second.
Lane steps back in, and smirks at Stryker.
(Stryker) You can talk all you want, but we both know that all you really want is my Foundation Championship. So instead of playing movie trailers, and walking around with your entourage, why don't we not wait for Oblivion. How about you and me just settle this whole business right here and right now?
He lays the FHC down on the ground in front of him, a proverbial "line in the sand" as it were.
(Stryker) Unless of course you needed to go ahead and hype your movie some more. After all Mike, you do realize all this hype is what they do for movies that are going to suck!
Lane laughs at the remark, but steps up to the belt, and looks down at it for a moment. The tension mounts, and just as Stryker starts to shake his head...
SLAP!!!
(JB) Oh boy.
Stryker reaches up and touches his cheek where Lane's head flew across it, and for a split second he grins. And then all hell breaks loose as Stryker leaps onto Mike Lane.
(JB) Hell yeah, get that son of a...
(Tom) You're right, Mike Lane is going to destroy him.
Lane rolls over on top of the swinging Mike Stryker, but quickly is pulled off by his enterouge. The group also grabs Stryker, and holds him in the center of the ring, while Lane bails out, straightening his suit.
(JB) I think Stryker put his message out there, Bear, when the hype is over, these two men still have to get it on in the ring.
(Tom) My money's on the bigger star.
(JB) My money is that this match is going to be one of the best we've seen.
Before we head to commercial, we see Mike Lane mocking Mike Stryker from the aisle while Stryker is pushing the Lane Security away from him.
COMMERCIAL
Make-A-Wish, Foundation: Part I
That’s Derek Clarke walking up to the back entrance, being escorted by members of security – not because he’s done anything wrong, but because he’s late to the party and there’s a giant crowd gathered around the other way, still waiting to get in. His gear is slung over a shoulder in a big black backpack, and his expression is unreadable. You’d think he’d be smiling, given the clipboard in his hand. But then again ... You’d be wrong.
(Amie) Derek…! Derek Clarke!
That’s Amie. She’s new around here, likes to interview people.
(Amie) Are the rumors true…? Are you really going to cash your Wish in tonight?!
Derek looks her over. Not sexually, like you might imagine, but with disdain for being bothered. It was bad enough the rent-a-cops had to tag along, but he put up with them because it was his fault he was late. This … this little girl, only a little older than he was … seemed like the kind of nuisance he wanted most to avoid. But he kept a straight face and he said:
(Clarke) You wanna know, Amie…? You want the scoop? Well, here it is: I, Derek Clarke, am going to cash in this …
He holds up the clipboard.
(Clarke) … right here tonight, and it’ll be the first time in my entire career here in the NAFW where I’m doing what I wanna do without anyone pulling my strings. To Hell with Kabashi, Jerry, my uncle and the commissioner. Those guys don’t have a damn say in what I do with this, and it’s the greatest feeling in the world.
(Amie) Any preview as to what you might wish for…? A title shot at Oblivion?
That’s a grin, but not a happy one – more like an “you're an idiot.”
(Clarke) I can’t tell you now, Amie. That’d ruin the surprise. But what I will tell you … man, it’s going to be legendary.
It's No Celebration
(JB) Well folks, my schedule is telling me that Spaz is set to come out next...
(Tom) I don't see why. He lost at Breaking Point.
(JB) Not before giving Mike Lane a hell of a beating.
(Tom) But he still lost.
The fans in attendance suddenly begin to erupt in cheers. There's no music, no special lights or pyro... Just a man coming out of the curtain at the top of the ramp.
(JB) And there's Spaz!
(Tom) He doesn't look happy, Mannatee.
(JB) Indeed not, Bear.
Spaz is alone, and as Tom Kalhoun observed, doesn't look particularly pleased. Over the years, we've become used to seeing a jovial Spaz... So it's rather unusual to see him looking so down as he slowly walks down the ramp.
(Troy) Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Spaz!!
(Tom) I can't blame Spaz for being down... If I were him, I wouldn't even want to show my face here tonight.
Spaz barely seems to notice much as he walks by, shaking his head as if not understanding why the fans are cheering. Spaz climbs the ring steps and stands on the apron for a moment, before slipping through the ropes. Troy Gilmore hands Spaz the microphone, then backs up and steps out of the ring, leaving Spaz alone to say what he came to say.
(Spaz) I was supposed to be out here saying something different. I scheduled this time before Breaking Point so I could celebrate my victory... It's not much of a celebration anymore.
Spaz pauses, pacing the ring.
(Spaz) At Breaking Point, against Mike Lane... I was determined. Maybe more determined that I ever have been. And I was more aggressive... More violent... After all he'd done, I wanted to destroy Mike Lane. To beat him into submission and end our rivalry for good...
Before Spaz can continue, another voice interjects. The very familiar voice of Mike Lane.
(Lane) And yet still, after giving it your all, who came out victorious?
(JB) Not again! Wasn’t he just out here?
(Tom) Quiet Mannhole. The Lane is speaking!
Pause, as the fans let out a chorus of boos... Mike Lane has stepped onto the ramp. Spaz is even less happy now than he was before. And for the same reasons that Spaz isn't happy, Mike Lane is smiling.
(Lane) The Next Foundation Heavyweight Champion... Mike Lane.
That gets another round of jeers from the Seattle crowd.
(Lane) But I'm not here to talk about me... I'm here to talk about you. About why you were so determined to beat me at Breaking Point. Why you were so violent and aggressive.
Pause. More boos.
(Lane) You thought I took your little sister.
Spaz, who had been angrily watching and listening to this point, jumps back in now.
(Spaz) Not "thought." I know you did.
(Lane) What you don't know could fill a library. Tell me this Sean: Why would I take her, only to help free her?
Spaz's eyes bulge at that statement.
(JB) What?
(Tom) AHA!
Spaz can't believe it. He glares across the arena at Lane, waiting for an elaboration.
(Lane) That's right, Sean. That message you got in Calgary... The one telling you that Krystin was being held in Burnaby? Room 807? I sent it.
More bulging eyes, this time combined with head shaking.
(Tom) Spaz needs to pick his jaw up off the floor.
(Spaz) That... That doesn't prove anything.
(Lane) Come on Sean... You've known me a long time. You should know that I'm a no kidnapper. I tried to tell you that before, but you wouldn't listen... So I let you believe it because it threw you off your game...
Pause. Spaz paces the ring for a moment, then stops and faces Lane again.
(Spaz) Who then, Mike? Say I believe this... If you didn't take Krys, then who did?
(Lane) Isn't it obvious, Sean? Think about these two words for a second...
Pause. The crowd is as silent as possible, waiting for Mike Lane to finish.
(Lane) Melissa Hayes.
Realization dawns on Spaz, as the crowd gasps.
(JB) No...
(Tom) It makes sense!
(Lane) I see that you understand what I'm saying. So you must know that if it weren't for my help, Krystin may have ended up just like Missy...
Spaz glares at Lane again at the implication. For those who don't remember, Melissa Hayes, Keith Owens’ girlfriend and valet, ended up in the hospital after her kidnapping... And she's still there, to this day.
(Lane) In fact, you should thank me, Sean.
Pause. Silence, but for the murmuring of the crowd.
(Spaz) OK Mike. I'm going to find out about this. If you're telling the truth, you'll get your thanks. But I swear to Gord, if you're lying to me...
(Lane) I have no reason to lie, Sean. I have bigger fish to fry than you.
With that, Lane turns and leaves. Moments later, without saying any more, Spaz follows, and the show goes on.
(JB) I can't believe it, Bear. Could this be true?
(Tom) It wouldn't surprise me one bit!
(JB) Spaz seems determined to find out the truth.
(Tom) Too bad he wasn't this determined before Breaking Point! He wouldn't have made a fool of himself by accusing Mike Lane!
(JB) Lane was the most logical suspect, Bear.
(Tom) When there's a known kidnapper running around backstage?
(JB) A known kidnapper who had no motive in this case.
(Tom) He's a monster, Mannwhore! He doesn't need motive.
(JB) Perhaps, Bear. In any case, Spaz is going to find out!
Betrayals
We fade in backstage where NAFW interviewer Rick Priestly is standing in front of the Annihilation interview area.
(Rick) Ladies and gentlemen, at Breaking Point: Beyond The Limit, we saw shock after shock, but perhaps nothing was more shocking than the arrest Stephen Owens, the now former Presidential candidate and ex-United States Senator. The father of Keith Owens pled no contest in a federal court and is currently awaiting his prison assignment. Let’s take a look at how this all went down though.
The screen carefully fades to black as we get some slow but heavy generic rock music in the background. In the corner of the screen, the Breaking Point logo appears to remind us when this all took place.
We start with Keith Owens arriving at the arena, only to step indoors and be confronted by Jack Henderson and several police officers. Keith looks around as if he was betrayed, and then the music pauses for Henderson to speak.
(Henderson) Keith, I suggest you follow these men. Compliance is necessary.
From here the music picks up as Keith reluctantly walks off camera with the police entourage. We get a slight pause, as well as a slight blackout transition.
We fade back into a black and white shot, accompanied by more somber rock. Keith Owens steps out of the conference room looking shaken. As he walks away, Jack Henderson and the lead police detective exit the room as well, shaking hands.
We keep the black and white picture as we transition to the next scene. This time around, we get some more upbeat rock sounding presidential music as Senator Owens arrives at the arena, appearing all self-important on his mobile phone.
The Senator and his entourage are stopped by the police, and we get another pause in the music for Detective Gordon to speak.
(Gordon) Senator Owens… You are under arrest for felonies committed within the United States of America.
Our footage goes back into full color as the Senator begins running his mouth as he is in shock and disbelief. The police officers are handcuffing Senator Owens as Keith steps into the foreground. The Senator’s face turns to a snarl.
(Senator) You! How could you? I told you there were going to be problems and I told you I was going to handle them, like when I cleaned up the mess for you last time! But no, after everything I've done for you and your career - You’ve gone and ruined it all! You've destroyed my career and ruined our family! Kiss your trust fund good-bye...
We get an echo on the final “good-bye” part as we transition to the next part of the video. We’re in the Trust Fund Kids locker room and Keith Owens and Trevor Cunning are standing face to face.
(Trevor) What the hell happened tonight?
“The Difference Maker” responds.
(Keith) We don’t need him anymore.
As Owens walks off, Cunning stares at him looking pissed off. After that, we get one more transition, this time to the Tag Team Championship match against Ammo and Dustin Thomas.
Trevor goes to his corner and picks up the full bottle of Jack Daniels that has been sitting on the apron the entire match. He waits for Ammo to get up, then goes makes his move... But before he does, Keith Owens snatches the bottle out of his hand, and tags himself in at the same time.
Keith quickly steps into the ring. Cunning spins around and shoves Owens, as Ammo turns and heads to his own corner. Owens and Cunning shout at each other, arguing over Cunning's dirty tactics. Cunning shoves Owens again, and Keith shoves him right back, as Ammo makes the tag to Dustin.
With another shove, Cunning swipes the bottle back. An instant later he swings.
SMASH!
We get several replays from different angles of the Jack Attack, before moving on.
Trevor lifts Keith into a Canadian Backbreaker...
(JB) Sobriety Test!! Trevor Cunning has laid out his own partner!!
After a few more replays of the Sobriety Test, we see Trevor Cunning sliding out of the ring and heading up the ramp while Dustin Thomas covers Keith for the one, two, and three. Keith is bloodied and out cold.
And with Keith lying prone in the ring being attended to by referees and EMTs, our video comes to a close, and we fade back in to Rick Priestly in the interview area.
(Rick) We’ve been trying to get a word with Keith Owens all night about the situation with his father and about the actions of Trevor Cunning, but he has been unreachable all week and is not at the arena tonight. There are many questions I’d like to ask Keith Owens, and when I get the chance to, I’ll let you al…
Rick’s voice fades off as his attention is drawn to something off camera. The shot zooms out to show Trevor Cunning staring down Rick with a smirk on his face.
(Trevor) You know Rick...
Cunning pauses as the crowd inside the arena boos the presence of "The Godfather" Trevor Cunning.
(Trevor) ...There's only one person you need to be talking to tonight, and it certain is not Keith Owens. It's...
Beat.
(Trevor) Me.
Priestly is about to speak into the microphone in response to Cunning's comment, but the former Tag Team Champion pulls the microphone back towards himself.
(Trevor) And Rick, if there's only one thing you leave Annihilation knowing, its that "The Godfather" is always right. For months I've been saying that Keith Owens has lost his edge, his mean streak, and his drive. Ever since his brain dead girlfriend walked into Hush's path, Keith has wanted to do the "right thing." But you know what Rick? An attitude like that gets you no where. And I proved that at Breaking Point when I left Keith Owens lying in a pool of Jack Daniels and his own blood.
Once more, Rick Priestly attempts to raise the microphone up to his mouth to ask Cunning a question, but Cunning is quick to pull the mic back towards himself once again.
(Trevor) Let me ask you this Rick - Where is the man that ruined Kevin Hyatt's life to use him as a tool to become the Foundation Champion? Where is the man who proved Jaime Alejandro to be as much of a flake of a champion as Diamond Del Carver? Where is the man that ran that garbage "hardcore" wrestler Jack "The Chopper" Flint into obscurity? Where is the man that pinned The Intruder to win Foundation gold, then ended the career of his brother "The Word" David Kurresh?
Knowing his role by this point, Rick simply remains silent but shrugs in response to Cunning's line of questioning.
(Trevor) I haven't seen him around in a long time Rick. But what I have seen is a man who betrayed and back stabbed his own flesh and blood - his father, the good Senator from Illinois. What happened just days ago with the Senator was nothing more than entrapment and dirty threats from Uncle Sam. The Senator was... is... a good man. And when Keith sent his own father to jail, he didn't just destroy his own family - he destroyed our Trust.
(Rick) What exactly do you mean by that?
(Trevor) Let me break that down for you Priestly. I've been the benefactor of the Senator for quite some time. The Senator saw in me something he didn't even see in his own son. But over time, Keith and his pops managed to make amends, and Keith finally came around and joined the winning team - my team.
Cunning pauses for just a moment before continuing.
(Trevor) But all of that time, I was certain that Keith was secretly jealous of my uncanny good looks, unparalleled skills in the ring, and the acceptance he could never find from his old man. But he took it one step too far by snitching on his father, because when the Senator ended the trust fund and was forced to lose everything he once had, all of my wealth got flushed down the shitter as well.
And what good is teaming with a turn coat when I can't even go to the bar and buy bitches drinks to slip roof.... entertain them for the night?
Priestly looks surprised at Cunning's dirt bag comment, but "The Godfather" continues to run his mouth.
(Trevor) Being Tag Team Champion with Keith Owens meant nothing after he destroyed my source of income. Screwing his father was essentially screwing me, and no one screws Cunning and gets away with it. I do the screwing around the Foundation, and if you want proof of that, why don't you ask Jaime Alejandro if his wife was ever the same after I was done with her. Or better yet...
Cunning cuts himself off mid-sentence, leaving Rick Priestly confused.
(Rick) Or better yet what, Trevor?
Cunning flashes a devious smile.
(Trevor) Never mind Priestly. But as far as tonight goes, since Keith is probably off on another date with Jack Henderson putting another innocent party behind bars, I'll be showing Spaz what happens to losers like him and Keith who try to be "good guys."
And if Spaz is lucky, maybe I'll screw his sister too.
Cunning simply shoves the microphone into Rick Priestly's chest and walks out of the camera shot.
Fade out.
COMMERCIAL
Is it True?
Backstage. We're just outside of Ray Buchanan's office. The door bursts open, and out stalks Alister Essex. He's not happy. As the door shuts behind him, he's muttering under his breath.
(Essex) The nerve of that vile knave! Foisting such a fine upon me for the mildest of infractions.
For those who missed Matthews Under the Mat, Number 1: Essex was slapped with a $5000 fine for getting involved with Walt Mason during the main event at Breaking Point. We find him now, having just paid the fine to Buchanan. Even though it was set down by Hector himself, Essex seems intent on blaming good old Ray for it.
We follow Essex down the hall as he continues muttering.
(Essex) Bloody five thousand... For nothing!
Essex!
(Essex) Bloody hell.
Essex stops in his tracks as the camera whips around to reveal the speaker, who is fast approaching from behind. Of course, anyone who's watched even the smallest amount of NAFW programming already knows the identity of the speaker.
(Spaz) Money's the last thing you should be worrying about.
Spaz grabs Essex by the collar and slams him into the wall.
(Spaz) Is it true?
Essex arches an eyebrow.
(Essex) Is what true, you blithering bastard?
Spaz lifts Essex off the ground, and gives him another slam into the wall for good measure.
(Spaz) You know exactly what I'm talking about. And you're going to answer right now, yes or no.
In case you weren't paying attention earlier, what Spaz is talking about is his sister's kidnapping. Mike Lane suggested that it was in fact Hush and Essex who were responsible, and now Spaz is looking for the truth. Each word he speaks is like a knife.
(Spaz) Is.
It.
True?
Spaz holds Essex there for a moment, before the Red Devil's mouth spreads wide in his favourite expression: a maniacal grin.
(Essex) Of course it is!
Do you hear that sound? That's the sound of Spaz snapping. He tosses Essex across the hall into the far wall, then rushes the Brit with a roar of fury, his fists flying.
But Essex simply smiles, as Spaz is stopped short by a large hand. The shot whips around again, this time revealing the monster known as Hush. With minimal effort, the big man flings Spaz diagonally across the hall.
(JB) This isn't good.
(Tom) For Spaz!
All of it took no more than a second. Hush takes up a position between Spaz and Essex, but Spaz has no intention of letting that stop him. He rushes Hush this time, but is easily deflected.
Before the situation can degenerate any further, Ryan McJohnson is there. In the event that you forgot: All this has been happening just down the hall from Buchanan's office.
(JB) Thank goodness!
McJohnson holds Spaz back, as Essex continues to smile that wicked smile. Spaz struggles briefly, then tosses a promise Essex's way.
(Spaz) This isn't over.
Spaz storms off on the opposite direction, leaving Ryan McJohnson shaking his head, Hush standing like a rock, and Essex smiling.
Cut.
(Tom) Well that settles it! Essex did it, not Mike Lane!
(JB) Essex has indeed admitted to Krystin's kidnapping.
(Tom) And now Spaz owes a thank you to Mike Lane.
The Rock 'n' Rex Express (Scott Rocker & Rex Michaels) vs. Ammo & Dustin Thomas (TT)
Tag Team Championships
(JB) Alright Bear, are you ready for the first defense of the new Tag Team Champions?
(Tom) No. I miss the Trust.
(JB) It's pretty clear after Breaking Point that The Trust Fund Kids are no more.
(Tom) It's just a rough patch! They've gotten through them before.
(JB) Cunning broke a full bottle of Jack Daniels over Owen's head, then gave him the Sobriety Test and walked away... That's more than a rough patch, if you ask me!
(Tom) Well I didn't ask you!
(JB) And you never do... In any case, Scott Rocker and Rex Michaels have already made their way down to the ring with GNR, so we're just waiting on the Champs!
(Tom) Oh, I've been watching GNR, all right.
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 in his tights and an Old School Empire t-shirt, with a Tag Team Championship belt around his waist. New School points up, and Shane comes out of the curtain, dressed in his street clothes.
(JB) And here's the man who took advantage of the Trust Fund Kids' implosion at Breaking Point.
(Tom) The real talent of this partnership!
(JB) I thought you missed the Trust.
(Tom) If anyone were to beat them, it should have been The Old School Empire.
Dustin taunts the fans as he walks down the aisle, while Shane walks slowly behind him, but still striking the occasional pose. Dustin takes off and runs the rest of the away down the ramp and slides into the ring. He leaps up to the turnbuckle to soak in the jeers as unbuckles the belt and raises it in the air. The Alpha takes up an uncomfortable position outside of the ring, to watch his brother in action.
(JB) So half the Empire's better than no Empire at all?
(Tom) Exactly. But the whole Empire's better than half!
(JB) Of course...
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 is Ammo, in his dark red tights, wearing fingerless gloves and black sunglasses. Behind him comes his partner Slush, dressed in jeans and a new Blue NAFW T-shirt; and their manager Twitch, carrying Blake Bouchard over his shoulder.
As the music goes into the chorus, The Goods stalk down to the ring. Slush and Twitch take up positions on the outside as Ammo pulls himself up onto the apron and steps over the top rope. Ammo tosses his sunglasses out to Twitch and prepares for the coming match.
(JB) The dynamic between the Champs at Breaking Point was rather interesting, Bear.
(Tom) Are you referring to the complete lack of respect on Ammo's part?
(JB) Lack of respect?
(Tom) He used Dustin as a projectile weapon!
(JB) In other words, he threw him around.
(Tom) And I bet he thinks he's going to do it again tonight!
(JB) I wouldn't be surprised.
The ref calls for the bell, and we get started with Dustin and Scott Rocker. Dustin calls for a test of strength, which Rocker, clad in his Two-Step T-shirt, happily accepts. Before locking the second hand, Dustin kicks Rocker in the gut. He hits a quick series of suplexes, then goes to the corner and tags Ammo. Dustin doesn't leave the ring after the tag, instead opting to climb to the top turnbuckle as Ammo steps over the top rope. Dustin then climbs onto Ammo's shoulders in a seated position.
(Tom) What's he doing up there?
(JB) I think we're about to find out!
Ammo turns around, then falls backward, dropping Dustin directly onto Rocker's prone form.
(JB) What an impact!
(Tom) At least he didn't throw Dustin that time.
Dustin rolls off of Rocker and Ammo moves in for the cover, only getting a two. Ammo works Rocker over briefly before Irish whipping him to the ropes. Rex Michaels gets in a blind tag before Rocker takes a boot to the face from Ammo. Rex rushes into the ring and is able to get a few shots in on Ammo. But it's not long before the bigger man regains control of things. The Champs tag in and out frequently, taking Michaels to task and getting several near falls.
(JB) This unlikely duo are actually working quite well together, Bear.
On the outside, Slush and Shane shout advice and encouragement to their respective partners... Much of it contradicting one another. Meanwhile, Twitch is in conversation with a clearly disgusted GNR.
(Tom) Please tell me he's not hitting on her.
(JB) Don't think I can do that, Bear.
Back in the ring, Michaels breaks free long enough to get a tag in to Rocker. Ammo puts Scott down with a hard running clothesline before tagging Dustin back in. Ammo grabs Dust by the back of his shirt at the collar and by the tights at the waist. He picks Dustin up and starts to spin, as Rocker begins to stand up.
(Tom) He's going to do it again, isn't he?
(JB) It would appear that way.
At the end of his third time around, Ammo has gained quite a bit of speed, and Rocker has regained his feet. But it's not for long, as Ammo lets go of Dustin at the perfect instant, launching New School like a torpedo straight at Rocker. Dustin hits Rocker square in the gut and takes him down in a spear-like tackle.
(Tom) You know, it's almost kind of like the Fastball Special.
(JB) The what?
(Tom) Fastball Special! In X-Men comics, where Colossus throws Wolverine...
(JB) Wow, Bear... I didn't know you were into the comic books.
(Tom) I like the art, OK! Those guys draw some excellent cleavage.
(JB) That is far more information than I needed.
(Tom) Hey, look... A pin fall!
In the ring, Dustin hooks the leg, and with Ammo standing watch to keep Michaels at bay, we have a three count.
(JB) An impressive first defense by the Champs, Bear. And I think they may have changed your opinion of Ammo's stategy with that comic book move. What did you call it again?
(Tom) Fastball Special.
(JB) Yes, that's right. I don't think you can argue with its effectiveness.
(Tom) Scott Rocker's no Sentinel...
(JB) What?
(Tom) Never mind.
The Champs and their entourage raise their arms in victory as GNR consoles her boys. That makes now about as good a time as any to cut.
Keeping His Word
Backstage. Locker room. Mike Lane. He sits, casually watching the arena feed on a TV screen. He perks up, smiling when he hears a light knock on the door.
(Lane) Come in, Sean.
The door opens, and just as Lane expected, Sean "Spaz" Thomas stands in the empty doorframe. He doesn't enter the room completely, however, opting to stay just beyond the threshold.
(Spaz) I don't want to be here. But I said I would, and I'm keeping my word.
Lane smiles, completely smug.
(Lane) Go on...
(Spaz) I don't know why you did it, but you helped me rescue my sister. For that... I'm here... To thank you.
Lane nods, continuing to smile in that way that makes you want to punch him in the face. There's silence for a moment, before Spaz turns.
(Lane) Leaving already?
Spaz doesn't turn back.
(Spaz) I said what I came to say. That's it. We're done.
Lane doesn't protest as Spaz walks out, the door closing behind him. The shot turns back to Lane, who is still smiling.
(Lane) Oh we're done, Sean... But you still owe me.
And that's all here.
(Tom) About damn time! Spaz is finally going to leave Lane alone!
(JB) With Essex admitting his involvement in Krystin Thomas' kidnapping, Spaz's focus has certainly changed.
(Tom) Allowing Mike Lane to finally focus on the Foundation Championship he so rightly deserves!
(JB) We’ll be right back after this commercial break!
COMMERCIAL
Psycho vs. "The Reaper" Leonard Aarons
(JB) Welcome back! Coming up next we've got Psycho managed by Carlos Smith taking on a former United States and Foundation Heavyweight Champion...
(Tom) Ugh, do we have to see this sociopath?
(JB) You wanna tell him that he can't compete?
Tom says nothing.
(JB) The Reaper has been on a warpath as of late, dismantling Masato Kojima the last time he appeared on Annihilation and then at Breaking Point...
(Tom) He could've very well ended the career of Heatwave damn it! That man has a family!
(JB) And that family very well witnessed what in all my years of broadcasting could very well have been, one of the most vicious beatings I've seen. Leonard Aarons has made it abundantly clear with his last piece of personal business handled, he wants his belt back and...
## What an amazing time ##
## What a family ##
(Tom) YES! Now I have reason to not sleep through this match!
(JB) She was ringside for the I Quit match, but she had a shirt thrown in her face after it was over by The Reaper. He has maintained he wants no part of her, but she continues to persist after him.
## How did the years go by? ##
## Now it's only me ##
Fans begin to boo as "What You Waiting For?" by Gwen Stefani blares throughout the arena. Vanessa Chamberlain makes her way out wearing an old school Seattle Supersonics jersey which does her no favors, considering the Sonics are on their way out of town. She gets booed as she stops at the top of the entranceway holding her arms up before sauntering down the aisle.
(JB) It appears that we're going to be joined for this match by The Reaper's ex-flame and manager.
(Tom) Ya know if it weren't for your Mom, I'd say I wish I had someone that hot chasing after me the way she is Leonard. Then again, I wish I did have someone that hot chasing after me. Your Mom's getting to be a real pain in my ass.
(JB) You're not funny.
(Tom) Neither is your mother, but that's another story for another time. Like later tonight when I see her.
Vanessa finally makes her way around the ringside area to the commentary position where Tom gets up and pulls out a chair for Vanessa as he hands her a headset. JB is less than impressed and or amused by Tom's chivalrous demeanor.
(JB) Welcome Vanessa to...
(Tom) Shut up Mann-tick. Allow me to welcome the beautiful, the Vivacious Vanessa Chamberlain to the announce position.
(Vanessa) Why thank you Tom, it's great to be here. Shame these Seattle fans don't share the same sentiment I have.
(Tom) Well considering the only thing they're known for is a chain of crappy coffee joints and a form of rock music that's deader than Kurt Cobain, I'd be salty too.
(JB) Salty though, Tom?
(Tom) Shut your face Mann-dip. Go have a Triple Latte and a smile or something.
Carlos leads Psycho out and doesn't seem to be too happy with him, after his performance at Breaking Point in the Hangman's Horror match. He can be heard yelling at the still injured Psycho that this is what he gets for losing to Peter Gilmour. The Reaper conversely comes out with his new sweatshirt on and isn't in the greatest of moods, just cause.
The match starts out with Psycho on the attack, peppering Aarons with rights and lefts after Carlos got up on the apron to distract him for a brief moment in the early going. The turning point of the match came when Psycho tried for a top rope move, only to get caught by Aarons who brought him down with a top rope Double Underhook Belly To Belly Suplex. Aarons never relinquished control of the match from that point on, nor did he let up.
During the better part of the match, when asked why she was out here by JB, Vanessa revealed that she was trying to manage Leonard once again. She stated her desire to manage a Foundation Heavyweight Champion and is firmly behind The Reaper's charge towards a second reign.
Shortly after hitting Psycho with a big boot he pitched Psycho to the outside. He snatched the headset off of Vanessa to say a little bit about his win over Heatwave and his desire to get his belt back before drinking some water and doing a spit take into Psycho's eyes. He proceeded to follow that up with a running STO on the outside, before tossing him back in. After a couple of rather vicious looking European Uppercuts, he dropped Psycho with the Chokeslam From Illtown and then followed that up with his new chokehold, The Reaper's Way which got the tap out win.
If You're Not Too Busy For Oblivion...
Just as The Reaper climbs down from the second turnbuckle perch, two things happen. One, he finds that he's no longer alone in the ring after Psycho as Vanessa Chamberlain has left her chair at the announce table and is standing across from him. Secondly, the lights cut down and the stage lights turn neon green.
The guitars crank up and "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour starts up. The green and white strobes start up as the new NAFWTron video showing the new cross logo blares on screen.
Jaime Alejandro walks out with his brand new shirt and a pair of black track pants. He walks steady on his Sketchers, and stops at the top of the ramp. Of course, with the black bandana over his hair and a pair of black sunglasses. And as most can see, he's not in a saintly mood, either.
He pulls the microphone out and looks up at the ring.
(Jaime) People have been on the dirt sheets trying to figure out what I'm talking about with getting someone to "man up." So, I'll make it real simple. Simple enough to where even Wilson can feed it to Snake. In their own special way, of course...
Jaime turns around a bit for the main camera to catch the phrase on the back of his shirt which states, "Sinners and Saints Beware: One Last Tour of Duty in Progress."
(Jaime) To man up... Means you go into the ring and you come in and you give every damn thing you've got in your body and soul. None of these locker room antics of going in and messing with someone's s(beep). You got a problem with someone. You settle it...
The Saint points down at the ring under Aarons's feet.
(Jaime) ...in the ring.
The crowd starts chanting out something unusual to hear, considering the person they're talking about. "STRONG STYLE SAINT!"
(Jaime) I keep hearing somebody heard my little challenge. And the person who heard the challenge, I know very well. As I've said about this person... He is my best friend and my worst enemy.
Jaime turns around and pulls down his sunglasses and reveals those mixed colored eyes.
(Jaime) Now, you see. Everyone saw the reappearance of "Illtown." Which meant a lot of pain for Niccoli Burbank. Which I don't blame Lenny at all. Nicky was a bit of a prick. And hopefully, he and Ashley are having fun in ICU right now...
One of the fan signs that are being panned in says, "Aarons vs. Alejandro 2008! : Hospital on Standby!" Jaime points at the sign and mouths, "Good one..."
(Jaime) So, what does Aarons have to do with "man up?" It's simple. I know Leonard. Leonard knows me. In fact, quite well. And considering that we both nearly killed our dance cards for Oblivion. Why not have one for old times sake.
He looks right over at Vanessa who's getting into the ring about to rant at him.
(Jaime) Oh, look. It's Vanessa Chamberlain. I thought they buried you with the Illtown gear. Because from what I see is a five dollar ring rat. And trust me, I'm still single, so if I had five dollars and a clothespin, I'd still not give you a try...
As he sees her take the mic, Jaime just rolls his eyes and takes a seat, almost mocking her.
(Vanessa) Why of course you wouldn't give me a try. The fact is, you're what? Decrepit? Past your prime? What would I want to bother with a has been, never will be again like you for? I mean, why else would you be out here wasting the time of all these people and most importantly, the REAL Foundation Heavyweight Champion, Leonard Aarons? The Reaper is looking on to greater things and he doesn't have time for giving old timers on their way out...
She chuckles before saying rather pointedly...
(Vanessa) One. Last. Hurrah...even if it is on the grandest stage of them all.
(Jaime) Okay, are you finished? Are you done? Are you sure? Because that was the most illogical statement I'm sure I've heard in... No, that was the dumbest f(beep)ing thing I think I've ever heard. And I heard plenty of what Ashley Collier said all month long.
As he's about to go further into the tirade, he sees The Reaper snatch away the microphone from Vanessa. She's none too happy about it, but The Reaper doesn't even give her a second look. Or even a half a first one for the that matter, his eyes turn towards the man addressing him. Namely that of Jaime Alejandro.
(Jaime) Yes, V. He did take that away from you. As I was going to say, adults are talking!"
(The Reaper) Well now...Jaime Alejandro. You look well. That being said, I guess when you talk about the whole 'man up' thing, yeah...I do that quite often. As far as Heatwave goes, I gave him what he asked for. He wanted the bastard who broke his wife's neck and took him out of the game for three years. I gave him extra motivation to be a full time family man and less time coming out here setting fires and getting his ass kicked by yours truly.
A pop by the fans for that one as he sits down in the corner, staring straight at Jaime even as Vanessa is staring back at him.
(The Reaper) But I feel compelled to let you know the same thing I'm letting everyone else know that crosses my path. I'm done playing around and I'm not stopping until I'm back on top of the NAFW as Foundation Heavyweight Champion. So while you might be looking for a little playmate who specializes in Strong Style, coming my way means you're looking for Devastation and there's no two ways about it...friend.
Jaime moves down to the ring and goes under the ropes and pulls himself up. He glares directly at the man in front of him.
(Jaime) Devastation... You don't know devastation. You want a war. I'll give a war. You want a brawl. I'll fight from here to f(beep)ing Doddtown! You want technical. I am technically superior, my friend. You want to be the man to man up. Bring it! You want the FHC... Who the hell doesn't. If any wrestler doesn't want the FHC, they're either a jabroni or they're dead inside. You get what I mean, Leonard...
Neither man is flinching, as the crowd looks on. Everyone is split on who to cheer for and who to berate.
(Jaime) You see... My time will pass, old friend. But so will yours. Me... I'm not done yet. Come Oblivion... The biggest stage in the NAFW. The PPV where we charge the big bucks for, because it is the biggest thing all damn year! The Reaper and the Saint. The match that the fanboys wanted since you signed here. Let's make it hot. If you can't beat me, means you've got to step up. Too bad I'm planning on doing the same so you can't beat me.
Leonard gets up and leans against the far turnbuckle, staring at his friend with a mixed look of befuddlement and a sliver of annoyance. His left thumb begins rubbing his thin mustache as he brings the mic up one more time.
(The Reaper) I've never been one to really pay much attention to what fanboys have to say, but hey, who am I to grant a retiring man one last Devastation? You want to get Devastated on the biggest stage we have? Fine. You're on.
Huge roar for that from the Seattle faithful. It's here that he slowly starts walking towards Alejandro who's standing center ring with Vanessa to Alejandro's left.
(The Reaper) But understand that once that bell rings at Oblivion, you're no longer my friend. You're an obstacle who will be ran through. You're nothing more than a canvas by which I'm set on painting one of the biggest masterpieces of my career, one which will let you, the fans and whichever Mike is unfortunate enough to walk out of Oblivion know one thing...
They're now face to face, eye to eye as L's brown eyes lock in on Jamie's. Fans are absolutely losing it as neither man backs down an inch from the other. Aarons brings his microphone up at an angle as he finishes rather emphatically.
(The Reaper) When you stand across from me in this ring, you will fall before me. At Oblivion Jaime, you will man up to FEEL! MY! WRRATTTTHHHHHH!!!!
Aarons strikes his trademark pose as the micrphone hits the ground and "Go To Sleep" hits as the Key Arena explodes. Aarons and Alejandro stand face to face, neither man having moved as Aarons begins to exit with his eyes never leaving Alejandro. Vanessa stands a fairly safe way off from Jaime, calling out to Leonard who doesn't even acknowledge her presence. She exits the ring to chase after Aarons who finally turns and walks up the ramp with a stone look of determination on his face.
(JB) WOW. At Oblivion not only will we have Lane versus Stryker for the Foundation Heavyweight Championship, we're going to have the battle which could conceivably give us their first in the case of Mike...
(Tom) You may as well say first victim, no way Old School Hollywood loses to the Big City Doorman.
(JB) Well, it will be Alejandro versus Aarons in what's going to be an epic clash. Alejandro has made no bones about it, he's looking for someone to man up. Aarons conversely, is looking to get back to the top of the mountain for a second time.
(Tom) Later with that, how dare Leonard ignore that gorgeous woman that was sitting right next to us? I mean, she's sorry for the past but she knows best.
(JB) Uh-huh. Just like your mother, right? We’ll be right back, folks.
COMMERCIAL
Should Have Listened
We fade in on the door to the men's restroom in the back opening out towards the camera.
Normally one wouldn't give a damn about someone exiting a restroom, but when the well-dressed but bandaged-up Alister Essex is revealed to be the individual making his exit, well, it's a good indicator that something's about to go down.
And, in fact, Essex doesn't even round the corner before being caught around the throat by a dark red towel.
(Essex) What the devil-...!?
Taken by surprise, Essex is dragged back towards the bathroom door, before Essex manages to get a hand underneath the towel and struggle.
Essex manages to turn his gaze to see the figure choking him; Sean Thomas' manager Twitch.
(Essex) You... You bloody bastard... I'll-...
Essex is cut off by Twitch relinquishing control of Essex's windpipe, and the following momentum gain and oxygen gain causing the red devil to take a moment to straighten himself up.
Twitch, meanwhile, looks as if he means business.
(Twitch) Polyester Sussex is lucky Blake Bouchard convinced Twitch to let up.
A quick reminder: Polyester Sussex is the Twitch-name™ for Essex. Alister may have changed the spelling of his name, but it makes no difference to Twitch. And of course, Blake Bouchard is the towel that was so recently used to strangle Essex.
(Essex) Your bloody towel?
Twitch actually grins at that comment.
(Twitch) Blake Bouchard isn't bloody... Yet. And he won't mind helping Twitch to spill some of Sussex's blood.
(Essex) You had better secure your lips before you make grandiose-yet-empty threats like that-...
Twitch whips Blake around, cutting off Essex's air supply again, in mid-sentence.
(Twitch) This is Twitch's talking time. Got it?
Essex nervously nods, and Twitch lets up once more.
(Twitch) Twitch warned Sussex. Before Chain Reaction, when Sussex wanted to recruit Pez...
Viewers should be reminded now of Annihilation 17, where a confrontation similar to this one occured.
(Twitch) Leave Pez alone. That was all. Sussex was doing so well.... But then Twitch finds out that Sussex was the son of a bitch who kidnapped Pez's sister.
(Essex) I have my own agenda, Twerp, and believe you me, I will never listen to the plebian likes of you; not now, not ever.
Twitch shakes his head at Alister's defiance.
(Twitch) Sussex better damn well start listening to Twitch, or Blake might end up bloody after all.
(Essex) Oh ho, do my ears decieve me or do I hear you making another empty threat?
(Twitch) No. It's a puppy.
Pause. The confusion on Essex's face contrasts the seriousness on Twitch's, and the laughter from the crowd watching this on the NAFWTron.
(Twitch) Of course it's a frelling threat!
(Essex) Threat or not, Twitch, just you wait, just you wait until we're on even ground. You will regret crossing me.
(Twitch) Sussex is going to wish that he listened to Twitch. Very soon. Trust Twitch on that.
With that, Twitch whips Blake back around his own shoulders and leaves Essex alone, to mutter a final defiant comment as he rubs his throat.
(Essex) Blast that infernal ingrate...
Cut.
(JB) Twitch is really standing up for Spaz here!
(Tom) And he's going to pay for it. That's twice now that Twitch has attacked Essex with that towel...
(JB) Quite right, Bear.
(Tom) The first time was while Hush was missing, but the monster's back now, and Essex isn't going to take these assaults lying down!
(JB) You can't forget about Spaz in all this, Bear. He went after Essex earlier as well...
(Tom) And Hush tossed him clear across the hall.
(JB) But Spaz isn't going to let this situation end at that. There's major trouble brewing here, Bear... I'm sure of it.
In Case Ya Didn't Get It The First Time...
We cut to the back where we see The Reaper's door. It opens and out of it comes The Reaper with his bag slung over his right shoulder and a pair of thin black Versace shades over his eyes. There's clapping from not too far away from his door as he steps out and as the camera pans out, we see just where that applause is coming from. Aarons lowers his shades to the bridge of his nose and his eyes tell the story as he pushes them up sneering.
That person is Vanessa Chamberlain.
(Vanessa) Listen, I know we didn't get a chance to talk before, but I was hoping to get your ear for a second now.
Aarons simply turns and walks towards the exit as Vanessa follows after him.
(Vanessa) Look, I think you're doing a great thing taking on Alejandro at Oblivion. Devastating one of the supposed greats in this industry on the biggest card of the year, definitely the way you're going to tell people you're gunning for the Foundation Heavyweight Championship. No, the way you're going to tell people you're going to REGAIN the Foundation Heavyweight Championship.
Even though this appears to be what L wants to hear, L's not paying her no never mind. He's steadily walking towards the exit of the Key Arena hoping Vanessa will take the hint. Oblivious, she continues walking with him talking along the way.
(Vanessa) Listen, I know I left ya high and dry after Rage three years back, but I see no need to dwell in the past. You're beyond it, I'm beyond it, so why don't we just start anew and get you...no, lemme try that again. Why don't we start from scratch as you march back towards regaining your Foundation Heavyweight Championship.
L reaches into his pocket, pulling out of all things, an IPod. He puts them into his ears and starts to search for something to listen to, as Vanessa starts to get a little annoyed. She starts to backpeddle in front of him, as she attempts to get his attention.
(Vanessa) Okay, I get it. You're a prideful individual and you're still out of sorts after what I did to you. I tried to tell you before, I did it for your own good. You were too good for that title and you should've aimed higher as you are now. I know you're not willing to admit it, but I motivated you to challenge Cunning for that title at Death Wish after Three Wishes. Think you would've done that without...
Aarons puts the IPod back in his pocket, seemingly content with his musical selection, but still very much tuning out Vanessa who has now stopped right in front of him. She's got her hands on her hips, as she stands in front of him as he looks at the door behind her, again not even acknowledging her presence.
(Vanessa) Damnit! I'm getting sick of you ignoring me! Say something! Anything damnit!
The Reaper simply sighs, before putting both of his hands around her shoulders, lifting her up off the ground and placing her out of his way as he starts for the door. He stops with his hand on the door as he opens it before saying...
(The Reaper) Remember how I told Heatwave I was past that point in my life where I was an evil bastard? In case you didn't get the memo, that included you too.
Just before she can start towards him, he exits slamming the door right in her face. She lets out an agonizing scream as she kicks the door in frustration before flipping him off as she walks away from it.
Spaz vs. Trevor Cunning
(JB) Folks, this match could conceivably main event a Pay Per View, but we’re getting it for free on cable television tonight! Ray Buchanan gave many men a break tonight after the brutality we witnessed at Breaking Point, but the show must go on.
(Tom) If anyone deserves a night off, its Trevor Cunning!
(JB) And why would you say that? What did he do at Breaking Point other than swing a full bottle of Jack Daniel’s at Keith Owens then nail his partner with the Sobriety Test?
(Tom) He wasn’t drinking before the match JB. Do you know how heavy a full bottle of Jack is?
(JB) I’m sure he was straining his arm muscles and joints when he took that swing at Keith. Bear, if there is one man that deserves a break tonight, it’s Spaz. He took Mike Lane to the limit at Breaking Point, but came up just a little bit short.
(Tom) More like Mr. Old School Hollywood gave Spaz the ‘final cut.’
(JB) See it however you’d like Bear.
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.
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.
The music skips the opening verse and heads straight into the pre-chorus. On the word "Shine" Spaz usually bolts down the ramp and slides into the ring... But tonight, he stalks down at a brisk pace, focused only on the ring. He stops by the steps and takes off his t-shirt and Ruby Oakleys, handing both to Twitch, who then plays a brief game of "Want it? Can't have it!" with a couple of young fans in the front row before handing over the souvenirs. Spaz climbs the stairs and steps through the ropes into the ring, where he waits for Cunning to appear.
(JB) Spaz must still be feeling the brutality from Breaking Point... Not to mention the emotion of tonight's revelations!
Trevor Cunning steps through the curtain the moment “Sober” by Tool hits the public address. He’s wearing two popped, pastel polo shirts (his new pink polo over his classic blue one) over his ring singlet and holds a bottle of Jack Daniels in his left hand. As the lighting frames his face in shadow, he takes a good, long, hard look at the bottle in his hand before walking down the ramp.
Cunning circles the ring with Spaz eyeing him every step of the way. Twitch continuously scampers around the ring, leaving at least a side and a half of the ring between himself and Cunning. Trevor points at JB and tells him to watch himself before putting his bottle of Jack Daniels down in the corner and entering the ring via the less used steel steps.
Once in the ring, Cunning points at Spaz and the referee gets in between the two men. Cunning pulls off his two polo shirts and chucks them as hard as he can at Twitch.
(Tom) Trevor Cunning is looking in great shape to leave Spaz laying the same way he left Owens knocked out at Breaking Point.
(JB) Lets not forget that both men are former Foundation Heavyweight Champions, so this should be an intense competition on both ends.
The referee calls for the bell and both men dart into a lock up. Cunning takes control, and being the bigger man, gets Spaz into a side headlock. He pushes Spaz off into the ropes, but as he looks for the short clothesline, Spaz ducks and hits the opposite ropes. As Cunning turns around, Spaz hits a dropkick to Cunning’s chest. Cunning shakes it off as both men get back up onto their feet and lock up. Cunning is quick to spin around to Spaz’s backside and looks for a German suplex. However, on the lift up, Spaz breaks Cunning’s grip and uses the momentum to spin around and grab Cunning from behind. Spaz quickly positions himself and executes a reverse DDT on Trevor. Spaz hooks the leg, but only gets a one and a half count before Cunning powers out of the pin cover.
(JB) With the way Spaz is moving in the ring, I never would have guessed he went through hell with Mike Lane at Breaking Point.
With both men back up on their feet, Spaz charges in for another grapple, only for Cunning to give him a thumb to the eye. After the obligatory warning from the referee, and complaining on the outside by Twitch, Cunning delivers a big European uppercut to Spaz, nearly knocking the Candyman off his feet. The Godfather whips Spaz into the ropes on the opposite side of the ring, then runs after him. As soon as Spaz bounces back, Cunning is already in the air for a knee lift. The momentum sends Spaz crashing to the outside. Cunning climbs out of the ring and begins to stomp on Spaz while he’s down. Twitch immediately comes over and begins to berate Cunning, so Trevor turns around and begins to walk towards Twitch, who then runs away. With Cunning’s attention diverted, Spaz got back up onto his feet, and when Cunning turns back around, he’s met by a Sweets Kick from Spaz. This sends Trevor crashing back into the railing. Spaz quickly grabs Cunning and attempts to Irish whip him into the steel steps, but the stronger Cunning reverses it and sends Spaz shoulder first into the steps.
(Tom) Aha! Never try to beat Cunning at his own game, Spazzy-boy!
(JB) If both men aren’t careful, they’ll end up in a double count out.
Indeed, the referee has been taking a slow count, but it is going on. Cunning drags Spaz up to his feet and rolls him back into the ring. Cunning follows behind, then immediately hooks Spaz’s leg for a pin cover. After checking the shoulders, the referee slides into place and begins the count. He gets to two, and then Spaz kicks out. Cunning is not happy and begins berating the referee for taking too much time to start that last count. Twitch chimes in from the outside, so Cunning takes a moment to jaw with him. Twitch swings Blake at the ropes, and Cunning catches it… erm… him. Twitch goes bug eyed and refuses to let go of the towel, so Cunning pulls Twitch onto the apron with the towel, then tosses him into the ring. Twitch gets up into the grill of Cunning, so Cunning shoves Twitch hard into the corner where Spaz was trying to pull himself back up onto his feet.
(JB) Twitch might be doing Spaz more harm than good right now.
(Tom) Twitch is an idiot, and Cunning is just exploiting that fact. After all, look at what Cunning is doing now!
While the referee is trying to remove Twitch from the ring, Cunning takes the opportunity to undo the top turnbuckle padding, leaving the hard metal exposed. Of course, neither the referee, Twitch, nor Spaz saw this – its classic heel maneuver number eight. With Twitch (and Blake) back on the outside, and Spaz back onto his feet, Cunning returns his attention to his opponent. Spaz isn’t the slightest bit happy, so he comes out swinging. This catches Cunning off guard to the point he allows himself to be pushed back into the very corner where he undid the turnbuckle padding. Spaz does not notice the bare buckle, but still sticks it to Cunning with a running bulldog out of the corner. Cunning flops onto his back, and Spaz climbs to the to the top of the nearest corner.
(JB) Spaz is setting up for the Sweetsault!
(Tom) But it’s not going to work! Cunning is rolling away!
Cunning starts rolling himself to the corner that Spaz is in just as Spaz back flips out of the corner. Somehow Spaz’s intuition told him that Cunning had rolled away, because Spaz overshoots the moonsault and lands on his feet. Cunning darts up onto his feet and drills Spaz with a hard clothesline. As Spaz gets to his feet, Cunning locks in a simple standing sleeper hold from behind. Several moments go by as Spaz tries to hang on to his precious oxygen. When Spaz drops to one knee, Twitch riles up the crowd to clap for Spaz to recover. Indeed the energy of the crowd allows Spaz to elbow out of the standing sleeper after a few tries. Before Cunning knows what hit him, he’s near the corner locked into a flatliner, also known as the Sugar Rush by Spaz. Spaz goes to execute, but Cunning reverses it into a modified flatliner that resembles more of a standing push or a sweep or a throw, and it just so happens that Spaz was positioned to hit his head on the bare buckle! Spaz stumbles out of the corner and Cunning rolls him up with a school boy, using the ropes for leverage. Our referee doesn’t catch it, and we get a 1… 2… and 3!
(JB) Cunning reverses the Sugar Rush and literally steals a victory away from Spaz thanks to the exposed turnbuckle!
(Tom) Steals a victory? Its Spaz’s own fault for not noticing the bare buckle and for having an incompetent official. If that referee knew what he was doing, Spaz would have been disqualified for trying to whip Cunning into the steel steps in the first place!
The referee raises Cunning’s arm in victory as Spaz is rattled and doesn’t know entirely where he is or what is going on. Twitch slides into the ring on his hands and knees to check on Spaz, but Cunning rips his hand away from the referee and boots Twitch solidly in the ribs.
Cunning then walks over to the corner and demands a microphone from Troy Gilmore. He gets what he asks for, and picks up his full bottle of Jack Daniels as well, before returning to Spaz.
Trevor grabs Spaz by the hair and puts him into a headlock as he addresses the crowd.
(Trevor) In case you missed Breaking Point, let me show you all one more time what happens to goody-two-shoes try to cross me!
The crowd boos Cunning as he takes a pause in his speech.
(Trevor) You better take note Owens. Next week, I'm going to take away everything you have left to repay you for what you did to me at Breaking Point. But until then, it looks like Spazzy-boy here will get his own personal frat party, courtesy of The Godfather and my old friend Jack Daniels!
Cunning slowly lifts the bottle into the air as the crowd's negative jaunts collectively resemble a howl. But just as Cunning is about to crack the bottle of Jack over Spaz’s head, our attention is drawn to the ramp because the crowd randomly pops, and the crowd doesn't change their feelings unless its for a good reason.
(JB) By gawd! It’s Keith Owens!
(Tom) Nooo! He’s going to ruin this!
As the announcers pointed out, Keith Owens darted out from behind the curtain and is barreling down the ramp in his street clothes with a steel chair in hand.
Keith slides into the ring, and Cunning immediately releases Spaz and rolls out of the ring to get out of harm's way. The Difference Maker takes a wild swing at Cunning with the steel chair but catches nothing but top rope as his timing is about a second off. As Cunning retreats around the ring and to the ramp, Keith doesn’t back down. Owens hurls his steel chair out of the ring at Cunning who narrowly avoids it as he quickly walks backwards to safety.
(JB) Folks, that’s the first appearance of Keith Owens since Breaking Point and the events surrounding his father, and it’s clear that Trevor Cunning is going to have hell to pay for his actions!
(Tom) If Keith had a pair, he’d have come without that steel chair!
(JB) And if Cunning is such a man, why is he still carrying that bottle of Jack Daniels? Why isn’t Cunning still in the ring?
(Tom) Trevor is a college man at heart Mannwagon. Do you know what that means?
(JB) That he’s familiar with drinking copious amounts of alcohol?
(Tom) Hardly! Trevor is also an academic, and he’s simply thinking over his next move.
(JB) If that’s how you want to spin this situation Bear, then so be it.
Back in the ring, Owens helps Spaz and Twitch to their feet as he engages in a stare down with Cunning at the top of the ramp.
Cut to commercial.
COMMERCIAL
In Store
For the third time this evening we find ourselves with Alister Essex and his pet Hush.
Having been accosted not only by an irate Sean Thomas but also by his erstwhile manager Twitch, one would expect a malevolent low-life like Essex to have already gone to the general manager's office to plea his case or get a restraining order or some sort of vengeance against Spaz and company.
But Essex, suitcase in hand, seems nonchalant about the evening's happenings.
Walking alongside his near-7 foot-tall monster, Essex even manages a grin, signaling that, despite looking like a domestic dispute victim on the outside, tonight's events had, somehow, warmed the cockles of the British mastermind's heart.
(Essex) Hush did you remember all of the luggage?
Essex turns his attention to his charge who holds a grand total of 4 packed suitcases.
Essex, being a paranoid nutcase, has always preferred lugging around his own belongings, not trusting his items to the likes of the NAFW traveling staff. Plus, he liked to think that all that heavy lifting gave Hush character, and given Hush's (in Essex's eyes) disappointing performance at Breaking Point, this was likely the least of Essex's planned punishments.
A nod from the silent beast allows for Essex and Hush to continue towards their cab.
(Essex) Good. Good. That means it's time to talk, Hush.
The monster loyally, yet silently, listens to his master.
(Essex) Breaking Point may have been an utter disappointment, and we may have lost our chance at gaining the Foundation Heavyweight Championship for now, but I do believe you remember that "errand" I had you run a few weeks ago, correct?
Well, it's paying off Hush.
Essex chuckles as the words escape his lips.
(Essex) It's paying off because, in the long run, it will help to secure your inevitable rise to the top of the NAFW.
For now we'll just have to wait for my plan to come to fruition before going after the belt again. But believe me, Hush, they have no idea what's coming.
They have no idea what I'm planning to do.
Having arrived at the taxi, Essex opens the trunk up and Hush tosses the 5 combined suitcases into the back.
As Hush climbs into the backseat of the taxi, Essex takes one last look to the arena exit and speaks one last time before entering the cab;
(Essex) Sean Thomas has no idea what I've got in store for him...
Cut.
(JB) That was ominous.
(Tom) Spaz is in trouble. The last thing you want is Essex having plans for you.
(JB) Because those plans will involve the monster Hush...
(Tom) Exactly.
(JB) But how does this "errand" Essex spoke of - which I think must have been the kidnapping of Krystin Thomas - play into Essex's plan?
(Tom) I have no idea... But I'm sure we'll find out!
A Contender is You
We’re heading backstage now with NAFW commentator Mark Herriot standing in the general promotional area. Standing next to Mark, getting ready to be interviewed, is the man who beat Snake at Breaking Point to retain his Atlantic Championship, Andy D.
(Mark) Hey everybody, as you can see I’m backstage with Atlantic Champion Andy D. Andy, last time we had an interview, you literally didn’t have anything to say. I’m really hoping that’s changed this time
Andy looks at Mark in complete silence with a bit of a puzzled look on his face for a few moments.
(Mark) Right…
(Andy) Oh relax Herriot. I’m just having a bit of a joke.
(Mark) Yeah, sure I… I knew that
(Andy) I do have things to say today, and I’m ready for this interview to get underway.
(Mark) So as we saw at breaking point, you managed to beat Snake to retain your Atlantic Championship
(Andy) Yeah, and you know that win was kind of important for me, I haven’t had a decent defence of the belt for a while, and Snake put up a hell of a fight
(Mark) During the match, you and Snake seemed to just want to both destroy each other. Was this more than competition on your part?
(Andy) Yeah, Snake’s been getting on my nerves recently. So I took out that aggression in the match. Now I’m looking to go past that
(Mark) Which brings me to the most obvious question of this interview. What is next for the Atlantic Champion?
(Andy) Is this where I say something along the lines of going to Disney Land?
(Mark) Only if you don’t want to be serious in anyway.
(Andy) Ok, so seriously, now is a time for a fresh start for me. To get away from Snake and get a fresh challenge. Today, right here, I am going to announce my next opponent.
(Voice) And it will be an honour for me to beat you for the belt
Both Andy and Mark look off to the left to see where that voice from off screen came from, and as the camera zooms out slightly to include the new person, we see that it’s Peter Gilmour.
(Andy) I’m sorry, an honour to beat me?
(Peter) Did I say honour? I meant pleasure to beat you.
(Mark) And what makes you the next contender?
(Peter) Well let’s face it, with Snake defeated, I am the next in line. And you did say a while ago, during the last number one contenders match, that a match with me would be a good one. Isn't that a fact or am I hallucinating?
(Andy) Sorry, that was a few weeks ago and I have been pounded in the head a couple of times. You have too by the sounds of it
(Peter) It’s obvious that you were going to name me your next opponent anyways. But I’m surprised it’s not on the card for tonight.
(Andy) Maybe because I wasn’t going to announce you as my next opponent
(Peter) Listen Andy Dumbass, who else in this place has the raw power, the strength and the experience of being a champion than me, The Xtreme Icon Peter Gilmour? You think Snake is worthy to get another crack at your title?
(Andy) There are a lot of other people in this federation that would be a worthy fight.
(Peter) Like who?
(Voice) Like me?
(Andy) Yeah like……… Tell me that isn’t who I think it is
Andy has to turn around to look at the guy just coming on screen to the right, and it is exactly who Andy doesn’t want to see, Previous opponent Snake. Peter throws his arms in the air.
(Peter) Oh great it's reptile boy.
(Andy) Didn’t I hospitalize you or something?
(Snake) No, and since you’re talking about the Atlantic Championship, you should know that it will be me fighting for the belt
(Peter) Sorry Snake, you lost your chance, so you’ve got to go back down the ladder bub.
(Andy) Yeah, and Snake beat you for the opportunity for me to beat him, way I see it, neither of you should be my opponent
(Peter) Then your blind as these morons in Seattle, because I am more than qualified to face you than someone who talks to a [beep]in' soccer ball.
(Snake) Oh but you see, you can’t do that as Wilson has a plan.
(Mark) You’ve been talking to Wilson?
(Andy) Oh for frags sake, why can’t you just be committed to a mental institute already?
(Peter) A retard center would be better though.
Peter laughs hysterically at his own joke as all of the other guys stare at him strangely. Once Peter finally quiets down, they all go back to looking at Snake.
(Snake) Wilson still has his rematch clause and I intend to use it on his behalf to finally remove that belt and destroy you for hurting Wilson in the first place
(Andy) Buchannan can’t seriously be considering allowing this?
(Peter) He won’t have to if I beat Snake first. I’ll show you I’m the rightful contender.
(Snake) You want to fight me again?
(Peter) Why not. I'm not doing anything tonight are you? You may have beat me twice, but tonight, the third time will not be the charm.
(Snake) Not a chance, beat you before and I can do it again, any time, any where
(Peter) How about right here and right now then. What do you say Reptile Boy? Me and you in that very ring tonight!
(Snake) Well, I wasn't planning on humiliating anyone else until Oblivion...But if you really want it, I think I can make an exception...
(Mark) And Andy can be the Special Guest Ref!
All three guys go from looking intensely at each other to staring at Mark as if he’s just grown a second head.
(Mark) Well it is his title and all.
(Peter) Are you on drugs Mark? If you are can I have some? Don't be a moron.
(Snake) Yeah...And get screwed out of an easy win? I think not.
(Andy) Okay...One, I’m a fair man usually and two, I don’t want either of you to face me for the belt, so yeah, I can play a fair ref for the match
(Peter) Fine by me. But I name the stip!
(Snake) Then let’s go do this.
(Peter) Ok then.. How about we do this in a NO DQ match!!
Snake accepts and walks off the way he came. Peter walks of screen as well leaving Andy and Mark still on screen, kind of shocked at the escalation of events
(Andy) Wait, were they serious about me refereeing their match now?
(Mark) Umm… yeah, I think they were
(Andy) Oh man, so much for a quiet night.
And so Andy walks of to go and get a referee shirt as we cut to a quick commercial to allow enough time for this match to happen.
COMMERCIAL
Peter Gilmour vs. Snake
No Disqualification
Special Guest Referee: Andy D (AC)
We come back from commercial break, and Andy D is already standing in the ring with a referee shirt on, handing his belt and entrance gear to the nearby stagehand as the ever so familiar voices of the Annihilation broadcast team chime in.
(JB) Welcome back folks and what a night we've had thus far.
(Tom) Not to mention the fact that up next, one of my favorite match-types is going to take place here tonight!
(JB) For those of you just tuning in, we've got an impromptu no disqualification match-up between Snake and Peter Gilmour thanks to an altercation that had happened earlier in the back.
Suddenly, we see a quick screen change and the video starts to roll with the words "Earlier Tonight" in the bottom corner of the screen.
(Snake) You want to fight me again?
(Peter) Why not. I'm not doing anything tonight are you? You may have beat me twice, but tonight, the third time will not be the charm.
(Snake) Not a chance, beat you before and I can do it again, any time, any where
(Peter) How about right here and right now then. What do you say Reptile Boy? Me and you in that very ring tonight!
(Snake) Well, I wasn't planning on humiliating anyone else until Oblivion...But if you really want it, I think I can make an exception...
(Mark) And Andy can be the Special Guest Ref!
All three guys go from looking intensely at each other to staring at Mark as if he’s just grown a second head.
(Mark) Well it is his title and all.
(Peter) Are you on drugs Mark? If you are can I have some? Don't be a moron.
(Snake) Yeah...And get screwed out of an easy win? I think not.
(Andy) Okay...One, I’m a fair man usually and two, I don’t want either of you to face me for the belt, so yeah, I can play a fair ref for the match
(Peter) Fine by me. But I name the stip!
(Snake) Then let’s go do this.
(Peter) Ok then.. How about we do this in a NO DQ match!!
Snake accepts and walks off the way he came. Peter walks of screen as well leaving Andy and Mark still on screen, kind of shocked at the escalation of events
(Andy) Wait, were they serious about me refereeing their match now?
(Mark) Umm… yeah, I think they were
(Andy) Oh man, so much for a quiet night.
We cut back to the ring to see Andy D standing there with a slightly upset look on his face. Not totally because he has to referee this match, but more because it's Mark Herriot's big mouth that got him in this predicament.
(Tom) Thank you, Mark Herriot, for making this great match tonight!
(JB) And, let's kick it to our colleague, Troy Gilmore, for the introductions.
(Troy) The following is a special referee no disqualification match with Andy D as the special guest referee.
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's got a kendo stick in his hand as he heads down the ramp.
(Troy) Introducing first, from Brooklyn, New York. Weighing in at 255 pounds, he is the Executioner...The Xtreme Icon...The Human Killer...He is...PETER GILMOUR!
Peter gets into the ring, climbs the closest turnbuckle, and puts his arms in an X above his head, causing some more flame pyro to go off behind him. At this point, "Walk With Me in Hell" is replaced by "I Don't Wanna Stop" by Ozzy Osbourne. 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 with a chair in tow.
(Troy) And his opponent, from The Bayou's of Lousianna. Weighing in at 227 pounds, he is the Hardcore Luchadore...He talks to his balls...He is...SNAKE!
When Snake gets 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. Unfortunately for Snake, Peter doesn't want to wait to get this match going and attacks Snake from behind with a hard shot to the back with his kendo stick.
(JB) And here we go!
As Snake is battered into the ropes by Peter's onslaught of kendo stick shots to the left and right of Snake's midsection, he's eventually forced into the corner. Peter continues the assault, unrelenting as he starts driving Snake’s face into the top turnbuckle. Snake manages to get an elbow into Peter’s ribs, staggering him back long enough for Snake to turn around and catch a kick to the gut that doubles him over. Peter grabs Snake by the head and drives a knee to his face. Snake falls to the mat, hitting his head on the bottom rope as he fell. Peter rolls out of the ring, reaching under the ring to search for a weapon. Snake uses this time to get back up to his feet, using the ring ropes to aid him in his ascent.
Peter pulls his hand out from under the ring, a smile on his face as he slides into the ring with a trash can lid in his hand. Snake sees this just in time, and ducks under a swing from Peter. The trash can lid still manages to catch Snake slightly, disorienting him enough for Peter to catch him with a shot as he backhanded the swing. Snake stumbled into the corner, using the ropes to keep him on his feet. Peter charged in, the trash can lid up over his head as he ran. Peter swung the lid over his head, and connected with the ring post as Snake dropped out of the way. Peter dropped the lid from his hands, shaking his hands to get rid of the numbness. Snake used this opening to tackle Peter down to the mat, straddling him as he started to deliver his own flurry of lefts and rights. Peter tried his best to block the punches. But Snake would not stop.
After a moment, Snake stopped swinging. Snake grabbed Peter by the head and started smashing it into the mat, causing Peter to yell out in pain. Snake goes for a quick cover, only for Andy D to reluctantly, or lazily, make the count for the pin attempt, but Peter quickly kicks out. Snake, not liking the speed of Andy D's count, gets in his face, yelling at him to not screw him over. Andy D then gestures that he's the referee and could easily throw this match out. Snake, not liking this at all, turns to head back to Peter, who blasts Snake with the trash can lid.
Peter thanks Andy D for the distraction, kicking Snake in the ribs as he moved away from his prone body. Andy D gives Peter a confused look as Snake rolled over onto his side, slowly rising to his feet without knowledge of Peter stalking him from behind. Peter waited patiently for Snake to get to his feet. Then, as Snake turned to face Peter’s direction, Peter kicked Snake in the gut to double him over. Peter then grabbed Snake by the head and lifted him up into a stalling suplex; eventually dropping his head right on top of the trash can lid that Snake had used earlier in the match. Snake twitched a bit after the impact, while Peter quickly pinned Snake with an evil and conniving look on his face. Andy D makes another lazy count, but Snake kicks out at two.
Peter rolls out of the ring and begins digging underneath the ring before pulling out a table and setting it up on the outside of the ring. Peter then goes to the fans and grabs a chair from the crowd as Snake gets to his feet and picks up a nearby chair that he had brought with him to the ring. Peter climbs into the ring with a chair in hand and both men begin swinging, each man hitting the other's chair, all the while, Andy D flinching with each shot. They do this several times, and the way they do this would suggest that at least one man must have taken fencing lessons...But that is not the case. Suddenly, both men drop their chairs and begin to shake off the effects.
Snake charges forward, and the two lock up in the center of the ring. Neither man backs off, both trying their best to force the other into the corner where they can pick up an advantage. Snake appears to have a newfound fire lit within him, even going as far as wrapping his fingers around the neck of Peter. Peter feels Snake’s grip tightening, and starts to drive a thumb into the shoulder area of Snake; hoping to weaken his grasp. Peter is leisurely running out of air, when he jabs his thumb into Snake’s throat. Snake releases his hold, grasping at his own throat as he coughs and gags from the attack. Peter moves behind Snake, wrapping him up in a full nelson and lifting him up and over in a modified German Suplex through the table on the outside. Andy D has a look of shock on his face, followed by a cringe as Snake is put through the table.
Snake is now out cold and lifeless in the mess of tables as Peter is going for a barbwire baseball bat that is hidden the ring, all the while, Andy D, somewhat lazily, starting the count out. Peter raises the bat above his head and brings it down on Snake's midsection. Peter then goes back under the ring and finds a cinder block. Peter slides the cinder block into the ring then hits Snake across the gut once more before rolling Snake into the ring. Peter climbs in and lifts Snake up to his feet. He puts him into a front face lock then lifts him up to the top turnbuckle. Peter starts to climb up the turnbuckle, and Snake, with what energy he may or may not have left, starts to fight back with right hands. Snake eventually gets enough shots in that he's able to push Peter off the turnbuckle. Snake then repositions himself by standing on the top rope, leaping off with a huge elbow drop. Snake slowly draps an arm over Peter's chest, and Andy D goes for another slow count, with Peter kicking out just milliseconds before Andy D brings his hand down for the win.
Both Peter and Snake are damn near lifeless. Andy D starts to make the double KO 10 count. For the first few counts, we get nothing. But at about five, Peter and Snake begin to stir. Between the six and seven counts, the duo are starting to make their way to the ropes. By eight, they're there and pulling themselves up to their feet. At nine, both men are at their feet, and Andy D signals that the match will continue. Both men are breathing heavily, staring a hole through each other...Well, it's either that, or they're both too out of it to realise where they are. In either case, Snake and Pete regain enough composure to charge at each other in the middle of the ring, but just before the collision, the lights in the arena go out.
(Tom) WHAT THE HELL!?
(JB) I don’t know what just happened. I don't think we lost any sort of power as our headsets are still working.
(Tom) Whatever happened, it just ruined one hell of a no DQ match!
Even though we can't see anything, we can hear a few quick and loud crashes and bumps. But when the lights come back on...
(Tom) SNAKE AND PETER GILMOUR ARE BOTH OUT COLD!
(JB) And so is Andy D!
That's right, there's more carnage and dead bodies in the ring now than there had been before the lights went out. Snake's got a dented chair next to his head. There's a broken kendo stick by Peter's arm. And remember that cinder block that Peter brought into the ring? It's now dust as it was used to knock out the referee known as Andy D. Who created all of this carnage in such a short amount of time? Well, I think I'll let JB blurt out his name like he's having an orgasm...
(JB) XAVIER CAINE! XAVIER CAINE JUST TOOK OUT ALL THREE MEN BY HIMSELF!
(Tom) Knowing Snake and Peter's mean streak, when they find out it was him, Xavier Caine's dead! He ruined a perfectly good no DQ match, and he must pay!
(JB) Then why don't you go give him what's apparently coming to him?
(Tom) Are you kidding, Manwheel? I'm not a wrestler. I'll get killed!
(JB) In any case, what could Xavier Caine want with these three men!?
JB's question is soon answered as after Xavier is finished surveying the damage he's caused, he points at the time keeper, who reluctantly brings him the Atlantic Championship. Xavier snatches the belt from the time keeper's hands, and looks it over before raising it up above his head.
(JB) Wait...Could Xavier want a shot at the Atlantic Championship as well?
(Tom) That could be a good conclusion to come to, seeing as how Andy D's practically handing out number one contender slips like Paris Hilton hands out hotel room keys.
(JB) I don't think Andy D's wanting to face as many people as possible for the belt...
(Tom) You don't pay attention very well, Manwagon...First he names Peter Gilmour the number one contender, then he names Snake the number one contender, and now, after Xavier Caine attacked all three men, you can sure as hell bet he'll name him number one contender, too.
(JB) But...He didn't name anyone number one contender, yet.
(Tom) You really need to watch more Annihilation, JB...
Xavier, content with the confused crowd reaction, looks at the still prone Andy D, and lays the belt over his body. Xavier exits the ring, heading back up the ramp, keeping his eyes locked on the three men in the ring as the scene fades out.
Just Go
Backstage. We're inside The Goods' Locker room, where Slush and Ammo are sitting, having just watched the last match. Ammo's half of the Tag Team Championships sits on the bench nearby.
The door bursts open, and Spaz storms in. Twitch follows close behind him.
(Twitch) Come on, Pez! It's not a big deal. I’m gonna boot that alcoholic in the gut if I see him around again!
(Spaz) Damn it, Twitch! It is a big deal! I became no more than a pawn in Trevor Cunning's little games tonight.
All that on top of the fact that I couldn’t beat Mike Lane... After everything he put me through, I couldn’t beat him. Then I find out that I was after him for the wrong reasons...
(Twitch) Micky didn't take Vixen, but he's still a jerk.
Slush chimes in.
(Slush) He's right, Sean... Lane deserved everything he got at Breaking Point.
Spaz glares at his old friend.
(Spaz) I know he did. But to be so wrong about Krys, and then actually have to thank that man for helping me do something I should have been able to do myself... Do you know how humiliating that was?
(Twitch) But it was the right thing to do! Pez is the better man.
Spaz spins and gets right in Twitch's face.
(Spaz) What the hell do you of all people know about being the better man? Huh?
Slush stands up now, moving toward Spaz and Twitch. Twitch, meanwhile, speaks very quietly.
(Twitch) Twitch learned from Pez...
(Slush) Come on, Sean... Why don't you sit down? Relax a bit...
Slush puts a hand on Spaz's shoulder. He never would have expected to regret such an action, but he does, as Spaz spins and slugs him.
(Slush) What the hell!?
Ammo gets up now, to hold the short-tempered Slush back. He steps between Slush and Spaz. Meanwhile, Twitch steps in behind Ammo as well. After a moment of tension, Spaz steps back, the anger and frustration fading slightly from his face.
(Spaz) I'm... I think I'll just go. I need some time to think.
(Ammo) Good idea.
Spaz quickly grabs his bag and heads out of the locker room, leaving some very confused friends behind. Cut.
(Tom) What was that all about?
(JB) I don't know, but I don't like it!
(Tom) Spaz totally spazzed!
(JB) Not funny, Bear.
(Tom) Oh come on, Mannwagon!
(JB) Not. Funny.
Be Careful What You Wish For
Fade in on Mike Stryker, sitting on a folding chair in an empty hallway at the KeyArena. His left cheek is still reddened with Mike Lane’s hand imprint. He’s got the Foundation Championship in his hands, looking down at it, mesmerized. As he sits in silence, Mark Herriot walks by him and stops, noticing that semi-catatonic state he seems to be in.
(Herriot) Mike? Mike?
Stryker remains stoic, staring at his belt.
(Herriot) Mike? Champ? You ok?
Stryker still refuses to acknowledge his favorite NAFW microphone jockey. Herriot looks at him, confused. Mike Stryker may be a lot of things, but silent is never really one of them.
(Herriot) Well, I hope you snap out of this soon, since you have a pretty big road ahead of you leading up to Oblivion. It’s gotta be the biggest match of your career coming up, and I know you want to be nothing less than 100%.
Stryker blinks and takes a deep breath, which for right now is like him breaking out a soliloquy.
(Herriot) Ok, I’ll let you be champ. Let me know when you feel like talking, I’ll be there like always, mic in hand.
Herriot turns to walk away and gets about two steps down the hall before the silence is broken.
(Stryker) You know what the ironic thing is?
Herriot stops to turn around as Stryker finally speaks, although he’s still staring at his championship with a wild look about him. He speaks softly, evenly, no shouting or chest pounding to make his point.
(Stryker) Mike Lane spent a long time asking everyone a question that he will now know the answer to. Mike Lane has decided to put himself right in the path of the runaway train that is Mike Stryker, and now he’ll be able to tell everyone exactly what it’s like to dance with the devil in a pale moonlight.
Stryker breaks his gaze on his title and looks up at Herriot, a laser beam stare that could burn a hole through anything in its way, the kind of look that indicates only the worst of intentions.
(Stryker) For the next month, I’m on a mission to destroy Mike Lane. Everything, from his stupid movie to his wrestling career, is at my mercy, and I’m fresh out of mercy for anything right about now. By the time Oblivion is over, come hell or high water…
I will end Mike Lane’s career. Period.
Stryker snaps up off the chair and walks away. Herriot has a look in his eyes that feels nothing but pity for the #1 contender to the Foundation Championship.
Fade out.
COMMERCIAL
(JB) Welcome back from the commercial break. I’ve been informed that in just a few minutes, we will find out who our first inductee into the NAFW Hall of Fame will be at NAFW Day prior to Oblivion, but I’m not exactly sure why this individual is making his way out to the ring right now…
Make-A-Wish, Foundation: Part II
”When All is Said” by Trapt. That’s the song that means Derek Clarke is on his way down to the ring, Wish in hand. He rolls in and calls for a mic, raising the clipboard into the air as he does so.
(Clarke) By all rights, I shouldn’t have this. This isn’t mine.
(Tom) It’s got his name on it, JB! That means it’s his no matter how he got it!
(Clarke) I’m not going to make excuses. I’m not gonna say I was too tired or caught off guard, or any of that. The fact of the matter is, Kabashi beat me and I should be scrubbing Buchanan’s toilet with a toothbrush right about now. But you know what…? Everything’s a conspiracy around here, and I’m about damn sick of being everyone’s rag doll. I’m not getting thrown around anymore.
Pause.
(Clarke) So here’s the deal, kids, and I hope you’re listening: right here tonight, in this very ring, I’m going to take control. For the first time since I’ve been here, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’m the master of my own destiny, and what happens to me at Oblivion is my own fault. And I’m gonna love every second of it.
(Tom) Here it comes…! He’s gonna announce his contendership for the NAFW title!
(JB) What a match that would be, Bear!
(Clarke) But no … I’m not going for your stupid NAFW championship. You drama queens can have it and I’ll come back to you later. I need something more … I need something almost bigger than the NAFW itself, an opponent I can look at and say … this man, this was the best the NAFW’s ever had to offer, and I put him flat on his back for the one, two, three. So, without further adieu, I’m using my Wish to null the contract stipulations that keep him out of this place and bring back … the first official inductee in the Foundation Hall of Fame and my opponent for Oblivion…
(JB) David Kurresh?!
(Tom) Griever!?
…
…
…
“MEIN HERZ BRENNT!”
The thrusting, deep vocals of Rammstein’s Till Lindemann cuts through the cheers of the fans like a knife as the lights crash out. Two strobe spotlights focus on the stage as “Mein Herz Brennt” by Rammstein continues to play. From within the strobe lights, a figure emerges, coming up through the floor of the ramp, knelt down with their head hidden from view by a single, shining gauntlet on the right hand.
(JB) Oh my God, Bear. Is it him, is it really him?
(Tom) JB, don’t have a coronary but it’s just got to be him! The Judge, The Judge is back!
(JB) He’s damn well back! These fans are on their feet!
The fans cheer so loudly that the arena seems to shake. The figure in the strobes stands and the lights cease flashing, remaining constant as they centre on the figure at the top of the ramp. The Judge looks back down towards the ring, his face suddenly splitting into a grin as the fans cheer all the harder. He stalks a single step forward, clad in his trademark black trench coat, matching black leather pants and a deep crimson muscle-tee. As he stalks to the ring, the lights follow him along with the magnificent sound of the music.
(JB) The Judge hasn’t been seen in an NAFW for nearly four years, Bear. Four years!
(Tom) Oblivion 2004, JB! Griever retired him from the ring!
(JB) He’s one of the greatest performers in NAFW history, a living legend that was there every step of the way from NAFW’s humble beginnings right up through its glory days. And he’s back now, Bear, he’s back to kick ass and raise some hell!
(Tom) I can hardly believe it, JB. This is a historic moment!
The Judge comes near to the ring now and turns on the spot, looking up at the row upon row of NAFW fans with a genuine grin across his handsome features. He turns back to the ring and steps towards it, all at once rolling under the bottom rope and standing. He pumps his Gauntleted fist in the air and crimson pyro explodes from the ring posts, only adding to the frenzy of the fans.
(JB) The Judge is in an NAFW ring, Bear. I never thought I’d see that day again. My heart is racing! He’s a former NAFW World Heavyweight Champion, a three time X-Treme Champion and on of the original and best superstars the NAFW has ever known. My God, I can hardly believe what I’m seeing!
(Tom) The Epitome of Evil is right there, JB, less than 30 feet from us! How, how did they keep this a secret from everyone, JB?!
(JB) The Judge was always one for keeping his secrets, Bear you know that.
The fans finally start to calm down as The Judge, still beaming from ear to ear, steps forward and stands some five feet from Derek Clarke. Clarke nods at The Judge and The Judge nods back. Clarke raises the microphone in his hand and makes as if to speak to the crowd.
(Clarke) This man is my destiny, ladies and gentlemen … if he’ll have me. So what do you say, Mr. Batty? You willing to take on a punk kid with something to prove…? Are you willing to trade yourself a new contract for a match with me at Oblivion … at the Greatest Show on Earth?
The crowd looks on with baited breath as The Judge considers Clarke’s outstretched hand. He turns to look at them and they react with cheers and screams and the NAFW legend smiles from one corner of his mouth and then nods, looking back at Clarke and reaching out his Gauntleted right hand.
(JB) Is The Judge going to shake hands with Clarke after that reckless boast?
(Tom) I’ve got a bad feeling about this, JB. Clarke is not the kind of guy to simply show respect like that. I suspect a trap…
Batty grasps Derek’s hand with his Gauntlet and shakes it firmly, much to the displeasure of the crowd. Derek nods and turns to walk away but The Judge stops him by not letting go of his hand. Clarke turns, frowning slightly as he looks at The Judge. The Judge, still smirking from one corner of his mouth, looks Clarke dead in the eyes as the fans cheer yet again.
(JB) Oh God, Bear. Look at his face. Those baleful red eyes…
(Tom) Its…
With the suddenness of a gunshot, The Judge thrusts forward with a massive clothesline to Clarke, using his Gauntleted hand. Derek Clarke crashes to the mat and rolls to the outside of the ring immediately. A huge roaring cheer goes up in the arena and The Judge pulls off his trench coat and throws it down onto the mat, gesturing at Clarke to bring it on. Clarke, stony faced and probing his now tender brow, merely glares at The Judge, evidently displeased at the turn of events.
(Tom) Holy Hell! The Judge just said more with that one clothesline than he could ever of said with a microphone!
(JB) Derek Clarke called The Judge out. He said he would beat the former Foundation Heavyweight Champion at Oblivion. There’s no way that Batty would accept that without some stern retaliation. My God Bear, this is such an incredible turn of events! First the return of Batty, now we’re on for Oblivion with Derek Clarke taking on his greatest challenge to date!
(Tom) The Judge might be an NAFW legend, JB, but he’s not even close to being finished with this great company yet! Derek Clarke has no idea what he’s just awakened!
The Judge, stooping to gather up the microphone in the ring that Derek Clarke dropped when the clothesline impacted, raises it to his lips as he looks at his adversary for Oblivion. The fans react with a cheer, revelling in the return of one of the cornerstones of the NAFW. He lowers the microphone again to enjoy the glory, then lifts it and barely whispers into it. The sound of that whisper somehow carries across the speakers to each and every fan in the arena as he says just two words.
(The Judge) Judge This…
He drops the microphone as “Mein Herz Brennt” comes over the speakers again and drowns out the cheers of the fans. The Judge and Derek Clarke stare at one another through the ropes as Annihilation comes to a magnificent close.
