We get the usual warning screen that's bound to appear at some point during anything on television, particularly when the program involves the word "Pay."
Important Announcement
From there, we don't go to any special video introduction, but rather to the face of a man everyone watching this should know.
He is Ray Buchanan, Commissioner of the North American Foundation of Wrestling, and he's got something important to say before this show gets on the road. He's standing in front of a generic promo background, with the NAFW logo behind him. In the lower right hand corner of the screen, a message box says "Taped after the event."
(Buchanan) Loyal fans of NAFW: Before we begin Chain Reaction, I would like to apologize on behalf of everyone here at the Foundation for the delay in this airing. As you all know, the Writer's Guild of America began a strike on November 5, 2007 and concluded it on February 12, 2008. As a result of certain legal issues that arose from the strike, we were unable to air Chain Reaction as originally planned.
It might seem odd to some of you that a live action professional wrestling show would be affected by the strike. To clarify, what you see on your screen is real. The bumps, the bruises, the egos, and the words that come out of our roster's mouths are completely genuine. However, we are a form of television entertainment and the writers that put together certain elements of the show - elements that make the NAFW's production quality one of the best in the world - were owed certain royalties along with their fellow writers in New York and Los Angeles. As a result, they had to strike and we supported them in their cause.
However, with the recent conclusion of the strike, the show can finally go on. Our regular television broadcasts of Annihilation have also been off the air in the intervening months. This was, in part, due to a previously scheduled break in production and live events for the holiday season, which has allowed our talented staff and performers to take an extended time to rest, recuperate and spend time with their families.
After the conclusion of this show, you will see that feuds are as hot as ever and there will be many questions to answer in the coming weeks. That is why Annihilation will return after this airing of Chain Reaction. Check your local listings, or our website, TheNAFW.com for information on the highly anticipated return to action. Until then, I hope you enjoy Chain Reaction 2007!
Ray's image fades to black, and we go to the Chain Reaction logo.
Now, it's straight to the arena. That's right, we're skipping the intro video and getting right down to business. Fireworks are blaring, as is the guitar riff and drums of The White Stripes "Icky Thump." The crowd is going crazy, and after a pan through the United Center, we finally settle in on our resident announcers, JB Mann and Tom "The Bear" Kalhoun.
(JB) Welcome to Chain Reaction!!
(Tom) What??
(JB) I said "Welcome to Chain Reaction!!"
(Tom) Are you talking, Mannwheel?
(JB) Yes, Bear, I am!
(Tom) Fine, don't answer!
JB looks over at his partner, and notices that he's not currently wearing his headset. JB picks it up and hands it to Tom, who puts it on.
(JB) Can you hear me now?
(Tom) This isn't a cell phone commercial, Mannwhore! This is Chain Reaction!
(JB) And what a night we've got in store! Three Championship matches, culminating in one of the biggest matches on the Foundation's rotation, the Chain Reaction match!
(Tom) And don't forget the blood bath coming between Peter Gilmour and Psycho.
(JB) Plus, we have a big tag team match between Harris and Clark and the Rock 'N' Rex Express, and Snake takes on newcomer Krystian!
(Tom) Well, what are we waiting for??
Well, we're waiting to cut to a different scene. Let's do that now.
Warpath I: The Army of Ray Buchanan
In.
Our scene is the poorly lit opening of the United Center's parking garage. A white Ford Taurus pulls into the garage and we can instantly see Ashley Collier driving and Mason Jackson riding shotgun. Collier must not have seen the five mile-per-hour speed limit, because he whips into a space doing damn near thirty, almost taking the cameraman out in the process.
As Not-Victor-Carlos-Rodriguez gets his ass up off the pavement and re-focuses the camera, we see Ashley slamming the door of the Taurus. Ashley looks like he is ready for a street fight and Not-VCR is not quite anxious to cross the path of Collier. "The Born Warrior" is wearing a black zipper hoodie with the sleeves cut-off. He sports a pair of torn blue jeans and black Air Force Ones. Did I mention his fists are already taped up, because I think that is something we could consider note-worthy.
(Ashley) Mason, take the car and yourself back to the motel. I don't want you here for what is about to go down.
Mason begins to walk around the car to the driver's side and Ashley meets him half-way. They exchange a handshake and a respectful nod.
(Mason) Take care of yourself Ashley. I realize you got to do what you got to do, but I still think it is foolish. Ain't no man ever declared war by himself and won. Buchanan's got an army, something you don't have the luxury of... aw shit, I don't mean to preach to ya. Just take care of yourself.
(Ashley) Thanks Mason, but don't worry, you have gotten me back onto the path of the warrior. I am ready for this.
Mason nods and gets behind the wheel of the car. He drives off as Ashley turns and begins walking towards the door marked "Entrance" which just happens to have two yellow shirt wearing security guards posted on either side. Ashley isn't even five paces from the door when they step right in front of him, blocking it.
(Guard One) Where do you think you are going?
(Guard Two) Yea, you are suspended. You ain't suppose to be here.
(Ashley) I got urgent business with Ray Buchanan. Now you can either get out of my way or I can remove from it.
The guards must take offense to that because Guard One swings wildly at Ashley. Collier ducks beneath it and runs forward driving his knee into the stomach of Guard Two. Guard One takes another swing as Ashley rises and it connects with the side of his right shoulder. That only manages to get Collier's attention and Ashley spins around driving a left hook into the Guard's jaw which knocks him to the floor. Guard Two is now back to his senses and he charges Ashley. Collier senses it and he spins around and lays the unfortunate bastard out with an STO. The impact of the Guard's skull with the pavement knocks him out cold.
Guard one is beginning to get to his feet, but Ashley kicks him right in the face, breaking his nose. The guard screams out in pain as Ashley bends down and picks him up. Collier drives his knee into the guard's sternum several times before he releases him and then throws him against the concrete wall. Collier works over the man's body with left and rights, before he hits a devastating uppercut that knocks this guy out. Ashley stands over the two guards, smirking as he wipes some sweat from his brow.
(Ashley) I hate to say I told you so...
Ashley chuckles to himself as he steps over the unconscious bodies and pushes open the gray metal door. He steps inside the building, looks around for a moment, before darting behind some cases of equipment as not to be seen.
The easy part is now over.
(JB) He's not supposed to be here.
(Tom) But he's here alright! And he's not letting a couple of Security Guards get in the way.
(JB) I have a feeling our Head of Security, Ryan McJohnson, will have something to say about that.
(Tom) Or do. McJohnson doesn't talk much.
(JB) Fair enough.
The Aftermath of Things Not Yet Seen
Cut to a different part of the parking lot, specifically the employee parking lot. It's the place we see from time to time on wrestling shows. It's usually got several big trucks, a couple smaller cars. It's where all NAFW employees, including ring crew, put their vehicles during a show.
It's where Ken Harris is right now.
He's dressed in his streets clothes, in blue jeans and a black polo shirt, walking away from a shitty, 1989 Dodge Dart. He's carrying a bag and he's alone. Completely alone. Because Troy took Nicole on another flight, said they wanted time alone, said he had some romance planned. The thought, both of those things and of what Ken thinks is really going on, have Ken on edge, so he's keeping himself very scrunched together, trying to signal everyone who sees him to leave him alone.
(Rex) Kenny!
Ken stops moving. He drops his bag and bunches up his shoulder. He makes fists, which he promptly releases. Then he turns to Rex, who's approaching, and smiles, faking something other than annoyance. It's not a good job. Rex is blind to it.
As always.
(Ken) What's up Rex?
(Rex) Howdy, Kenny boy!
(Ken) What do you want?
Rex, being stupid but not completely stupid, is taken aback.
(Rex) Just lookin' t' see if yer hunkey dorey.
(Ken) I'm fine, I...
Ken sighs and rubs his head a bit, like he's having a really long week. And he is. You don't know it, you don't understand, because I haven't shown you, but he's having a long week. And he makes a decision there.
(Ken) I had a couple of weird days, dude. It's a... a long story. What's up?
(Rex) Ain't it just a cryin' shame we gotta lock horns?
(Ken) Ah. I know. It sucks.
(Rex) But gee whiz, we had ourselves a time at the ol' waterin' hole th'other night!
(Ken) Yeah.
Ken nods and starts moving again. Rex follows, dutifully.
(Rex) Hold on there, Kenny... Ah gotta know somethin'! Ah got t' singin' some Sweet Home Alabama, an' yer lips were sealed! Why didn'tcha join the party an' sing along?
(Ken) Rex... I just... I gotta get in there man?
(Rex) Ah reckon Ah ain't no Ronnie Van Zant, God rest his soul, so maybe you was embarrassed by mah vocal stylin's?
They're inside now. Ken stops next to a door. It's got no significance. It's just where they are.
(Ken) No, I... look, I'm not... I'm not that into the south, man.
Rex, again, looks taken aback.
(Rex) Well Ah'll be tarred an' feathered! That can't possibly be possible!
(Ken) I just... my dad wrestled, we moved a lot.
Ken didn't look at Rex when he said that. It wasn't true.
(Rex) Boy, oh boy, we gotta do somethin' 'bout this!
(Ken) No, we don't. We need to get ready for the match tonight. Right?
Rex smiles a bit.
(Rex) Ah guess yer right.
(Ken) Yeah. I am. And Rex?
(Rex) Yessum, Kenny mah boy?
(Ken) Let's make sure things don't get out of hand, okay? It'd... it shouldn't happen.
(Rex) Your druthers is my ruthers.
That means he agrees. Cut.
(JB) What an odd dynamic this is. Rex is trying to be friendly...
(Tom) I'd like to be friendly with that hottie GNR, if you know what I mean!
(JB) You'd like to have sex with her. We know. You really have to stop pushing so hard.
(Tom) That's what she said!
(JB) Please, stop.
(Tom) She said that too!
(JB) You're an awful, awful man.
(Tom) Were you there? She sa…
(JB) Enough, Bear! It's time to get to our first match of the night, with Derek Clarke challenging the Atlantic Champion, Andy D!
(Tom) I smell a new champion.
(JB) This is an exciting match-up, but I think you have to give the edge to Andy D.
(Tom) Are you high or just retarded, Mann-O-Lantern?
(JB) I assure you, I am not high.
(Tom) So you are retarded? You admit it? Is your bells palsy about to act up?
(JB) What the hell are you talking about?
"Driven" by Sevendust kicks in over the crowd noise and the fans all rise to attention as Derek Clarke steps out from behind the curtain. He doesn't acknowledge the fans, he just walks with a calm pace to the ring. He doesn't do any posing or taunting, he just walks to his corner and waits.
(Tom) What the hell is wrong with him? Where the hell is Jerry?
(JB) Maybe he quit?
(Tom) No, Derek probably fired his fat ass.
"Keep Yourself Alive II" by Jay Gordon kicks in and out steps the Atlantic Champion with his title strapped around his waist. He runs to the ring slapping hands with the fans and slides into the ring. Andy poses a little bit as he comes out of the slide.
(JB) That Derek Clarke is a bastard!
(Tom) I didn't think Cougar would like you saying that?
DC is indeed a bastard because he sneak attacked Andy during his posing. DC yells at the ref and he rings the bell and wham bam thank you ma'am, Chain Reaction is starting! Derek stalks over a rising Andy and as the champ gets to his knees, Clarke kicks him in the ribs. Derek drops a leg across Andy's throat and then grabs the arm of the champ. Derek leans back, applying a crucifix armbar.
(JB) Derek Clarke has some nice early offense.
(Tom) Andy can't out wrestle, DC!
The champ grabs a hold of the ropes and Derek breaks. DC and Mister D stand up and lock up into a collar and elbow. DC ducks a punch from the champ and applies a waistlock.
(JB) Dear Gord, that German suplex had some impact!
(Tom) DC is a wrestling machine!
Clarke picks up the smaller Andy D and tosses him onto his left shoulder. He runs forward looking for a powerslam but the champ pushes himself off and behind DC. Clarke turns around and catches the foot of Andy D's incoming leg. Andy bounces on one leg and then tries an enziguri kick on DC, but Clarke ducks. Derek attempts to lock in an Ankle lock but Andy rolls forward out of it and to his feet in one swift motion. Clarke runs in from behind but Andy D hits a jumping spin kick which connects with Clarke's temple. The noise from the kick deafens the crowd with its gun shot like sound.
(JB) Derek Clarke is lucky to still have his face after that kick!
(Tom) Andy D works stiff!
Derek is shaking the cobwebs out as Andy bounces off the ropes and proceeds to dropkick him in the face. He kips up and attempts a standing moonsault, but Derek has the knees up.
(JB) DC one step ahead!
(Tom) Of course, he is smarter!
DC rolls over and on to Andy D's back. Clarke applies a rear naked choke and the ref gets in position for a tap.
(JB) Derek Clarke utilizing the ground and pound style to smother Andy D's high flying offense.
COMMENTARY FILTER: ON
Andy rakes the eyes of Derek Clarke causing him to release the choke. The ref admonishes Andy for dirty tactics, but Derek Clarke runs up and hits a distracted Andy D with a beautiful looking half-nelson suplex that folds Andy up like an accordion. Derek picks Andy back up and whips him to the ropes. Derek lowers his head for a backbody drop but it is telegraphed early and the champion spikes his head into the ground with a DDT.
Andy makes the cover and gets a two count. The two wrestlers stand up and trade fisticuffs. Derek gets the advantage with a kick to the gut. He hooks Andy D for a suplex but Andy counters it into a neckbreaker. Andy gets up jumps onto the nearest second rope and moonsaults off landing across the back of Derek. He kips up and runs to the corner, climbing to the top rope. Derek gets to his feet and Andy jumps onto his shoulders and hits a huracanrana into the pin. Andy gets a very close two count.
They get to their feet and Derek charges but gets arm dragged to the mat. He rises and tries again but gets arm dragged again. Derek gets up again, but Andy has already jumped onto the second rope, springboarded off, and cracked DC in the teeth with a brutal looking kick.
Andy sits Derek up and punches him in the face a couple of times before he unleashes a brutal kick to the chest, a second to the back, and a dropkick to the side of the head to finish the combination off. Andy picks Derek up and throws him to the floor. Clarke gets to his feet slowly and Andy comes flying over the ropes with a corkscrew splash.
Andy springs up, hops onto the apron and tries to crossbody off onto a rising Derek but he gets caught. Derek pauses for a moment before he fallaway slams Andy into the barricade. He picks Andy up and rolls him into the ring. Derek follows and makes a cover. Andy kicks out and they get to their feet. They exchange punches before Derek Irish whips Andy. Clarke hits a textbook drop toe hold and turns it into a standing Indian deathlock.
He falls to his back, trying to tear the ligaments in Andy's right leg. Clarke stands back up and falls down again. Andy screams in pain. Derek releases the hold and applies a figure four leg lock. Andy's shoulders fall to the mat several times and near pin falls occur. He manages to roll over applying the pressure to Derek but Clarke breaks the hold.
They exchange fisticuffs again and Andy gets the advantage when he kicks Derek. Andy body slams Derek and climbs to the top rope. He comes off hitting a leg drop. He covers and gets a two count. Andy picks the challenger up and whips him to the ropes. He leap frogs Derek but Clarke hits a jumping knee lift on the return.
He picks the champ up and suplexes him back to the mat. Derek picks Andy back up and belly to belly suplexes him to the mat. He covers and gets a long two count. Derek complains to the ref and Andy comes from behind, grabs him by the hair and drives the back of Derek's head into the mat with a reverse X-factor. Andy grabs a leg and makes the cover but Derek kicks out, barely.
They get up and Derek blindsides Andy with a forearm. He punches Andy in the stomach before he hits a swinging neckbreaker. Derek follows that up with a knee drop across the face. Derek stalks Andy and attacks him from behind backing him up into the corner. Derek puts Andy on the top rope and then climbs up with him. Derek attempts a Top Rope Northern Lights Suplex, but Andy blocks it. He throws some punches into DC's ribcage and then takes him up and over with a superplex to the thin mats covering the concrete floor.
The crowd chants "Holy Shit" as both men lay on the floor motionless and broken. The ref starts his count.
1...
2...
3...
4...
5...
6...
7...
8...
9...
10...
Troy Gilmore gets on the stick and announces that this match ends in a no-contest after the double count out. Both men are now barely beginning to stir. Once Andy D is up to his feet, he is pleased he still has his title, but like any true wrestler would have preferred a decisive victory. Derek Clarke just walks to the back looking emotionless.
COMMENTARY FILTER: OFF
(JB) Well I guess your nose was a little off there, Bear.
(Tom) My nose is firmly on my face where it belongs, JB.
(JB) You said you smelled... Oh, never mind.
(Tom) I've forgotten already.
(JB) Indeed.
It's All So Fucking Hysterical
Cut.
We're in a locker room. You know what's in them, you know where it is. You know what these places look like. Odds are most of you can even guess what they smell like. In the center of this place, sitting on a bench dressed in his ring gear with his elbows resting on his knees, is Ken Harris. His head is down, he's staring at the floor, like he's thinking.
You didn't see it, but his head went there as soon as the camera arrived.
After a second, he looks up, right into the lens.
(Ken) Well. Here we are.
Ken takes a breath. A long, exasperated breath.
(Ken) Waiting for the start of something ridiculous, something bad. Something that never, if things made sense, if things were what they should be, if there was one bit, one bit of my partner that wasn't fall on your face and break your ass ridiculous, never would have happened.
I told you I don't get worked up, that I don't pretend my matches are life or death, razor's edge affairs. So there's only one thing I can say.
It's about to get all stupid up in here.
Ken shakes his head, all irritated.
(Ken) Stupid, like nothing I've ever seen before. Stupid, like fighting over the damn catering table, about who goes first. Stupid, like pulling someone's pants down. Stupid, like going to war because someone wouldn't fall down and kiss your feet the way you think they should. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
This shouldn't be my life. This shouldn't be my job. This shouldn't…it shouldn't happen.
But it is happening. It is my life. It is my job. So I'm going out there, and I'm going to take Scott Rocker apart, piece by piece. I'm going twist Rex Michaels up until he's a dead ringer for Tom Kalhoun. I'm going to win this match, however I have to.
Ken sighs and leans back, until he's laying on the bench.
(Ken) I just hope things don't get any dumber.
Cut.
(JB) I'm with Ken Harris on this one, Bear.
(Tom) I'd have thought you'd like to see things get dumber. I know I would!
(JB) You should know by now that, most of the time, what you'd like to see and what I'd like to see, are very rarely the same thing.
(Tom) And whose fault is that? Certainly not mine!
(JB) I give up.
An Assured Victory
Carlos sits in the locker room with Psycho standing behind him.
(Carlos) Well, this is it. This is where I begin my climb through the ranks of superstars. I will reign over you all. I will be untouchable. I don’t care what it takes. I will break the minds of every one of you but it’s easier to demolish you in the ring.
Pause.
(Carlos) Gilmour, I am not even worried about you because I know that you have no backbone. You can’t seriously be thinking about winning tonight. You will be destroyed and I will be that much stronger.
Pause.
(Carlos) I don’t care how hardcore you are, because you don’t know how hardcore he is. You’ve only seen him in singles matches. So what is his true limit? I will not stop until you’re bleeding on the mat and turning blue. You’ll die in this match if you aren’t careful. There really isn’t anything else to say is there?
Out.
(JB) Carlos is confident in his charge here tonight!
(Tom) That one's going to be brutal. Guaranteed.
Finishing What I Started
Cut to the backstage area, in front of the Chain Reaction interview set. Standing there, holding a microphone and wearing a black full-length, strapless dress is Amie Carmichael. To her right is Spaz. To his right is Twitch.
Twitch is staring at Amie's cleavage. Amie and Spaz are glaring at Twitch. Spaz taps his manager on the shoulder.
(Spaz) Twitch. Say what you're here to say.
Twitch doesn't look away from Amie's chest.
(Twitch) Huh?
Spaz takes two fingers and lifts Twitch's head, by the chin. His glare intensifies, right into Twitch's eyes.
(Twitch) Oh! Right.
Twitch looks back to Amie... At her face, finally!
(Twitch) Sorry about the whole TW...
Twitch stops himself as Spaz shakes his head.
(Twitch) That thing Twitch said.
Amie is not particularly impressed. That thing Twitch said was pretty crude, and really offended Amie - which says a lot, since she's heard a lot, working with wrestlers. At a motion from Spaz, Twitch continues.
(Twitch) Will Ho...
Another shake of the head from Spaz. Twitch frowns.
(Twitch) Will you accept Twitch's apology...
Twitch seems to be struggling with this. He looks to Spaz, as if asking "Does Twitch have to?" Spaz nods, and Twitch frowns. But he completes the sentence with one word.
(Twitch) Amie?
Holy crap. He used a real name!
Amie considers it for a moment, then nods silently. Twitch looks back to Spaz.
(Twitch) There! Twitch did what Pez asked.
Spaz nods.
(Spaz) Thank you, Twitch. Doesn't it feel good to be respectful?
Twitch frowns.
(Twitch) It feels weird. Like Twitch's mouth is all fuzzy.
(Spaz) You can go wash your mouth out if you have to.
Twitch frowns again, then takes his leave. Spaz turns back to Amie.
(Spaz) Ready to finish that interview?
Amie nods again.
(Amie) We didn't get to touch on a few of your opponents tonight... Let's start with Hush.
Spaz nods.
(Spaz) I'd be lying if I said he wasn't a concern. Not just for me, but for everyone. He's huge, unpredictable and downright scary. It took a car to take him down last time.
(Amie) And then there's Essex to worry about.
(Spaz) Indeed. And I want to send a message to him.
Spaz looks to the camera.
(Spaz) You're wrong about me, Essex. Like I said before: I'll take my time with Mike Lane, but if it comes down to going after him or taking your monster, or anyone else down to move closer to the Championship... I'll go for the Title all the way.
Spaz looks back to Amie, awaiting the next question.
(Amie) How about Kyle Cole? Were you surprised by his silence heading into tonight?
Spaz nods.
(Spaz) Completely. Coming into this match, Kyle Cole had to be a favorite. Maybe his silence is strategy, not wanting to give away his intentions. Maybe it's proof of what other's have said, that he should have stuck to the Legends contract...
Spaz shakes his head now.
(Spaz) But I don't buy that. I know Kyle Cole. Fought him for the very same Title we're all fighting for tonight. His silence isn't going to make me underestimate him for a second.
Amie nods, then moves on.
(Amie) Then there's Tyrone Smith.
(Spaz) Tonight's poster boy for "Underestimated." Nobody is taking Smith seriously. That is, nobody but me. Everyone else wants to ignore the changes in him, and keep bringing up Wilson.
Pause.
(Spaz) Even I have to admit, that situation wasn't anywhere near ideal. But I'm not going to forget the fact that Tyrone Smith has held Championship after Championship here. He's hungry, he's motivated, and he's dangerous.
Spaz smiles.
(Spaz) I'm still pretty sure I can take him... But I'm not going to say it's going to be easy.
Amie nods.
(Amie) Anything else you'd like to say before the match?
Spaz ponders this for a moment.
(Spaz) I have a few things to say to a couple of people... But I'll be doing that in person later on. So for right now, I'll say this to everyone...
Spaz looks directly into the camera again.
(Spaz) I suggest you all get ready... For the Sugar Rush!
Pause, to let the catch phrase induced cheers to die down.
(Amie) Thank you again for your time, Spaz. And good luck tonight.
Spaz smiles.
(Spaz) Thank you, Amie. It was my pleasure.
With that, we cut back to ringside.
(Tom) It was my pleasure to see Amie in that dress. Wowza!
(JB) Have you learned nothing from Spaz? You know, about treating a lady with respect?
(Tom) Of course not. Except maybe when it comes to your...
(JB) Don't.
(Tom) Moth...
(JB) Bear.
(Tom) Er!
(JB) Damn you.
(JB) We've got an interesting one coming up next, folks...
(Tom) Interesting?
(JB) That's what I just said, yes.
(Tom) Care to explain your use of that particular word?
(JB) Well, it's to say that this hasn't been what one would consider a typical feud.
(Tom) You can say that again!
(JB) From personal pleasure devices to Nickelback to air guitar...
(Tom) Personal pleasure devices? Are you kidding me?
(JB) No.
(Tom) Just call a spade a spade, He-Mann... Or in this case, call a dil...
(JB) Bear! This is a family show.
(Tom) Anything goes on Pay Per View! Even dild...
Mercifully, the opening to Queen's "We Will Rock You" cuts Tom off. The crowd gets into it, doing their thing with the repeated STOMP STOMP CLAP pattern.
(JB) Looks like the Rock 'n' Rex Express is on it's way out!
JB is as perceptive as ever. It helps that Rocker, Rex and their manager GNR have stepped out onto the ramp. Rocker and Rex are clad in their usual ring attire: Rex in rebel flag shorts, Rocker in black leather pants. Both men also wear Rock 'n' Rex t-shirts. Gillian is in her now typical stripper hair, tight leather pants and a Rock 'n' Rex t-shirt of her own, with pieces cut out strategically.
(Tom) Why wasn't Gillian that hot when she was sitting next to me all night?
(JB) I think your question answers itself, Bear.
As the trio make their way down the ramp, Troy Gilmore does his thing.
(Troy) Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Gillian Narcotica Ruiz.... At a combined weight of four hundred and sixty pounds, they are Scott Rocker and Rex Michaels... The Rock 'n' Rex Express!!
Rocker slides into the ring and rocks out, as Rex jumps up onto the apron and Gillian climbs the steps. Rex opens the ropes for his lady and she steps through, with the customary cheers from those on either side of her admiring her flexible form.
(Tom) Seriously, I want to know where the hotness was!
(JB) It was in your dreams, Bear.
Rocker and Michaels both pull of their t-shirts and toss them into the crowd. They face the ramp, awaiting their opponents.
(Tom) Well yeah, obviously... But my dreams could have come true!
(JB) I guess Rex Michaels had the same dreams, and his came true first!
(Tom) Damn him.
Once again, we have no major change in the lighting, no streamers, no explosions, no flash and no bang as the opening chords of Tom Waits's "Big in Japan" play over the speakers, coming from only the right side. When the guitar kicks in, when the body of the song starts, three people appear in the entryway.
Ken, Nicole and Troy. Obviously.
I got the clothes, but not the face
I got the bread, but not the butter
I got the winda, but not the shudda
But I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
Hey, I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
Ken and Troy are dressed the way you'd expect: in their respective gears. Nicole is dressed as always, going to the non-slutty wrestling chic thing with leather pants and a tight, sleeveless tank, this time in a dark, vivid blue. When they start down the ramp Troy takes the lead. There's no dancing this time, no over the top impressions. He just moves forward, serious like a castration.
This is where Troy Gilmore jumps in to do his thing again.
(Troy) And their opponents, accompanied by Nicole Devereaux...
Nicole follows, right behind Clark, watching her man, like she's waiting for the explosion, the joke. When it doesn't come she moves on, thinking about the match, the game plan, about what GNR might do. Ken is last, being Ken, just moving forward, looking inward, focusing.
I got the whole damn nation on their knees
I got the rooster, I got the crow
I got the ebb, I got the flow
(Troy) They weigh in at four hundred and sixty-five pounds...
I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
Hey! I'm big in Japan
(Troy) Ken Harris and Troy Clark!!
They come to the ring and enter in the same order, Troy with enthusiasm, Nicole trying to stay out of the way, and Ken slowly, methodically. Once they're in, Troy throws his hands up and jumps once. When he comes down he goes into a quick Rick Rude grind, then turns to face his opponents.
Ken stays three steps behind him, two to the left. Standing with him. But apart. Gillian and Nicole take seats near ringside, whilst Ken gives Troy a quick "good luck high five" before stepping on the apron. Rex and Scott do a little bit of debating who's facing Troy first. Eventually, Rex steps out onto the apron, leaving Scott and Troy to start us off.
(JB) And here we go!
The bell rings and the two men begin to circle before locking up in the center of the ring. Scott quickly turns the move into a side headlock. Troy, on the other hand, isn't worn down enough for the move to do any sort of damage and quickly repositions himself and goes for a back suplex, but Scott's got the where-with-all to know he's in trouble and is able to flip out of it and land on his feet.
Troy turns and catches a Scott Rocker toe kick attempt, and spins Scott into a daze. Scott's not dizzy enough, though, as he ducks under a clothesline attempt from Troy. Scott kicks Troy in the belly and bends down to pick him up, to attempt an F-5. Unfortunately, given what is nearly a hundred pound difference in weight, Scott can't get him off the ground. Troy laughs at the attempt, grabs Scott's head and throws him to the ground. While Scott is down, Troy quickly flexes his muscles.
(JB) I guess Scott Rocker actually thinks he can lift a still fresh Troy Clark this early on in the match.
(Tom) It's all physics, JB...
(JB) Oh really, how so?
(Tom) Don't make me go all "Stephen Hawking" on your mind...You wouldn't understand it.
(JB) ...
Troy stands and signals for Scott to get to his feet, whilst Scott sits there with a slightly bewildered look on his face. Troy grins as Scott crawls over to his corner and tags in Rex Michaels. As Rex steps into the ring, Troy signals for Rex to "bring it" before the duo in the ring start to circle again.
They lock up and this time, Rex is able to get the advantage with a headlock of his own. Troy, on the other hand, uses his strength to push Rex off and against the ropes. Troy goes for a boot to the chest, but Rex baseball slides under that, quickly gets to his feet, and connects with a low dropkick, taking out Troy's knee. With Troy still down, rex goes for a quick cover, but Troy has enough energy to power out of the move at 2.
(JB) A nice set of moves followed by a dropkick to the knee from Rex Michaels, but not enough to give the Rock 'n Rex Express the victory.
(Tom) Blondie McHot has a nice set, but unfortunately for us, they're not going to win the match, either, Mann-Bear.
Troy starts to make his way to his corner, but Rex tags out first and Scott cuts him off and grabs Troy's leg. Troy gets up to his feet and hobbles around on one leg before Rex spins Troy, only for Troy to explode out of nowhere with a hard clothesline. With Scott partially out of it, Troy makes a quick cover attempt for 2.
Both men make their way to their corners and Troy tags in Ken as Rex enters. The two men circle a minute, the lock up. Ken slips, tries a takedown from behind but Rex circles away and sends Ken to the tropes. Rex powerslams Ken on the rebound, then hooks the leg for a two count of his own. Rex picks up Ken then whips him into the corner and follows up with a clothesline. After the impact, Rex picks Ken up, looking for a superplex. Ken punches Rex twice and shoves him off the ropes. When Rex stands Ken hits that flying flash magic.
(JB) These four men are really going at it with some sheer power moves.
(Tom) You know, if Gillian and I were to go at it-
(JB) Enough with the innuendos!
Ken looks at Rex on the ground, then goes and tags Troy back in. Troy bounces off the ropes and jumps up for a leg drop, but Rex is able to avoid the impact at the last possible second. Rex and Troy both slowly get up to their feet, each man throwing lefts and rights of their owns on their way up.
Troy eventually starts to pick up speed and whips Rex into the ropes. Troy leans over for a back body drop, but Rex stops and kicks Troy in the shoulder. Troy stumbles backwards briefly but doesn't lose his balance. Rex bounces off the ropes and goes for a clothesline of his own, but Troy counters Troy ducks under the arm, grabs around Rex's chest, and lift him up and down with a modified Uranage Suplex.
As Troy goes for a pin attempt, we see Gillian run up to the ring and climb up on the ring apron. The referee sees this and goes to advise her not do anything, but with the referee's back turned, Scott climbs in the ring and takes out Troy with a hard low dropkick to the head, then rolls the two men so that Rex is now on top of Troy. Nicole is seen sprinting around the ring and yanks Gillian off the ring apron and the two females begin to argue. The referee sees the pin attempt and goes to count it, but Ken makes the save. Back on the outside, we see Nicole and Gillian arguing some more.
(Tom) Oh...Here we go...CAT FIGHT!
Gillian eventually takes the first swing at Nicole, only for Nicole to block and slap Gillian across the face. They then begin to get in a hair pulling contest and have to be separated and escorted from the ring by security.
(Tom) Dammit! And it was just getting good!
(JB) Good? Gillian almost cost Troy and Ken the match.
(Tom) Yeah, but Blondie McHot had to go and ruin it...
Scott and Ken, both not legal, are now in the ring and are starting to exchange blows. Scott tires to whip Ken to the ropes, but Ken reverses it and throws a series of strikes. Ken rears back for a spinning wheel kick, but Scott quickly ducks down to the mat, then takes out Ken with a low kick to Ken's calf.
With Ken on the ground, Scott goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Ken, as Scott approaches, trips his opponent and goes for a scissored ankle lock. Scott quickly gets to the ropes, shakes out the cobwebs, and ducks under a clothesline attempt from Ken. With Ken slightly disoriented, Scott sets himself up to throw a shuffle side kick at Ken, who dodges, side steps, and hits one of his own. Scott rolls out of the ring and holds his head, trying to fight through the pain.
(JB) My god, Ken's single handedly taking out the R'n'R Express!
(Tom) Pfft...This match was over after security took out Blondie McHot and My next Ex-Wife...
The match has broken down into a two on two brawl. Ken manages to throw Rex, who's now on his feet charging at Ken, out of the ring by going over the ropes, which makes Rex grin because he's impressed with Ken's wrestling. Troy pitches Rocker shortly thereafter and R n' R start to converse, trying a new strategy.
Ken, meanwhile, hits the opposite ropes and runs toward Troy, who springboards him over the ropes. Ken lands with a spinning wheel kick on their opponents. Ken gets back in the ring and checks on Troy, who, along with both members of the R'n'R Express, are starting to come to. Rex is the first to his feet, and the first to get back into the ring.
Rex charges Ken. Ken ducks, slides, and hooks Rex in an ankle lock, but Rex rolls and throws Ken outside and starts to celebrate, but Ken lands on his feet. He starts back into the ring, gets to the apron, then springs off the top rope, looking for a flying knee. Rex turns around, sidesteps and catches Ken, immediately bringing him to the mat with an improvised slam for a 2 count.
(JB) What a counter!
(Tom) What a crock!
Rex gets to his feet, kicks Troy in the ribs for good measure, then turns to Ken and picks him up to his feet. Rex goes to whip Ken into the corner, but Ken reverses, sending Ken into the corner instead. Ken, using what strength he has left, lifts Rex up onto the top turnbuckle. Ken slaps Rex across the face, then starts to climb up himself.
Ken hooks Rex by his head and looks to hit a superplex off the top turnbuckle, but Rex is able to hold on. Ken looks to try it again, but Rex is still able to hold on. This time, Rex starts to punch Ken in the ribs before grabbing around Ken's waist and hoisting him from the top turnbuckle through the Saskatchewan announce table.
(JB) OH MY GOD!
(Tom and Crowd) HOLY SHIT!
Rex is the only man left in the ring who's still standing, or, at least, that's what he thinks. Troy is now up to his feet and severely dazes Rex with a hard right hand. Troy then makes a quick signal as he grabs hold of Rex's head, then grabs a free leg with his other arm, then lifts Rex up into the air, then comes down with a cradle brainbuster, quickly switching over to a pin attempt upon impact for the 3.
(Troy) And here are your winners, Ken Harris and Troy Clark!!!
The Game Has Begun
We are mere minutes away from the much anticipated rematch between Psycho and Peter Gilmour. We cut to a few scenes from last week’s match showing Psycho hitting Peter in the head 3 times with a steel chair making Peter bleed from the head and Peter choking Psycho out with a straightjacket while laughing wickedly. Coming back live, we see Mark Herriot standing by. He is in his black suit and tie with black pants. He holds up the microphone and smiles into the camera as they begin to roll.
(Mark) Ladies and gentleman, my guest at this time is a man who is intent on ending Psycho’s career tonight here at Chain Reaction, the Xtreme Icon, Peter Gilmour.
Peter walks into the shot wearing street clothes. He obviously seems ready for a fight to the death with the insane Psycho.
(Mark) Peter, last week on Annihilation, you took the most brutal chair shots that I have ever seen in my life and still stood tall against Psycho. Add to the fact that you nearly choked him out with that straightjacket. Coming into your No DQ match tonight, you must feel confident.
(Peter) Of course I feel confident, you insolent insect. Why wouldn’t I be? Last week, Psycho and me beat the hell out of each other. I was firmly in control until that bastard had to resort to using a steel chair and hit me not once, but 3 times in the head busting me open. Doctors said I was lucky I didn’t get a concussion or lose anymore blood. But you think I give a damn about what a doctor says? When I saw the sight of my own blood Mark, I liked it. And Psycho knew he woke the beast inside me. That’s why I choked his ass out with that straightjacket. Too bad I didn’t put him in it because I was ready to end his career. But I will make sure that happens tonight in our NO DQ match.
(Mark) Now Psycho didn’t have much to say last week, but his manager Carlos had plenty to say about you. Do you think Carlos will try to get involved in this match and cost you the victory?
Peter thinks about the answer to that question. He rubs his chin then looks into the camera with a smug look upon his face.
(Peter) Actually Mark, I plan on him getting involved. You see, Carlos can run his mouth saying Psycho is the next big thing in the NAFW. But has he won a Deathmatch Title? Has he won any world titles? NO he hasn’t! All he’s done is bring this loser out from a broken home, trained him how to fight like a pussy and put a mask on his face because he couldn’t stand to look at him. Carlos, tonight your little “pet” gets taken to the wood shed. Tonight, Psycho gets into the ring with THE DESTROYER. Tonight, he meets his JUDGE… JURY AND EXECUTIONER!!
Pause.
(Peter) I will do everything and anything in my power to see that Psycho doesn’t walk out of this match alive. You see Carlos, as I said last week, I am the master and ruler of the hardcore match. So it should be a cakewalk beating Psycho. But I’ll say this, it will be bloody. And after I’m done wiping the canvas with his blood, Carlos, if you decide to stick your stupid nose into my business, I might have to put you through some pain as well. If you want to live to see your next birthday, I suggest you stay away or I will unleash Pandora’s box upon both of your sorry asses, and you don’t want that. Once I open the gates of hell, there is no way to stop me from annihilating you and ending both your careers. So tonight Carlos, make sure your “pet” is ready. Because I am willing to go to hell and back in order to beat your freak of nature. Carlos, tell Psycho that he is about to be taken... TO THE XTREEEEEEEEEEEME!!
Peter grunts into the camera as his eyes roll back into his head as we fade back to ringside.
(JB) A lot of intensity from Peter Gilmour.
(Tom) I say again: Blood. Bath.
Spade's A Spade, Right?
We go to the back of the United Center where we see Vanessa arriving in a small limo. Why she has the window down in this weather is beyond us, but being that we’re inside I guess she wants it to be known that she’s here. The window rolls up once the car stops as the driver gets out to open the door. Only before Vanessa steps out, one incredibly tall and lanky guy steps out that’s fairly big. If you didn’t know any better, you’d swear he was trying out for the Bulls with the height and slight muscle he’s packing. The guy that follows him out is only an inch smaller, but he’s definitely bigger than the man who more or less preceded him. Both are wearing sunglasses, both are in suits and both look really anti-social to say the least with their demeanor.
So now out steps Vanessa after being given the 'all clear’ from what we can tell are her bodyguards. Amie is looking to interview Vanessa only she’s stopped in her tracks by the taller of the two, only the shorter is stopping him apparently infatuated with Amie’s looks. Vanessa clearing her throat as she steps towards Amie stops all this.
(Vanessa) Is there something I can help you with?
(Amie) Well, I was hoping to catch a word with you on why you’re here and…
(Vanessa) Well why else would I be here in this town for? See the Blackhawks?
Huge heat from the pro-Blackhawk crowd.
(Vanessa) No, I’m here to watch your champion and mine compete and win his first ever Chain Reaction match.
This gets a mixed reaction, mixed as in they’re cheering the champion part of her comment. Not so much on the 'mine’ part of it. Amie being the astute interviewer that she is, presses on.
(Amie) Well, that not withstanding, why the bodyguards?
(Vanessa) Have you not been watching the past few weeks? I’ve been hit with a chair, I’ve nearly had my neck broken on two separate occasions and I’m sick of being put in unsafe conditions when all I am is an overseer of things. So to ensure I don’t bring a lawsuit down on top of NAFW, I’ve hired some backup to watch over me until the champ arrives. They’re old friends of L, so I’m sure he won’t mind.
(Amie) What makes you so sure he’s going to do that?
(Vanessa) That’s neither here nor there honestly, fact is tonight, he’s going to retain his Foundation Heavyweight Championship and become the first man in history to walk out of Chain Reaction the way he walks in. And he’ll do so by any means necessary.
(Amie) Meaning?
(Vanessa) Just calling a spade a spade, Amie. You figure it out. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get inside. It’s frigid out here. Gentlemen, let’s go.
It’s here that she walks past Amie as the tallest one follows her, the shorter and stockier of the two arching his eyebrows in rapid fire succession as he winks at Amie making her blush as we go…somewhere else.
That somewhere being back to ringside
(Troy) The following match will be fought under No Disqualification rules!
The arena goes black as Terrible by the Insane Clown Posse comes over the PA and neon green strobe lights start. Carlos Smith's face appears on the NAFWTron with red eyes. A figure comes out wearing a straitjacket followed by Carlos himself.
(Troy) Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Carlos Smith... Psycho!!
The two make their way to the ring and Carlos releases the straitjacket immediately running to the outside of the ring as Psycho stands in the middle of the ring screaming...
(Troy) And his opponent...
The lights in the arena go out and then a violent explosion of fire comes from the ramp. The beginning drum beat from the song PAINKILLER by Judas Priest starts to kick in. The lights on the NAFWTron start to flicker on and off, then another explosion of fire is heard as the guitar riff begins.
(Troy) Accompanied to the ring by Ashley Marie...
Out from the entranceway, comes Ashley Marie in a oh so sexy red dress and black stiletto boots. She looks to the crowd and flashes a evil grin. She then looks to the entranceway and as the main vocals start up, Peter Gilmour comes out in his traditional black cloaked jacket, with hood covering his face. He meets up with Ashley and then both of them flash an "X" symbol as red pyro goes off in the same manner.
(Troy) A man with an excellent last name, even if it's spelled wrong...
(Tom) What, Troy's a comedian now?
(JB) Let the man have a little fun, Bear.
(Tom) Fine, but I'm sure he won't be having fun if Gilmour decides to take offense.
The lovely couple goes to the ring ignoring the boos and chants from the crowd. Ashley gets on the apron and does a Melina-like split in the ring for all the guys to drool over. Peter gets in the ring normally and heads to the center of the ring.
(Troy) Peter Gilmour!!
He looks down as the lights dim a bit. Ashley then does a seductive crawl over to her man and grabs his inner right thigh as Peter rips his hood off as fire emits from the turnbuckles. Peter and Ashley give a sadistically evil grin to the crowd as the await the beginning of the match.
(JB) Psycho and Gilmour both want this win more than anything right now.
(Tom) Maybe but let's face it Mann-wheel, this is really Gilmour's match.
(JB) Perhaps, but Psycho hasn't been bad with a weapon so far and I don't think losing is an option with Carlos standing there at ringside.
(Tom) Let's just see what happens then, shall we?
(JB) A rare good idea from The Bear.
(Tom) Hey!
The bell rings and Psycho and Gilmour lock up. Finally, Gilmour gains the upper hand and hits Psycho with a clothesline followed by an elbow drop. Psycho gets back up and goes for a bulldog, but Gilmour ducks out and kicks Psycho in the head as he falls.
With Psycho down, Gilmour climbs out and looks under the ring grabbing a chair. Gilmour climbs into the ring and swings the chair but Psycho rolls out of the way and gives Gilmour a boot to the stomach.
(JB) Well, it was a rough start but it appears Psycho is gaining some momentum now.
(Tom) But can he keep it up?
(JB) Psycho has never been one to go down easily.
(Tom) That's true but how long until he gets tired?
Psycho takes the chair and nails Gilmour in the head and climbs the turnbuckle, chair still in hand. As Gilmour stands back up Psycho leaps from the turnbuckle and places the chair under his feet for a missile dropkick and Gilmour's head begins to turn red with fresh blood.
Psycho climbs out of the ring this time and pulls a chain out from under the ring. Psycho gets back in the ring and chokes Gilmour with the chain, then stands up and whips Gilmour across the back with it. Psycho pulls Gilmour to his feet and gives him the Klown, followed by a pin attempt ending at two.
(JB) He didn't get the pin but this is an impressive come back for our local head case.
(Tom) But he still couldn't get the pin on Gilmour.
(JB) Gilmour is a competitor all the way. He's not going to let it end without a little more fight.
(Tom) He would if it was him on top, but I know he won't let Psycho get off after all that build up.
(JB) None of us would expect anything else from the "X-Treme Legend."
Psycho points to Carlos, who then hands Psycho the straightjacket. As Gilmour gets back to his feet, Psycho begins lashing him with the jacket. Psycho drops the jacket and goes for a DDT, but Gilmour stands up straight and drops Psycho to the mat with a modified suplex.
Gilmour wraps the discarded chain around his hand and gives Psycho a few punches to the head, making him bleed. Psycho gets back up but Gilmour is ready with a spear.
(JB) Psycho was definitely repaying Gilmour for the lashes that he took from that straightjacket a few weeks ago but now he's on the mat once again.
(Tom) Gilmour got the message, but I don't see any lessons being learned here as Gilmour comes back.
(JB) That's true enough. What will Psycho do now that Gilmour has the advantage?
Gilmour throws Psycho out of the ring whips him onto the announce table, but as Gilmour sets him up for what looks like a power bomb, Psycho stands up and sends Peter through the table with a power bomb of his own.
Psycho walks back to the ring and pulls out a ladder. Psycho sets up the ladder and climbs to the top, but as he starts to leap, he hesitates and Gilmour pushes the ladder down. With Psycho down, Gilmour grabs the ladder and lays it across Psycho's chest, then stomps on it. Psycho writhes on the ground as Gilmour puts the ladder in the ring and throws Psycho back in as well.
(JB) This match is really heating up!
(Tom) I'll say! Now we're short one announce table.
(JB) We said this would be a brutal match, and so far, it hasn't disappointed!
(Tom) Let's hope they don't slack off now then.
(JB) I don't know that this feud will honestly end tonight. It looks like these two would fight each other every day of the week if they could!
As Gilmour climbs into the ring, Psycho gets to his feet and sets Gilmour up for what seems to be a tombstone Piledriver into the ladder, but instead he falls and puts his knees into Gilmour's chest right into the ladder. Psycho puts Gilmour's bad knee between the sides of the ladder and stomps down hard.
Gilmour rolls around the mat for a moment, then Psycho pulls him up and lands a sidewalk slam on the ladder. Psycho stands up and laughs at what seems to be a defeated Gilmour; however, Gilmour gives Psycho a low blow and jumps to his feet. As Psycho doubles over, Gilmour plants Psycho across the ladder with Doomsday. Gilmour wastes no time going for the pin and gets the three count.
(JB) Well I don't know what kind of move that was from Psycho, but it didn't stop Gilmour for very long.
(Tom) No it didn't, and now Gilmour leaves the winner!
(JB) I'm sure there will be a celebration tonight.
(Tom) There will probably be another beating for Psycho as well because Carlos doesn't look too happy.
Warpath II: The Body Count Rises
Ashley Collier has already intruded his way into the building tonight, unbeknownst to Ray Buchanan and Ryan McJohnson. It is a good thing, for Collier, not so much the NAFW Security.
The body count is rising and it now stands at two (that we’ve seen.) Ashley has been wandering the halls for a while now, so you have to assume he has channeled his inner Sam Fisher on at least a handful more of security guards. Well, I know that red stuff covering his taped fists isn’t ketchup and it wasn’t so visibly present in the last little piece, so you know he has been putting some work in.
Our camera discovers Ashley lurking in the shadow’s all Tyler Hyatt like watching the passing of some NAFW stagehands. He breathes heavily, but a one-man-war is exhausting. His eyes dart around his surroundings. Coast is clear. Ashley sprints from the shadows to behind some equipment that just happens to be lying around. Ashley moves against the wall in the tiny crevice of space provided. Only problem is he comes to a dead end. The only things in front of him are a door and a security guard with his back to Ashley. There is no slipping past this one; Ashley is going to have to deal with him. So be it, Ray Buchanan brought this upon himself. All he had to do was pick up a telephone.
Ashley slowly positions himself; he is lined up perfectly. He makes his move. Collier quickly wraps his left arm around the throat of the Security Guard and uses his right hand to cover his mouth. Ashley jerks him into the small space he is occupying and quickly takes away the Security Guard’s oxygen, causing him to black out. “The Born Warrior” was quite efficient, no one heard anything.
Collier peers around the equipment and looks back up the hallway. No one is around, have to make this quick. Buchanan’s office might be behind that door.
Ashley opens the door and quickly enters, shutting it behind him. The problem, however, has just begun. Ashley lifts his head up from the floor, only to stare down five NAFW security guards sitting around a table playing cards.
(Security Guard 4) Hey! You aren’t supposed to be here!
Ashley curses under his breath, but as the Guard’s all stand up, the yelling one even going as far to flip the table over for emphasis, Ashley has reached into his back pockets with both hands.
That is right, double brass knuckles. That should even the odds.
(Security Guard 5) Get him!
Guard four charges at Ashley. Collier sidesteps and drives his knee into his stomach. Guard seven has grabbed the steel chair he was sitting on and comes after Ashley screaming his war cry. “The Born Warrior” merely punches the chair back into the poor saps face. Guard five and six are coming now. Ashley leap frogs Guard six and drives his knuckled adorned fist right into the temple of Guard five. Guard four has come to his senses and grabs Ashley from behind. Guard Six and Guard Seven begin to walk towards Ashley. He pushes himself off the ground with his feet, kicks the two guards in the chest and then falls backwards onto four, breaking the clinch. Mister Eight swings his baton downward at Collier’s chest, but he rolls out of the way. Ashley then sweeps his feet out from under him. “The Born Warrior” kips up off the floor and connects with a left uppercut on a rising Guard Six. Seven is on his feet now, wait, now he is down courtesy of an overhand right.
If you did the math correctly, that leaves two guards that aren’t Knocked The Fuck Out, yet. Guard Eight and Guard Four are now back to their feet and they stand across the room from Ashley, looking quite pissed off. Collier motions for them to “Just Bring It” and they do.
Guard Four charges at the same time as Guard Eight whips his baton at Collier’s head. Ashley has to duck and it gives Four the opening to tackle Ash to the ground. Collier manages to have the presence of mind to rain a few shots into Four’s rib cage breaking the mount. However Ash doesn’t have the time to react to the foot coming for his face.
Both Guards now begin to lay boots and fists into a downed Collier. Ashley tries to cover up, but the flurry is too much. After a good minute or so, the Guards lay-off and drag Ashley back to his feet. Guard Eight grabs Ashley from behind and holds him for Guard Four. Four is wielding the nightstick and he swings at Ashley’s head, but Collier ducks and the guard levels the other one. Four turns around to hit Collier on the rebound, but Ashley is a step ahead and drives a wild haymaker into the guard’s jaw that sends a spray of blood flying out of his mouth. Eight is trying to get to his feet, but Ashley runs forward and punt kicks his head off (not literally) but it puts him down with the rest of his comrades.
Ashley lowers his fists to his side and then begins to clutch his aching rib cage.
(Ashley) Aw, shit, I think one of you pricks may have bruised my ribs.
Ashley walks across the room and opens a door on the opposite side. He steps through it and into another hallway. He quickly finds the nearest cover and gets behind it.
Out.
Back at ringside, it should be noted that a new table has been erected, to replace the one broken during the match between Psycho and Peter Gilmour. The Saskatchewan announce table's been resurrected as well, for those wondering. (For those curious as to why a Saskatchewan announce table even exists, since they do speak English in Canada, we have no good reason.)
(Tom) Ashley Collier's still on the loose.
(JB) So it would seem! But he's yet to run into Ryan McJohnson!
(Tom) Something tells me he's going to.
(JB) I can't disagree with that!
Things Get Dumber
Cut.
We're at the craft's services table, sight of many memorable moment. Stupid moments, but memorable ones. Nicole Devereaux is standing over the table, looking at the food and trying to figure out what she wants to eat. She's still in her gear, the outfit she wore during the match and is smiling, thinking about the win.
A few moments pass and Gillian Narcotica Ruiz, hereafter known as GNR, walks up to her. She, as is usual, is skanked out to the skankiest peak of skankdom, in gold, mostly. She stops one step behind and one to the left of Nicole and coughs, once. Then she does it again.
(GNR) [cough]slut[/cough] [cough]slut[/cough]
Nicole turns around and glares at GNR, looking slightly miffed. But she doesn't do anything. She just turns back. GNR steps up, next to Nicole, acting as sweet as a trailer trash skank can act.
(GNR) Excuse me.
Nicole moves aside a little and goes about making a sandwich.
(GNR) It was a nice match our boys put on, wasn't it…what was your name?
Nicole glances over, fully aware that was a dig. She ignores it.
(Nicole) Nicole.
(GNR) Really? I knew a stripper named Nicole once. Her ass sagged like you wouldn't believe. She said it was from getting pounded in it all those times, but I guess you'd know all about that.
Nicole works on her sandwich. Faster.
(GNR) Anyhow, I just wanted to make sure you knew how lucky your guy was today. To beat my boys like that? That kind of crap doesn't happen twice.
(Nicole) Right.
Nicole finishes her sandwich, pastrami on rye, and starts walking away. GNR, she's filled a cup with something and is stirring it.
(GNR) Oh and Nicky?
Nicole turns around. Mistake.
GNR throws what looks like punch on Nicole, who drops her sandwich and looks at her rival. She is miffed.
(GNR) Do stay all whored up.
Nicole steps forward, aggressive.
(Nicole) I'm the whore? You're the one who looks like she fell off the skank wagon and landed on slut boulevard. Tell me, did you buy those clothes or did you just rob Anna Nicole Smith's grave?
GNR slaps Nicole.
(Nicole) Thank you so much.
Nicole shoots in at GNR, taking her down with a double leg. Once GNR is down Nicole mounts and starts raining punches.
Out of nowhere Rex Michaels and Ken appear, pulling the women apart. The ladies scream at each other, unintelligible.
Us? We cut.
(Tom) What are those guys doing, breaking up a cat fight?
(JB) My guess would be, stopping them from hurting each other.
(Tom) Also stopping us from the chance to see some bra action!
(JB) Two women brawling, and you automatically jump to bras?
(Tom) Two women standing, and I automatically jump to bras! Heck, even one woman, doing anything…
(JB) And you automatically jump to bras. I should have known better.
(Tom) Yes, you should have.
Repenting Devastator
(JB) Well, this is the sit-down we’ve been anxiously anticipating. Earlier in the week, our Foundation Heavyweight Champion to discuss the root of his problems with Heatwave over the past month and even moreso, why he left his cousin and his cousin’s wife at the mercy of the Madman From Miami.
(Tom) Enjoy it, I’m going to sleep. Or even better yet, I’m going to go talk with that in the second row behind us. She’s been eyeballing me all night.
(JB) We’re on the air for crying out…ah forget about it. Roll the tape.
So as Tom drops his headset and JB prays this isn’t an impending harassment suit waiting to happen, we go to the image from Annihilation some four months ago. John’s talking over the footage we see of Aarons beaten and left handcuffed at the bottom rope, drenched in Jack and gasoline all but ready to be cooked.
(John) So let’s go back to the beginning here, you’re confronted by an angry Trevor Cunning who wants his rematch for the Foundation Heavyweight Championship you took from him after the conclusion of Three Wishes 2007. He gets the better of you, douses you with Jack and is about to set you on fire. What’s going through your mind at this point in time?
(The Reaper) Honestly, I’m thinking if and when I ever get uncuffed, I’m going to make this man wish he were a little quicker on the draw. I’ll make Trevor wish he never, EVER thought about giving me such a low quality drink such as Jack when true champs like myself drink Crown Royal.
An honest chuckle from Aarons, making light of a life-threatening situation is a little odd but we continue viewing the footage as Stryker runs down to stop Cunning.
(John) So here we see you handcuffed and still a lit match away from becoming a human torch. Stryker never puts out the lighter and it’s here that we see the lights go out and a few moments later, we see the flame that ignites you. What was going through your mind there?
(The Reaper) Honestly…I thought that was it. I thought that for the years I spent making the lives of so many others miserable, this was my time to go up for all I’ve done. And I gotta tell ya, when I felt that fire extinguisher hit me as fast as it did…I was relieved. To see your life, your career flash in front of your eyes…to feel your skin starting to burn to the point where it’s starting to cook like bacon on a skillet, makes you truly grateful for all the things you have in this industry. For all that this industry makes possible…
It’s here that he pauses briefly, staring at the faceplate of his championship in a reflective manner as John presses forward. We now see Mills and Aarons sitting face to face, only with Aarons staring at his championship while Mills is staring at him.
(John) Now the week after, in a rather surprising move you come back to cost Mike Stryker the Atlantic Championship. At the time you told me you did so because you assumed that he was the one who lit you on fire. Hindsight being 20/20, I guess we couldn’t blame you for thinking that since he had the lighter in his hand at the time the lights went out and all, but knowing what you know now about who did it, are you sorry that you went after Stryker?
Aarons doesn’t look up from the championship that he hasn’t taken his eyes off of since he made his last statement.
(John) Leonard? Aren’t you the least bit apologetic that because you got the wrong man, you cost him a championship he worked hard to get back from Hush?
(The Reaper) He shouldn’t have lost the thing to begin with if it meant so much to him for starters. Secondly, no, I feel nothing towards Stryker for costing him his Second Best belt. He was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, holding the wrong damn thing. So as far as I’m concerned, since he appeared to be in no rush to get me out of that predicament he should consider himself lucky that leaving him prone for a three count was all I cared to do at that point.
John’s a bit shocked by Leonard’s response, moreso how sharply it comes out and the sudden change in demeanor we see that accompany it.
(John) Well, let’s speed it forward to Redemption. In NYC, you defend your title against Stryker in a back and forth match up until the very end. Stryker locks you in the New York Cloverleaf and a lot of people believe that this is it. However, Mr. Black comes in and stops things, getting you disqualified while retaining your title. Yet after the match ends, the look on your face when it was revealed that Heatwave was the culprit is one we still haven’t figured out.
Aarons yet again, isn’t sure what to say as his look switches again. This one goes from utter indifference to that of utter remorse.
(John) I’ve spoken with Heatwave over the past few weeks and he believes you to be the bane of his existence. He also claims to be the reincarnate of all your past sins come to life. Yet a few months ago, when he first confronted you face to face and hinted at coming after you, it was you who stated that you were past that point in your life.
(The Reaper) Because I am.
(John) So after everything that’s happened, with Vanessa being attacked by Heatwave, with Charlene having her neck broken and Lorenzo’s ankle being broken again putting him on the shelf again for an undisclosed amount of time…you don’t have any inkling to return to your old ways?
Aarons sighs heavily, very much troubled as he still hasn’t looked up. The right question as it were, has not been asked yet.
(The Reaper) If I returned to my old ways, trust me John, things would be a lot worse around here for a LOT of people. I’m not trying to go back to what I was. I turned the page and I was hoping Heatwave could recognize that.
(John) Well here’s something we all want to know…what really was behind you going as far as you did three years ago? Why did you feel the need to break Nicole Burbank’s neck?
That as they say, is the right question. For three solid years, nobody, not even Vanessa has asked him 'why’. Vanessa wasn’t expected to, because at the time she felt like no matter what L did, he was more than justified for doing it. Yet, now, he feels like that guilty man who’s just waiting to confess only he’s waiting on the right question so he can give the 'right answer’. So he looks up, a great deal of regret in his eyes as he responds in what can only be described as a very remorseful tone.
(The Reaper) Three years ago, Heatwave, Lorenzo and myself were all part of a group known as the East Coast Connection. A group I created with the simple intent on more or less letting the youngsters get our shine on. We had a ton of past their primers and beyond their timers thinking they were going to keep us down. I had other ideas and I had others behind me who felt the same. With Heatwave, we knew of each other going back to the very beginning but until the NWC: Atlantic, never got to really speak to each other.
Short pause.
(The Reaper) After I trimmed the excess from the group, we got rolling. The East Coast Connection gained steam and by the time the calendar year hit 2003, we ran that region. Heatwave was the East Coast Champion and yours truly was only a short time away from becoming the reigning Atlantic Heavyweight Champion. However, in June of that year I ran afoul of the Council’s Executive Director who I was working under at that time in his quest to dissolve the Council. I changed my mind about midway through and on the night of June 15th, ole Ben Van Iten decided to send his head henchman to see if I’d change my mind. I didn’t. So we got into it and I got my ass handed to me. The only thing that stopped me from being crippled that night was Vanessa being the cushion between myself and a stack of chairs that would’ve surely took some time off my career.
(John) So…what about Heatwave? One would think that he would’ve been there to catch your back.
A subtle shake of the head from Aarons. If this were three years earlier, he’d have laughed out loud at that, but as he has said, he’s at a different place in his life.
(The Reaper) No, he wasn’t and at the time I guess he was right for not being there. It wasn’t his fight, but at that time I felt betrayed because for the biggest fight he had, it was the E.C.C. that was there front and center to make sure he wasn’t robbed of his opportunity. So yeah, I was infuriated and rightly so, but ya know what? I knew I had to teach him a lesson.
(John) So at what point did you decide to do what you did?
(The Reaper) Honestly, I don’t know. It took me a while after I recovered from that to really decide what the best course of action would be for handling him. I place a very high premium on trust and loyalty. Make no mistake John, everything he has told you to this point about me, almost everything has been true. I was that evil. I was that damn despicable and he knows probably better than most what I’m truly capable of…only he’s not fully clued in on what’s really up.
(John) Meaning?
(The Reaper) Meaning, after the time came for me to take action on Heatwave after he gained the Axiom Heavyweight Championship in 2004 while I was away with other things, I felt that was the time to teach him that valuable lesson about not turning your back on your friends and moreso…not turning your back on me. But after I did what I did, after I had my crew hold him and his kid down, then watch me break his wife’s neck I had what some would call a moment of clarity. An epiphany that led to me repenting of my sins and past transgressions.
Aarons isn’t a man who has shown much if any weakness to this point in time. For him it has been kendo sticks and broken bodies abound, but hearing him have to rehash all of this is causing something inside of him to snap. It remains a mystery what exactly is keeping him from breaking down right now.
(The Reaper) So I left Axiom for a little while after I lost the Axiom Heavyweight Championship and all told, I didn’t care. I had my measure of revenge and even though it was at a price that I honestly overvalued all things considered, I needed some time off. So Axiom goes under and I get word about the NAFW from an old colleague of mine by the name of VYC.
(John) VYC told you about the NAFW?
(The Reaper) Eh, mentioned it in passing, but yet and still, I got the message. I figured this would be the perfect place for me to turn over a new leaf. A fan base that didn’t know of my past and what few did, I felt the challenge of making them know me for what I was going to do as opposed to what I had done was well worth it.
(John) So you target Charles Johnson who confronted you at the Body Count Pre-Show and a few weeks later, you end his reign as United States Champion.
Aarons nods.
(John) So what brought everything to a halt for you?
(The Reaper) At first, I’ll say it was Vanessa leaving me after Rage because she felt I wasn’t my old self. She thought I’d just play the good guy for a little bit and then go back to devastating without remorse or regret just cause I could. I kept telling her that eventually, it’d catch up with me because as my father always told me, there’s always someone out there that’s better than you. I knew at some point, someone was going to get me a lot worse than I’ve ever got them. So after dropping the belt, I took off to the Alps for some time away from everyone and everything.
(John) So why come back?
(The Reaper) Got bored. When I came back to the States after spending some time abroad, I felt like I had much more left to do. As I said in my return promo at Ultimate Showdown, I was 26, had no major injuries and had a lot of unfinished business to take care of.
(John) But did you ever think for one second that Heatwave would ultimately try to get payback on you?
(The Reaper) Yeah…I think I did. But that arrogant part of me honestly didn’t let me think he’d take it as far as he would. Everything I’ve done to people over the years has been done to basically stop them from being at their absolute best when they face me, to take them off their game just enough so that I could finish em’ off nice and proper. I can only think of one set instance where I intentionally set out to end a man’s career just out of sheer spite and I did just that.
(John) So why not Heatwave?
(The Reaper) Because it was never that personal with him. With him, it was more of a Fredo/Michael thing in that I wanted to show him that he’d never be as great as me even if he tried. I had to show him that he wasn’t strong enough to survive on his own without the Connection backing him up and I was right. He might have had enough to fend off the Bishops of the world, but going against me was something he wasn’t ready for.
(John) He looks ready now in a major way. So I guess what we want to know is, are you ready to face him?
(The Reaper) No. I’m not backing off my initial position. I’m not going to backtrack just because he has a three year itch he wants scratched.
It’s here that Aarons looks directly into the camera, his brown eyes locked in showing a level of repent that is generally saved for those who know they’re on the edge of more or less losing it all.
(The Reaper) I’m sorry. I’m sorry for what I’ve done to your family, I’m sorry for what I did to you. I went further than I should have and simply put, I’ve learned the error in my ways. That’s it. I’m done talking about this, I’m done dealing with it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to train for Chain Reaction.
(John) But what if Heatwave isn’t ready to forgive and forget after…
As Aarons removes his microphone from his collar, he can be heard audibly saying…
(The Reaper) Then I guess he won’t ever be then.
The camera shows Aarons walking away as we cut back to ringside.
(JB) Well, we've had a great night so far but this will be the second of our two title matches for the evening and this has been laced with more drama than three soap operas put together.
(Tom) What do you mean more drama than three soap operas?
(JB) For starters, you've got the trouble between the reigning champions, The Trust Fund Kids. The Goods defeated them on Annihilation 15 in a non title match.
(Tom) So? The Old School Empire's beaten them and as we found out on the most recent Annihilation, they've been laying out people with Jack Attacks left and right.
(JB) Very observant of you to say the least. The Old School Empire have been laying out people with these Jack A...
(Tom) Old School Jack Attacks! That's brilliant!
(JB) Oy me. Anyway, the Empire's been busy capitalizing on the dissension that's been growing between the Kids and laying them out as they try to lay claim to the tag straps that have eluded them for their entire careers. Tonight, will we see the rise of the Empire and the fall of the Trust? Or will The Goods be just that and walk out of here champions?
(Tom) Enough talk, let's get to it.
A siren hits the speakers and the word "EMPIRE" appears on the video screen.
(Troy) Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is set for one fall and is for the NAFW Tag Team Championships!
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 spotlight is focused on the curtain. The song kicks in and Dustin Thomas blows through the entryway, his hand pointed towards the stage. New School points up, and Shane comes out of the curtain, all oiled up and ready to go.
(Troy) Coming down the aisle at this time, the first of our challengers...
Dustin taunts the fans as he walks down the aisle, while Shane takes every opportunity to get in his bodybuilder poses. When he reaches the bottom of the ramp, the Alpha flexes his biceps and points his toe, much to the hatred of the fans.
(Troy) Weighing in at a total combined weight of five hundred and five pounds...
Dustin slides into the ring, and leaps up to the turnbuckle to soak in the jeers. The Alpha hops up the steps, and climbs into the ring. He looks around the arena before stepping between the ropes. Dustin pats him on the back one more time before Shane makes his final pose in the middle of the ring.
(Troy) Dustin and Shane... The OLD. SCHOOL. EMPIRE!!!
(JB) The Empire received the challenge from Mike Lane a few weeks ago to start proving themselves to be the Empire and they've done it in a major way.
(Tom) Old School Jack Attacks for everyone and their grandfather. Even I'm shocked with how far they've gone to prove themselves to Lane. Trust me, tonight's going to be a monumental night when the Empire walks out with all the big gold.
Say goodbye to almost all of the lights - all but a red spotlight on the stage. Now, say hello to some rapid guitar and a steady drum beat. This is "Riot" by Three Days Grace. We come into the lyrics at the chorus lead-in.
(Troy) Introducing, from Ontario, Canada...
Refusing to back down
You're not the only one
So get up
As the word "up" reaches its peak, bright red pyro explodes from the NAFWTron, and we hit the chorus.
(Troy) Accompanied to the ring by Twitch...
Three figures emerge from behind the curtain. In front are Slush and Ammo, in their dark red tights, both wearing fingerless gloves and black sunglasses. Behind them comes their manager Twitch, carrying Blake Bouchard over his shoulder.
(Troy) At a combined weight of six hundred and four pounds...
Slush and Ammo stalk down to the ring, with Twitch trailing close behind.
(Troy) Slush and Ammo... The GOOOODS!!
Slush slides under the bottom rope, then Ammo pulls himself up onto the apron and steps over the top rope. Slush and Ammo toss their sunglasses out to Twitch and prepare for the coming match.
(JB) These two teams aren't strangers to each other. They met at Redemption as part of a six-man tag with a Wish on the line. The Empire won that one.
(Tom) Of course, didn't they win in the movie?
(JB) They lost in the movie.
(Tom) Well, the Goods are going to lose here. There's a reason nice guys finish last and...
Almost as if on cue, it's here that we get...
It's All About the Benjamins Baby...
It should go without saying that this is accompanied by a rather chorus of boos, louder than if the Pistons and Red Wings were in town on the same night. Puff Daddy's rock remix of “All About The Benjamins” kicks into gear and just like that, the eight set of eyes in the ring go from each other to the duo that's on their way out.
(JB) These two would be favorites in any other situation, but the chemistry between them has been shaky, at best. Trevor's been hell-bent on making the Goods pay for embarrassing them shortly after Redemption, Keith's been...
(Tom) All misty eyed over his woman who was at the wrong place, at the wrong time.
(JB) What The Bear meant was that Keith's been very concerned over his friend Melissa Hayes, who was kidnapped by Hush and then dropped through a table at the hands of that masked madman.
(Tom) All's well that ends well though, the Trust buried that big putz and guess what? They'll retain tonight too, because not only is it All About The Benjys, it's all about Trust too.
The gold pyro streams down from both sides as the Trust Fund Kids finally emerge with titles in hand. Owens and Cunning aren't looking directly at each other, at least for the moment as their eyes are on the men in the ring. Cunning's got his Jack in hand and he downs it rather quickly, as the two of them continue heading down the ramp. There's a little something to be noted about this duo tonight, they aren't exactly in their usual moods all things considered. No theatrics from Trevor, no nothing from Owens.
(JB) I don't think we're going to have to wait long because the champs are taking off towards the ring.
(Tom) And The Goods are on top of the Old School Empire, as Troy can't even introduce the champions! Martin's calling for the bell as the Goods pound away on the Thomas Brothers! Get in there Kids! Get em'!
(JB) The Trust Fund Kids are on top of Shane and the Goods are busy pounding away on Dustin. In case anyone didn't happen to catch our final edition of Annihilation, it was revealed that the Empire were behind the rash of Jack Attacks on every last man in the ring.
(Tom) That's still no reason for them to be jumped like this.
As you can guess, it's not anything nice for Shane and Dustin as a whole. Shane's being pounded on by the Trust Fund Kids while Twitch is rooting for the Goods on the opposite side of the ring as Dustin's being kicked into oblivion by the Goods.
It's here that the four men look up at each other and albeit very temporary, agree that enough's enough. They each whip the brothers towards each other rather forcefully, the two have a meeting of the minds and it's not a great one. Dustin stumbles back towards The Goods, specifically Ammo who lifts Dustin up for a press slam as Slush is on standby. One throw later, the crowd reacts to the Priority Shipment.
(JB) What a move by The Goods here in the early going!
Shane stumbles into the waiting arms of Trevor Cunning who hoists The Alpha onto his shoulders before elevating him and having his knee greet Shane's face with the Drink 2 Forget. Keith has already taken a running start and as Shane staggers towards Keith, he can only see two things. Keith's knees coming straight at him and the lights as his back hits the mat after an Owens Express. Surprisingly, this gets a mild reaction from the fans as the Empire rolls towards the outside.
(Tom) How dare they treat the Empire like that? They don't deserve this!
(JB) They broke bottles of Jack over Keith and Trevor's heads, lest you forget. I think it's a miracle they were left breathing after all of that.
(Tom) Well, Trevor got his payback and that's all that counts.
(JB) What about Keith?
(Tom) Eh, he's okay. So now the question is, who starts for the Kids?
Indeed Tom has a point. While Ammo stands on the outside of the ring, Slush stands by just waiting in the corner for someone to oppose him. Keith and Trevor are going back and forth about who should start, causing fans to lose patience as Slush is doing the same.
After a few moments, he decides to charge after them throwing caution to the wind. Keith ducks Slush's initial swing, but Trevor's not as lucky as he stumbles backwards to the far corner. Slush starts peppering Trevor with rights and lefts, before he drags Cunning out of the corner and drops the slightly dazed Cunning with a leg sweep.
(JB) I guess Slush wants a piece of Trevor Cunning!
Slush follows this up with a couple of quick elbow drops to the chops of the former Foundation Heavyweight Champion. Slush gets to his feet and starts stomping away on the chest of Cunning, as Owens just stands in the corner smugly cheering his partner on as Slush starts gaining a head of steam. Cunning gets to his feet and ducks the initial clothesline attempt as Slush hits the other side.
Owens attempts to hit Slush, only to have Slush stop on a dime to yell at Owens. Cunning tries to take this opportunity to get the upper hand only to have Slush sense this coming and send Cunning into Owens, who's unable to put on the brakes causing Owens and Cunning to collide with Owens being knocked off the apron.
As Cunning's left to look at Owens hit the deck, he takes his eyes off of Slush just long enough for him to get a head of steam. When Cunning turns back around, he sees that Slush's airborne and Slush's elbow appears to be late for a meeting with Cunning's jaw as evident by the velocity at which Cunning feels the Ice Breaker.
(JB) Owens doesn't appear to be too happy with being hit by Cunning moments ago, now that they're face to face on the outside!
(Tom) Must you try to stir the pot?! This is just a misunderstanding that will get worked out.
(JB) That might be so, but this has been an ongoing thing between the two of them and I don't think all's well within the Trust.
As the Trust argue back and forth, the Empire has recovered from their beating earlier and, much as they have for the past few weeks, have decided to strike when nobody sees it coming.
Dustin comes running in from behind attacking Slush as referee Jason Martin begins admonishing Dustin to get out of the ring. Dustin stops to jaw jack with Jason just long enough for Slush to fire back a few hard rights of his own. After sending Dustin back into the ropes on the opposite side, Slush sends Dustin for the ride only it gets reversed.
Trevor sees Slush coming and buries a hard forearm into his lower back as he stumbles forward, allowing Dustin to nail New School planting Slush on the mat. Just as he goes for the cover however, Trevor pulls Dustin out as he slides back in. Keith and Dustin start slugging away at each other on the outside as Trevor makes a rather sloppy cover.
(JB) Our first cover of the match by Cunning and...
(Tom) Hook the leg!
(JB) In rushes Shane to break up the pin surprisingly enough.
(Tom) Cunning was going to yank him off the mat anyway before three, the Trust will finish him when they're ready.
Meanwhile, Shane's had enough of Dustin being hammered on by Keith, so he comes over to get himself some of The Difference Maker as Cunning starts to stomp away on Slush. Just as he starts to taunt Ammo, he sees Keith being attack on the opposite side and has a decision to make. Continue the beating on Slush or help his best friend... so he takes a running start and does what anyone would do...
(JB) Cunning's airborne through the ropes! Drunken Plancha on top of the Empire!
(Tom) WHAT THE?!
(JB) Cunning made like he was going to drop an elbow on Slush, but he dove through the middle and top ropes to come crashing down on top of his opponents.
(Tom) What is that idiot Twitch doing?
(JB) Through the chaos, we've forgotten that Slush can still tag Ammo into this thing and the big man is seriously anxious to get into this match after all this time.
Ammo is leaning his massive frame over the ropes, practically begging to be tagged in as Cunning pulls himself up off the pile. Shane has started moving as well, as he slides his way into the ring first and can only see Slush reaching out towards Ammo. By the time he's on his knees, Slush has tagged out and everyone's going bonkers.
(JB) Here comes Ammo!
Cunning's still on the outside getting to his feet as Ammo makes a beeline for Shane. Ammo shrugs off Thomas' attempts at offense in the form of lefts and rights, laughing the final blow off before booting his face into the bleachers.
Dustin runs in and starts to wail away on Ammo, only to draw Slush back into the fray. Slush starts to attack Dustin as Keith and Trevor are on the outside picking their spot. As Shane gets to his feet, he's pawed by Ammo who sends him in for the ride, only to catch a sidewalk slam for his troubles upon the return.
Slush has the upper hand on Dustin up until said point when he makes a slight miscalculation in a swing, leaving an opening for Dustin to drop him with an Osaka Street Cutter. By this point, Twitch has about lost all control, but this is the least of his worries.
(JB) What are those two doing?
(Tom) I think they're about to make Twitch really TWITCH.
(JB) Trevor just knocked Twitch down and he's got that towel, but what's he doing with it?
(Tom) He's holding it for the victory to come, just you see.
With Slush dispatched, this leaves Ammo alone with two members of the Empire while the Trust Fund Kids continue to lie in wait. Ammo gets Shane up and stuffs him between his legs for a potential Lock & Load, but Dustin breaks it up with a running knee to the back. Ammo drops Shane and turns his attention towards Dustin as Shane struggles to get his breath back. As this happens, Trevor jumps into the mix as Keith darts around to the other side.
(JB) What's Owens doing sneaking around to the opposite side?
(Tom) Go ask him. I'm concerned about Trevor and that... towel.
(JB) GOOZLE!!! Time for a...
(Tom) Good move Dust-o. Nice kick to the knee.
(JB) Dustin's let go of Trevor, but on the opposite side, Keith's got Shane! He's got him locked in and...
(Tom) THE DIFFERENCE MAKER!!! SEE! I told you they were on the same page!
(JB) But how do they... wait a second! TURN AROUND AMMO!!!
(Tom) OWENS EXPRESS!!! Big dummy never saw it coming!
Ammo never did as his attention was turned towards Dustin as Trevor and Dustin are now going at each other. Slush is coming around, but Keith's going for the cover on Shane.
(Tom) Oh no... Slush is getting up. Come on ref, COUNT!!!
The following sequence is something out of a movie. As Trevor and Dustin slug it out while Ammo's still reeling after catching the Owens Express, Slush slides back into the ring just as the ref's hand hits one.
(JB) One!!
(Tom) Two!!
The ref's hand hits two and Trevor manages to kick Dustin in the man region, as he reaches down for his bottle of Jack in the corner and hurls it in the general direction of Slush. The purpose isn't to hit him, but get him to stop just long enough for the ref to finish his count. Slush stops as the ref's hand hits two and the bottle goes flying out towards the audience. As the ref's hand goes up for the third and final time, Trevor's taken off towards Slush as the hand starts to drop. Trevor lunges for Slush at the same exact time that Slush lunges for Keith.
Remember the end of the Rams/Titans Super Bowl seven years ago?
(Tom) THREE!!!
The ref's hand hits the mat for the third and final time just as Slush's hand comes within inches of breaking up the count and directly near him is Cunning, the reason his hand came just inches short of stopping the pin. The Trust retain and the fans boo.
(JB) DAMNIT! DAMN THOSE KIDS!!!
(Tom) What are you talking about? That was brilliant! A flying bottle distracted stupid Crud and that allowed Trevor enough time to keep Crud from breaking up the count.
(Troy) Here are your winners... and STILL! NAFW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!
As you can guess, this reaction isn't well received at all by the fans in Chicago as the Trust Fund Kids are on the outside. Slush is on his feet furious, Ammo's barely up and around to comprehend what's just happened. Shane's alive after the Difference Maker, but he's in no rush to move. Dustin's up on the apron and he's not happy.
As “It's All About The Benjamins” plays, the only smiles in the place belong to the men who walked in with the belts. The Trust Fund Kids.
(JB) What a battle. A crazy start to this thing, followed up by an even crazier finish... But in the end, we will not be crowning new Tag Team Champions here tonight.
(Tom) Too bad for the Thomas Brothers... But if it can't be the Empire, I trust in The Trust over The Goods any day!
(JB) I can't say the crowd agrees with you on that one, Bear.
(Tom) Whatev.
Warpath III: Goliath
Ashley Collier has drawn first blood tonight. His war against Ray Buchanan and his army of security guards has been quite successful. Outside of some bruised ribs and a bloody lip, Collier has sustained minimal damage.
We catch up with Collier inside of an empty locker-room choking a Guard out from behind. As the poor guy loses consciousness, Ashley tosses his limp body into an empty locker.
That is when the gray metal door swings open and Ryan McJohnson steps into the locker-room.
(McJohnson) What the hell!?!
Ashley looks up and locks eyes with McJohnson. He flashes that shit eating grin he loves to flash at people and gets into his fighting stance.
(Ashley) Well, well, well, if it isn't Ray-Ray's lap dog. You here to do what so many of your security guards couldn't do?
McJohnson isn't a complete fool. He now realizes that "The Born Warrior" is the one taking out his security force one by one and he charges Collier for his fallen comrades.
Ashley realizes he is in for a real fight now. He side-steps McJohnson and throws him into the lockers using his own momentum against him. Ryan rams his head into the steel, but it doesn't phase him at all. In fact, it just pisses him off. The very large and very strong McJohnson spins around and catches Ashley off guard enough to wrap him up into a bear hug. Ashley screams out in pain and he begins to rain down fists upon McJohnson's head to no avail. Hector's one time bodyguard rushes forward and slams Ashley into the steel lockers. Collier grimaces from the pain in his ribs, but before he can regain his bearings, McJohnson throws him across the locker-room.
Ashley struggles to even get up to one knee, but as he rests in the position, McJohnson rams his size fifteen boot into Collier's temple. Ryan is all over him like stink on shit and he reaches down and grabs Ashley by the throat. McJohnson lifts Ashley to his feet and then into the air. He chokeslams Ashley downward into the seat of a steel chair. Collier's eyes grow to about the size of golf balls from the pain shooting through his spine and rib cage. McJohnson has no remorse though, he picks Ashley up again and begins to throw combinations to "The Born Warrior's" body. Ashley has superior boxing skills though and he counters as McJohnson hook into a left uppercut, followed by a right hook. With Ryan reeling, Ashley runs forward and levels the big man with a clothesline.
McJohnson is right back to his feet though and Ashley grabs a steel chair. He swings for Ryan's head, but McJohnson just punches the chair back into his face. Ashley falls to the ground and McJohnson picks up the chair. He measures Ashley up, right before he cracks the steel chair against his back. Collier stumbles forward, but he has the presence of mind to keep walking and escapes out the door. Too bad McJohnson follows.
Ryan grabs Ashley by the head and rams his face into the concrete wall. He spins around and then throws Ashley into the opposite wall across the hall. Ashley falls down and rolls to his stomach. He then slowly begins to crawl away from McJohnson, but Ryan is already over him. McJohnson throws a few stiff kicks into Ashley's rib cage before he picks him up. McJohnson rocks Ashley with some rights and lefts before he kicks him in the gut and throws him over his shoulder into the powerbomb position. McJohnson runs forward and throws Ashley into a steel door, which breaks off at the hinges. The loud crash of the door smacking against the concrete floor echoes through the halls. Ashley has literally become Ryan McJohnson's human wrecking ball.
Ashley is beaten down and broken. He is on the verge of unconsciousness as McJohnson bends down and wraps both of his bear paw size hands around Collier's throat. McJohnson lifts Collier from the floor and into the air. Ashley flails around as he struggles for air. McJohnson smiles savagely as he slowly squeezes the life from Ashley's body. As Collier's eyes begin to roll back into his head, he does what any desperate man would do in this situation. He cocks his size twelve back and rams it right into the family jewels of Ryan McJohnson.
Ryan drops Ashley as he falls to his knees, grabbing at his privates from the pain. Collier falls and lands against the wall. He sits there and watches McJohnson as he slowly tries to catch his breath. Ashley slowly reaches into his pocket and slides a pair of brass knuckles on his right hand. He patiently waits and McJohnson begins to get to his feet. Ryan stands before Ashley and begins to reach down to pick him up.
Collier catches Ryan completely off-guard as he drives a brass knuckled right uppercut into McJohnson's testicles. The force of the blow and the previous damage to his nether regions, causes McJohnson to actually faint. He falls backwards into an unconscious heap upon the floor. Ashley slowly crawls over on top of McJohnson and gets right into his face.
(Ashley) You just got, KNOCKED THE FUCK OUT!
Ashley rolls off of McJohnson and slowly staggers back to his feet. He leans against the wall for support and walks down the hall.
Out.
(JB) I can't believe it.
(Tom) McJohnson isn't invincible!
(JB) It took a pair of low blows – one with the added force of brass knuckles – to take him down.
(Tom) But he's down! And Ashley Collier now has nothing standing in his way!
(JB) This is one dangerous individual.
Don't You Forget About Me
Cut backstage. We're in one of the many hallways that make up the inner workings of the United Center.
Walking down said hallway are a pair of individuals. The first is dressed in partial wrestling attire, a pair of dark red cargo pants, one of his t-shirts from the merchandise department, and a pair of Ruby Oakley sunglasses. The second is a shortish, baldish man, wearing khakis and a polo shirt. He has a dark red towel draped over his shoulders.
Spaz and Twitch.
They round a corner, and walking toward them is a man dressed casually in a pair of black denim jeans and a white tank top. He has 5 inches on Spaz in height, and is also a familiar face... Particularly to one Leonard Aarons. His name is Heatwave. Of course, Twitch has another name for him...
(Twitch) Cold Snap!
Heatwave slows his pace, as Spaz and Twitch do the same. The three men stop, with Spaz and Twitch a few feet away from Heatwave.
(Heatwave) You got a problem or something? If so I’m not Dr. Phil so keep it moving.
Clearly he's focused on the opportunity to come: Chain Reaction. Not only his chance to get his hands on his nemesis Leonard Aarons, but also a shot at The Reaper's Foundation Heavyweight Championship.
Rather than allowing Twitch to respond, and probably get into trouble, Spaz speaks up.
(Spaz) Just passing through.
Heatwave begins to move again.
(Heatwave) Then pass before something bad happens to the both of you.
Spaz holds up a hand. Heatwave halts his motion, obviously becoming a little irritated.
(Spaz) Hold on a second, though. While we're both here, why not chat a minute?
Heatwave glares at Spaz and sighs loudly, not particularly interested in a chat, but willing to listen... At least for now.
(Spaz) I saw your webcasts this week. Nice work.
No response from Heatwave.
(Spaz) But I noticed a disturbing oversight on your part.
Now Heatwave raises an eyebrow.
(Heatwave) Yeah, what about 'em?
Spaz smiles, like only Spaz can.
(Spaz) Well, I watched them a second time to be sure... You seemed to forget that you and the Reaper...
(Twitch) Weeper.
Spaz cuts a glare at his manager. Twitch doesn't seem to care.
(Spaz) That you and Aarons aren't the only ones in this match tonight.
Heatwave laughs.
(Heatwave) We might as well be. You want the title... You do what you have to do but what I got against The Reaper is personal and the Foundation Title is business.
Spaz nods.
(Spaz) I know all about personal. I'll be getting myself a piece of Mike Lane tonight... But I'd be a fool to ignore the six other people I intend to face off with in this match.
Heatwave steps forward. Twitch cringes and steps aside... But Spaz holds his ground.
(Heatwave) Are you calling me a fool now? I'd choose my next words really carefully...
Spaz, still not backing down, simply shakes his head.
(Spaz) Not exactly. See, you're only going to be in there with three or four of the other six... And aside from Aarons, you have no idea who they'll be. That is, assuming you don't get knocked out before the Champ even steps on the ramp.
Heatwave gets even closer. In response, Twitch gets even further away. But again, Spaz doesn't budge.
(Heatwave) You can be sure of one thing: I'll be there when Aarons steps in.
Spaz smiles again.
(Spaz) And you can be sure of one thing...
Now Spaz is the one to get closer. Heatwave is looking down and Spaz looking up, but they're toe-to-toe and pretty much nose-to-nose.
(Spaz) So will I.
(Heatwave) You're certain of that?
(Spaz) Completely.
(Heatwave) We'll see.
(Spaz) That we will.
The two stare at each other for a moment, and that's where we cut back to ringside.
(Tom) Go back! I want to see Heatwave kick Spaz's ass!
(JB) I don't think that's going to happen at this point, Bear.
(Tom) You're an idiot! Nobody gets in the Madman from Miami's face like that and lives to tell about it!
(JB) Spaz does make a good point, Bear. Heatwave has been so completely focused on Aarons that the other competitors have barely registered on his radar!
(Tom) And now Spaz just went and threw himself onto that radar! If he's even still around when Heatwave comes in, we're going to see some fireworks for sure!
(JB) Maybe, Bear. Maybe.
Greatness Never Apologizes
Just before we can go back to ringside however, we cut to a stark raving angry Vanessa Chamberlain as she’s storming towards a dressing room. As coincidence and dumb luck would have it, not only has she seen the interview in its entirety by Aarons, she’s now on her way towards his dressing room to confront him about this. She storms in, slamming the door shut behind her as Aarons has just gotten the last chunk of tape on his right hand torn off with his teeth. She stands before him her shoulders heaving in rhythm with her breathing, a great deal of it being that of disbelief.
(Vanessa) What the shit was that?
(The Reaper) What was what?
(Vanessa) Since when did you decide to grow a conscience and start apologizing for things you’ve done to others? Because I seem to have missed the part where you apologized for putting my head through a television set.
The Reaper simply stares at her for all of a few moments before rolling his eyes at her and turning away. This doesn’t go over well with Vanessa, who starts towards him and turns his attention back towards her.
(Vanessa) I’m sorry but I’m thinking you forgot the part where Greatness Doesn’t Apologize.
(The Reaper) Look V, enough’s enough. I’m sick of having to deal with the past and all the things that come with it. If apologizing doesn’t get him off my back…
(Vanessa) You honestly think someone that set you on fire is going to all of a sudden back off because you said you’re sorry about three years too late? Maybe you deserve to get burned again. Maybe this time, those crews will be a second too late in putting your ass out.
He tries to turn away again, but she’s not having it. This time, she paint brushes him hard with her left hand right in the mush.
(Vanessa) You’re justifying why I left your ass high and dry in Vegas two years ago, ya know? The man I loved didn’t apologize for being greater than everyone else, for being willing to go further and deeper than everyone else. He went out there, kicked ass and pitied the poor souls who dared oppose him. For all that I honestly thought I knew about you, weakness wasn’t one of them.
She does it again, this time he cranes his head back towards her slowly with a rather sneer creasing his chiseled face.
(Vanessa) Greatness NEVER apologizes for being great and I NEVER thought the day would come when I would EVER hear you apologize for proving a point to someone who damn sure deserved it. You know why I never questioned you about what you did to Nicole? Because up until said point when you gave me reason to, I never had to. I knew you’d do whatever you had to do to get what was your back and you did. I questioned you when you started to question yourself, because you didn’t have it in you to STOP SECOND GUESSING YOURSELF.
It’s here that she goes to paint brush him one more time, only it’s here that his right hand shoots out and locks itself right around her hand stopping it in its tracks.
(The Reaper) You done?
(Vanessa) You’re only moments away from walking into a match where no champion has ever successfully walked out of and one of those men set on taking that thing away from you is the same man who tried to end your career in Boston. You do whatever you need to do to sleep better tonight, but rest assured that you’ll be sleeping tonight without your Foundation Heavyweight Championship next to your bed.
She starts off breaking free of his grip, as he stands there fuming. It’s here that Aarons grabs his belt along with a bottle of Dew and with only a few long strides, catches Vanessa and cuts her off. He stares down at her as he leans in, practically snorting fire as he sneers…
(The Reaper) Just remember Nessa, the (bleep)’s chess, it ain’t checkers.
He turns and exits the locker room, slamming the door shut behind him as we see that he has left behind just two things. His customary hoodie and rather unconventionally, his Lendo Stick as Vanessa is left stunned as we go back to ringside.
(JB) The Reaper is radiating intensity here tonight.
(Tom) Really? Radiating intensity? Seriously?
(JB) That's what I said.
(Tom) Oh, I heard you… Can't believe you said something so overly dramatic and cheesy. No, wait… I do believe it. It's what you do.
(JB) Let's just go to the next match, OK?
(Tom) Fine with me!
(JB) And this should be an interesting match.
(Tom) You said it Mann-wagon.
(JB) These are two very strong competitors and I am looking forward to it.
(Tom) Just shut up and let the match start.
The opening riff plays as the word and name "SNAKE" flashes across the screen. As the guitars start to pick up, Snake is seen coming out from the back to a chorus of boos from the crowd in attendance. Snake throws his arms up in the air causing green pyro to go off on the stage behind him before he starts to make his way down to the ring. Snake takes his sweet time getting to the ring, showing his "appreciation" for the fans. When he does get to the ring, Snake slides under the bottom rope and climbs onto the nearest turnbuckle, throwing his arms up in the air once more to get one last rise out of the crowd before he turns to the referee and waits for him to signal for the bell.
(Troy) The following contest is a one-on-one match. Introducing first, from Portland, OR weighing in at 220 pounds, Snake.
The lights of the arena go out, pitch black except for the dim lights along the aisles that illuminate the crowds walkways. Suddenly, a deep voice bellows out three words.
A golden light shines down on the entrance ramp as the curtains part. Golden pyro showers down from above Krystian as he walks out in a white robe with golden trimming. He stands there with his arms outstretched as the pyro falls all around him, as the lyrics of the song kick in.