From the darkness, a picture of John Constantine almost being awarded the WZCW Heavyweight Championship on the latest edition of Meltdown. The image of Constantine is soon replaced by images of Steven Holmes and Abel Hunnicutt laughing maniacally together.
They say that money is the root of all evil.
The picture of Hunnicutt is soon replaced by pictures of Titus Avison ruthlessly taking out Flex Mussel and laughing about it; the EurAsian Championship held high above his head.
They say that money brings power...
Finally, the picture of Titus Avison is replaced by pictures of Eve Taylor raging over losing her Elite Openweight Championship.
Tonight, gold lies at the end of a Hellish journey.
Soon, the dark pictures of those who love power and evil over most other things are replaced by the 4 semi-finalists in the Gold Rush Tournament. Matt Tastic, Kagura Joheki, Garth Black and Veejay are shown, in turn, in the closing moments of their quarter-final matches.
Those who rise to the occasion,
The pictures continue to brighten from the darkness as The Phantoms of Chaos are seen holding their Championships above their heads as the crowd behind them rise to their feet in utmost celebration.
Will experience the benefits of gold.
Soon, pictures of Justin Cooper and Mark Keaton are shown, driving steel chairs into the backs of their opponents for the night; the current Tag Team Champions.
They will rise up and seize the power
Then, images of Logan McAllister can be seen battling his way through different opponents
Tonight, the brass ring lies in wait.
Finally, an image of Mikey Stormrage climbing a ladder and retrieving a Championship belt from the holder above the ring. As the Championship falls to his chest, a blinding light fills the screen and bathes it in brightness.
The camera spins around the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington, as the crowd goes absolutely crazy. WZCW Gold Rush is underway, thanks to a massive pop of fireworks and a brilliant display around the stage area. The camera continues spinning around the arena, showing off some of the thousands of Seattle fans that have packed out the arena in celebration of all things WZCW, and all things Gold Rush. Some of the signs that can be seen read “Kagura can steal anything from me”, “It's a conspiracy” and “Live Mas Rules WZCW”. The fans seem to be utterly rabid as the commentary table finally comes into shot.
Copeland: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to a warm night in the city of Seattle, Washington. But if you thought the weather was anything to go by, then you ain't seen nothing yet. Tonight, the spectacle of WZCW Gold Rush has rolled into town and we have a wonderfully packed show to go along with this wonderfully packed arena. I am Sebastian Copeland, the voice of WZCW. And tonight, I am joined, as always, by Jack Cohen and Cat Connor!
Cohen: What a night we have in store indeed, Seabass. Tonight is the night, after everything that has gone on, that John Constantine finally climbs the mountain stacked against him one more time and becomes a two-time WZCW Heavyweight Champion! Tonight is going to be an historic evening for sure.
Connor:As you can see, Jack Cohen is well on form already, ladies and gentlemen. But there is so much more to tonight. Stories will be complete, chapters will end, and new beginning might just start. The Gold Rush Tournament has always gone above and beyond to deliver some of the most exhilarating and unpredictable action that WZCW has to offer. And tonight, I can guarantee that it wont be any different.
Seabass and Cohen nod their heads as Cat continues.
Connor:And with the Heavyweight Championship hanging above the ring for the entire show tonight, thanks to Steamboat Ricky, everyone will be within inches of the biggest prize in the game. The Gold Rush Tournament comes to an end tonight and someone will claim that Championship once and for all.
Copeland:Absolutely, Cat. Veejay, Matt Tastic, Garth Black and Kagura Joheki will compete to face the new Champion at Unscripted. But so much more is on the line tonight. We have all four Championships being defended tonight, as well as the semi-finals and finals of the Gold Rush Tournament. Legends can be created tonight and it is there for the taking.
Cohen: Yeah, as long as people aren't screwed out of anything by the corrupt WZCW top brass. Garth Black is onto something, Seabass, I can feel it. But you have to give them some credit for putting this together tonight. Let's get to it...
Harrys: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is a semi-final match in the Gold Rush Tournament!
[YOUTUBE]D7hm1gI17e0[/YOUTUBE]
Introducing first, from Bollywood, India, weighing 251 pounds, “The Showbiz Himself” Veejay!
The crowd cheers as the lights go out and the music hits. Veejay makes his way onto the ramp, his jacket saying "The Show in Seattle" as he turns around. He slaps hands with some fans on his way down the ram, before he climbs into the ring and climbs the nearest turnbuckle, popping off his jacket to a nice ovation from the audience.
Copeland:Last year, Veejay was the runner up to Dorian Slaughter in the Gold Rush Tournament. He will be looking win it all here tonight.
Connor:And he will be fighting for the honor of his wife Saffron, who I hear is recovering nicely in the hospital.
Cohen:This guy has potential, he has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but he can't let outside distractions get to him.
[YOUTUBE]OmND5_zHUD4[/YOUTUBE]
And his opponent, from Southwestern, Puerto Rico, "The Invincible" Matt Tastic!
The crowd cheers wildly as Tastic makes his way through the curtain and onto the stage. He throws his arms in the air, urging the crowd to cheer louder before he sprints to the ring, sliding inside. Once inside, he paces around the ring, cupping his hand to his ear, soaking in the applause.
Cohen:I said Veejay can't let outside distractions get to him, and this is why. As much as I dislike the guy, Matt Tastic can and will capitalize on any mistakes you make.
Copeland:Right you are Jack. The former World Champion is mere feet from the top of the mountain again. Can he get there tonight?
Connor:This will be a close match, as each man has something to fight for. I expect a clean but hard hitting affair.
Referee Keith Morse checks both men and goes over last minute rules before he calls for the bell.
*DING! DING! DING!*
The two men share a quick slap of the hands as a show of respect before they begin to circle one another in the center of the ring. Neither man can get the upper hand, so they break before they go back to circling. They tie up once again, but Tastic slips into a side headlock. He isn't able to keep the hold long though, before Veejay pushes him off and into the ropes. Off the rebound Tastic runs into a shoulder block from Veejay, but he is quick to get back to his feet. They tie up a third time, this time Veejay getting the better of the exchange as he muscles his way behind Tastic. He runs him into the ropes, and rolls him up off the rebound, the referee sliding into position...One!...Two!...Kick out at two by the former champion, Tastic.
Copeland:Veejay going for the early victory here.
Cohen:Not a bad strategy, as you are going to have to wrestle twice tonight if you want to cement your name among the Gold Rush winners.
Veejay ducks a punch from Tastic on their feet, and grabs an arm and Irish whips Matt across the ring. Tastic ducks a clothesline, rebounds and then Veejay misses with a back elbow. Off the third rebound Tastic hits a flying forearm, but Veejay doesn't go down. Tastic kips up quickly and begins to throw hard right hands to the Bollywood star. Once he is softened up enough, Tastic grabs an arm and wrings on it, before using it to take Veejay down to the mat. He drives a knee into the shoulder area before he goes back to work on the arm of Veejay. As Tastic twists and wrings the arm, Veejay gets back to a vertical base. He uses his size advantage to power out and Irish whip Matt into the ropes. He goes for a hip toss, but Tastic blocks and tries to hip toss Veejay, but Veejay blocks and levels Tastic with a big clothesline. The big power move is followed up by a leaping elbow, but Tastic rolls out of the way, and once on his feet quickly latches back onto the arm of Veejay, again using it to drag the larger man to the ground. He uses the armbar to help drive a knee into the shoulder area once again. Veejay fights and uses his size and despite Tastic holding tight to the arm, gets to his feet, though Tastic still has the hold applied. Using a bit of unorthodox tactics, Veejay grabs the back of Matt's head and throws him into the turnbuckle. He charges at Matt, who slips out of the way and again goes back to the arm, using the arm drag takeover to get Veejay on the mat.
Connor:Not something you see out of Matt Tastic everyday, but he seems to have a game plan, and that is to work on the arm of Veejay.
Cohen:If he can take the power out of the arm of the hard hitting Veejay, it will make it hard for him to hit that Victory Lap.
Veejay again manages to stand, but Tastic has the arm bar firmly applied. Veejay shows off his strength though and picks Tastic up and slams him down, but Tastic rolls through and keeps the arm bar applied. Veejay continues to show his amazing resilience by getting to his feet again. Tastic starts to hammer away at the arm, but a stiff punch square to the nose of Matt from Veejay's free hand breaks the hold. Veejay shakes out his arm before he goes on the attack. He connects with a couple more punches, before he Irish whips Tastic into the ropes. Off the rebound he connects with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and immediately goes into the cover....One!...Two!...And again two is all he gets on the former champ. Not to be deterred, he quickly latches onto a chinlock, wrenching back on the hold, pulling Tastic's head back in a painful way. He loosens his grip just momentarily, as if to go for another move, but it is countered into a hammerlock by Tastic, who quickly drives a knee again into the shoulder area. As we have seen all match, Veejay works to his feet, but this time he throws a back elbow that catches Matt flush, and Matt stumbles into the corner. From there Veejay begins to work the body with some kicks to the midsection. Just before the referee gets to his five count, Veejay Irish whips Tastic across the ring, but Tastic reverses, sending Veejay into the turnbuckle. Tastic charges, but the Indian gets a boot up and catches Matt on the way in. From there he grabs Matt by the back of the head and connects with a European uppercut, before throws him back into the corner. He starts to connect with some stiff forearms, drawing the referee in for the traditional five count. He uses the entire count before he throws Tastic to the ground. Matt tries to crawl away on hands and knees, but a big boot to the side of the head stops an progress the Grand Slam winner makes. Veejay then grabs Tastic and gets him to his feet, only to plant him with a spinebuster, the mat rattles as Veejay hooks a leg...One!...Two!...Two and half as Tastic kicks out.
Copeland:So three close calls for Veejay, but Tastic showing resilience.
Connor:Veejay has to be wondering what it will take to put The Invincible One away.
Before Tastic can get to his feet, Veejay plants him with a quick DDT. Lateral press once again...One!...Two!...Again two and a half is all he gets as Tastic kicks out again. Veejay waits for Tastic to stand, before he connects with some chops to the chest, the crowd oohing and aahing with each blow. A quick body slam to follow up puts Tastic down again, but instead of going for a cover, Veejay hits the ropes. Off the rebound he looks for an elbow, but Tastic rolls out of the way. Veejay looks for the elbow again, but again Tastic rolls out of the way. On his feet, and a third elbow misses from Veejay, as Tastic scrambles to his feet. He connects with some right hands, backing Veejay up into the corner, still with the rights. At the count of four, Matt connects with a spinning back kick that causes Veejay to stumble out of the corner. Tastic follows it up with a snap powerslam, and he keeps the leg hooked as the ref gets to position....One!....Two!...Veejay kicks out at two. Using a handful of hair, much to the ire of the referee, Tastic gets Veejay on his feet. He whips him into the ropes and catches him with a punch right to the midsection, which startles Veejay enough for Tastic to hit a Huricanrana. He has the legs hooked...One!...Two!...Thr-No! Veejay kicks out as the referee's hand was coming down for the three.
Cohen:Tastic is coming alive, Veejay may be in trouble.
Connor:The Bollywood heartthrob needs to find some offense and fast.
Both men are on their feet, but Veejay is reeling. A big chop across the chest lights up Veejay, before a spinning wheel kick puts him down. Tastic then pulls Veejay closer to the ropes and steps outside onto the apron. He uses the ropes to spring into the ring with a Tope Atomico. He covers Veejay. One!...Two!...Two and nothing more, as Veejay refuses to stay down. Tastic pulls Veejay to his feet and grabs him, looking for what appears to be a bulldog, but Veejay shoves him away, chest first into the turnbuckle. Veejay calls for the end, and the crowd comes alive. He hoists Tastic onto his shoulders, and looks for the Victory Lap, but Tastic starts to throw elbows and elbows his way free. From behind he grabs Veejay in a backslide, but Veejay fights it. Tastic uses the ropes to flip over and uses an inside cradle to roll him up!...One!...Two!...Thr-No Again. Veejay kicks out. Tastic was sure it was three and pleads his case with the referee, not seeing Veejay making his way up from behind. He clubs Matt across the back, causing him to stumble into the corner. A second clubbing blow and Tastic is primed to be set on the top turnbuckle. Veejay ascends and looks to suplex him off the top, but Tastic grabs a leg and shifts his weight and lands on top of Veejay!..One!...Two!...Three! Matt Tastic wins it! He is headed to the Gold Rush Final!
Harrys: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner and moving on to the Gold Rush Tournament Final, Matt Tastic!
Copeland:What a reversal by Tastic!
Cohen:Veejay had him dead to rights on that top turnbuckle, but the veteran was able to show his in ring awareness and shift his weight at the last second. Color me impressed Seabass.
Connor:You have to wonder, just how much that match took out of Tastic, who still has to face the winner of Black/Joheki, coming up next.
Tastic raises his hands in victory as Veejay approaches him from behind. He spins Tastic around, and Tastic looks ready to fight, but Veejay grabs his arm and raises it high as the victor in a great show of class. The two competitors pat each other on the back after a hard fought victory. Veejay rolls out of the ring, while Tastic celebrates.
-----------------------------------
After seeing what happened on the monitors, Garth Black and Kagura are seen next to each other. Having their arms crossed as they watch who is the first of the two finalists. They turn to each other and stare intently. The tension mounts as they look at each other, ready for their match.
Copeland:Kagura Joheki & Garth Black will meet to determine the second of the two Gold Rush finalists. Both wrestlers fighting to reestablish their careers here tonight. Who will come out on top?
Connor:But we still have a Tag Team Championship match to come. Chair match rules. But first, Leon Kensworth is standing by with Titus.
We find ourselves backstage, the typical WZCW interview area. Leon Kensworth is stood, mic in hand, ready to welcome us.
Leon: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, the EurAsian Champion, Titus Avison!
The crowd lets out a loud, negative reaction as the camera pans left to reveal the man himself, Titus Avison. He is dressed to compete, though he has no wrist tape. A towel is draped over his neck and his EurAsian gold shimmers on his shoulder. A slick grin crawls across his face and he nods at Leon.
Leon:Titus, we heard earlier tonight that your championship match with Flex Mussel might be cancelled on medical grounds…
The EurAsian Champion puts his hand up to stop Leon.
Titus:Let’s not sugar coat it Leon; Flex can’t compete. Or so he says. He can hide behind medical advice to cover for his own shortcomings, but I think we all know the truth. He’s scared of failure. Scared to compete, scared to step into the ring, under Mayhem rules I might add, with a Hall of Fame champion. I don’t blame him. I’d be scared too.
Avison’s smirk grows larger, like that of a Cheshire cat, obviously pleased with himself.
Leon:There is still a little while between now and your match taking place. Theoretically, Flex could still make the match, assuming your theory is incorrect of course.
That sinister smile sinks, slowly turning into a look of derision. Titus glares at Leon.
Titus:Flex Mussel can find all the documentation in the world to support his so called condition and prohibit or pass his participation in this match, but regardless of whether he shows his face or not, the fact of the matter is this, he will, as always, buckle under the pressure. When things get hot, he falls apart. Look at the Gold Rush tournament, he becomes a favourite and loses in round one. Look at this “injury”, the people pin their hopes on him and he disappears. Look at what happened with Cerberus.
As he pauses, the crowd lets out a solid cheer for the former faction.
Titus:One of the most dominant forces in WZCW history and what happened? They collapsed. Tonight, whether he dares to show his face or not, Flex Mussel will crumble and through it all, I will stand here, still your EurAsian Champion.
With one final smirk, Titus turns his back on Leon, making a quick exit. The veteran interviewer stands, now alone. -----------------------------------
Harrys: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is scheduled for one fall and is the second semi-final match in the Gold Rush Tournament. The winner of this match will move on to face Matt Tastic in the final match later this evening.
Copeland:Well, Truman Harrys said it best, folks, this match is the final match before the final of the 2016 Gold Rush Tournament and it is going to mean everything to the two wrestlers contesting it.
Connor:And what a match this ought to be. Everyone knows what is ahead of them and now it is all about claiming that final place. Everything that these two ever wanted is right there, they just need to reach out and take it.
After a few moments of music, Kagura Joheki finally makes her appearance to the fans packed inside of the arena to a chorus of loud booing. The trademark pink strobe lights that were so synonymous with her entrance are now gone and a more bland and less energetic lighting arrangement has taken it's place. Serenely, Kagura continues walking around the stage with her book clutched tightly in her arms. Ignoring the attempts from the fans to boo or cheer her, Kagura softly continues down the ramp until she reaches the bottom.
Copeland: Well, she is a former Elite Openweight Champion and now she has the opportunity to go one better. And based on how she has handled herself thus far in the tournament, I have to say that she has good a chance as any of winning the whole thing.
Connor:The great thing about the Gold Rush Tournament is how it can gift someone the opportunity of a lifetime but it only gets your foot in the door. Kagura is beginning to show that she can walk the rest of the steps required. Just look at what she did to SHIT only a couple of weeks ago,
Cohen: You are absolutely right, Cat. And that is why Kagura is my pick for this match. She didn't even have to lift a finger against the Mandroid and she qualified for this round. She has to be more fresh as a result.
Harrys: Introducing first, weighing in at 160 pounds, from Ise, Mia, Japan... Kagura Joheki!!
Kagura stops at the bottom of the ramp, taking in the scenes as the biggest match of her career so far lies on the horizon for her. After a few more seconds, she finally makes her way around the ring and hands her book off to the timekeeper for safe keeping. Finally mounting the steps at ringside and getting into the ring, Kagura offers the fans an insincere bow before taking off her entrance gear and waiting for her opponent.
As the familiar tones of The Hives fill the arena, another chorus of booing goes around the fans. After a few moments of making the fans wait for his appearance, Garth Black finally emerges through the curtain and immediately shakes his head in response to the heat from the assembled masses of fans. Getting right into the lens of the camera, Black can be heard saying “It's time to put things right” before heading down the ramp.
Connor:It is all too evident, ladies and gentlemen, that Garth Black has an axe to grind with WZCW Management of late. And in his mind, he must be thinking that this is his opportunity to really stick it to the people who, he feels, have been holding him back all of these years.
Cohen: And he's right, Cat! How many title shots has he received in his 7 and a bit years with this company? Not many is the answer to that. Compare it to the likes of Matt Tastic, Mikey Stormrage and Theron Daggershield and you have to agree that Garth has a point.
Copeland: Sounds to me that Black is bitter about his lot in WZCW. But now he has the opportunity to go out on his own and right all of the wrongs that he has been talking about so purposefully. We shall see.
Harrys: Introducing, her opponent. Weighing in at 15 stone and hailing from The Last Chance Saloon... Garth Black!!
Black finally makes it down to the bottom of the ramp and eyes up his opponent in the middle of the ring. Black gives a guffaw of amusement before mounting the steel steps and getting into the ring. Walking quickly past Kagura, Black immediately mounts the turn-buckle and raises both of his arms into the air in celebration. With that, a massive swell of booing once again fills the arena as a small cheer from the more masculine portion of the audience can be heard. Dropping down onto the canvas one more time, Black comes face to face with his opponent for the first time. There is a cheer from the fans as Kagura offers her opponent a second insincere bow. Black gives her a laugh before removing his entrance gear and hitting the ropes to test them.
DING! DING! DING!
Copeland:And here we go, ladies and gentlemen. This ought to be one of the most physical matches of the night and both need an early win.
Cohen: Saving energy for a match later in the evening is so important, Seabass, you have that one correct. Matt Tastic managed to off Veejay a little earlier without any real problems and every second that passes now is a second that Tastic can be recovering in.
A the bells rings, the two competitors come together and tie up in the middle of the ring. After a bit of a struggle between the two, thy break apart and are met with a small cheer from the fans. Black runs his right hand under his nose to wipe away the first bead of sweat in the match and refocussing himself. Once again, the two wrestlers meet in the middle of the ring but the more agile wrestler, Kagura Joheki, takes Black to the canvas with a stunning drop toe hold. With that, the serenity of Kagura is gone as she lays multiple elbows into the back of the neck and the back of the head of her opponent. The referee tries to warn Kagura over her conduct but Kagura continues to land strike after strike to Black. Black has no alternative other than to scurry away from his opponent and, finally, manages to find some peace as he rolls under the bottom rope and out onto the mats below. Getting to his feet almost immediately, Black manages to catch Kagura smiling at him smugly as she gets back to her feet also. Black walks around the ring before mounting the steps one more time, the referee urges Black to get back into the ring but he seems almost hesitant to do so. Stretching his arm out in argument with the referee, Black is grabbed by his opponent and pulled towards the ropes and into the clutches of Kagura. Without any concern about the well-being of her opponent, Kagura hip tosses Black right into the ring and onto the canvas. Black tries to reclaim his vertical base but Kagura is quick to stifle it; nailing Black with a shuffle side kick to the jaw and neutralising the treat to her dominance. Covering her opponent for the first time in the match, Kagura manges to get a 1 count as Black stays in the match.
Copeland: What a start from Kagura. Normally such a calm and collected character, she seems to have unleashed the beast in this match. And hell, maybe that is exactly what she needed to do to get over.
Cohen:I might add that she actually used a highly illegal and dangerous manoeuvre to get Black into the ring. Maybe the referee is working against Garth Black after all? Maybe Black has been right about everything all this time?
Connor: It was a hip toss, Jack...
Kagura lets out a deep sigh as her first pinning attempt of the match comes up very short. But not willing to let herself be distracted, she immediately gets back to her feet. Black on the other hand is taking some time rubbing his jaw; the remnants of pain from the earlier kick still playing havoc with him. Kagura grabs at the head of her opponent and pulls him back to his feet. But as Black rises, he manages to catch Kagura with a few stiff shots to the gut; folding Kagura over with every shot. Sensing that this might be the opportunity he has been waiting for to get back into the match, Garth immediately runs across the ring and hits the ropes. Returning, Black tries to nail Kagura with a running forearm. But the agile Japanese is too quick for the Welshman and ducks under his flailing arm. Black hist the opposite ropes this time and, upon his return, is nailed with a stunning running knee from the cunning former Elite Openweight Champion. Kagura seems to be well in control of the match at this point and knows it; looking down at Black with nothing more than pity and a lack of mercy behind her cold stare. Hitting the ropes herself this time, Kagura returns to the middle of the ring and hits black flush in the chops with a falling drop-kick with both feet. Black's back hits the canvas with devastating force as he lets out a burst of air' his lungs emptying thanks to the impact. But Kagura is not done there. Quickly scurrying around the body of her opponent, she immediately attempts to lock in a cross-face but Black, just like before, scurries away from her, under the bottom rope, and onto the apron. Kagura looks angered by the lack of respect from her opponent and rushes to her feet. Black does the same and is immediately accosted by Kagura, who is trying to land a slap to his exposed chest. But Black manages to grab the arm of his opponent in flight and uses his body weight to drop it onto the top of the ropes with the use of his falling body weight.
Copeland:And just like that, this match might have been turned on it's head. Kagura Joheki has bossed this match from the outset. But in that one moment, Garth Black may have found a way back into the match and back into contention.
Cohen:Garth Black doesn't need to wrestle hard, he just needs to wrestle smart. This man has been in WZCW for almost a decade and he knows how to make the most of his ring senses. You have to give the man some credit.
With that, Garth immediately rolls back inside the ring. He quickly scurries over to his opponent, who seems to have taken quite a serious blow to her triceps area. But Black doesn't seem to care one iota, grabbing at the arm of Kagura and hoisting her back to her feet, As she gets back to her feet, Garth immediately pulls her arm towards him and then nails her with a stunning DDT that rocks the former Geisha. Quickly repositioning himself, Black retains hold of Kagura's arm and pulls her back to a vertical base. Putting her arm around her back, Black pulls Kagura over to the corner of the ring and, without mercy, slams it into the turn-buckle with stunning force. The crowd lets out a yell of discontent as Kagura crashes into the corner of the ring. But as she tries to recoil away, Black grabs her head and immediately repositions himself once more, nailing her with a running bulldog that takes her right back down to the canvas. Rolling her over onto her back now, Black knows that he has to make his dominance count. He covers his opponent for the first time! 1... 2... Kick out from the former Elite Openweight Champion! But Black grabs her hair and slams her back to the canvas; following up with another pin attempt. But this time, he only manages to get a count of 1 before Kagura manages to roll a shoulder out.
Connor:Wow! Black is going to work on the arm of Kagura now. One has to wonder what damage has been done thus far and how much more damage could be done over the course of this match. Not good omens for the rest of the tournament if Kagura makes it that far.
Cohen:Again, Cat, you have to give some credit to Garth Black. He has taken advantage of Kagura's game plan and now he is using it against her.
Black sits up from the pinfall attempt and slams the mat in frustration. Starting to go very red in the face, Garth gets back to his feet hurriedly and moves towards the corner of the ring. The referee goes with him to check it out but cannot stop Garth ripping the turn-buckle pad off of the top turn-buckle. Trying to scold Black, the referee gets in his face. But Black seems completely uncaring as he immediately tosses the pad far into the crowd. The referee shakes his head as he drops out of the ring and tries to get it back from the rabid crowd. In the ring, however, Black has bigger plans for Kagura. Picking her up by the injured arm and moving her towards the exposed corner of the ring, Black seems to have evil intentions on his mind. He hoists Kagura up, angling her arm behind her back to expose the shoulder muscle as much as possible. But his intentions do not come to fruition as Kagura drops behind Black and then runs Black right into the exposed metal where the pad should be; the jaw of Black making contact with it. She pulls on the shoulders of her opponent and rolls through for the pin cover. The referee, noticing the commotion in the ring, abandons the pursuit of getting the ring cover back and immediately rolls into the ring to count the fall! 1... 2... Kick from the WZCW Veteran with absolutely no time to spare.
Cohen: Jesus, that was close!
Copeland:You have to think that Garth Black got a taste of his own medicine there, folks. He was the one with demonic intentions for Kagura and that exposed steel. But at the end of the day, he was the one who paid the price for taking his eyes off of the prize. This has surely got to be Kagura's shot!
Kagura lies motionless on the canvas as Black begins to stir beside her. Soon enough, both competitors are starting to get back to their feet in an attempt to reclaim the advantage in this match. A stiff right hand from Black gets a stiff slap to the chest as a response from his opponent. Back and forth the two competitors trade shots; hitting each other as if their professional lives depended on it. With every shot, the fans show their support for their chosen superstar. But it is Kagura Joheki who manages to get the better of the exchange, managing to find an extra stiff slap to the exposed chest of her opponent before Black can fire back in reply. Backing Black up to the ropes an then whipping him across the ring, it is clear that Kagura deems this to be a good opportunity to really steal the advantage from Black. Black hits the opposite ropes and, upon his return, nails him with a beautiful judo throw; sending Black sprawling across the canvas and onto his back. Kagura rolls her shoulder in an attempt to get the blood flowing once more as she moves towards Black. Reaching down to grab him by his arm, Kagura is grabbed by the Welshman who was playing possum, and pulled down into a pinning position. But Kagura uses all of her strength and speed to roll through the hold and manages, somehow, to finally lock in the cross-face manoeuvre on Black. The crowd comes absolutely unglued as Black finds himself struggling to contend with the force being put upon his neck, jaw and arm. Screaming in agony, Black seems to be in a world of trouble. Reaching out for the bottom rope, Black looks for salvation but it seems a long way away.
Connor:What a series of events there, folks. Black showed all of his guile and know-how in playing possum there. But Kagura, somehow managed to come out of the attack and find herself on the better side of that cross-face.
Cohen: And let me tell you something, Cat, that move is not a fantasy to be a part of. All of the emphasis of pain is being piled into the arm and neck of Garth Black and this really could be the beginning of the end for the outspoken Welshman.
Slowly but surely, Black begins crawling across the canvas, reaching and reaching for the bottom rope that is slowly getting closer. But just as Black makes his final lunge for the bottom rope, Kagura breaks the hold and pulls him back into the middle of the ring. She immediately sets herself back down into the cross-face as the crowd let their feeling be heard once more. The referee asks Black again whether he would like to continue as Kagura levers back on the hold. But in her desperation to put as much pressure as possible into the hold, she levers back to far and Black uses her momentum to pin her shoulder. With her shoulders pinned to the mat but the submission locked in, the referee reaches a count of 2 before Kagura has no choice but to let Black go. Kagura rockets to a vertical base once more and waits for Black to stagger towards that goal too. Once he gets to his feet, Kagura attempts to nail him with another judo throw from behind this time. But Black immediately hits the canvas, dropping out of the grasp of Kagura and pulling her towards the corner once more. This time, it is Kagura who hits the exposed steel of the ring pole and staggers back towards her opponent. By this point, Black has made it back to his unsteady feet and immediately nails her with THE BLACK OUT! But he doesn't catch it all! His arm failing him as a result of the cross-face and ensuring that Black only connects with the torso of Kagura. Kagura hits the mat as Black falls in top of her! 1... 2... Kick out in the knick of time!
Copeland: He got it! NO!
Cohen:I am with you, Seabass. I really thought that Black had won the match and was advancing right there. But Kagura, somehow, managed to find it within herself to kick out.
Connor: How many people have we seen been put away with that move, ladies and gentlemen. All I can say is that it didn't look as though he was able to catch all of the move. The damage done by the cross-face earlier must be playing into this match.
Black rolls off of Kagura and lies motionless on his back; looking his up into the rafters of the building. Suddenly, he slams both of his hands onto the mat and begins getting to his feet. Once there, he looks down at his opponent, who has yet to move. Letting a venomous look cross his features, Black grabs the hair of his opponent and begins pulling her to her feet. He stands her up on shaky legs before giving the signal to the fans that this match is over. Suddenly, he hoists her back into position for THE BLACK OUT! But just as Black goes to execute the move, Kagura manages to wriggle off his shoulders and land on her feet. Shocked, Black turns to her but is immediately blasted by red mist to the eyes. Black stumbles backwards as his eyes are filled with stinging red mist. Not one to miss an opportunity, Kagura nails her opponent with the FIFTH DANCE OF AMATERASU OMIKAMI! Black flies backwards, still stunned by the mist and in a world of hurt thanks to the devastating nature of the heart punch from Kagura. Kagura falls to her knees as Black lands on the canvas with a roar from the crowd. Slowly struggling towards Black with all of her effort and might, Kagura looks to put this one away. The crowd roar with every single metre that she gets closer to Black; the wait for her to drop her arm over his chest is agonising. But finally, she does it! The referee shoots down to count the fall! 1... 2... 3- NO! Black has is foot on the bottom rope! The referee waves off the count!
Copeland:Oh my God, this match swings one way and then the other. Both competitors want this win so badly and you can see it in every single thing that they do in that ring. This has been utterly brilliant.
Connor: Unbelievable, ladies and gentlemen. This is utterly startling.
With both competitors lying prone and the crowd on their feet, this match could swing either way. Kagura begins stirring as the referee checks on Black. But as soon as the former Geisha is back on her feet, the referee has a face full of her. Over and over again, the former Elite Openweight Champion tries to tell the referee that it was a three count; three fingers held to his face. But the referee continually tells Kagura that it isn't so. From nowhere, and with a massive cheer from the crowd, Black grabs the tights of his opponent and pulls her to the ground; wrapping her up with a small package. The referee shoots down one more time! 1... 2... Kick out from Kagura! Both wrestlers struggle to their feet one more time as Kagura looks to recover the advantage and put this match away. She goes around the back of Garth, looking to lock in the FOURTH DANCE OF TOYOUKE OMIKAMI! She locks the arms around his chin and tries to pull him to the ground. But with everything that Garth has left, he stands strong and then hoists Kagura back onto his shoulders, With the last of his energy, he nails Kagura with THE BLACK OUT one more time! Falling on top his opponent, he covers Kagura! 1... 2... 3!! This match is over!
Harrys: Here is your winner, and now finalist of the Gold Rush Tournament... Garth Black!
Copeland: Wow! That's all I have to say, folks. What a stunning match.
Cohen:Agreed, Seabass.
Garth rolls out of the ring immediately and begins walking up the ramp, holding his arm and smiling widely as Kagura begins to come-to in the middle of the ring.
-----------------------------------
Backstage, Matt Tastic is in the trainer's room getting his wrists re-taped, and watching the match on a monitor. He slowly nods his head as Garth Black is announced as the winner.
Copeland:So we will have the former champion, Matt Tastic, taking on the hungry conspiracy theorist, Garth Black. Both men have been in the business a long time, and folks, the accolades are heavily in favor of Tastic. A word for each man?
Connor:Matt Tastic is a fighter. From humble beginnings in Puerto Rico, he rose to be a two time WZCW World Heavyweight Champion. He is a Grand Slam winner, and a future Hall of Famer. I don't see how Garth's claims of conspiracy will help him here tonight against The Super Sayain of Pro Wrestling.
Cohen:Garth Black is a survivor. No one is able to adapt to his surroundings like Garth can. Tonight he puts his sorted past behind him and ascends to the top of WZCW. Against all the odds this company puts in front of him, Black will be your winner.
The camera opens on Johnny Klamor, and then pulls wide, revealing Logan McAllister and Brittany O' Shea. The crowd comes to life, chanting "Suplex Party" before Johnny can even ask a question.
Johnny Klamor:Logan...some would say that you're crazy for inviting all comers from the locker room, but even a naysayer like myself can see how ready you are. Can you let us know what's going through your mind right now?
Logan McAllister:Thanks, Johnny. I've read all the stuff on the intahnet, and I've talked to some guys in the lockah room, and yeah this all sounds crazy, but sometimes you can't make a mahk without taking some risks, y'know? I honestly don't know who's going to step through that curtain. It could be my old partnah, or a legend like Everest! But, I'm ready. I've been training hardah than evah, and tonight's the night the name Logan McAllister is cemented in WZCW history.
Johnny Klamor:Let me play Devil's advocate for a second here. You say you're going to cement your name in history, and you're ready for anyone..but if you lose...that's an awfully big step back. Are you ready for that possibility? Are you ready to face the world on Meltdown, or Ascension, next week, if you face whoever answers the call, and lose?
Logan and Brittany look at each other for a moment, realizing that scenario as a possibility.
Brittany O' Shea:Logan's ready, Johnny. We've faced losses before, and the fans her' still love him, and he's still sticking his neck out, taking the hahd road to the main event. Logan didn't come to Gold Rush to leave a losah, Johnny.
The camera centers on Logan, zooming in on his face as he stares into the lens.
The camera slowly fades to black as the crowd's chanting grows louder.
-----------------------------------
Harrys: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a chairs match, and it is for the WZCW Tag Team Championship!
The crowd cheers at the announcement, as it is revealed that there are numerous chairs at ringside.
Cohen:Things are about to get violent, and I love it.
[YOUTUBE]wTP2RUD_cL0[/YOUTUBE]
Introducing first, the challengers, at a combined weight of 435lbs, Justin Cooper and Mark Keaton!
The crowd boos as Cooper and Keaton make their way down the ramp with chairs in hand. They snarl at the crowd as they make their way into the ring. Once inside, Cooper props up his chair and takes a seat while Keaton plays guitar on his.
Copeland:Over the last few weeks, these two have been doing anything they can to get under the skin of Ty and Caidos, and honestly guys, I think it may have worked.
Cohen:I love this pairing Seabass. Cooper the brash veteran, Keaton the upstart rookie with a head full of dreams. They should have just what it takes to take the titles of the Phantoms here tonight.
Connor:I wouldn't be so sure. Ty Burna is a tough nut to crack, and El Caidos has come into his own over the last few years. These two will have their work cut out for them.
[YOUTUBE]i4kMzffnB-c[/YOUTUBE]
And their opponents, at a combined weight of 415 pounds, they are the WZCW Tag Team Champions, The Phantoms of Chaos!
Static lights begin to flash in the arena as the music plays. The crowd roars to life as Ty Burna and El Caidos Dragon make their way onto the stage. Instead of chairs, they are carrying their tag team gold. They walk down the ramp, pillars of fire erupting on either side as they go. They make their way into the ring, before they make their signature pose.
Copeland:The champs looks ready to go here tonight, not looking keen to drop their titles.
Cohen:But drop them they will. From day one Cooper and Keaton have played mind games with The Phantoms, and I believe they are in their heads.
Connor:I think that...
Before CC can finish her train of thought, the challengers rush to the champs and begin to assault them with fists, forcing referee Katie Shepard to call for the bell. They back up both champs to the ropes before they tandem Irish whip them across the ring. They follow up with tandem back body drops, before they celebrate, much to the ire of the crowd. Cooper begins to stomp away at El Caidos, while ordering Keaton to fetch some chairs. As the rookie rolls out of the ring, Cooper uses his boots to push Caidos out of the ring. As Keaton rolls back in, chairs in hand, Cooper calls for the end quick. They line up for a con-chair-to on Ty, but he ducks out of the way at the last moment, leaving Cooper and Keaton's chairs to crash into each other. Ty then tackles Keaton, and begins to hammer away with fists as El Caidos rockets into the ring with a springboard dropkick to Cooper. He then grabs a chair and that had been dropped and wedges it in the corner between the top and middle turnbuckles. He grabs Cooper, and Irish whips him into the corner, but Cooper reverses. Caidos though is able to run up the ropes and flip backward behind Cooper, before he shoves him into the corner. The impact from the chair is minimal, but it staggers Cooper enough to allow Caidos to roll him up...One!...Two!...kick out at two by Cooper. Caidos is quick to get back on offense, as he begins to light up his opponent with chops to the chest and stiff kicks to the legs. Meanwhile Ty has Keaton in the opposite corner, hammering away with hard rights. He kicks Keaton in the midsection, before looking back at his partner. They nod at each other and then Irish whip Cooper and Keaton, causing them to crash into each other in the center of the ring, to the delight of the crowd. With both men down, The Phantoms are finally able to take a moment to catch their breath and remove their pre-match gear.
Copeland:So a quick start from C&K has quickly been derailed by the razor sharp teamwork of The Phantoms.
Cohen:We are still early Seabass. The chairs have barely come into play.
Ty grabs Cooper and drags him to his feet. He softens him up with some quick rights, before he slams him to the mat with an X-Plex. He then begins to lock on a chinlock, looking to work on the head, likely for the submission finish later in the match. Caidos goes to work on Keaton, but Keaton fights back, thanks to a rake of the eyes. He then takes Caidos' head and rakes it across the top rope, before slamming him face first into the top turnbuckle. He then begins to fire off some snap jabs, dazing ECD. He hits a dropkick to the knee, taking Caidos to said knee, before he lifts him and simply powers him over the top rope. He then climbs to the top rope and dives on El Caidos on the outside, and both men are down as Ty releases the chinlock to go check on his partner. It proves to be foolish though as Cooper comes up from behind and clubs him across the back with a forearm. He spins Ty around and begins to fire off more forearms, really hammering away at the champ. With Ty backed into the corner, he continues to hammer away with the forearms, until Ty collapses. This opens up Cooper to grab a chair in the ring and place it in front of Ty. He then gets a running start and dropkicks the chairs into the face of Ty Burna, twisting the chair. He pulls Ty out of the corner and makes the cover...One!...Two!...Ty kicks out at two.
Cohen:What did I tell you guys? Those chairs are going to be great equalizers.
Connor:It certainly has given Cooper an edge on Ty.
Meanwhile on the outside, Keaton and ECD are stirring. Both men grab each other as they get to their feet. They begin to trade blows back and forth, but the larger Keaton is able to put more power behind is blows and gets the advantage. Connecting with a stiff kick to the midsection, he doubles over ECD, before grabbing a chair and smashing it over his back. He hits him a second time, before throwing the chair down and connecting with a DDT onto the chair. El Caidos appears to be in another world as he rolls over, his eyes glassed over. Keaton rolls back into the ring and he and Cooper go to work with some double teaming on Ty Burna. Cooper locks Ty in a full nelson and Keaton begins to fire off quick snap jabs, really scoring points on Ty. Ty tries to fight back, but has little success. Cooper, with Ty still locked up, barks orders at Keaton. He tells him to grab a chair, and the rookie does so. He approaches Ty, but Ty kicks his feet up and blocks, kicking the chair into Keaton. Cooper begins to lose his grip, and Ty struggles to break free. Keaton comes back, the chair shot just grazing him, and swings, but Ty frees himself and Cooper if forced to throw his hands up to take the brunt of the blow from the chair. A miscue from C&K, and Ty has an opening. He runs and connects with a high knee to Keaton, taking him off balance. A second high knee pushes him to the ropes. Ty then runs and clotheslines Keaton over the top rope, where El Caidos has gotten to his feet connects with a corkscrew senton to the rookie. Ty then turns back to Cooper, who has a chair in hand. The brash veteran invites the champ to pick up a chair of his own, so Ty does and the two begin a dangerous dance around the ring, neither man wanting to give away their hand. They eventually come to the same conclusion though, they both swing and connect at the same time, putting each other down. El Caidos realizes he has an opening and climbs onto the apron. He springboards into the ring with a leg drop, before the making the lateral press with the forearm across the face...One!...Two!...And Keaton pulls El Caidos out of the ring and slugs him with a big right hand, staggering him. He then goes low, literally with a low blow on the dragon, that takes the wind from his sails and allows Keaton to drag him up the ramp.
Connor:Where the hell is Keaton taking him?
Copeland:Who knows? He can't have good intentions though.
As Keaton drags El Caidos up the ramp and onto the stage, Caidos begins to fight back with shots to the midsection. The two start to trade blows on the stage, they teeter dangerously close to the edge of the stage. El Caidos catches a kick and shoves Keaton back. Keaton manages to catch himself before he hits the edge, but El Caidos charges. At the last moment, Keaton clotheslines the dragon down, making sure neither man take the tumble off the stage. Keaton looks around, both Cooper and Ty still out in the ring, both men barely crawling to the ropes to try to stand. Keaton then looks below and sees some chairs, so he hops down and grabs one, before he makes his way back onto the stage with El Caidos. He begins to hammer away at the midsection with the top part of the chair, driving it deep and taking all the air from El Caido's lungs. Back in the ring, Cooper is on his feet, as is Ty, and the two begin to trade lefts and rights, neither man getting an edge. Ty uses a front kick to the leg to throw Cooper off his game, and he tries to Irish whip him, but Cooper reverses and hits Remix! The devastating clothesline that should put Ty away, but Cooper doesn't cover him. Instead he looks to the entry ramp and sees that El Caidos has managed to roll away from Keaton, and now has the chair in his hands. Cooper quickly exits the ring and runs up the ramp. El Caidos swings his chair at Cooper, but Cooper ducks and hits Your Final Verse onto the stage! The Phantoms are both down but Cooper has more sinister plans. He slaps Keaton on the chest and points to the titantron.
Copeland:What the hell is Cooper doing now?
Cohen:Whatever he wants, his team is in total control.
Keaton looks unsure, but Cooper urges him on, almost demanding him. Reluctantly, Keaton grabs the nearby chair and begins to scale the titantron.
Keaton is about twenty five feet in the air, chair in hand. He still looks unsure, but Cooper orders him to jump. Keaton leaps, placing the chair under his elbow and delivers an devastating elbow drop to El Caidos that sends both men through the stage! Cooper looks stunned, almost remorseful at what he has done. He quickly barks at some equipment managers to get medical personal out to check on the two men as the crowd comes alive.
Medical personal rush to the scene. Cooper has his head in his hands, with a guilty look on his face. As the paramedics slowly descend into the giant hole on the stage, the announce team is completely speechless. The fans, who were just chanting at the marvel of our sport, are now dead silent. Slowly, the paramedics get El Caidos out of the hole first. He is stretchered out, his neck firmly in place on the backboard. He weakly gives a thumbs up as they take him backstage. Cooper walks over to check on the hole, the camera still unable to see Mark Keaton.
Copeland:Ladies and gentlemen, I have seen a lot of destruction in my day, but this is right up there among the craziest moments I have ever scene.
The slow motion replay shows Cooper demand that Keaton jump. The devastating elbow drop barely grazes El Caidos Dragon, but the impact still sent both men through the hole in the stage. Keaton is about twenty five feet in the air, chair in hand. He still looks unsure, but Cooper orders him to jump. Keaton leaps, placing the chair under his elbow and delivers an devastating elbow drop to El Caidos that sends both men through the stage!
Ty Burna, who has finally come too, makes his way up the ramp, yelling at Cooper. Cooper, who still looks out of it, turns and eats a Consecrated Banishment! Ty drags Cooper to the ringside area and rolls him into the ring. He slides in and makes the cover....One!...Two!...Three! No! Justin Cooper kicks just before the referee's hand hits the mat for three.
Cohen:Not to take anything away from the condition of El Caidos Dragon or Mark Keaton, who we will provide you updates on as we get them, but Justin Cooper just kicked out of one of the most devastating finishers of all time.
Ty slams his hands on the mat in frustration, and glares with his red eyes at the referee. She informs him it was not three. Ty, who knows the time it took for him to drag Cooper to the ring likely cost him, rolls out of the ring and begins to search under it for something. He pulls out a steel chair...wrapped in barbed wire! He rolls back in and hoists it high over his head. He then grates it against the back of Cooper, ripping and tearing at his flesh. Cooper tries to roll away, but Ty just slams the chair across the back. Cooper is bleeding heavily from his back, his skin torn and tattered. He gets to the ropes and uses them to stand, as Ty loads up a Ruthian swing and cracks Cooper over the skull with the chair, blood instantly pouring from his face. He tosses the chair aside and hooks the leg...One!
Connor:It has to be over.
Two!...Cooper kicks out again! Justin Cooper refuses to go down quietly and Ty Burna is shocked. He scoots away, almost unsure of his next move. He spots the barbed wire wrapped chair, and decides he knows how to finish things. He places it in the center of the ring, and preps the bloody Cooper. He then hits The Nutcracker Suite! A devastating scoop piledriver onto the chair! He hooks a leg as the referee kicks away another chair and gets into position. One!...Two!...Cooper kicks out again! Justin Cooper will not die! Ty Burna is furious. He rises to his feet, and grabs the referee around her throat. He lifts her off her feet as be barks at her for her count speed. Suddenly Justin Cooper stirs, unknown to Ty, who is furious with the referee. Cooper grabs the barbed wire chair and low blows Ty Burna from behind with the chair. Ty drops the referee and just as he turns around, Cooper connects with Your Final Verse onto the bloody chair. He falls into the cover. One!...Two!...Three! Justin Cooper, who simply refused to go down, has won.
Copeland:I don't believe it!
Cohen:Believe it Seabass!
Harrys: Here are your winners and NEW WZCW Tag Team Champions, Justin Cooper and Mark Keaton!
Cooper grabs the tag title belts and gets the hell out of dodge, before Ty is able to come to and realize what has happened. He stops at the hole in the ramp, where medical personal have finally dug Mark Keaton out. Keaton is motionless, but Cooper lays one of the belts over him to thunderous applause from the crowd. The final shot is of a furious Ty Burna sitting up, his ever present red eyes still managing to glow through the crimson mask covering his face.
Harrys: The following match is scheduled for one fall...
As the music begins, a solitary spotlight shines down from the rafters to illuminate M, who stands alone on the ramp; bathed in the light from above. After a few moments, M raises his arms out to his side and begins moving down the ramp; the spotlight now replaced by many different pulsing lights of different colours.
Harrys: Introducing first, weighing in at 243.7 pounds, and hailing from his secret underground lair... The Majestic and Masterful, M!!
Copeland:This match was hastily arranged from the last round of shows, ladies and gentlemen. Steven Holmes found it necessary to interrupt the match between Diabolos and M to tell the world what he was thinking. And after taking out Diabolos, Steven Holmes turned his monsters attention towards M.
Connor:Unfortunately for Hunnicutt, M was not willing to be steam-rolled in such a fashion and took negatively to the fact that Holmes thought he would just leave the ring for him.
Cohen:How dare he?! Steven Holmes is a former World Heavyweight Champion and an utter legend in this business. When he says leaves a ring so that he can speak his mind, then you just go ahead and do it. M and Diabolos had it coming. And tonight, M gets another serving of humble pie thanks to Abel Hunnicutt.
M continues moving down the ramp until he reaches the bottom, halting suddenly, M takes a long look around the arena, taking in all of the spectacular sights of the packed crowd and beyond. Suddenly, a massive gasp goes around the arena as Abel Hunnicutt comes barrelling through the supervillain. A double axe handle to the back of M's head is enough to send the single syllabic superstar to the mats outside of the ring. But Hunnicutt is not done there. He picks M up by the hair and immediately throws him into the security barrier at the side of the ring. The crowd begin booing loudly as they come to terms with the fact that this match might not happen the way that they expected it to. M lets out a yell of pain as his back collides with the unforgiving barrier. Hunnicutt smiles as M lies at his feet. Suddenly, Steven Holmes makes his appearance known to the crowd, quickly pacing down the ramp and standing behind Hunnicutt and yelling instructions of violence as Hunnicutt begins stomping M without mercy.
Copeland:What the hell is this!? Can we get someone down here to stop this match?
Connor:This isn't even a match, Seabass. This is an assault by Abel Hunnicutt and orchestrated by his monster, Abel Hunnicutt.
Cohen:I did tell you all that M would come to regret the decisions to not vacate the ring last week. And now he is getting his just rewards for that action.
Hunnicutt eases up on M for a moment as he throws his arms up into the air, more in an effort to get on the nerves of the fans who continue to boo him. But the momentary lapse in concentration is enough for M to begin getting to his feet and begin laying some punches into his attacker. But Hunnicutt barely moves as the the shots connect with his jaw. Holmes yells more instructions as Hunnicutt immediately nails M with a knee to the gut, doubling him over and then following up with a clubbing blow to the back the neck.
Holmes:Finish him off, Abel!
Connor:Oh no!
Hunnicutt picks M up from the floor and peppers him with yet more punches to the jaw and torso. Stepping away from his opponent for a moment as M leans against the security barrier, Hunnicutt weighs up his next move. Suddenly, and without mercy, Hunnicutt runs at M and nails him with a beautiful big boot that sends him spilling over the security barrier and into the crowd. Steven Holmes allows a look of dangerous venom cross his features as Hunnicutt steps over the barrier with ease and looks down at M on the stone floor. Picking up his opponent, Hunnicutt draws one finger over his own throat as a suggestion to M before hoisting him up and into position. It looks as though Hunnicutt is setting up for THE WORLDS END!
Copeland: Stop this, Abel... Holmes, stop this right now!
Cohen:Even I think this is too much, Seabass. But who's gonna stop him at this point? He's a monster propped up by the magnificence of Steven Holmes. He's as good as untouchable and the whole WZCW roster knows it.
The crowd hold their breath as Hunnicutt pauses for a second, turning around to look at Steven Holmes on the other side of the security barrier. For a moment, the arena seems to fall silent before a disgusting look crosses his features again.
Holmes: DO IT!
With that, Hunnicutt drops to his knees and crushes M's head against the solid and unforgiving concrete under him. Blood immediately begins to pour from the top of M's head as Hunnicutt rises to his feet and looks down at his lifeless opponent. Hunnicutt allows a goody smile to appear on his face between his dirty black beard and moustache. He once again looks at Steven Holmes on the other side of the barrier for instruction. Holmes looks down at the bloody supervillain on the stone floor and begins smiling devilishly.
Copeland: M has been busted open and that is the least of his problems, he could be dead for all we know, ladies and gentlemen. I am so sorry that you had to see this.
Cohen: This is too far...
Holmes gives a signal to Hunnicutt to bring M over the security barrier and Hunnicutt obliges without question. Picking up his bloody and unconscious opponent and carrying him towards the barrier, Hunnicutt unceremoniously dumps M over the barrier and onto the floor; blood continuing to flow from the top of his skull. Holmes laugh slightly as he moves closer to the unresponsive supervillain lying on the floor.
Holmes: I gave you every opportunity to avoid this. This is on you!
Copeland: You've done enough, Holmes! Leave him be!
Holmes is soon joined on the other side of the barrier by his monster as he yells out more intructions. Hunnicutt gives Holmes a nod of understanding before lifting up the ring apron to reveal a host of items that can, and probably will, be used as weapons. Hunnicutt smiles slightly before pulling out a wooden table and sliding it into the ring. Then, Hunnicutt grabs a few chairs from under the ring and tosses them into the ring. M hasn't moved once since his skull collided with the concrete only moments ago and the sound of concern in the arena is plain for everyone to hear. From the top of the ramp, a few officials and medics begin running down to wards the ring but Hunnicutt is not in any mood to allow his prey to be rescued. Fishing one final chair from under the ring, Hunnicutt stands over M with the chair in his hand, daring any of the WZCW staff or medics to make their way towards M. Steven Holmes lets out another maniacal laugh as Holmes stands stoically over his victim. Realising there is no other choice other than to let Hunnicutt continue, the staff and medics begin to back away, still trying to reason with the monster from Deadhorse, Alaska.
Connor:This is absolutely outrageous! Someone needs to stop this.
Cohen: Oh yeah, let's see you go up there and try talking some sense in to Abel, Seabass. See how well that goes for you...
As the medics and staff get further away, Hunnicut begins pounding M with the steel chair before forcing it into his throat and letting out a cruel laugh. In the audience, parents cover their children's eyes as the beating on M continues to intensify. After a few more moments of choking M, Hunnicutt allows M a moment to breath before picking him up onto his shoulder without effort and rolling him into the ring under the bottom rope. Hunnicutt moves around the ring as M begins stirring on the canvas. Getting into the ring via the ring steps, Steven Holmes looks down at the struggling WZCW veteran with glee as he struggles to breath still. On the outside of the ring, Hunnicutt grabs the steel steps and effortlessly tosses them into the ring, narrowly avoiding the squirming body of M.
YOU'RE-AN-ASSHOLE
YOU'RE-AN-ASSHOLE
YOU'RE-AN-ASSHOLE
Connor: That doesn't even cover it, folks. This is the most sickening display I have ever seen in WZCW. I am so sorry that you have to see this...
The crowd chanting does nothing but make Hunnicutt and Holmes laugh as Hunnicutt rolls into the ring and begins setting up the table in the middle of the ring. Once he has completed the task, he grabs M by the crimson soaked hair and slowly places him down on top of the wooden weapon; the picture beginning to become clearer as he does. Grabbing a chair from his feet, Hunnicut begins pounding away with the steel making sickening contact with the torso and head of M with every stiff shot. Landing at least 7 or 8 shots, Hunnicutt places a few chairs on top of M and then looks towards Holmes again. Holmes gives a quick nod as Hunnicutt immediately hits the ropes and, upon his return, lands a massive splash that sends M through the table and onto the canvas below.
Copeland:You've had your fun, Abel. Now let the officials deal with him. Or at least make sure that he's alive damn it!
Cohen: I don't have any words...
Abel gets back to his knees and looks around the ring for more inspiration and quickly finds it when he notices the ring steps that he only just brought into the ring. A sickening smile appears on Hunnicutt's face as he climbs back to his vertical base. Grabbing the steel steps and moving them into position, Holmes gives him one final instruction to Hunnicutt as his blood lust continues to grow. Hunnicutt grabs the hair of M one more time and then hoists him into position one final time. Stepping onto the cold metal steps, it looks as though Hunnicutt is looking to land THE WORDS END one final time!
The crowd goes absolutely crazy as a very familiar entrance theme begins ringing around the arena. They wait with baited breath as their excitement takes hold and Abel Hunnicutt comes to a complete halt. Then, after a few more seconds, the WZCW legend in Austin Reynolds appears on the stage with a look of determination on his face. His features are rugged and not what people remember him being like but the fire in his eyes say that he has seen enough of this.
Cohen:WHAT!?
Copeland:I don't believe it! Austin Reynolds is back in WZCW, ladies and gentlemen! And he has seen enough of this beating. The crowd are on their feet!
Reynolds nods his head in appreciation of the massive ovation from the fans before slowly making his way down the ramp. In the ring, Steven Holmes looks utterly stunned to silence as Hunnicutt waits for his sign to finish M off once and for all. The crowd almost come unglued at the thought of Steven Holmes and Austin Reynolds meeting in the ring one more time and the cheers are deafening. Stepping up the remaining steel steps and onto the apron, Reynolds does not move his gaze from Steven Holmes and Abel Hunnicutt.
Connor:Thank God for Austin Reynolds!
Reynolds slowly gets into the ring as Steven Holmes and Abel Hunnicutt remains motionless and completely silent. Holmes gives a signal to Hunnicutt and the monster immediately drops M to the canvas and begins moving towards the more immediate threat in Reynolds. But suddenly, Reynolds rushes past Hunnicutt and begins beating on M on the canvas. Stiff punch after stiff punch to the head of M rains down as the crowd go crazy!
Copeland: I don't believe it! All hope is lost! Austin Reynolds seems to be in league with Steven Holmes and Abel Hunnicutt!
Reynolds picks up M, who is finding it very difficult to stay standing. Reynolds grabs M and sets him up for something. Just like Hunnicutt had been doing, Reynolds waits for the signal from Holmes before nailing him with a brainbuster on the steel steps. The crowd fall silent for a second before booing, the likes of which have rarely been heard in WZCW, rains down upon the three men. Steven Holmes grabs the arm of Reynolds and Hunnicutt and holds them high above his head, a laugh circling around the arena.
Copeland:This is sickening. What is this unholy alliance?!
With that, all three men leave the ring, allowing the medics and staff to work on M. The crowd continue to boo as all three men make their way up the ramp and through the curtain' the screen fades to black.
The camera opens on Leon, waiting patiently with a microphone in hand, standing outside a dressing room marked only with a large gold star. With a woosh, the door flies open and out steps Eve Taylor, John Doe's mask in her clutches.
Leon Kensworth:Eve! May I get a word? Tonight you face John Doe, in a Title versus-
Eve Taylor:Save your breath, Leon. Nothing else needs to be said. We can talk after I have Senshuken back.
Leon Kensworth:Bu-
Eve brushes past Leon, pushing him against the wall as she leaves. Leon looks back at the camera, then watches as Eve exits through a double door.
Leon Kensworth:She's feeling extra confident tonight, isn't she? I'd sure hate to be John right now.
The camera cuts to black as the camera catches a final glimpse of Eve as the doors snap shut behind her.
-----------------------------------
Harrys: The following match is a Mayhem Rules Match, and it is for the Eurasian Championship !!!
[YOUTUBE]MJVmMA2Bk2A[/YOUTUBE]
Titus comes out with a smug grin. The fans in attendance boo him mercilessly as he mocks them and laughs. He lifts the Eurasian Championship belt up with one hand and walks down the aisle. The actor climbs into the ring and points cockily for the fans.
Harrys: Introducing First, from Keystone City, Kansas, weighing 225 pounds, Titus Avison !!!
Cohen: This man single-handedly brought relevance back to the Eurasian Title. There is nothing this Hall of Famer touches that doesn't turn to gold. And this is an act of pure charity that he is giving A.D.Z. a shot against him here tonight.
Copeland: The Midas myth was all about a king regretting his choice. Don't spin this into something good. With Titus on top we have seen several young and credible competitors go down, most notably Flex Mussel. Titus is just here to piss the fans off more.
Connor: It's a hardcore match whether Titus likes it or not. That grin won't last for long.
Harrys: And his opponent...
...
...
...
[YOUTUBE]5v05YDXwcII[/YOUTUBE]
Cohen: What?
Titus's grin fades as Flex emerges on stage. Wearing his Flex Fitness tracksuit with a hood over his head, he soaks in the astonishment from the crowd. Fans begin to chant "We Will Rock You" along with his theme as he walks down the ramp. As he enters the ring he quickly goes to Harrys and whispers in his ear. He poses on the turnbuckle before ripping off the the tracksuit. A large bandage covers the side of his ribcage and hip.
Harrys: ...hailing from Paris, France, weighing in at 220 pounds, "The Healthiest Man Alive", Flex Mussél !!!
Copeland: Folks we are getting information now in our headsets that Vee A.D.Z., in some powerful strategic move, has sat this match out to recuperate with the Triple Threat he took part in earlier tonight and to let these men tear at one another in their hardcore match...under the condition that he gets his title shot on Meltdown.
Cohen: This is ridiculous! Is Flex even cleared to compete? This should be Vee!
Connor: It's a stroke of genius is what it is. It will make A.D.Z.'s job easier with either one of these men killing each other here tonight. But I see what you mean about Flex. He looks like he is ready to keel over.
DING DING DING !!!
Titus: This is stupid!
The Hall of Famer shouts at Flex Mussel. The gym jock gives the actor a crazed nod, and then goes in for the offense. The two combatants circle one another delicately, their eyes staring daggers into one another. Mussel reaches out for a test of strength. Titus slaps his hand away. Mussel reaches out again. Titus gives him a nod and the two are about to test their dexterity but Titus pulls away and gives the athlete a slap across the face. The audience boos at the poor sportsmanship. This doesn't jar Flex as he touches his own face and grins psychotically at the Eurasian Champion. The grin dies instantly as Flex rushes, Titus, who quickly slips down to the mat and rolls out of the ring. Referee Katie Shepard stops Flex from pursuing him, eliciting a negative response from the crowd. She checks the bandage on his side and asks whether or not he is truly cleared to compete. He nods sternly.
Connor: What the hell is this? Let them fight!
Copeland: She's doing her job, Cat. It would reflect very badly on Mussel if he is out here fighting without a doctor's Clean Bill of Health. Something very awful could happen.
Cohen: Something awful already happened. He's out here fighting Titus. We better not get sued.
Katie got out of his way to the relief of the fans. Flex stepped out using the stairs, but Titus pounced aggressively by jumping onto the stairs and delivering a Spinning Heel Kick! His foot struck Flex perfectly square in the face. The back of Flex's head collided with the steel ring post and the former tag team champion went down onto the outside. The champion wasn't letting up. He drove a knee into the bandaged area over and over again until he stopped and looked at the crowd. They winced and jeered at him. Titus smiled from ear to ear deviously as he slowly started to peel at the bandage, pulling away at it. Mussel screamed. This earned Flex a slap on the back of the head. Titus shrugged and tugged some more, making his opponent cry in agonizing pain. Even the impartial referee was seen gritting her teeth at the malevolent behavior.
Copeland: Come on, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!
In that moment, Flex Mussel stole a page from Titus's book and smacked him in the balls with a shaking fist. Avison buckled from the impact and fell to his knees. Mussel crawled to the opposite side of the stairs and wriggled himself under the ring. When Titus regained composure, he glanced frantically around him, looking for Flex. He shouted to the referee, but she remained neutral. Titus looked under the ring from his side, and stood back up with a confused glare. The champion went to the opposite side where the injured Flex hid and peeked behind the apron. A cloud of compressed nitrogen billowed ferociously at Titus, blinding him. Flex scrabbled out with a fire extinguisher! He hopped to his feet, grimacing at his opponent, and with all of his energy belted Titus in the spine with the weapon. The WZCW Universe cheered enthusiastically. On all fours, Flex dropped the canister and searched for another weapon underneath the ring.
Copeland: Now things are looking pretty even.
Cohen: I wouldn't call a low blow and a cheap shot with a fire extinguisher the same as Flex's condition.
Connor: You're right. Flex will need to completely dismantle Titus for this to be even.
Flex pulls out...a bag of Doritos. The audience laughs but the challenger isn't. He looks at the chips with utmost want. Temptation sets in as he begins to open it. Greed in is his eyes now as he tears the damn thing apart, looking down at the salty goodness of Cool Ranch. Fans begin a chant similar to the meme "What Are Those?".
Flex dumps the bag of Doritos onto Titus, mouthing "Just Kidding!" and "I'm The Healthiest Man Alive!". Red-Faced, Titus springs up from the floor, grapples Flex, and attempts a Northern Lights Suplex...onto the uncomfortable pieces of ground corn. Flex broke free of the pinning move but writhed and clutched at his side. Titus shouted at the audience if they wanted to see him beat Flex to death with a chair. A majority booed but some actually cheered for Titus to finally use a weapon- something he never does. He gets up, goes over to the timekeeper, shoves him from his seat and steals his chair. Titus held it up which started getting bloodthirsty cheers.
Connor: He isn't...
Copeland: He is! Titus is about to end this now with a chair!
Cohen: This is going to be awesome!
Titus walks slowly back to the runway where Flex was cradling his ribcage. He lifted the chair up...and then threw the chair at a barricade. Titus wagged his finger "no" at the confused and angered crowd. Titus turned around and Flex met him, staggered, and lashed out with the Flex-Decapitator!!! It lands haphazardly against Titus's chest but he crumbles upon impact anyways. Flex crawls on his elbows and drapes an arm over Titus Avison. Katie Shepard is out of the ring and slapping the concrete runway ...1 !.....2 !.......3 but Titus kicks out. Flex sits up and shakes his head, trying to fight back his disappointment. He picks himself up by using the barricade as a crutch and limps to the ring. He looks under the ring again for a third time and presents... a ladder.
Copeland: He didn't get all of that finisher, but a Ladder can turn the tide in this match. We're expecting to see quite a bit of that weapon in our Main Event.
Cohen: Why doesn't he just give up? He isn't going to beat Titus. Not in his physical condition.
Connor: He's a pure force of will is what he is. Flex can beat Titus and set up Vee vs. Flex. That is a dream match for some.
Flex rests the 15 foot ladder against the ring. The athlete turns around but is met with a European Uppercut. Flex is plastered to the leaning ladder. Panting, Titus Avison bites his lip and ascends the stairs. He climbs a corner turnbuckle until he is at the very top. A chorus of boos are there to greet the Hall of Famer, but he waves them off. He balances himself and positions at an angle to Flex and the ladder. He leaps...and connects with a Flying Clothesline! The momentum causes the ladder to bounce against the ring ropes and crash down on Titus and Flex.
"Holy Shit!" "Holy Shit!" "Holy Shit!"
Being the more conscious man, Titus rests the back of his shoulders onto Flex's chest for a pin.
1...
2...
Kickout!
Titus is dismayed. Blood has begun to seep through Flex's bandage, turning the tourniquet red. Titus nods at Katie, telling her "Okay" repeatedly and aggressively. He takes Flex now and rolls him into the ring. Mussel gets to his knees, and grasps for ring rope to help himself up. But Titus catches him off-guard with a signature punch to Flex's balls. In the driver's seat, Avison wraps the top and middle ropes around the gym rat's arms. Flex is unable to go anywhere, and isn't fighting back. Titus slips back out and grabs the ladder. He brings it in and sets it up in the middle of the ring. He climbs one step.
Cohen: Oh my GOD...if he does what I think he's gonna do...it'll be HILARIOUS.
Copeland: But that'll ruin our Main Event! That's bullshit!
Connor: I...I can't believe what I'm seeing here. He's going after the World Title?
Titus gets off of the ladder and audibly yells.
Titus: Been there! Done that!
The fans chant right back at him:
"TITUS SUCKS!" "TITUS SUCKS!"
The actor pays them no mind as he gathers the ladder back into his arms. His focus is squarely on his bound opponent. He stares wide-eyed at the still incapacitated Flex, fighting with himself on what he's about to do. Having had enough, Titus rams the head of the ladder directly into Mussel's covered ribcage. There is a sickening thud and Flex slips from the ropes's cross-like hold. Titus is furious, shouting at the prone opponent that he made Titus do that to him. Avison throws the ladder out of the ring, almost hitting the first row. Flex is coughing loudly, cradling his weakspot. Titus gestures Katie to get closer as he hooks the leg and pins him.
1...
2...
3..-
Flex's leg is underneath the bottom rope! Hope stays alive for the health nut as the fans start clapping in unison for him. Titus grabs Flex's leg away from the rope break and applies an Ankle Lock! Flex jerks spastically out of the hold, reaching the bottom rope and hugging it like a safe haven. Titus questions the referee about rope breaks in a hardcore match but she adamantly says this is part of the rules. Titus lifts Flex from the mat and gets him set up for a DDT, but Flex reverses and lifts Titus himself from off of the ground. A Delayed Vertical Suplex is executed and with it Flex dumps Titus out of the ring, crashing to the outside floor below.
Cohen: That could have killed him!
Connor: Safety isn't guaranteed in a Mayhem Rules Match.
Copeland: That spearing move to Flex's bloody ribs wasn't safe, Jack.
Flex goes on the offense, but Titus is waving it all off and is heading to the back in an effort to exit the match. Flex catches up with him at the ramp and knees him in his gut. Titus staggers, but turns to assault Flex. The two exchange a flurry of right hands and chops until it is Titus who is back on top. He Kesagiri Chops Flex into the red bandage, dropping the workout enthusiast to one knee. Titus pulls his hand away and stares at the blood that has smeared across his fingers. He laughs crazily and wipes his hand using Flex's back. Titus looks around him and notices the technical equipment stowed below the edge of the ramp. He exhaustively pulls Mussel by his neck and both men teeter on the brink of the entrance.
Connor: Don't do it, Titus! It will kill you both!
Cohen: He's in the zone, now. You can't beat this Hall of Famer.
Copeland: Get out, Flex!
The Tit Drop! THE TIT DROP BRINGS BOTH MEN CRASHING INTO THE STAGE ELECTRICAL EQUIPM
Titus Avison and Flex Mussel are both unable to get up. Referee Katie Shepard signals for the bell and calls for EMTs post-haste.
Harrys: Both combatants are unable to respond to the referee, rendering this match a draw. The Eurasian Championship title cannot change hands due to a no-contest, therefore, your winner and STILL EURASIAN CHAMPION, Titus Avison !!!
Copeland: I'm speechless. Are they even alive?
Cohen: Of course they are. They're the best talent in the world of wrestling. Let's talk about the important thing, which is Titus is still on top of the mountain and Flex isn't. Vee A.D.Z. will have his hands full.
Connor: I doubt it. This has to have some lasting impact on the Eurasian Champion. He is going into Meltdown against a fresh Vee, not a clearly injured Flex. Speaking of, Mussel fought bravely in a rivalry that will be talked about for ages. I truly hope this isn't the end of Titus vs. Flex.
The crowd boos, but it isn't as loud as before. The devastating finisher that connected into the sound and video devices elicited a loud static sound. Before the cameras cut to commercial break, they rested on the down-and-out wrestlers and the medics.
-----------------------------------
We cut backstage to where we see Leon Kensworth standing with Austin Reynolds. The Austin Reynolds of yesteryear seems to be a complete thing of the past in more ways that one. His usual clean-cut appearance seems to be gone, a scraggly beard replacing it and joined by greasy unkempt locks of hair. As soon as Austin is revealed a huge chorus of booing begins circulating around the arena.
Leon: Austin, I have to get your thoughts on what went down only a short time ago; M being taken out by you and Abel Hunnicutt at the behest of Steven Holmes. I guess what everyone is wondering is... Why?
Leon thrusts the microphone towards the WZCW icon and the former rating's winner. Reynolds opens his mouth slightly but is soon cut off by a very familiar voice. After a second, Steven Holmes and Abel Hunnicut lurch into shot; a smile seemingly plastered onto the features of Steven Holmes permanently.
Holmes:What kind of question is that, Leon? You should know better after all of these years. Have you no appreciation for the element of surprise? These fans at tonight's event certainly have a new appreciation for it. I managed to pick out a few of their pathetic faces as Austin Reynolds made his first appearance in WZCW for years...
A smug and horrible smile widens on the face of The Elite as he fondly remembers a while ago when the actions took place.
Holmes:But I don't think I'll ever forget their little faces when he turned on them and put the final nail into the coffin of M. And let that be a warning to anyone in WZCW for that matter. Big things are happening for Abel and I, and the surprises are not finished just yet. When I say that you get out of the ring, you just go ahead and do what I say. Otherwise, it could be you on the end of that beating...
Leon:Austin, I am really excited to hear your thoughts on what happened out there. Do you have anything to say to the people who supported you for so long?
Leon hurriedly moves the microphone in front of Austin Reynolds one more time but he is simply met with a vacant look and dead eyes.
Leon:Anything at all?
Steven Holmes gives a laugh and then puts an arm around the shoulders of Reynolds; dragging him away from the interviewer as he does.
Harrys: The Following Contest Is Scheduled For One Fall!
[youtube]rogPVEQpE1A [/youtube]
Harrys: Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Brittany, from Boston, Massachusetts, Logan McAllister!
Logan comes slowly walking out, Brittany by his side. The two pause at the ramp, Brittany goes ahead saluting the fans as Logan walks confidently to the ring. He poses in the corner for the crowd as Brittany stations herself at ringside.
Copeland: Logan has a special opportunity tonight, guys.
Connor:That's right. An unnamed challenger has been selected for him tonight. Putting the spotlight over him for this special one on one match here, live on Pay-Per-View.
Cohen: But the question is who the opponent will be. I believe whoever it is has a big advantage over Logan. He knows who he faces. But Logan does not.
The scene pans into a crowd shot of the Key Arena, awaiting quietly for whoever the opponent may be. In the distance the ring is seen with an anxious Logan pacing back and forth.
[youtube]DgASEyey_KQ[/youtube]
A THUNDEROUS pop ignites the Key Arena, realizing who it is.
Copeland:Oh my God!!
AND HIS OPPONENT, FROM HELL, MICHIGAN, HE IS DORIAN SLAUGHTER!!
He emerges through the curtain into a darkened arena, standing with his arms extended to either side of his body at the top of the ramp, peering toward the sky. He stalks slowly down the ramp, surveying the crowd before entering the ring via the steps.
Copeland:The former World Heavyweight Champion! The winner of the previous Gold Rush tournament! He had to vacate the title due to injury. He has returned here tonight. In the event that catapulted him to the stratosphere!
Connor: I didn't think he'd ever come back but here he is. And he looks to be in fine shape.
Cohen:And it looks like Logan will be his first victim here tonight.
Both competitors circle the ring ready for combat. Slaughter looks completely focused on the task at hand while Logan seemed a bit taken aback by the identity of his foe but is now equally focused.
*Ding Ding Ding*
Both men circle the ring looking for the first move. They lock up to start off. Collar and Elbow Tie Up in the center of the ring. The pull on each other, looking for the leverage advantage. Slaughter for a bit manages to bend down Logan but he doesn't stay down for long and manages to push back. They circle the ring, still holding each other but Slaughter overwhelms him. Pushing Logan to the ropes where the referee, Elizabeth Prince order the break and begins to count. Slaughter slowly and carefully releases Logan, patting him on the side of the face arrogantly. Logan gets angry and goes after Dorian who paces back to the opposite side with a slightly arrogant smirk on his face as the referee holds Logan back. Both men then proceed to lock up once again in the center of the ring. Neither man seems to get an edge but as Brittany pounds the apron, Logan proceeds to push Slaughter to the ropes himself. The referee orders the ropebreak and Logan listens, slowly backing up. He then pats Slaughter on the top of his head, leaving the Angel Of Death enraged.
Cohen:Ooh, he's poking the hornets nest here. I don't think that's a smart move.
Copeland:It's a psychological battle, Jack. Logan wants Dorian to know he's not backing down one bit and isn't intimidated.
Connor:Yes, but does he really need to aggravate him? Why not just try to outwrestle him?
Slaughter goes charging for Logan but is suddenly taken to the canvas with a Headlock Takedown and is held there by the powerful grip of Logan. He clutcheds and cranks hard on the hold as Slaughter tries to get out of it, kicking for leverage but only succeeds in moving around the floor. Slaughter tries to get back to a vertical base as Logan holds on. His wife watching on from ringside in support. Slaughter manages to get to one knee as he works his way back up. He throws a couple of kidney shots on Logan to soften him up and uses the opportunity to get back up to his feet. Logan still holds on but but Slaughter, now back on his feet, is able to push him off and hits a big Scoop Slam on Logan. He grabs Logan in a Sleeper Hold and begins to drag the Boston native around almost like a ragdoll. He pulls him around the ring trying to ware out Logan in the harshest way he can think of.
Copeland:Good grief, Logan is two inches taller than Dorian and he's getting dragged by his neck like nothing.
Connor:How is this not a choke?
Cohen: The ref knows what she's doing, Cat. Relax.
Dorian keeps the hold on as Brittany screams for Logan to break free. Logan tries to fight his way out, something very hard to do when not only he's caught in a submission, he's also being dragged around. Logan manages to drive his knees to the canvas, anchoring himself and holding Slaughter still. He manages to Snapmare his way out of Dorian's clutches, throwing him over his shoulder and across the ring. Both men immediately get to their feet but it's Logan who gets the first move in, with a Running High Knee. Sending Slaughter steps back. Slaughter bounces off the ropes and uses the momentum and responds with a sole kick. Logan drops to one knee as Slaughter taunts him in intimidating fashion. Logan responds with a Short Clothesline but Slaughter just staggers. The Son Of Boston doesn't falter though, quickly going around the waist and tossing him overhead with a German Suplex.
Connor: Logan is not backing down here tonight.
Cohen: He may end up regretting it.
Slaughter clutches his neck from the impact but is still very much in the match. He gets back up and Logan looks on. He goes for the waist again, but Slaughter lowers himself to block another German. He breaks the grip loose and turns around. Kicking Logan right in the gut. He takes charge with a series of Kesaguiri Chops, each blow landing on the chest of the Son Of Boston. Brittany looking on concerned. Slaughter takes charge and places Logan on his shoulders. Pacing the ring almost to impose dominance. He then flips him over, dropping him on the back of his head with a Death Valley Driver. Slaughter goes for a cover. 1.... 2...... 3-But only gets a near fall.
Dorian takes his time getting up. Now firmly in control as Logan struggles now. Slaughter drags him by the hair and places his groggy opponent on the corner. Measuring his chest before giving him a Hearty Punch. Logan crumples down to the canvas, clutching his chest in pain. Dorian once again goes for a cover. 1........2........- But only two and three quarters are all he gets. He callously gets back up as Logan continues to clutch his chest in pain on the canvas.
Copeland:Dorian in full control now, dissecting Logan McAllister.
Cohen: I told you. I would've tucked tail and run the second I saw it was him coming down the aisle.
Dorian drags Logan by the hair, Brittany at ringside cheering man on. Dorian bounces said man's head off the turnbuckle on a corner, pressing the advantage. He places his foot across the face of the Boston native, pushing it on as referee Elizabeth Prince tries to get Slaughter off and begins to count. On through four, Slaughter slowly and cautiously releases before 5. He grabs Logan in a Cobra Clutch before slamming him onto the mat with the Black Plague. He hooks the leg. 1......... 2.........3-But Logan gets the shoulder up in the knick of time. Slaughter is now starting to show frustration that he can't keep Logan down and gets back up much faster now.
He firmly places his foot across the chest of Logan, using the ropes for leverage and choking him. Elizabeth tries to get him off again and begins her count but Slaughter upon release turns his head to her, frightening the official. Slaughter turns back and goes to place his foot on Logan again but is stopped by the man's hands. Slaughter pushes his foot down but it does not move. Logan proceeds to the kick Slaughter on the over leg, breaking his base and dropping him on a knee. Logan starts to get back up and from his knees starts to shoot back at the former World Champion. Slaughter staggers as Logan begins to mount a comeback. Logan gets to a vertical base and hooks Slaughter in a front facelock. Hoisting him up in the air slowly due to the beating he was taking for a vertical Suplex. Slaughter bounces to a seated position.
Copeland:Logan trying to mount a comeback now. He's on the attack.
Connor: He'd better not let Slaughter breath because he really had Logan reeling earlier.
Logan gets Slaughter up but gets a knee to the gut. Slaughter dashes across the ropes for momentum, but gets caught and planted with a Spinebuster onto the canvas. Logan doesn't skip a beat and climbs the ropes. He measures and leaps with the McAllisault onto Slaughter! He hooks the leg! 1....... 2........ 3-But Slaughter gets the shoulder up as Brittany looks on in disappointment in the background. Logan gets back to his feet and holds himself up, trying to grabs some air. But Slaughter uses the chance and Schoolboys Logan! 1........ 2.......... 3-But suddenly Slaughter raises Logan off the ground!
Copeland: That is some ridiculous strength!!
He drops him back onto the canvas with a Powerbomb!! 1....... 2......... 3-But Logan barely gets the shoulder up. Both men look to be down and out. Spent by the flurry of offense they delivered. But they both muster the strength to get back to their feet. Both men stagger as they turn to each other. They exchange clubbering blow. The crowd reacting to each shot, being more impactful than the previous one. One blow forces Logan to drop down to one knee. He gets back up and winds up a retort, dropping Slaughter to one knee as well. Slaughter responds in favor. He manages to take advantage and hits several more forearms as Brittany pounds the mat encouraging her man.
Slaughter looks to be dominating but Logan suddenly turns and tosses him overhead with a German Suplex. He holds on for another one, but Slaughter blocks the attempt. He turns around and goes for Death Becomes You. Logan is able to hold on to the ropes though and Slaughter stumbles down with no opponent. Hitting the canvas with a whiplash on the back of his head. He grabs it and Logan hits another German Suplex. A third manages to connect. Logan seems in it. He measures Slaughter now and goes for the Boston Massacre but Slaughter blocks it. He tries the Tomb Of The Mutilated submission hold. But Logan charges against a corner, plowing Slaughter against it. He hits the Boston Strong Splash in the corner and follows it up with the Boston Massacre! He hooks the leg! 1.......... 2.............3!!!
Here is your winner, Logan McAllister!!
Copeland:I don't believe it! Logan did it! He managed to slay the beast here tonight!!
Connor:Logan was able to counter Slaughters best moves and get the right pieces of offense in to get a clean victory over the former World Champion. Great job by Logan here tonight.
Cohen:I'm stumped. What a lucky shot. He did it.
Logan gets his hand raised as his wife Brittany comes in to celebrate with him. She embraces him as the crowd cheers for him. We get a big distant shot seeing the fans cheer while the couple is in the center of the ring.
Connor:Wow. What a moment here. No one expected Dorian Slaughter to return. Much less be defeated by Logan here.
Copeland:If I'm not mistaken, that is the first major loss in Dorian Slaughter's career. That is a big momentum boost for that family man right there. Logan McAllister.
-----------------------------------
Ramparte and John Doe can be seen backstage in a darkly lit corner. The camera man seems a bit hesitant to go near the two lone Trinity members and instead tries to capture their conversation from a distance.
Doe: Zeus is gone….
Ramparte nods in his head.
Doe: It seems plans must change.
Ramparte nods once again but is growing more irritated.
Doe: The trinity is over, we must go our separate ways.
The recluse nods in agreement, but doesn’t seem to be happy about it.
Doe: Maybe our paths will cross again, maybe not Ramparte.
Ramparte doesn’t nod this time, he just glares at Doe and the former tag team champion does the same until they notice the camera man in the corner. He immediately heads for the hills.
Matt Tastic is sitting on a bench with a towel over his head and a bottle of water on his hand with Mikey Stormrage walks in and pats him on his wet back.
Mikey: Good grief, man. I know you worked up a sweat but this seems a little ridiculous.
Matt:I just got off the shower, Mikey. What's up?
Mikey:You know. Just came to wish you luck. Just one more win.
Matt:Yup. Imma gonna win. You too, right?
Mikey:Why did you say it funny like that?
Matt: It was a Mario Kart reference, gamer boy.
Mikey:Ooooh. Right. Thanks man.
Matt gets up and uncovers his towel. He pats Mikey on the shoulder.
Matt:We all have our hard times and we all have our good times. Some times we fight and no matter what, never persevere. But some times..... We reach our goals. I've reached mine. And I know you'll reach yours. Tonight is your night. I know it. No one will take it away from you.
Mikey: Thanks. Thanks to everyone. For supporting me. This is a very big night for me. I'm gonna go out there tonight and give it my all. Not just for me, man. But for all the people out there that have supported me like they have all this time. And most importantly of all. For mom. I'm gonna go out there and give it everything I have.
-----------------------------------
Harrys: The following contest is set for one fall! And it is for the Elite Openweight championship!
[YOUTUBE]h_cfMTFebaE[/YOUTUBE]
As the music climbs John Doe makes his way onstage, sneering at fans and annoyed by their jeers. Eventually after shoving away the outstretched hands of fans he becomes enraged and begins ripping apart anti-Doe signs before getting in the ring and anxiously awaiting his opponent in the corner.
Harrys: Introducing first, the challenger, “The Left Hand Of God" John Doe!
Copeland: It’s a very important night for John Doe, he could either gain the Elite Openweight championship or lose his mask.
Connor: And with the Trinity disassembling Doe is all by himself tonight. Is he capable of getting the job done?
Cohen: Of course he’s capable. But will he? Only time will tell.
[YOUTUBE]uXGRYW-C8gQ[/YOUTUBE]
The theme of the Elite champion plays but as she appears onstage she looks a bit different…in fact she’s wearing a replica mask similar to that of John Doe! The single spotlight follows her all the way down the ramp as she mimics Doe and eventually enters the ring and raises her championship high above her head as Doe tries to restrain himself until the match officially starts.
Harrys: And his opponent, she is the Elite Openweight champion, Eve Taylor!
Connor: Wow, talk about adding insult to injury.
Cohen: Eve giving us a beautiful preview of what may happen should she retain her belt tonight.
Copeland: I’m not sure John Doe is capable of dealing with that possibility.
After she’s done mocking Doe Eve hands the belt to the referee who raises it high in the middle of the ring for all of the arena to see. He then signals for the bell to ring and the contest is officially on. Surprisingly Doe has not charged at Eve in anger at the start of the match like many people expected him to. He instead just stares at Eve in the mask, almost as if he’s analyzing her. She does the same but soon she calls for a collar-elbow tie up. The two hesitantly meet in the middle of the ring, Doe is able to get the upper hand strength wise and back Eve into a corner. Instead of going for a strike or even a maneuver Doe places his hand on Eve’s mask and tries to take it off. She’s able to maneuver her way out of it however and slap Doe across the face before retreating to the middle of the ring. Doe is visibly irritated by this yet he’s able to control himself enough to not charge right into battle. He takes time to gain back his composure and once again analyze Eve. The champ seems a bit taken back by the fact that she’s not able to manipulate the match as she normally would. The two lock up in the middle of the ring again and Doe is able to wrestle her to ground. He once again tries to get the mask off her but Eve is flexible enough to transition the hold into a Figure-Four Headscissors Neck Lock. The submission hold doesn’t last that long however as Doe is able to power out and Eve retreats outside the ring to reevaluate the situation.
Connor: Seems to be an interesting game of Cat and Mouse is forming here.
Copeland: Doe wants that mask off of her in the worst way possible.
The ref begins to count Eve out as she continues to find a way to control the situation. She slips under bottom rope and then quickly goes back out to break the count. She continues to do this multiple times until Doe follows her to the outside and chases her around the ring until she slides back and attacks him just as he gets under the bottom. She delivers repeated stomps to Doe’s head until he’s able to push her away to give himself some breathing room. It doesn’t last long however as she runs back at him and gives him a flapjack sending him to the middle of the ring. The maneuver is quickly followed by a kip up before Eve once again mocks Doe. To her surprise however Doe does a kip up all his own and mimics an Eve Taylor runway pose. The champ is taken back by the uncharacteristic nature of Doe and charges at him in frustration. He ducks a clothesline and transitions it into a single arm DDT followed by a pin 1…2…kickout by Eve. Instead of continuing on the offense Doe wraps his hands around Eve’s mask once again trying to get it off her head. The champ delivers multiple elbows to Doe’s face causing him to loosen his grasp and allowing her to deliver a knife edge chop. She follows up with multiple knife edge chops sending Doe to the middle of the ring. She then tries to hit a Northern lights suplex but Doe uses his strength to back them both into a corner. He follows up a boot choke that gets a full nine count before he stops to avoid disqualification. Eve gets in a seated position in an attempt to catch her breath and Doe goes to the opposite corner, gets a running start, and looks to hit a cannonball until Eve moves at the last second with Doe crashing into the lower turnbuckle.
Cohen: Great agility by Eve there, she’s an amazing ring general.
With Doe’s body contorted into the bottom turnbuckle he tries to get up but Eve gives him no time to recover and she delivers multiple knee lifts while he’s trapped in the ropes. Eventually she picks him and charges at him for a running double chop and that can be heard all around the arena. As he’s stunned and in pain Eve rubs her mask right on Doe’s to add insult to injury before Irish whipping him into the opposite corner. She charges at him again looking to hit another running chop but she sprints at her and they meet in the middle of the ring with Doe landing a devastating running spine buster. He quickly goes for the pin 1…2…Eve kicks out. Doe immediately picks her up and immediately hits a swinging fisher man neck breaker and once again goes for another pin 1…2…Eve kicks out! Instead of going for another maneuver this time Doe once again tries to take the mask off of Eve. With her injured state he’s able to get halfway off of her face before she begins to cling to it and try to stop the process. A test of strength begins with Doe getting the upper hand. Eventually Eve is able to use her flexible legs to deliver a picture perfect kick to Doe’s face causing him to lose his grip. As she’s busy placing the mask firmly back into place Doe charges at her with a brutal roaring elbow knocks her backwards through the ropes and to the outside of the ring. A loud thud can be heard as she hits the floor and the ref exits the ring to check on her.
Copeland: Nasty blow there delivered by Doe, one has to wonder if that may affect the rest of the match.
Connor: It could have been avoided if Eve wasn’t so concerned with mind games and keeping the mask.
Cohen: It’s how she’s getting inside Doe’s head, it was a necessary tool!
Eve is barely responsive as the ref is checking on her. Doe wastes no time exiting the ring and ignoring the ref’s orders to back off. He pulls her up mask first and chucks her head first into some steel steps. The ref is visibly angry as he threatens to disqualify Doe causing him to back off as he checks on Eve. The champ is not giving any verbal responses to the ref so he takes the mask off and see her actual face only to reveal a gash on her forehead. The crowd gasps at the amount of blood beginning to pour from the super model’s head and this only begins to amuse Doe. The ref asks Eve if she wants to continue and after a few seconds she gives a hesitant yes. That’s all Doe needs to continue his assault with repeated right hands to her open wound. Eventually he chucks her back in the ring under the bottom rope and delivers more and more blows to her head. He gets on top of her and begins to claw away at her wound causing more blood to spill all over the mat. The ref eventually backs Doe off once again before he puts on gloves and calls for the medical team to come down to the ring. Doe is visibly frustrated now as he wants to finish the match but Eve is surrounded by the ref and medical officials. The team begins to check just how bad her wound is and whether she can continue the match. The ref asks her multiple times does she wants to continue and with every yes her confidence starts to fade. The medical team gets into a heated argument about whether or not Eve should continue but eventually the champ interrupts and commands that the match be continued. Once again this is all Doe needs as he begins to make his way over to an injured Eve. The medical team quickly clears out as they see Doe coming and the ref gets ready to ring the bell in case things get too brutal. Much to everyone’s surprise however Eve pops up from the corner and spits blood right into Doe’s eye blinding him, and hits a Fashion Statement out of nowhere!
Connor: Did Eve just sucker Doe in?
Copeland: She must have, but there’s no way she’s not hurt.
Cohen: Like I said, mind games played by a perfect ring general.
Doe seems practically out cold but Eve can’t capitalize as she’s writhing in pain on the mat with blood still pouring profusely out of her wound. Eventually she begins crawling toward Doe and is able to wrap her arm over his fallen body and makes the cover 1….2….Thr-NO Doe just kicks out! Eve is heartbroken but expected as much as she couldn’t make an immediate pin. She does her best to pull herself to her feet and pulls Doe up as well. She tries to go for another Fashion Statement but Doe reverses and hits a dragon suplex! Still stunned from Eve’s finisher it’s Doe this time who can’t quite capitalize on a pin, however, eventually he’s able to roll her over and hook the leg 1…2…Eve just barely kicks out. Doe wastes no time picking Eve back up and attempts to hit the Baptism by Blood but she counters into a pinning predicament. The ref barely gets out a one count before Doe shoves her off. Eve charges back at him but is met with another devastating Roaring elbow! She falls down to one knee and Doe lands a picture perfect Shining Wizard! He hooks the leg on a barely conscious Eve 1…2…her foot just barely crosses under the bottom rope to break the pin! Doe is furious at this point and wonders how he can put away Eve. He looks at her still bloody wound and then to outside floor. He puts two and two together and he slides under the bottom rope and begins pulling out the protective padding to reveal the concrete ground! The ref yells for him to stop but he pays him no mind as he yanks Eve under the bottom rope by her leg. He begins to signal for the Baptism by blood! The crowd is chanting no and the ref yells once again for him to stop. Doe takes in all the screams of terror and begins to enjoy himself a little too much…leaving just enough time for Eve to hit a Northern lights suplex with Doe landing skull first on the concrete!
Connor: This is turning into a much more brutal contest than any of us anticipated…
The ref slides under the bottom rope to check on both competitors. Eve is still bleeding but she’s responsive. Doe on the other hand has not moved after going neck and head first on concrete. Eve is eventually able to slide under the bottom rope and makes it imperative that the ref begin to count Doe out. He is eventually left with no other option as Doe has still not moved.
1…..
2…..
3…..
4…..
5….
6…..
Doe begins showing signs of life…
7….
His body begins to inch toward the apron.
8….
He gets one arm on the apron but can’t seem to get feeling in his other arm.
9…..
Te-NOOO! Doe just dives under the bottom rope to break the count and save the match!
Eve wastes no time pulling Doe and hits yet another Fashion Statement! For some reason she doesn’t go for the cover though, she picks him up again and hits one more devastating Fashion statement! She hooks the leg! 1…2…3!
Harrys: And here if your winner, and still Elite Openweight champion, Eve Taylor!
Copeland: What a brutal contest, Eve had to pull out all the stops to defeat Doe.
Connor: If he had only stayed a bit more focused he may have just beat her after that devastating attack on her open wound.
Cohen: Eve is a master strategist, better luck next time Doe.
The referee and medical team check on both competitors as Doe is unresponsive and Eve can’t even make it to her feet with her face completely covered in her own blood.
A long shadow is cast in the back, boxing with itself. Slowly the camera backs away to reveal John Constantine. The fans boo emphatically, but he persists with his warm up, grunting and spitting as he does so. Once satisfied that he is thoroughly heated up, Constantine stops, lower his fists, taking in a deep breath. He turns, only to be greeted by Garth Black. The Gold Rush finalist stands eye-to-eye with the Heavyweight title contender. There is a tense showdown, neither wanting to blink first. Then, “The Powertrip” smirks and chuckles.
Constantine:Good luck…
Black scoffs and deliberately makes sure to bump into the former champion of the world. Constantine swiftly spins him round and they’re nose-to-nose, a heated exchange about to get physical. Then, after a few moments, Black takes a step back and things begin to cool off.
Black:You’d love me to, wouldn’t you? Use this as an excuse to keep me at the bottom, use all that backstage pull to make sure I never see a glimpse of gold again. Well I won’t give you the satisfaction.
Now, Black turns his back to Constantine.
Black:I’ve got a job to do. I’ll be seeing you down the road.
He continues to make his way toward his matchup.
Constantine:Oh Garth.
The conspiracy theorist stops, cocking his head to the left to show he’s listening.
Constantine:If we do meet down the line, I won’t need any tricks.
Garth ponders for a moment before returning focus, storming his way through the back as we fade back into the arena…
-----------------------------------
Harrys: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is the final in the Gold Rush Tournament!
Copeland:It all comes down to this ladies and gentlemen, whoever wins this match is guaranteed a title shot at Unscripted against the winner of our main event here tonight.
Cohen:These guys have sacrificed a lot to get here, and both men have already been through a grueling match tonight. My money though, is on Garth Black.
Connor:I've got to go with Tastic. He has been to the top of the mountain before, and he knows what it takes to get there.
[YOUTUBE]OmND5_zHUD4[/YOUTUBE]
Introducing first, from Southwestern, Puerto Rico, "The Invincible" Matt Tastic!
The crowd cheers as Matt makes his way on stage, showing few effects from his earlier match. He stops at the bottom of the ramp and hypes himself up before he climbs into the ring and stretches in the corner while awaiting Black.
Cohen:I think Matt's time has come and gone. He used to be tops around here, but he fell from his perch and I don't think he gets back tonight.
Connor:I think his veteran know how will serve him well tonight. He showed that with a great reversal on Veejay earlier tonight to get here.
Copeland:Tastic knows Black will be no pushover and he will need an entirely new game plan to take him down.
[YOUTUBE]Uz1Jwyxd4tE[/YOUTUBE]
And his opponent, from The Last Chance Saloon, weighing in at 15 stone, Garth Black.
Boos fill the arena as Black makes his way onto the stage. He takes a drink of water before throwing the bottle aside and looking into the camera, he begins to speak, but stops and says nothing before he heads to the ring, ignoring the chants that he is an "asshole."
Connor:Not a warm welcome for Black in his second match of the night.
Copeland:In recent weeks Black has not only turned his back on the fans, but the company that writes his checks, claiming there is a conspiracy against him. It's no wonder the fans are reacting this way.
Cohen:There is a conspiracy Seabass. How else do you explain a man that has busted his ass as long as Black has gotten nothing in return?
DING! DING! DING!
We are underway as Keith Morse calls for the bell. They tie up immediately, not wasting any time. Both men jockey for position as they seemingly dance around the ring, but neither can get the upper hand, so they break. They circle before Tastic comes in, but Black ducks and goes behind, rear waistlock secured. Tastic muscles to the ropes, and the referee steps in to break. As he releases the hold, Black gives a glaring look at Tastic. The two veterans are back to the center of the ring, and after a collar and elbow tie up, Tastic works to a side headlock. Black fights and pushes Tastic into the ropes. Both men they decide to run opposite directions and rebound off the ropes, where Tastic drops Black with a shoulder block. Quickly to his feet, Black tries an arm drag, but Tastic blocks and sends his opponent to the mat. Again quick to his feet, and charging, Black runs into a side headlock takeover. Tastic tries to keep the headlock applied on the ground, but Black wraps his legs around the head of Matt. Black stalls, the headscissors applied, trying to take some air out of the former champ. Tastic is able to slip free though and work to another headlock, and catches Black with his shoulders down...One!...But it's only one as Black is quick off the mat. Black works to his feet, and forces Tastic into the corner. Clean break by the Invincible One, but Black catches him with a hard knife edge chop, the slap echoing throughout the arena. He Irish whips Tastic across the ring, but Tastic reverses. Black hits the turnbuckle and is slammed down by Matt off the rebound. Black though uses both feet to kick Tastic away as he tries to capitalize. Black springs to his feet and slams the staggering Tastic, only for Tastic to return the favor with some boots to the face from his back as Garth tries to take advantage. Quick to his feet and a side headlock takeover again puts Black on the mat.
Copeland:Wow, these two are just going move for move.
Cohen:I think in the end this style will favor Black more, he likes that mat based style.
Black makes sure to keep his shoulders off the mat as Tastic squeezes on the hold. He works to his feet, and starts to throw elbows and forearms to break the hold. He pushes Tastic into the ropes, but Tastic leaps and takes Black down with a crucifix pin. One!...Two!...Kick out at two by Garth Black. Back on their feet and Tastic goes goes for the side headlock takedown again, and again Black is back on the mat. He isn't there long though, as he works to his feet and starts to throw forearms to the back of Tastic to break the hold. Into the ropes Tastic goes and a crossbody off the rebound, pin!...One!...And Black throws Tastic off him and Tastic rolls out of the ring in front of the announce table. Tastic doesn't even allow the referee to start his count before he is back onto the apron though, and a big shoulder through the ropes and into the gut of Black takes him off his game. Sunset flip, shoulders down...One!...Two!...Near fall again for Tastic, but Black won't quit. Back to their feet and Tastic once again hits the side headlock takeover, taking Garth Black to the mat.
Connor:Tastic has been hitting that move to perfection all night.
Cohen:And I'm getting sick of it. He is just throwing the same move over and over. It's like a video game.
Copeland:Speaking of video games, still to come tonight, out big main event. Mikey Stormrage takes on Constantine in a ladder match for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Black again works to the feet, and uses the forearms to try to break the hold, but Tastic keeps it locked tight. Black forces the two competitors to the ropes, where the referee steps in to break them apart, but Black connects with a knee to the midsection on the way out, drawing the attention of the referee. Tastic goes to a knee, the shot he took likely taking the wind from his sails. Garth charges with a knee to the head, putting Tastic on all fours. He follows it up with a running soccer kick to the midsection. He then waits for Tastic to stand, before he connects with a dropkick that sends Tastic to the floor, and to the outside under the bottom rope. The referee begins his ten count, but Black stops him and offers to help get Tastic back in the ring. He sits on the second rope, holding it down as he invites Tastic back into the ring. Just as Matt gets on the apron and climbs through, Black connects with a sharp kick, drawing the ire of the majority of the crowd, though a few men in the front row cheer his dirty tactics. He kicks him a second time, sending him to the corner, where Black rams him headfirst into the top turnbuckle. He spins him around and starts to connect with big forearms, trapping him in the corner. the referee steps in to break things up, but Black connects with a kick to the midsection on the way out. As Tastic stumbles out of the corner, he runs into a northern lights suplex. Black bridges. One!...Two!...Kick out by the Grand Slam winner. Before Tastic can get to his feet, Black connects with another soccer kick, sending him rolling under the bottom rope and to the outside.
Copeland:So Black taking control now, but using some underhanded methods along the way.
Cohen:A lot on the line here tonight. I don't blame him.
Connor:You never do Jack.
As the referee counts, Black rolls out of the ring himself. He connects with a big chop to the exposed chest of Tastic. He then grabs him by the back of the head and him face first into the ring apron. He rolls back in and urges the referee to get to ten, but Keith Morse argues with Black, allowing Tastic to climb back onto the apron. Black shakes his head but wastes little time going back on the attack. He connects with a straight right to stagger Tastic. He then gets a running start and shoves him off the apron, sending him into the ringside barricade. Black paces around the ring, as Tastic lays motionless on the floor. Finally Tastic stirs and crawls to the apron, where Black grabs him with a handful of hair and pulls him to his feet on the apron. He connects with a big right hand again, causing Tastic to fall to the mat. Black drags him under the rope, and inside, where he lifts him back and connects with a an STO. Lateral press...One!...Two!...Two and nothing more as Tastic gets a shoulder up. Black looks a little frustrated as he drags Tastic to his feet. He connects with a couple of rights to soften him up, before he connects with a Russian leg sweep. Garth then climbs to the top rope and dives, connecting with an elbow right to the heart of the former champion. He hooks the leg...One!...Two!...Foot on the ropes, the ref stops his count, but Garth pulls the foot off and hooks both legs...One!...Two!...But Tastic kicks out. Matt uses the ropes to pull himself to his feet, but Garth catches him with a big knife edge chop before Irish whipping him hard into the turnbuckle. Tastic connects chest first and collapses. Garth is quick to cover him again...One!...Two!...Kick out again by Tastic and Black slams his hand on the mat in frustration. With a handful of hair he drags his opponent to his feet. but plants him immediately with a bulldog. He then goes up top again, but he takes too much time as Tastic is able to throw himself onto the ropes and crotch Black. As Black yells in pain, Tastic shakes out the cobwebs and climbs to the second turnbuckle. He gets Garth in position and loads him up and connects with a superplex, putting both men down on the mat.
Cohen:Damn, Black went to the well one to many times, and got caught.
Copeland:Whoever can get to their feet first will have a decided advantage here.
Tastic is on his feet first, but Black isn't far behind. A wild haymaker misses its mark from Black, allowing Tastic to lock in a half nelson. From there he begins to throw big knees, knocking Black to the mat. From there he grabs a leg and begins to stomp away at it, before he applies a figure four. Black is in trouble, in the center of the ring, with the submission in deep. Black sits up and tries throwing hands at Tastic, but they fail to cause enough damage to break the hold. He tries to roll out of the hold, and eventually reverses, applying the pressure to Tastic. Tastic however is quick to roll again, putting the pressure right back on Black. black reaches out, a fingernail away from the ropes, and is able to grab hold. Tastic immediately breaks the submission. With Black on his feet, Tastic grabs a leg and connects with a dragon screw. Black limps to his feet, and again Tastic grabs a leg, this time sweeping Black off his feet, and dropping an elbow onto the knee region, before he grapevines the leg. A clubbing blow across the face with his free leg is all Garth is able to do to break free from Tastic's hold, but Tastic looks to have suffered big time from the blow, and yes, blood begins to slowly trickle from his nose. Black is on his feet, and grabs Tastic by the hair and slams him face first into the turnbuckle. He then grabs the hair again and simply throws Tastic to the ground with it, as Black is getting down and dirty. Once on his feet, Black grabs an arm and Irish whips Tastic to the ropes. Off the rebound and a sleeper hold. Black cutting off the carotid artery, and Tastic looks to be fading as he tries to get to the ropes to break the hold. He reaches back, possibly looking to grab something on Black to break the hold, but Garth's bald head offers nothing to grab. Tastic tries to get to the ropes, and by an inch he grabs the middle ropes, but Black collapses onto him and keeps the hold in tight until the referee hits his five count, just breaking before the five.
Connor:So Tastic decides to work the legs, to potentially stop Black from hitting The Come Down or lifting him for The Blackout, but a devastating sleeper hold has Tastic reeling once again.
Cohen:Black needs to put him away while he can. Tastic is as resilient as they come.
Black drags Tastic to his feet, and connects with another big chop across the chest, before he locks in yet another sleeper hold. He drags Matt to the floor, and as the ref checks on Tastic, Black puts his feet on the ropes for extra leverage. The ref looks up and sees Black's feet on the ropes and warns him to remove them and break the hold. Not wanting to risk a disqualification, he reluctantly does so. He tries to pick Tastic back up, but Tastic rolls him up in a small package...One!...Two!...Thr-Two! Black kicks out! Back on their feet and Tastic connects with a big overhead belly to belly, sending Black across the ring. Tastic drags Black to his feet and Irish whips him across the ring before tossing him in the air. He falls back and lifts his knees, pop up gutbuster! He takes a moment before he hooks the leg. One!...Two!...No, Two and a half, and the hesitation from Tastic likely cost him. Matt calls for the end though, and readies for the Headache Driver. He lifts up Black, but Black slips out the back and shoves Tastic into the turnbuckle. From there he connects with a German suplex, before Black calls for the end and points to the top rope. He ascends to the top rope and readies for The Come Down. He steadies himself and
As the lights come back on, Tastic is on his feet and runs up the turnbuckle, connects with a top rope Headache Driver to the confused Black. He hooks a leg...One!...Two!...Three! The lights go out in the arena, likely due to the Titus versus Flex EurAsian title match when both men spilled into the electrical equipment, and Matt Tastic capitalizes for the victory.
Harrys: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner of the 2016 Gold Rush Tournament, Matt Tastic!
Cohen:What the hell just happened? Tastic cheated!
Copeland:It appears that when Flex tackled Titus into the electrical equipment earlier in the evening, it had long lasting effects, causing a black out, no pun intended, costing Black this match up.
Connor:Regardless of what happened, Matt Tastic is your new number one contender.
Black is on his feet arguing with the referee, who wants none of it, as Tastic celebrates up the ramp, high fiving the crowd as he goes.
The World’s Heavyweight Championship hangs, glistening in the light of the mass WZCW production. It is tantalisingly close to us, but slowly the camera pulls out to reveal it is in fact oh so far away. Dangling down, it is ripe for the taking. The crowd begins to rumble as it realises that it is indeed time for someone to rip it down and take it anew. Ladders of varying heights adorn the outside of the ring. Some are set up in a standing position, others lie on their sides.
Connor:Tonight, two men are going to sacrifice their bodies, take years of their careers and potentially shorten their lives if need be, all to take the grandest prize of all. All to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Copeland:Everyone who laces up their boots and steps inside that ring dreams of this chance, this opportunity. A capacity crowd waiting with baited breath to see if you can write your name into history.
Cohen:All you’ve got to do is climb that ladder and take the title down and it’s yours. First man to do that is Heavyweight Champ.
Copeland:But it isn’t that simple is it Jack? This is one of the most physically demanding and violent matches in all of WZCW. This is a ladder match.
Cohen:No Seabass. This is the ladder match. The biggest in company history and it’s for all the marbles, the chance to define your legacy and be the man.
[YOUTUBE]mCYfw2CyUdA[/YOUTUBE]
A guttural sound of pure loathing erupts from the masses as John Constantine emerges onto the stage.
Cohen:Speak of the devil.
Constantine’s head is dipped, his eyes closed and his shoulders stiff. Clearly taking in a deep breath, “The Powertrip” lifts his head up, his shoulders rising too, and exhales. Now, his entire body relaxes and his eyes pop open. He scans the arena, before stopping and staring at the gold above the ring. Still as sour looking as ever, he storms to the ring.
Cohen:History beckons you John Constantine. Seize this moment and you will become champion once more.
Connor:Constantine enters this match as the favourite. He has plotted his way into this position in a match type that favours him more so than his opponent, but now it’s down to a matter of skill and will.
Copeland:Not to mention a hint of luck. Constantine might be one of the finest champions we’ve had in WZCW history, but if lady luck isn’t with him, we could be looking at someone else walking out with the gold.
Cohen:I shudder to think.
Entering the ring, Constantine still has his eyes locked on the prize. He circles the ring, never taking his focus off of it. Then, the music changes and he finally breaks his gaze…
[YOUTUBE]pc2GXtwnxJU[/YOUTUBE]
The crowd goes wild as the perpetual fan favourite makes his way to the entrance way. Mikey Stormrage, in all his glory, arrives. At first it appears he too is all about focus and precision, appearing with a grim look, but then slowly it rises up into a wry smile. He puts one arm up and proceeds to slowly make his way down the ramp, taking his time to interact with the fans, slapping hands, taking selfies and the like.
Copeland:And this is why Mikey Stormrage is forever endeared to our great fans, forever a champion of them whether he holds physical possession of a championship or not.
Cohen:Endearing yourself to these people means nothing if you don’t have cold hard facts to back your legacy up. Give Stormrage his due, he’s won some tag gold and a EurAsian title, hell I’ll even say he’s capable of doing some fairly impressive things, but he is simply not in the league of a man like Constantine.
Connor:Tonight is Mikey’s first one-on-one chance to prove you wrong Jack. Let’s wait and see, shall we?
As Mikey continues to interact with the crowd, Constantine paces like a caged beast, waiting to unleash himself upon unsuspecting prey. Stomrage stops, having come to the end of a long line of fans either side of the entrance ramp. He locks with eyes his opponent. They share a tense staredown, neither wanting to move first, but Mickey makes that first step and climbs up onto the apron, a new look etched onto his face.
Copeland:I haven’t seen Mickey Stormrage give a look like that in a long, long time.
Connor:You can talk about Constantine being all about getting the job done and having a proven record, but you’d be a fool think Mikey doesn’t want this as bad as him.
Finally the two men are both in the ring, standing across from one another. Still their eyes are locked on the others. As the music now ceases, Truman Harrys steps in between the two men to make the official introductions.
Harrys: Ladies and gentlemen, this is your main event and it is the ladder match for the vacant WZCW World Heavyweight Championship!
There is a pause as the crowd gives off a solid cheer for the prestigious title. The ever professional announcer continues:
Harrys: Introducing the participants; first, from St Louis, Missouri, weighing 265 pounds; CON-STAN-TINE!
The former Heavyweight Champ throws his arms in the air, the crowd responding in their usual negative manner, but still Constantine keeps Stormrage in his sights.
Harrys: And his opponent…
A thunderous cheer comes from all around to bring just a hint of a smile to Mickey’s face.
Harrys: …from San Francisco, California by way of Indianapolis, Indiana, he weighs 325 pounds, ladies and gentlemen, MIKEY STORM-RAGE!
Letting out a pure emotional response, Mikey raises his arms up and screams a cry of his own.
Copeland:Stormrage’s wearing his heart of his sleeve tonight even more so than usual.
Cohen:And Constantine will drive a stake through that heart. Dreams don’t always come true, life isn’t fair and you don’t always get what you want. Sorry to break it to you kid, but it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
As Jack Cohen’s damning indictment of life rings in our ears, so too does the bell. The match is underway. The two combatants make their way to one another in a bid to go nose to nose, but before they can reach one another, something clicks in both men’s brains. They charge at each other and the fists start flying to the delight of the crowd. Immediately they are slugging it out, each blow stiffer and fiercer than the last. Sensing they are evenly matches, Constantine opts to mix things up, throwing a kick straight into Mikey’s gut, catching him unawares. Quickly he snaps off a straight right hand to fell his adversary and begins to lay in with some vicious stomps. Soon he drops to one knee, now in a mounted position over the former EurAsian Champion, and proceeds to pummel Mikey square in the jaw, cheeks, anywhere he can get a shot in.
The crowd bellows at Constantine, bathing him with boos. He takes a moment to sneer at them, but it creates an opening for Mikey and suddenly the tables are turned. Now Mikey begins to unleash a torrid of fists. Constantine covers, trying to scramble away from his current predicament. He manages to worm his way from underneath Stormrage, scooting backwards, making his way toward the ring ropes. Mikey continues to throw his fists at Constantine, landing punches anywhere he can; face, chest, stomach, even his hips and legs. Soon Constantine is to some modicum of safety and again the two stare each other down. Mikey smirks while Constantine is clearly furious, looking at the crowd as if it were their fault.
Both men rise to their feet now, Constantine using the ropes to hoist himself to a vertical position. They move back toward one other again, but Constantine steps aside and drops to the mat, rolling out of the ring. The fans let him know what they think of that as he holds his arms up and paces on the outside, postulating his next move. Mikey looks left and right and then grins big. The fans tune soon changes as they know what’s coming. Stormrage launches himself into one set of ropes, catapulting him towards the opposite side. He dives over the top, showing surprising athleticism and takes down Constantine! Landing on his feet, he glances at his felled opponent and then realises he has a chance.
He rushes to one of the ladders set up on its side, around the ring. He slides it into the ring and looks to follow, but as he turns to see if Constantine is still felled, he is hit with a stiff lariat. Constantine is back and he isn’t pleased. Landing atop his foe, the former D.C. native throws yet more fists his way. After a strong series of blows, Constantine rises, picking Mikey up and slipping behind him. He wraps his powerful forearms around the throat and face of Stormrage, applying a classic sleeper hold. Mikey tries to fight his way out of it, looking to force Constantine off with sheer power, but he cannot. He tries clubbing those powerful forearms next, but still it does nothing, the former Heavyweight Champ in full control.
Cohen: Brilliant move by Constantine! If you put him to sleep, he isn’t climbing the ladder.
Copeland:Got to agree, sound strategy from the veteran Constantine.
Fight appears to be leaving Mikey’s body. Drool comes from his bottom lip and his eyes close. His body appears limp and his arms droop down. Constantine smirks at a desperate crowd. Satisfied his rival is out, he releases, allowing the big man to fall backwards, unprotected. Constantine slides into the ring where a ladder awaits him. Casually he saunters over and begins to ready it. He takes his time, making sure it is positioned correctly, directly underneath the title and slowly begins his ascent. One rung, two rungs. No problems. Three rungs, four rungs. No Stormrage. Five rungs, six rungs. Constantine stops and smirks, the crowd booing him mercilessly.
Connor:This could be the quickest ladder match in WZCW history.
The climb continues. Seven rungs, eight rungs. The crowd’s tune changes. Mikey is to the apron. Nine rungs, ten rungs. Constantine is within a fingertip’s stretch of the title. Eleven rungs. Mikey is into the ring. Constantine reaches up. His hands are on the prize. Suddenly he jolts forward though. Stormrage is holding the bottom portion of the ladder. Constantine doesn’t even need to turn, he knows what’s happening. He lets out a yelp as Mikey forces the ladder forward, causes the title to swing wildly, and sends Constantine careening down and crotch first onto the top rope. Now, Mikey sprints at the Missourian and knocks him over the top and out of the ring with a massive body block. The tables have turned. Mikey is all alone in the ring, ladder at the ready. He looks up and smiles, proceeding to climb.
Copeland:The tables have turned so to speak. Now it’s Mikey all alone in the ring. Moments from destiny.
Mikey repositions the ladder slightly to suit his needs. Now he begins to move up with renewed vigour. The higher he climbs, the louder the crowd grows. Soon he is to the top.
Cohen: NO! This can’t happen!
The title is still swinging from earlier and Mikey waits for it to slow down. He stretches out for the title but can’t quite get it first time. A second chance is about to come when suddenly, an object comes in from behind and smashes into Mikey’s back. He falls to the side and slams back first into the mat. The object is a step ladder and its source kneels on the apron; a doubled over Constantine, still nursing his lower anatomy. He steps through the second rope and gingerly makes his way back into the action. Hobbling, he casually brushes past Mikey, who is to his knees, and picks up the mini-ladder. Then, wielding it as if it were a chair, he pulls it back and smashes the prone Stormrage across the lower jaw and top of the chest. So ferocious is the shot that the ladder actually leaves Constantine’s hands and falls outside the ring. Meanwhile, Mikey goes flying backwards, clutching his face in utter agony.
Connor:Ugh! That sound…
Indeed the noise of teeth, bone and flesh on steel echoes around the arena as Constantine spits in Mikey’s general direction. He leaves him with regard for his well being and now it is he who starts repositioning the ladder. Once satisfied, he starts ascending it anew. This time he is slower, still suffering from his earlier fall. He hops the first few rungs before beginning a legitimate climb. He tries to quicken the pace but is suffering for it. Having to pause, his face is riddled with a grimace. He tries to climbs again, but feels a tug on his boot. He tries to climb again, but the fans cheer, letting him know what awaits him as he turns around. There is Mikey, bleeding badly from the mouth. He is on his knees, reaching up, holding Constantine’s boot. Grinning, he yanks “The Powertrip” down, popping up himself at the same time to nail Constantine with a massive Falcon Punch!
The European uppercut staggers Constantine, sending him off onto the second rope and back to Mikey who now hooks him in for an uranage. Mikey is determined to do more damage and fast, so while Constantine tries to writhe in agony, he keeps him flat on his back and throws himself forward, landing a sickening back senton atop his foe. Both men are now riddled with pain, and neither is in a position to capitalise. Clutching at his wounded back, Mikey very slowly begins to rise. Sucking up the pain, he crawls his way over to the very base of the ladder. He tries to ascend it, dragging himself the first few feet, before sliding back down, the adrenaline not yet kicking in. He takes a deep breath and reaches up, trying again. The crowd are giving him their support and the pain starts to numb. He pulls himself up the first couple of feet and pauses.
Getting his foot onto the rungs, Mikey begins a slow, but now orthodox climb. He is moving up at a reduced pace, but he is getting there nonetheless. After a few moments, he is toward the top. Suddenly though, Constantine is on the other side, dragging himself up at a quickened pace. Panicked, Mikey tries to move faster, but misplaces a foot, nearly falling. He has lost ground and Constantine is both persistent and consistent, grabbing each rung as if his life depended on it. Soon it is he who is ahead. Both men climb frantically and soon they both reach the summit, face to face. They pause as the crowd screams with delight. The action is back on, fists flying left and right from both sides. They go at it tooth and nail, just as they did at the start. Once more it is Constantine who mixes things up, starting to dig at the open wound he has caused on the lip of Mikey.
He rips and tears into the injury, using it to bring Mikey forward into a series of headbutts. After three or four, Constantine is feeling dazed and relinquishes hold of Mikey’s now freely bleeding lip. Mikey too is staggered. He nearly falls backwards and off the ladder, holding on by the top of his fingertips. Shaking off the effect of his own offence, Constantine throws another right hand, forcing Mikey down a couple of rungs. He tries to take the chance to step up and reach out for the gold. It leaves the top of Constantine’s midsection exposed though, and Mikey throws some wind sucking punches into his gut. He is doubled over and Mikey hooks him in what appears to be a suplex position!
Cohen:Not from there! No!
No is right though as Constantine throws a few fists into the busted face to not only preserve his safety but also regain the advantage. Bouncing Mikey’s face off the top of the ladder, Constantine turns the table and puts Mikey in position for a suplex of his own. He begins to pick Stromrage up from the top, holding him briefly in a straight vertical suplex position. Flashbulbs go off as Constantine displays tremendous strength before falling backwards, delivering a sickening superplex from the top of the ladder!
Copeland:Oh my God!
Both men come crashing down, bouncing off the mat a good foot or two after the impact. The ladder tips to the side, lying prone against the top rope. Constantine and Mikey writhe in agony on the mat. The crowd is a mixture of applause and…
HO-LY SHIT!
HO-LY SHIT!
HO-LY SHIT!
HO-LY SHIT!
Copeland:My sentiments exactly Seattle!
Constantine tries to turn onto his front and let his back breathe. He looks for the ropes, hoping they can restore him to a standing position. Across the ring, Mikey does something similar, dragging himself stomach first toward the open ladder. Mikey – already hurting from the initial blow to his spine from the step ladder – is much slower though as Constantine somehow begins to pull himself to some semblance of a vertical basis. He stumbles, dropping to his knees. However, he manages to repeat the feat again, finding himself back to two feet. Slowly he turns to confront Mikey who is still trying to climb via the ladder’s legs. An idea comes to Constantine though and a devilish smirk creeps along his face. He begins to make his way over to the gasping, bleeding Stormrage who he finds leaning forwards, away from him, using only the ladder for support. Constantine takes the opposite end of that ladder and proceeds to slam it shut on Mikey’s back!
He repeats the process once, then twice when Mikey drops to his knees. Then, just for good measure, Constantine does it again, this time trapping Mikey’s head between the rungs of the ladder. Having exhausted the means of victory cum weapon, the ladder’s joints snap, rendering it useless. Or is it? As the end Mikey was leaning on falls out of the ring, another bright idea comes to the ex-King who just so happens to be holding the other end of the ladder. With cruel force, he drills this end right into the bleeding lip of Mikey. Forcing him onto his back, Constantine holds the ladder over his opponent’s face driving it down for a good few seconds. Mikey squirms underneath, his legs fighting frantically to escape. Eventually Constantine grows tired and stops, tossing his end of the ladder outside. He holds his arms high into the air as the crowd shows him nothing but disgust. Meanwhile, Mikey rolls away, holding his face, finding the corner of the ring, hoping for a safe haven from Constantine’s relentless assault.
Copeland:Constantine is desperate to be champion again.
Cohen:Beware the rage of a desperate man Seabass. You’re seeing it in action right here.
Still not satisfied that Mikey is out of the contest, Constantine moves towards him, pulling Mikey’s hand away from his face, exposing the wound he created earlier. With one hand of his own, Constantine holds the sweat stained hair of Mikey and with the other he pushes Stormrage’s face up for easier accessibility. Letting go of the hair now, Constantine nails him with a straight, unprotected right hand. Mikey crumbles in the corner. Constantine repeats, nailing him again. Still not done, he goes back to raking and clawing that lip wound, trying to rip and tear it as much as possible. After a few moments and with Mikey screaming out, Constantine stops. Pulling his hands away, he looks at them; his usually pure white wrist tape is stained and smothered in crimson.
Now Constantine turns and looks upwards and remembers the task at hand. Satisfied his opponent is out of it, he slowly exits, looking for a new means of victory. He eyes up a ladder which lies prone in front of the announce table, but then decides against it, opting instead to look under the ring. Throwing the apron up, he digs deep for something he’d be satisfied with, rummaging around for a good little while until, finally, he finds it. Pulling it out, this ladder just keeps coming and coming. It appears to be enormous, a good twenty five feet or so. Standing it upright, Constantine shoves it in over the top rope. He follows it back inside and begins to set it up, positioning with care and poise just as he did before. It is so tall it extends further than the title. Constantine begins his ascent to victory and climbs a good three or four feet up before something tells him to check and make sure Stormrage is done. Mikey though is still trying to pull himself up and Constantine is in disbelief.
Cohen:Are you freaking serious? How is the fat man still in this?
Shaking his head, Constantine descends, wanting to make sure he annihilates Mikey from his business once and for all. He moves with renewed pace towards Stormrage and duplicates what he did earlier, one hand on the hair, the other on the face. “DIE”, Constantine screams at him. Mikey just smiles through broken teeth and a torn lip, his blood flowing freely through the fingers of Constantine. John again shakes his head and winds a fist back, preparing to try and end it once more. Mikey though laughs. Confusion is etched onto Constantine’s face. Suddenly, Mikey brings his leg, full force into the crotch of Constantine. A devastating low blow! Mikey collapses into the corner, finally with a breather.
Cohen: That cheating son of a…
Copeland:No disqualification Jack. Anything goes.
Cohen:Dammit that’s not the point. This is supposed to be a straight fight between two men for the richest prize in our business…
Connor:Oh and Constantine has played fair with the attacks from behind, the raking, the assault with the weapons? Not to mention all the antics he pulled en-route to this one trying to manipulate events in his fav--
Suddenly, Cat Connor’s speech cuts out. Both men are still down in the ring, the crowd clapping in unison, trying to usher both me to their feet.
Cohen: Must be another technical failure after what happened with Flex and Titus…
Copeland:Oh come on Jack. You know as well as I do that Constantine has Banks in hi--
This time Copeland’s mic cuts.
Cohen:Huh, another technical fault. Who figured? Looks like I’ll have to steer the ship into port for this one. If you’re just tuning in folks, Mikey Stormrage, that’s the one looking and bleeding like a stuffed pig, has managed to cheat his way into an opening…
As Jack Cohen’s ‘unbiased’ analysis continues the crowd’s clapping has gained a fever pitch, Mikey is to his feet, stumbling around and then falling forward. He tries again as Constantine sucks in air, also trying to regain a standing position. Now both are too their feet. Mikey smiles again. Constantine cries out, calling Mikey a “stupid son of a bitch!” The two pull back and trade right hands again. After one blow each though, it is Mikey who changes things up this time, pulling Constantine in for a short armed clothesline. The crowd cheers wildly. Once more, with both men to their feet, Constantine looks to start another sequence of flying fists, but Mikey blocks and responds with not one or two, but a whole flurry of right hands, stopping eventually to spin his arms, do a turn and deliver an elbow to the cranium of Constantine! The Headshot! Stormrage feels it now as adrenaline pumps through his body.
MI-KEY!
MI-KEY!
MI-KEY!
MI-KEY!
Dazed and confused, Constantine tries to go for something, throwing himself at Mikey, but Stormrage hoists the future Hall of Famer with a devastating Samoan drop. Mikey sits up, that adrenaline coming in thick and fast now. He brings “The Powertrip” up and goes for the sure to be finish; Game Over! Constantine though struggles and wriggles and writhes and does everything he can to escape. Eventually he slips out and throws a boot into Mikey’s midsection. Then, he throws him off the ropes. When Stormrage comes back, Constantine goes for Collateral Damage! As he picks Mikey up though, the heavier man, floats through, landing on his feet as opposed to his spine. He pulls Constantine in and executes the Live Más Slam. He keeps his arms hooked around Constantine’s midrift though and hoists him up again, this time positioning him as he did earlier. Game Over! It hits successfully this time as the crowd roars and Mikey nods frantically.
The fans chant, to their feet willing their hero on and he begins to respond, trying to once again stand. He sees the ladder Constantine brought in earlier and moves it slightly. He pauses for a moment to wipe blood from his lip and check his teeth but soon enough does begin an ascent up the ladder. He goes as quickly as his battle worn body will take him, practically hopping one step at a time. It is time consuming but with each rung he climbs, the crowd somehow grows louder and louder. The journey to the top appears all the more precarious the further he goes, but ultimately, Mikey is to the top. It becomes apparent though that he has not come this far to retrieve the title.
Stormrage positions himself, taking a seat at the very top of this massive construction. As it dawns on everyone what is about to happen, they rise, camera’s at the ready. Looking across at the heavyweight championship, Mikey takes in a deep breath. Then he stands. The crowd gasps, uncertain if a man of his size will cause a fatal tip. Indeed the ladder wavers and wobbles, but Mikey finds the correct balance, looking down at his fallen nemesis. He looks to the sky, pointing upwards, before closing his eyes and throwing himself forward, looking to land a Flying Burrito! The entire arena holds its breath as he falls from the top.
Time almost seems to stand still as the three hundred and twenty five pounder comes flying down. As with the superplex, flashbulbs ignite, capturing the moment as a frozen fragment in time, forever preserved. Then, as he nears his intended target, Constantine moves! Then time returns to the norm, with devastating effect; Constantine has moved just out of harm’s way, Mikey comes crashing down, smashing spine first into and through the canvas!
Connor:Oh my God…
Copeland:Cat, we're back on…
Cohen:And here I was enjoying the peace as the fat man fell from grace. You know what they say Seabass – the bigger they are--
Connor:Shut up Jack. Mikey Stormrage could be seriously hurt and all you care about is ridiculing him for how he looks.
Cohen:No, I’m ridiculing him for what he is; a blowhard and an idiot. All in this match is prove everything I’ve said about him is right. He’s good, but he’s stupid. He had a chance to get out of this one earlier and he didn’t take it. Instead, like a fool, he defies destiny. And what does destiny do in turn? Bites him square on the ass. And now, like the beached whale he is, he will shrivel and die as we enter a glorious new age.
At first, Constantine appears absolutely horrified by what he’s just witnessed and what could have been, but then, sluggishly grins, fully aware he has just survived what would have been certain defeat. With a capacity crowd almost completely stunned into silence, he begins to regain his bearings. He still has that grin on his face as he looks up and sees the title still there. He even stumbles down to one knee, but he has all the time in the world now. Victory will come to him and nobody will stop him. Mikey remains motionless in the pit he has just created. Only his chest going up and down confirms life. Soon it becomes apparent that medical assistance has been sent to help Mikey and indeed several paramedics and doctors are already on their way down, including two wheeling a stretcher. They clamber in as Constantine drags himself to the foot of the ladder. Slowly he drags it back into a more suitable position. Mikey is being pulled out by the medical officials. Constantine takes a look at the situation and laughs.
Connor:Sickening. Absolutely sickening. How another human being can laugh at another's total and utter destruction is beyond me. What an appalling creature.
Cohen:“Save the whales”, “save the whales”. Ugh, you’re worse than the environmentalists CC.
The crowd is sitting in silence, hands on their heads, disbelieving. A small group at the back try to boo, but it doesn’t catch on. Stormrage is being loaded onto the stretcher, a medical collar now wrapped firmly around his neck. Then fans start the chant for him once more. It starts small. Constantine steps up one rung of the ladder and cackles once more. He begins his sure but steady way to victory.
Cohen:And how appropriate that he returns to the summit in a ladder match folks?
Now the chant for Mikey grows. Constantine is a few feet in the air. Mikey is being wheeled out. The chant is becoming so loud now. Constantine has to stop himself a quarter of the way up, screaming at the fans to “shut up”. It is a massive crescendo.
MI-KEY!
MI-KEY!
MI-KEY!
MI-KEY!
Something remarkable then happens. Mikey’s hand comes up, shaking, and reaches down at the collar. He tears it off. The crowd explodes with the slightest glimmer of hope. The officials try to force Mikey to stay down, but he shoves them away and rolls off. He even manages to will himself to his feet, holding his right arm as if it were dislocated. Constantine is still interacting with the crowd, confused by their sudden joy. Eventually he turns to the medical situation and his jaw drops.
Cohen:How?!? HOW?!?
Copeland:Mikey will not die. The people won’t let him.
For a few seconds, as Mikey Stormrage drags himself towards the ring, John Constantine can do nothing but stare. As Mikey stumbles, it becomes clear to Constantine that he has to hurry. There is still a job to be done. He begins to climb again, his progress hampered by his own war wounds. Mikey is now crawling inside the ring. Constantine is dragging himself with all the strength he can muster toward the top. It’s like his power is fading with each rung.
Copeland:It’s a race now!
Mikey pulls himself towards the massive ladder. Constantine is desperate now. He’s close though and he begins to reach out. The title is a couple of rungs away. The medical officials are on the outside, pleading for Mikey to come back. Constantine makes the final step and smirks, but he feels the jolt of the ladder. Stormrage has gotten to the base. “The Powertrip’s” eyes are wide open as Mikey bears that stupid, bloody grin again. He begins to tip the ladder and Constantine shakes his head furiously. He reaches out, but the title grows more and more distant. And then he falls. Just as Mikey did. He comes toppling down, falling onto the medical officials on the outside! The crowd is overjoyed!
Connor:YES!
Cohen:NO! This can’t be…
Positioning the ladder back to where it was, Mikey climbs, harder than he ever has in his life. His body is broken, but his will to win, his spirit, his desire, it all drives him further, faster. His ascension is a long one, but the moment has been a long time coming and as Mikey Stormrage reaches the top, he grabs the leather strap. There is no John Constantine or anyone else there to stop him and he rips it down to the most euphoric of reactions. He has won.
Harrys: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN; YOUR WINNER OF THIS MATCH AND…NEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWW, WZCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION; MIKEY STORM-RAGE!
So loud is the crowd that Harrys has to shout. Mikey is, understandably, emotional. He pulls the title into his face and weeps. After letting it pour over him for a moment, he uses both arms to hold the title up high, showing the whole world what is now his.
Copeland:He’s done it! Mikey Stormrage has come to the mountain top and he has claimed the grandest prize of all. He is your World Heavyweight Champion!
Connor:Dreams can come true and miracles can happen. Sometimes the good guy wins, isn’t that right Jack Cohen?
Cohen can only make a slight squeaking sound, unable to comprehend what is happening. Mikey is clambering down the ladder when a popping sound can be heard. It startles Mikey who looks at the tron, but it is merely golden confetti falling in celebration of his achievement. It streams down, just as his tears did. The little bits of paper float down, signalling the dawn of something new. The medical staff and Constantine have disappeared into the dark of the back. Stormrage is alone, and he staggers backwards, down the final part of the ladder, dropping to his knees, worn out and exhausted from the war he has just fought.
He places the title in front of him and puts his hands on his hips, shaking his head, emotions clearly flowing freely within him. He shakes his head in disbelief and mouths a “thank you” to the fans.
Connor:Let this moment sink in Mikey. You’ve earned it.
Copeland:Well ladies and gentlemen what a night. Mikey Stormrage has arrived. In Seattle, Washington, he has become the World Heavywei--
Before Sebastian Copeland can finish his closing thoughts, the arena turns a dirty yellow colour and a thick black barcode flashes across the tron. The crowd explodes one more time.
Copeland:What on Earth…
[YOUTUBE]a_426RiwST8[/YOUTUBE]
A figure steps on to the ramp, arms outstretched and body silhouetted against the screen. The fans know what this means as does Mikey who gives a curious look, picking himself and his newly won championship up, clutching the prize tight to his chest. The arena lights lift to reveal James Howard stood atop the ramp. He begins to make his way down to ringside.
Connor:Are you kidding me?!? James Howard? I thought he was out indefinitely with a long term injury?
Cohen:Who says he isn’t CC? Maybe he’s here to congratulate his friend. I thought you were all about the hugs and happiness angle?
Quickly Howard’s music fades out and he stops at the ramp’s base, locking eyes with his former comrade. The crowd is still rumbling at this sight. Slowly Howard slides into the ring.
Copeland:These two men were once best of friends and tag team champions together, but there is no love lost between the two of them either. Is James Howard here as friend or foe?
The two men face off, slowly Mikey’s body opening, allowing the title to drop to his side, though still in his hand. Howard then, still with a deeply serious look on his face, extends a hand out. Mikey looks at it and then directly at Howard. He takes the hand and shakes it, before the two men pull each other in for an embrace. After a few moments, they break, Howard raising Mikey’s arm, and subsequently championship, high into the air. The crowd roars with approval.
Suddenly, as Mikey turns away, Howard pulls him in for a sickening kick to the gut! The air leaves the arena as the fans are stunned. Stormrage grasps his gut, already savaged by the beating he’s taken from Constantine. Howard runs the ropes, unleashing a violent running knee to Mikey’s prone head and sending the new champ reeling!
Connor:No!
Cohen:Yes!
Copeland:What is he doing?
Howard grabs Stormrage by his hair and drags him to his feet bending his former partner’s spine backwards, further damaging the already severely hurt back. He locks Mikey’s head under his arm before falling backwards sending a thundering boom around the arena as the top of Mikey’s head is driven into the canvas.
Copeland:TKO from Howard onto his former friend!
Cohen:What a play from Howard. Strike while the iron’s hot they say and he just did that. Took the focus off Mikey Stormrage and put it squarely on himself.
Using his foot, Howard proceeds to push Mikey away from his championship, rolling him into the crater he had created earlier. With Stromrage lying motionless, Howard grabs the title from the mat and drapes it over the chest of the lifeless champion. The camera fades to black, ending the broadcast.
Yaz: Tastic vs. Veejay, Gold Rush Final, Tag Title Match, segments Killjoy: McAllister vs. ???, segments, graphics Dave: Opening, Black vs. Joheki, Abel vs. M, segments Dynamite: Taylor vs. Doe, segments Spidey: Titus vs. Flex NSL: segments, inspiration for tag match spots FunKay: Constantine vs. Stormrage, segments
Hope you all enjoyed the show. Rep those involved for their work and look for the boards in the next couple of days.
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