Gold Rush 2016 Pre-Show

[NSL]

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All my hopes survive - I’ve got to do it alone
I will burn alive in the House of Gold and Bones
All my hopes survive - I’ve got to do it alone
I will burn alive in the House of Gold and Bones
In the House of Gold and Bones
In the House of Gold and Bones​

As the final chorus plays, the camera pans the arena showing a sold out crowd making their way to their seats.

Everest: Good evening, and welcome to WZCW Gold Rush 2016! What a show we have in store tonight, fans! I'm Everest, WZCW Hall of Famer, and with me, my colleague, Mr. Johnny Klamor!

Klamor: Thank you, Everest! Hey, how come I'm not in the Hall of Fame? I've been here longer than you!

Everest: Good question, Johnny! Better question. Which match has you most excited tonight?

Klamor: How can you pick anything other than the Ladder Match we have scheduled as the main event? Constantine has been on a year long struggle, looking to regain the title, and cement his legacy at the top of WZCW, and Mikey is the final stepping stone on that path!

Everest: That may be true, but the Mikey we have seen is more focused than ever. This is not the taco-chowing, video game-playing, go kart-racing son of a gun the fans are used to. This is a man ready to take the leap, and show that he is not just a tag team specialist. For my money, the fans are going to go home happy, with Mikey ascending the ladder and pulling down his first world title.

Klamor: Why would he even agree to a ladder match? A guy his size would clearly be at a disadvantage. Speaking of champs, I hear there's a surprise in store, right here on the Gold Rush pre-show!

Everest: Now, now, Johnny! Don't give it away just yet! Back to the card, another match we have lined up will see a battle between two of the finest villains in WZCW, Abel Hunnicutt, led by his mentor, Steven Holmes, and "The Good Villain", Mr. M! Who you got there, Johnny?

Klamor: Oh, what a fight that is going to be. Abel has been on a roll lately, and made a statement on Ascension tearing apart not just Theron Daggershield, but Logan McAllister as well. But, M is one to never be overlooked. Who knows what he has up his sleeve! I doubt he even knows sometimes!

Everest: You are very right, Johnny. M is a one of a kind, but Abel is due to rise up the ranks, and this may be where he takes the first step towards earning a title shot of his own. You mentioned Logan McAllister. What's your take on his open invitation tonight? The "Boston Suplex Party"?

Klamor: What a joke!

Everest: Really? Why?

Klamor: C'mon! You've been here all day, just like me. You've seen some of the names that have turned out, and any one of them could answer that invitation. I didn't see a single one that Logan stands a chance against, did you? Look. Logan's a great kid, congrats to him on getting engaged, and he's had some success lately, but we saw what happened when he went toe to toe with Abel Hunnicutt. I think we'll see more of the same tonight.

Everest: You may be right, but Logan could also use that loss to his advantage. Train harder, refocus, and come out here tonight with a solid game plan that doesn't necessarily need to be adapted to his opponent. That's what I'd do!

Klamor: And you've held how many titles? And Logan has held...zero. That's right. I'll use the cheap segue to point out another comparison between someone who has held multiple titles, and someone who has held zero. Matt Tastic and Veejay meet tonight in the semi-finals of the Gold Rush tournament!

Everest: That's right, Johnny, they do! Veejay was one win away from earning the shot at the gold that is awarded to the winner, and this year he looks to advance just a little farther, and meet the winner of tonight's ladder match at our next pay-per-view, Unscripted. Some say he's had an easy road here, defeating the likes of Tony Mancini and then Logan McAllister, but I wouldn't underestimate anyone with the stakes this high.

Klamor: Matt has certainly had a harder road to tonight than Veejay, beating Abel Hunnicutt in a rematch of sorts from Apocalypse, and then having to get through an up and coming name in Vee A.D.Z. I think, tonight, experience wins-

Before he can finish, Garth Black walks onto their stage and pulls his notes from the desk. He feverishly skims them, tossing each page aside as he finishes them. Everest and Johnny look at each other, and then watch with confusion. Garth pulls Johnny's headset off and puts it on himself before turning his attention to Everest.

Garth Black: Did I hear someone say experience? No one in this tournament has more experience than me, and I've been back there watching this sham of a broadcast, and do I get a mention? No! Of course Matt Tastic used his pull to get a whole segment. Mikey, Abel, Constantine. You've mentioned all of them. You keep on underestimating me. Go ahead and do it. You'll have a hard time keeping me off the screen, and out of your mouths, when I win both matches tonight, and then beat the fat off Mikey, or bring Constantine down to Earth, and claim what should have been mine years ago!

Garth proceeds to grab Everest's notes, and skims them again, tossing two pages away before holding the third page up to the camera.

Garth Black: Of course! No surprise there. Matt Tastic and Veejay get to open the show and then take a nice long rest before the Finals tonight. Guess who goes on second? That's right. Garth Black! I told you! I told you all! They get the road to the Finals paved with gold, and I have to break my neck and soil every inch of that ring with blood and sweat just to always come in second. No more! Not tonight!

Before Everest can respond, Garth slams down the headphones, breaking them in half, before grabbing Johnny's coffee and leaving. A group of stagehands rush to their position and begin cleaning up the papers as the camera zooms in on Everest.

Everest: I'm sorry, fans. Garth Black is clearly set on winning tonight, any means necessary. While we're getting cleaned up here, let's take it to the ring, where we have what should be an awesome tag match scheduled for you, featuring the debut of WZCW's newest member, as well as a former world champion and the current King For A Day.

The camera catches the crew cleaning up some more, and bringing Johnny fresh coffee and new headphones before switching to the ring where Selena is standing by.

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Anderson: Welcome to Gold Rush! This tag team match is scheduled for one fall!

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Anderson: Already in the ring, weighing in at 220 pounds...DIABOLOS!

Diabolos sits quietly in his corner, ignoring the boos of the crowd.

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Anderson: And his partner, from Minneapolis, Minnesota...He is "The Unforgettable" NOAH! RYDER!

As the music grows, Noah Ryder comes through the curtain, smiling and singing along to the words of his music. The crowd gives him a mildly warm reception, acknowledging his recent aggressive streak. He heads to the ring, high-fiving a few kids along the aisle, before rolling under the bottom rope and posing in the center of the ring. As Selena gets ready to introduce their opponents, Ryder and Diabolos talk strategy.

Connor: Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the first of many exciting matches on the card tonight! Jack, Seabass...We saw Diabolos get a very loud chorus of boos, and Noah Ryder didn't get much of a reaction at all. Do you think this will fuel them in this match?

Copeland: It's certainly possible, Cat. Their opponents are at opposite ends of the WZCW spectrum, so this is a real wild card of a match. First, there's the debuting Luke Manson, and then there's former WZCW World Champion Theron Daggershield. It's truly anyone's match to win.

Cohen: Anyone's match to win? Ha! Theron is former champion, while Noah is the current King For A Day!

Anderson: And their first opponent...

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Anderson: Standing at six feet, two inches tall, and weighing 212 pounds...He hails from Queens, New York...LUKE! "THE MAN"! MANSON!

As the music climbs, Luke steps out onto the ramp for the first time. The crowd air guitars along to the music, cheering him immediately for his taste in music. He gets a few high fives as he makes his way to the ring, but he stops at the bottom of the ramp, waiting for his partner before entering against two dangerous opponents.

Cohen: He's not much to look at, is he?

Connor: Looks can be deceiving, Jack! I ran into him this morning, and he is on a road to redemption. Tonight is just step one. I can see big things in this man's future.

The crowd roars to life as his partner's music begins...

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Anderson: And his partner...He is the former WZCW World Heavyweight Champion...THERON! DAGGERSHIELD!

The former champion enters the arena with a flourish as an amazing pyrotechnic display lights up the arena. He does his sword display for the crowd as the adoration rains down on him, before making his way to the ring. Him and Manson exchange a fist bump before Theron hands his sword to a kid wearing Theron cosplay in the front row. The partners exchange a look, and then dive into the ring! The fight is on!

Luke and Theron pair off with Noah Ryder and Diabolos, respectively, with no one fighter gaining an edge. Luke and Diabolos whip their counterparts, and as Noah and Theron meet in the middle of the ring, Theron hits a running Critical Hit! Noah is down and Diabolos bails to the floor!

The referee intervenes, and forces the two to decide on who starts, and then ushers Theron out of the ring.

**DING*DING*DING**​

Luke stretches his arms in the corner as Noah uses the ropes to get to his feet. Him and Luke circle the ring, but as Luke goes for a collar-and-elbow tie-up, Noah steps back, and tags in Diabolos!

Diabolos doesn't take kindly to the abrupt tag, but leaps over the top rope, entering the ring. They stare each other down as Noah exits the ring. Luke and Diabolos now circle, with Luke again initiating a collar-and-elbow tie-up, but Diabolos uses his size to gain the upper hand, pushing his opponent into the corner. The ref steps in for a break, but Diabolos responds by driving a knee into Manson's gut, doubling him over. The crowd lets known their displeasure as Diabolos plays into the hatred. Manson explodes out of the corner, taking Diabolos down with a Thesz press, and raining right hands to the masked man's face!

Luke leaps to his feet, pumping his fists at his sides as the crowd applauds. He turns around, but is surprised by a standing dropkick! Diabolos springs to the top rope, and attempts an Eat The Sky! He missed! He crashes into the mat, elbow first! He immediately grabs at the arm as it goes limp, and rolls out of the ring!

Copeland: Oh no! It looks like we have an injury here! Diabolos went for an early finisher there, but Manson avoided the flying elbow, and it appears as if Diabolos may have broken that arm, or hopefully something less severe, like a dislocation.

Cohen: Well, this is bad news for Mr. Ryder, let me tell you. This would have been a hard match to win, even if Diabolos were 100%. Let's hope he prepared himself well for this contest!

A pair of medics dart out from the back, and start tending to Diabolos as he cradles the arm against his side. Back in the ring, Ryder has stepped through the ropes, and is ready to square off with the 38-year-old. Ryder shoots for the leg, but is swatted away by Manson. Ryder responds with a left hand, and then whips the rookie to the ropes, and then takes him down with an armdrag. He locks the arm, applying an armbar, and wrenches on Luke's wrist. Luke easily breaks the hold, whipping Ryder to the ropes, and hitting the mat as Ryder steps over him. Ryder bounces off the far ropes, and as he runs back, Manson takes him out with a flying forearm! Ryder hits the mat hard, and is holding his jaw! Manson picks up Ryder, and whips him into Theron's corner, and then tags in the Warblade.

Theron hops over the ropes, and connects with a series of knife-edge chops, turning Noah's chest beet red! Noah drops to his knees just as Theron does a crotch chop, taunting his weakened opponent! Noah starts to stand, and Theron grabs him, pulling him to the middle of the ring. Theron hits a series of elbow smashes, and then connects with a Northern Lights Suplex! Noah bounces to his feet, and Theron catches him with a Dragon Screw!

They go through the same routine two more times, and after the final time, Noah rolls through and begins slamming his fist into the mat, clearly aggravated. He tries to surprise Theron with a Blow Ryder, but Theron catches him with another Northern Lights Suplex, and maneuvers into The Ultimate Weapon! The stepover toehold facelock is in tight, and Ryder can't break free! He taps out!

Anderson: Your winners...the team of LUKE MANSON and THERON! DAGGERSHIELD!

Theron and Luke celebrate in the ring with a high five before posing on the ropes. Noah immediately rolls out of the ring and exits the arena, shaking his head the whole time.

Copeland: Frustration showing all over Ryder's face, but the real story here is Theron getting back on the winning side of things, and the rookie getting a bit of experience next to an established veteran.

Connor: This could be the beginning of a very rewarding tag team for these two! Crazier things have happened!

Cohen: You'd be right, Cat, but Theron has made it very clear he fights his own battles, even shunning the Phantoms in his war against the Trinity. As for Ryder, I think the frustration stemmed from his partner essentially no-showing this match, and not quite being ready to face someone like a former world champ.

Copeland: Very valid points, Jack. Let's take it back to Everest and Johnny Klamor, who have some more about tonight's Gold Rush event!

 

[NSL]

We return to the panel of Johnny Klamour and Everest already inside the half-full arena. Everest looks pleased with the previous match as Klamour fixes through his notes.

Everest: Well, what a match that was, folks. A match full of action and a deserved winner. But tonight, we have a whole host of matches that promise to be chalk-full of high octane matches and none more so than Eve Taylor versus John Doe for the Elite X Championships. It's a Title versus Mask match between these two and, Johnny, the stakes are high.

Klamour: Not many matches are higher here tonight, Everest. Let me tell you something, this match has been boiling like a pot full of water since Apocalypse and, finally, we are about to see these two get down to business and find out just who the better man or woman is.

Everest nods his head in agreement.

Everest: Let's take you all back to Apocalypse a couple of months ago and how all of this came around. It is worth noting that Garth Black was attacked only a few weeks before this and the mysterious circumstances continued at Apocalypse.

Leon Kensworth: Good evening! I'm Leon Kensworth, and I'm about to have a word with our longest reigning champion, Ms. Eve Taylor!

Backstage Bob: Leon! Come! Quick! Get help!

The cameraman takes off, following Bob, as Leon gives chase behind him. They round the corner, and find Eve laid out among scattered boxes and a broken table. A broom handle lies next to her, its broken handle smeared with blood. Leon shoves a box off of her chest, revealing a puddle of blood forming under her. A gash on her forehead is the source.

Leon Kensworth: What happened? Eve? Are you okay?

Eve Taylor: He...I...Where am I? He...

Backstage Bob: Who is "he"?

Medics arrive, and immediately go to work on Eve as Bob and Leon hurry out of the way.

Eve Taylor: He took my belt! He...The eyes! Oh the eyes! He took Senshuken! My Senshuken!

Leon turns to the camera, attempting to make sense of Eve's ramblings.

Leon Kensworth: As you can see, the Elite Openweight champion was the victim of a brutal assault, and whoever the assailant was, they left with her championship! There's blood everywhere. Who would do this?

Leon points to the now-exposed bloodsplatter, as the cameraman zooms in. Before the picture can focus, the feed cuts to black...

Everest: And that was the road set out for both of these competitors. As it transpired, it become clear that it was John Doe who carried out the attack on the Elite Openweight Champion. And not only that, stealing the Elite Openweight Championship. Johnny, I have to ask, what is going through the head of Eve Taylor as she prepares for this massive match?

Klamour: I firmly believe that this is the toughest match that Eve Taylor has faced as Elite Openweight Champion and tonight she will have her work cut out for her. John Doe may have lost the Trinity on his side but he still remains one of the most dangerous superstars on the WZCW Roster. He is motivated, focussed and determined to get the Championship from the waist of his opponent and Eve Taylor needs to raise her game as a result.

Everest nods again, flicking through his questions.

Everest: And what about the stipulation, Johnny. What effect is that going to have on both of these competitors?

Klamour: It's a tough one, Everest. But I think that John Doe holds all of the cards here. Doe is the one who has manipulated this feud from the outset and he was the open that put himself in the cross-hairs or the Elite Openweight Champion. And now he has the goal of making Eve Taylor realise the ugliness of her own character. I dare say that she will need to unmask that part of herself to retain her Championship.

The camera cut back towards a single shot of the WZCW Hall of Fame superstar as a wide smile stretches across his features.

Everest: Well, I am very pleased to now be joined by the man who only just came up short in the Gold Rush Tournament last year; eventually falling to Dorian Slaughter in the final. That man is Veejay!

The camera returns to the shot of the, now, 3 men sat at the pre-show table. Sitting on the far right of the table, Veejay looks pleased to be there.

Everest: Welcome to the show, Veejay. I know that you don't have a lot of time so we can make this brief. I guess we are all wondering just what is going through your head as you prepare for your second run at the Gold Rush Tournament. A lot of people are making you the favourite heading into tonight, given your history in the tournament. Do you think that is fair?

Veejay: It has already been such a tough competition this year; far tougher than last year for sure. But I am focussed on what is to come and the only thing that I cam promise for sure is that I will give everything to make sure that I go one step further than last year and claim the prize.

With that, Johnny Klamour cuts in unceremoniously; his tone harsh and almost in ridicule of his guest on the panel.

Klamour: But what makes you think that you have what it takes this time? Last year, you faced off against Dorian Slaughter; someone who had a lot of talent but hadn't really accomplished anything. This year, tonight, you face off against a Grand Slam Champion in Matt Tastic and, perhaps, Garth Black or Kagura Joheki as a result. What makes you so confident?

Veejay offers Johnny a small laugh as he closes his eyes.

Veejay: All of my life, Johnny, people have been telling me that I can't do something. People told me that I wouldn't do anything of note in last year's tournament and I made the final. That tournament featured former World Champions, too. And guess what? I was the one who made it to the final. I have the support of people close to me and, what's more, I know that I have what it takes to go one further tonight. Matt Tastic is a great warrior and someone who I respect a lot. His accomplishments speak for themselves but he has never made the final of the Gold Rush Tournament like I have. I have the experience and I know that I have the talent. It has been a tough road since the last tournament but I have learned lessons. Tonight, I know that I can win.

The camera cuts back to a single shot of Everest; a wry smile appearing on his face in light of Johnny's questioning.

Everest: Well, it is funny that you should mention your, potentially, first opponent for tonight. Let's send you backstage to where Leon Kensworth is with the former World Champion Matt Tastic.

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We cut backstage to where we see Leon Kensworth standing beside the former World Heavyweight Champion, and Grand Slam winner, Matt Tastic. Matt isn't dressed into his ring gear yet and is looking very relaxed.

Leon: Thanks, guys. And as you can see, I am here with Matt Tastic. Of course, Matt has a huge couple of matches here tonight, potentially, and with everyone believing that he is the front runner, I have to ask how you deal with that sort of pressure?

Leon thrusts the microphone towards Matt in expectation but Matt doesn't seem overly bothered by Leon's haste.

Matt: When you've seen and did everything there is to do in WZCW, Leon, I guess things like this all come naturally. I'm feeling good and I'm feeling healthy. I know that I have my hands full with Veejay tonight, and then perhaps Garth or Kagura. But I know what I have to offer and I've did it on the biggest stage continually. I'm just looking forward to getting out there and living up to my reputation at Gold Rush.

Leon: Interesting thought, Matt. Of course, last year at this PPV you won back the Heavyweight Championship from Constantine after he was attacked backstage. The Hell in a Cell match was one of the biggest matches in WZCW history. So, how do you think things have changed in that year here in WZCW?

Matt lets out a small laugh.

Matt: That's true, Leon. I guess the biggest change is that I don't automatically qualify for a Championship match at Gold Rush this year and I've had to do it the hard way. But I've come this far and I don't plan on letting the Championship go now that I have.

Leon: And finally, Matt, I have to get your thoughts on Mikey Stormrage. He's battling in his second Gold Rush main event of 2 tonight and has the chance to become a World Heavyweight Champion to boot. Do you think he can do it?

Matt: Absolutely, I have very faith in him. Listen, Constantine is a great wrestler and he will pose a massive threat to Mikey. But Mikey is doing this for his mother and nothing is going to get in his way tonight. The best part of me winning the Gold Rush Tournament tonight is that I'll get to have the rematch with Mikey on the PPV one more time. And this time it'll be for the Heavyweight Championship.

With that, Leon turns away from Matt with a smile on his face.

Leon: Strong words from one of the Gold Rush competitors right there, Everest. It is interesting to see how this is all playing out. A hugely exciting night awaits us.


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We go back to Everest in the midst of the hordes of fans now making their way into the arena at a vast rate of speed.

Everest: Well, folks, we had planned to do some talking about the EurAsian Championship match that we will be seeing here tonight but word is just reaching us now that not everything may be as it seems when it comes to that one. Let's hand over to Stacey Madison, who is in the building somewhere with Vance Bateman and WZCW's resident doctor, Dr. William Jacobs. Stacey?

We immediately cut backstage to reveal the three aforementioned people standing side by side. Whilst Stacey receives the cue from Everest in the arena, it seems as though Dr. Jacobs and Vance Bateman are deep in conversation, completely in the dark that Stacey is even there.

Stacey: Thanks Everest. The future of the EurAsian Championship is due to be decided here tonight with Titus Avison defending his Championship, supposedly, against Flex Mussel. The issue is that Flex Mussel has not been medically cleared to compete. I am here with Dr Jacobs, who may be able to shed a little more light on the situation. Doctor?

The doctor breaks off his quiet conversation with Vance as the microphone is thrust towards him.

Jacobs: Well, Stacey, I have to be honest with you. I have not cleared Flex Mussel to compete tonight. After the attack earlier on in the month, I do not think that Flex is any position to wrestle a high-profile match here tonight. I have since spoken to Mr Bateman and given my recommendations. It is worth noting that I have given these concerns to Mr Mussel too. He knows the risks and seemed very disappointed with my decision. But my priority has always been, and will always be, for the good of the talented wrestlers who make this company such an exciting place to be.

Stacey seems stunned by the scoop that she has uncovered but regains her composure after a moment.

Stacey: On that, Vance, I have to bring you back in. What does this mean for the Championship match here tonight? Will Titus get a free pass tonight?

Bateman: Well, Stacey, this really has thrown a spanner in the works but we will move past it. Titus Avison has proven himself to be a fierce Champion but we cannot forget that he was the one who brought about this situation. He needs an opponent and he will get one. I have spoke to Becky already and we have decided that the winner of the Fatal 4 Way match will receive the EurAsian Championship match here tonight. Good luck to everyone.

Stacey: Everest, I am stunned. Back to you...

We cut back to the panel where Johnny Klamour seems to be laughing outwardly.

Klamour: Great news for the Champ!

Everest: I have to agree with you, Johnny. Titus was the one who put Flex on the shelf and it seems as though he has managed to swerve him again tonight. But the real question now is who Titus will go on to face tonight at Gold Rush. The Fatal 4 Way match now has massive stakes for everyone involved. I'm stunned.

 

[NSL]

We cut backstage once more to reveal Keon Kensworth standing beside the very modest Kagura Joheki. With a smile on his face, Leon turns to Kagura and begins his line of questioning.

Leon: We are here now with one of the final 4 men and women in the Gold Rush Tournament. A former Elite Openweight Champion; and now hoping to be the first ever woman to, not only win the Gold Rush Tournament, but also the first woman to win the WZCW Heavyweight Championship. Kagura, everyone wants to know what is going through your head as of late.

Kagura remains silent for a moment, contemplating the question and all it is worth.

Kagura: Lately, Leon, I have been feeling some pressure, this much is true. There has never been a female winner of the Heavyweight Championship and that alone carries with it a world of pressure. And to say that I have not feel victim to it at times would be an outright lie. But there are other feelings that I have been privy to as of late. Confidence, empowerment and thirst. Listen to my words, Leon, modest as I am...

For a moment, Kagura falls silent; possibly lining up her speech just right having rehearsed it numerous times in her head for her big moment.

Kagura: For too long now, I have been put on the back-burner as less deserving wrestlers find their way to the top. Before, no one seen me as a threat to anything. And since my change of character, I have found a new lease of life. The power to bring someone to their knees, and their dreams in pieces, is something that I have found to be quite intoxicating, Leon.

Kagura stops once more, deep in her own thoughts.

Kagura: Tonight, Leon, I am going to make a big statement, whether anyone likes it or not. Mark my words, after tonight, no one will put Kagura Joheki on the back-burner ever again. I will be the first name on everyone's lips. And when I become the first woman to become the WZCW Heavyweight Champion, long after the likes of Garth Black, Matt Tastic and Veejay have been crushed, everyone will realise their mistake of ever underestimating me.

With that, Kagura walks off, leaving Leon with the microphone in his hand and a somewhat stunned loon on his face.

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Harrys: The following contest is your pre-show main event and the winner will receive a EurAsian title match later tonight!

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Mancini appears on stage much to the dismay of the fans. Flanked from behind by his bodyguard Gino Rizzoli he responds to the crowd with very vulgar Italian hand gestures before entering the ring. His bodyguard is searched by the ref while he continues to jaw-jack with the fans.

Harrys: Introducing first from Little Italy, being accompanied to the ring by Gino Rizzoli, weighing 275 pounds, Tony Mancini!

Connor: Despite not advancing into the Gold Rush tournament with Flex Mussel not being medically cleared tonight Mancini might have the perfect opportunity to become EurAsian champion.

Copeland: He indeed has a golden chance ahead of him tonight. If he can just get through three other men.

Cohen: That may just be what his bodyguard is for.

[YOUTUBE]N14wMJz5uEY[/YOUTUBE]​

As the Eminem theme music blasts through the arena Vee appears onstage after a somersault followed by him bouncing up and raising his hands high in the air. As he makes his way down to the ring he high fives fans and gets on the apron to springboard himself into the ring.

Harrys: And his opponent, From Crawley, South East England, weighing 185 pounds, Vee! A! D! Z!

Copeland: What do you guys think the chances are of the young upstart going all the way tonight?

Cohen: If he couldn’t advance in the tournament last year I wouldn’t have much faith in him winning this match and beating Titus of all people later in the night.

Connor: Yee of little faith.

[YOUTUBE]aqXW57WM9TA[/YOUTUBE]​

The recluse appears on stage to a surprisingly mixed reaction instead of just the natural boos. His hair of course shielding his face making any reaction to the crowd unknown. He seems to not care in the slightest as he enters the ring and gives the crowd a quick glance before brushing them off and licking his lips. He gets to his own separate corner and waits for the match to start.

Harrys: "And making his way to the ring, from an undisclosed location, Ramparte!"

Cohen: Now this is a man I have faith in.

Connor: Coming up just short in a fantastic match against Garth Black Ramparte looks to bounce back tonight and earn singles gold.

Copeland: He’s very capable of doing so tonight, the question is can the Recluse slither his way to victory?

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SHIT makes his way on stage to a thunderous ovation but doesn’t seem like his usual mandroid self. He slowly shuffles his way down to the ring almost confused by his presence. The competitors in the ring can even tell something is off about the veteran.

Harrys: Making his way to the ring, from Mechanical Mecca, weighing 230 pounds, S.H.I.T.!

Connor: Does S.H.I.T. seem a bit different to you guys?

Cohen: Maybe his programming is off.

The mandroid doesn’t even enter the ring before the match starts. He simply waits outside staring at Ramparte. The Recluse notices this and doesn’t know what to make of it. The bell sounds and Mancini immediately sneaks up on Ramparte and knocks him outside of the ring. He then goes for a wild swing on Vee but he ducks and starts delivering haymakers of his own. He Irish whips Mancini off the ropes but the Italian Stallion reverses sending Vee bouncing off the ropes. Mancini tries Vee a back body drop but the high flyer lands on his feet much to Mancini’s surprise. He pushes Mancini forward and as the Italian superstars bounces stomach first off the ropes Vee uses his momentum to hit him with a Northern lights suplex followed by a pin 1…2…Ramparte slides in to break it up! The Recluse wastes little time getting back into the action as he picks Vee up and begins hammering him with fists. He delivers a European uppercut that sends Vee backwards into the turnbuckle. Ramparte then turns his attention to Mancini and hits him with a snap suplex. Just as Ramparte is turning around to deal with Vee he responds with a second rope spinning knee knocking Ramparte to the floor. He quickly hooks the leg 1…2…this time its Mancini breaking up the pin! Vee doesn’t let that catch him off guard however. He tries to go for a hurricanrana but Tony catches him and reverses it into a tilt-a-whirl slam. He sees Ramparte getting to his feet in the corner and hits him with a running knee clobbering him back down to the mat. Mancini then charges back at Vee and uses his strength to scoop up his opponent and fold him up like an accordion with a German suplex bridge into a pin 1…2…Vee just barely kicks out!

Copeland: I’m shocked to say it but Mancini has this match very much under his control.

Connor: And S.H.I.T. has yet to even join the action…

Ramparte has now retreated to apron to rest and Mancini notices this. He charges at the former champion but the Recluse pulls down the bottom rope sending Tony to the floor right next to S.H.I.T. The mandroid looks down for a few seconds, and then immediately back up to Ramparte. With Vee beginning to stir in the center of the ring Ramparte spring boards off the ropes and inside to hit a picture perfect leg lariat. He hooks the leg 1…2….but the ref gets pulled out….by Gino? Ramparte looks quite annoyed by the interruption and contemplates going outside to deal with the problem, but before he can Mancini sneaks back in the ring with a Bulldog sending Ramparte to the mat. He then waits for Vee to get back up and tries to hit a Lariat but Vee ducks under, and hits a reverse hook kick sending Mancini rolling under the bottom rope. Vee desperately tries to catch him before he does to make the pin but he just narrowly misses him. Ramparte then sneaks up behind Vee and turns him around looking for the Book End. Vee furiously delivers repeated elbows to the skull forcing the Recluse to release the hold. Ramparte then turns around right into a devastating 540 kick followed by Vee hooking the leg 1…2…Gino pulls out the ref again!

Connor: Can someone please get him out of here?!

Cohen: It’s a fatal-fourway, meaning no disqualification. Gino is perfectly within the rules doing what he’s doing.

Copeland: Unfortunately he’s right Cat, and the ref knows it too.

The ref has no choice but to warn Gino to stop once again but can’t disqualify Mancini. Vee is not happy and begins yelling at Gino to back off but the bodyguard begins distracting him just long enough for Mancini to recover and hit an Atomic drop on Vee. He then gets in the corner and starts sizing up both men for the W.G.T. Vee gets to his feet first and Mancini charges at him but the agile superstar hops over Mancini and the Italian Stallion goes through the middle ropes and to the floor. Gino gets up on the apron looking to cause some damage but Ramparte delivers a low drop kick to his feet causing his face to bounce off the apron. Both Italians recover on the floor to see Ramparte and Vee standing side by side ready for war.

Copeland: Looks like we may have an impromptu tag match on our hands.

The fans begin cheering at the last minute team up of Ramparte and Vee who are not sure what to make of this alliance. Both Tony and Gino slide under the bottom rope and the four men begin going at it. Of course S.H.I.T. just analyzes from the outside. Vee and Gino are throwing haymakers while Ramparte and Mancini trade shots as well. Ramparte is eventually able to get the better of Mancini and throws him to the outside. Meanwhile Gino knees Vee and the gut temporarily stunning him. He then turns his attention to Ramparte who meets with a Calf kick taking him down. He then tries to hit a Denouement on Gino but the bodyguard powers out and gives him a back body drop. Vee then hits Gino with a single leg drop kick stunning him but not taking the big man down. He then hits a hurricanrana sending Gino into the corner. Ramparte then follows up with a flapjack sending Gino back down to the mat. Both men get to their feet only to be met with a devastating double Lariat from Mancini! The Italian gangster quickly covers Vee 1...2…kickout! He then immediately goes over to pin Ramparte 1…2…another kickout! Tony then yells in frustration and begins yelling at the ref to count faster. Mancini then notices Ramparte laying on the apron and goes for a guillotine leg drop only for the Recluse to move! Mancini lands leg first on the apron and falls to the outside in pain. Vee then springboards off the top rope into a splash taking out Mancini! Meanwhile back on the inside Gino is now back to his feet and charges at Ramparte with a big boot. Ramparte ducks however and contorts his body around Gino with the Black Widow! The bodyguard is tapping like crazy but it means nothing as he isn’t a competitor in the match. Once his strength is weakened enough Ramparte lets go and hits the Denouement! He flips him over and yells at Vee to get on the top rope. The high flyer knows exactly what he’s thinking before he knows he’s jumping off the top turnbuckle to hit Gino with an Airborne End! The fans are going crazy as Ramparte and Vee have seemingly gotten rid of Gino.

Connor: What an amazing sequence! Surprising amount of teamwork by Ramparte and Vee. And that amazing aerial maneuver has left the crowd breathless.

Copeland: Indeed it did, regardless of the winner those two might make quite an interesting pair in the tag division.

As the ref rolls Gino’s practically flattened carcass out of the ring Vee gives Ramparte a nod of respect before posing for the fans. The celebration doesn’t last long however as Ramparte immediately hits him with a Book End!

Cohen: Did you guys forget this is still a fatal four way match? With a championship shot on the line?!

The Recluse immediately hooks the leg 1…2…Vee kicks out! Ramparte is frustrated but wastes no time at all setting up for another Denouement. Before Ramparte can hit it however Mancini rushes into the ring with another clothesline knocking Ramparte down. Before Mancini can follow up with anything else Vee hits a devastating round house kick sending him to the mat and Vee falls down as well purely out of exhaustion. All three men are down with the fans cheering in appreciation. Much to the surprise of everyone however Kagura begins to make her way down the ring. She immediately goes over the S.H.I.T. and commands him to attack Ramparte! The mandroid looks confused but he eventually does as he is order and slides under the bottom rope just as Ramparte is getting to his feet. The robot hits a devastating Piston chop sending Ramparte out to the floor! Kagura then meets him with a Fifth Dance of Amaterasu Omikami taking him out completely!

Connor: Oh my god! Why did Kagura command S.H.I.T. to do that?

Copeland: And why did he listen?

Cohen: Well the Japanese are good at programming…

Before S.H.I.T. even gets out of the ring Kagura commands him to depower and the mandroid does just that. Kagura smiles at her handy work and walks back up the ramp. The ref is confused with the robot just standing aimlessly in the middle of the ring depowered. Mancini notices this and clobbers him with the W.G.T.! S.H.I.T. is still a legal competitor in the match meaning he’s fair game for a pin 1…2…Thr-NO! Vee breaks it up! Mancini is completely overcome with anger and begins furiously pounding away on Vee. He forces him into a corner and hits him with shot after shot after shot. He then backs up into the middle of the ring charges at Vee only to be met with a back body drop into the corner leaving him in a tree of woe! Vee quickly gets to the opposite turnbuckle. The fans are on their feet as Vee makes an insane leap and nails the Coup de grâce! Mancini collapses into a heap and Vee folds him into a cover away from the ropes! 1…2…3!

Harrys: And here is your winner, and number one contender to the EurAsian title, Vee A.D.Z!

Connor: What a victory! Amazing performance by Vee and now he has a golden chance to become EurAsian champion tonight!

Copeland: It was a chaotic match but Vee came out on top in impressive fashion.

Cohen: All I know is that Ramparte as robbed.

Copeland: We’ll just have to figure out later what the hell transpired with him and Kagura, regardless congrats to Vee and I wish him luck in his match later tonight against Titus.

Cohen: He’s going to need it.

Vee celebrates in the ring as the referees begin to check on the other three men.

------------------------

Everest: Wow! What a surprise there, eh, Johnny? Vee A.D.Z. with the big win, earning himself a shot at Titus Avison and the EurAsian championship! Things are really coming together for that kid!

Klamor: He can celebrate this victory now, but there's not a chance he defeats Titus and leaves with that belt.

Everest: Moving on from that...we've met all of the competitors in the Gold Rush tournament. We've broken down the Elite Openweight and EurAsian title matches. You've heard the rest of the card. There's just one match left...the Ladder Match to decide who leaves here tonight with the WZCW World Heavyweight Championship!

Klamor: We both know Constantine is going to win, it's a foregone conclusion, but this really will be an exciting match, and I'm anxious to see the effort that Mikey puts in, just as he always does when he comes up just a hair short of a big moment.

Everest: I wholeheartedly disagree, Johnny. We are less than a week removed from Mikey burying his mother, and he has never wanted anything more than he wants the victory tonight. Mikey also comes into this match with a bit of an edge, having already one ladder match, as a member of Strike Force. Constantine, in all his years as a pro wrestler, has never competed in one. Will he be ready for the unique brutality he will face tonight?

Klamor: Constantine may never have been in a ladder match before, but you said yourself he has a distinct advantage when it comes to experience. Plus, he's already been World Heavyweight Champion before, to go with being the most successful Elite X, now Openweight, champion of all-time, even being the only man to successfully complete the gauntlet to earn himself a world title shot! Oh, and did I mention he's a former King For A Day winner? All of which, things Mikey has never accomplished.

Everest: You're right. Mikey has never been a world champion, or Elite champion, or King For A Day. But don't you think that will motivate him just that much more tonight? And you know what he has won? Three tag team championships, making him the most successful tag team wrestler in WZCW history, as well as a EurAsian title reign. And those are things that Constantine has never done.

Klamor: Cut this any way you want...My money is on John Constantine, The Power Trip, leaving here tonight with gold around his waist.

Everest: You all know I'm sticking with the eternal underdog, Mikey Stormrage. Let's take a second to get some picks from the rest of our broadcast team!

The camera fades to black, and comes back on a six-way split screen. One each for Leon Kensworth, Stacey Madison, Miss Hardwood, and each of the commentary team.

Leon Kensworth: I'm not a betting man, but I'm really pulling for the emotional underdog, myself. Mikey Stormrage.

Cat Connor: Me too. Mikey's been through a lot lately, and still showing tremendous focus. Live Mas, Mikey!

Stacey Madison: You are both crazy! There is not a chance in hell that Constantine isn't the champion at the end of the night!

Jack Cohen: Finally, some common sense. Stacey said it best. Constantine wins. Mikey doesn't have a chance in hell.

Sebastian Copeland: I beg to disagree. Mikey has been waiting for this moment his whole life. He needs this more, he wants this more...He's going to ascend the ladder, literally, and figuratively.

Miss Hardwood: Well, I do hate to be the deciding vote, but, if it were up to me, I'd much rather see that hunk Constantine climb that ladder! Ooooh!!!

The camera fades again, cutting back to Everest and Johnny.

Klamor: Something just ain't right with that last one, Everest.

Everest: Um...Yeah. Moving on...Fans! Yo are about to witness something special. Here to hang the WZCW World Heavyweight Championship above the ring...Former champion and one of the newest members of the WZCW Hall Of Fame..."The Scurvy One"...RICKY! STEAMBOAT!

[YOUTUBE]NYd91Efvbeo[/YOUTUBE]​

The stage splits in half, and out spills a huge parade float, designed as a pirate ship! The side says "S.S. HALL OF FAME", and at the helm...Ricky! He waves to the fans as the float stops at the top of the stage. The cannons fire with a huge BOOM and gold "doubloons" fill the air! The side hatches open, and an army of pirates lean out, tossing gold-wrapped candies and chocolates to the fans! Ricky raises his hand, and Polly flies down from the rafters, landing on his shoulder!

Ricky climbs below deck, and emerges from the front of the ship! He raises his hands, revealing the vacant WZCW World Heavyweight Championship! He takes his time, shaking hands with the fans along the aisle, and every fan at ringside. When he's shaken every hand he can, and taken as many pictures as requested, he finally makes it to the steps, and enters the ring. He raises the belt one more time, drawing a shower of applause from the now capacity crowd.

Steamboat Ricky: Aaaargggh!!!

AAAARGGGH!!!​

Steamboat Ricky: Shiver me timbers! This is one heck of a crowd ya got here! I promise you, you argh in for one heck of a doozy tonight! And would Ricky lie to ye?

NOOO!!!​

Steamboat Ricky: Yo ho, ye mateys!

Ricky unhooks the belt's strap, and secures it around the hook. Once the belt is secure, the hook slowly raises as flashbulbs pop around the arena at a blinding rate.

Ricky waves to the fans, and makes his way to the back. The camera cuts to a split-screen in the back, showing Mikey and Constantine watching the belt's ascent above the ring.

As the belt stops. Mikey smiles, nodding his head. Constantine pounds his taped fist into his hand, his face shaking with fury.

The camera fades to the belt above the ring, and then slowly fades to black as the pre-show closes.

 

[Dave]

NSL – Opening, card run-down, Black interview, TAG MATCH, Heavyweight Championship run-down, Steamboat Ricky segment

DAVE – Elite Openweight run-down, Veejay segment, Matt Tastic segment, Doctor Jacobs announcement, Kagura segment

YAZ – FATAL 4 WAY MATCH

Rep to all those involved in this, entirely optional, show. It is a great read for my money. Special credit to NSL for his hard work on it. Butts