[Darkness.]

"POWER"

[The smiling face of Chris Schukar is plastered to the darkness as stirring music races through the speaker. The clear voice of Marcus Harden provides commentary.]

Marcus Harden (MH): In the beginning, there was Schukar. Riding the high on the creation of the National Wrestling Council's and its birth, Chris took power where it came and prestige where it was deserved. Some said his ego ran roughshod, some said he was crazy.

[The NWC logo fills the screen, proud in its majesty.]

MH: None could deny his success. Schukar alone built the NWC body, fighting off challengers and growing more and more demanding, more controlling in his grip on the Council. People were fired, people were sacrificed... but one name has stood in his way.

[Six letters of glimmering silver stamp themselves to the logo.]

MH: Pierce. From the arrogance of Raymond to the intelligence of Andrew, the Pierce name has been synonymous with takeovers and control. Now faced with perhaps his greatest challenge in the enigma known as Alex Pierce, the NWC's very fate hangs in the balance.

[Faces appear on the screen. Hunter Sabuani. Eugene Robinson. Maxton Rainstone. Ben Van Iten. Hyuk Suh Kim.]

MH: These next two nights, sixteen men will compete for the future, for the right to find out which hand guides the ship. The NWC hangs between Heaven and Hell and heroes will be forever made and villains never forgotten as the National Wrestling Council presents...

[BOOM!!!]

MH: PURGATORY!

[And with fireworks galore and explosions that rock the very Complex we're dropped into, we head to the Purgatory Complex across the Piazza San Marco in Venice. The fans are rocking, the shell is stable on the water, and the announcers are excited.]

MH: You are looking LIVE at the Purgatory Complex in Venice, Italy, where tonight, we present Night One of the extravaganza known as PURGATORY! Tonight is NIGHT ONE: MALEVOLENCE!

FB: Uh.. whassat mean?

MH: I'm Marcus Harden and with me as always are the Al-Mighty, Al Lucente! And The Major, Frank Barr!

[Big pop for Barr. After ALL these years, still the best at not giving a f[bleep]!] Al Lucente (AL): That's right, Marcus! And tonight, we've got twelve great matches including the entire first round of the Road to Purgatory tournament!

Frank Barr (FB): Which is a setup , so let's get on with it.

MH: We've got GCW sensation Hyuk Suh Kim facing the steadfast Outcast Michael Bold! Coterie member Colby Fairchild will take on former NWC champion Damon Hayes! Eugene Robinson defends the NWC United States Title against Lee "Starman" Clark and the Mystery Entrant will be in action!

FB: Plus, you'll get the honor of seeing two lousy scumbags beat each other to hell as Hunter Sabu-whatever takes on Ben Van Eeyore!

[Barr amuses himself.]

MH: And the Mystery Entrant will be in action! The Bluegrass State Wrestling heavyweight title will be on the line in a three-way match! Jerome Jenkins and J.W. Oswald will battle twenty feet in the air in a scaffold match! Plus, later tonight...

[Flash to a cathedral, dark and imposing, somewhere in the vicinity.]

MH: Later tonight, the Demigods and Malignance will go through hell in order to see which team survives to be called NWC tag-team champions!

AL: That's right, but to start it off, we've got a match where the very careers of these gentlemen will be on the line! GCW's Trent Prophet, fresh off a sound smashing at the hands of Collin Montgomery, will take on BSW's Wise Ass, Wilde Tanke in a match that's sure to --

[The sound of a thunder clap suddenly fills the wrestling area, cutting Lucente from whatever he was saying. The sound of thunder continues rolling, as the fans look around, not sure what to expect. Some assume it's real, others can tell it's purely sound effect. A drizzle of rain sprays out from tubes set up around the wrestler entrance. The fans turn, and immediately start booing, but the hatred soon turns to confusion, as "Wise Ass" Wilde Tanke walks through the entrance.]

[Gone is the grey streaked yet black hair. Instead, it's a slicked back, oiled up, grayish look. The rest is as expected; the glittering gold tights he saves just for big events, with the words "Wise Ass" up one side, and "Vendetta" down the other, and a yellow, pink, white, lime green, and bright orange "YouthFul Image" t-shirt under a "Chicago Bulls" jacket.]

[He's still got an arrogant smile on, but it looks somewhat. . . different. More focused and serious than ever.]

[Wilde looks around at the strange environment, then over the barge that will, of course, determine a J-Crown title contender. Wilde then pulls a microphone out of his back pocket, and turns back to the wrestler entrance. Next out are "Wildfire" Rebecca Tanke. Moose and Samantha Carter. All three women are dressed with Rebecca's look; black cowboy hat, leather jacket, t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and cowboy boots for Rebecca, high heels for the ladies. Interesting. Moose and Samantha are holding one half of Wilde's BSW Prime Time title, which is strung between them. Wilde waves the ladies towards him, and, as he does, he pulls a microphone from his back pocket.]

"First of all, idiots. . ."

[Wilde's cut short, however.]

MH: WHOA! Trent Prophet just nailed Wilde from behind out of nowhere with a bamboo stick!! Wilde staggering forward, not sure what hit him. He finally turns around, only to be AGAIN cracked over the head by Prophet and that stick!!

FB: Alright! This looks like it might be a wonderful start to a wonderful evening!

MH: I certainly hope this isn't setting the tone, though!

FB: You know it is! Wilde's on his hands and knees, stunned. I wonder if that was the position he was in when he got Moose and Shelly Hollins pregnant?

AL: [Disgusted] PLEASE! We do NOT need that mental image, Barr!

MH: The fans letting out a round of cheers for the brutal act. Most seem in shock, though!

AL: Not surprising, but this IS NWC, this is the big dance, and this is a loser retires match.

MH: Wilde staggers to his feet, wondering towards the ring. Trent grabs him, spins him around, and flies through the air, catching Wilde with a flying head scissors that sends Wilde crashing into the steel barriers between the wrestlers and the fans!

AL: He shoots Wilde into the ring post, nearly knocking Wilde out! And where's our guest referee for tonight?

MH: I have NO idea!

[Wilde struggles to his feet, as Trent goes to the top rope. Trent FLIES OFF, NAILING Wilde with a flying drop kick that sends Wilde staggering back! Wilde staggers towards the ropes, while Trent goes outside the ring, to the ropes on the adjacent side. He sees Wilde by the corner and springboards off the ropes into a drop kick on Wilde! Wilde staggers back through the ropes, definitely at a disadvantage!]

AL: Now that was fast.

MH: In and out of the ring before he knew where he was.

AL: Wilde staggering around, I think Prophet knocked him senseless. . . er, moreso.

MH: Prophet sees Wilde staggering outside the ring, and grabs a hold of the ropes. he slingshots over the ropes into a crossbody on Wilde, but Wilde deftly dodges it! AL: That's the speed of Wilde Tanke coming to the forefront!

MH: He's still stunned though. The fans on their feet, lots of action early, as Wilde gains his bearing. Trent back on his feet, but Wilde POPS HIM with a left jab!! Another three stuns Trent. Wilde sets him up, standing in front of Trent, and using a drop toe hold to drive Trent chest first into the ring!! And we've still got no referee! Where's Justin Jameson?!

[Wilde continues to keep up the pressure, picking Trent up, and nailing him with a forearm across the back as his sister Rebecca and Trent's ex girlfriend, Samantha, watch on approvingly. Wilde rolls Trent into the ring as the camera shifts towards the wrestler entrance. The lights die down as well, as he first guitar strums from "Break Stuff" by Limp Bizkit blasts throughout the arena.]

#It's just one of those days#

#When you don't wanna wake up#

#Everything is f**ked#

#Everybody sucks#

#You don't really know why#

#But you wanna justify#

#Rippin' someone's head off#

[The shot then turns back to the ring, where we see Wilde turning to see what's going on. Trent gets to his knees, though his attention is focused on the wrestler entrance as well. Both seem to know what's going on, however. Michael Buffer walks up the steps and stands on the ring apron to do his job.]

[The curtains fly open; out walks the BSW superstar, Justin Jameson. He walks down the aisle slowly, jawing with some of the fans. He's got on his usual wrestling tights, and a faded blue NWC 80's style referee shirt. He rushes down to the ring, and quickly slides in, and pushes Wilde and Trent apart. Both fall back into their corners, deciding to wait for the introductions to start going at it.]

#No human contact#

#And if ya interact#

#Your life is on contract#

#Your best bet is to stay away mother f*cker# #It's just one of those days#

AL: Jameson manages to calm down his stablemate and former stablemate, so let's go to Michael Buffer for the ring introductions.

["The Salvation's" music quickly dies down, as Buffer gets ready to bring the crowd to their feet.]

Michael Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen. . . tonight's opening contest is scheduled for one fall!

[HUGE crowd pop! The matches for the night are underway!]

MB: And it is a special one-hour time limit "RETIREMENT MATCH!" [Another huge pop; someone's career is ending. A Mixed reaction fills the next introduction] First, in the black and white tights, he represents Georgia Championship Wrestling. [Trent waves to the fans, although his eyes never leave Wilde] He stands six foot two inches and weighs in at 235 pounds. . . from Tampa Bay, Florida. He is a Two-Time Former GCW Glory Chaaaaaaaampiiiiiiiiion!! The former co founder of YouthFul Image. . . "THE LEGACY" OF GCW, HERE IS TRENT..... PRRRRRRRRRRRRRROPHET!!!

AL: Trent's struggling to his feet, and he just came off a very depressing performance against the J-Crown champion. . .

Michael Buffer: His opponent . . . [Wilde will also get a mixed reaction] In the gold tights and multi color t-shirt. . . [Wilde takes his jacket off as the introduction proceeds and tosses it to Rebecca] He is accompanied to the ring by "Wildfire" Rebecca Tanke and Samantha Carter . . . [Wilde Tanke turns and blows mock kisses to the audience] Standing five foot ten and three eights inches tall. . . weighing in at two hundred fifteen pounds. . . representing Bluegrass State Wrestling. . . from Chicago, Illinois, he is a six time career cruiserweight champion. . . a multiple time tag team champion, and the BSW PRIME TIME Chaaaaaaaampiiiiiiiiion. . . the leader and co founder of YouthFul Image, and the wrestler formerly known as "Wildlife," "Afterlife," "The Master of Nothing," "The New King of all Cruiserweights," and "Loverboy II. . ." [Buffer draws out the two, then pauses for a second] "Wise Ass" Willllllllllllllde Taaaaaaaaaaaanke!!! [Grey fireworks explode in the background, as the fans reaction comes to a boil.]

AL: One more announcement to make.

Buffer: Tonight's special guest referee, the final member of YouthFul Image. . . former NWC J-Crown Champion, please welcome "The Salvation" JJJUUUSSSTTIIINNNN JJJJAAAMMMMEEESSSOOONNN!

[DING! DING!! DING!!!]

AL: The match is underway!! Wilde and Trent immediately start trading lefts and rights! Trent starting to rock the smaller Wilde, but Wilde ducks, and again goes with those quick left jabs!! Trent falls back, surprised at Wilde's brawling ability! Wilde sends him into the ropes, and NAILS HIM coming off with a tremendous drop kick that sends Trent flying backwards through the ropes! Wilde turns, again to a mixed reaction. MH: I'm not sure who the fans are behind in this one, most seem to dislike both members, but they've both got their fans as well. Wilde keeps the pressure up, nailing Trent with a forearm to the chest, and rocking him backwards. He goes up high and takes Prophet over with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker!! Surprising move from Wilde. He covers. Jameson drops down for the count.

ONE!!

TW- Kickout by Prophet after a textbook count by Jameson.

AL: He picks him up, and NAILS HIM with a lariat!! Trent staggers backwards, Wilde rushes, Trent ducks! Wilde crashes hard into the turnbuckle!! Trent stunned, grabs him, TORNADO DDT, NO!! Wilde flipped him mid air!! Great counter, Wilde wrestling at the top of his game, and Trent seems sluggish still. Both men down, though.

MH: Wilde's up first. He hooks Trent for a DDT, but Trent counters with a tremendous belly to belly flip!! Wilde flies OVER the top rope, crashing hard to the outside!!

FB: They're doing an ok job, but these idiots better give me something more than wrestling!

AL: Well, maybe Trent can help you out there. He seems to be looking for something under the ring.

FB: And he found it!! Trent pulls out a LONG table!! Wilde could be in serious hurt here! Trent carefully sets it up, but ends up being NAILED from behind by Rebecca Tanke! Forearm to the back! Isn't the referee gonna do anything about this??

MH: Jameson is indeed going to the outside, and warning Rebecca. While she does, Samantha helping Wilde to his feet. Trent Prophet obviously isn't going to shove her aside, but he does manage to grab Wilde and ram him into the steel post!

FB: These two are going at it like there's no tomorrow, because frankly, for one man, there IS no tomorrow!

AL: Good point. Trent's distracted by what's going on with Rebecca and Justin now! Wilde capitalizes with a drop kick to the back of his knee! Both men again stunned and on the mat!

FB: These are two of the more hated youngsters in NWC, always disrespecting the older generation. AL: Yeah, they did have some unkind things to say about guys who've proven they deserve respect, but I see things from their side; sometimes you've got to raise a few eyebrows to get looked at. Meanwhile, Wilde has Trent back in the ring now. He's kicking Trent's knee as Trent's staggered in the corner! However, Justin Jameson quickly asserts his authority by pulling Wilde off of Trent!

FB: Wilde waits for Trent to get up, then NAILS HIM with a southpaw uppercut! I'm surprised they've kept it an almost clean match so far, even if Wilde is using a lot of closed fists.

AL: He's not done either. He takes Trent, raking his face across the top rope!

MH: Like we've noted, Trent looking a little sluggish.

AL: He's firing back on the smaller, younger Tanke. He's got Tanke reeling now! Both men trading punches, both men dodging most of the other's shots. Trent goes to slam Wilde, Wilde goes over his back and goes for another drop kick to the back of the knee, but "The Legacy" sidesteps it and Wilde just hits air!! As much time as they spent together and trained together, they know all of each other's moves, I'm sure!

FB: Trent's gonna keep the pressure up. He picks Wilde up, and slams him down hard! Another pickup, this time, Trent chooses to keep the offensive pressure on with a cradle suplex! Referee Jameson slow to get in position to count . . .

FB: One! Kickout at one this time, thanks to a slow count by our referee, "The Salvation," Justin Jameson, and Trent's in his face b[bleep]ing! It's lookin' like, besides those two tramps outside the ring, Prophet's gonna have to deal with a B.S. ref as well!

MH: Trent's smart enough to keep his mind on his opponent, however. Wilde's on his knees; Trent backs up into the corner, and to the second turnbuckle, then leaps off, nailing BSW's resident "Wise Ass" with a double axe handle to the small of the back! Wilde falls on his chest, and Trent immediately starts kicking him in the ribs and back!!

[More than a few of the somewhat scattered fans can be heard cheering Trent on. In fact, a small chant of "Legacy! Legacy!" can be heard if one listens closely enough. Meanwhile, in the ring, Trent sits on Wilde's back, locking in an air tight camel clutch! Moose nearly slides in the ring, trying to encourage Wilde to the ropes.]

MH: Wilde trying to crawl towards the ropes, but the somewhat larger Prophet is holding him more or less in place!

AL: Wilde fighting the urge to give up, and basically surrender his whole career!! He's whining about Trent pulling his boot laces, but while Justin is checking, Rebecca is quick to reach in, grab her brother's arms, and YANK HIM to the ropes!! Justin turns, not knowing what's going on, but rather suspicious of Rebecca. Meanwhile, Trent moves in for a splash on Wilde, but Samantha quickly pulls Wilde to the side!! I can't believe she'd side with Wilde over Trent Prophet, but I guess it's pretty obvious she has! MH: First he falls out of favor with Wilde, then Samantha leaves him, then his hero, Hunter Sabuani, and the entire squad beat Trent to a pulp, then he gets humiliated by the J-Crown Champion "The Salience" Collin Montgomery in Trent's opportunity at said title! He's putting up a fight tonight, though!

AL: He's gotta! His career is on the line! But Wilde's not making it easy for Trent! Wilde, also fighting for the wrestler career he started before he had even turned eighteen, has Trent set up on the top rope! Wilde nails him with a couple lefts to the face, then goes up to join him! What's he gonna do up there?

MH: Trent is seated on the top turnbuckle, Wilde is standing over him! He signals to the audience, who boo it, then nails Trent with a left punch! Again and again, ten fists to the face in all! Wilde holds up three bent fingers, his personal "W" symbol, then climbs down to the second turnbuckle. Trent's still seated up there, dazed after those shots. Wilde bends his right knee, and puts Trent's head over it. I don't think I've ever seen this before.

FB: I have no idea what he's doing. Wilde brings an elbow over the back of Trent's neck! OUCH that's gotta hurt! He brings it up and back down twice more, then just holds it there, choking the life outta Trent! Trent's throat is across Wilde's knee, and Wilde's ramming that elbow into the back of Trent's neck!!

MH: The referee has GOT to do something! That's a choke hold and they're turnbuckle, for cryin' out loud!!

FB: He's warning Wilde, for crying out loud! Stop whining!

MH: [Indignant] Warning him?! Wilde's been up there way longer than a five count! The referee needs to stop the damn match, and give the thing to Trent Prophet on a disqualification! But we're not gonna see that, and you know why? Because when Wilde and Trent had their fight, Trent had the guts to leave YouthFul Image, and Wilde didn't! And Justin's still a part of it to! And because this is just not right!!

FB: [Indifferent] Your point being?

[As they talk, Wilde does indeed get off the ropes. He holds Trent's head between his elbow and knee, and DIVES OFF the turnbuckle, holding the position and bringing Trent down in the hold! Trent's head SNAPS BACK on impact!!! Wilde immediately stalks his prey, while Justin checks in for the opportunity to end the fight.]

AL: GOOOD LORD!! Did you SEE Trent's head SNAP back on the impact?! EVEN with Wilde trying to hold his neck in place?!

MH: [In shock] My word! He is barely moving! The audience seems shocked, as Wilde Tanke parades around the ring, showing off for the audience!! Jameson is checking on Trent now! Even Samantha and Moose are looking on in concern. Rebecca jumps up on the apron. Wilde walks over and gives his sister a big hug. [Sarcastically] Ohh, how touching!

AL: The referee might have to stop this match, or actually, I think he should call it off. There'll be other days for these two to fight it out. MH: Assuming Trent's ever in the shape to wrestle again. Fans, I apologize for this impromptu break in the action. Shooting from the hip, so to speak for a minute [he clears his throat] Sometimes in the ring, things go wrong, and people do get hurt. It's a tough sport. . .

FB: [Interrupting] And if Trent can't take it, they should give the win to Wilde Tanke!

AL: Actually, I'd have to agree with Frankie on this one. Do it some other time, when both guys are a hundred percent.

FB: I can't believe this, though, fans!! Trent is struggling to get to his feet!! But the official seems like he's had enough! He's walking over to Wilde and raising his hand!! Is the match over?! Does Wilde win on forfeit?!

AL: [Confused as hell] Um, that don't seem right.

FB: Wilde seems a little surprised too, but Jameson's explaining it to him and Rebecca. She enters the ring now, and Wilde jumps for joy, as Jameson starts to raise his hand. NO!! Trent leaps across the ring, NAILING Wilde from behind, sending Wilde flying to the outside!! Rebecca turns, and starts pummeling Trent, who's still holding his throat with one hand, barely able to breath!! Rebecca backs him against the ropes, and tries to NAIL HIM with a running lariat, but Trent ducks!! Rebecca goes FLYING to the outside, crashing into Moose and that traitorous Samantha Carter!! All three women go down in a pathetic heap!!

AL: Heh. Jameson yelling at Trent if that's the way he wants it, that's the way it's gonna be!! Trent still holding that neck; he doesn't seem all that able to move right now.

MH: Wilde's on the outside, jaw jacking with the fans! Wilde needs to forget about the fans, who paid good money to be here and have a right to say whatever they want within reasonable limits as long as they don't attempt to get physically involved in the match, which Wilde is what Wilde should be focusing his limited attention on.

AL: Trent finally looking outside towards Wilde, although he's still coughing. Trent calls Wilde to get his attention. As Wilde looks up, Trent goes back into the far ropes. He comes off, LEAPING onto the top rope, and DIVES onto Wilde with the tope!! What a move!! Both men crash down hard!!

MH: All five persons are down and struggling to get back up. Moose and Samantha are yelling at each other now, and not nice words either.

AL: Meanwhile, Trent's tossing Wilde back in the ring, while Rebecca's separating the two. Wilde in the ring, Trent climbs the turnbuckle. He lets Wilde get to his feet, then LEAPS OFF with a backwards somersault into a DDT!! Wilde falls in a HEAP!! Trent gets to his feet and NAILS Wilde with a kick down low!! He pulls Wilde to his knees, but Wilde NAILS HIM with a low blow, and pulls him to the mat! Both wrestlers start pounding each other! WHOA!! This is much more interesting!! Look what happened outside the ring!!

[Both men are on the mat, rolling around and trading fists and slaps, legs intertwined. The camera then shows Moose and Samantha doing the exact same thing outside the ring, barefoot and without their jackets, only to a much bigger reaction. The camera then turns to show Rebecca Tanke, laid out, under a chair, rubbing her eyes.] MH: GOOD LORD, WHAT A MOVE!!!!

AL: Now, Prophet is sizing up the situation and decides it looks good for him.

MH: Prophet, against the rope to get a head of steam, and drops an elbow on the fallen Tanke!

FB: You smell that guys?

AL: Smell what?

FB: [Laughing] The end of someone's career, baby!

MH: You're awful.

AL: But he is right.

MH: Prophet now applies a camel clutch on Tanke whose screaming in agony.

FB: C'MON REF!!! HE GAVE UP!!!

MH: NO, THERE'S NO QUIT IN TANKE!!! HE'S FIGHTING, HE'S FIGHTING, HE'S OUT

OF THE HOLD!!!

AL: But Prophet kicks him in the back of the head and puts him right back down.

MH: We've just gotten word on what happened a few minutes ago, we'll get the video in a minute. Right now, Prophet is dominating the match right now, there's no question about that.

AL: Prophet now walks over to the corner where he stands waiting for Wilde who is slowly getting to his feet. AND HE CHARGES!!!

MH: DID YOU SEE THE IMPACT FROM THE CLOTHESLINE!! HE ALMOST TOOK HIS HEAD OFF!!!!

AL: Quick cover&

ONE!!!

TWO!!!!

THR& . NO!!!!

MH: Somehow Tanke got a shoulder up!!

FB: Prophet's staring down Jameson! These two look they're gonna go at it!!!

MH: No they're not. At least not yet, Prophet's gonna keep focused on the match.

AL: Prophet helps Wilde up with a hand full of hair. He throws Tanke against the ropes, and then lifts a knee into his gut. Wilde goes right down.

MH: Prophet quickly runs against the ropes, and drops a legdrop on the neck of Tanke. He doesn't cover, actually, he picks Wilde up to his feet. He signals for the Legacy Driver! He gets Wilde up, holding his hair, screaming in his face, "I TOLD you I'm THAT good!" He lifts Wilde up for a DVD, NO!! Trent swings it mid air into a JUVI DRIVER! He's not done! Trent Prophet is actually going ALL the way up to the TOP ROPE! Trent leaps with a double pump Frogsplash from the top rope!! That's the "Fall From Grace!" He's in a pinning position on Wilde Tanke, and referee Justin Jameson SLOWLY gets on position to count! It's clear he's in Wilde Tanke's back pocket!

MH: Come ON, for the love of heaven and cheddar cheese?

AL: Um, what?

MH: Nevermind. He FINALLY counts ONE!! Wilde should have been LONG GONE from this matchup!

MH: He's still taking his time, it's been like a ten count by now! TWO!

MH: Wilde FINALLY gets his shoulder up, and Justin immediately gets up and falls into the corner! Justin, disgusted, shoves him, then turns and picks Wilde up. He lifts him high up into a DVD position, NO!!! Wilde gets over his back!

AL: "Wise Ass" Wilde Tanke locks "The Legacy" up in an airtight side head lock! He JUMPS UP into the air and comes down HARD with a modified bulldog! He calls it the "Chicago Bulls Bulldog," and it just DROVE Trent Prophet into the mat!

MH: Both men are down, and both men are stunned! Meanwhile, let's show you this footage from a minute ago. It was right after Rebecca had pulled Moose and Samantha apart!

[The camera shows Samantha and Moose holding on tight to each other's hair, but Rebecca gets between them and shoves them both apart! Both women land on their butts, holding a piece of the other's hair. Rebecca turns towards Samantha. Moose gets up, grabs a chair, and bashes Rebecca across the back!]

[This allows Samantha to grab Rebecca's spray can from inside the hidden pocket in Rebecca's leather jacket, and spray Rebecca directly in the eyes! Even as she does, Moose throws herself into the waiting arms of Samantha, causing the can to go flying out of control, and both women to go down in a vicious heap!]

MH: That's what happened. What a vicious move by Moose and especially Samantha Carter!

[Meanwhile in the ring, both young men finally come to their feet at about the same time and start towards each other. Even after all this time, Trent is still holding his throat from the earlier abuse.]

MH: Trent tries to nail Wilde, but the BSW Prime Time champion blocks, kicks him in the midsection, then picks him up into a DVD position!! Wilde somehow manages to get the larger Prophet over his head, in position for his finishing move, "Vendetta," despite having taken two of Trent Prophet's toughest moves!! Trent slides out, though!! He spins Wilde around and picks him up, NO!!! Wilde hooked him and somehow came down with a modified reverse DDT!! That was almost like his old move, the Slaughtered Soul!! Wilde spins him around, picks him up in the suplex position, and DRIVES HIM DOWN across Wilde's knee!! That's it!! Wilde Tanke just hit his former finishing move, the Genetic Armageddon!!! MY GOD!! Wilde covers!!! Trent falls into position . . .

AL: Actually slowly, I figured if anything, when he saw Trent nailed with that move, he woulda counted Trent out before Trent's shoulders had even hit the match.

MH: He's counting . . . slowly.

ONE!!

Another long pause! Wow.

TWO!!

Trent kicks out!! Trent Prophet just dug as deep as Wilde did moments ago and kicked out!! MY GOOD!!

MH: Now Wilde's getting in Trent's face, yelling! Trent's yelling that he thought Trent would have stayed down after the moves! Claiming it's not his fault. He's telling Wilde to pick Trent up. Wilde reluctantly does. What the?!

FB: That TRAITOR Justin Jameson just NAILED Wilde from the back! He NAILS Wilde with a belly to back snap release suplex!! Justin turns around, and gets on top of Wilde, pounding away!! He's repeatedly kicking Wilde! We've got word something's going on in the back.

[Cut to the back as Rebecca Tanke is beside herself and confused. She can hardly see and is staggering slightly. As we see Rebecca from the back she walks right into the monstrous chest of Jeb Knight.]

JK: Becky, what's wrong?

RT: Don't call me Becky!

JK: Rebecca, what's wrong?

RT: Jeb?

JK: Yeah it's me. Now what is wrong?

RT: That slut Moose hit me from behind with a chair, then that tramp Samantha sprayed me with mace. JK: What?!?

RT: [Whiney] I said, Moose nailed me with a chair and Carter sprayed me with my own damn mace!! [still rubbing her eyes] And now, Wilde is probably getting stomped and I can't help him. Jeb, I was thinking. You don't like Trent or Justin. Maybe, [short on breath] you could do me a favor an. . .

JK: [not even waiting for her to finish talking] Collin get up, we got stuff to do!

[Cut back to ringside. Wilde is still being pounded by Jameson and Prophet.]

AL: Does that mean that Town and Country is coming out here to save... Wilde Tanke?!?

FB: God, I hope not. I hate those idiots.

MH: They're one of the top teams in the NWC. They damn near won the NWC gold a few weeks ago.

AL: Yeah, but Frankie hates everyone, remember?

[The crowd erupts as Jeb Knight comes barreling down the ramp with a serious scowl on his face. Jeb climbs in the ring and grabs Prophet by the hair and spins him around and begins landing a series of punches to his skull. Collin follows him to the ring and springboards himself into a hurracanrana on Jameson.]

FB: What the hell is going on here! Get them out of the ring!

MH: It's the cavalry. T and C is here!

AL: Tanke is slumped on the mat. I think he's out cold. Look at Jeb and Collin go.

MH: Jeb just nailed Prophet with a huge spinebuster.

FB: Kill that pretty boy Jameson!

AL: No such luck Barr. Collin Knight connects with a spinning heel kick!

MH: T and C is in control and cleaning house!

FB: [whining] This just isn't fair! Get them out of here.

MH: Jeb tosses Prophet over the top rope and to the floor. Collin follows up by doing the same to Jameson.

FB: He can't do that. Jameson is a former J-crown champ!

AL: Now Jameson and Prophet are trading blows on the outside of the ring.

They're fighting their way back up the ramp!! FB: NO!! "Snake Eyes" Steve Sullivan NAILS them both!! He SHOVES them off the ramp at about midway, and continues past, into the ring! But Jeb and Collin just left without saying a word to Tanke or anyone else. They walk by Moose and Samantha, who're still trying to beat each other up, and up the ramp!

FB: Oh great, now that moron Wilde Tanke has a microphone.

WT: [Sullivan helps him to his feet] Hey! City Slicker, Hick boy. . . [The crowd boos] Thanks guys. Listen, after saving me and stuff. . . not that I really needed the help. Sully and me coulda taken em apart. [Wilde pauses] Ya know, dey had a pretty decent showing with The West sisters, didn't they?

[Steve Sullivan takes the mic.]

SS: You know something? That was a pretty good match.

WT: So why don't we. . . [Sullivan whispers something into Sullivan's ear; Sully smiles]

SS: I think that would be just perfect for them. [He turns to Town and Country] Guys, I hope the whole NWC turns in to see what we pull off. We're gonna have a very special surprise for you two!

WT: Ah promise, it'll make you famous!

FB: What in the hell does he mean?

AL: I guess we'll just have to turn into No Mercy to find out, huh?

WT: Ya know, since this is a no contest, Ah guess tonight was pretty. . .

[Michael Buffer's ring announcement kicks in.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen, I've just been informed that "Wise Ass" Wilde Tanke has been disqualified for what the special trouble shooting referee referred to as excessive troublemaking. Therefore, the winner of the match, and the man who's RETIRED "Wise Ass" Wilde Tanke. . . "The Legacy" TREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNT PROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPHET!!!

WT: D'oh!

SS: [Annoyed] Yeah, it's been very "doh," kid. Come on, let's get outta this joint!

AL: Tanke was robbed! Tanke was robbed! Wilde Tanke has lost his NWC career for "excessive troublemaking"?

FB: What career?

MH: And so it seems, plus is that the beginning of a tightening of the alliance between Steve Sullivan and Wilde? AL: Fans, we'll be right back to settle into the "Road To Purgatory" Round 1 action, right after THIS!

MH: Don't miss it!

AL: Welcome back, fans!

MH: We have to get back into the action here, ladies and gentlemen! It's time for the first of eight first-round matches in the tournament! Before we went on the air, we had a chance to speak with one of the participants in the Road to Purgatory tournament, Ahmed Reed and his new manager, Wally Pike.

FB: Wally!? As in WallyWorld?

[We cut backstage. Where else, right? Anyway, the scene is that of the massive Ahmed Reed marching through the backstage halls of the Purgatory makeshift locker rooms. He's flanked by Wally Pike, all five feet-eight inches and one hundred and fifty pounds of him. Wally's decked out in a light blue button down shirt and incredible tacky forest green tight slacks. Reed, on the other hand, appears ready for combat, literally.]

[He's clad in black combat boots, black jeans, and no shirt. His ebony skin greased up with baby-oil. That ever-present almost ominous thick black beard has been trimmed slightly. As usual, the hair's tied back tightly into a serious of cornrows that hang freely just above the back of Reed's neck. Wally looks like he's about to catch a hernia, as he carries Reed's duffle bag over his shoulder. That's when "Handsome" Ryan Murray comes into perspective. Probably unaware of Reed's short temper, he jams the microphone in Ahmed's face, bringing the monster to an abrupt halt.]

Ryan Murray (RM): Ahmed!

[Reed only stares at Murray. A none too pleasant disgusted look appears on the big man's face. Luckily for Ryan, Wally comes to the rescue and he snatches up the microphone.]

Wally Pike (WP): Hey! I'm the manager here, Murray. All questions and comments should be directed to me, Wally Pike. Now, what is that you want, you little miscreant?

[Pike shoves the microphone back in Ryan's face, as if he's conducting the interview.]

RM: Well, I'm sure the fans would like to know what Ahmed thinks.

WP: [annoyed] Look, you roach! If that's all --

[Ahmed snatches the microphone right out of the hands of Pike. Wally's silenced, not wanting to upset the big man.]

Ahmed Reed (AR): I'm tired of this. [looking at Murray] You ask too many damn questions anyway. [looks at Pike] And you...

[Ahmed only shakes his head in disgust.] AR: ... forget it.

[Reed drops the microphone and takes off. Pike smiles smugly and follows the beast. On the other hand, Ryan is left with a dumbfounded look on his face. With that, we cut back to Al and the boys.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen! It is time for the first match in the Road to Purgatory tournament!

[Nice pop from the crowd.]

MB: Are you ready?

[Good pop from the crowd.]

FB: [low] Damnit Buffer, don't start this again!

MB: Are! You! RRReady?!

[The crowd obliges with a third pop.]

MB: Well then, for the thousands in attendance... and the millions watching around the world... [ominous] ladies and gentlemen... LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLETTT'S! GET! READY! TO! RRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMBBBBBBBBBLLLLLLLLEEEE!!

[BOOM! BOOM!]

[Oh yeah. The crowd eats the pyro up.]

MB: Introducing first! He hails from New! York! City! He enters tonight at a massive three hundred and fifty-two pounds! He wears black tights with silver trimming. He's accompanied to the ring by his manager, Wally Pike! Representing the Outcasts... AAAAAAHHMED! RRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDD!!!

["What's My Name" kicks up over the public announcement system.]

AL: Here we go, fans! The first Road to Purgatory matchup! And the first man up is the monster -- Ahmed Reed!

[As we cut to the entranceway, the curtain's thrust aside. From behind it emerges one of the most intimidating specimens on the planet. He's flanked by Wally Pike, who sports the same attire he had on earlier. As usual, Reed looks intimidating. He wears long, black tights and black combat-style boots with silver trimming around the waist and down the sides. His wrists are taped up in silver electric tape. He looks kind of reminiscent of Zeus back at SummerSlam.]

[There's a mixed reaction within the crowd. Some still are sure what Reed is capable of. But we're about to find out. The massive beast begins his trip to the ring, marching with long strides every step of the way. Those arms the size of Missouri never move as the calm Ahmed Reed only stares at the ring. The expression on his face is blank. But there's no doubt that those eyes are filled with rage and hatred, and more importantly, a passion for violence.]

FB: Reed's one big sonuvabitch!

AL: He's a monster, Frank. There's no doubt about it. Without a doubt, the largest athlete in this tournament. He's considered the dark horse by some. I've seen Ahmed in action before. It's simply incredible what the man can do, and the type of strength he possesses.

MH: You're on the mark with that one, Al. Reed has incredible size. And that's not even what makes him lethal. It's the short-fused temper. And the scary part is that his first three matches are all no disqualification. He'll be able to do whatever he pleases!

[Reed climbs up the apron. He takes a long calculating look at the sea of fans. With that, he steps over the top ropes, all six feet and nine inches of him. Once in the ring, Reed elevates both arms and in perfect synchronization two pyro-technics shoot off out of the corners. The music comes to a slow fadeout. And with that, Reed stands in one corner. Meanwhile, Wally tries to offer words of wisdom. Reed never even acknowledges the puny manager.]

AL: Big Ahmed Reed is in the ring, representing the Outcasts.

FB: Why would such a monster hook up with a bunch of losers?

MH: I think that...

["Sad But True" by Metallica plays.]

# HEY #

# I'M YOUR LIFE # # I'M THE ONE WHO TAKES YOU THERE #

# HEY #

# I'M YOUR LIFE #

# I'M THE ONE WHO CARES #

# THEY #

# THEY BETRAY #

# I'M YOUR ONLY TRUE FRIEND NOW #

# THEY #

# THEY'LL BETRAY #

#I'M FOREVER THERE #

# I'M YOUR DREAM, MAKE YOU REAL #

# I'M YOUR EYES WHEN YOU MUST STEAL #

# I'M YOUR PAIN WHEN YOU CAN'T FEEL #

[There is a long pause, and the many, many fans of Metallica knows full well that there is no real pause between this line and the next. As the fans stand and look towards the curtains...]

# SAD BUT TRUE #

[Red fireworks go off, starting on the ends of the stage and working in towards the rampway. You count eight on each side, sixteen total. Through the fireworks steps the SCCW Gambler's Heritage Champion, Blade, and his manager Hannibal "The Cannibal".]

Michael Buffer: Coming to the ring at this time, accompanied by Hannibal "The Cannibal", from Miami, Florida... weighing in at two hundred, sixty four pounds... the Master of the Bladeplex... HERE IS BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAADE!

[Blade stands at the entrance, mocking the crowd as he points to the shiny gold around his waist. He casually walks to the ring, looking very confident despite his opponent's size and reputation. He leaps to the apron and turns to check out the fans' responses to him, which are... "not appealing", to say the least. Blade backs onto the bottom rope and leans on the top rope, extending his arms to the side as if to say "...hey!" in a New York accent. Blade enters the ring.]

AL: Well Blade is in the ring, what are you thinking his chances are?

FB: Are you kidding? This guy is going to stomped!

MH: You have to watch Blade, he is quick, he is violent, he is very dangerous.

FB: Unless you are any kind of wrestler at all.

MH: We'll see...

AL: OH MAN!

FB: THAT! Is that we like to see!

AL: Ahmed Reed has full out attacked Blade before Blade could even face him!

[DING! DING! DING!]

AL: Closed fists into Blade's kidneys! VICIOUS!

MH: That's dirty, if you're that big you don't need to do that.

FB: Please, that's sound thinking.

AL: Reed pulls Blade to his feet, Irish whip...

FB: THUD!

MH: He's a beast.

AL: BIG spinebuster by Reed! He is all over Blade! He pulls him up, LARIAT! UP AGAIN! LARIAT! UP AGAIN!

FB: JESUS!

AL: AND BLADE IS IN BIG TROUBLE ALREADY!

MH: I'll say, Ahmed Reed has already put a hurting on him.

AL: Reed pulling Blade up, LOW BLOW!

FB: I bet that hurts too, Reed must be hung like a...

MH: Dude, why are you talking about Ahmed's package? FB: Shutup.

AL: Blade off of the ropes, DROPKICK! Reed staggers back. Blade leaps to his feet, ANOTHER DROPKICK! REED STILL ON HIS FEET!

MH: He's really gotta use his quickness here, he's out matched when it come to power.

AL: BLADE OFF OF THE ROPES! LARIAT! REED OVER THE ROPES AND ONTO THE FLOOR!!

FB: He's still dead.

AL: Here comes Blade, running start...SUICIDE DIVE! THAT'S A BIG MAN THAT'S DOING THAT!!

MH: Reed isn't a man known for his stamina, he CAN be wore down.

FB: Pish posh.

AL: Blade is slow to get up after that move, he IS a large man after all.

MH: But he is up first, and he is rotting around the ringside area...Blade has the audio wire!

FB: Now we're talking! The only way to win, especially if you're talentless, is to cheat and cheat big.

AL: He has the wire around Reed's neck! CHOKING THE BIG MAN!!

MH: Come on, that's so cheap!

FB: Its no DQ, shutup you pussy!

AL: Reed's is flushed! Look at him thrash around like crazy! REED!! LOOK AT THAT!!

MH: What a beast!

AL: HE JUST FLIPS BLADE OVER HIS BACK!!

FB: And Blade hits the railing, gotta love that!

AL: Reed breathing heavily, but stays on Blade, seriously trying to put him away! Reed picks Blade up...

MH: OH!!

FB: Damn that's harsh!

AL: DOMINATOR! Right on the concrete outside, Blade is in serious trouble. Ahmed pulls him up, whips him hard into the railing...REED CHARGES! DIVING LARIAT!! MH: BLADE FLIPS! JESUS!

FB: YEAH!

AL: REED ALREADY CLIMBING THE RAILING! HE HAS BLADE UP, GORILLA PRESS! HE TOSSES BLADE BACK INTO THE RINGSIDE AREA!!

FB: This is SO over.

AL: Reed pulls Blade up, whips him into the post...RUNNING AVAL....NO!

FB: Blade is damn lucky he moved.

MH: Reed is so dumb he runs into a post!

AL: Blade is struggling to his feet, he kicks Reed in the gut, European uppercut! Blade leaps for a standing head scissors....CAUGHT POWERBOMB!

FB: What is he...

AL: DEAD LIFT! ANOTHER POWERBOMB! .....ANOTHER!

FB: He rolls Blade into the ring, this is over.

AL: Reed covers!

One....

TWO.....

THREEEENOOHMYGODBLADEKICKSOUTATTHELASTMINUTE!!

FB: Breathe fatboy, breathe. MH: Ahmed can't believe it! He is screaming at our referee. He better keep his eye on Blade.

FB: Why? He's beaten Blade stupid.

AL: Blade is pulling himself up. He kicks Reed from behind! Ahmed charges, kick to the gut, DDT!

MH: Nice move.

AL: Ahmed to his feet quickly, Blade drops him with a lariat! REED UP AGAIN! DROP KICK!! REED UP AGAIN!! BLADE WITH A LOW BLOW AND A FRONT FACE NECKBREAKER!!

MH: How you like him now, Barr?

FB: Shut your fat face.

AL: Blade drops a knee across Reed's face. He pulls Reed up, whips him into the corner and charges....

FB: THERE YOU GO!

AL: REED CATCHES HIM BY THE THROAT!! HE IS STOMPING A POTHOLE IN BLADE'S CHEST!!

FB: Was someone trying to talk smack?

MH: Don't make me hurt you Barr.

AL: Wally Pike is on the apron, cheering on his boy. Reed pulls Blade up, BLADE RAKES THE EYES! SPEAR!! BLADE ON REED'S CHEST POUNDING AWAY AT HIS FACE!!

MH: Blade really being gutsy here.

AL: Blade stands, HEADBUTT! Blade is staggered back, Reed wraps him up, Irish whip! REVERSED!! REED INTO WALLY PIKE SENDING THE LITTLE MAN FLYING!!

FB: Oopsie.

AL: Reed looking at Pike to check up, here comes Blade!

MH: ROLLUP!

One...

TWO....

THREEEEEE!!! BLADE WINS AND ADVANCES!!

MH: REED IS PISSED!

FB: Awwwwww son of a whore!

AL: Blade hightailing it out with his belt, Reed pounding on the mat. He stands, Pike knows better than to get in his way now. REED! Reed is throwing the steps, bashing on tables...

MH: What a crybaby!

FB: Yeah, no joke.

MH: Blade advances to tomorrow night's second round, but he'll have to face the winner of the match later on between Ben Van Iten and Hunter Sabuani.

AL: Speaking of that match, we're going to cut away as security tries to subdue Ahmed Reed. Fans, stay with us for more exciting action here on Night One of "NWC: Purgatory"!

FB: Like they're going anywhere! These geeks are in for the long haul, brother.

[We cut backstage, and, indeed, it is Jessica LaRue waiting breathlessly for the camera to go on so she can begin her interview. The Diva of Interviewers is wearing a white little number dabbed in glitter for that sparkling effect, something matched instantly by her smile as soon as she sees the camera come on.] JR: Thanks, guys. I'm backstage here with Road to Purgatory entrant Hunter Sabuani...

[Zoom out and away from Jessica's pretty face to the slightly-smirking visage of the Peerless One himself. Sabuani is dressed for battle already in long, black and navy tights and a black "UME" t-shirt. He tosses a honeyed tail over his shoulder, grin stretching for the camera as he waits for the first question.]

JR: Hunter... many people question your dedication to this match when your own friend Rat has declared she'll be accompanying you. With Ben Van Iten tonight and then up to three opponents tonight, many people say that you're just asking for trouble with an injured woman alongside you against that kind of threat. Thoughts?

PHS: [simply] I think people think too much. Ratsy knows what she's doing, and if she says she's ready to go, she's ready to go.

[Jessica nods thoughtfully, pressing on carefully.]

JR: And are you ready to go?

PHS: Against BVI? Hell, yes. I've been ready for this for a while. I mean, who wouldn't want to see that stupid grin smacked off of his face? Look, Jessica, I know we ain't had the best time together on these things, what with Mads kickin' your ass in Australia an' Detroit, but you ain't gotta pussyfoot around me.

JR: Alright... are you and Katsidy... involved? I mean, she conveniently has spent all week in your hotel room and she's traipsing about in clothing that's... well...

[A third voice from just off-screen; quiet and breathy, it's recognizable as that of the mysterious Siren in question. A slight pan and a few strides from Katsidy brings all three into the picture. The new woman in Sabuani's life is a stunning brunette with curves to kill for that aren't hidden much if at all in silvery, low-hanging pants and a barely-there halter- top. That mane of hair is teased to no end, and her grin is positively the Kat that ate the canary.]

[Or ate something else, for that matter.]

JR: Uhm. Less than decent in a hotel.

Katsidy: Oh, please, sugar. If you had this body, you'd be wearing the same wardrobe.

[Sabuani is quiet, his arms folded. The Siren is infinitely amused; it's her first real NWC card, wouldn't you?]

JR: [slightly perturbed] So. Are you and Hunter sleeping together?

Katsidy: We're sleeping at the same times, yes. And in the same room, like you said. But he's on the couch, for reasons I will *never* understand... [She leans back to toss a playful grin to Hunter, whose smile is frozen in response.]

JR: So rumors of a romantic entanglement between you and Hunter are positively false? [There's a long, long pause here, though the reason remains unclear. Eventually, Katsidy just laughs, a low, burbling sound not unlike a brook as it rushes downstream.]

Katsidy: A romantic "entanglement"? "Positively false"? Sugar, are you trying to sound smart to make up for how you got your job? Not that it's not obvious; not many girls can carry off the slutty sparkle thing.

JR: [flustered] What?

Katsidy: Oh, you *know* what I'm talking about.

JR: Where do you get off?

Katsidy: [dry] In a bed somewhere, several times a night.

JR: Forget it. You're not even worth my time. Fellas, back to you.

[We cut away, but not before the Siren slips one more barb through.]

Katsidy: Oh, but she didn't even compliment my hair.

[Her soft, mocking pout and Jessica's irritated visage are the last things we see as we jump to Marcus and the gang at ringside.]

Barr: Now *that* is a woman.

MH: God, he's a disgusting little nothing.

[The house lights fade out as we return and the jumbotron begins to explode with the promotional clip of Maxton Rainstone. The crowd begins to cheer at the sights on the screen. At first, the rapidly changing clips are live footage taken from a number of Rainstone's missions when he worked for this country as a Navy Seal.]

FB: Now this, I can get INTO!

[Scenes that take us into the elite world of the special Ops. We are taken on a quick but expansive montage of real life operations at sea, in the Air and Land. Despite all the Seals being in camouflaged gear, Maxton Rainstone is not hard to miss. His presence is unmistakable in each scene.]

Voice Over: "In the montage of professional leaders, there is one class of men feared the world over. They fight not for the money or fame or popularity of the crowds. No one puts a silver spoon to their mouths. They are the men who fight for freedom, for justice and the ideals of a world class community. The world knows little about them. Their lives are hidden behind secrecy and level 6 classification, and their orders carried out under clandestine operations.]

[We know them as...... NAVY SEALS!"]

[The scene quickly changes to quick clips of international terrorists, drug lords and international criminals... some behind bars, some being led in hand cuffs to a prison cell and some of them lying dead in a pool of blood. The scenes are graphic. Harsh reality setting in. And the last shot shows Maxton Rainstone taking off his beret and holding an M-16 rifle over his right shoulder.]

[Soon the scenes begin to change and show more hospitable clips of several commendations that Rainstone had received in his illustrious career. Then, finally the spots begin to fill up with more recent appearances of the commando turned professional wrestler... and his latest accomplishment in winning the Smut title from Derrick Canyon.... then defending it against five others all in one match. The men are tore around like rag dolls in the wind and at last we see Rainstone holding the SCCW Smut title belt over his shoulder and waving an American flag in the ring with Las Vegas crowds going completely wild...]

[The final freeze frame shows Maxton Rainstone in his now famous promotional shot entitled, "Uncle Sam Wants You!" and there on the jumbotron is the poster image of Rainstone with his foot resting on Philadelphia's Liberty Bell and a gun and blade crossed in front of his well conditioned body. The tattoo on his arm of the US Navy Seals is unmistakable.]

Voice Over: "One man has now turned all that know how, all that training and military experience to the professional world of modern day wrestling. Ladies and Gentlemen, it's SCCW's very own Navy Seal, the current SCCW Smut Champion, your "Stainless Steel" of perfection, the man they call"Hardrain", the one the only...

...MAXTON RAINSTONE!"

[Pyros ignite and at the curtain as Maxton Rainstone comes out dresses in dark army fatigues and a army green muscle shirt. He wears dark sunglasses and a Navy Seal beret... and that unmistakable smirk... An American flag is folded over his shoulder.]

[The house lights begin to slowly come up as the Star-Spangled Banner begins to play over the loudspeakers. Along the sides of the walk out, from the floor, a row of flag-poles rise up sporting American Flags. Studio fans blow just enough to give then that out-in-the-open movement creating the illusion of wind. As the flags blow Maxton walks slowly down towards the ring. American fans have now stood to their feet most of them repeating the words of the anthem as Rainstone stands to attention saluting, army fashion, for the media.]

[As the Anthem concludes, a long applaud and cheers begin to ring from the capacity crowd. As the house lights come up Rainstone's theme music from "Airwolf" begins to blare loudly over the speakers. With the sound of the helicopter pumping out of the speakers Maxton jogs the remaining way to the ring throwing the flag to a young fan sporting a Rainstone T- shirt and tries to slide under the ropes into the ring.]

[Unfortunately for him, a hand catches him, seemingly out of nowhere!] CS: What the?!

FB: I knew he was all hot air! Canyon outsmarted him that time! He's dragging him to the outside, where he's gonna make him eat a steel chair!

MH: That was just a STUPID move! The referee's are getting it out of his hand now! He woulda been tossed so fast if he'd used that chair his head woulda spun! And it allowed the Navy elite to grab Canyon and toss him into the ring! But Maxton gets nailed coming into the ring! Our in ring referee, "Mr. Milk" Mills Millikli, forcing Canyon off his opponent with the threat of a disqualification, and it's working. This is one place you don't wanna push the referee's limits.

FB: Yeah, I really honest to goodness hate this night's matchup.

MH: Somehow that doesn't surprise me. Both men sent to their corners, both men come out. Rainstorm looks upset! He NAILS Canyon with a right that staggers Canyon! Canyon fires back! Both men trading blows, NO! "Stainless Steel" just reversed it into a single leg takedown! Smart move by the wrestling rookie! He keeps the leg, twisting it at an awkward angle and flipping Canyon on his back!

FB: [Sounding worried] I think Operation Deep Canyon is underway! Canyon is very wisely trying to get to the ropes, but he's not having much luck with the cheater!

MH: Cheater?! How in the hell is he cheating?

FB: Um. . . illegally holding his fingers together.

AL: That's a new one in accusations.

MH: He got to the ropes, and our referee is quick to force Maxton Rainstone to break the hold. Maxton wisely releases immediately. He backs off, keeping his eyes on the target, as Justin Canyon slowly brings himself to his feet. Maxton turns, distracted by the sea of audience members. Canyon moves in to take advantage, but he's a little too slow.

AL: Max turns and NAILS HIM with a superkick!! Canyon goes down, while Maxton takes another quick look at the audience, then moves in for an elbow drop. Canyon out of the way! Max gets up, still holding his elbow. Canyon applies a quick arm twist, but Maxton gets up to his feet and reverses it, flipping Canyon over! "Stainless Steel" holds onto the move, and takes it into a cross arm bar! Maxton Steel continues to impress with his technical knowledge!

MH: He certainly does his country proud, but Canyon's quick to get his way over to the ropes, breaking the hold. Smart move, I guess after taking all those losses, you learn something about getting out of a dangerous situation, even if it is just taking the pinfall in most cases.

AL: [Snickers]

MH: He moves out, catching Maxton with a kick to the midsection, but Maxton responds with a right of his own! Both men going at it, Canyon slowly starts to get the best of his opponent! Canyon swings wildly, Maxton ducks and reverses it into a swinging Samoan drop! Nice move there from America's finest!

AL: He keeps the pressure on, dropping a leg across the back of Canyon's head!

FB: Boring!

MH: Now he's going to take a chance on the top rope. You gotta give it to Canyon, he's showing he can do pretty much do it all against the Justice Department's rookie! After all, he's the SCCW Smut champion!

AL: Canyon's getting to his feet, but that flying missile drop kick from Maxton takes him back down! Operation Deep Canyon isn't just going as expected, it's going perfectly!

MH: Both men are down, Maxton slow to get to his feet. He slides through and NAILS HIM with a reverse Russian leg sweep, DRIVING Canyon's head into the mat! Maxton again holds on, and swings it into a modified forms of the move best known as the Rings of Saturn. I think I'll call it, I dunno . . . The Steel Soldier Stretch. Ya like, guys?

FB: [Bitterly] No!

AL: Um, sure whatever.

MH: Oh. Damn. In any case, Maxton whips Canyon into the turnbuckle, NO! Reversed by Canyon! Maxton hits the turnbuckle HARD!! Canyon charges, and meets a big right hand right to the mouth from Maxton Rainstone! And Rainstone grabs Canyon by the head and& Oh my& a big head butt from the Commando!

FB: Yeesh. Knocked Canyon senseless with that one. Moreso than usual.

MH: Rainstone with a front snap kick to Canyon's mid- section! Canyon gets doubled over! Rainstone with the hook-up --

[Pause]

MH: RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! And Canyon hits hard.

[Maxton Rainstone has picked up Canyon. At the moment, he's setting Canyon with a standing head scissors in the center of the ring. Maxton Rainstone drills Canyon with a high- elevated powerbomb. And Rainstone is just goin' to town on Canyon here. He picks him up by the hair and IMPLANT DDT! And Rainstone rolls him into a longbow back breaker!]

[Rainstone whips the bigger Canyon into the ropes& Canyon coming off the rope awkwardly, right into a tilt-o-whirl body slam. What power by the ex-Navy Seal here to handle the bigger man this way. And now Rainstone goes for a step over face lock.]

MH: Rainstone bringing Canyon back up to a vertical base now. Irish whip into the ropes!

FB: Oh boy. This's not making me optimistic of Canyon's chances. MH: Canyon off the far side this time -- POWERSLAM!! What impact! I hope he's got insurance. Canyon is being annihilated by the Maxton's absolute fury here. Maxton wants to make a quick display of power to set a good momentum to the upcoming matches, guys!

FB: He picks him up, SINGLE ARM DDT! Wow. I think I'm gonna stop looking soon, this's just brutal!

[The crowd is really coming alive, chanting, "Deep Canyon!" sensing this one seems to be close to over!]

FB: He picks Canyon up, but Canyon's deep in trouble.

MH: Heh. Cute.

FB: I couldn't resist.

MH: RUNNING SPEAR!! He just sent himself and Canyon FLYING into the turnbuckle!! He immediately pulls away, aware of the second referee, Dan Smith, on the outside, but rushes in and takes Canyon into the middle of the ring with a flying head scissors takedown!

FB: But he pulls him up AGAIN! He's sending a message here, that. s pretty clear! I wonder if Hunter Sabuani or Steve Sire are looking on!

MH: Sire's not in the tournament, idiot.

FB: [Covering] I still wonder if he's watchin. Hehe.

[Meanwhile, Rainstone uses his superior abilities once more, nailing the fallen Canyon with karate shots to the head and neck. Vicious. Meanwhile, the fans are cheering his name, or turning their heads from the surprising mismatch.]

AL: Are you sure you didn't mean Sabuani or Eugene Robinson?

FB: Er, back to the match, guys.

MH: [rolls eyes] Canyon absorbs a spinning heel kick, followed by a standing side kick to head! He kicks slow, allowing Canyon to instinctively grab his foot, then comes away with an enzuiguri!! I think he could finish up here, but instead he NAILS Canyon with a bulldog! Crowd goes crazy!

FB: They sure do. These morons will cheer anything that's trained to kill!

MH: He picks him up again, then signals to the crowd, and NAILS HIM with a kick to the midsection! Quick modified stunner! He nailed his set up move, the Commando Crunch!! I think it's time for him to send this baby home to Uncle Sam!

FB: Come ON we needa miracle here!!

MH: We're not gonna get one. Rainstone is perched on that top rope. SCCW Smut champion Maxton "Stainless Steel" Rainstone FLIIIIIIES through the air with the greatest of ease, landing on Justin Canyon, who absorbs a three hundred sixty degree backflip into an elbow drop with the greatest of unease! Referee goes down to count for the first and probably only time of this contest!!

ONE!!!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

[The bell rings.]

MH: This one, mercifully, is OVER!

FB: What's wrong with that idiot?! He could have ended this one five minutes ago! Doesn't he have any sense of pacing himself?

MH: I'm sure he does when he wants to, but quite honestly, with his military training, yeah, it'll be a long night for him, just like anyone else, but he's got at least a slight advantage over pretty much anyone in this contest stamina wise.

FB: It should be interesting to see if he starts to show wear and tear.

[The referee helps Canyon roll out of the ring. It doesn't look like he'll be walking to the back on his own. Rainstone quickly picks up his three medals from ring side, then climbs the turnbuckle to hold them up for the fan's viewing pleasure. After a few seconds, he flips forward into a handstand over the top rope, to the outside, and quickly walks to the back. Either to get ready for the next match, or to save the world with his extra time.] FB: Now that's an impressive performance, kiddies.

AL: What a match we just saw out here! Great Road To Purgatory action!

[Barr's shuffling papers around his desk.]

FB: Which one's up next? All this lineup crap got mixed around, and I'm f[bleep]in' confused!

MH: Al-mighty, Major.. before we can even catch our breath, more great National Wrestling Council Supercard to come! We haven't even _begun_ to scratch the surface of the massive event called "Purgatory!"

FB: Think they'll bring out a recliner or two?

MH: Or two? Who would get the other one?

FB: Neither o' you assholes! I need a foot rest..

[Groan.]

FB: ..and somewhere my cooler can be comfortable, too!

AL: Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for another Road To Purgatory contest!

AL: Welcome back!

[Some fans nearby have been heckling Barr.]

MH: Alex Reynolds has been a top contender in GCW for some time, now he's facing off against a guy that is pure nails.. in Henry Johnson!

FB: Hi. I'm Frank Barr, not to be confused with Ron Barr from those early NHL video games.

MH: What are you talking about?

FB: I don't need to explain myself to you Marcus. [to hecklers] I'M NOT RON BARR!

AL: Quite right, then. Let's go to ring announcer Michael Buffer for the introductions to this event, a "Road To Purgatory" Tournament Match in the Alex Pierce Bracket!

[We hit the ring, where Buffer is ready to do his thing.]

MB: Laaaddddiiiiiieeeessss and Geeennnnnnnttttlllleeeemmmmmeeeennnnn!

FB: What a waste of time, right there. I'm sorry.

MH: Shut up!

MB: Our next contest of the evening is a first round match ON THE ROAD TO PURGATORY!

[Crowd pop.]

MB: Introducing first!

[The lights dim, and "Call of Ktulu" by Metallica begins to play throughout the arena. The crowd knows from earlier on in the night, that this music belongs to Alex Reynolds and they instantly begin to boo.]

FB: I like this guy. He'll do whatever it takes.

MH: The good thing is, for once he can't cheat to win.

FB: Says who?

MB: FROM CALGARY, ALBERTA CANADA... REPRESENTING GEORGIA CHAMMMPIONSHIP WRESTLING. . "THE AMBASSADOR OF TRUTH"... ALLLLLEEEX RRRREYYYYYNOOOLDS!!

[Gold and red pyros set off in front of the curtains again and the heavy guitar rift from the song kicks in. The curtains swing open and out walks Anja Seyler wearing the same outfit she wore earlier. Not too far behind her, walks out Alex Reynolds. He stands in between the pyros for a moment with his hands thrown in the air. The crowd begins that chant again.]

FB: Alex would never cheat.

MH: We know that's a lie.

FB: Maybe so, but The Ambassador of Truth didn't say it.

[He and Anja continue strutting slowly down to ringside. Alex now, is wearing black wrestling trunks and no shirt on. They finally arrive to the ring and Anja stands on the mat while Alex enters the squared circle. He resides to his corner, awaiting the bell.]

AL: Alex Reynolds with a look of deep concentration in that corner now. He looks ready.

MB: AND HIS OPPONENT!

[A light appears at one end of the Purgatory complex. It sits idle, flickering occasionally. The crowd grows restless as the light suddenly races toward the "Big Screen" over the entrance.]

**BOOM!** [The light explodes, seemingly burning the words "THE BLESSED" into it.]

MH: The NEWS representative is on his way to ringside, what do you guys think of this guy?

AL: He is an excellent competitor, but he seems to lack the motivation to go all the way.

FB: Is that sweet thing that manages him going to come to the ring?

MH: She looks about 12.

[Before Barr can answer the "burnt" words disappear into another scene as a chanting goes across the complex, followed by the timeless words of "O Fortuna" from the orchestral work Carmina Burana.]

## O Fortune, like the moon you are changeable, ever

waxing and waning; hateful life first oppresses and

then soothes as fancy takes it; poverty and power it

melts them like ice. ##

[A holy cross, recognized a revered by all Protestants and Catholics alike, now flashes onto the screen. It slowly fades into not the loving and forgiving scenes of the Lords work, but into scenes of the Lord's wrath. Sodom and Gomorrah being destroyed as Lot and his family look away from the city.]

## Fate - monstrous and empty, you whirling wheel, you

are malevolent, well-being is vain and always fades to

nothing, shadowed and veiled you plague me too; now

through the game I bring my bare back to your

villainy. ##

[The scenes now show fast and furiously: The prophesied destruction of Israel's enemies, the release of Apolyon and his locusts upon the earth, and the vile judgments, one by one. These terrible scenes fade to show the second greatest moment to be, a depiction of the rapture of the church by Jesus. This fades for the greatest event, as Jesus triumphantly returns to the earth to retake his kingdom.]

## Fate is against me in health and virtue, driven on

and weighted down, always enslaved. So at this hour

without delay pluck the vibrating strings; since Fate

strikes down the string man, everyone weep with me! ## [As the music fades one final scene is showed, a triumphant Johnson standing in the complex with his hand raised. Perhaps a bit of prophecy itself. Only after these scenes have been shown and the music fades does Henry Johnson step out from the entrance.]

Michael Buffer: Currently making his way to the ring, accompanied by Mary Stone...

[Johnson is dressed only in knee-high gray trunks with the scripture "Psalm 37:3 " printed in white on the back. Mary is dressed in a white dress.]

MB: He is the NEWS Representative of the Alex Pierce bracket...

[They make their way to the ring, Johnson stopping at every single person on one side of the aisle to greet them all.]

MB: He is the "BLESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSED"!!!...

[Johnson steps into the ring and holds the ropes open for his young manager. Johnson then walks over to the referee as Michael Buffer ends the entrance.]

MB: HENRY JOHNSON!!!!!

[The forgotten "Big Screen" changes from the prophetic scene to the words "The Blessed" once again. A cross smashes into the words, causing a sudden darkness to fall over the arena and the "Big Screen."]

AL: Referee Mike Mathis, GCW's Junior Official is calling this one and here's the bell.

[Ding! Ding! Ding!]

FB: I THINK THE BELL BROKE!

MH: What!?

AL: Henry Johnson comes out toward the center of the ring to meet Alex Reynolds and the two are circling each other to start out here.

MH: Remember that in these matches where the competitors haven't been around much there is a feeling out process early on in these matches.

FB: I've got something you can feel out right here! [Barr shows his longneck bottle of Tequiza? Eww.]

MH: Put that away!

AL: Here's the lockup and quickly Henry Johnson overpowers Alex Reynolds and pushes him back into the corner.

MH: Referee Mathis all over this one.

AL: Clean break by Johnson and how long has it been since you saw one of those, Marcus? FB: I'll answer for him, Al. Never, because never has there ever been such a goody, goody, good boy like little Henry J! Always saying his prayers and washing the dishes.

MH: Shut up, Frank. You're making an ass out of yourself!

FB: Oh, look at me! LOOK, I'M MARCUS HARDEN! I LOVE THE LITTLE GOODY BOY !

MH: Frank!

FB: LOOK AT ME! I'M A FACE MAN!

MH: FRANK!

FB: Well, Seattle and Detroit both suck!

AL: Frank's being a dickhead here at ringside, as the two men in the ring lock up again and Reynolds takes Johnson down with a quick armdrag.

MH: Alex Reynolds is a very accomplished technical wrestler and can take you down from almost any position at anytime.

FB: He's a genius on the mat, or so I've heard.

AL: Johnson back up and Reynolds catches him with a belly to belly suplex that takes Johnson down and Reynolds with a vicious stomp to the back of the Blessed's head. That was just plain vicious, Marcus.

MH: Reynolds will do whatever it takes to hurt his opponents. There's no doubt that we've seen just the beginning of this man's vicious side.

AL: Another shot to the head from Reynolds and that seems to have fired up Johnson who is to his feet quickly and catches the Ambassador with a quick clothesline.

FB: I guess the spirit must have caught him.

MH: Please don't bastardize Hank's religious beliefs, just because you have nothing meaningful in your life, you jerk!

FB: Hank? Hank!?

AL: Johnson into the ropes and he lands a quick elbow to his opponent and that sends Reynolds reeling. Johnson is in full control now and quickly Reynolds into the ropes.

MH: He knows that Henry will refuse to break the rules, and he's taking advantage of it!

FB: Plus he doesn't want to lose any money. Got to have all you can get for the offering.

AL: Reynolds is back up and smiling at Johnson as if to say, "I use the rules like nobody else." FB: Really? You can tell that just by him getting up?

AL: Don't screw with me, Frank. I'll make a call to my "FRIENDS."

FB: Umm, you mean?

AL: Does commentating with the fishes mean anything to you, Frank?

FB: Sorry, sir.

MH: Hank Johnson has Alex Reynolds in a headlock now and he. s really got it locked on tight.

AL: Reynolds pushes out of the hold, sending Johnson into the ropes. Johnson comes off and ducks underneath a clothesline. Reynolds turns around and gets hit with a high cross body. Here's a cover by referee Mathis.

1!

2!!

Reynolds kicks out with authority.

FB: You won't get Alex Reynolds with a cheap move like that. It takes high impact and I mean high, high. Not medium high, but way high.

MH: What?

AL: Johnson from behind quickly puts on a chin lock and Reynolds, down on the canvas, is fighting for every breath of air here.

MH: The beauty of the chin lock in this position, Al, is that to get out of the hold your opponent has to spend a tremendous amount of energy and the more they struggle the tighter the hold becomes.

AL: Great point Marcus and Reynolds is doing just that trying to get to his feet as the thousands of fans in attendance cheer on "The Blessed" Henry Johnson.

FB: "The Decrepit" Harry Johnson?

AL: I won't even comment on that remark.

FB: OK, Good.

MH: Ref Mathis checking to make sure the chin long isn't too low, down around the throat area.

AL: Reynolds is still fighting and he's to his knees here. He makes it to his feet and drives an elbow into the stomach of Johnson. And another and the hold is broken. Reynolds sends Henry into the ropes and catches him with a belly to belly suplex off the ropes. FB: I told you guys! He's the Sultan of suplex!

AL: Well the "Sultan" has Johnson up and quickly takes him back down with a drop toe hold, and Johnson hit his mouth hard on the mat.

FB: Ah, did the little goody boy bust his lip?

MH: No but I'm about to bust yours.

AL: Calmness. Professionalism. These things we must try and utilize when we're calling a match. Do you think that perhaps we can try that, fellas?

MH: Henry just got cracked in the back of the head with a knee from Reynolds! That hurt Hank. You could see it on his face!

FB: Also seems to have delighted me . You can see it on MY face.

AL: The Blessed One in a lot of trouble here as Reynolds comes off the ropes and kicks him right square in the back.

MH: Reynolds has a mean streak a mile wide. The man has no mercy.

FB: That's why he's successful. When you try and be Mr. Goody like Henry Johnson, guys bust your teeth down your throat while you're trying to make a clean break. Just because he's a religious man doesn't mean he can't cheat from time to time.

MH: You just don't get it do you?

FB: Wha? I relate to the religious community. See check this out.. JESUS IS STILL ALRIGHT WITH ME! JESUS IS ALRIGHT! OH YEAH!

AL: COME ON!

MH: EW! EW!

FB: JESUS IS STILL ALRIGHT WITH ME! JESUS IS STILL ALRIGHT! OH YEAH ! JESUS IS STILL ALRIIIIIIGHT!

AL: Um, sorry fans but we just can't resist a quick rap melody.

FB: My props go to DC Talk!

AL: Now, back to the action. Johnson grabs Reynolds' foot and what a dragon whip by Hank to send him to the canvas!

MH: Out of nowhere!

AL: Johnson pulls Reynolds up, and sends him into the far corner with an Irish Whip. Johnson is picking up a head of steam as he charges into the corner and MAN! He just pancaked Alex Reynolds, who is in La La Land right now on the canvas. MH: Nice move that time by Johnson.

FB: Nice move he says. Maybe for your Hank but certainly not for Alex.

AL: I guess not as Henry Johnson drops a huge elbow on Reynolds and here's a pinfall attempt.

1!

2!!

No, Reynolds gets his shoulder up.

AL: Just barely able to get our of that one was Alex Reynolds. We came a half of a second away from seeing this one over with.

FB: Alex is just playing right now. You'll see, he's got him right where he wants him.

MH: Reynolds fighting to his feet and he groggily walked right into Johnson who is going for the "Rapture"!

AL: He's got him up! No! Reynolds slips out at the last moment before being lifted all the way up but Johnson quickly turns and slips his arm over Reynolds's chest and hits a front Russian leg sweep that sends Reynolds down hard.

MH: Here he goes! Hank into the ropes and off with YES! A big splash onto the back of Reynolds. That' got to be it right there!

FB: This sucks!

AL: He rolls Reynolds over and goes for the pin.

1!

2!!

No, Reynolds has his foot under the rope!

AL: So very close that time but Reynolds somehow, someway managed to slip his foot underneath the bottom rope, breaking the count.

FB: He' got the resources of a veteran in there, despite his still being a young man. Those resources saved him there because he knows where he is in the ring at all times.

AL: WhoaFrank with some actual commentary that time and Marcus is speechless.

MH: ....

AL: Henry Johnson! He's showing some signs of frustration here as he just can' seem to put this match away! MH: Reynolds is a ring general and has been in some huge matches over his career. It takes a lot to put him away.

AL: Very good point Marcus! Then you talk about huge matches, what a main event we have tonight in for the World Tag Team Championship!

FB: Go UE, ya bastards!

AL: Um..wrong pay per view.

MH: What? Wrong YEAR, dumbass!

FB: Oh, sorry. GO KILLER BEES!

MH: Please.

AL: Reynolds, smartly, rolls out of the ring and is shaking the cobwebs out now. You can see that Johnson is itching to get his hands back on his opponent, but Reynolds is taking full advantage of that ten count!

FB: Plus with the special rules tonight, Johnson can't come out to the floor and mix it up.

AL: Very true, as referee Mathis is yelling at Reynolds to get back into the ring or he'll disqualify him.

FB: He gets a ten count. What is Mathis's frickin' problem?

MH: With the special rules for this tournament I find it unfair for someone to blatantly be allowed to roll outside and take his time getting his second wind when they know due to the special rules they can't get attacked on the outside. I think that Mathis is doing the right thing here.

FB: You're just a rules mark.

AL: Reynolds up on the apron and starts to get in the ring but as Johnson closes in he steps back out on the apron and waves his hand toward Johnson in a sort of "get him back" gesture. Johnson steps back and Reynolds finally gets back into the ring.

FB: Now Reynolds is ready to go. You can't rush greatness.

MH: After, what, seventy-three years, you're ready to admit that to yourself?

AL: Ouch, on that one! We start again as Reynolds and Johnson lock up. Reynolds utilizes his technical mastery by taking Johnson down with an armbar drop hold. He quickly moves to his left and grabs the left foot of Johnson and slaps on a ankle lock submission maneuver.

MH: One of the things that has brought Alex Reynolds great success in the past is his ability to pick out body part, usually the leg and work it over relentlessly. FB: That's what makes Reynolds great, in my opinion. He's got the killer instinct unlike this..this.. Hank.

AL: Reynolds breaks the ankle lock and quickly rolls to his feet. Johnson is to his knees and just as he stands up Reynolds kicks him in the back of the knee and sends him back down. That's the relentlessness you were just talking about guys.

FB: This is his style. Break down the knee and ankle areas and then try and snap it in two. I think we'll be hearing the sweet sound of Harry's knee snapping soon from a figure four.

MH: Um..it's Henry.

FB: Henry Reynolds? Where the Hell did I get Alex from?

MH: No, I mean.. just forget it.

AL: Alex Reynolds with a spinning toe hold. He breaks that and then puts the man right back into it.

MH: The spinning toe hold when applied, broken and applied again is actually stretching the knee ligaments, releasing them and then stretching them again.

FB: Thank you Mr. Goodbody.

AL: Alex Reynolds pulls Henry Johnson to the ropes and sets his leg over the bottom rope. He lifts himself up in the air using the top and middle ropes and lands hard on the knee of Johnson.

MH: He's in his element and very hard to beat once he gets you in this position. Henry Johnson has great heart and grit but can he come back from this?

AL: Reynolds now slapping on the figure four and it's right in the center of the ring!

FB: YES! SNAP IT! SNAP IT!

AL: Johnson in tremendous pain here and he lays on his back, wincing from the pain.

1

2

No, Johnson quickly sets up when he realizes he's being counted for a pinfall.

AL: Johnson in severe trouble now and he has got to get out of this hold quickly or this match won't go much farther.

MH: The crowd is picking up! They're getting behind Hank and listen to them cheer on the blessed one! [The crowd is stomping their feet and clapping their hands very fast as Johnson is waving his arm trying to flip over he and Reynolds to reverse the hold.]

MH: Henry Johnson going for the reversal!

FB: NO!

AL: Can he turn it over? He's rolling left. Now right. Now left again. He's half way! He's GOT IT! The move has been reversed and the pressure is firmly on the leg of Reynolds now who quickly struggles toward the ropes and the hold is broken.

MH: Hank is limping a bit. He's trying to shake his leg and get some blood flowing into that leg again.

FB: No snapping leg? This is horrible.

AL: Reynolds charges in on Hank who ducks down and sends the "Ambassador of Truth" up high in the air and down to the canvas with a back body drop.

MH: He used Reynolds's own momentum against him that time.

FB: I hate the gratuitous hero comeback that always happens in matches like this. I thought this went out with the eighties!

AL: Reynolds is to his feet and comes in again and gets hip tossed back down.

FB: Stupid hip toss! I thought that went out with the eighties too. What's next, a monkey flip?

MH: I like the monkey flip.

FB: You would!

AL: Johnson grabs Reynolds up and hits an inverted atomic drop and Reynolds is getting laughed at by the capacity crowd as he stands in the middle of the ring, mouth dropped open in pain, holding himself!

FB: Oh, the poor giblets! NOT ANOTHER ONE!

AL: Just as Reynolds turns around he gets caught by Johnson again and up he goes for a regular atomic drop! Reynolds is jumping up and down holding his privates and finally he falls to the canvas.

FB: His giblets can't take that much more!

MH: Giblets?

AL: Johnson pulls Reynolds up and sets him in a sitting position on the top rope. The crowd is going wild! It appears he's going for a superplex! FB: NUH-UH! Reynolds blocked it!

MH: Hank's going for it again !

FB: Blocked again! Reynolds is too smart for Harry Johnson!

AL: Alex pushes Johnson hard, and sends him flying from the top rope.

FB: Ha! Haaaa!

AL: BUT JOHNSON! HE LANDED ON HIS FEET !

MH: WHAT A MOVE!

FB: AAHHH! NO!

AL: In desperation Reynolds takes a leap from the top rope at Johnson but NO! RAPTURE! RAPTURE! JOHNSON CAUGHT HIM IN MID AIR AND HIT HIS RAPTURE!

MH: How'd he do that?!

FB: NO!

AL The referee's there!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!!!

[DING! DING! DING!] MB: THE WINNER OF THIS CONTEST, THE BLEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEDD HENRY JOOOHHNNNSSOOOOONN!

AL: Let's catch a replay of this and take a look at how Henry Johnson, unbelievably, catches Reynolds in midair and in one motion, INVERTS Alex into The Rapture!

MH: Here you see Reynolds flying with an apparent clothesline but Johnson is able to get his arm underneath the shoulder of Reynolds. He then turns the momentum of Reynolds, by inverting him into the setup position for The Rapture, and there is no way you get up from that hold!

AL: Especially with the added force from coming from the top rope! 1-2-3 this RTPer is all over!

FB: Blah! I hate being wrong, dammit. [Gulp]

MH: So, Henry Johnson advances to face Maxton Rainstone tomorrow night, in the Pierce bracket semifinal, of the Road to Purgatory tournament!

AL: More of that action, set to come!

FB: But which one? They're not even telling us, I don't think. It's a conspiracy, for christ'ssake!

MH: Funny you mention that, Barr, Christ may have just won that first-rounder.

FB: Give me a break! He wouldn't even pass for a mall sant.. wait... WAS that Jesus CHRIST!?

AL: Jesus.

FB: It was!? Holy [bleep]!

MH: [laughing] Exactly. We'll be right back, after this.

[We cut to the locker room of one Devon Justice, the "Sheriff" of The Justice Department. He sits in a chair across from one Tommy Hardbody, one of the entrants in tonight's Road to Purgatory tournament.]

Devon Justice [DJ]: So we got an understanding. This Mystery Guy will not make it past the first round.

Tommy Hardbody [TH]: No doubt. The cliche of being the mystery man won't matter tonight. DJ: I sure hope not.

TH: You won't be disappointed.

[Both stand up and shake hands before Tommy turns and leaves the room. All we see is a sly smirk on the face of "The Sheriff".]

AL: What's that all about? Devon Justice is apparently none too thrilled about the way Mr. Schukar has laid things out for tonight..

FB: He's got his own region!? What else does the bastard want?

MH: Don't worry. He could leave soon. Or you could too, Frank.

[The lights dim as we return then go out completely, leaving only darkness. Wind blows from Venice speakers.]

AL: Road to Purgatory continues, as we await the entrance of the GCW Southern Heritage champion.

"High Roller"; by The Crystal Method electrifies the Italian wrestling crowd, as a single spotlight cuts through the blackness. Throngs of fans shoot to their feet, applauding the arrival of the smallest man in the NWC.]

MB: Laaaaaaaadies and gentlemen! This next bout is for one-fall and is a first round match for the Roaaaaad to Purgatory...[pause as the energetic fans cheer]

MB: Introducing first, in this round one Pierce Road To Purgatory match up! Out of Tokyo, Japan, he is the Georgia Championship Wrestling Southern Heritage champion! Hyuuuuuuuuuk Suh Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim!

[Polite, strong ovation.]

MH: Hyuk Suh Kim. I really like this kid, Al. I'm sure this is the first time a lot of the council has seen this man in action. I happened to catch a few matches of his and -

FB: And he's really small.

[Hyuk has appeared in the entry way, in the gear the GCW fans have come to know quite well - black karate pants, no shirt, and tape on both his hands and both his feet. At 5'8", Hyuk is short. At 160 pounds, Hyuk is thin. At 5'8" and one-sixty, he's plain small. Dangerously small, in this business. He approaches.]

MH: He may be small, Frank, but he went toe-to-toe with Cassidy O'Hollerin, the biggest man in the alliance.

FB: And the midget lost, you idiot!

AL: [chiming in] Not without some help from Hunter Sabuani.

MH: Right. This midget has held the Georgia region's top two titles in just four months. This midget has beaten the aforementioned Sabuani. And this midget is *my* pick to take the whole thing!

FB: Hah! You're as crazy as you are stupid!

AL: Argh.

[Kim is approaching the ring now, moving up the ring steps one at a time. The bright spotlight above him does little to deter his icy calm gaze, which is even and set on the referee already in the ring. The music blaring on, Hyuk enters and paces to the middle of the ring. The lights come up. The music fades to silence.]

AL: And now, Michael Bold, his first round opponent.

MB: Introducing first, fighting out of Chicago, Illinois, he weighs in it at 246 pounds, he's a former GSW Pacific West Coast, Bay Area, and Television Champion... he is a member of the Outcasts [Pop.] and a former BSW Commonwealth Champion.... he is none other than: "BRAVEHEART" MICHAEL BOOOLLLLLLD!

[That's the cue for the massive amount of fans in attendance to get ecstatic in anticipation of the up coming RTP Tourney bout. The lights abruptly go off. after a few uncomfortable moments of silence.]

*BOOM!*

[Catching us off guard a bit, some blue colored fireworks off the ramp explodes firing into the air illuminating the arena temporarily. As the fireworks lighting dies down and the darkness returns in full form were hear..]

Voice Over [The Hunter]: 'Are You Afraid of the Dark?'

[. the oh so familiar voice of Former NWC and Pacific West Coast Heavyweight Champion, The Hunter, formerly of GSW and currently of NEWS cuts through the darkness like a hot knife through butter. The tension builds. The anticipation is at its apex as the crowd cheers for voice of the ever-popular Hunter.]

[...]

[After a few moments nothing happens and the crowd begins to get a bit restless after the uneventful few moments.]

[And suddenly.]

The Hunter [Voice Over]: It's time for the Venice, Italy to experience darkness... It begins here, and now.

*BOOM!*

[Identical to the fireworks before on the entranceway it happens again as 'I am the Bullgod' By: Kid Rock hits the PA system and crowd begins to cheer wildly in anticipation in the coming of the 'Outcasts' to Italy.]

[And speak of them, they appear. After a few short moments pass the lights strengthen to dimly lit so the fans can witness the Champion on his journey towards the ring area.]

[Former GSW Bay Area, Television, and Pacific West Coast Heavyweight Champion, "Braveheart" Michael Bold is first to appear through the entrance as the original 'Cast member begins to walk down the aisle. taking the time and opportunity to shake hands with his adoring fans. Bold wears his usual wrestling attire: black pant-like tights with 'BRAVEHEART' written in think black lettering enclosed within a red heart located on the backside. Bold also wears a black leather jacket, over his bare upper body. The jacket has the same lettering enclosed in the red heart located on the back of the jacket.]

[Following not far behind is newly brought in Outcast member, Alex Bold, the former BSW Prime Time Champion, and GSW TV Champ. Alex wears simply blue jeans and a black 'Outcast' tee shirt, as he doesn't have a match, obviously. Alex stops half-way on the ramp and applauds his brother and stablemate alike along with the crowd.]

[Michael Bold walks down the aisle slowly with a cool swagger in his step. Finally reaches the ring after it seems to be an eternity. Bold rolls under the bottom rope and slowly gets to his feet and raises his hands in the air as the fan continue to shower him with there cheers... Bold licks his lips in anticipation. He's calm and cool under the circumstances. Bold paces around the ring for short while with his hands on his hips. Crowd cheering all the while. Alex Bold points to his brother in a gesture and "Braveheart" does the same in return.]

MH: Now as the referee singles for the bell, this match will now start.

FB: Let's get the hell on with it, then!

AL: You're one in a million, Barr. That's for sure.

MH: Yeah. Can you believe THAT was the sperm that made it?

***DING! DING! DING!***

MH: This looks to be one of the best technical matches in the first round.

AL: That is true. Keeping the advantage will be very important here.

FB: Why don. t they just kick each other. s ass? They need to get mean to succeed in this tournament. If they don. t, it won. t matter because the guy that comes out of Schukar. s bracket is gonna kill . em anyway.

AL: Well, that is your opinion. Until we get that far, I really do not know.

MH: well, the match has started and they are having a massive stare down in the ring. AL: Advantage is important.

MH: They lock up with a simple collar and elbow& then they break cleanly. I am surprised that Kim can hang with the leverage and power of Bold in this match up.

FB: Kim a little sparkplug! He ain. t goin. down that easily. Bold is gonna have to work today.

AL: True. They lock up again, and then they circle each other to the ropes, where the referee counts to break the tie up.

MH: And they do, like seasoned veterans. A DQ would not help either one here. They lock up, but Bold grabs Kim. s arm and applies and arm bar.

AL: Kim then reverses it into a reverse hammerlock. Another reversal by Bold into a hammerlock of his own and then he lifts Kim up for a take down!

FB: Nice technical wrestling. I remember when I was in high school, I used ta do this. But, Bold has got Kim on the ground, where he needs to keep him in order to win this one.

MH: True. Kim turns it around and puts an arm bar on Bold. Then, Bold flips him and throws Kim off of him, but Kim lands on his feet. Nice way to get out of that move.

AL: It was pretty nice. Kim then rushes to Bold and Bold gives him a hip toss for his trouble. Bold follows up with a clothesline, which Kim ducks and grabs Bold and nails him with a fireman. s carry! Pin attempt&

ONE!

MH: Bold easily kicks out, and grabs Kim, with surprising quickness, into a small cradle&

ONE!

AL: Reversal by Kim into a cradle of his own&

ONE!

MH: Bold gets out of it easily and both men up to their feet and the crowd loves it!

[Huge pop from the crowd.]

FB: Okay, you win. It has been pretty exciting so far.

MH: Yes it has! Now, they have locked up again, but Bold with a knee to the gut! Then Bold with an Atomic Drop! He has really got Kim hurting a bit now.

AL: He then follows up with a lariat, sending Kim to the mat!

AL Michael Bold taking Kim up now. He hooks him for that reverse Russian leg sweep of his, but Kim! Kim with a beautiful counter! A knee lift to the stomach - then going under a right hand to sweep the legs out!

MH: That's anticipation. Can't teach it.

AL: Hyuk just pounces on the bigger man now, grabbing that leg and wrapping it up. Ooh! Oh no! Kim pulling up on that leg, hyper-extending it! For the love of - !

FB: There we go! Bold kicks his ass off with the free leg!

AL: The hold is broken, but Kim comes back at him and downs him with a diving low dropkick! Wow!

MH: Bold is down on the mat and is trying to get up, but Kim is running toward him and BANG!

FB: Where did that come from? I have never seen Bold use that move before in my life!

AL: Me either! I think it was gut instinct! As Kim was running toward him he just grabbed him before he could do whatever he was going to do to him and hit him with a hotshot on the top rope!

MH: Both men are down now, but Bold is moving a bit quicker than Kim. Kim is holding his neck in pain!

FB: I guess these guys are taking something out of the page of Schukar. s guys: "Win at any cost".

MH: I may have to agree with you there. Bold getting up and& you see that?

AL: Yeah, Miss Madison is in the crowd watching the match with an extreme look of unhappiness on her face.

FB: Why should she care? I mean, neither one is in the Coterie.

MH: Maybe she is scouting for Hunter?

AL: Or maybe looking to add to the Coterie?

FB: Okay, but who is she upset for?

MH: Good question, but back to the ring, Bold is up and now Kim is using the ropes to pull himself up.

[You then here the screams of . Kim! Kim!. from Madison.]

MH: What is she doing? Kim turns and looks to see who is screaming at him and sees her.

AL: Meanwhile, Bold gets momentum by bouncing off of the other side ropes coming toward Kim and BOOM! FB: Very impressive!

MH: Kim saw Bold at the last minute and ducked, which sent Bold over the top rope and onto the floor hitting the steel fence, right in front of Miss Madison!

FB: Ahhhh yeah! Bold is trying to get to his feet and& .I don. t believe it!

AL: She is helping Bold up, patting his back, looking like she is giving him encouragement.

MH: What. s going on here?

SMACK!!!

MH: She slapped Bold! She slapped Bold! Kim is in shock! Bold is in shock! We are in shock!

AL: The referee is threatening to call a DQ on Kim, but Kim starts pleading his case, telling the referee that he didn't know she was going to do that and he has no affiliation with her.

FB: This match could have just ended by a woman. Sad.

MH: Wait a minute! Bold is telling the referee that he wants the match to continue. The referee shakes his head allowing the match to continue, but he throws out Miss Madison!

AL: That is probably the best thing for this match. The security comes down and escort her out of the area. Good sportsmanship by Bold.

FB: He should have taken the DQ. I would have!

AL: That is why you are not wrestling! Not Bold has climbed back into the ring and they collar and elbow tie up again.

MH: Bold must have gotten a good rest because he is just pushing Kim back! Kim is losing the advantage here.

AL: Bold just muscling the little man now. He shoves him back into the corner. Right, another right. Now takin' him back to the center of the ring. Belly-to-belly setup, going for the suplex!

MH: Look at that! Hyuk lands on his feet after a belly-to-belly suplex! Amazing!

FB: [muttering] He does that crap all the time, actually.

AL: Makes it no less impressive. Bold turning . . . right into one of those patented standing sidekicks of Hyuk's! Kim sliding over to the collapsing form and grabbing one of those legs. He hooks it around the second rope and bends it! He's bending it terribly.

MH: That's an illegal hold. The referees are all over him, forcing the break.

FB: Hey, no count, nothing?

AL: No count. Hyuk is forced off and he's not happy. Still, he could have been disqualified, so I don't suppose he should be upset. Bold on his feet and we're starting from square one here.

MH: They lock up again. Kim gets the advantage and applies a headlock. Bold then powers out of it and sends Kim to the ropes. Kim off the ropes, Bold, drops down and Kim jumps over him. Then Kim off the ropes again, leaps over Bold&

AL: But, Bold grabs him in midair and nails him with a tiger bomb! He then gets up and looks like he is trying for the Boston Crab finisher!

FB: If Bold locks this on in the middle of the ring, there is no way Kim can power out or even scramble to the ropes for help. He would be dead!

MH: True. So, true. He almost got Kim over, but Kim realizes where he is and scrambles to the ropes for safety!

AL: Good for him, but Bold is still on the attack! He pulls Kim back and nails him with kicks to his legs and stomach! He grabs his left leg and twists and locks in the figure four in the middle of the ring!

MH: You can hear the screams of pain from Kim throughout the arena! He needs to get out this in a hurry!

FB: Kim won't submit! He will pass out before that happens. Trust me, I have seen it.

AL: It looks like he isn't giving up! He is trying to reverse the move. He is trying to turn over..and he does! Bold is now feeling the pain and automatically breaks the hold, but Kim is lying on the mat feeling the effects of the move.

MH: This is almost academic for Bold. If Kim passes out, then that will be it for him in the tournament.

AL: That is right. Bold wants to succeed and if he beats Kim or makes him pass out, then he will certainly make a statement for himself.

FB: It is not going to be that easy for him though. He needs to continue to follow up moves, like he is doing now.

MH: Bold goes over and picks up the almost lifeless body of Kim and brings him to his feet.

AL: Bold throws the little man against the ropes and - OH!

[Crowd gives a similar reaction.]

AL: What a vicious clothesline from Bold! Kim is not moving!

FB: Finish him off, Bold! Take him out!

MH: And he's going to do just that, guys. Look at this. Boston crab set-up once again.

AL: This capacity crowd is on its feet, enjoying this one! Bold has got both legs, going to turn the little man over . . . but Kim! Kim is clutching to the foot of Bold, his body twisted here. Amazing dexterity.

MH: Bold trying to muscle him. It isn't going to work. The grip is sound.

AL: So Bold drops the legs, and then a knee into the back of Kim's head. He's on him now, taking a seat right on his back. Camel clutch! Camel clutch is applied!

FB: Over! It's over!

AL: Kim fighting it. Ooh, he's fighting it with a thumb to the ear pressure point! Who says these Pierce bracket matches are tame?

FB: I say it.

AL: Either way, the hold is broken and Bold is in pain. So is Hyuk. What a match. These two are so good at what they do. Pure, honest wrestling.

MH: They both get back up and Kim charges at Bold and Bold with a kick to the stomach and then applies an abdominal stretch, continuing to torture Kim.

AL: True, but somehow, Kim powers out of it with a hip toss! Both men on the mat now.

FB: Whomever wins, will hate tomorrow. They can barely hang on today in their first match!

MH: Rest will do the winner good for tomorrow, but the loser can still go home happy that they wrestled a good match.

FB: True, but the loser doesn't wrestle tomorrow and that makes all of the difference.

AL: True. Both men are up now and Kim slings Bold into the turnbuckle and Kim follows with a palm strike! The referee automatically warns Kim of the move, but Kim ignores him and looks like his going to do it again, but Bold blocks it and&

MH: Bold starts nailing Kim with hard punches to the face, then the referee gets in to break up the punching then, Kim starts punching Bold back! This has turned into a pier six brawl, with the referee in the middle!

FB: Maybe these guys should have been in the other bracket.

AL: Bold then grabs Kim and nails him with a short clothesline!

FB: Yeah! But he also nailed the referee too! Classic!

MH: The other referee jumps in the ring and Bold is pleading his case, but he doesn't see Kim getting up. Kim gets up and nails Bold with another palm strike and then a vicious arm bar suplex!

FB: That looks like he might set him up for the Rising Sun!

AL: Well, Bold isn't moving and..yes sir! Rising Sun! MH: Kim has got it locked! You can see that Bold is in pain, but he isn't tapping out!

AL: The rising sun is hooked! He is trying to put Bold away, but what tremendous strength! Bold is still trying to get out of it!

FB: This is pretty much a dead issue. Bold isn't getting out of that move.

MH: He is fighting it though! Look at Kim!

AL: Kim is tired and you can see it! The question is who will hold out longer? Bold or Kim?

FB: If Bold knows better, he will tap out so he can walk again. This move can damage his spine!

[Tap-tap-tap.]

MH: Bold just tapped out!

AL: He lost this match, but he probably saved his wrestling career.

FB: I have seen people not wrestle again after that move had been applied on them.

MH: And now for the official ruling, Michael Buffer!

MB: And the winner of this first round Road to Purgatory match, by submission, Hyuk Suh Kim!

MH: Kim advances, but this was a great match!

AL: Yes it was! Both competitors put up a great fight, but the submission move proved to be the nail in the coffin.

FB: It was okay, but Kim took a beating! Will he be able to bounce back tomorrow?

MH: We will see.

AL: But first we'll see who Hyuk will have to face tomorrow night! Up next, Colby Fairchild takes on Damon Hayes in the Sheriff's first match since his return! Can the Sheriff stand up to the Impact Player?

FB: Not a friggin' chance.

AL: More of Night One from Venice, Italy and the Purgatory Complex.. after this! [Cut to the ring.]

MH: Rolling right along.. and now, it's even more Alex Pierce Bracket action here on Night One!

FB: Are they INTENTIONALLY trying to TORTURE me?

AL: That's a bold statement there, Barr.

FB: Bold!? You're in on it too, Lucente!

[Shot switches to Michael Buffer. He's warming up the crowd a little bit.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen ... the following contest is a Road to Purgatory first round matchup and is set for one fall!

[Decent crowd pop.]

MB: Introducing first ... representing the great state of Georgia and GCW ... he is .... COLBY FAIRCHILD!! FAIRCHILD!!

["Enter Sandman" by Metallica begins to trickle from the PA system:]

## say your prayers little one ##

## don't forget, my son ##

## to include everyone ##

[The lights begin to dim and your attentions is drawn to the Purga-TRON The word "IMPACT" flashes on the TRON for a brief moment and then stops. Then the word "PLAYER" flashes on the TRON under the word "IMPACT." The words fade to black and then a crest burns into the screen with the letter CF and then the name Colby Fairchild appears in glowing white letters.]

## tuck you in, warm within ##

## keep you free from sin ##

## till the sandman he comes ##

[Images of Fairchild appear. Fairchild getting powerslammed by Milas. Fairchild hitting the swinging neckbreaker on Milas then delivering Child's Play. Static filters onto the screen and then a loud sickening thud and then in slow motion Fairchild delivering Child's Play on Trent Johnson. That image melts away as Johnson's skull crashes against the mat and then it appears to fast forward to Fairchild hitting Chris Hansen in the back with a steel chair. A clip of Fairchild and Steve Gaines trying to destroy each other with fist flying fast and furious. A shot of Colby executing a double underhook suplex and throwing his opponent over the top rope.]

[Colby Fairchild appears on the Purga-TRON with a smirk on his face then it fast forwards to a clip of him battling off Cassidy O'Hollerin during the battle royal.]

[The trains appear to be miles apart from each other but they are building speed as they travel]

[Image of Fairchild yet again as he locks up Tony Pride during the battle royal.]

[The clip changes back to the two trains that are now less than a mile apart.]

[Images of Fairchild appear. Static filters onto the screen. Fairchild delivering Child's Play on Trent Johnson. That image melts away as Johnson's skull crashes against the mat. The clip cuts to Colby locking Alex Reynolds in Overkill. Fairchild cinching in Dead Impact on a nameless wonder. The clip seems to run to the end of the reel then clip of Fairchild standing in the middle of the ring at When Heaven and Hell Collide holding the Aloha State Title in left hand with it extended towards the rafters.]

[SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSVEEEEEEEEE BOOM!]

## sleep with one eye open ##

## gripping your pillow tight ##

## exit light ##

## enter night ##

## take my hand ##

## off to never never land ##

[The clip fast forwards back to the freight trains that collide and explode into a ball of fire.]

[Colby appears from behind the curtain. A chorus of boo's echo from the rafters. The intensity in the icy blues tell that it's business as usual for "The Impact Player." The dirty blonde hair that we have accustom to seeing is limply dangling into his face. He's wearing a black T-shirt that the sleeves have been ripped off of. The word SLEMLOG in red with the imprint of a boot are embedded on the shirt. Black elbow pads are just below his biceps. His fists are covered in white tape. Fairchild is wearing long black tights that have red cutting throughout them that have the Coterie emblem with his initials across the back. Knees pads can be seen under the tights. Black wrestling boots complete his ring attire.]

MB: ...and his opponent! Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, he now resides in and represents Hawaii! He weighs in at 240 pounds...HE! IS! "SHEEEEEEEEEERRIFFF" DAAAAAAAAAAAAMON HAAAAAAAAAAAYES!

[SKEEV-BOOM!]

[SKEEV-BOOM!]

[SKEEV-BOOM!]

[Gouts of blue and gold sparks explode from the top of the ramp, spraying upward in a tight geyser and floating lazily downward. Stepping through the shower of colorful sparks is the man in question, the ebony-skinned Sheriff. Hayes raises his arms to a sizable pop from the Venice crowd, flexing and generally strutting at the top of the ramp.]

#You will be a mortal man#

#One in the hand#

#You will no exactly then what ya had#

#You found the cure#

#Morse code for rapture#

[Without further preamble, Damon begins down the ramp. His dreadlocks, bound together by a leather strap, bounce over one shoulder as he goes. Damon is shirtless, wearing only his white trunks and wrestling boots. He grins on his way to the ring, staring at Fairchild, yet at the same time slapping hands. At last, he reaches the apron. Damon hops quickly up onto it, tests the top rope, and turns to raise his hands one more time for the crowd.]

MH: Anyone notice that neither of these guys have wrestled for a while?

FB: Oh! I have.

AL: Fairchild since Ashes to Ashes and Hayes since who knows when?

[DING! DING! DING!]

FB: Hey! He cheated! MH: God! Right before the bell, Fairchild with a dropkick to the back of Hayes! Over the top and to the floor hits the "Sheriff"!

AL: Ring rust showing already ...

FB: Hayes is looking a bit shaky after that move by Colby.

AL: Shaken, not stirred, I believe is the expression.

MH: Hayes sliding back into the ring now ... Fairchild circling around the former NWC Heavyweight champion.

AL: Colby is really looking to prove something here in Italy. Proving he has what it takes to hang with the best.

FB: Bah. Only thing he can hang with are GCW mid-carders.

MH: Hayes! Damon lunging after Fairchild with a full layout lariat!

FB: Ha! Fairchild ducks and watches Hayes fly by him. Watch this, now. Fairchild will get waylaid by a counter move.

AL: NO! Hayes turns around ... kick to the midsection by Fairchild!

MH: And Hayes hits the mat hard! I can't believe how fast the former champ hit the mat! A simple boot to the midsection!

FB: There's your ring rust for you. Ring rust ... does a bo--Colby Fairchild good.

MH: Fairchild lifting up Hayes by the head ... Rake of the eyes by Fairchild! Followed by a quick Irish Whip into the far side turnbuckle.

FB: Show time!

AL: Hayes looks to be in trouble now. Fairchild has a VERY early advantage.

MH: Fairchild follows in with a caution ... HUGE European Uppercut on arrival! Hayes' neck snapping back hard on impact!

AL: And the kicks! One! Two! Three! Four! Four quick toe kicks to Hayes! Damon is really looking bad, tonight.

FB: Cause he's old. Washed up. Damon Hayes.

MH: Fairchild with a scoop ... and a slam!

FB: Ha! Colby's hitting the ropes! To the top he flies.

AL: Fairchild now over the Hayes-we've-never-seen ... MY GOD! Split-legged moonsault by Fairchild! Hayes gets planted! FB: And pinned!

...... 1

...... 2

...... THRE-

MH: No! Hayes with a LAST SECOND kickout!

FB: Amazing he even had the strength to do that. What a geek.

AL: Fairchild with a pick up on Hayes ... Irish Whip into the ro-- REVERSED BY HAYES! Hayes with a reversal!

MH: Fairchild on the rebound ... Hayes with a back body dr--.

FB: Doh!

AL: Damon let his head down too early! Fairchild DRIVES his knee into the bridge of Hayes' nose!

MH: Fairchild picking up Hayes again ... this time with a tie up in the center of the ring. A little power struggle ... ended abruptly by a Fairchild arm drag!

FB: Heh. Hayes is back up.

AL: And another arm drag by Fairchild.

FB: Or not.

MH: Hayes is back up ... and down again!!

AL: Three arm drags by Fairchild, and Hayes isn't getting back up.

FB: Fortunately for us. Hayes bites the big one. MH: Fairchild picking up Hayes, yet again ... how much more than Damon take?

AL: A swift go around by Fairchild ... Full nelson applied. Into a face buster! Big move from Fairchild!

MH: Full nelson slam by Colby! BIG kick to the spine of Hayes! Damon REALLY looks hurt.

FB: Yeah. He looks like he has been the entire match.

AL: Fairchild off the ropes! AND A DROPKICK TO THE FACE OF HAYES! DAMON ISN'T EVEN BEGINNING TO SHOW ANY SIGNS OF LIFE!

MH: And Fairchild's soaking it all in. He's living the life right now.

FB: Uh ... Hayes? He's kinda back up. Almost.

AL: Hayes to his feet SOMEHOW. Fairchild turning around. Weak kick to the gut by Hayes. Quick whip into the ropes!

FB: What a pansy. That kick wouldn't have dazed your three-hundred pound mother, Marcus!

MH: Fairchild on the rebound!! YES! POWERSLAM BY HAYES! YE--NO!!

FB: I knew it! He blew it, again!

AL: Fairchild flipping over Hayes and landing on his feet! Damon turns around!

MH: My God! My good God! Superkick from Fairchild! Hayes goes down! Damon Hayes goes down hard!

FB: Well, duh. Like a sack of bricks is more fitting.

AL: The lack of ring training has really out Damon at a disadvantage. He needs to go back to Hawaii and train or something.

FB: He needs to retire, again. Like, for good or something.

MH: Fairchild lifting up Hayes, again ...

FB: That's the theme of the match. Up goes Hayes ... down goes Hayes.

AL: Right, Barr. Right.

MH: Hayes with a right hand! Fairchild returns the favor!

FB: I bet I could tell you which one hurts more?

AL: Hayes again with a right! And another! MH: Fairchild's stunned! HAYES WINDS UP WITH A LEFT!

FB: And misses!! Hayes does a complete 360 on the return!! Fairchild hoists Damon onto his shoulders!!

AL: Fairchild has it! He has it!

MH: Dead Impact! Dead Impact by Fairchild! The elementary cover by Colby!

...... 1

...... 2

...... THREEEEEEE!!!!

AL: Colby wins! Colby wins!

[Buffer returns.]

MB: The winner and advancing to round two of the Road to Purgatory. Out of GCW .... "The Impact Player" COLBY! FAAAAAAIRCHIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLD!!!

MH: That was a magnificent matchup, and a true wrestling clinic was put on by BOTH men!

MH: Fairchild wins in the end, however. He seemed just a little hungrier.

AL: And Hayes isn't looking too happy about his performance.

FB: You know what's sad? That bastard actually tried!

AL: More Night One action still to come? FB: Are we HALFWAY through yet? [gulps]

MH: Welcome back, viewers! We know we'll see Hyuk Suh Kim vs. Colby Fairchild and Henry Johnson vs. Maxton Rainstone tomorrow night! Before we go see the next participant to get to the second round, let's go backstage where, once again, Ryan "The Moth" Murray is standing by with one of the participants!

AL: He's hoping to get a word with the man who will meet the Mystery Entrant, Tommy Hardbody.

FB: This should be interesting. [sip]

[We cut to Ryan Murray, standing outside the locker room of Tommy Hardbody. He adjusts his tie as he starts.]

RM: I am here outside the locker room of The Justice Department's Tommy Hardbody, who in just a few moments will face the Mystery Entrant.

[Just then, the door is opened up and Tommy Hardbody appears in the clearing, light brown hair pulled back in a ponytail with small tufts hanging free and a sleeveless TJD shirt visible. He walks right past Murray, who is attempting to get an interview.]

RM: Tommy, Tommy, Mr. Hardbody..

[Tommy does not even pay any attention to him as he continues along down the hallway towards the ringside area.]

RM: Tommy, what about this Mystery Entrant who everybody is speaking about?

[Suddenly he stops and turns towards Murray. He takes a quick sip of his water and heads back his way.]

AL: Uh Oh!

TH: What did you say?

RM: The Mystery Entrant. What do you think about the hype surrounding the Mystery Entrant?

TH: Really Ryan, who cares? The fact of the matter is I am the one who should be garnering all the attention. I am the one who is working day in and day out to achieve my dream, and that is the NWC World Heavyweight Championship. And then you have this guy, a man who may or may not have been a star in the past hides behind the darkness and all the sudden is the talk of Italy. It's a load of crap if you ask me and I am fixing to go down there and show the entire world that what I just said is the honest to God _truth_.

FB: [sarcastically] He's fixing to go down there and show the entire world! [cackle]

[Hardbody then turns away from Murray and heads towards the ring area. Murray turns towards the camera, with a puzzled look.] RM: Al, Marcus, back to you guys at ringside.

FB: What about me, ya twit!?

MB: And now ladies and gentlemen, it is time for a first round Road to Purgatory matchup out of the Chris Schukar Bracket.

[Pop. Lights dim as the opening strums from "Better Than You" by Metallica start as the fans begin to boo.]

[We cut to backstage where Hardbody pulls his hair out of the ponytail and dumps the remaining water in his bottle onto his newly freed strands of hair. He flips it back out of his face and the water flies as he begins to hop, getting ready to head to the ring.]

MB: Making his way to the ring first, he is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and he now hails in Honolulu, Hawaii. He weighs in tonight at a fit two hundred and fifty pounds even and is a current member of The Justice Department. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome "MR. EVERYTHING" TTTTOOOOOOMMMMMYYYY HHHHHAAAAARRRDDDDDDBBBBOOOOODDDDDYYYYYYYY!

[The letters T J D flash across the NWC-Tron and the song begins as the fans light up the arena with boos.]

##I look at you, then you me Hungry and thirsty I wait Holding the lion's share Holding the key Holding me back 'cause I'm striving to be

BETTER THAN YOU##

[On that, orange and silver spotlights shine down on the entrance, combining into one single light shining directly at the curtain. The fans wait in anticipation...]

[BOOOOOOM]

MH: Whoa!

[Pyro explodes on both sides and the entire arena goes dark again. More lyrics from Hetfield.]

##Lock horns, I push and I strive Some how I feel more alive Bury the need for it Bury the seed Bury me deep when there's no will to be

BETTER THAN YOU##

[The orange and silver lights appear again and there stands Tommy Hardbody, complete with sleeveless TJD shirt, black elbow pads, white wrist tape and taped fists, black knee pads, black knee brace on his right knee, black boots, and black traditional wrestling tights, with TJD across the crotch in orange outlined in silver and Hardbody on the rear in silver outlined in orange. He glares around the crowd as they boo and hiss at his very presence. He quickly rips the shirt off of his body, exposing his chiseled physique. He then starts towards the ring.]

##Oh, can't stop this train from rollin' Oh, you can't take it down No, never stop this locomotion, no, no, no, no, no, no, No, you can't bring it down 'cause I'm

BETTER THAN YOU##

[He hops up onto the ring apron and turns towards the unruly crowd, holding his hands high in the air, soaking in their chorus of boos. He then climbs between the ropes and quickly assails to the top rope, hands once again high in the air. He just flashes the crowd a sly smirk and then retreats to a corner where he awaits his opponent.]

AL: Hardbody's here! And now, it's time to witness the Mystery Entrant in action for the first time here on Purgatory! Michael?

[Cut to ring. Michael Buffer.]

MB: And his opponent, he hails from parts unknown, he stands at six feet ten inches tall! He weighs two hundred and eighty-eight pounds, and is the hand-picked winner of this tournament and savior of the Chris Schukar dynasty. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome..

THE MYSTERY ENTRANT!

[The lights dim around the ring. The crowd calms down to a buzz as Tommy Hardbody stands in the middle of the ring as four loud explosions illuminate the entrance area. To a gigantic pop at the first, opening chords, "Dirty Deeds Done Cheap" by AC/DC starts to pump through the air.]

MH: That's, that's the music of Victor "Big Hurt" Manson!

AL: Could it be the return of the founder and leader of the Powers of Arrogance?

[The fans stand on their chairs, peeking towards the curtain. The anticipation is at its peak. Finally, after a grueling, yet patient wait.. through the entryway walks none other than the.. Mystery Entrant?]

MH: Damn!

[He wears a seamless black mask, obviously made of stretching, leather material. There are no visible, open holes in it. He wears a black cutout full singlet top, just the arms cut out, which show off his massive, muscled arms and chest. The enigmatic man also wears a pair of black leather gloves.] AL: We can't tell who he is! He came out to Manson's music, but.. something tells me that's for show.

FB: Just to give the masses something to listen to, you know.

[He stalks down the aisleway. With his pair of leather pants and black boots, the Mystery Entrant is going very plain and very simple.]

MH: Frank, could it be Ray Pierce?

Barr: If it is, why would the dumb pansy wear a mask! That seems rather, well, dumb.

MH: I can't tell who it is, but I can tell he is indeed huge.

Barr: Well, that tells you it ain't any Pierce.

AL: One thing, he looks to be no frills and or gimmicks as he stalks towards the ring.

[The Mystery Entrant slowly makes his way, staying focused on Hardbody in the ring. As he reaches the apron he reaches up and grabs the top rope, pulling himself up onto the apron. The man, entirely focused, stares straight ahead.. one would assume at Hardbody. He slowly strides over the top rope, into the ring, as he adjust the gloves on his hands and stares down "Mr. Everything".]

[Ding! Ding! Ding!]

AL: There's the bell! And the Mystery Entrant stalks directly towards Tommy Hardbody. This one is starting quickly.

MH: You're right about that, Al. Hardbody instinctively kicks the oncoming Mystery Man in the stomach! And Hardbody follows up with a quick dropkick to the face of the Mystery Entrant!

AL: Entrant catches his legs, and tosses to the mat like a sack of potatoes!

FB: This Hardbody's like a firecraker, tho.

AL: Yeah, that's one way of putting it, Frank. Hardoby stands! Hardbody! Couple of kneelifts and -- SWINGING INVERTED DDT! Hold it!

MH: AGAIN! Again, Mystery's humongous size and power has prevented Tommy's high-risk offense! The Mystery Entrant is walking around with him on his shoulder !

AL: SPINE BUSTER! MH: What an impact right there! I think Tommy Hardbody knows to take this Mystery Entrant seriously. He wants to get to the next round, by force, no matter what!

FB: Okay. Mystery is a damn big man, I'll say. That mask, though..

AL Where's he going now?

AL: Mystery's scaling the turnbuckles from inside! He's taking a high risk early on. The fallen Hardbody is doing his best to get back up to a vertical base here.

FB: But that Hardbody's a lunatic! How the hell do you even get in the ring with a man this size?!

MH: This could either be a huge payoff or a huge mistake for the Masked Man!

FB: Well, duh.

AL: Now the gigantic Mystery Man is on the top turnbuckle, just waiting for Hardbody to get to his feet!

FB: TIM-BERR!

MH: The HIW Rep is now on his feet and Mystery jumps!! No!

FB: Whoa!

[Mystery jumps off the top turnbuckle with a flying crossbody but Hardbody catches him, rolling through to a pinning combination on the mat.]

MH: What a move by Hardbody. He just stunned uhm.. Manson!

AL: We're not sure about that, Marcus!

[Tommy rolls over his ankle, keeping Mystery to the mat. Hardbody kicks up and begins to twist Mystery's ankle as pain is etched across his masked face. The Entrant quickly grabs for nearby ropes.]

AL: Hardbody went directly for the knee of the bigger man..

FB: Yeah, but it doesn't matter! Because Mystery reached the ropes in a heartbeat!

MH: And as the Mystery Entrant struggles to get back up to his feet, Hardbody sets up on the far side. What could Tommy be setting up for here?

AL: We're about to find out. Mystery pulls himself up with the aid of that top rope. Hardbody charges! Running clothesline to the outside!

FB: WHOA!

MH: But the Mystery Entrant landed on his feet! AL: That's right. Hardbody doesn't see him!

FB: Mystery's DECAPITATES Hardbody with a.. [checks notes] Mystery Line!

AL: Hardbody's still got wind! He lunges! NO! Mystery ducks and elevates the smaller man with a fireman's carry! Wow! What strength from The Mystery Entrant! And -- SAMOAN DROP ON THE CONCRETE! Wow!

FB: Helluva' damn move right there.

MH: Mystery could have broken "Mr. Everything's" back right there!

FB: You aren't kidding! He coulda' damn well snapped it with that one, Hardy!

MH: Harden.

FB: Yeah, that too.

AL: Mystery with a big-time desperation move there. Where's he going, now?

FB: Haw yeah!

MH: Mystery's got a chair! He just stole Buffer's chair!

FB: Yeah! Take that, pansy-ass!

MH: Mystery sets that steel chair behind him, clutching it closely. What does he have in store for Tommy Hardbody?

AL: The Mystery Entrant's a nutcase! But Tommy's managed to get himself back up to a vertical -- NO! ARABIAN FACEBUSTER FROM THIS MAMMOTH OF A MAN!

FB: Like a legdrop with the chair underneath! He SQUASHED him, man! What a move!

MH: Wow! The chair is sick and bent! Mystery just *dented* the chair with Tommy's face! Incredible!

AL: The Mystery Entrant's on a roll, here. Both men on the outside. This has been a wild one from the start, fans.

MH: And Mystery's now pulling the timekeeper's table over, towards Hardbody.

FB: Now we go HARDCORE! The rules of this bracket are f[bleep]ing great, Lucento!

AL: But, I don't like the looks of this particular one, guys.

FB: Shaddup, wuss!

MH: Mystery elevates Tommy Hardbody. And whoa! Hardbody jabs from out of nowhere! He hooks Mystery! T-Bone Suplex coming up! AL: No way! The mammoth man counters with a back elbow to the side of Tommy's face! "Mr. Everything" is stunned!

[Mystery brings Hardbody over to the table. He lays Hardbody across the table easily, carelessly. Hardbody tries to sit up, but Mystery knocks him back down with a vicious headbutt through the tight mask.]

AL: This is looking bad for Hardbody.

[Mystery then grabs that dented steel chair, hopping to the ring apron. He follows up by quickly climbing up onto the top rope. The Entrant tucks the chair under his arm and drops down onto the table across Hardbody, shattering the table!]

MH: ...

FB: SWEET MOTHER OF EVERYTHING THAT IS HOLY...

AL: Watch yourself, Frank. Ladies and gentleman! Hardbody might be destroyed! Mystery Entrant just dove all the way from the ring down onto this table with an elbowdrop, complete with that steel chair! These fans at Purgatory are loving every minute of it, too!

MH: I can't believe this.

FB: What's the matter Marcus, can't take carnage like that?

MH: It's not that, it's...

FB: Puss.

AL: Mystery with a big risk off the apron with the chair! It connects big-time. And Tommy Hardbody is in pain. And look at the massive Mystery Entrant! His attack is relentless.

MH: Very true, as he immediately lifts up Tommy, halfway to his feet. And Mystery elevates the smaller opponent. Oh! Hotshot over the steel guardrail on the outside. And Hardbody is staggering around, clutching his throat.

AL: Mystery hooks him around the back of the neck! Side Russian Legsweep onto the chair!

FB: Now he's definitely got that broken back!

MH: Wow. That was impressive. Let's take another look at it.

[The screen splits into double-screen mode. The live action on the right and a replay on the left. There, Mystery drops Hardbody in slow-motion as the camera zooms in. Hardbody hits the guardrail throat-first onto the steel, taking a punishing blow to the esophagus. As he bounces back, he staggers on his feet. Before he's allowed to hit the ground, Mystery hooks him and drops him with that brutal side Russian leg sweep.]

AL: OUCH! It looks worse, the second time around! [On the right side, Mystery's been casually peppering Tommy Hardbody with all sorts of punches and combinations. We cut back to single live screen.]

FB: Wow! [sarcastic] That really did a good job of showing how much that guy dominates! I must thank them f[bleep]in' dorks in the back who cooked it up.

MH: It did work pretty well, didn't it? [sarcastic laugh]

AL: But Mystery Entrant is putting together moves that quickly!

MH: You're telling me! Now Hardbody takes a vicious blow to the throat.

AL: A throat punch? Mystery Entrant has dominated this one, folks.

FB: This Tommy Hardbody is all talk and no action, damnit!

MH: You would know about that, wouldn't ya?

AL: Mystery now, rolling the much smaller man into the ring. Where's the Masked Man going from here?

FB: So? He could pin him WHENEVER he wanted! This guy is invincible , I'm telling you!

AL: You know what that word means, Barr?

MH: What an impressive performance by Schukar's hand-picked Mystery Entrant. He's displayed a bitter.. arsenal of holds here tonight! [chuckle]

FB: What the hell? He's pulling him back outside! I like his style!

MH: Not exactly, Barr. Mystery is now pulling Hardbody to one of the ring corners, wrapping his left knee around that thick steel post.

FB: I smell.. shattered kneecaps?

MH: And we smell.. YOU! And this doesn't look good for "Mr. Everything", Al!

AL: Mystery has a chair! He has that mangled steel chair that he's been pummeling Hardbody with all throughout this match!

[Mystery takes the chair he picked up and drops it down across the knee of Hardbody with force. Tommy reaches out to block it, but Mystery nails his hand. Mystery then drills the end of it into the knee cap.]

AL: If this TJD guy walks again, I'll be suprised!

FB: Get a hint Al, NOBODY CARES!

AL: Sometimes I just don't like you, Barr. MH: Don't make me break this up, you two.

MH: Nevermind.

FB: Damn right. Because I don't care what stupid children think.

MH: [sigh]

FB: Ugh!? See? You're sighing because you know I'm right!

AL: [ignoring Barr] Pay him no mind, Marcus. He's just jealous because no-one cares about his old war stories anymore. Mystery finally drops that steel chair, to slide back inside. He may be looking to end this right here!

FB: Good. Somebody put this Hardbody idiot out of his... Mystery! HA! And to think, I actually had a prayer for this b[bleep]h early on.

AL: Well, there's no doubt that Mystery Entrant has completely dominated this entire match, fans. I don't believe Tommy Hardbody has hit a move.

FB: That's 'cause he sucks.

MH: Actually, I think he countered some moves early on, put a submission hold on, and hit that clothesline that put them on the outside.

FB: Wow. Now, the clothesline was a bad idea. A man like that is just unstoppable while on the floor!

AL: Regardless, Mystery pulls "Mr. Everything" back up to his feet. Pickup into a fireman's carry from Mystery here! And...

FB: Hot damn!

AL: GOOD LORD! Spiked Death Valley Driver from off the middle rope! Big-time move from Mystery here! He's been throwing all-out impact at "Mr--

FB: Idiot.

MH: Huh?

FB: That's how I refer to him from now on. Mister Idiot. Not Mister Everything.

MH: Uh, okay.

AL: The large, masked man brings "Mister Idiot" back up to a vertical base there. And now he's hooking him. Looks like he may be wanting to set Tommy up on the top turnbuckle!

MH: Mystery may want another big-time move here!

FB: Here we go! MH: Hardbody is set up on the top. Mystery is climbing! This could be a superplex here, Al!

AL: Mystery hooks up the front face lock. He goes to drop him, but Tommy blocks it! Mystery gets him up in the air, but Hardbody is fighting back!

MH: OH MY! Tommy was dropped to the outside and it looks as if his chin struck the apron on the way down!

FB: WOW!

AL: That was a sickening thud we just heard, there!

[Mystery then drops onto the apron and comes off. He scoops up Hardbody and runs him face-first into the guardrail. He sets Tommy's left knee against the steel and begins to kick away.]

AL: Mystery showing no mercy here!

FB: Unlike Mister Idiot, who's showing little or nothing.

MH: He might've taken Mystery a little too lightly. And now he's paying for it!

AL: And again, Mystery Entrant continues the unrelenting attack as he brings Tommy Hardbody back up to his feet.

MH: This monster of a man rolls his prey back inside. It looks like he may be ready to finish Hardbody at this point.

FB: Finally!

AL: Mystery follows back inside as well. And yeah, he's signalling for a finish here!

MH: Mystery picks Tommy Hardbody back up. Kick to the mid-section to double the smaller man over! Mystery tucks him under and lifts! And, OUCH!

AL: A running, heaving Powerbomb! WOW! Tommy Hardbody is going to be eliminated here!

FB: Like anyone didn't know that was gonna happen. [yawn]

[The Mystery Entrant pumps a fist into the air, confidently. He walks over to the maimed, bloody Tommy Hardbody. Putting a foot hard into the chest of Tommy, after a quick stomp, the Masked Man instructs the referee to count.]

MH: This is it!

[Tommy is simply.. unconscious.]

ONE!

TWO!!!

THREE!!!!!

MH: That's it! Like I said!

[Buffer gets on the mic as the referee makes the finish signal. The announcers also are hooked to go over the public microphones.]

MB: Your winner...! Advancing into the second round of the Road to Purgatory tournament... THE! MYSTERY! ENTRAAAAAANT!

AL: All bigtime offense from the Mystery Entrant, no doubt about it. He was 'picked' to win, you could say..

MH: That was one of the most dominant performances I think I've ever seen on NWC Pay- Per-View! Tommy Hardbody thought he had a cute little plan, but it completely backfired from the start!

FB: [sarcastic] Nah, it was a fix.

MH: Yeah, right! You saw it as well as I , when Mystery hit an Arabian Facebuster.. him! HIM! That HUGE masked man!

FB: I know! I was being sarcastic, jackass.

AL: It was a very one-sided match, I'll tell you that much. But when you're picked to win, you're picked to win. Isn't that the saying?

FB: If you mean is that what you just said? Yes.

MH: Huh?

AL: Nonetheless, the man they call the Mystery Entrant picks up a convincing win here!

FB: Duh. AL: Now, he moves onto the second round for a match.. an important one, that'll determine one of the finalists in the Schuk bracket of the Road to Purgatory tournament!

MH: Fans, "NWC: Purgatory" Night One continues after these brief messages! We'll continue with our blitzkreig of RTP coverage, after this?

FB: [to production assistants] Didn't I schedule my naptime around now?

[Mumble and chatter.]

FB: Okay, but scratch it. Yes. Pencil in a "Century Club".

["RAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!"]

MH: What's a Century Club, Frank?

FB: How DID I know you'd ask me that..

MH: Hello once again, fans. Quite a show we've had so far, and things are only going to get better!

FB: You promise?

AL: Lighten up, Frank.

FB: Bleh!

MH: We're going to take you now to a recent edition of SCCW SMUT, where some very interesting things went on, involving former World Tag Team Champion, "Explosive" Darren Fury, and a surprise returnee to the National Wrestling Council, Baja McNabb.

FB: [singing] "Somebody took a beating... somebody took a beating..."

AL: Oh lay off!

MH: And after we see this clip, I believe the matters are going to be discussed. Let's go back to SMUT, with your announcers Dennis Ryder and Joe Hackamore...

**********

[Darren Fury, having just won his first-ever singles match one-on-one against Tomas "Big Rig" Sullivan, rolls out of the ring and begins to walk up the ramp. The cheers from the fans continue, and halfway up the ramp, Darren turns around to acknowledge the crowd once again. He raises his arm and start to pump his fist to the crowd... his grin from ear-to-ear, and the fans are eating it up. Suddenly, out from the curtains at the top of the ramp, comes a figure dressed in mostly black (with some neon-pink trim), wearing a black helmet, large sunglasses, bicycle gloves, and is on a pair of ROLLERBLADES!!!]

JH: That-- Who-- He's screaming down the ramp!

DR: What the hell is going on?!?

[The figure hurtles down the metal, the ramp rumbling under the wheels. Darren hears the noise, and spins around, just in time to get NAILED by a clothesline at high speed by the figure on the skates!!! Darren flies down backwards, his head slamming against the metal of the ramp. The figure reaches the bottom of the ramp, spins around, then moves back up towards the downed Fury.]

JH: My god!

DR: What the hell is going on?!?

JH: Fury's getting attacked!!! YEAH!!! THERE IS A GOD!!!

***

DR: I don't understand this!!! Darren Fury is being brutalized by this man, whom we don't know--

***

JH: There's only one guy who'd show up to beat the hell out of this kid, while wearing a pair of skates!

***

[To a scream of bloody murder from the crowd, the figure reaches up and unsnaps the strap which holds his helmet into place. He pulls it off to reveal a head of sandy blond hair. He then pulls off his sunglasses, and Darren's eyes grow wide as he looks up from his haze to see who it is that is kicking the living crap out of him.]

DR: MY GOD!!! MY GOD!!! BAJA MCNABB!!! IT'S BAJA MCNABB!!!

JH: McNabb has returned to the NWC for a little PAYBACK!!!

***

DR: Here comes Security, rushing down the ramp to go after McNabb! Fury is bleeding heavily from the nose, and looks to be in pretty bad shape!

JH: Take off McNabb! Don't let them catch you!

[McNabb sees the guys rushing down to Darren's aid, and he then skates off the ramp to make a quick escape. The officials all crowd around the fallen Fury, and try to help him up.] DR: This is sickening!

JH: This is the way wrestling should be! Yeah!!!

**********

[We come back to ringside from the clip, and the fans in Venice are booing heavily for what they have just seen. Fury has always been a particular favorite of people, and to see him brutally attacked by his former DEFCON 2 tag team partner, Baja McNabb, has created quite a stir within the crowd. The boos get louder and louder, especially when the next announcement is spoken.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen... would you please welcome... BAJA MCNAAAAABB!!!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

MH: What? HIM?!?

FB: He's coming out? That sneak-attack we just saw wasn't all? We get to see this punk embarrassed AGAIN? All right! This ought to be interesting!

AL: This ought to be cut off!

[As the crowd continues its bellows of annoyance and anger, coming down the aisle is the former X-Games competitor, former DEFCON 2 tag team member, and former fan-favorite, Baja McNabb. He is dressed in a white ESPN tee shirt, extremely wide black jeans, and his sandy blond hair is dampened. The noise of the area increases in volume, and Baja stares out to everyone, whom just a few months ago, were cheering his name. The look on his face says it all. Disappointment, rage, apathy, irritation, confusion... they all travel across his face as he experiences the reactions the people now have towards him. Of course, based upon his actions on SMUT, he really isn't that surprised.]

AL: How could a man like this do such a thing as we've seen tonight?

FB: What? Make my day? He did it quite well, I thought.

[Al just shakes his head.]

[Baja continues the slow walk towards the ring. For a young man who has never been on this side of the fence, with the boos raining down on him, the walk is LOOOOOONNNGGG, and the emotions that run through him increase exponentially. He reaches ringside, moves to the steps, and hops up and into the ring. Out of nowhere a cup of soda flies from the stands and pegs him off the arm, splattering him with cola. McNabb's eyes immediately spring to the crowd to see who caused this great indignity, and we see the flames that lick right behind his eyes. He pauses a few seconds longer with this glance of fire, and then turns slowly away to climb through the ropes. Baja moves to the center, where he is tossed a microphone.]

Baja McNabb (BN): [sarcastically] It's nice to see you all again, too. [This jibe increases the howling from the crowd even more. Baja doesn't want to show that it bothers him, but we all can see the truth. The pain behind his eyes is evident, and this weakness makes the people in the stands taunt him even more.]

BN: I've got all night.

[The crowd begins to settle down.]

BN: You know... it's not surprising that you all treat me this way. I did the unthinkable, right? I beat the crap out of one of your "golden boys", and thus, I don't deserve to live, right?

[The roar from the crowd tells him that he is indeed, right. The fire in his eyes smolders as he waits for them to die down again.]

BN: Well, I'm sorry! So sorry that one of your "boys"... one who DOES NOT DESERVE your affection by any stretch of the imagination... had to get punished for what he's done. I'm especially sorry to see that you all can be such bastards that you're willing to just "forgive and forget"!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

MH: What the heck is McNabb talking about?

FB: He's telling us that Fury isn't a saint, unlike what most of these morons would like to believe. And these idiots don't want to admit it to themselves! I don't blame McNabb! I've known Fury was an ass every since he got here to the NWC. Him and his dad.

[Baja begins pacing a bit in the ring as he talks... the aggravation starting to build.]

BN: Darren Fury does not deserve your love. He doesn't. He is a heartless, cold, demonic being...

AL: "Demonic"?

BN: An EVIL individual... who deserves more than anything, to ROT IN HELL!!!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

AL: Oh now really! This is too much!

FB: Seems right on the money to me.

MH: Please! This is all a bunch of hogwash, coming out of McNabb's mouth!

FB: Hmm. I have to wonder.

[As the boos continue to rain down, Baja stops for a second to soak them in. What was the occasional bout of anger, confusion, and apathy earlier, has now turned completely into out- and-out hatred.] BN: And I want to talk with him. To have this out once and for all. DARREN?!? YOU HEAR ME?!? COME ON OUT HERE!!! I KNOW YOU CAME TO THIS SHOW WITH YOUR PRECIOUS LITTLE DADDY! GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE! YOU'VE GOTTEN AWAY WITH MURDER FOR TOO LONG!

MH: "Away with murder"?!? What IS he talking about? Darren is an upstanding--

FB: Oh shut up, Harden! Stop defending him like he was Mother Theresa!

[Baja turns to the aisle and crosses his arms, obviously not moving an inch until Darren makes his appearance. The crowd begins cheering for the "Explosive One" to come on out. The clapping begins, and a chant finds it's way into the mouths of the folks in the stands.]

"We-Want-Dar-Ren! *clap* *clap* *clapclapclap*"

"We-Want-Dar-Ren! *clap* *clap* *clapclapclap*"

[McNabb rolls his eyes in exasperation at the fans' stupidity, and then continues to patiently wait. Very soon, the crowd's cheers are answered, as out from the curtain, steps their guy, "Explosive" Darren Fury.]

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!"

[Darren is dressed in casual wear, but his pensive stance is anything but casual. His face gives away what he is feeling, which is the complete and utter ripping out of his heart. Crestfallen, Darren carries a microphone and slowly makes his way down the aisle. Fans rush to the railings to reach out for him, but Darren doesn't do any of that fan stuff. He is too depressed. He instead just makes his way to the ring.]

BN: That's right. Come on! Get up here and face these people whom you have snowballed!

[Fury raises his eyes to his former partner, and you can see the hurt that is in them. Not only for the physical pain that McNabb caused him, but also for the emotional agony he is going through because the guy who he thought was his friend, turned on him. Darren reaches the ring and makes his way up the steps. He climbs through the ropes and takes a step towards his former friend. Baja immediately raises a hand to stop him dead in his tracks.]

BN: HOLD ON there, Fury. Don't come any closer! I don't want to be butchered by you again!

MH: Butchered? Has he LOST his mind?

FB: SHUSH!

BN: My god, Fury. I just don't understand it. How can these people even stand to look at you?!? YOU!!! A sadistic, EVIL man! Hell, just standing this close to you, I can feel the bile rising in my throat!!! YOU MAKE ME SICK!!!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" [Darren just stares at Baja, with a look that says "What are you talking about? What has happened to you? Why are you acting this way?" McNabb glares back with venom in his eyes and is practically shaking in rage and hatred. Many fans are taken aback by the scene that is playing out before them.]

BN: You really don't get it, do you? You DON'T GET IT!!! HOW CAN YOU NOT GET IT?!? HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE?!?

[Turning to the crowd...]

BN: AND HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE?!? HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE THE EVIL THAT IS WITHIN THIS MAN?!?

[He points to Darren.]

BN: THIS MAN IS THE DEVIL INCARNATE, AND YOU CHEER HIM LIKE HE'S A GOD-DAMNED HERO!!! HE IS SCUM!!! CAN'T YOU ALL SEE THAT?!?

AL: My god. He is so far gone.

FB: I dunno. He's making sense to me.

BN: [almost deflated] You really can't see it, can you? You still all think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread. You just can't see it...

[He shakes his head back and forth, as if he can't comprehend the fact that so many people could be so blind to what he thinks is as plain as day. Darren, wanting so badly to clear up this misunderstanding, takes a step towards Baja again... WHO IMMEDIATELY SNAPS HIS HEAD BACK UP AND POINTS AT HIM IN SEETHING RAGE.]

BN: HOLD ON THERE!!! DON'T MOVE A GOD-DAMNED MUSCLE!

[Darren stops, and Baja addresses the crowd once more.]

BN: I don't know how any of you could be so friggin' blind to what this man really is, but I guess I need to show you all so you can finally see what I see when I look at this... MONSTER... in front of me. So everyone turn your eyes to the big screen, and get a glimpse of Mister Fury's decent into HELL!!!

[We cut to the screen once again, where we are shown a clip from the Pontiac Silverdome for Civil War '99. This is where Darren and Baja (DEFCON 2) took on The Perverse Romans in an Ozark Mountain Rules match for the MWA Missouri State Tag Team Championships. Ozark Mountain Rules were such that the ringside barriers were removed, and thus, the crowd was allowed to get out of their seats and push right up against the ring.]

**********

Chris Schukar (CS): McNabb still kicking away at the head of Caligula... Nero with a double axehandle...

Shawn Murphy (SM): NAILS BAJA IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!! THAT STOPPED HIM!!!

Ken Nemesis (KN): Baja McNabb stumbles to the mat, and Nero takes his turn at stomping away at the DEFCON member.

SM: Turnabout is fair play.

KN: Caligula slowly to his feet, and he now joins his partner in working over Mr. McNabb. Repeated boots to the head by the challengers, and Baja is not able to fend them off.

SM: No sir!

CS: Caligula reaches over, and brings Baja back to his feet! Nero right in! Caligula scoops Baja up! Nero grabs the legs of McNabb!

KN: LOOKS LIKE A JUVI DRIVER!!! BUT A SPIKED JUVI DRIVER!!!

SM: I don't think I've ever seen one of those!!!

CS: CALIGULA DROPS HIM!!!

*** KERRR-UNCHHH ***

SM: JESUS!!!

CS: HOLY!!!

KN: OH MY--!!!

CS: WAS THAT.

KN: SPIKED JUVI DRIVER!!! MY GOD!!! DID YOU HEAR THAT CRACK?!?

SM: What a move! They absolutely CREMATED him!!!

CS: BAJA MCNABB IS FLAT ON HIS BACK!!! HE IS OUT!!! THE PERVERSE ROMANS LEAP TO THEIR FEET IN JOY!!!

KN: Caligula and Nero are ecstatic from that move they just performed on McNabb. They are bowing to the crowd, who are returning it with boos and jeers!

CS: Referee is talking with McNabb...

SM: I THINK WE KNOW WHO THE TRUE CHAMPIONS ARE RIGHT NOW!!!

CS: Um... KN: Right now, we have Darren Fury still on the outside, trying to recover from that fan's chair shot, McNabb is out in the center of the ring, and The Perverse Romans are back jawing with the fans, who are giving them an earful!

CS: McNabb's not out. He's conscious. He's just not moving.

SM: THE PERVERSE ROMANS ARE THE GREATEST MWA TAG TEAM OF ALL TIME!!!

KN: Nero turns back around and stomps away on McNabb! Boots to the head--

SM: Hey! What the?!?

KN: The referee just pushed Nero away!

SM: The referee can't put his hands on a wrestler!

CS: Guys...

KN: Nero and Caligula are FURIOUS! Referee is back down to talk to McNabb, who is still not moving. Didn't even react to any of those kicks by Nero...

SM: The Romans now move in to argue with the referee. They spin him around--

KN: THE REFEREE JUST SHOVED BOTH ROMANS BACK AGAIN!!!

CS: Fellas, something's wrong.

SM: The Romans look at each other and turn back and flip off the referee. They're now looking around... looking for Fury...

CS: Referee is right down at McNabb's head talking in his ear. McNabb has not moved a single muscle since that Juvi Driver.

KN: What's going on?

SM: The referee is up and signaling to the back!

CS: He wants a stretcher.

KN: The Romans move to the outside and go right after Fury, who's still trying to get to his feet.

CS: McNabb hasn't moved once.

KN: I'm receiving word that a stretcher is on it's way...

CS: They need that down here now.

SM: Yeah... good luck... they have thousands upon thousands of fans all packed in around the ring... if our wrestlers haven't made it more than ten feet away from the ring, there ain't no way in hell a stretcher is making it's way through the fifty feet deep mass of humanity surrounding the ring.

CS: Baja still hasn't moved. He's speaking... he's breathing... but I've not seen a single one of his limbs do so much as twitch.

KN: Uh... well, folks... on the outside, the Romans have now gotten to Darren... they lift him up...

SM: DOUBLE GUTBUSTER!!!

KN: Nailed Fury with it!

CS: I don't think any of the three of them know what's going on.

KN: Referee is still talking into Baja's ear. We can see Baja talking to him, but his lips are the only thing that he is moving.

CS: He hasn't moved for two minutes now.

SM: They can't get the stretcher through.

KN: Well maybe they need to drive the ambulance onto the field, and hope that the people get out of the way!

CS: I guess Baja wasn't ready to wrestle after all.

SM: NO! You think?!?

KN: Caligula grabs the leg of Fury and spins it around! Figure-four!!!

CS: I can't believe they are still fighting on!

SM: Show must go on!

KN: Caligula has the figure-four hooked on tight! Nero cheering him on, and kicking the chest of Darren for good measure.

SM: The fans don't like this one bit!

KN: No. But that isn't stopping Nero. He looks around and picks up a ringside chair. Oh god.

SM: At least he has an easy target!

KN: For all we know, Fury could have a broken leg right now, and Nero is stepping in with a steel chair? How sadistic IS he?

SM: Do you even need to ask.

CS: Nothing's going right in the ring. KN: Nero stands above Fury! Fury is in agony! Nero lifts the chair!!!

** THWACK **

KN: God.

SM: Lights out for Mr. Fry!

KN: These two are just...

SM: Absolutely brilliant!

KN: Well, Darren is barely conscious on the outside. And on the inside, it has now been several minutes since--

CS: WAIT!

SM: Yeah! I think--

KN: His arm! Baja's left arm!

CS: He has movement in the arm!

KN: Thank god.

SM: On the outside, Darren is so far gone from the figure-four and that chair shot. Caligula is pulling back, and Nero is cheering him on!

KN: And now Baja's left leg! Referee is helping with the movement in the left leg!

SM: WHOA! One of the fans just dumped his soda right in the face of Caligula!

KN: Oh great!

CS: Full movement! I think Baja's regaining full movement! Ever so slowly, he's regaining feeling! Thank the lord.

SM: Caligula back to his feet, and is right in the face of that fan! He is arguing with him! Nero is now arguing with a fan of his own! More fans getting involved!

CS: This was the stupidest idea for a match I think we've ever seen.

KN: The Romans are now in a shoving match with the fans once again! Darren Fury is slowly being helped to his feet by the fans, and they are helping him along back to the ring.

CS: BAJA IS SITTING UP!!!

KN: McNabb is up! The referee is helping McNabb back to his feet! I don't think we've ever experienced this in the NWC before! SM: And here comes Darren... back to the ring... bloody as all hell.

KN: Darren Fury slides achingly back into the ring and starts crawling over to his partner. Fury is a complete mess.

CS: At least he could move the entire time.

KN: Baja still talking to the referee... he seems to be nodding. Perhaps that means he thinks he's okay? Darren now to his feet and stumbles over to his partner. Darren pulls on Baja's arm and is signaling to go back into the crowd with him.

CS: To fight?

SM: Yeah, right. That's happening.

KN: Darren seems insistent. He's talking to Baja and motioning him to join him in going after the Romans.

CS: WHAT?!? IS HE CRAZY?!?

SM: Don't get mad at him... he didn't know what was going on...

KN: Baja and the referee trying to explain to Darren what Baja has just experienced, but Fury looks like he won't hear of it.

CS: Darren! Let it go!

SM: Fury is yelling at Baja! Pulling him towards the crowd so that they can go after the Romans! Fury wants to win this match so badly!

CS: Well someone tell him that BAJA CAN'T GO!!!

KN: DARREN FURY IS BEGGING BAJA TO COME WITH HIM!!! THE ROMANS ARE SLOWLY MAKING THEIR WAY BACK TO THE RING!!! HE IS PLEADING WITH BAJA!!!

CS: Does he even care what happened to McNabb?

SM: Well, he probably just doesn't realize what really happened! He's so desperate to continue the fight with the Romans that he is not hearing a word they're saying! As far as Darren knows, Baja's just wimping out of the fight!

CS: What more of a signal does Darren need to realize that BAJA AIN'T GOING?!?

KN: Well perhaps THAT is a strong enough signal to Darren!

CS: BAJA SHOVED DARREN!!! BAJA SHOVED DARREN!!! DARREN TO THE MAT!!!

SM: And Baja is now climbing out of the ring!

CS: Darren can't believe it! SM: McNabb's out of here! He just waved off his partner!

KN: I think we've seen the last of Baja McNabb for the evening!

CS: Darren Fury is back to his feet and has run over to the ropes! He's yelling out for McNabb to come back! Something along the lines that he can't do this alone! He's pleading for Baja to return to the ring. Ha. Sorry, kid. Ain't gonna happen.

**********

[We cut back to the ring, where Baja is leveling his gaze at Darren giving him a "NOW do you understand?" look. Darren, for his part, looks grief-stricken. A simple misunderstanding on his part has eaten away and festered within the soul of his friend Baja McNabb, to the point where he now blames HIM. With tears in his eyes, Darren starts shaking his head, trying to speak to his friend to try to clear the air. But the look on Baja's face says it all. "There's nothing to clear up, you son of a bitch!"]

Darren Fury (DF): No! Baja, no! No, you know that this--

BN: SHUT UP!!! JUST SHUT UP!!! DON'T TRY TO WEASEL OUT OF ANY GUILT YOU'RE FEELING RIGHT NOW!!!

DF: But Baja... please... I didn't know! I didn't--

BN: Didn't know?!? DIDN'T KNOW?!? How could you NOT know I was PARALYZED in the center of this f[bleep]king ring?!? You aren't STUPID! Come on, Darren... did you really "not know"... or did you CHOOSE not to know, so that you could continue your god-awful feud with the Romans, on this little quest you've had to be "the greatest wrestler of all time"?

DF: It's not like that--

BN: Oh SPARE ME, you son of a bitch! I was badly hurt during our match with the Demigods at the Lucente Tournament and that's where it STARTED! The anger you felt towards me, for blowing our shot at winning the stupid thing, just grew and grew! To the point where you wanted to punish me! By FORCING me to compete with you at Civil War, despite the fact I was NOT CLEARED TO WRESTLE. All because you just HAD TO KEEP those MWA belts.

DF: No! That's not true! You were okay! You said so yourse.

BN: DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD HAVE HEARD ANYTHING DIFFERENT?!? What? I would say "Sorry Darren, I can't compete at the biggest Council-wide pay-per-view of the year", and you would then say "Oh! That's all right!"?!? ARE YOU FRIGGING KIDDING ME?!?

DF: But I would-- BN: SHUT UP!!! DON'T GIVE ME THAT!!! YOU FORCED ME TO FIGHT!!! YOU KNEW I WAS HURT, BUT YOU FORCED ME ANYWAY!!! BECAUSE YOU ARE AN EVIL MAN!!! AN EVIL MAN WHO ONLY GIVES A DAMN ABOUT HIMSELF!!!

DF: Baja, please! It's not like--

BN: I'VE LOST MY CAREER BECAUSE OF YOU!!! MY BACK IS SO SCREWED UP NOW, THAT I CAN'T SKATE COMPETITIVELY ANYMORE!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!? I CAN'T SKATE!!!

DF: Baja, I'm sorry about--

BN: SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! DON'T EVEN TRY!!! DON'T - EVEN - TRY!!!

DF: I want--

BN: You are going to make it up to me! You understand?!? You cost me a career, so you are going to give me a new one!!! You get me?!?

DF: Uh... I 'm not--

BN: As much as I can't stand to look at you, the fact is, YOU are going to be able to get me what I want! You OWE me! YOU OWE ME, GODDAMMIT!!!

DF: What can I do...

BN: YOU'RE GOING TO FORGET ABOUT ALL OF THIS SINGLES WRESTLING CRAP... YOU HERE ME? NO MORE SINGLES WRESTLING! AND YOU ARE GOING TO FIGHT *WITH* ME TO MAKE DEFCON 2 WHAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN! WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!

[Darren starts shaking his head in confusion.]

DF: I... I CAN'T, Baja! I don't do tag teams anymore! I'm a singles guy! I work as singles for Sin City and I... I'd like to help you, but--

BN: NO!!! You ARE going to TAG WITH ME... and bring me to the heights that you and your decrepit old man reached. You OWE me that. In exchange for destroying my skating career, you are going to immortalize my wrestling one! AND YOU ARE GOING TO DO THAT!!! YOU OWE ME!!!

DF: No. No, I'm sorry. I won't. I just... I just--

BN: [snickering] No? NO?!? Ha. Sorry, bud. There is NO "no". You ARE going to reform DEFCON 2 with me. You know why?

[Darren's confusion mounts even greater, as Baja moves in next to him and whispers into Darren's ear. Almost like a shot in the arm, Darren's face goes WHITE with shock. He snaps his head around to look right into the eyes of Baja, and he sees that what McNabb has just told him is indeed, very true. Darren then starts shaking his head "NO", and pleads with Baja with his eyes to have this not be true. Baja just takes a step back and smiles, as he sees Fury almost begin to suffer a nervous breakdown there in the ring.] BN: That's right. And that's why you WILL team with me.

DF: YOU'RE LYING! YOU HAVEN'T REALLY--

BN: You'd like to think so, wouldn't you? But look into my eyes. You know what I told you is true...

DF: [tears forming] No! No! Please, Baja! No! I can't deal with... please! Don't do this! Don't! I can't-- I can't--

BN: [smiling an evil smile] I'll see you in our corner, on the next edition of SMUT, Darren.

DF: [falling to his knees] No... no... god no...

[Baja flips his microphone back to a ringside attendant, and then slides through the ropes and out of the ring. As Darren weeps in the middle of the ring, mainly from abject fear... Baja can't help but smile at the emotional punishment he has just inflicted upon his partner. This certainly makes up for all the physical punishment he had to endure, for Darren's twisted desires to fight the fight, at the expense of everything else... especially friendship.]

MH: We're back.

FB: [sigh] Finally! I had time to make my own pizza .

MH: But I don't... I don't understand what we've just seen.

FB: Huh? Seemed clear to me. Darren's an ass, and Baja's going to see that he suffers!

AL: Suffers?!? Look at him in there! He's practically crippled!

FB: Good. He deserves it.

MH: How can you say such a horrible thing?

FB: Hey! Let's get this clear! He PARALYZED his own partner! I happen to think that McNabb is letting him get off EASY! If I was him, I would have hired someone to club Fury in the kneecap like Tonya Harding did to Nancy Kerrigan.

AL: That is the sickest thing I have ever...

FB: Oh would you get off your high horse, Lucente?!?

MH: I just...

FB: Blah, blah, blah... shut the hell up.

MH: You are so unbelievable.

AL: Really. FB: Oh get over it. What do we have up next?

[Without warning, the lights are killed, the image on the jumbo-tron is one of a fallen Meltdown, Ben standing over him, lead pipe in hand. The distorted voice of an announcer...]

"Ben has left another man laying here...this is just...this is just horrible."

[As the jumbotron switches to a shot of Ben Van Iten draping an arm over a fallen Shawn Arrows, dramatic music fills the background, the voice of an announcer again...]

"Ben Van Iten and the Uppermost Echelon have stole the NWC World Title, you'd had to of seen it with your own two eyes to believe it..."

[One last scene for us, it is of Ben's first night in the NWC, back in Hawaii many months ago, an announcer's voice carries over once again.]

"I have a feeling before it's all said and done, this guy is going to make an impact around here."

[BOOM!]

[With an enormous pyro explosion the lights go on, as "Bad Moon Rising" by CCR rips through the audio system.]

MH: No doubt we know who is coming out now.

FB: Chester!!!

[After the song gets about 20 seconds of play, we are graced with the presence of Ben Van Iten, and his tower of mental power, Chester. Ben is dressed in one of his black silk robes, after taking a few steps down the aisle, he turns his back to us, showing us the words "Razz & Pizzazz" that appear to be written in some sort of yellow glittery substance.]

AL: Let's go to the one and only, Michael Buffer for the official announcement.

MB: The falling contest...is set for one fall...and is a ROAD TO PURGATORY FIRST ROUND MATCH!

[Cheers]

MB: Introducing first, being accompanied by one of the biggest retards you'll ever see, Chester...he stands six foot four, he weighs two hundred thirty seven pounds...He is the sultan of submission, Mr. Razz and Pizzazz...former NWC world champion...BEN!!! VAN!!!! ITTTTTTEN!!!!!!!! [Ben's smirk from the week of verbal warfare apparently still has not gone away, he advances to the ring slowly, letting Chester hold the ring ropes open for him. Ben steps through, poses on a turnbuckle, the booing is so loud you can hardly hear yourself think.]

MH: Not exactly a warm welcome from the Italians for Mr. Razz & Pizzazz.

FB: Quite possibly because they are dumb.

[Ben slowly disrobes, his flashy black & yellow trunks revealed. He and Chester stand, staring at the entrance way.]

MB: And his opponent!

[We don't need no stinkin' lights.]

MB: He hails from the back streets of Las Vegas, Nevada and weighs in tonight at two hundred twenty-three and one quarter pounds! The master of the Perfect Ending and the leader of the most dangerous force in the National Wrestling Council today, the Coterie!

[Lasers! Lasers! We have lasers!]

[Bright purple ones, in fact, lancing down from the lighting tower to spell out "PEERLESS" in jagged letters more reminiscent of lightning bolts than an alphabet.]

MB: He is the former GCW Southern Heritage champion, the two-time former GCW Heavyweight Champion and the FORMER National Wrestling Council Heavyweight Champion of the WORRRRRRRRRLD!!!

[Cue the drums and guitar riff of Innercorse's "King of the Ring."]

MB: Please welcome... PEERLESS! HUNTER!

SABUUUUUUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAANI!!!!

[BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! A triad of cacophonous explosion draws the eyes of everyone in the Purgatory Complex to the entranceway, currently filling with a fog so thick and so dense, it all but obscures the three people who make their way out onto the stage; one is small, one is larger, one is *HUGE*. They line up in a neat little row as the introductory notes melt into cocky words.]

## I am the one who gets inside

I am the feeling that you hide

I am the one who penetrates

I am the one who makes you hate ##

[The first one to emerge from the cloud of fog is, by default, the woman being pushed on the wheelchair. Rat Sicarii might have been cast heedlessly from a cage by a seven-foot giant not quite two weeks ago, but she looks to be in remarkable condition, all things considered. A few hardcore addicts of GCW even chant "Rat! Rat! Rat!" as she passes in homage of the insane fall.]

[Rat's most important feature is, of course, the miniature motorized wheelchair she's chugging along on. Cast in gold-plated steel and graffiti-stained black leather, it's appointed with all the goodies and more; that engine on the back can't be regulation. Among the messages so thoughtfully inscribed (and not obscured by the Little Dynamo's body) are "Yo Momma!" and "I Got Thrown Off a Cage and All I Got Was This Lousy Chair!"]

## I am the floor on which you stand

I am the one who takes your hand

I am the one who ordered you

Bow down to me, you whore! ##

[The woman herself is dressed remarkably conservatively, all things considered. Perhaps that black Malkavian T-shirt is a bit snug and proves that it *is* quite cold in Venice this time of year and the accompanying stone-washed denim jeans have seen better days, but, considering where she was just a couple weeks ago, it's a marked improvement. But let's not forget the sneering grin; that curling, hateful expression that's permanently implanted on her tiny, childlike features and the only thing that separates her from being GCW's answer to Mary.]

## I am the hole from which you bleed

I am the lie that you believe

I am the one who brings the pain

I am the one who hides the rain ##

[Stalking in the Dynamo's wake is the gargantuan figure of the Big Man of the Clan, former GCW champion and perhaps rightful NWC champion Cassidy O'Hollerin. The Big C, in a Reign of Fire shirt and black pants, doesn't stop to acknowledge the boos or even the small "CASS-I-DEE!" chant from those hardcore Coterie fans. His Armani covered eyes are steely and staring at Chester, who only sorta-waves in response.]

## I am the one who is not me

I am the one who can never be

I am the one who ordered you

Bow down to me, you whore! ## [Cass swings an arm back towards the entranceway; a moment later, he's joined by one of the wheelchair-bound ball of attitude's arms. Both Coterie members snap their fingers and purple rockets shoot up towards the Italian night to herald the arrival of the Peerless One.]

## I wanna be somebody

I wanna do something

I wanna have it all

I am the king of the ring! ##

[And there he is, the Sabuani. He stands in the black and blue tights and UME t-shirt that he favored in the earlier interview, and the smile at the overwhelming response from the crowd freezes and fades the moment his gaze locks with that of BVI in the ring. Nose crinkling in disgust, the Peerless One tears down the aisle and past the twin columns his partners make and sliding into the ring.]

## And I want it all! ##

[Let the battle begin.]

AL: Here we go, folks! Remember, this contest is to be wrestled under Chris Schukar ru-!

MH: Hello! Look out!

AL: Van Iten caught with a flying spin heel-kick right off the bat! Sabuani leaps back to his feet. Front flip senton splash! The quick cover!

ONE...!!!

MH: Van Iten with the kick out!

FB: Ach-hem. Welcome to the battle of the super baddies. Who wants to hear what the Barr thinks?

MH: The drunk in row double Z. Why don't you go chat?

AL: Van Iten scrambles quickly back to his feet...and Sabuani is there to lash out with a spin wheel kick!

MH: Ducked by Mr. Razz and Pizzazz!

AL: Another by Sabuani! Similarly ducked! A third! Ben ducks! But, PHS never kicked! He faked out BVI! FB: Straight kick to the face of the ducking Van Iten, something that Sabuani needs in the ass. A straight kick.

MH: I take it you're not a Sabuani fan, huh?

FB: No sir. And let me tell you why.

AL: In a second, Frank. Van Iten is right back up and he and Sabuani tie up! Collar and elbow...both men break it...and both men rake the others' eyes!

MH: That about attests to the level of honor we'll see in this match.

FB: Honor is dead! Like you and chivalry, you filthy Nike shill-meister!

AL: Both men recover and they lock up once again! Sabuani quick to cut loose with a hip toss! And Van Iten darts to the outside.

FB: Because he's a jackal, Albowski. Everybody is a damn jackal to Sabuani. Even me. Well, you know what? From all the jackals out there, Hunter, bite our hairy asses.

MH: That's real nice, Frank.

FB: What?! We're in Italy for crying out loud! Ass hair ain't hard to come by.

AL: Van Iten conferring with Chester on the outside. Sabuani looking a little bit antsy on the inside of the ring. Running start! He leaps onto the top rope!

MH: Van Iten spots him coming and dives back into the ring! But, Hunter Sabuani doesn't leap! Backward drop-kick to Van Iten as the Sultan stands up! BVI is down again.

AL: Excellent ring awareness on the part of Hunter Sabuani.

FB: Don't both of these guys call themselves the Sultan of something or other, Marky?

MH: Van Iten does. Sabuani hasn't had any fancy nicknames since the summer.

FB: Oh, *right*. When he sold his soul for a nice steaming bowl of split clam soup.

MH: Uh...yeah.

AL: Sabuani pulls Van Iten back to his feet. Irish whip, reversed by Van Iten! Re-reversed by Sabuani! Van Iten comes back! Leapfrog by PHS! Van Iten pulls up short! Low blow as Sabuani comes down!

MH: Ouch. Hunter collapses to the canvas, and Van Iten sure as hell is grinning now. And that's not the least bit illegal in this match.

FB: As I was saying, when Sabuani there sold his soul, he lost his rights to being a whiney fairy princess. AL: Van Iten sweeps around Sabuani. Locks the arm...he's going for the Razz and Pizzazz!

FB: Too early, initial-boy number two.

MH: Sabuani slams his foot down on Van Iten's foot, breaking the hold! PHS swings around into belly-to-belly position...

FB: Your arms are too frail and sad, initial-boy number one.

AL: Van Iten blocks the belly-to-belly and responds with one of his own!

MH: Sabuani flips right through and lands on his feet behind Ben Van Iten. Van Iten tapping his temple as the pro-TJD crowd cheer him to turn around.

FB: There's actually not a whole lot of cheering to be done here.

AL: Sabuani with a BIG drop-kick to Van Iten's back, and that sends the former World Champion tumbling through the ropes and onto the apron!

MH: And looking like a fool, might I add.

FB: Hey, hard-on. Leave the color to me, all right? You just sit there are smell nice.

AL: Van Iten standing up on the apron, and he rises right into a straight kick to the gut from Hunter Sabuani! Sabuani leaps through the ropes! Sunset flip powerbomb off the apron by Sabuani! He crashes down to the mat below for the cover!

MH: The ref has to dive out of the ring to make the count!

ONE...!!

AL: Fast kick out by Ben Van Iten!

FB: Let me tell you guys a few things I miss about the states, all right?

MH: Sure. Just talk, and we'll try to do what we're paid for and call this action.

AL: Sabuani going right back to work on the enduring Ben Van Iten. Pulls him up by the arm...short kick to the ribs to soften him up, and he WHIPS him HARD into the guard rail! Van Iten slumps with his arms draped over the barricade.

MH: And these fans just don't know whether to cheer on PHS or start up a Van Iten chant. FB: Choose between the lesser of two evils, huh? They should choose me. Cheer me. Root for me to come up with some decent material, because it's hard.

AL: Sabuani stalks in...sidekick to the sternum on the prone BVI! And now Hunter is unloading! The Peerless One simply unloading with a barrage of kicks to Van Iten's face!

MH: He leaps! Knee lift to the bridge of the nose! Van Iten collapses, grasping his face.

AL: But Sabuani is relentless. He's absolutely relentless in this first round match as he pulls BVI back to his feet and tosses him back into the ring -- here comes Chester!

FB: That's one thing I miss about America. We have places for our retards in shoe making factories. They don't roam the damn streets with their little hats and monkeys on their shoulders, playing the accordion.

AL: Chester grabbing Sabuani's legs, preventing him from sliding into the ring after Van Iten! But, here comes O'Hollerin'!

MH: O'Hollerin' charges around the ring, but Chester sees him coming and scampers away, releasing Sabuani.

FB: You use the term scamper loosely.

AL: Sabuani on his feet on the apron now, but that short break provided by Chester was long enough for Van Iten to regain his feet. Ben with a kick to the midsection and he hooks Sabuani in a front face-lock...suplex back into the ring!

MH: No! Hunter manages to hooks his leg around the bottom rope! He's going to suplex BVI to the outside!

FB: Corkey from Life Goes On is back again.

AL: Chester once again interjects, grabbing Sabuani's legs! OH! Hunter with a backward drop-kick to the face of Chester, nailing the mentally deficient sidekick of Ben Van Iten and at the same time guillotining BVI on the top rope!

MH: Sabuani climbing back into the ring now. Chester!

FB: So that's what an enraged retard looks like.

AL: Chester clamors up onto the apron and reaches into the ring! Chokehold on Sabuani! But, there's O'Hollerin' to pulls Chester off the apron! Lariat! Lariat sends Chester to the floor.

MH: O'Hollerin' is a monster.

[Sudden burst of booing.]

AL: Chop block! Van Iten chop blocks Sabuani in the commotion and takes down the Peerless One. The fans didn't like that much. FB: Don't tell me they're turning pro-homo here in France.

MH: Italy.

FB: Whatever!

AL: Van Iten took that leg right out from under Hunter Sabuani, and now he's doing quite a number on it with those boots!

MH: Sabuani trying to grab hold of the ropes and drag himself away, but Van Iten drags him toward the center of the ring...figure four!

FB: You know what else I miss about America? Papa John's pizza. Sure, I mean, those guys might be Brazilian or something, but can they make a pie!

AL: Van Iten wrenching on that hold, but Sabuani is refusing to give in. Listen to these fans, I think they're really behind the Peerless One.

FB: Sure, maybe if they cheer enough he'll have one of his trademark changes of heart.

MH: Van Iten's got a smart strategy here. Sabuani would be all too happy to take this match outside, where he'd have BVI out-matched. Van Iten has brought it back inside, and slowed down the pace.

FB: Shh! He's turning it over!

AL: Sabuani is trying to turn over the figure four! But, Van Iten is quick to release it, driving his heel into Sabuani's knee once more for good measure.

MH: Van Iten pulls Sabuani back to his feet..hard knee to the gut followed by a gut-wrench suplex! The quick cover by BVI!

ONE...!!

AL: Kick out by Sabuani! The Peerless One is tenacious.

FB: [dry] Yes, he's being fueled by the praise of these drunken dagos.

AL: Van Iten again drags Sabuani back to his feet. HARD Irish whip that lays Ben flat and sends Sabuani crashing and slumping in the corner! BVI springs back to his feet...charges! Drop-kick!

MH: Van Iten with a point plank drop-kick to Sabuani's face, and Hunter is busted open! The Peerless One is bloody!

FB: Yeah. Cut him! AL: Van Iten with a hard right hand to the face of Sabuani as he drags him once again back to his feet...DDT!

MH: Ouch.

AL: And I don't think Van Iten is enjoying the adulation Sabuani is getting, currently. He pulls him back to his feet...a SECOND DDT! BVI hooks the leg! The cover!

ONE...!!!

TWO...!!!

MH: Shoulder up! Sabuani just manages to get a shoulder raised!

AL: Van Iten screaming at the ref to make that count quicker as he pulls Sabuani back to his feet. And Hunter looks simply dazed.

FB: Another thing I miss about America is that the fans actually know who the hell to cheer for. Not fairy-boy Hunny-Sub, but Van Iten. A real wrestler with real man problems.

MH: And what would those problems be? FB: I don't know, but it sure as hell isn't confusion about banging a hot ex-prostitute who doesn't have the clap. I mean, c'mon!

AL: Sidewalk slam! Ring shaking sidewalk slam! Van Iten slams Sabuani to the mat, and that's the set-up for No Escape!

FB: That'a boy, Benny.

AL: Van Iten grabs the bloodied Sabuani's legs. No Escape! He's going for it...but Sabuani refuses to let him turn him over! Van Iten can't get him...

MH: So Mr. Razz and Pizzazz settles for a kick to the groin.

FB: Be careful, Ben! That couldn't have possibly done any damage!

AL: Van Iten still has Sabuani's legs. He deadlifts him vertical...sit-down powerbomb! Hunter's shoulders are once again to the mat!

ONE...!!!

TWO...!!!

MH: Another kick out by Sabuani! Van Iten just can't keep his shoulders to the canvas for the three count!

AL: O'Hollerin' and Rat are beginning to look just a tad bit concerned on the outside. Van Iten signaling to Chester on the outside who grabs a chair. This is going to get ugly.

MH: Chester tosses that chair into the ring...

FB: [groan] It hits the ropes and bounces to the floor.

AL: Van Iten screaming at Chester as the big lug slides the chair carefully into the ring. Van Iten going for it, but here comes Sabuani! Van Iten has the chair!

MH: Swings!

AL: Ducked by Sabuani! Kick to the midsection and Van Iten drops the chair! And listen to these people!

FB: Can't I just shoot myself in the face?

AL: Right hand by Sabuani! Blocked by Van Iten! Drop-kick to the knees by BVI! Sabuani nearly crumples, and Ben is rolling right back to his feet! Rocker dropper on that steel chair!

FB: The comeback kid just got killed.

MH: Van Iten now stomping away at Sabuani's leg...and he snaps on an ankle submission! Van Iten's got Sabuani's ankle locked in that awkward position!

FB: Peerless is in a whole lot of pain.

AL: The bloody Sabuani is screaming in pain as he tries to drag himself toward the ropes! O'Hollerin' pounding on the canvas as he encourages Sabuani, and Van Iten is simply tearing into that ankle.

MH: Even if Hunter does make it to the ropes, BVI will not have to release the hold. Those are the Schukar rules.

AL: Sabuani nearing the ropes...and O'Hollerin' grabs his hands! O'Hollerin' grabs Hunter's hands and drags him to the outside!

FB: BVI ain't happy about that.

AL: No, he's not. Van Iten spits at O'Hollerin', and here comes the Big Man of the Clan! Van Iten with a drop-kick as that seven foot plus monster climbs onto the apron, but it hardly slows him down!

MH: Hey, look at Chester.

FB: That retard is sneaking around the ring toward Rat Sicarii. She's really very ugly, by the way. AL: O'Hollerin' steps into the ring as Van Iten back pedals! Chester! Chester just tipped over Rat's wheel chair!

FB: The nasty cripple spills to the floor with a yell as Chester flips the chair over on top of her.

MH: He's deranged. That's absolutely hideous.

FB: Yeah, Rat is.

AL: The yell from Sicarii turns O'Hollerin's head!

[THWACK!]

AL: Van Iten with that chair! Van Iten with a WICKED chair shot that staggers O'Hollerin'!

[THWACK!]

MH: Another!

[THWACK!]

AL: And down goes the Big C! Cassidy collapses after a trio of sneaky Van Iten chair shots! Would you take a look at that chair? It's been bent all to hell!

MH: Sabuani's up on the outside! He takes one look at Rat...and look at his eyes! Hunter Sabuani is enraged! He reaches into the ring, grabbing Ben's ankles, and jerks him to the outside!

AL: Van Iten's skull smacks against the canvas, the apron, and the floor subsequently. He's dazed!

FB: He'll be fine. Trust me.

AL: Sabuani springs onto the apron! Front-flip sit-down splash on Van Iten's back! He absolutely crushed Van Iten with that one!

MH: Sabuani quickly rolling Van Iten, who is now gasping for air in a bad way, back into the ring.

[Sudden booing followed by a hard smack.]

MH: What the hell?!

FB: Monty, baby!

AL: Collin Montgomery! The J-Crown champion just blazed his way to ringside and absolutely CLOBBERED Sabuani with that J-Crown title. The ref is helpless to stop all this!

MH: He rolls Sabuani back into the ring! BVI is there to drape an arm across his chest! ONE...!!

TWO...!!

THREE...!!!

AL: KICK OUT! Sabuani just barely kicks out, and Ben Van Iten is beside himself!

FB: So what? He's got a little fight left in him. Just clock him with a chair or something.

MH: BVI recovering still from that splash as Sabuani is down after that Montgomery shot to his already busted open face. O'Hollerin' is on the move again, he's helping Rat back into her chair on the outside.

FB: And Chester is pointing and laughing.

AL: O'Hollerin' doesn't take too kindly to that! He charges Chester! Right hand! Chester fighting back! The two big men are going at it!

MH: Van Iten looks to the outside as Chester begins to fall back beneath the O'Hollerin' onslaught! Sabuani is up!

FB: Look out!

MH: Drop-kick to Van Iten's back sends him sprawling through the ropes!

[Vroom-vroom!]

MH: Rat Sicarii! Rat Sicarii guns that motorized wheel chair and slams into Ben Van Iten! She just ran down Van Iten with a wheel chair! That is easily the funniest thing I've seen tonight.

AL: I don't think Van Iten feels it's all that funny. He struggles onto his knees...Sabuani! Sabuani with a springboard frogsplash across Van Iten's back! He CRUSHES Van Iten!

FB: Meanwhile, O'Hollerin' just clotheslined Chester into the crowd! Those fans better have some plastic tarps to protect against drool. Chester is freakin' frothing.

MH: Montgomery trying to come to the aid of Van Iten, but O'Hollerin' cuts him off! Look at the size difference! Monty is smartly backing away!

AL: Sabuani holding down the arm of Ben Van Iten and...good lord, NO! Sicarii with that wheel chair! She backs over Van Iten's hand! This is horrific! Sabuani and Sicarii may just have broken Van Iten's hand!

FB: Yeah, Sabuani looks like a real good guy now, huh?

AL: Sabuani rolling Van Iten back into the ring. Van Iten is holding that hand close to his ribs as he just keeps on rolling, ducking right out on the other side of the ring. BVI, squeezing what might be a broken hand comes up right at the feet of Collin Montgomery!

MH: PHS isn't too happy with BVI's strategic retreat. He's pacing the ring. The bloody Sabuani wants more!

FB: More what? More of an ass kicking? More cohorts? More stupid bitches? MH: Easy, Frank. Relax.

FB: Grr.

AL: Monty helping Ben Van Iten to his feet and trying to check out that hand which Ben refuses to release.

MH: That could be some serious damage.

FB: It doesn't matter to BVI. This one is for blood. One of these guys is going to head home, and a busted hand ain't going to stop Ben from advancing.

AL: SABUANI! SABUANI SPRINGS ONTO THE TOP ROPE! SUICIDE DIVE! SUICIDE DIVE!

MH: Montgomery dives out of the way, but Hunter crashes DEAD into Ben Van Iten! Both men slam into the steel guard rail!

AL: Van Iten definitely took the worst of that one.

MH: Sabuani springs back to his feet, simply on instincts. The Peerless One is clutching his ribs ---

[BAM!]

FB: That's why they call him the Salience, moron!

AL: Monty again with that J-Crown belt! He simply DEVASTATES Hunter Sabuani, hard enough to actually lose his grip on the belt! Sabuani is down! Sabuani is out!

FB: Sabuani is bleeding like a stuck pig.

MH: Here comes O'Hollerin'!

AL: And there goes Monty! The J-Crown champions races away from the behemoth O'Hollerin'! He chases him around the ring...gaining ground on the smaller Montgomery...

[THWACK!]

MH: Damn him!

FB: CHESTER! Chester was waiting in the front row and he just LEVELED O'Hollerin' with a chair shot as the Big Man chased Monty by! That's the smartest thing Chester has done, well...ever...

AL: O'Hollerin' is down and Van Iten is up! He's grabbing Sabuani's legs! Setting up for No Escape! The ref is on the outside to make the inevitable call...

MH: Sabuani has the J-Crown!

FB: NO! AL: Sabuani nails BVI with the J-Crown that Monty dropped just as BVI was about to turn him over! Van Iten collapses! Sabuani climbing to his feet...

FB: Here's Monty!

AL: Monty never stopped his lap around the ring! Running springboard off the steps! Flying Lou Thesz press at Sabuani!

MH: CAUGHT! FIREMAN'S CARRY! PERFECT ENDING ON THE J-CROWN CHAMPION!

FB: I don't believe this.

AL: Sabuani has managed to turn the tides! He rolls Van Iten back into the ring once again!

MH: Sabuani has lost a lot of blood. I don't know if he can survive another UME onslaught.

FB: He can't!

MH: He won't have to! Cover on the prone Van Iten!

ONE...!!

TWO...!!!

THREE...!!!

FB: KICK OUT! VAN ITEN KICKS OUT!

AL: And now it's Hunter Sabuani who looks beside himself!

FB: How can you make out any emotion behind all that blood? Oh wait, Sabuani always looks confused.

MH: Hunter pulling Van Iten back to his feet...Russian leg-sweep!

AL: Reversed! Van Iten blocks and reverses! THE RAZZ AND PIZZAZZ! THE RAZZ AND PIZZAZZ AND THE COVER!

ONE...!!!

TWO...!!!

THREE...!!!

FB: HE GOT HIM!

MH: HE DIDN'T! SABUANI WITH A LAST SECOND KICKOUT!

FB: I don't believe this!

AL: Neither does Ben Van Iten. What a chaotic match we're witnessing, folks. Despite all the cheating and interference, these guys are still fighting. They've thrown everything at e-

FB: Shut up, already.

AL: Van Iten pulls Sabuani back to his feet. Hoists him vertical!

FB: CURTAIN CALL!

MH: Sabuani shakes loose! Sabuani shakes loose and drops down behind Van Iten! Spins him around!

AL: Fireman's carry! PERFECT ENDING! PERFECT ENDING! FB: NO! NO!

MH: Van Iten wiggles loose, down Sabuani's back! He hits the canvas, grabbing Hunter on his way down!

AL: SUNSET FLIP!

FB: THAT'S IT!

MH: HE CAN'T GET HIM! SABUANI FALLS FORWARD, KNEES ON BVI'S SHOULDERS! HE REACHES BACK! HOOKS THE LEGS!

FB: NO!

AL: THE COUNT!

FB: CHESTER INTO THE RING!?

ONE...!!!

MH: CHESTER! GRABBED FROM BEHIND BY O'HOLLERIN!!

TWO...!!!!

FB: MONTY!!

THREE...!!!

FB: MONTY WITH THE SAVE!

MH: KICK OUT!!

AL: TOO LATE! TOO LATE!!

[DING! DING! DING!]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen...moving on to the second round of the Road to Purgatory tournament...HUUUUUUUNTER SAAAAAAABUANI!

[Mixed response. Sabuani immediately rolls from the ring, pulled by O'Hollerin'.]

FB: Eh. Well. I ain't got nothing against Sabuani.

AL: What a damn match! Van Iten can't believe this! O'Hollerin and Sabuani quickly making their way up the ramp, the bleeding and limping Sabuani practically being carried by O'Hollerin'.

MH: Van Iten barking out order...I don't think this one is done yet!

AL: Hey! HEY! Monty grabs Sicarii!

FB: Oooh, this is gonna be good.

AL: Van Iten is setting up that folding chair, and he's got a mic. The members of the Coterie looking back...

[O'Hollerin and Sabuani stand frozen in the aisle way. The victorious Hunter's eyes are locked in the ring, where Ben has since seated himself in the middle of the ring in a steel folding chair, Chester standing behind him. And to the left Collin Montgomery holds Rat in a bit of a full nelson. The absolutely exhausted and bloodied Ben has a mic.]

BVI: Now just hold it right there...we have something to talk about. You see, this ma...Chester!

[Rat has delivered a big back elbow to Collin's face, Chester reaches in one big swoop and just grabs her, holding her in a bearhug, you can hear her screams, Ben gets back on track. PHS mouths the word "No" he starts to advance toward the ring before getting held up by Cass.] BVI: [sigh] As I was saying. Cass has the right idea there PMS, for the good of the rodent here...back up and hear me out.

[Ben begins pacing, Chester starts really cranking the bearhug on the helpless Rat.]

MH: MY GOD! He's hurting the poor woman!

BVI: This was my f(bleep)ng match Hunter! Mine! I was thinking about being a man, and taking this loss like one, perhaps pointing the finger at myself, but...nah. So what I have decided is very simple, you listening close Hunter?

[No communication to show he is, but you can bet the farm he is.]

BVI: Unless you forfeit this match, and allow me to move on, I am going to break this young lady. We don't want that...now do we?

[Ben gets up in Rat's face.]

BVI: Let's see if your Raja will do the right thing. Chester...if you will.

[We now notice Chester cranking up the pressure considerably on the bearhug, Ben begins to lose it a bit at this point.]

BVI: What's it gonna be Hunter!?! WHAT'S IT GONNA BE!?!

[PHS's facial expression is unchanging, a mic of his own rests in his hands.]

PHS: I'm afraid not Ben. Not a chance. It's not how I do things, not after I *beat* your ass.

[The look in Ben's eyes gets that little wild twinkle that we see sometimes.]

BVI: Well let's ask Rat how she feels about the situation? Dear, how would you feel about me...

[Ben is interrupted as a big hunk-a-spit lands right in his face courtesy of Rat, a big Ooh! from the crowd.]

MH: I wouldn't have done that!

BVI: Hunter, you know what man, you win.

[The arena is puzzled, as is Hunter. Ben wipes the spit off his face.]

BVI: Chester...set her down.

[As he is told, Chester just drops her, she falls against the mat, Ben starts to walk out of the ring, Sub starts to advance towards the ring slowly.]

AL: I don't even believe this... [Ben stops on a dime, steel chair in hand.]

BVI: Oh yeah, don't spit on me.

[TWWHACK!]

MH: SWEET JESUS! He didn't just hit that poor women on the head with a chair!!!

AL: GOOD HEAVENS NO!

FB: Heh, I'd say he messed her up, alright.

[Hunter even stands stunned for a second as Ben stands over Rat steel chair in hand, she was sitting up and was struck on the top of the head from behind. She is out frickin' cold.]

MH: And look at the coward run now! Hunter and Cass are in the ring.

[Our camera shot now is of Ben retreating up the ramp with his entourage, mic still in hand, a sick grin on his face.]

BVI: Someone get an Ace bandage! The skank is down! The skank is down!

[Ben & company laugh as they disappear behind the curtain.]

MH: This is just repulsive...such a sore, sore loser that man is.

[An instant replay shows the unbelievable impact of the steel on the small women's head, the crowd is still in shock a little, it was a horrifying shot. Sabuani and O'Hollerin are in the ring now, the Big Man of the Clan kneeling by his fallen comrade. Sabuani stands above the two (though he's really eye-to-eye with the much larger O'Hollerin). Hunter's eyes are vacant, quiet, his hands at his sides. He blows a strand of honey-brown hair from his face as Cass lifts the small woman like she was nothing.]

MH: Good GOD that was sick! That was SICK! We just saw Hunter Sabuani outlast Ben Van Iten in one *hell* of a match that will be tainted, forever, by that chairshot over the head of the Rat. Unbelievable, fans. Really.

AL: I've never seen a woman take that kind of shot. If we ever see Rat again, I'll be surprised.

FB: Ain't heard the stories I've heard, folks. Not about this one!

MH: The aftermath. We know we'll see Hunter Sabuani take on Blade tomorrow night! Who will the Mystery Entrant face?

AL: Well, we'll go down to the ring and find out, after these messages from our sponsors.

[We return to the announce position as Frank Barr, Marcus Harden and Al Lucente all look to catch their breaths as tonight is only halfway through..] MH: What a night its been fans, and now were set for a match in which MANY feel should be the finals of this tournament.

FB: How many, 2 or 3? I need a damn drink, again.

AL: Nonetheless, this is a match with more than JUST Road To Purgatory ramifications hanging over it, it has the NWC United States Championship as well, and these two men have a rivalry and a hatred second to none! It will come to a head in just a few moments!

MH: And dont forget to mention that its a NON-Sanctioned United States Title.

AL: Well, Schuk sanctioned it...

FB: Just like you Lucente to kiss Schuks ass, speaking of that, Im going to start the CC and talk to that hot waitress, maybe just maybe shell let me kiss her ass. Im taking the portable headset with me, Im going to get my drinks, Ill chime on in when you two rookies make asses out of yourselves, which shouldnt take long..

MH: Really, now?

FB: Ill be back with a shot or six!

[With that the incomparable Frank Barr stumbles away from the on camera broadcast position as Marcus and AL just shake their heads.]

MH: Our apologies fans, they dont pay him for his tact.

AL: They pay him?

MH: Lets head down to Michael Buffer, as he makes the announcements. Lee "Starman" Clark vs. Eugene "High Society" Robinson, NWC United States Title on the line, blood runs cold, it just doesnt get ANY bigger than this in the first round, lets head to the ring...

[DING, DONG, DUNG!]

[We pan down to the ring as the fans along the canal are MORE than excited and ready for this match]

MB: Introducing First, about to make his way to the ring...

[As Buffer pauses, the sound kicks in, and the Matt Darey Remix of"Strings for Yasmin" by Tin Tin Out kicks in over the sound system. As the dance beat sounds, the arena goes dark, lit occasionally by a flashing Yellow light.] MB: Hailing from Sheffield, England, and weighing in at two hundred and eighty pounds...

[Suddenly, the Yellow light becomes focused on the entrance to the arena, in the form of a star. And there, in his traditional blue full leg pants with the yellow blaze trim is an incredibly focused Lee

Clark. As ever, the "Star of the NWC" is greeted with a huge pop by the crowd, which includes a fair few Englishmen, being only a short trip from his native England.]

MB: He is the former MCW and SCCW Heavyweight Champion... As well as the "Star of the NWC"...

[Without his gaze breaking from the ring, Clark walks down the aisle towards his target. He pauses by the ring, looking around at the crowd, who are still giving a good pop for the SCCW wrestler. He then pulls himself onto the ring apron.]

MB: He is... LEE "STARMAN" CLARK!!!!

[As the crowd pops once again, Clark pulls himself up to the second rope and looks out to the crowd once more, raising one hand to cheer on the crowd, before he turns to sit on the top rope, Lee Clark gestures for the microphone as he waits on the top corner]

[Voice] "Blah, blah, blah...... Lee, this one is for you, CUE MY MUSIC!!!

[Suddenly the mood of the arena does a complete 180 turn as "I'm Talkin' To You" by the Alan Parsons Project comes blasting over the loudspeakers. Lee, standing in the ring with his eyes rolling back into his head clutches his fist awaiting the arrival of this man.]

MB: And his opponent.....

[The lights, non existing, the mood, entirely switched around. Only moments ago we were graced with friendly cheers towards the "Starman" but now, now the everlasting chastising remarks echo throughout the dome like Purgatory Complex as we are barely able to hear the overbearing lyrics that amplify over the state of the art P.A. system.]

Somehow you fell out of time / Boy you lost your place in line

But dont even try / To drag me down too

Im talkin to you, Im talkin to you

One star rises, one falls from the sky / Youre still hiding the way you feel inside

One word closer to things we need to say One cut deeper to tear the past away

MB: Hailing from Mbuji-Mayi, Zaire, Africa standing 6 foot 3 and weighing in at 225 pounds, here is the current NWC United States Champion. EUGENE "HIIIIIIIIIIIGH SOCIETY" ROOOOO...... [As several flourescent green metallic lights glisten throughout the arena before coming together in a dollar bill sign in the entrance way we are unable to hear the piercing name of Eugene Robinson as the elevating ovation of resounding boo's drowns out Michael Buffer's voice.]

[The sounds of Frank Barr searching for the waitress can be heard as he chimes in]

FB: Now this is a man I can relate too. He represents such power and honor everytime he walks down the aisle.

AL: Honor? He has disrespected everyone from the great Damon Hayes and Lee Clark's to the uprising stars of Henry Johnson's and Maxton Rainstone's.

[As the dollar bill spins around in the entrance way our attention is diverted by the golden fireworks that discharge from the ramp way. Then, two white gloves penetrate threw smoking backfire of the fireworks as the celestial body of Eugene "High Society" Robinson shimmers into the eyes and minds of thousands of spectators in attendance, and the millions of viewers watching on at home.]

You think I dont know your mind / But I know fools dont change with time

Until the warning signs / Come out of the blue

Im talkin1 to you, Im talkin to you

One lights burning - another fades away /Dont stand watching your dream go down in flames / One step closer, the door is open wide

Come tomorrow well see the other side

FB: Just look at Mister Robinson, dressed to impress and fit for a fight.

MH: He definitely has turned some heads with his fashion statement of the ongoing exclusive apparel that only he would wear down to the ring.

[Eugene waltzes down the aisle, cane in hand, dressed in a custom emerald colored single breasted shawl feather suede jacket. Underneath, a shimmering golden vest that reflects into our minds from the gleaming lights that surround him. As he steps out in rarely seen wrestling attire, an Oscar de Le Rente tuxedo, he arrogantly torments Lee Clark with a conceited smirk that sends Lee Clark's body against the ropes anxiously awaiting Eugene's arrival.]

On and on until we change / Everything remains the same

On and on until we learn / On and on the wheels will turn...

Wounded words and eyes that lie / You wont let your demons die

Take a look inside / Or youre gonna lose Im talkin to you, Im talkin to you

Im talkin to you / Whatever you do, the last laughs on you

AL: A disgrace to our industry. I will be the first to say this man has enough talent to win this tournament his ego alone will be the downfall of his brief reign as a contender.

MH: As much as I want to agree with you, I can't. We've seen the success from men like Idol Austin, Victor Manson, and even Hunter Sabuani. Some of the biggest ego's in this sport have amounted to the greatest success that we know of.

[With a top hat covering his sandy blond locks and emerald Arnette sunglasses resting a top the apex of his nose Eugene continues to saunter his way down to the ring. He presses his cane against the hard concrete floor with every step he takes and occasionally whips it towards fans who attempt to touch his body. As several pieces of trash fly in his direction Eugene comically bats them away with his weapon in hand.]

AL: Look at him making a mockery of the hate that many of his once loyal fans had for him.

FB: I like it. I think this would make a great ritual. Fans throwing trash, Eugene hitting right back in their faces.

On and on until we change / Everything remains the same

On and on until we learn / On and on the wheels will turn...

Somehow you fell out of time / Boy you lost your place in line...

One star rises one star falls /Do you even care at all? ... this time

Im talkin1 to you / Im talkin to you

[As the lyrics to the song fade away we are dazzled with some sweet guitar riffs as Eugene makes his way up the steal steps to the ring. For once he doesn't taunt a young child by pretending to hand them his sunglasses only to wipe them off on their clothes. Instead, focused on what lies ahead, he steps into the ring where the official steps before him.]

FB: That's a boy, take your glory ass time in the ring Eugene. Don't let anyone tell you what to do.

MH: Since when has he listened to others to begin with?

[Eugene unfastens the NWC United States title from around his waist and drops it on the floor of the canvas. As Lee Clark shakes his head he is met with a wad of spit from the mouth of Eugene across his face. Lee Clark charges forward but the referee, who missed this little incident, has risen to his feet and is holding Clark back. As this proceeds to continue, Eugene charmfully braces himself in the corner as he glares down at his Rolex watch. Eugene throws his hand over the ropes and calls for a mic.]

AL: You mean he's gonna talk too? I don't think Lee Clark can't wait another second to get his hands on Robinson.

FB: Eugene is all ready getting into the mind of Clark. He's one step ahead of him.

MH: I agree Frank. If Clark wants to advance into the next round against the winner of Tommy Hardbody and mystery entrant then he better keep his cool.

[Eugene tucks his sunglasses away in his jacket pocket as he delivers a cold stare towards the Starman. He then proceeds to press the mic against his deceiving lips.]

[Eugene]: "Don't get your panties in an uproar Lee. I just have several issues to address before I smack your ass right back to the city of sin."

AL: Oh boy! Eugene's not wasting anytime pushing the buttons of Lee Clark.

[Eugene]: "It seems youve swindled your way into this match, but what everyone wants to know is, will you be able weasel your way once again to victory. Ya know Lee, Ive been pondering about this all week and Ive only been able to come to one simple conclusion."

AL: This outta be good.

FB: Pipe down, the man is speaking.

[Eugene]: "There aint a chance in HELL, or purgatory for that matter, that your gonna beat me, the Grandeur_of_Greatness, the Franchise_of_the_Finest, the man who put the word class after first. So when you take a look around the ring Lee, and you plant your puppy little eyes on flawless physique youll realize something else Lee...."

[Eugene strokes his cleanly shave chin as he casually nods his head at the impatient Lee Clark. The fans are beginning to grow restless as well but Robinson could really care less. ]

[Eugene]: "That your in the presence of something special, something superior if you will. That you, above everyone else, were the fortunate one to be seen in the spotlight of High Society... Ring that bell!"

[Eugene hurls the mic at Lee Clark who ducks out of the way.]

MH: And this match is indeed underway, both men have storied histories in the NWC...

AL: Yeah, but only one can advance and the other, is going to BE history!

MH: Ow, and here we go, Clark and Robinson in each others faces....Clark said something to Robinson, Robinson replied back... [The crowd pops...]

AL: Here we go, Robinson with a right, Clark with a right, right from Robinson, left from Clark....Theyre slugging it out!

MH: Robinson with a quick knee lift which stops Clarks punching, Robinson quickly backs him into the ropes and whips him off, Clark rebounds, big clothesline by Robinson, Clark ducks underneath Robinson spins around...... WOW!

AL: Clark with a knife edge chop that sent Robinson down to the ground....Robinson pops up, Clark with another and another....Clark shoves him back, whip into the ropes..Robinson rebounds....Ouch!

MH: Clark with a big elbow smash into his mush and Robinson is quickly down, he slides outside of the ring to take a breather here, as Clark looks ready to go!

[The crowd starts to murmur as in the entrance way stands an ominous figure, just the shadows can be seen but the man appears to be wearing a black mask]

MH: Is that him, is that the MYSTERY ENTRANT? Making his presence known already...

[Barr cues in again]

FB: I think Schukie is sending down some insurance, I knew they were all in this together, Robinson was just playing dumb?

MH: Or was he even playing at all?

AL: Robinson is smarter than we thought, he brought back up....

MH: Robinson slides slowly back in the ring as tries to regroup...

AL: Robinson and Clark lock up again, Clark with the advantage as he puts on a side headlock....Robinson sends him off to the ropes....Clark rebounds, Robinson with another clothesline....Clark ducks underneath....Robinson spins around......

[The crowd pops....]

MH: OH! Spinebuster by Clark, what a maneuver! Clark quickly picks Robinson up and pushes him back into the corner, right hand by Clark....These arent brawling tactics were used to seeing from Lee, his emotions are running high right now and the fans love it!

AL: Clark with an Irish Whip of Robinson into the turnbuckle...

[The crowd lets out a loud "owwwww" ]

MH: OUCH! Robinson hitting the buckle and bouncing backward with incredible velocity as

Clark follows up from behind, Clark grabbing the lifeless Robinson as he bounds back, lifting him high in the air for a vertical suplex... AL: Hes holding him there for a few seconds...

[The crowd pops...]

MH: Brainbuster right to the neck and head area of Robinson! That definitely has to hurt!

AL: Clark in control, he quickly gets up and moves Robinsons head....Clark runs to the ropes here, maybe a sitting drop kick?

[As Clark runs to the ropes the ref "accidentally" gets out of position and is in Clarks way, slowing his momentum down]

AL: Hey get out the way ref!

MH: Lee Clark telling the ref to move, dont tell me Schuks pulled the old "pay the ref" routine?

[The crowd makes a little noise as Robinson gets to his feet...]

AL: Hey Robinson is up, Clark doesnt see him...

[The crowd lets out an "Owwww" again...]

MH: HE knows he is there now! Robinson with a lowblow right on Clark....Robinson grabs Clarks head...... GOOD LORD! Reverse DDT by Robinson with authority, nobody delivers a DDT like MR. HIGH SOCIETY!

AL: And that one sequence turned , the match around...Robinson slowly picks Clark up and hooks him in a front face lock....Robinson lifts.....And holds Clark in the air, whats coming here?

MH: Robinson...... WOW! Delivers a devastating spinning brainbuster!

AL: Robinson is one of the best at using his high impact moves with Authority! But Hes still a sellout...

MH: Robinson quickly up and to the outside....Hes scaling the ropes....He sizes Clark up....

AL: WHOA! BIG TIME ELBOW drop by Robinson! He nailed it, and he makes the cover....

...... 1

...... 2

...... KICK....3.....OUT!

MH: Clark got the shoulder up, But Robinson relentless in the attack...Robinson picks Clark up and tosses him to the outside, for what?!

MH:.... Robinson is slowly backing up, whats he going to do here?

AL: Clark getting up to his feet, Robinson charges towards the ropes....

[The crowd gasp....]

MH: OH

AL: MY

MH: GOOOOOOODDDDD!!!

[Eugene Robinson charges towards the ropes with a Suicide Dive and leaps, but Clark drops down out of the way and Robinsons momentum sends him crashing hard, neck and shoulder first into the barricades as the entire front rows knees are blasted by the cades...]

MH: MY LORD! He could have killed himself!

AL: And made some of the fans Handicap, Robinson is down!.

MH: Clark with a great counter, as Robinson went for the big move their...Lets take another look at that....

[[ Purgatory Rewind]]

AL: Clark getting up to his feet, Robinson charges towards the ropes....

[The crowd gasp....]

MH: OH

AL: MY

MH: GOOOOOOODDDDD!!!

[ Robinson charges towards the ropes with a Suicide Dive and leaps, but Clark drops down out of the way and Robinsons momentum sends him crashing hard, neck and shoulder first into the barricades as the entire front rows knees are blasted by the cades...]

MH: MY LORD! He could have killed himself!

[[END Purgatory Re-wind]] AL: Clark is climbing the ring steps and getting up on the apron, as amazingly Robinson is finding a way to his feet...

MH: Clark now on the apron, Clark sizing Robinson up, he leaps off the apron...

[The crowd "Owwwwwwws"]

AL: THAT HAD TO HURT! CLARK missed big time as Robinson just did, Clark went for a body tumble takedown of sorts, Robinson moved out the way and Clark hit HARD on the concrete floor!

[Eugene Robinson slowly shakes the cobwebs and gets up to his feet]

MH: Uh oh, Robinson is going over to the timekeepers table.

AL: What's he doing...?! Oh my goodness, he's got the ring bell!

MH: He's going to ring Clarks bell with the ring bell!

AL: The final bell has tolled for Clark!

[Robinson stands over the fallen Clark, holding the ring bell, laughing at Clarks attempts to get to his feet. Robinson holds the bell aloft, and then brings it crashing down on Clarks's head.]

[Clang!]

[ Clark sprawls motionless on the arena floor as the crowd gives vent to deafening jeers.]

MH: That shot just had to hurt.

[Robinson grabs hold of Clark's head and starts to drag him towards the ring steps...]

AL: What's this madman doing now?!

[Robinson drags Clark up so that his head is resting on the steel ring steps. Once again, Robinson holds the bell above his head, only to bring it crashing down on Clarks's skull, sandwiching his head between the bell and the ring step!]

[ The jeers of the crowd grow louder and blood flows freely from Clark's forehead; who slides off the steps and rolls around the floor clutching his wounded skull.]

MH: That was despicable! Blank out the picture, there are young children watching this show!

[Cutting in again from god knows where]

FB: ITS PAY PER FUCKING VIEW BABY! AL: Clark is hurt, what a bloody war this has been, theyve thrown technical wrestling out the window!

[Robinson stands over Clark, screaming at him to get to his feet. Clark, however, is in no condition to do so, and Robinson drops the bell to drag the grizzled family man up himself. He goes to slam Clark's head into the ring barrier, but Clark has sufficient wits to put his hand out and block the attempt! ]

[Pop from the crowd as they chant, "Starman", "Starman"]

MH: Robinson goes to slam Clark's head again, and once again the attempt is blocked. The cheers of the crowd grow louder!

AL: Clark grabs Robinson by the back of the neck, and succeeds in smashing his face into the steel crowd barriers!!

[A sickening crunch is heard by the fans at ringside as Clark's head crashes into the steel]

[Big crowd pop!]

[Robinson staggers back against the apron, his nose a bloody mess. Clark leans against the barriers, breathing hard; his face coated with blood.]

MH: Unbelievable! Robinson and Clark have hit each other with the hardest shots they can muster and they're still conscious! What stamina and determination they must posses!

AL: We ain't done yet.

[Both men are still struggling to get their breath back. Suddenly Clark lurches off the crowd railing, and staggers over to the ringside officials. He signals to one of the suits to get out of his chair. The official complies and Clark grabs the foreign object.

[Good pop]

MH: Lee Clark getting hardcore on that ass and these people love it!

[ Clark staggers back over to Robinson, who is in the process of wiping the blood off of his nose. Robinson looks up..]

[CLANK]

[Big pop]

MH: GOOD LORD, WHAT A SHOT BY CLARK! [ Robinson stumbles back, then lurches away from the chair wielding Clark . Clark comes up from behind and cracks the chair across Robinson's back, causing him to flip over the crowd barriers! The fans at ringside scatter as the rest of the arena pops wildly!]

AL: Theyre in the people, theyre in the people!

[From nowhere again]

FB: Hey, tell them NOT to spill any DRINKS! Wheres the damn waitress!

[One of Robinson's legs is still hanging over the crowd railing. Clark lifts up his chair and slams it edgeways into the vulnerable limb!]

MH: This is the most vicious weve seen Clark!

AL: Its NO DQ, its hardcore and I must say for all hes said and done to Clark, Robinson DESERVES what hes getting!

MH: Robinson howls in pain and clutches at his leg as the crowd is solidly behind Clark.

AL: Clark drops the chair and vaults over the barriers. He drops atop of Robinson and begins to pummel him in the head furiously!

MH: The veteran manages to get in ten or twelve hard shots before Robinson gives a yell of fury and hauls him off.

FB: Get him SPARKPLUG, get him, hes hardcore, hes hardcore, hes hard-...Hey waitress wait up!

AL: This time Robinson gets on top and starts raining in the blows, drawing more blood from Clark's forehead with each shot. Clark shoves Robinson off of him and the two lie prone amidst the crowd, punching and kicking like wild animals.

MH: The nearby fans are scattering away, hoping not to get caught in the flurry of blows.

FB : These bums have got no class to 'em. Look at them there in the audience, fighting like animals! I FUCKING LOVE IT!

AL: You have to understand these two men, they're obsessed with proving which one of them is tougher.

[The two scientific wrestlers, err, brawlers claw their way to their feet, still locked in combat. Robinson gouges Clark in the eyes savagely, buying him enough time to set up a back suplex. He executes the move so that Clark comes crashing down on the crowd railings with his back!]

[Gasp from the fans!]

AL: OH LORD! Robinson with a devastating maneuver!

MH: Lee Clark writhes around on the arena floor, clutching at his spine.

AL: Wearily, Robinson clambers over the crowd barriers. He hauls up Clark with visible effort and rolls him into the ring.

[ He pauses for a moment, with a arrogant smirk to the crowd, resting against the apron and mustering up his strength, then climbs into the ring himself. He drops across Clark]

MH: WHAT A arrogant cover...

AL: this New Eugene is SICKENING! The cover...

[ The crowd gives an anxious pop as the ref begins to count...]

...... 1

MH: THIS HAS TO BE ALL!

...... 2

FB: Goodbye CLARKY, HELLO WAITRESS...

...... 3!!!!!! [The crowd explodes...]

MH: OH MY....HE KICKED OUT! LEE-CLARK- KICKED OUT!

AL: Robinson cant believe it, these people cant believe it and neither can I!

MH: Robinson slowly picks Clark up, both men spent in this match.....Robinson signals.....

FB: ITS TIME FOR A TOUCH OF FUCKING CLASS!

MH: Robinsons new move, he just signaled!

[Robinson still decked out in vest, shirt, Rolex and all snarls to the crowd]

AL: He hits this, its over....

MH: Robinson lifts Clark up to his knees, Clark is nearly out, Robinson struggles and drops him.....Robinson is tired and Clarks a bigger man....Robinson backs up towards the ropes.....He grabs Clark and lifts again he has him....HEY!

......

[The crowd explodes...]

AL: CLARK WITH a quick backdrop, out of desperation....Robinson up quickly, Clark with a quick kick to the stomach, Clark hooks Robinson..

[More poppage]

MH: SPARK-PLUG! ROBINSONS OWN OLD MOVE USED AGAINST HIM!

AL: YEAH! But hes too tired to bridge , both men are down as the ref counts!

MH: The referee with the count...

[All of a sudden every fan in attendance turns their attention to the aisle as the mysterious figure, dressed in a long black leather coat with a black mask on stalks down the aisle]

MH: HEY, ITS ITS ITS....

AL: THE MYSTERY ENTRANT!

MH: Whats he DOING HERE!!

MH: The referee still counting as the Mystery man locks eyes with the dazed and down Robinson whats going on here!? AL: I dunno, but Clark just rolled over.....Hes crawling and lays a arm across Robinson....

...... 1

...... 2

...... 3...... !??!?!?!?!!

[Before the referee can hit the mat for three, Tommy Hardbody from out of the stands jumps the barricade and pulls the referee outside of the ring....]

AL: ITS HARDBODY! The man who just got through wrestling is here and HARDBODY just cost LEE THE MATCH!

AL: The referee looks stunned....As does Clark...

MH: Mystery Entrant just turned around and sees Hardbody..... Here comes the monster Mystery Entrant, as well. He pushes the ref aside and BLASTS Hardbody, a right hand and Hardbody is on the ground!

FB: Just like THAT!

[The crowd explodes in boos again, as Clark and Robinson slowly start to get to their feet...]

[The Mystery Entrant steps onto the apron and over the top rope, he runs towards Lee Clark and levels him in the head with a running big boot. Eugene Robinson slowly smirks as he staggers]

AL: WHAT!!!!!!

MH: The Mystery Entrant just leveled Clark, and he looks to inflict further punishment here!

[The crowd gives mixed reaction as the Mystery Entrant grabs the "Starman" in-between his legs and quickly lifts..]

FB: POWER F[BLEEP]ING BOMB! THIS GUY'S AN ANIMAL!

MH: LEE CLARK just got POWERBOMBED STRAIGHT TO HELL!

AL: Hardbody is back up and he tosses a chair inside the ring, the Mystery Entrant bats it down and steps back over the top rope! Good heavens! AL: But look in the ring! BOTH Clark and Robinson are down in a heap! WHAT a first round match!

MH: And its NOT over yet!

AL: Robinson up to his feet first as he slowly staggers against the ropes, Lee Clark now up and Clark charges in...

[The crowd "whoas"!]

MH: AND ITS BACK OUTSIDE! They're outside the ring, as both men go over the top and to the floor!

[The crowd is hot baby, poppage!]

AL: Lee Clark feeding off these fans is up, he just reached underneath the ring..

[Mammoth response from the crowd.]

MH: LEE CLARK HAS A LADDER, Good Lord! Lee just slid the ladder in the ring and he follows it in, Clark now setting the ladder up slowly, his face a crimson mask!

FB: There you go, you said it. Congratulations.

AL: Over there, Robinson grasping on to anything to lift himself up, he just snatched the US Title away from Michael Buffer, Clark is climbing the ladder slowly, Robinson slides inside the ring with the US TITLE BELT!

MH: Robinson now climbing the ladder, its right against the ropes here fans, and looks MIGHTY unsteady!

AL: Both men to the middle rungs, now climbing near the top, what are they doing this isnt a ladder match!

MH: Both men near the top, Clark waves for Robinson to give him his best shot, Robinson swings wildly with the US belt, Clark ducks, the ladder wobbles, Clark fires on Robinson with a right!

AL: Robinson staggered, he swings again with the belt, the ladder wobbles again, Clark ducks another huge right hand by Clark!

MH: The fans are loving it, look at Robinson stagger, Clark swings with another right, Robinson swings with the belt!

FB: BAMMO!

MH: They both connected, the ladder is teetering, good lord no, No, No...

[The silence and then a loud...] [CRASH, CRACKLE, CRASH is heard!]

MH: GOOD LORD, GOOD LORD! THEYRE DONE! THEYRE DONE!

AL: ROBINSON AND CLARK THE LADDER TIPPED OVER AND BOTH WENT THROUGH THE DAMN RINGBELL TABLE!

MH: THE CARNAGE...

FB: I F[BLEEP]ING LOVE IT!

[A Gruesome scene as woodchips lay on top of both bloodied men who lay looking up at the lights, the US Title at both of their prone feet]

AL: WHAT A DAMN MATCH! What a damn war! Clark, Robinson, love them, hate them, you better damn well respect them!

MH: And respect the fact that they are moving and they are GETTING UP!

AL: Clark and Robinson both crawling to their feet, Clark leaning on the barricades, Robinson doing the same...

["Starman, Starman, Starman" is the chant!]

MH: THE fans behind Lee as he staggers over, he just ripped down Robinsons suspenders and tore the damn shirt right down the middle...

AL: This isnt a damn strip contest...

[The crowd pops!]

MH: But Robinsons arms are caught in the shirt, and Lee fires away....

[The fans count along.]

1.....

2.....

3....

4....

5....

6.....

7.... 8....

9.....

...... 10!!!

[Robinson staggers against the barricade as Clark raises his bloody hand in the air]

[Loud pop]

MH: Clark ask the crowd if they want to see one more...

[YEAH!]

AL: Clark backs up a little, hes about to get a running start here, Clark revs up and charges in...

[Thud!]

FB: HES A GENIUS! LIKE THE PRUDE OR NOT!

MH: Talk about thinking on your feet! Robinson just lifted the US Belt off the floor with his feet and blasted Clark right in the face with it! Clark is down, the belt is bloody from Clark and Robinson rips the shirt and suspenders off. Hes just now in Slacks, Dress Shoes and that damn $15,000 Rolex watch!

AL: Clark stumbles around as Robinson just threw off the top ring metal step, just leaving the bottom platform...

MH: Robinson just yelled, "NOW CLARK IS GOING TO REALLY BLEED!"

AL: Robinson grabbed Clark, oh good lord, Piledriver coming up on the steps, Clark is prone as Robinson hooks him....

[The crowd pops loudly]

MH: CLARK HAS NONE OF IT! Backbody drop and Robinson hits the crate again, Robinson quickly up, he charges Clark with a clothesline...

AL: Clark ducks it, catches his arm and lifts him....STARFALL DDT COMING UP....

[THUD-CLANG]

MH: STARFALL DDT ON THE DAMN STEPS! CLARK COVERS AND HOOKS THE LEG!

AL: REMEMBER FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE!

[The crowd counts along]

...... 1

...... 2

...... 3!!!!!!

[Ding]

[The crowd explodes]

AL: NO! NO! NO! ROBINSON SHOT THE SHOULDER UP! JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME!

MH: That damn Rolex hit the ringsteps as he shot his shoulder out! Hate the guy, but Robinson is all man here tonight!

AL: Clark looking like he doesnt know what will put this guy away! Clark grabs Robinson again and slowly picks him up, and now places him in-between his legs....BLACK HOLE DRIVER COMING here, on the ring steps!

MH: Can he get him?

AL: Clark lifts up and...

[OWWWWWWW!] MH: Low blow by Robinson....Robinson quickly hooks Clark, fisherman suplex position....SPARK PLUG! SPARK PLUG SUPLEX BY ROBINSON THIS TIME! ON THE DAMN STEPS!

AL: ROBINSON BRIDGES AND THE REF COUNTS...

...... 1

...... 2

...... 3!!!!!

[The crowd explodes] MH: NO! CLARK KICKED OUT AGAIN, Wheres he get the damn strength!

AL: Robinson wasting no time, he picks Clark up again....TOUCH OF CLASS Coming quickly here.....No, Clark sweeps his legs and rolls forward, rollup.....

[Crowd counts along once again.]

...... 1

...... 2

MH: My lord, wheres he finding the strength, EUGENE ROBINSON with a bridge up from the pinning position, he spins Clark around....BACKSLIDE....Robinsons got him....

...... 1

...... 2

MH: CLARK KICKED OUT! Clark up again and Robinson staggers back, Robinson with a quick backhand....

AL: WHAT THE HELL? MH: Robinson just backhanded Clark right in the eye/cheekbone with that damn Rolex...Clark clutches his face, Robinson with a kick to the gut, double underhooks the arms...

[The crowd "Owwwwwwwws"]

FB: TOUCH OF F[BLEEP]IN' CLASS ON THE FLOOR, BABY!

MH: TOUCH OF CLASS, TOUCH OF CLASS, ROBINSONS NEW FINISHER!

AL: Robinson hooks the tights right there on the floor.....

...... 1!

...... 2!

...... 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DING, DING, DING!] [The audience explodes in boos.]

MB: HERE IS YOUR WINNER, AND STILL NWC UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION AND MOVING ON INTO ROUND TWO.....

EUGENE "HIGH SOCIETY" ROBINSON!

[The fans boo as Robinson slowly stumbles towards Michael Buffer]

MH: What a hard fought match from Clark, his face is a BLOODY mess!

[Frank Barr slowly stumbles back to the announce position, with a bottle of tequila empty, and two bottles of wine, empty]

FB: Damn waitress cut me off at three.. gallons that is!

AL: What an amazing match we have just seen! Eugene is now....

FB: Calling for the mic?! The brain behind the brawn is ready to speak. Everyone, be quiet!

[As Marcus Harden and Al Lucente glare towards Frank Barr who's face is filled with nothing but a large smile, Eugene Robinson is granted a mic from Michael Buffer on the outside.]

Eugene: "Pipe down....."

[The thunderous boo's continue to explode from the arena as Eugene stands with sweat dripping down his face, blood trickling down his chest, and yet, still, an arrogant smile on his face.]

Eugene: "SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTHS!!!"

[At this time Lee Clark is on his knees , blood covering his face, eyes and all, smeared on his chest watching on in curiosity as Eugene shouts out to the crowd like only he can do.]

Eugene: "Lee.... Lee Clark..... Tonight, you've done something not to many people have done, and that's earned my respect."

All: Huh?

FB: What the heck are you doing Eugene! AL: Deep down he's the same Eugene "Sparks" Robinson who has wrestled some of the most memorable matches ever against the likes of White Tiger, Shawn Arrows, and even Avalon Britton.

Eugene: Lee, tonight, you showed me something. You knocked some sense into my head. You made me realize that the ways of pride, honor, and respect can still exist in a corrupt world.

MH: Pride, honor, and respect. Sparky use to always mention those as his three key objectives in wrestling.

[Lee Clark, now standing on his feet, is looking to the crowd for some answers. He shrugs his shoulders and begins to walk away.]

Eugene: "WAIT LEE!!! Wait.... "

[From yelling, to pleading, Eugene is practically begging Clark to stay. Lee Clark spins around looking Robinson straight into the eyes and not knowing whether to trust his sincerity or not.]

Eugene: "I want to shake your hand."

[As Eugene reaches out his hand Lee Clark takes a step back, a breathe of air, and takes a second or two to think.]

MH: I don't know about this. How can one man change his entire image based on one match.

AL: Great point Marcus. But all it took was one match for Robinson to be where he is today. Maybe's he ready to return to himself, who he really is.

[Eugene, still holding his hand out, presses the mic to his lips as now the arena is filled with an entirely mixed reaction.]

Eugene: "Lee, trust me...."

FB: This can't be happening. Not here, not now.

[Lee, hesitantly, extends his hand out to Robinson. The two hands embrace with a tight squeeze. Eugene pulls Lee into his chest and pats him on the back. For a few moments, tears are seen running down several faces in the stands as two icons, two heroes, join forces.]

FB: I'm.... I'm....

AL: Speechless?

[Eugene spins away from Lee's body still clutching onto his hand. He holds Clark's hand in the air and gestures that Clark is indeed a winner as well as he put up a tremendous match.]

MH: This is what it's all about. Forget titles, money, fame, it's all about friendship, and respect.

[Fans begin to rise to their feet as Robinson and Clark stand together, united, as one. Eugene nods his head towards Lee who takes a bow to the crowd. As Lee bows down Eugene plants his leg over his head and drives him down to the floor.]

MH: GOOD GAWD!

FB: YES!!!

AL: What is he doing!?!

MH: Eugene is kicking away at the already swollen face of Lee Clark!

AL Get someone down there, Clark is in no condition to continue on after that grueling match with Eugene Robinson.

FB: That's Mister High Society to you!

MH: Robinson takes off for the ropes and bounces back with a drop-kick to the bloodied face of Lee Clark.

AL: Stop this madness! Here comes security!

MH: There goes Robinson! He's done his deed. He's pleased the baneful Chris Schukar once again.

Eugene: Let this be a lesson to everyone! When you don't belong with the High Society, stay the F[BLEEEP] AWAY!

MH: There goes the mic!

AL: The devious Eugene Robinson has struck again. Somebody needs to put an end to this right now! As the EMTs come to take Lee Clark off in a stretcher, part of me hopes that gigantic Mystery Entrant will destroy Sparky tomorrow night!

FB: Aw, who cares? They'll be in it together, to get one of them to the finals untouched, and that's all it's gonna take, baby! [sip]

AL: You may be right, Major!

FB: You know it, b[bleep]h. What do we have next on our lineup?

MH: It looks like we have the "From Heaven to Hell" match! Should be a entertaining, unbelievable contest! Fire, jail cells, time periods, and three men who all think their title is the REAL Bluegrass State Wrestling Championship! AL: Fans, we'll be right back with more "NWC: Purgatory" after this!

AL: Welcome back, fans! We're moving on to a big regional matchup, now. This one's been brewing for possibly longer than any of the Regional Heavyweight Title matches out there, involving Jack Cash vs. Bryan Taylor, Cash's Masked Enforcer, Roadkill losing his BSW Title, and Estavan gaining it in return for his retired GWA World Championship!

MH: Wasn't that just disgusting, Al? We used to work for them.

AL: But we don't, anymore! Let's get back to who we do work for.. the people putting this show on. Now, it's time for the much speculated on "From Heaven To Hell" match!

FB: Wait. A great match? From BSW.. nowadays? HA!

AL: Yeah, they have been it a gutter lately, but hey, they're NWC material. Jack Cash will bring them back to the state they once were at. They wouldn't be here in NWC if they couldn't hang.

MH: That's right Al... And this match BSW's highest prize is on the line... The BSW Unified Heavyweight Championship!

FB: Hell, even -I- could hold that belt.

AL: Frank, you couldn't tie Estavan's shoes, let alone hold the title.

FB: Yeah?! Well you couldn't... Couldn't...

AL: Give it up.

FB: Damn you Lucente!

MH: ANYWAYS... In this match we have the Jack Ca$h champion, The Masked Enforcer. We have the former BSW Heavyweight champion and NWC World title challenger, Roadkill. Both of them are challenging the current BSW Heavyweight champion, Alejandro Estavan!

AL: Not to mention a steel cage hanging above the ring and fire surrounding the ring.

MH: That's right. The BSW champ Estavan will be in a steel cage above the ring. After five minutes the cage is lowered and he's let out for five minutes, and that continues until one man is pinned.

FB: The Masked Enforcer's got this win tucked securely away. AL: I'd have to disagree. 'Kill has been working hard for that title, and I believe he's gonna walk out with it.

MH: Well, how about we find out? Lets go up to Michael Buffer for the introductions!

[The scene changes to the famous Michael Buffer standing in the center of the ring.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen... Presenting first, represented by Jack Cash... THE MASKED ENNNNNFOOOORRCERRRR!!!!

[No music plays as this "Masked Enforcer" walks to the ring. He slides in and awaits his opponents.]

FB: There's my pick! GO ENFORCER!

AL: Shut the trap Frank.

MB: Entering the ring at this time... he weighs in at 243 pounds. He hails from Bronx, New York.

[Slight mellow techno waves begin to float over the PA.]

MB: He is the man known Council-wide as the NWC WORKHORSE! He is a former BSW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!

#Pardon me while I burst

Pardon me while I burst#

MB: HERE IS RRROOOOAAAAADDKKKIIIIILLLLLLL!!!

#A decade ago, I never thought I would be.

A twenty three on the verge of spontaneous combustion woe is me

But I guess that it comes with the territory#

[We go to the big screen and see clips from Roadkill's various matches, each one seems poetic, in a matter, combined with Incubus' "Pardon Me". The big screen soon becomes the lone light as they all go out, leaving a simple spotlight where Roadkill stands on the entrance way]

#An ominous landscape of never-ending calamity.

I need you to hear. I need you to see.

That I have had all I can take

And exploding seems like a definite possibility To me

So Pardon me while I burst into flames.

I've had enough of the world, and its people's mindless games

So Pardon me while I burn, and rise above the flame

Pardon me, pardon me. I'll never be the same#

[He looks out into the crowd, slight smirk on his face. He wears black jean shorts that go down below his knees, a white t-shirt, and black wrestling boots. We can see a slight bulge around the area of the ribs, which is obviously tape around those injured ribs]

#Not, two days ago I was having a look in a book

And I saw a picture of a guy fried up above his knees

I said I can relate

Cause lately I've been thinking of combustication as a welcomed vacation from.

The burdens of the planet earth, like gravity, hypocrisy, and the perils of being in 3-D...

And thinking so much differently.

Pardon me while I burst into flames.

I've had enough of the world, and it's people's mindless games

Pardon me while I burn, and rise above the flame

Pardon me, pardon me. I'll never be the same.

Never be the same...yeah#

[He walks down the aisle at a rather quick pace, he slides under the bottom rope, and walks over the corner raising his fists up receiving a good round of applause from the fans. He does the same at each of the corners then, goes to his corner waiting for the match to begin, he appears focused and ready to go despite his injuries.]

MH: He looks ready guys! Roadkill is set for this match!

FB: Set to take an asskicking...

MB: And their opponent... And CURRENT BLUEGRASS STATE CHAMPION...

[Estavan's music blasts over the PA!] MH: The small cage is lowering into the center of the ring.

[Estavan steps out from the back with the title over his shoulder. He casually walks down the aisle.]

MB: He... Is... ALEJANDRO EstavanNNN!!!!!!!!!!

MH: Estavan is waiting outside of the ring as both of the men in there look at him. The cage is now in the center of the ring with the door open.

AL: Estavan looks nervous Marcus...

MH: He's sure being careful about getting in that ring. And now he's up on the apron. Both men are looking at him.

FB: YEAH! Enforcer with the dropkick to the side of Roadkill's head!! Get 'im!

MH: Enforcer jumped Roadkill! Now Estavan is getting into the cage and the cage is being locked!

AL: The Enforcer picks up Roadkill. He's got him by the hair...

[CRASH!]

MH: Enforcer just smashed Roadkill's head against the side of that cage in the middle of the ring! Get the cage out of there!

AL: What in the hell is he doing? the Enforcer has picked up a piece of rope from out on the ring mat... He's back in the ring. What does he need that for?

MH: He's choking Roadkill with it!

FB: Apparently your guys' minds aren't as complex as this Enforcer's is. Look what else he's doing! AHAHAHA!

MH: GOD NO! The Enforcer is tying the rope around Roadkill's neck, and to a bar on that cage!! And you know what that means...

[The cage begin raising.]

FB: WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A HANGING!!!

MH: MY GOD GET HIM OFF THAT! This match hasn't even began! The fire isn't lit around the ring! The bell hasn't rang! And Roadkill is being HUNG!!

AL: The idiot running this cage lifter should be fired... Although I admit it's smart.

FB: Smart?! This man's a genius! MH: Roadkill's face is turning purple! He's struggling to get out! He is hanging five feet off the ground now!

[The cage stops raising.]

FB: What the...?

MH: Good! Now lower it you moron!

[The cage begins lowering.]

AL: Now Enforcer's going to the outside of the ring again. He's got a steel chair!

FB: Good job!

MH: Enforcer slides in... He runs at Roadkill!

[SMASH!!]

FB: GAWD!

MH: YES! Roadkill just batted the chair right back into The Enforcer's face!! And now 'Kill's on the ground and out of the rope! Both men are on the ground.

AL: Now the cage is on the ring mat again. Who's working this thing?! Corey Burr??

MH: Roadkill is now on his feet holding his throat. He puts the chair on Enforcer's head and stomps on it!

AL: Now what's he doing?

MH: Roadkill is climbing up to the top of that 7 foot tall shark cage. Why in the hell is he climbing to the top?

[The cage begins raising once again.]

MH: Roadkill and Estavan are being lifted by that cage into the air!

AL: Only thing is.... Estavan's on the inside. Roadkill is on top!!

FB: I hope he falls off!

[Fire explodes all around the ring turning the entire arena red!]

AL: HOLY MOSES! I suppose we can consider this match started, eh?

MH: Definitely. And Roadkill's still holding onto that cage! It's now stopped raising and is about 10 feet above the ring. AL: Yes, and look... Enforcer's getting up.

FB: What does Roadkill think he's doing? I bet he's hiding from The Enforcer. He knows that this guy's too much for him.

MH: Somehow, I highly doubt that.

AL: Enforcer's looking all around. He doesn't know where Roadkill is... HA!

FB: See! He's hiding! In wrestling we have a phrase known as playing possum. Well this is a new one. Playing chicken!

MH: Roadkill is peeking down at Enforcer. He's now pointing out to the crowd. Wait... I think he... He might do it...

[Roadkill leaps off the cage and splashes onto The Enforcer from 17 feet up. The crowd explodes!]

MH: OH MY GOD!! OH MY GOD!!

AL: IS THIS MAN CRAZY?!

FB: DAMN YOU ROADKILL!

MH: ROADKILL HAS JUST JUMPED FROM SEVENTEEN FEET IN THE AIR!! HE SPLASHED THE ENFORCER!

FB: That takes balls! Big balls!

AL: GOOD HEAVENS WHAT A DIVE!

MH: You're damn right! And now both men are down on the ground. Roadkill seems to be holding his ribs.

FB: No kidding!?

AL: This match has just began and both men have gotten a LOT take out of them.

MH: Yeah, and as soon as Estavan gets down out of the cage 5 minutes into the match, he will have the advantage.

FB: Is it me, or is it hot in here?

MH: Of course it's hot. We have a four foot flame in front of us.

AL: The ref is checking up on Roadkill to see if he's alright. He's clinching his ribs pretty hard.

MH: Roadkill could have broken a rib or two. AL: Just Roadkill? What about the Enforcer?! Roadkill landed on him for Christ's sakes.

MH: Speaking of the Enforcer... He's getting to his knees right now!

FB: Yes! See that? He gets splashed by Roadkill, who was seventeen feet in the air, and STILL gets up before him. This guy's superior to Roadkill. No doubt.

AL: You could be right.

FB: I know I'm right.

MH: Enforcer is to his feet now and is walking over to Roadkill. And Roadkill gives him a drop toe hold right into the chair!!

AL: He was playing possum!

FB: DAMN HIM!

MH: Roadkill with the cover!

ONE!!!!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THR--

NOO! Kickout!

FB: Damn it, that was close!

AL: The clock is coming down to the ten second mark. Estavan is about to be let out!

[The cage begins lowering.]

[Ten.]

[Nine.]

[Eight.]

[Seven.]

[Six.]

[Five.]

[Four.]

[Three.]

[Two.]

[One.]

[HUGE crowd pop for the theatrics.]

MH: THE BSW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION IS OUT!

AL: And Roadkill serves him a huge boot to the face! MH: Now Roadkill has got The Enforcer, and he throws him into the cage! He's locking it!

FB: WHAT THE HELL?! He ain't allowed to do that!

AL: He's doing it anyways...

MH: The Enforcer's locked in the cage!! Now it's just Estavan and Roadkill! Estavan serves Roadkill up with a low blow!

AL: Yes, and now Estavan grabs Roadkill's head. He's up to the second turnbuckle... TORNADO DDT!

MH: Here's the pin!

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Estavan WINS! Estavan WINS!! HE RETAINS!

AL: Hold on a second! The ref's holding up two fingers! He didn't get the pin!

FB: Someone get Enforcer the hell out of there!

MH: Estavan is going to the top rope, and those flames look to be gracing the bottom of his boots.

AL: Roadkill's up... And Estavan leaps!

MH: Neckbreaker! Hangman's Neckbreaker from the top!

AL: The Enforcer's struggling to get out of that cage. That was a smart move by Roadkill. Now he only has to worry about Slip Estavan.

FB: I should go up there with a torch and melt that damn chain off!

MH: Good luck getting by Estavan and Roadkill. Now Estavan is picking Roadkill up. Estavan is trying to push Roadkill's face into those flames!!

AL: Ha! He's going to flame broil the bastard!

FB: This is what he gets for locking Enforcer in the cage!

MH: Roadkill thrusts his leg back and gives him a mule kick right in the groin!!

AL: Roadkill now goes against the ropes and nails Estavan with a reverse bulldog! Here's the pin!

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THR--

Estavan slips out!

FB: Someone get Enforcer out of there! He ain't supposed to be in there!

MH: We're coming down to the minute mark. Roadkill has one minute until Slip Estavan has to go back into the cage for another five minutes.

AL: Wait a second... Roadkill's giving the sign of Route 66! His finisher!

[A man unlocks the cage allowing the Enforcer out.]

MH: ENFORCER'S OUT! He runs strait for Roadkill! He hits him with a forearm to the back of the head! Now nails him with a DDT!

AL: Estavan is coming from behind the Enforcer... But Enforcer turns around and hits him with a jawbreaker!

FB: WHOOHOO! He's gonna win!

MH: With a jaw breaker?

FB: Uhm...

MH: That's what I thought. Enforcer walks back to Roadkill. He's putting his head between his legs. Could this be a piledriver?

AL: Lets find out! He tries to lift him, but Roadkill blocks it! And again!

MH: ROADKILL GIVES HIM A BACK BODY DROP OVER THE ROPES INTO THE FIRE!! I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT WE'RE SEEING HERE! THIS IS SADISTIC !

AL: THE ENFORCER'S ON FIRE !

FB: NOO!! Put him out!

[Men begin spraying him with fire extinguishers.]

MH: The minute's up! They're trying to get Estavan back into the cage! Roadkill grabs Estavan!

AL: ROUTE 66!!! ROUTE 66!!!! It's over!

MH: Here's the pin!!

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROADKILL WINS! ROADKILL WINS!!!

AL: We've got a new BSW Heavyweight champion! Roadkill has done it! Roadkill's done it again! He had to put his body on the line by jumping fifteen feet through the air, and he had to even the odds by lifting Cash's Masked Enforcer to the fire, but he damn well did it!

FB: There were some hellacious moments in this one, that's for sure!

MH: Hellwhatous? Hey, that match was a lot better than I expected it to be, Lucente! Terrific, terrific performance.

FB: [belch]

AL: ...

MH: More from "NWC: Purgatory", live from the Purgatory Complex in Venice, Italy.. after this! [The camera zooms in on Marcus, Al and Frank. Marcus grabs at his headphones and gets a look of surprise on his face. He smiles and speaks.]

MH: I just received word from the back that we're going to hear from the MYSTERY ENTRANT! Wow!

AL: Any word on who it is?

[Again, Marcus is listening intently.]

MH: They're telling me...it's a former World Champion!

[The camera shifts towards the entrance ramp and we wait.]

MH: Well, folks, this is quite a surprise!

FB: You get [bleep]ing excited about everything?

[Suddenly, the lights go low. A man in a tuxedo walks out onto the ramp, spotlight shining down on him. He adjusts his bowtie and then pulls the mic up to his face.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen...

[He gives a long dramatic pause.]

MB: I am pleased to introduce to you...

[Another dramatic pause.]

MB: The MYSTERY ENTRANT!

[The crowd pops. Suddenly, a loud drumroll kicks in.]

MB: He is a multiple time former NWC World Champion. He was twice the Motor City Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.

MH: Al? One of your old boys.

AL: I don't know anyone who fits that bill, though.

[The drumroll continues.]

MB: He was the original SCCW Champion and held every LSW Title without losing any of them.

[The announcer takes a deep breath.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen, stand and cheer for the legend himself... [Every light in the arena explodes on at once, causing every fan to shield their eyes.]

MB: "PEEEEEEERFEEEEECT" RAAAAYYYMOOOOND PIEEEERCE!!!

AL: He's not telling the truth about those titles, guys!

FB: Oh, really. [dry]

["O Verona" kicks in as the crowd starts to jeer. The camera fixates on the curtain as the announcer subtly disappears.]

MH: Raymond Pierce is the mystery entrant? And not even on his brother's side of the tournament! The plot thickens!

[The song continues to play without an appearance.]

FB: Did you just [bleep]ing say the plot [bleep]ing thickens?

RP: Shut up!

[The song suddenly cuts out as on the big screen appears the upper body of the former World Champion, "Perfect" Raymond Pierce.]

RP: Look at this. Here we are at another NWC Pay-Per-View and it centers around the Flawless One, despite his lack of involvement in this pathetic little organization in over half a year.

[Pierce smiles as the crowd boos.]

RP: Can you believe the shoddy quality of this event? I mean, Frank Barr, Al Lucente and Marcus Harden. Frank, your act grew tiresome, old and altogether dull before the NWC even opened its doors.

FB: Yeah, the "Pathological Liar" is a REALLY new gimmick for ya there, dipshit.

RP: Thank you for proving my point. Mr. Lucente, how many times must you retire before we get you off of our televisions for good?

AL: You're one to talk, Mr. Disappearing Act!

[Pierce continues.]

RP: And Mr. Harden, it seems quite odd to me that somebody no one's ever heard of and someone that has never done anything is suddenly calling an event is supposedly of a high magnitude. Apparently YOU must know someone in the back fairly well.

MH: Been doing 'em for y-

[Pierce quickly changes directions, not giving him time to respond.] RP: But I am not here to speak about you three uncharismatic hacks. I am here to speak about why I have chosen to grace the NWC once again as the Mystery Entrant in this tournament.

[Pierce laughs.]

RP: I'll tell you why. I *HAVEN'T*!

AL: Well, that just makes no sense.

[Pierce frowns slightly.]

RP: I ordered you to be quiet. Don't make me have you removed.

[Pierce smiles the infamous Pierce smile and continues.]

RP: You see, Mr. Schukar contacted me to participate in this little event because he thought my presence would provide quite the shock to one Alex Pierce.

[Pierce laughs heartily again.]

RP: Schukar, you are quite the arrogant little fool. I held up this charade because, quite frankly, I think you're an idiot. Like *I* would ever help *YOU*! But, you see, I had my own machinations to tend to as well. Schukar, you're not up against some mystery Pierce that just suddenly appeared.

[A broad smile braces his face.]

RP: No. You are up against the ONLY Pierce. The Flawless One. The Master of Perfection. The Impeccable Warrior. Call me what you will or call me this...the OWNER of the National Wrestling Council!

[The crowd boos and reacts in shock.]

AL: WHAT?!

MH: Get a grip, Al.

RP: That's EXACTLY what I'm saying. It was no accident that I mentioned "Alex's" name all those months ago. It was no accident that I stole Lone Star Wrestling out from under David Cooper. It was no accident that I disappeared for all these months. No. You see...

[Pierce leans back. Smiles. And then makes the revelation.]

RP: I AM ALEX PIERCE!

[A loud reaction ripples through the fans in attendance.] RP: This little tournament...I don't care about it. I don't care who wins. However, I have stacked the odds in my favor to ensure that *I* realize my final goal. Complete and total control over this league.

FB: Stacked the odds? Has Ray-Ray even SEEN who's IN the brackets? [cackle]

[Pierce just laughs again.]

RP: I wish I had the foresight to place a cameraman at Schukar's door right now. I would love to see him scrambling through the back to replace me as the Mystery Entrant. [In a high-pitched voice] "Raymond Pierce was never the Mystery Entrant!", he'll proclaim. "You'll see! Wait until his match!"

[Pierce shakes his head disapprovingly.]

RP: Oh, play your little games. I'm sure you'll have someone else come out. Heck, the new Mystery Entrant will probably unmask to be Schukar himself, but you can't refute the facts. And the fact is, I could easily produce the letter sent to me by Schukar begging me to represent him in this tournament.

[Pierce smiles and leans in.]

RP: Deny that! Now, Schukar, you've lost. I've defeated you on all fronts and by the end of Purgatory, the National Wrestling Council will be MINE!

[Pierce turns around, apparently swiveling in the chair he's sitting in.]

RP: Until then...Go Away!

AL: Has he done ANYthing on ANY fronts in the last year? Please! Let's get on with focusing on the fantastic NWC talent of today!

MH: But wait. Ray Pierce? Ray Pierce is Alex Pierce? That's quite a revelation!

AL: If it's true.

MH: What the hell else can happen here tonight!?

FB: Much more, I'm sure! But hey, he's been Alex Pierce. That's terrific. No-one knew. [groan] I was just hoping that him being the Mystery Entrant was another of his lies!

AL: He's a wee small to have utterly destroyed his opponent as the Masked Man did.

MH: And of course it was a lie, Frank! Didn't you see that man out here twice already, tonight? He said it's probably Schukar, and I've seen Chris around the premises tonight. He has NOT grown six or seven inches and added all that muscle, that's for SURE.

AL: [laughs] Without a doubt. It only adds to the mystery and intrigue behind "NWC: Purgatory". Things have been heating up thus far, and they're about to get hotter! FB: What? Is something ELSE getting set on fire? [gulp]

MH: No, not that. But we've got a major scaffold match for everyone here now, that should knock everyone's socks off!

FB: Great. Just what we need. A bunch of people with smelly feet, running around without any socks!

AL: It is Jerome "Better Than You" Jenkins... taking on the most recent arrival to GCW, Uppermost Echelon leader, JW Oswald!

MH: This is going to be fantastic! If you remember, it was Oswald... masquerading as the referee assigned to the World Title match At Illuminati... that cost Jenkins his title to Trey Slater!

FB: One of the greatest scams I think I've ever witnessed!

AL: And now they are going to fight up and on that twenty foot high scaffold!

MH: It is going to be violent... it is going to be deadly... it is going to be one hell of a match!

FB: And Oswald will be able to show off the UME superiority that we've all known they've had, all along.

MH: Uh... right.

AL: But what is most interesting about this match is that there are two special attendants, to make sure things stay on the up-and-up.

FB: There are? Damn! What can't we have a clean match with lots of backstabbing and cheating... without some lame "officials" screwing it up and making it fair?!?

MH: I think you've just answered your own question, Frank.

FB: Yeah, whatever. So who are these "attendants" then, anyways?

AL: It's the New England Wrestling Syndicate's very own Anton MacTavish and Charlie Nav.

FB: WHAT?!? OH COME ON!!! WHAT IS THIS?!?

AL: Huh?

MH: What are you getting so up in arms about? FB: Those two HATE Oswald! They aren't going to give him a fair shake! This is gonna suck!

AL: Well actually... to be perfectly honest... I think Oswald was the only jerk there in New England that Nav and MacTavish were basically ambivalent to. They couldn't stand Slater, Tomas Bailey, Spencer Sloan, Eugene Robinson... guys like that... but Oswald just did his thing and they did theirs. Heck, even Steve Sire pissed MacTavish off more than Oswald did.

FB: Then why the hell are they attending this match?!?

MH: Um... we really haven't been able to figure that out for ourselves either.

AL: Somebody assigned them to it, but I don't think any of them really know why.

MH: But since they're here, they're going to do their job.

AL: And I think I see them now!

[To a roar of crowd approval, New England Wrestling Syndicate President Anton MacTavish, and Commissioner Charlie Nav, step out from the walkway and begin to make their path towards the scaffolding. Both men are dressed in tuxedos, to commemorate the event, and as they walk, they shake the hands of the people who line the sides. The cheers continue, and the two men reach the base of the large structure. Spinning around to wave to the crowd one more time, they take their places at two comfortable chairs which face a small table upon which sits a television monitor. This is apparently to help them keep a better eye on the action that will be happening twenty feet above them.]

FB: Jeez. What a job. They come out here and watch TV! Yeah, that's gonna help the match! If all they were gonna do was watch it on television, why couldn't they do it from the back? And save me from having to SEE those two guys?

AL: Would you take it easy? I'm sure they actually will have SOME official duties!

FB: Yeah? Like what? If Oswald pulls a pair of brass knucks out of his trunks, is Nav gonna climb up the scaffolding to take them away from him? I think not!

MH: Actually, he has a very good point, Al.

AL: Well I don't know! I'm just going with what makes sense! They're here... they're watching the action... presumably, they can make decisions on who wins or loses!

FB: Oh man. JW's really screwed then.

AL: Give the men their due! They'll keep things fair!

FB: We'll see.

MH: Well now that both men are in place, we go to Michael Buffer, who will start the announcements for this--

AL: Hey, something's going on! MH: What?

AL: Over by MacTavish and Nav!

FB: WHERE?!? WHERE?!? I CAN'T SEE!!!

MH: It looks like someone is talking to them from the crowd...

AL: I can't get a good view. Could we get a camera over there please?

FB: BEAT THEM UP! BEAT THEM UP!

MH: Frank, please!

AL: Whoever it is, MacTavish and Nav seem to be quite agitated...

MH: Wait! I think he's coming out of the crowd!

FB: WHO IS IT?!?

AL: I'm not--

MH: It's making Nav shout, whoever it is...

AL: IT'S ZAMZA!!!

FB: ZAMZA?!?

MH: You're right! It IS Zamza! He's right up in front of Nav and MacTavish and is arguing with both men!

FB: What the heck is Zamza doing here?

AL: I don't know!

MH: This is quite bizarre!

AL: It doesn't make any sense...

FB: HIT THEM!!! HIT THEM, ZAMZA!!

AL: Would you shut up!

[Zamza moves right up to both men and really starts laying into both of them. We can't make out exactly what the argument is about, although we do catch Zamza saying something along the lines of "you can't keep me away that easily!" Nav tries to keep things civil, but Anton's face has become beet-red. He moves in practically nose-to-nose on The Man Of Infinite Holds, and things seem to get out of hand quickly.] MH: Well, I know that Zamza's been off Eyewitness N.E.W.S. for about two months now... ever since he lost that match at Illuminati under mysterious circumstances...

FB: HE WAS JOBBED! SOMEONE TURNED OFF THE ARENA LIGHTS AND BLINDSIDED HIM!

AL: Yes, and he hasn't appeared since! But why the heck is he coming to confront these two men NOW?

MH: I know. It seemed like he could have saved himself the trip and just taken a meeting back with them in Boston...

AL: National spotlight, perhaps?

FB: I DON'T CARE THE REASON! ALL I KNOW IS THAT ZAMZA JUST PUSHED MACTAVISH!!!

MH: Wha--

AL: My god, HE DID!

[MacTavish tumbles backwards over the folding chair, and falls to the floor. Nav's eyes go bug-eyed as he sees this blatant attack on his friend and boss. MacTavish picks himself back up off the ground, and Nav now moves it to take up where he left off.]

MH: Well that's just stupid! If Zamza's indeed here to try to get his job back... assaulting the president of the company is not the way to do it!

AL: THE ARGUMENT'S GETTING LOUDER AND MORE VIOLENT!

MH: Yes it is! Nav is now SCREAMING at Zamza, and The Man Of Infinite Holds is not taking any-

FB: YEEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!

AL: He slugged Nav! Zamza just slugged Nav!

MH: This is ridiculous! Zamza's temper is going to cost him the only shot he probably has of getting back onto any National Wrestling Council program! No one is going to hire this guy back if he goes around attacking the front office staff!

AL: Nav's fallen backwards and crashed into the television monitor! The table and monitor are now both destroyed, and Nav is flat on his back on the ground!

FB: HA!!!

AL: Zamza now has MacTavish by the throat and is DEMANDING that he be let back onto television!

MH: He's screwed.

AL: We need to get someone out here to-- FB: SQUEEZE! SQUEEZE HIS NECK, ZAMZA!!!

MH: Could we please have some security--

FB: SHOW THAT TWIT WHO IS THE REAL LEADER OF NEW ENGLAND!

MH: JEEZUS, FRANK, WOULD YOU PLEASE--

AL: Wait a minute! Wait a minute! T-REX REICH!!! T-REX REICH!!!

MH: Out from the crowd comes T-Rex Reich!

FB: WHAT?!?

AL: New England's "Enforcer Of Policy" has come from the back and has just COLLIDED HEAD ON WITH THE MAN OF INFINITE HOLDS!!!

MH: Reich with a double axehandle to the back of Zamza, and MacTavish falls away!

FB: OH COME ON!!!

AL: Zamza returns with a punch to the kidneys! Reich with a back elbow to the face!

MH: Both men brawling right below the scaffolding! Punches are being thrown! Zamza grabs Reich by the wrist and--

[CLANG!]

AL: Whips him into the base of the scaffolding!

FB: DO IT! DO IT! TEACH THAT BROWN-NOSING JUDO-LOVING ASS A LESSON!

MH: Nav and MacTavish pick themselves up off the ground, and are hurrying out of here...

AL: Obviously they're not going to stick around with that lunatic around!

FB: Who? Reich?

MH: NO! ZAMZA, YOU IDIOT!

FB: Zamza looks perfectly sane to me!

AL: Reich stumbles away from the framework, and Zamza rushes up with a kick to the knee! Down goes Reich!

FB: Wow. All this action and we haven't even started the real match yet!

MH: Zamza grabs T-Rex and twists the arm! Looks like he's going to break it! AL: Reich did what he needed to do though, which is protect MacTavish and Nav! They've taken off back to the dressing rooms!

[Both men continued their brawl, as the fans and Frank Barr continued to whoop it up. Reich reversed the arm wringer and then moved in to lift Zamza up and over with a belly- to-back suplex. Both men hit the floor at the base of the scaffold hard, and this allowed the event security to rush to the ring. Both fighters got to their feet and continued to wail away on each other... neither man gaining any appreciable advantage... and they were soon separated by the event staff.]

[The shouting and threats between the two men continued, and each was then lead off into a different direction... leaving the whole scaffold-side area a complete mess. Upturned chairs, a shattered television monitor, a table broken in half... general chaos. The ring attendants quickly rushed to begin a quick clean-up, as they still had the scaffold match that was about to start.]

MH: Holy moley.

AL: Every time we think things are going to stay sane... something arrives and takes things over the edge.

FB: I can't believe they stopped Zamza from stomping a hole in Reich!

MH: Not that it matters, Frank... because I guarantee you... Zamza's career in New England and the NWC is most likely over.

AL: I agree. You can't do that to your boss and get away with it.

FB: Not unless you're Latrell Sprewell.

AL: Uh...

MH: Okay. Point taken, Frank.

FB: Damn right!

AL: Whew!

FB: That was great!

MH: It certainly was interesting.

AL: What exactly are we doing right now?

FB: THE SCAFFOLD MATCH, BABY!

MH: Oh yeah!

AL: Yes indeed! Jenkins versus Oswald... twenty feet in the air! FB: AND SOMEONE IS COMING DOWN! I GUARANTEE IT!

AL: Let's pray that that is not going to happen.

FB: IT BETTER!

MH: Now come on. As much as these two men hate each other... there are certain lines you just can't cross.

FB: What are you talking about? What kind of lines are there LEFT?!?

AL: He's got a point there, Marcus.

FB: Damn right I do.

MH: Well in any event... now that things have reach a level of calm again... more or less... let's go up to Michael Buffer for the introductions...

[DING DING DING]

MB: Our next match is scheduled for one fall...literally. These two men will fight on the scaffolding all around the complex, twenty feet up, hanging over canals in some places. They are both former National Wrestling Council World Heavyweight champions...

FB: I'm SO sick of this guy.

MB: Are you ready?

[Pop.]

MA: Are...you...RRRRRRRRRREADY!?

[Pop.]

MA: Then ladies and gentlemen...for the thousands in attendance and the millions watching around the world....

FB: NOT AGAIN! MH: Oh yeah Frank...Again.

MB: LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLET'S GET READY TO RUMMMMMMMMMBLE!!!

[Pop.]

MB: Entering first...he stands six feet, two inches tall and weighs in at two hundred and forty three poundssss! He hails from Dallas Texas, is the LEADER of the Uppermost Echelon. He is a former NWC World Champion...

[Cue the opening guitar riffs of Rage Against the Machine's "Year of the boomerang". The hard industrial licks are accompanied by a deep red on the jumbotron that slowly becomes brighter and brighter.]

MB: Representing The New England Wrestling Syndicate for the last time, J! W! OOOOOOOOOOOOOSWAAAAAAAAAAALD!!!

[BOOM!]

[BOOM!]

[BOOM!]

[The bass and drums kick in. The Jumbotron flashes "The Devil Himself" and it comes to life with pictures. We see the Zapruder film, JFK waving in his car. Then we see Oswald glaring. We are flashing between the last moment of JFK's life and Oswald. Smoke starts to rise from the entrance way.]

AL: Oswald is scum, but I'll tell you, he can make an entrance.

MH: I hope he lands on his head when he falls.

FB: Fat chance fat boy, Oswald is gonna make good on his promise.

[The lyrics kick in and Oswald starts to enter. On the Zapruder film the first shot hits Kennedy, Oswald hits and Assassin's bullet on Steve Sire. The next shot comes, Kennedy's head is blown apart, Oswald hits Tony Pride with an Assassin's bullet. We finally see Oswald step out of the mist. His hair is slicked back, wet. His tights are black with blue trim, an insignia on his left hip of a bullet shines extra. He stops in the entrance way, standing alone. He smiles slightly and begins toward the ladder reaching up to the scaffolding.]

FB: There he is! Read 'em and weep. JW Oswald is here, and someone is about to get their ass whipped.

MH: Yeah and his name is J--

FB: Jerome Jenkins! Yes!

[Oswald is brisk, quickly making his way to the ladder. Not acknowledging any fans, even the few that are actually cheering him. He reaches the ladder and starts to climb.]

AL: He isn't wasting any time, not a typical bad guy, not typical Oswald.

FB: You know what will be typical?

AL: What?

FB: When Oswald KICKS ass!

[The UME leader reaches the top, and sits down away from the ladder. Waiting for Jenkins.]

MB: And his opponent...!

[SKEEV-BOOM!]

[SKEEV-BOOM!]

[Before Buffer can continue, the opening chords of Darkman X's "One More Road to Cross" blares over the public announcement system. The crowd instantly hops to it's feet awaiting the former world champion.]

MB: [over the music] He hails from Jacksonville, Florida! He enters tonight at two hundred and thirty-six pounds! Please welcome...!

[Glowing sparklers rain down from the sparklers high above the dome over the ring. The crowd is quickly thrown into a frenzy.]

MB: JJJJJJJJJJJEEEEEEERRRROME! "BETTER! THAN! YOU!" JJJJJJJJJEEEEENNNNKKKKKKKKKKKKIIIIIIINNNNNSSSSSS!!!

[No hesitation behind the curtain whatsoever. It's thrust aside as the man they call Jerome Jenkins emerges. The crowd roars in approval. Jenkins pauses in front of the curtain, taking one long glance out at the sea of fans. He's clad in his usual wrestling gear. It consists of: mid-thigh light green trunks, light green elbow and kneepads, and finally light green boots with black laces.]

AL: Jenkins is here and does he look ready! We've said it before but this match will be nothing short of a war, fans!

MH: Jenkins is in the best shape of his life.

[Finally, Jenkins takes off en route to the ominous scaffold set adjacent to the dome. The crowd noise has not died down one bit, mind you.]

MH: What could be going through Jerome's mind right now, as he approaches that scaffold? This could very well be the last match in the career of JW Oswald or Jerome Jenkins.

[Jenkins reaches the scaffold. The sparklers slowly die out. Jerome takes one last look upward. Obviously, the man-made scaffold looks a lot larger up close. But it doesn't faze Jenkins. Swiftly, he leaps up onto the scaffold and begins to ascend, skipping a few steps as he literally leaps up the side of the scaffold with tremendous agility.]

AL: Oswald awaits his opponent up atop that scaffold. The emotion can be cut with a knife, knowing that one of these men's career could end tonight. Two former world champions, one of them will likely not walk out on his own power here tonight.

[Jenkins finally reaches the top of the scaffold. He stands across the scaffold, staring Oswald square in the eyes. With that, "One More Road to Cross" comes to a slow fadeout. But the crowd is left cheering the match on.]

[Ding Ding Ding!]

AL: HERE COMES OSWALD RIGHT AWAY!

FB: YEAH!

AL: Oswald SPEARS Jenkins! He is cracking on JJ's face! Oswald stands, pulls him up, standing lariat! Oswald stomping a mud hole in Jenkins!

FB: This is what I'm talking about!

MH: It's early Barr.

AL: Oswald pulls Jenkins up, JENKINS with a hard knife edged chop! Oswald staggers back, diving lariat by Jenkins and Oswald down on the scaffolding hard!

MH: Nice!

AL: Jenkins drops a rolling knee across Oswald's chest! Jenkins pulls Oswald up, European uppercut staggering JW back! Jenkins charges with a lariat attempt, OSWALD DUCKS!

FB: YEAH!!

AL: Oswald picks Jenkins up, sidewalk slam!

MH: No hesitation from Jerome though! DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN!

AL: Fast and furious here in the beginning! Jenkins with a headbutt while Oswald is down, je pulls him up. Jerome takes Oswald by the back of the head and RAMS him face first into the side of the dome!

MH: How you like me now Barr?

FB: Why don't you eat some more!?

MH: Right after I kick your ass I might.

AL: Speaking of ass kicking...Jenkins grabs Oswald, Russian legsweep! Jenkins runs into the dome, springboards...

MH: NICE! AL: SPRINGBOARD FROG SPLASH! Jenkins stands and the crowd roars in approval. Jenkins pulls Oswald to his feet, snap suplex...up again ANOTHER snap suplex! HE PULLS OSWALD UP AGAIN!

MH: ....YEAH! GIVE HIM ANOTHER!

FB: This sucks

AL: A THIRD ON OSWALD JENKINS REALLY TAKING THE FIGHT TO JW OSWALD!

MH: And he is enjoying it too! Look at him taunt Oswald! Come on Barr! Say something!

FB: Blow me.

MH: That's what I thought!

AL: Jenkins pulls Oswald to his feet, he slaps Oswald across the face! Look at Jerome screaming in Oswald's face...

FB: There you go!

AL: Oswald spits in Jerome's eye! Oswald with a rake to the eye, spinning heel kick! Oswald grabs the back of Jerome's head and slams his face into the dome! Once...twice...three...FOUR...FIVE TIMES!

FB: Bleed Jerome!

AL: Jerome's forehead is busted open! Oswald pulls him up by the chin, knife edged chop! A kick to the gut...

MH: Oooh.

FB: ABORTION BABY!

AL: Oswald with a face buster! He calls it The Abortion! Oswald stomping on Jerome's kidneys! He spits on the former champ...Oswald pulls Jerome up, he spins Jenkins around...

FB: RIFLE KICK!

MH: JENKINS CATCHES IT!

AL: And he jams his fist into the Devil's balls! He hooks Oswald....CRADLE SUPLEX! WHAT A COUNTER!

MH: Didn't see that comin'

AL: Jenkins slowly walks toward Oswald, he pulls Oswald up...He lunges at Oswald with a clothesline, OSWALD DUCKS! He turns to shove Jerome, Jenkins leaps! He does a backflip off of Oswald's shoulders! MH: Oswald has no idea what's going on!

AL: Jenkins grabs Oswald...GERMAN SUPLEX! Jerome Jenkins is just wrestling better right now.

MH: I'll say, what do you think Barr?

FB: Is the match over? Nope.

AL: Oswald is crawling toward the dome, Jenkins catches him from behind, Oswald turns and kicks him in the eye! Oswald quickly to his feet, he leaps off of the dome...TORNADO DDT! Gotta admit, that was a nice move.

MH: ....I suppose.

AL: Jenkins is dazed, but standing. Oswald is ready, from behind he delivers a standing head scissors! He stands immediately and has Jenkins locked in a dragon sleeper. Jenkins struggling and Oswald just pulls tighter!

FB: YEAH! Knockout!

AL: Jenkins fighting the good fight! BUT HE CAN'T GET AWAY! SLOWLY HE IS STARTING TO WEAKEN!

MH: Come on Jerome!

FB: Go to sleep baby!

AL: Jerome Jenkins is lifeless! Oswald stands! Look at the disgusting grin on his face...

FB: Yeah Harden! Wanna talk some more smack!?

AL: Oswald pulls Jenkins up, look at him hushing Jenkins like a baby, he is dragging Jerome to the edge of the scaffolding! He pulls Jerome upright...

FB: YEAH...NO! WHAT THE....!?

AL: JENKINS WAS PLAYING DEAD! HE BUTTS HEADS WITH OSWALD AND HITS HIM ACROSS THE CHIN WITH A SPINNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!

MH: What a great strategy! FB: I have nothing to say.

MH: I wouldn't either!

AL: Jenkins hooks Oswald's arms! IMPALER! OSWALD GOES FACE FIRST INTO THE SCAFFOLDING!!

FB: Oswald isn't even hurt, he's already getting up.

AL: Jenkins runs toward the dome, he springs off of it...HE CATCHES OSWALD'S HEAD!! KASSANDRA'S KEEP!

FB: Okay...he's hurt now.

AL: Jenkins is dragging Oswald by the hair toward the edge, OSWALD ISN'T GOING QUIETLY!

FB: Oooh! Poor Kassandra Fairchild!

MH: Why do you say that?

FB: Because of that vicious nut shot Jerome took, he'll be coming blood for months!

AL: Oswald stands and grabs the back of Jerome's head...reverse DDT! Jerome up quickly though, he swings at Oswald...Oswald ducks and whips Jerome into the Dome, Oswald charges after him...

FB: Look at the agility!

AL: Oswald with a double front handspring and an elbow into Jerome's mouth! Jerome stumbles forward, Oswald cracks him on the back of the head with a roundhouse kick and drops him! Oswald with a springboard moonsault....

[THUD!!]

AL: JENKINS ROLLS AWAY!

MH: Huge!

AL: Both men slow to get up, Jerome charges and Oswald kicks him in the gut, DDT...NO! SPINEBUSTER BY JENKINS! WHAT A MOVE!

MH: He's in control now! FB: Don't talk so fast fatass!

Al: Oswald and Jenkins exchanging blows! A right by Oswald, a left by Jenkins! THEY ARE BEATING THE HELL OUT OF EACH OTHER!

FB: Yeah Oswald!

AL: OSWALD DUCKS UNDER A SWING BY JENKINS! Forward roll he stands and...

MH: OUCH!

AL: GETS HIS FACE PLANTED BY JENKINS!

MH: Look at Oswald crawl!

AL: Jenkins jumps on his back! JENKINS BASHING OSWALD'S FACE REPEATEDLY INTO THE SCAFFOLDING! He stands and pulls Oswald up with him...standing switch! Oswald with an Atomic drop!

FB: Never quits!

AL: Jenkins limps forward! OSWALD SENDS HIM DOWN WITH A DROPKICK!! Oswald with a running senton splash! He stands and raises his arms to a chorus of boos!

MH: Jenkins is already getting to his feet!

FB: Oswald's ready.

AL: Indeed he is! He hooks Jenkins...Belly to belly over his head! Jenkins lands near the edge, right over the canal!

FB: Jeez, I wonder where this is going.

AL: Oswald walks toward Jenkins, HARD KICK TO THE GUT! And now he is stomping the back of Jerome's neck! Oswald trying to kick Jenkins off of the side! JENKINS GRABS OSWALD'S LEG AND FLIPS HIM TO THE GROUND!

MH: There you go!

FB: Pah, just prolonging the inevitable.

AL: Oswald stands, double leg takedown! Jenkins drops an elbow into Oswald's groin, he pulls Oswald up! Oswald stick a thumb in his eye, Oswald going for a spear to send Jenkins off of the side!

FB: KILL!

MH: NOPE!

AL: Jenkins with a double axe handle on Oswald as he charges! HE PICKS OSWALD UP...

FB: NOOOO!!

MH: OH YEAH!!!

AL: J-DRILLER! J-DRILLER! J-DRILLER! OSWALD IS OUT COLD!! AND HE ROLLS OFF OF THE SCAFFOLDING....

FB: DAMMIT!!

MH: AND A HUGE WIN FOR.....WHAT.....!?

AL: OSWALD HOOKS JEROME'S ANKLE! THEY ARE BOTH GOING OFF!!

[SPLASHH!!!]

[The murky water of the canal adjacent to the Piazza San Marco, and the scaffolding surrounding the Purgatory Complex is disrupted as Oswald and Jenkins land in it.]

MH: THIS MATCH IS OVER!!

FB: NO! NO! BULLSHIT! NO ONE HIT THE GROUND!

MH: Shutup Barr! You don't know...

AL: He's right. The rule is that the man shoved off of the scaffolding first and lands on the ground...is the winner.

MH: What a ripoff! Look at Oswald! He's done! Floating face down in that muck.

FB: Awww, they dump their sewage in those canals!

AL: Jenkins standing, a little more than waste deep in the water. He sloshes towards Oswald, he pulls Oswald up!

MH: He has a rock!

AL: JENKINS POUNDING OSWALD'S FACE WITH THAT ROCK! HE HAS BUSTED THE DEVIL HIMSELF OPEN! OSWALD'S BLOOD FLOWING INTO THE CANAL!

MH: This is getting brutal.

AL: Jenkins tosses the rock aside, both hands around Oswald's throat! HE DUNKS OSWALD! TRYING TO DROWN HIM!

MH: Wow, Jerome is being ruthless. He pulls Oswald up and screaming in the man's face, OSWALD!

FB: Bahhhh! Awesome!

AL: OSWALD SPITS THE WATER INTO JEROME'S FACE!

FB: And he dives under water...sweet.

AL: Oswald emerges behind Jerome seven feet away, Oswald sloshing at Jerome....whats that he has....OSWALD HAS A ROCK TOOOO!!!

[SPLAT!!]

FB: THAT'S A BIG FU[BLEEP!]in Rock too!

AL: WITH BOTH HANDS OSWALD SLAMS THAT ROCK BROADSIDE INTO JEROME'S FACE!!

MH: Wow. That hurts.

AL: Jerome spun all the way around. Oswald shoves his head under water while dragging him to the edge of the canal. Oswald pulls him up to drag Jerome out of the water...Oswald getting out first...JEROME GRABS HIS ANKLE!

FB: Crap!

AL: He catches Oswald and grabs the back of his head...JEROME SLAMS OSWALD'S FACE INTO THE SIDE OF THE CANAL! BOTH MEN SPLASH BACK INTO THE CANAL!

MH: Both men's faces are just decimated.

AL: Indeed. Jerome is standing first, he pulls Oswald up and rolls him ashore. Jerome dragging him towards the entrance of the Purgatory complex.

[The camera follows Jerome as he emerges in and starts making his way through the crowd and towards the arena proper. He dumps Oswald over the railing, and he hops over with a legdrop onto Oswald.]

AL: These two men are sopping wet, bleeding profusely. Jenkins pulls Oswald up, throws him face first into the ring post and continues dragging Oswald toward the ladder.

MH: Not looking good for your boy.

FB: There some left in the tank.

AL: Jenkins picks the ladder up and jabs it into Oswald's gut! OSWALD SPITS BLOOD!

MH: Jenkins showing that old mean streak.

AL: He pulls Oswald up, big swing...OSWALD DOES THE SPLITS AND PUNCHES JEROME IN THE GROIN!!

FB: And he is getting the hell out of there! AL: Oswald climbing the ladder! Jenkins recovers and is giving chase!

MH: A RACE TO THE TOP!

AL: OSWALD THERE FIRST! HE TIPS THE LADDER...... !!!

MH: OH...MY....GOD!!

AL: JENKINS SOMEHOW IN DESPERATION LEAPS AND CATCHES THE SIDE OF THE SCAFFOLDING!! JENKINS HOISTS HIMSELF UP!

MH: THE MEN CHARGE AT EACH OTHER!!

AL: OSWALD GETS THE ADVANTAGE! POUNDING JEROME'S FACE!!

FB: YEAH!

AL: WHAT A MATCH! OSWALD PULLS JEROME UP! JEROME SLAPS HIM!

FB: Stop yelling!

AL: Sorry. Jenkins kicks at Oswald's gut, Oswald slaps the leg aside...RIFLE KICK! JENKINS EATS IT! OSWALD KICKS JENKINS OFF!!

MH: NO HE DOESN'T!

AL: JENKINS CATCHES THE SCAFFOLDING WITH ONE ARM! OSWALD GOES TO STOMP HIS FINGERS....!!

MH: NO AGAIN!

AL: JENKINS PULLS HIMSELF UP AND TRIPS OSWALD! JENKINS PULLS HIMSELF UP!

FB: Who the hell...!?

MH: The ladder has been set up and some GIANT man in all black is climbing up.

AL: Oswald stands, Jenkins leaps up with a diving clothesline! Oswald bites the dust! Jenkins pulling himself up. He pulls Oswald up....kick to the gut...HANGMAN'S DDT! MH: Did you see the scaffolding rattle?!

AL: Jenkins has Oswald back up and is pushing him towards the edge! JENKINS! HAS OSWALD ON THE EDGE...!

MH: ANOTHER J-DRILLER! HE HAS OSWALD SET....!

AL: THAT MAN! THAT HUGE MAN HAS GRABBED JENKINS! AS OSWALD SLIMES AWAY FROM THE EDGE.

FB: THAT GUY IS ENORMOUS! HE'S GOTTA BE OVER SEVEN FEET!

AL: HE PICKS JEROME UP BY THE THROAT WITH BOTH HANDS! ....DOUBLE HANDED CHOKESLAM!!

FB: Now THAT is how the scaffolding rattles!

AL: Oswald is helped to his feet by this man. He walks over Jerome who is spent. He motions for the man to pick Jerome up...he does...now what...

MH: Look at that disgusting grin.

AL: Oswald backs up...ANOTHER RIFLE KICK!! JENKINS FALLS!!

[THUD!]

[A resounding "Ohhh!" by the crowd.]

AL: MY GOD! HE LANDED ON HIS HEAD!!

MH: JESUS! THIS IS SERIOUS HE ISN'T MOVING!

AL: Medical staff is rushing to the aid of Jerome Jenkins! This is horrible!!

MH: I can't....this is the worst time in sport, when someone gets seriously inj...

"What did I tell you Jerome!?"

AL: OSWALD! OSWALD HAS BEEN TOSSED A MIC!!

JWO: I told you bitch...

[Oswald raises his leg and points to the bottom of his boot.]

JWO: It's the last thing you'll ever see.

AL: He's taunting this man! NOW!

MH: What a disgusting man.

[Oswald laughs.]

JWO: Twitch Jerome! Try and move you bastard! Struggle with it in horror! And remember Jerome...

I TOOK YOUR ARMS AWAY! I TOOK YOUR LEGS AWAY! I HAVE TAKEN YOUR BODY AWAY FROM YOU!

AL: He's psycho! JWO: But I left you your mind Jerome, so that it will slowly eat itself with the knowledge that I am walking around, enjoying myself, while you're pissing in a bag hooked to your side because you can't control your bladder! WHERE ARE YOUR FANS NOW JEROME!?

[Boos.]

JWO: WHAT ARE THEY DOING FOR YOU NOW!? WILL THEY GIVE YOU YOUR BODY BACK YOU SIMPERING TWITCHING SON OF A B[BLEEP]H!!??

MH: ....

AL: ....

[Oswald breathes and smiles.]

JWO: They most certainly won't.

[Jerome is strapped to the backboard. The EMTs have loaded him onto the gurney. Slowly a chant begins "BTY! BTY! BTY!" they crowd chants. Oswald stands there glaring.]

[BTY!]

[BTY!]

[BTY!]

AL: Oswald is PISSED!

JWO: YOUR CHANTING MEANS NOTHING!!

[BTY!!]

[BTY!!]

[BTY!!]

JWO: SHUTUP!!

[BTY!!!]

[BTY!!!]

[BTY!!!]

JWO: GAHHHHHHHHHH!!!

[Oswald drops the mic and charges towards the edge of the scaffolding. His huge, unknown ally watches without movement.]

AL: OSWALD IS LEAPING OFF!

MH: YOU BASTARD!

FB: THIS GUY RULES!!

[CRASH!!]

AL: OSWALD LANDS ON JEROME JENKINS!! HE IS PUNCHING THE JENKINS!! HE IS ATTACKING A CRIPPLED MAN!!

MH: SECURITY!!

FB: I LOVE THIS GUY!!

AL: SECURITY IS ON OSWALD PULLING HIM OFF!! WHAT A STRUGGLE! WHAT A WAR!!

FB: War is RIGHT!

MH: If you thought that wasnt enough... if you thought Jerome Jenkins was dead... if that wasn't enough excitement, as if seeing all eight first-round matches, a scaffold match, a loser-leaves-the-NWC match and that titanic fight for the BSW title wasn't enough... now we're going to the Cathedral for what is sure to be an EPIC struggle!

AL: Right after this!

AL: It's been nearly a half a year since the Demigods defeated Malignance to win the tournament named after me. Loki and Ra went on to win the NWC titles at Civil War, and the story continued ever since.

FB: Aw, kill the damn drama. It's Ra and that goofy-ass bastard Loki, an' they're gonna kick the crap out of Malignance to make them the oh-fer idiots again.

MH: Let's go to the cathedral now.

FB: [mutter] Might as well have named it the Temple of Doom...

[The shot clicks. We're suddenly transported into the well-lit chapel, the bottom floor of this cathedral. The pan across the pews and altar is quick. We're immediately taken to the confessional. The door hangs open, and inside sits the behemoth known as the Abomination. He is hunched over, his massive fists pressed under his square jaw. The light reflecting off the confessional grating casts strange shadows across one side of his face. His eyes are closed.]

[Then comes a voice, raised in mock crooning. It is the hiss of the Wretched.]

Wretched: Unforgettable...that's what you are...that's why darling, it's incredible, that someone...so unforgettable...

[The camera bounces toward the source of the song. There stands the Wretched, dressed in all black. He stands between two pews, a large gasoline can in hand. He's dousing the pews, and by the way their brethren glisten, they are not the first.] Wretched: ...would think I'm....unforgettable...too.

[From the confessional, there is a rustle of motion. Abomination, dressed in the same black turtleneck and black jeans as the Wretched has stood.]

Abomination: Let's go.

[Cut elsewhere.]

[Specifically, we cut back to the Purgatory Complex as the Jumbotron blips to life and the scene is the night sky on top of the Cathedral in which the World Tag Team title match will be taking place. It is cold up there, and windy, and as soon as the damn thing comes on we see the grinning face of Loki, he is holding a mic and speaking right at the camera.]

"HEEEEEELLLLLLLOOOOOOOOO!! PURGATORY!!"

[Big Pop.]

[Loki grins and takes a drag on his cigarette. He looks back at Ra who is staring straight ahead, looking away from the camera, clenching and unclenching his fists.]

"You know, standing up here, it is just hitting me& we've been through a lot together. Ra and me that is. We've fought the best, we've bled, cried- well HE'S cried-, laughed, and had one hell of a ride since way back in August when we finally got to show our stuff. I might be pretty gruff most times, I might be a smartass, but that don't mean I don't love ya!

[Pop.]

"Now we're about to go downstairs, it isn't really a long walk, but it will be the toughest walk of our lives. There two guys down there, every bit as freaky as us. But it's okay, no matter what happens its okay, because I'm happy to have ever been able to do this. And if I can't walk after this fight& ?

[Loki pauses, slings one of the NWC World titles on his shoulder.]

"I'm gonna need you guys to bring my drugs and girls to me! I'll see you scurvy whores on the bottom!"

[KABOOM!]

[The jumbotron has white pyro explode all around it. "Zero" By the Smashing Pumpkins blares and the crowd cheers. Loki walks behind Ra, holding a black backpack, he puts a hand on Ra's shoulder and the two look at each other. Ra's face is very solemn, Loki grins partially and nods. He mouths the words "It's time".]

[Ra nods as well, and walks to the door that leads to the sixth level. Loki follows him, lights a cigarette, and they go through.]

[DING!]

MH: There's the bell and here we go!

FB: Why the HELL did the bell just ring in HERE when they're all the way out there?

MH: You know, that's a good poi-- here we go! Ra and Loki coming down from the roof! Wretched and Abomination are there! Wretched and Abomination are there!

AL: Ra dives at Abomination! Ra dives at Abomination! Holy COW! That's four-hundred- pounds! Four-hundred pounds racing at Abomination sends the mammoth man down to the floor!

FB: And right at the feet of the Wretched!

[Close-up of the albino, his teeth bared in a feral yet somehow polite smile. "Hello, Ra."]

MH: And here comes Loki! Here comes Loki! Loki -- [Psst!] Loki singes Wretched! Loki singes Wretched with his cigarette and -- he's got the belt! Loki's stolen Malignance's half of the title belts and he races back up the stairs!

[Wretched's head flinches up, pink eyes narrowing.]

MH: Loki's running like a bitch! And Wretched's right after him! Wretched's right on the heels of Loki! The teams have been split up here, fans -- we'll do our best to keep track of everyone!

AL: Abomination's going for the chest already! Ben wants at that chest that Wretched cut in these teams' struggle recently on GCW Glory! Abomination with a shot to the ribs of Ra and he's up and GRINDING his boot into the cut! He's grinding it! This is insane!

FB: This is a Malignance match.

MH: Ra from his back! Ra lifts one of those treetrunk legs and swings it into the knee of the monster! That stumbles Ben! That stumbles the big man slightly! Ra pivots and drives a boot into the midsection of the Abomination! Ra's back to his feet!

FB: Where the hell are the little one and the freak? MH: Our cameras are trying to locate the Wretched and Loki now, fans. But right now, Ra pulls Abomination into a standing headscissors! He can't be thinking of lifting him! Not already! Not already!

AL: He's lifted Abomination before, Marcus!

MH: But this is too soon and BEN! Ben with a backbody drop! Good thing these cathedrals are built sturdy or we might have seen them end up on the third floor!

AL: Now Abomination! Abomination with knees to the face! Knees to the damn face of Ra!! Abomination and Ra aren't playing around, fellas!

MH: When do they ever? Ra getting pounded AGAIN by the Abomination -- and I'm being told our cameraman have found Loki and Wretched elsewhere in the hallway! Go! Go there, now!

[We do the picture-in-picture thing. In the lower-right corner of the scream, Ra's rolling out from under a kneedrop from Abomination that would have caved in his cheekbone. But the majority of the screen is filled with something else entirely.]

MH: Wretched has Loki! Wretched has Loki up by the throat! Look at him! Look at this monster! He's gonna choke the life out of the Scamp!

FB: And that slap ain't gonna change jack!

MH: Slap to the face! To the face of Wretched! But Wretched's smiling! Wretched's smiling! That sick bastard is daring Loki to do anything to him! Loki hauls off and --

FB: Heh. Wretched's gonna be singin' soprano. An' evil soprano, but soprano, nonetheless.

MH: Lowblow! Lowblow kick from Loki! Loki with a kick to the groin of Wretched and even the albino had to feel that! Finally, Loki's free! Loki holds a hand to his own throat and -- double mule kick! Double mule kick to the balls! Again, Loki's kicked the evil man square in the evil!

AL: And Loki -- leaps onto the back! He jumps on the back of Wretched! What a gutsy move, guys!

MH: Loki with the strap for his backpack! He's choking Wretched! He's chokin' the life outta Wretched!

FB: Blow up the big dudes! Somethin' cool's happening!

[We do, sending the choking Loki and choked Wretched into the small side screen as we get up the Ben-Ra battle.]

MH: Ra's back up to his knees! Ra's back up to his knees! Ra with a shot to the midsection! Abomination's not letting up! Abomination with a shot to the top of the head of the Sun God! But Ra will NOT be denied! Ra's up to his feet! Ra with a shove to Abomination's chest and that sends the big man back! AL: Abom and Ra! Abom and Ra! Abom and Ra in the hallway! They're trading fists! They're trading fists! They're trading those ham-like fists!

MH: Neither of them wants to back down! Neither man wants to budge an inch! Ra with a kneelift and a shot to the jaw! Abomination's sent against the wall! Abom's against the wall!

AL: And Ra's holding him there! Ra's holding the Abomination against the wall and just drilling him! Headbutt after headbutt from the Sun God! This is beyond personal, guys!

FB: Why do you keep talking to us? The fans are the important part.

MH: And... [sigh] Just get me a split screen! Get me a damn split screen!

[Split-screen. Ra and Abomination on the left, Wretched and Loki on the right.]

MH: Loki's choking Wretched! He's gonna choke the psycho out! He's gonna choke him -- no! Wretched barrels backwards through a door! That busted the door off its hinges and it might've busted Loki's back!

AL: But Wretched ain't much better! Loki's crawling away! He's crawling away and he has both of those belts in his backpack!

MH: Ra, meanwhile, is done! He comes up bloody! His forehead is completely bloody, and Abomination might have broken his nose! He might have busted Ben's nose!

AL: Ask Abomination if he cares.

MH: SPEAR!! SPEAR!! SPEAR!! Abomination spears the Sun God! They go through another door! Another door is busted wide open!

AL: And the momentum hasn't stopped yet!

MH: They go barreling through to a bed! They knocked over the bed! That's over eight hundred pounds of mass that just tipped a godDAMN bed over!

AL: And Ben is up to his feet! Abomination is up to his feet! Abomination -- RIPPED OFF A BEDPOST! Good God! Good God! They're trying to kill each other! They're trying to kill each other!

MH: Abomination swings -- Ra has the mattress! Ra has the mattress! He blocks! Abomination swinging wildly at the Sun God! Ra's powering to his feet, blocking every blow with a damn mattress!

AL: Ra roars! Ra roars! He charges! Ra bulls Abomination back -- into a window! Into a window! Into a damn window!

[KRISH!]

MH: Abomination's gonna fall! Abomination's gonna fall! He's gonna go right through the window! Stop this! Stop this madness! FB: Hell no! Kill each other! Die, die, die!

MH: Meanwhile, Loki's crawling away! He's running! Loki's running from Wretched, but he has nowhere to go! Nowhere to escape this damn psychopath! Loki tries to shove past Erik and... he gets thrown towards the bed! Loki gets thrown towards the bed and Wretched follows -- HUGE clothesline! Clothesline nearly takes Loki's head off and sends the Scamp across the bed!

FB: Now what fun and entertaining s[bleep] is Wretched cookin' up?

MH: Wretched's tearing a bedsheet! Wretched's tearing a bedsheet! What sort of sick, twisted plan is going through the albino's head?

AL: Probably something like what Ra's thinking.

MH: On the other side of your screen! Ra's trying to shove Abomination through the window! He's trying to put Ben through the window! That's six floors! Six floors to the ground! Six floors and -- wham! Wham! Wham! Wham! Forearm shot! What a forearm shot! That might have taken out a couple of the Sun God's teeth! Ra staggers back and Abomination swings the bedpost again!

FB: Back, back, back, back, back, back -- GONE!

MH: Right in the head! Right in the head! Right in the damn head!

AL: Loki's trying to escape! He's trying to escape, but it's useless! It's completely useless! Every time the Scamp tries to get past the Wretched, he gets thrown onto the bed! Now Wretched has whatever he has planned ready! Loki tries to leap at Erik! Loki's -- caught! Caught! Loki's caught by Wretched! Belly to belly suplex! Belly to belly suplex on the floor! On the floor! Loki goes flying! Loki goes flying into a nightstand!

FB: Yeesh, you guys are getting carried away out there.

MH: And they're only on the sixth floor! The winner of this match will have to take both tag- title belts to the floor!

AL: Abomination swings again as Loki is dragged onto the bed, half-conscious! Abomination swings, Ra! Ra ducks! Ra ducks and grabs Ben -- side Russian legsweep! Side Russian legsweep onto the nightstand! The small of the Abomination's back goes right into that metal knob on the door!

MH: This is insane! Ra's got a pillow from the ruined bed! Ra's got a pillow! He's trying to suffocate the Abomination! He's trying to kill Ben! All this! All this for a woman? All this for a woman?

FB: Meanwhile, it's time for the quasi-homosexual moment of the day.

MH: Wretched! Wretched's tying Loki to the bedposts! He's tying the scamp down! This is insane! This is insane! We've got Ra trying to kill Ben in one room and Loki being tied to the damn bed in the other! AL: Loki's tied to the bed! Loki's tied to the bed and what's Wretched doing! What's Wretched doing??

MH: He's slithering up the body of the scamp! This is disgusting! This is disgusting!

FB: Ergh.

MH: Wretched poised above Loki! He's glaring down! He's glaring down at the Scamp!

[We can hear Wretched now, that sibilant hiss whipping down at the little man. "Let me show you what Kaitlyn liked so much."]

MH: Oh, dear god! Dear god, this is insane! This is insane and they've just started!

AL: Wretched's just pummeling him! He's just pummeling Loki in the face!

FB: So... this is what Kaitlyn liked? Kinky.

AL: In the other room, Abomination with a palm-thrust to the chin! Abomination fights off Ra with a palm-thrust to the chin! Abomination fighting to his feet -- and he's got a clothesline! Clothesline! Clothesline nearly takes off Ra's head! Ra stumbles against the bureau and Abomination's just kicking away! He's just kicking away! Again and again!

MH: And now Ra's down! Ra's down and Abomination grabs the bureau! He grabs the bureau and tips it OVER!!

[THUNK!]

MH: It just missed! It just missed! Ra just barely gets out of the way! Ra back up to his feet! Ra back up to his feet!

FB: Incoming bedpost! Incoming bedpost!

MH: To the gut! To the gut! To the gut of Ra! Now Ben's set up! Ben's set up and gutwrench! Gutwrench POWERBOMB! To the solid floor! To the solid floor! Deadlift! He's gonna do it again! This is one of the Abomination's trademark moves!

FB: [low] Listen to him screaming.

MH: Abomination's roar matches Loki's screams in the other room! TWO powerbombs on Ra! Two powerbombs and --

[SMASH!]

MH: This third through the bureau! Through the bureau's back! Ra's been ruined! He's been completely destroyed!

AL: And Loki's trying to fight back! He's trying to fight back! Loki with a headbutt up to the groin! MH: That's not going to stop the insanity!

AL: Wretched just groans -- he pulls out a... ohmigod, it's a meat cleaver! He must have picked that up on their way to meet the Demigods! Wretched... drags the flat of the blade across Loki's cheek!

[Loki screams: "RA! Ra, you scurvy whore! I need your help!"]

MH: Ra's pushing up to his feet! Ra hears his partner! How? How? How is Ra still moving? How is Ra still moving??

FB: Because he's got guts. He's got a lot of guts.

MH: Ra's to his feet! Ra bulls -- PAST Abomination! He just lowered his shoulder and stiff- armed past the Abomination! Ra's looking for Loki! Ra's looking for Loki and...

[The left side of the screen fritzes out.]

MH: We've lost footage of Loki and Wretched! Dammit, get that camera fixed! Get that camera fixed!

AL: Ra's looking -- but Abomination! Abomination is right behind Ra! Waistlock -- GERMAN SUPLEX! German suplex through a DAMN door! What power! What strength! What carnage!

FB: What a big bedpost you have.

AL: Abomination's got the bedpost! Abomination's got the bedpost and he's just wailing away! He's just wailing away on the ribs of the Sun God! Abomination's lost it! He's gone! He's gone!

FB: What do you mean? He never was here in the first place!

MH: Abomination is just MAULING the Sun God with that bedpost! There's no letting up! No give to that wood!

[Another call, Loki's voice. "RAAAAA!!"]

MH: Ra blinks up! Ra blinks up! Ra turns and -- grabs the bedpost! He grabbed the bedpost! Out of his hand! Out of Abomination's hand! Shot to the midsection and --

[SNAP!]

MH: Right across the spine! Right across the spine! Abomination's down! Abomination's down!

FB: Ra the God to save the day!

MH: Ra's found the door! He's found the door where Loki's screaming! He --

[KRASH!] MH: Holy mother of GOD! He kicked it in! He kicked the door in! The door goes flying -- and it clips Wretched! It clips Wretched --

AL: What the hell was Wretched doing?

MH: Loki's chest is bathed in blood! He was CARVING into Loki's chest! He'd gotten a "U" -- was he going for Ugly?

FB: Nah, that's always his look.

AL: Whatever he was trying, it's ticked off Ra something fierce! Ra charges into the room and he's got the door! WHAM! Across the back of Wretched! Wretched's pinned! Wretched's pinned under the door and Ra's using the meat cleaver to cut free his partner! What a war! What a war!

MH: And the Demigods are gone! The Demigods are out of there!

[There's no movement for a moment once Ra and Loki leave; remember, one of the cameras is broken right now. Then...]

MH: It's the Abomination! The Abomination's in the room! Abomination frees Wretched! Abomination frees the Wretched and now Malignance are looking for the Demigods! They're searching for the Demigods -- and so are our cameras!

FB: Betcha Loki's hopin' the cameraguys find them first.

MH: Abomination and Wretched are stalking them! They're stalking the Demigods! Looks like they're going down to the next floor! They're going down to the next floor for the Demigods and --

[The crowd at the Purgatory Complex, watching this via the big screen, cheer and cheer loudly.]

MH: The Demigods meet them! The Demigods meet Malignance in the library! Ra grabs Ben! Loki lowblows Wretched! Yeah! Yeah! Kick them! Kick them down!

AL: Ra with a double-chokelift on Abomination! He's dangling the three hundred fifty pounder by his throat! And he chucked him! Ra chucked Ben into a bookshelf! What power! What awesome power from Ra!

FB: What the hell does he think he's doing now?

AL: Ra picking up the now empty bookshelf, all the bibles fallen over the Abomination --

FB: THERE is some irony.

AL: And he DRIVES the bookshelf into Ben's face! Into Ben's damn face! Now what's he doing? He sets it on the side of Abomination's face and -- no! No! No! No! No!

[KEEE-RACK!] MH: RA JUST JUMPED ON THE BOOKSHELF! THAT'S FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS!! FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS ACROSS THE HEAD OF ABOMINATION! Someone stop this! Stop this insanity now! This isn't worth the NWC tag-titles! Someone is going to be seriously injured here! Someone's gonna get hurt! Someone's gonna get seriously hurt!

FB: This ain't ABOUT the tag-titles, Harden! This is a fight!

MH: Meanwhile, Wretched's turned on Loki again! I can't believe the Scamp, bloody chest and everything, can handle the Wretched for long!

AL: Loki backing away! Loki backing carefully away from the Wretched, who would LOVE to finish the carving job!

MH: There's nowhere else to go for Loki! He's got his back against the bookcase, and now Wretched's got his head! Wretched's got the head of the Scamp and he's just SLAMMING it into the bookcase! Listen to that sick sound! Listen to the sound of Loki's head against the bookcase!

AL: This is bad, fellas. Really bad.

MH: Loki's barely conscious! He's barely conscious! He's barely moving! He's barely able to think -- but he's got a book! Loki with a book! He smashes it! He smashes it into the head! He smashes it into the bridge of Wretched's nose! That staggered the albino! That staggered the albino!

AL: But not for long!

MH: Loki skirts outta there! Loki skirts outta there! He tips the bookshelf over -- no! Wretched caught it! Wretched caught the bookshelf! He rolls it to block Loki's escape! Thesz press! Thesz press! Thesz press from the Wretched! Wretched sends Loki careening into the side of another of these bookcases!

AL: Abomination, meanwhile, is about dead.

MH: Ra. s got Abomination! Ra. s got Abomination and . beal! Beal! He just beeled Ben down the stairs! He just sent the Abomination crashing down the steps! And Ra turns . he sees Wretched! He sees Wretched again! Loki. s getting pummeled! Loki. s getting destroyed! Simply massacred!

AL: Not for long!

MH: Ra. s running to the rescue! Ra. s running to the rescue! Ra. s got a table! Ra. s got a table!

[KRACK!]

FB: Ra HAD a table.

MH: Over the head! Over the head! Over the head of Wretched! Ra just drilled that table over the head of the Wretched! Ra is going to town on Erik now and Loki is out of there! FB: Doesn. t the little bastard still have both belts in his bag?

AL: Probably so.

FB: Good for him!

MH: And now Wretched is down and Ra is right above him! Ra is above him and he. s palming the albino. s face! He. s palming the albino. s face in one hand while he punches Wretched repeatedly in the throat!

FB: Caving in windpipes are extreme!

MH: Abomination pulling himself up to his feet in the stairwell and he. s headed back upstairs!

FB: Don. t these guys know the meaning of the word "Chill the hell out"?

AL: That. s four words, Barr.

FB: Who asked you?

MH: Abomination now in search of a hurt, tired Loki as Ra pounds the hell out of Wretched on that floor!

FB: Is that the technical term "pound the hell out of"?

AL: Wretched with a shot of his own to the throat! A shot of his own to the throat of the Sun God! And Loki seems to be relaxed! He. s safe from Abomination now!

FB: No, he ain. t!

MH: Loki was resting against a bookcase and Abomination. s reached through! Those massive hands! Those massive hands are choking out Loki! Wretched to his feet! Abomination with an awkward reverse chokeslam on the floor and he. s headed around for the little guy! He. s headed around for the little guy!

AL: We. ve got Ra and Wretched on one aisle and Abomination and Loki two aisles over! This is nuts, fans! It. s just damn nuts!

MH: Ra wraps a hand around Erik. s throat! Ben with a hand around Loki. s! Double choke press! Double choke press! Both men! Both men slam their opponents into the bookshelves by the throat and .

[SMASH!]

MH: Both shelves tip over! Both shelves tip over! They. ve formed an inverted V over that empty aisle and Wretched and Loki aren. t moving! Abomination and Ra are going for each other! Abomination and Ra are going for each other once more!

FB: This. ll be bad. MH: And Ben grabs Ra by the throat! Ben grabs Ra by the throat! Chokeslam! Chokeslam coming . no! No! He can. t get up the Sun God! Abomination can. t lift Ra!

AL: Now Ra. s got Abom! Ra. s got Ben! Ra with a choke . no! Forearm shot to the face! Forearm shot to the damn face and Abomination is free! And .

MH: Clothesline! Clothesline! Double clothesline! Double clothesline! Double clothesline and both men fall! Both men .

[THUDDD!!]

FB: Both men and the damn shelves fall!

MH: Ra is down . I think that shelf might have caught the Sun God in the leg! Wretched is to his feet! Wretched is to his feet and there. s nowhere for Loki to go! The Scamp is trapped! The scamp is trapped! Hiptoss! Hiptoss by Erik! Loki goes flying into the stratosphere of this now ruined library!

FB: Likely not the last thing they destroy in this.

MH: And Abomination is up! Abomination is to his feet! Abomination has Loki! From behind! From behind! Upside-down military press on Loki! He throws the Scamp onto one of the few remaining shelves! And Ben. s going up there after him! Ben. s going up there too!

FB: Will these shelves even hold his fat ass?

MH: Ra up to his feet! Ra. s to his damn feet and he sees his partner! Loki. s gonna get chokeslammed off the shelves! Off the damn shelves!

FB: So it. s Ra to the rescue again, eh?

MH: Ra. s climbing up too! Ra. s climbing up too! But . no! No! It. s a trap! It. s a damn trap! Abomination throws aside Loki and leans over! He. s stepping on Ra. s hands! He. s stepping on Ra. s hands and has his ear! And there. s Erik! No! No! Not him, too!

AL: Wretched. s got a letter opener! He. s got a letter opener, and he. s going to carve up Ra, just like he tried to do to Loki! Someone stop this! Someone stop this! This is insane!

MH: Loki. s starting to stir! He. s starting to stir as Wretched. s blade cuts through the back of the Sun God! There. s an H! There. s an H!

FB: They. re like perverted cheerleaders. "Gimme an H!"

MH: Loki. s seen what they. re doing to his partner! Loki. s looking for something to save him with! He. s looking for something .

FB: He. s got... a candle.

AL: [quiet] Oh, my dear god. MH: Loki lights the candle! Loki lights the candle and he. s climbing up! He. s climbing up the shelf! Look at the determination on the Scamp. s face! Look at the determination!

AL: Loki. s up there, but he can. t be considering . he can. t!

MH: Loki. s got the hem of Abomination. s turtleneck! Loki . he dropped it in! He dropped in! That. s a damn candle! It. s a godDAMN candle! This is insane! This is insane!

FB: This is a little bitch running.

MH: Loki. s running and Wretched stops! Wretched. s after Loki! Wretched. s after Loki and the little man goes to the steps! He. s headed down the steps! He. s headed away! He. s...

FB: He. s stopped to look at the naked chick.

MH: Mistake by Loki! Suicide dive by Erik! Suicide dive by Erik sends Loki spinning down the steps! He. s sent Loki careening down the steps and one of the belts falls out of Loki. s bag!

AL: Abomination. s trying to get the candle out of his shirt and Ra. s got "HU" carved into his back. This is nuts, fellas.

MH: Wretched. s up first! Wretched. s up first and he. s headed for the belt! He. s headed for the belt! No! Loki trips Wretched! Loki trips Wretched and scampers up his back! He. s scampered up Erik. s belt to grab the belt and .

[From off-screen: "RAAAAAAAAARGH!"]

MH: Ra threw Ben! Ra threw Ben across the room! They. re nearing the stairwell and Loki stops to stare . running clothesline from the Sun God! Running clothesline from the Sun God sends Abomination stumbling into Loki and ALL THREE! ALL THREE!! ALL THREE TUMBLE DOWN THE STAIRS! They. re all in a pile! All in a damn pile!!

AL: We. re in the... mess hall, apparently. There are tables that I doubt will be tables by the time these two teams are done all over the place.

MH: It. s the first team who gets to their feet who. ll have the advantage here! Loki. s still got one of the NWC tag-titles in his bag . the other is above them on the stairs! Remember the rules, fans! The first team to leave with BOTH belts wins.

AL: And the first one up is... the Abomination! Abomination to his feet! Abomination pulling up Ra! Abomination. s got Ra up! Irish whip across the room and . crash! Crash!

MH: Ra goes flipping over the tables! Ra head over heels! Ra. s head over heels and Loki! Loki jumps onto Ben. s back! What bravery! What bravery from the Scamp! What damn bravery!

FB: What dumbassedness!

MH: Ben flips Loki off his back! Ben flips Loki off his back and onto the table and . [CRUNCH!]

MH: Frogsplash! Wretched! Wretched with a frogsplash on the bleeding, busted up Scamp! The table didn. t break! The table didn. t break! There was no give! No give at all!!

AL: Now what are they doing? Abomination and Wretched are stacking tables! They. re stacking tables on top of each other! This won. t be good! This won. t be good! Loki is out of it! Ra. s only now getting to his feet! Abomination has the much smaller Loki up! He. s handing him off to Wretched, who. s on top of the tables! On top of the goddamn tables!!

[WHAM!]

MH: Sit-down powerbomb! Sit-down powerbomb! On two tables! Two tables that didn. t break! This is insane! This is insane! This is .

[RAAAAAAAAARGH!]

FB: A screaming Sun God? [guessing]

MH: Ra! Ra. s charging! Ra. s charging! Ra. s charging at them and . BACKBODY DROP! BACKBODY DROP BY THE ABOMINATION .

[CRASH!!!!]

AL: The tables fell! The tables fell! The tables fell over! Loki and Wretched crash to the floor! Loki and Wretched crash to the floor!

MH: Loki. s crawling away! And Wretched, unbelievably! Wretched. s up to his damn feet! Wretched. s up to his feet and he. s gesturing to his student! Wretched. s gesturing to his student and Ben pulls up Ra! Ben pulls up Ra .

[CRACK-SMASH!]

MH: HATRED! HATRED! HATRED! Ra has felt Malignance. s hatred! Through the table! Through the table! This place is a wreck! This place is a goddamn wreck!

AL: Loki. s got a knife! Loki. s got a knife! Loki. s got a knife and he. s trying to bluff off Malignance! He. s trying to bluff off these two psychotic individuals!

MH: Ra. s in that pile of table and Malignance are circling Loki! They. re gonna flank him! They. re gonna outflank the Scamp! Wretched lunges . and Loki! Loki! Loki ducks! Wretched. s hand! Wretched set his hand on the table and Loki. s stuck a friggin. knife in it! Loki stabs Erik. s hand! He stabs Erik. s hand!

AL: And the Scamp settles back and kicks Erik low! One time! Two times! Three! Three low kicks from Loki and a shot with the one NWC tag-title belt these two teams have! Wretched is staggered!

FB: But Ben ain. t! Ben ain. t! Ben . holy belly-to-belly suplex! Loki eats mad air there! Mad air! MH: And Abomination. s very satisfied with himself! He. s very . in the splinters! A drop- toehold! Drop-toehold by Ra!

FB: Holy crap, the big dude knows how to wrestle?

MH: Abomination. s down and Ra. s finally, groggily to his feet! He. s to his feet and . a legdrop! Legdrop to the back of the head! To the back of the head of Abomination, sending him CRASHING into the table bit! Now Ra pulls out the knife! Ra pulls out the knife! He. s got it on Ben! He. s gonna slit the Abomination. s throat!

AL: This ain. t a wrestling match! This ain. t a damn wrestling match!

FB: No [bleep], sherlock.

MH: Ra... he won. t do it! He won. t stab the Abomination! Loki stumbles over to the Sun God and places a hand on his shoulder! Loki puts a hand on Ra. s shoulder! Both these men . all these men . have been beaten to hell already, ladies and gentlemen... and now Loki is helping his spent partner to a side room! They. re retreating!

FB: Retreatin. ? They. re RUNNING!

[Loki's breath is heavy and loud. Sweat drips from the scamps face as he kneels next to Ra, who is bleeding profusely from the nose and chest. Ra's eyes are glazed and tired. Loki lights a cigarette, he looks down at his partner for a moment not knowing what to say.]

LOKI: Ra? Ra. Ra do you have anything left?

[No response, Ra simple sits there breathing heavily, the blood dripping from him.]

LOKI: Ra, we don't have to do this. Maybe it isn't worth it, it hurts too bad. There isn't any shame now, we can walk away& .

[More breathing.]

LOKI: Whatever you want to do brother. I'm with you, I may not be much, but I believe in you Ra. I believe that whatever you decide is best. If you can't fight anymore, I say we walk the fuck back up to the top and throw shit at Malignance as they leave with the belts. I don't want you to go through anymore pain on my account& this is for you. You wanna leave, I'll be right behind you. If you wanna go back out there?

I'll walk in front of you...

[Long pause. Ra stands in front of Loki, he looks down at his friend and nods. The monster smiles.]

RA: You're not walking in front of me.

[Loki laughs and takes a deep drag, they walks toward the door.]

LOKI: Ready or not Erik, here we come.

FB: Aww, how freakin. touching!

AL: Loki opens the door and .

[CRACK!]

AL: He gets it in the face! Loki gets it right in the face! A table leg! A damn table leg from the Wretched!

MH: But there's Ra! There's Ra! Kick to the midsection. Cosmic Drop! Cosmic Drop! Cosmic Drop! Ra with the Cosmic Drop on Wretched! Wretched was just powerbombed! Powerbombed through a counter! This is hideous! This is nuts!

AL: This IS nuts!

FB: Enough with that line! All we got is Abomination spearing Ra down the damn steps!

MH: We. ve got our second camera up and ready, fans! Ra and Abomination have skittered down the steps into the supply room and Loki's stumbling but making his way for the second NWC tag-title belt! He's trying to get there.. but a pale hand! A pale hand trips the Scamp! Loki's got the belt but Wretched. s got him! Wretched. s got him!

AL: Did he... did that little bastard switch belts?

MH: I think Loki might have switched the tag-title belt with one of the GCW belts, fans, but I can't be sure! Wretched throws the belt over one shoulder and Loki over the other . and they. re going to the kitchen! They're goin. to the damn kitchen! AL: Abomination, meanwhile, picks up Ra! He picks up the Sun God again! He picks him up and blood in the eyes! Blood in the eyes! Blood in the eyes! Ra wipes his own blood into Abomination's eyes! That blinded the giant! The Abominations blinded!

MH: And Ra... he can't! He can't possibly! He can't possibly consider .

AL: YES, HE CAN! HE CAN!! MILITARY PRESS!! MILITARY PRESS FROM RA!! ABOMINATION'S OVER HIS HEAD! OVER HIS HEAD AND .

[BOOM!]

MH: Into the door! Into the door! Abomination just got sent careening into the damn door!!

AL: And Erik dumps Loki on the counter! Erik dumps Loki on the counter and he's turned on the grill?? He's turned on the grill! Oh, my dear god, fans! The Wretched has turned on a DAMN GRILL?! Someone stop this! Stop this! Strip both teams! Strip them! I don't want to see this! We don't need to see this!!

FB: Shut your pansy ass up, Lucente! This is awesome!

[We're back to the split-screen, in case you didn't guess.]

AL: On the next floor, Abomination's down and Ra's charging! Ra's charging and that's bleach! Bleach! Bleach to Ra.' chest gash! Bleach to the gash! This is insane! Beyond insane!!

MH: Abomination's up and Ra's DOWN! Down! Down to the floor! HUGE lariat! Ben nearly turned the monster inside out! He's nearly inside out!!

AL: And now Abomination's just stomping away! He's just stomping away on the chest gash! This is sick! This is sick!

FB: Not as sick as Wretched!

AL: Loki's to his feet! He's put that counter between he and the Wretched! Loki doesn't want any part of that!

MH: Now Loki's throwing silverware at Wretched! Knives and forks! Knives and forks flying across the room! Wretched's dodging and blocking as much as he can, but Loki is relentless! Loki's completely relentless!!

FB: And Wretchy ain't?

MH: Suicide dive! Suicide di.. WHAM! Drawer to the face! Loki hits Wretched in the face with the drawer! Loki hits Wretched and he's trying to run! He's trying to run away!

AL: Wretched's not letting him get anywhere! He's not letting Loki go! He's got a frying pan! It.' a frying pan! Frying pan..

[WUNG!] AL: To the back! To the back! To the back of Loki! Loki's escape is stopped with a frying pan! Frying pan to the back! Frying pan to the back!

MH: Now Wretched is getting to his feet! He's getting to his feet and .

FB: Aw, hell.

MH: The second camera gave out again! The second camera gave out again! What the hell is wrong here? Can't we get decent equipment? Abomination and Ra are continuing to battle in the supply room, and as soon as we can get that damaged camera to work, fans, we'll show you that. For now, Wretched's got Loki! Wretched's got Loki! Fireman's carry! Fireman's carry! Fireman's carry on the counter! What's Wretched planning? What's Wretched planning?

AL: Front-flip Samoan drop! Front-flip Samoan drop! All Wretched's weight! All Wretched's weight onto the knives and forks! All Wretched's weight onto those knives and forks! Wretched flipping over! Wretched flipping over and crawling atop Loki again! He's crawling atop Loki again!

FB: Oh, this is nutso. You gotta love that.

AL: Wretched's got a grapefruit spoon! He's got a grapefruit spoon and he's got Loki. s jaw! Wretched's prying open the mouth! He's prying open the mouth of Loki and jamming that spoon in! He's trying to cut off Loki's tongue! Dear heavens, he's trying to cut off Loki's tongue! Someone stop him! Someone stop this!

MH: There's no Ra to protect Loki now! Ra's downstairs doing who-knows-what with Abomination now! Wretched's gonna cut off Loki's goddamn tongue! This is insane! Insane!

AL: Loki's flailing! Loki's flailing . and he's got a fork! He's got a fork! LOKI JAMS THE FORK INTO WRETCHED'S THIGH! INTO WRETCHED'S DAMN THIGH! THIS IS INSANE!!

MH: But it saved Loki's tongue! It saved Loki's tongue!

FB: And I'm sure all the whores are grateful for that.

MH: Loki's trying to escape again! Loki's trying to escape again and... Wretched! Double- footed dropkick! Double-footed dropkick! Wretched! Wretched just kicked Loki into the grill! THAT GRILL IS ON! THAT GRILL IS ON! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!!

[PSSSSHT!]

MH: WRETCHED PRESSES LOKI'S FACE TO THE GRILL! WRETCHED PRESSES LOKI'S FACE TO THE GRILL!! THIS IS INSANE! THAT'S A MAN'S FLESH BURNING! IT'S A MAN'S FLESH BURNING!!

FB: Relax, Harden. You're givin. me a migraine.

MH: Loki! Back mule kick! Back mule kick to the crotch of the Wretched! To the crotch of the Wretched! Loki's got tongs! Loki's got tongs to the face! To the face! To the face of the Wretched! Erik stumbles back into a vat of oil! Wretched's knocked over a vat of oil! Loki's up! Loki's lighting a cigarette! No! No! No, don't do it! Don't do it! Don't..

[FWASH!]

MH: FIRE! FIRE! LOKI SETS THE OIL ON FIRE!! WRETCHED IS ENGULFED!! WRETCHED IS ENGULFED IN FLAMES!! HE'S COVERED IN FLAMES!! LOKI'S SET ERIK THE WRETCHED ON **FIRE **!!

AL: And Loki's out of there! Loki's out of there and he's got all three title belts and his bag and he's headed downstairs! Finally! FINALLY we'll see what Ra and Abomination have been up to! Finally we-

FB: [low] Holy crap.

AL: Look at the devastation! Look at the devastation! Abomination and Ra are both covered in bleach and splinters! Abomination has Ra! Abomination's got Ra by the jaw and he's gonna make Ra choke down bleach! He's gonna do away with the Sun God once and for all!

FB: So now it's Loki to the rescue?

AL: Loki! Loki! Loki tackles Ben's legs! Loki tackles Ben's legs! Ra's chest wound is open! Ra's chest wound is open and he's out of this! Loki's fighting for his brother! He's fighting for his partner! He's fighting for all he's worth!!

MH: Abomination up! Abomination up and Loki charging again! What guts! What guts in the little scamp! What courage . WHAT A MONKEY FLIP! Ben sends Loki flying AGAIN! Ben sends Loki flying into a hamper!!

FB: What the HELL?

AL: Wretched is here! Wretched is here! How? How is he walking? How is the albino still alive??

MH: I don't know, but he's still singed and even burning slightly on the arm of his sweater! Wretched rips the arm of the sweater off and dips it in the bleach! The sweater's on fire! The sweater's on fire! Wretched! Wretched tosses the arm of his sweater INTO the hamper! Loki's in there! Loki's in there! He's a human being! A human being! Don't you have any morals, Erik? Don't you care about your fellow wrestler?

FB: [dry] Yeah, that's exactly what he does.

MH: Loki in the burning hamper and Malignance have the hamper! Malignance have the hamper! They've got it! They're throwing it down the steps! Down the steps! Loki and the burning hammer go down the steps!

[Again. "RAAAAAAAARGH !"]

MH: Ra is up! Ra is up! How? How? How is this possible? How is it possible for Ra to be up on his feet?? Ra spears Abomination! Ra spears Abomination! Now the Sun God! The Sun God! The Sun God is going to town! He'sjust ripping into Ben! That's the Ra we know! That's the monster of the NWC!!

AL: Abomination is getting pummeled! Ra is running on fumes! Ra is..

[KRISH!]

FB: Forgetting about Wretched, apparently.

AL: A bottle of wine! A bottle of wine! Wretched with a bottle of wine to the head! To the head of the Sun God! Ra is done! Ra is gone! Ra is at Malignance's mercy! Ra is.. what the hell is that? It's a brick box! It's that box that Abomination built earlier in the week! It was here?? It was in the church?

MH: Apparently so and now Malignance mean to make use of it! They pull up Ra and DOUBLE FLAPJACK! DOUBLE FLAPJACK! DOUBLE FLAPJACK ACROSS THE EDGE OF THE BOX! Ra's in the box! Ra's inside! Ra's flipped inside! He's trapped! The Sun God is helpless !!

AL: Malignance looking for weapons! They're looking for weapons! Listen! Listen, and you can hear Ra pounding at the inside of the box! He's pounding at the inside of the box!!

MH: They've got their weapons! Wretched with a pick-axe! Abomination with a sledgehammer! They're going to work on the box! They're gonna bury Ra inside! They're gonna bury the Sun God in bricks! Never in all my life have I seen a match like this fans! This isn't about the titles or the cameras! Malignance are trying to destroy the Demigods once and for all! Forever!

AL: Loki hears the noise! Loki's burst free of the burning hamper! He's clambering upstairs! He's gotta save Ra! He's gotta save Ra before Ra is beaten to a bloody pulp!!

AL: He's gonna! He's..

MH: Sledgehammer! Sledgehammer! Sledgehammer to the ribs! Loki goes down hacking! Loki goes down hacking and-

[Lots of noises. Booms and bangs and clatters.]

AL: RA BREAKS FREE OF THE BOX!! RA BREAKS FREE OF THE BOX!!! Ra tackles Abomination! He tackles Abomination! Both men! Both men go tumbling down the stairs! Both men go tumbling down the stairs!

MH: Wretched throws the pickax over his shoulder, whistling jauntily! He's gonna do it again! He's gonna get Ra from behind! He's gonna - Loki's got his ankle! Loki's got Erik's ankle! Loki's got Erik's ankle!!

FB: Probably not a smart thing to do.

AL: Wretched wheels with the pickax and . [THWACK!]

AL: He misses! Loki's out of the way! Loki's out of the way and he's to his feet with a pike! Wretched can't remove the pickax from the floor .

[KONG!!]

FB: He'll have to remove his teeth, soon!

MH: Shovel to the face! Shovel to the face! Loki with a damn shovel to the damn face of the damn Wretched!!

AL: Meanwhile, Abomination! Abomination's on top of Ra! Abomination with the sledgehammer! Abomination's got the damn sledgehammer and he's going to town on Ra! Abomination's...

"BEN!"

[That shrill voice, Kaitlyn Winters is standing on one of the various piles of rubble. She is wearing the black lace that was so common in her Malignance days. She looks at Abomination, Ben stares back at her. He starts to walk toward her, she stands her ground.]

ABOMINATION: Kaitlyn...

KAITLYN: Yes.

[He is close to her now. He stops and reaches for her, we see in the close up that there are tears in her eyes.]

BEN: Kaitlyn...

KAITLYN: ...I'm so sorry Ben.

[Before Ben knows what is happening Ra has him up. He drills the Fury on the huge man, the reverse DVD leaving Abomination motionless. Ra looks at Kaitlyn...]

[CRASH!]

[Loki has arrived, stage right, breathless, bleeding and carrying both belts having stolen the other from Erik.]

LOKI: Ra I....HOLY SHIT! WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE!?

KAITLYN: I couldn't let this happen without me being here Ra. Forgive me.

RA: Go.

KAITLYN: No.

LOKI: NO!? LISTEN YOU SCURVY--

RA: I will not have you harmed.

KAITLYN: And I can't bear to be elsewhere when you are.

[Silence. Ra stares at her, she stares back. Loki is jumping up down.]

LOKI: We gotta get the f[bleep]k out of here...LIKE NOW!

KAITLYN: Let me come with you...

[She takes his hand, Ra looks down at the gesture and back up at his bride. He closes his hand over hers.]

RA: Run as soon as there is trouble.

LOKI: Let's go dammit!

[Loki sprints out of the room, Ra and Kaitlyn follow, hand in hand.]

[Abomination sits up.] MH: The Demigods are on the second floor! They're on the second floor! They're gonna escape! They're gonna escape!

[RAAAAAAAARGH! for the millionth time]

MH: What the hell was that??

FB: [deadpan] Probably the flying Abomination.

MH: Abomination! Abomination with a tackle! Abomination tackles both members of the Demigods! Abomination tackles both Demigods!!

AL: Ra to his feet! Abomination to his feet! Kaitlyn's seeing to Loki and the two big men .

[Kaitlyn screams: "NOO!"]

AL: Charge! Charge! It's like two bulls! Two bulls! Two bulls charging headlong into each other!

MH: Chokeholds! Both monsters have the other in chokeholds!

FB: It's like something from Star Trek!

MH: Neither one will let go! Neither will let go! Neither will let go of that hold! Neither will budge! Loki can't attack for fear of knocking Ra over! Abomination's against the end of the balcony! He's against the end!! Abomination with a mighty shove . he sends Ra careening . INTO Kaitlyn! Into Kaitlyn! Ra bowls over Winters! Ra bowls over Winters!!

FB: And just that suddenly, everything stops.

MH: Ben and Loki don't know what to do! Kaitlyn is.. she seems to be okay! Ra's helping her to her feet! Ra's helping her to her feet and Loki charges at Abomination! Loki charges at the Abomination!! Lowblow! Lowblow! Lowblow by Loki on Abomination!! Ra to his feet, he bulls into Ben! He bulls Ben into the railing and-

[KEE-RACK!]

MH: It gives out! Abomination's gonna fall! Abomination's gonna fall! He won't survive that! He won. t survive that kinda fall!! Abomination's hanging on! He's hanging on for dear life! And Ra's gonna stomp him off! Ra's gonna stomp him off! He's gonna stomp off the Sun God!

AL: Kaitlyn! Kaitlyn's begging Ra to stop! She's pleading with her husband not to kill Ben! And Ra relents! Ra relents! Ra relents! He reaches down and pulls up Ben! He pulls up Ben and - oh! Fist to the nose! Fist to the nose! Fist to the nose and down goes Ra! Ra falls to one knee!

MH: Abomination pulling him up! Abomination's pulling Ra up . SPINEBUSTER! SPINEBUSTER! SPINEBUSTER INTO THE RAILING! SPINEBUSTER INTO THE DAMN RAILING! The rest of that railing breaks! The rest of that railing breaks! Now Ra's the one hanging on! Ra's the one hanging on! Ra's the one .

["YOU SCURVY WHORE!!"]

AL: Loki! Loki! Loki with the organist's bench! To the face! To the face! Abomination's sent skittering away!

FB: Uh-oh.

AL: Wretched's down here! Wretched must have been watching! Wretched must have been watching! Now he's poised over the Sun God! And something tells me the Wretched won't be pulling Ra up!

MH: No! No! He's stepping on Ra's hands! He's stepping on Ra's hands! He's stepping on the Sun God's hands!!

[A loud crash and Kaitlyn's scream coincides.]

MH: RA FALLS! RA FALLS! RA FALLS! RA FALLS TO THE GROUND! TO THE GROUND! RA IS DOWN! RA IS OUT OF IT! RA MIGHT BE DEAD! RA MIGHT BE DEAD!!

AL: And Kaitlyn flies downstairs to her husband - but that leaves Loki with both members of Malignance! Loki's pounding at the already bloody, destroyed face of Abomination with that bench and Wretched's right behind him... what's he got?

MH: It's a knife! It's a knife! Wretched's got a knife !

AL: Wretched cuts at Loki's side to force the Scamp to straighten . and now he's got the knife to his throat! He's got the knife to Loki's throat !! This is it! This is the end of the Demigods! I only hope they throw Erik in jail for the rest of his natural life!

[The crowd, who is WAY into this watching, POPS LIKE HELL for Loki.]

MH: Loki spits in Wretched's eye! He spits in Wretched's eye and stomps on the psychopath's boot! And he's knocked the knife loose! He's knocked the knife loose! Loki with a low. no! Wretched! Wretched traps the foot and there's Ben! Ben to his feet! Ben spins around Loki... INDIGNITY! INDIGNITY! LOKI HAS FELT THE ABOMINATION. S INDIGNITY! Chokeslam! Chokeslam on the floor!

AL: And Wretched goes over to the belts! He's got the belts and he - he sees one is the GCW tag-title! One is the GCW title, which Malignance held more times than any other team!! Wretched throws the GCW tag-belt away! Wretched throws the GCW tag-belt away and is going through Loki's bag! He's going through Loki's bag . he's got the other one! Both tag-titles are out! Both tag-titles are out!

[THWACK!]

MH: Loki! Loki! The little scamp that could wraps a chair around the kneecap of the Wretched! Wretched is staggered . Loki. s got both tag-title belts! Loki. s got both tag-title belts and he throws them over the balcony! Loki's outta there . FB: Uh-oh.

MH: Loki's path is blocked by the Abomination! Loki's path is blocked by the Abomination! Loki. tries a right hand! Where is Loki finding this kind of courage? Where's Loki finding it??

AL: Second right hand . caught! Caught!! Caught by Abomination! Straightjacket . SUPLEX! DOWN THE STAIRS!! SUPLEX DOWN THE STAIRS!! And Abomination crumbles to his knees! Both these teams are just beaten all to hell!

[Abomination has pulled himself to his feet, but he remains seated. He brings his knees up to his chest and rocks slowly. It is then that the Wretched, soaked in blood and limping, comes upon him.]

WRETCHED: Flesh of my flesh. Blood of my blood.

[The albino crouches down beside the Abomination. One pale hand reaches out, wiping blood away from Ben's face gently. Abomination looks up, his eyes half-open, as Erik wipes his face.]

WRETCHED: Who are you?

ABOMINATION: I am yours.

[And slowly, Abomination staggers to his feet. In sync, the two move off in the direction that the Demigods went. In the background, the shadows shift. The woman called Life flanked by Terrek Silverhand peer after the team. She shakes her head slowly.]

[Cut away.]

MH: Wretched's renewed his relationship with the Abomination as Kaitlyn and Ra are getting Loki to his feet! They've got the titles! They're gonna have the win! They're gonna have the win!!

FB: Not so fast, kemosabe.

AL: Wretched! Wretched! Wretched with a suicide dive! Suicide dive! Suicide dive by the Wretched - but the Demigods sidestep! They. re gonna escape! They're gonna survive! The Demigods are going to survive!!

MH: No, they're not! No, they're not! ABOMINATION!!! ABOMINATION! SUICIDE DIVE OF HIS OWN! SUICIDE DIVE OF HIS OWN! THE DEMIGODS ARE DOWN! THE DEMIGODS ARE DOWN !!!

AL: Holy crap. That's all I have to say.

MH: It's come down to this! The first team that can get one member out that door with both belts is our winner! The other team . well, both teams . are going to end up in the hospital for a long, long time. AL: Except they have to defend against the Hellwalkers at Three Ring Circus.

MH: Wretched's got a Bible! Wretched's got a bible! He's setting pages of the Bible on fire and throwing them at the Demigods! Erik has lost it! Erik is gone! There's only the Wretched now!

AL: There's no difference. None at all.

[FWOOOSH!]

MH: THE CHAPEL! THE CHAPEL! THE CHAPEL IS ON FIRE! THE CHAPEL IS ON FIRE !

AL: We saw the Wretched pouring gasoline everywhere earlier, and now the chapel's on fire!!

MH: Abomination and Ra trading fists through the pews!! Abomination - fist to the throat! Fist to the throat sends Ra spilling through a flaming pew! There are sparks everywhere! Fire everywhere! This is like they're battling on the lowest rung of hell!

AL: And Wretched's chasing Loki! He's chasing Loki with a candelabra! He's chasing Loki with a candelabra! The candles are burning!

FB: Burning? In this match? There's a surprise.

AL: Wretched's herding Loki! He's herding Loki to the alcove! He's herding him towards the altar! What's going through Wretched's mind now?

FB: "Kill annoying bastard. Must kill annoying bastard."

MH: Kaitlyn kneels next to Ra! Kaitlyn's stroking her husband's cheek! Abomination to his feet! He looms over them! Kaitlyn's pleading with Abomination! She's BEGGING him not to hurt Ra anymore! And Abomination shoves aside the woman! He shoves her into the wall! It's like Abomination. s no longer a man, he's just a monster!!

AL: And just like that, Ra. s back to his feet! Ra's back to his feet and he nails Abomination with a hard clothesline! That staggers Abomination! That staggers him again! Again, he's staggered! Ra! BODYSLAM! BODYSLAM! BODYSLAM!! Through a pew! Through a pew!

MH: Meanwhile, Wretched finally singes the Scamp. s chest with the candles! He twirls the candelabra and SMASHES it into Loki. s face! Loki goes flying onto the altar! Onto the altar!!

AL: Ra picks up a pew and drops it onto Ben's chest! He drops it onto Abomination's chest and LEAPS ONTO THE PEW! ON THE CHEST! ON THE CHEST! Ra just crushed Abomination! He crushed him with the pew!!

MH: Wretched's got the jagged end of that candelabra! He's chanting! Wretched's gonna sacrifice Loki on a Christian altar!

FB: Oh, we're gonna get mail. Lots of mail. Remember, the address is "Alex Pierce at 10 Centennial Plaza..." MH: Ra's running! Ra leaps over pews and charges at Wretched! He charges! He charges!! Shoulderblock! Flying shoulderblock! Flying shoulderblock to the back of the Wretched! Wretched is staggered! Wretched is staggered!!

AL: And Ra! Ra slams Wretched's head into the corner of the altar! He slams Wretched's head into the corner of the stone altar!!

MH: And Ra pulls up Erik! Ra pulls up Erik and has a hand around his throat... WRATH!! WRATH!! WRATH ON THE ALTAR ! Erik the Wretched just felt Ra's Wrath!!

AL: But there's Abomination!! There's Abomination!! With the pew! With the pew!! To the back! To the back! Pew to the back! Ra is staggered! Ra is staggered! His chest is busted open! He's not gonna make it! He's not gonna make it!

MH: And Abomination's helping up Wretched! Abomination's helping up his master - who's got a lamp! Wretched's got an oil lamp!! He throws it on Ra! He throws it on Ra!! No! No! No! No!!!

RA: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

WRETCHED: ....And thus died the sun in fire.

[Loki looks up at this, he looks at Kaitlyn Winters who Wretched had thrown into a wall. Loki wipes the blood from his eyes and stands.]

LOKI: BASTAAAARD!!!

[Loki charges and leaps. He spears Wretched into the fire and starts pounding on him. Abomination is stunned, but quickly pulls Loki up. Loki is holding a burning shard of wood from a pew. He sticks it into Abomination's cheek. The freak screams and drops Loki. Loki stands. and grabs Ra's feet, with great effort he pulls Ra out of the fire, Ra is black, but not in horrible shape all things considered. Loki collapses next to him, panting, out of strength.]

WRETCHED: Just in time my friend of Mischief.

[Wretched stands, his clothes still on fire. He walks toward the Demigods.]

MH: And Loki! Loki! Loki grabs Abomination. s head . tornado DDT! TORNADO DDT! TORNADO DDT ON THE STEPS! LOKI JUST SAVED THE DAY!!

FB: Why are you so surprised? WRETCHED: LOOK AT ME!

[Erik is perched on the cross, his hands extended at his sides and holding the belts. He's bloody, bruised, and still smoldering in place. His translucent hair has been soaked crimson and coated with grime. The Demigods stare up at him.]

WRETCHED: Let this image of me imprint itself into your mind. You cannot stop me. You can never beat me. You can never be rid of me. You can burn me, you can cut me, and you can kill me. I will always be with you. I will always leave my mark.

[The wooden cross crackles as the flame lap at it.]

WRETCHED: Never think that anything is over, until I say that it is over. Because I will always be inside of you.

[The cross, victim of the fire, begins to topple forward.]

WRETCHED: You will always exist in my shadow.

[And as the crucifix crashes to the ground, a cloud of ash and sparks shooting upward, Erik is throw forward toward the Demigods.]

MH: SUICIDE DIVE! SUICIDE DIVE! WRETCHED WITH A MODIFIED, UNINTENTIONAL SUICIDE DIVE!!!

AL: AND LOKI MEETS HIM WITH A DROPKICK! LOKI CATCHES WRETCHED WITH A DROPKICK! IT. S A DROPKICK TO THE FACE!!!

FB: Who woulda thunk Loki had it in him?

MH: Loki with two offensive moves and he has both members of Malignance reeling! And... Loki's got the title belts! Loki's got the title belts! He's running for it! He's running for it, but somehow! Somehow, Ben is up! It's a footrace to the end now! Loki is fast, but Ben's strides are huge! Ben's gonna catch him! Ben's gonna catch him!

AL: No, he's not .

[KRISH!]

MH: Abomination! Abomination snagged the belt! He snagged a belt as Loki goes through a window! Loki goes through the stained glass window, but Abomination has one of the tag- title belts in hand! Loki's in a pile on the ground outside and Abomination goes right after him! Abomination has one belt, Loki has one belt! Loki is down, and all Abomination has to do is take that title belt and we'll have new NWC tag-team champions!!

AL: Loki's got it under him, Marcus! Loki's got the tag-title belt underneath him and he's not letting go! He's not letting go!!

MH: Abomination is kicking field goals with Loki's ribs, but he's not letting go! FB: It's only a matter of time, Harden.

MH: Loki's gotta do something! He's gotta do something!!

AL: Loki's got a handful of broken glass! Loki's got a handful of broken glass and he RUBS IT IN ABOMINATION. S FACE! The monster is staggered and Loki flings his title belt back inside the cathedral! Loki's saved the day again!!

MH: And now he's gonna pay for it! Abomination's got Loki by his belt and he's yanking the scamp into the cathedral again! He's yanking the Scamp into the cathedral!!

AL: Ra is still down! He's still down and Wretched is there - APATHY!! APATHY! WRETCHED HAS THE APATHY LOCKED ON!! Ra is going out! Ra is going out!! Abomination! INDIGNITY! INDIGNITY ON LOKI! INTO THE RUBBLE! INTO THE RUBBLE!!! Loki is down! Ra is out! Ra is out!

FB: Kaitlyn!

MH: Kaitlyn leaps onto Wretched's back! Kaitlyn Winters is scratching at Erik's eyes! Erik is stumbling away! Ben is looking for the tag-titles! Ben's looking for the belts! They have no competition! No one to stop them! Malignance may finally do it!!

AL: They'd better do it soon - this fire's getting crazy.

MH: Abomination has one title belt... he's... he's found the second! He's found the second! Abomination's found the second title belt!! Now all he has to do is leave! All the Abomination must do is get out of the building and Malignance will win!!

FB: Only problem is... well, there's a big-ass guy there.

AL: Ra! Ra has walked through fire! Ra has walked through the flames, broken, bleeding and bruised and he's blocking Abomination's path!

FB: Here we go!

MH: One last fight! One last fight! Ra and Abomination! Ra and Abomination! Ra and Abomination exchanging fists and curses! Look at them! They can't stand each other! They cannot STOP each other!!

AL: Ben with a knee to the midsection! He's doubled over Ra! He's doubled over Ra! Standing headscissors! Standing headscissors! No! No! Ben's gonna powerbomb him! Ben's gonna powerbomb Ra into the glass! No, god, no!! No!!

MH: YES!! Ra slips out! Ra slips out at the last second! What stunning agility by the Sun God! He lands on his feet behind Abomination! Ben turns around . WRATH! WRATH! RA HIT ABOMINATION WITH THE WRATH!!! ABOMINATION IS DOWN! ABOMINATION IS DOWN! HOLY CRAP, WHAT A FIGHT!!

AL: Now RA has the tag-title belts! All he has to do is escape and the Demigods survive hell with Malignance for the tag-team championships! Ra's moving slowly towards the door! ["RA!" screams a poisonous voice. The Sun God stops and our camera angle shifts.]

MH: Wretched's got Kaitlyn! Wretched. s got Kaitlyn on the side of the balcony! He's gonna drop her! He's gonna drop her! That's a woman! It's a woman! A damn woman!!

["Noooooooooooooo!" comes the cry of our lovestruck Sun God!]

AL: Ra drops the belts! Ra drops the belts! Ra drops the belts and races across! WRETCHED DROPS KAITLYN! WRETCHED DROPS KAITLYN!! WRETCHED DROPPED HER!! Ra leaps - he caught her! He caught his wife! He caught his wife, but at what cost? At what cost? Ra just skidded over glass and rubble and fire and his cut was already open, but he's saved Kaitlyn! He's saved Kaitlyn!

MH: Ben pauses to check on Kaitlyn! Loki's up! Loki's up, it's a miracle! Loki's to his feet and he's got the title belts! One glance to his brother and sister-in-law and Loki's running! Loki's running for the door! Ben giving chase again! Can Ben stop him? Can Ben stop Loki?

AL: Wretched jumps! Wretched leaps from the balcony, grabs the chandelier and swings - SUICIDE DIVE! SUICIDE DIVE! SUICIDE DIVE! ALL THREE! ALL THREE ARE OUTSIDE!!

MH: Who's got the titles? Who's got the titles? Who are our champions?

AL: Referees skimming through the pile of destroyed flesh outside - who has the titles? Who has the titles? Who....

[GIGANTIC CROWD ROAR FROM OUTSIDE AND THE COMPLEX!]

MH: LOKI! LOKI'S GOT THE TITLES! LOKI'S GOT THE TITLE BELTS! LOKI'S GOT THE TITLES! THE DEMIGODS WIN! THE DEMIGODS WIN! THE DEMIGODS! THE DEMIGODS ARE STILL THE NWC TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!! WHAT A WAR!! WHAT A FIGHT!! WHAT A NIGHT!!

FB: Listen to these people! They're chanting!

[Indeed, they are. The entire Purgatory Complex is chanting right now as the referees and EMTs see to the participants.]

["LO-KI!!"]

["LO-KI!!"]

["LO-KI!!"]

MH: What an event tonight has been, fans, and we still have one more night to go! One more night for heroes to be made and stories to be told! One more night for the NWC to present... PURGATORY!!

AL: [long breath] I don't know if we can do another one of these, Marcus.

MH: We don't have a choice, Al! For Al Lucente and "The Major" Frank Barr, I'm Marcus Harden . what a war we've seen! Good night everyone, here from Venice!

FB: The night's still young! And what a great night it will be! I MADE THE CENTURY CLUB!

AL: You did?

FB: HEEELLL YEEEAAAAAAHHH!!! [throws a empty bottle over his head]

[Splash ! We begin to fade out, and the last thing we see is Loki's bleary, nearly unconscious smiling mug as the Scamp asks if they've won.]

[nwcouncil.tripod.com]

[Static.]

[We are welcomed back to the Purgatory Complex, but only for a brief moment. No, only a fleeting second passes where we think we see an even bigger mass of spectators than the night before. Indeed, what we're given is only blackscreen.] [The two people vying for control of the National Wrestling Council are shown, one, the familiar, feared magnate known as Schukar. Marcus Harden's voice provides the voice-over again..]

Marcus Harden (MH): This man's road to today has been long and winding, starting with the unforgettable NWC: Friday Night Fury.

[A shot of Eugene Robinson's interview featuring the Executive Head himself. He's asked by Robinson for advice, how he'd willed the NWC back to its former greatness. CS' response is only to "reward your allies, and crush your critics".]

MH: This man isn't just whistling dixie, as many of us located at NWC's Executive Towers in Atlanta realize. He has fired former World Champions, former Executive Directors, and former Regional Heads. And that's not all.

[Pause. Pictures of the SCCW, Dave Gordon, and it's logo flash up.]

MH: He paved the way for SCCW not to be closed by approval vote, quickly firing Shawn Murphy and backing Doctor Mystery's rise to power. In fact, that concept of the unknown - of mystery - has been masterfully at Schukar's hand every mile of his own Road To Purgatory.

[A pause.]

MH: One of my friends said that the unknown was Schuk's bishop, as he played the ultimate chess game of power and control against a completely shrouded adversary.

[A picture of.. nothing. Blackness. Darkness. All that is truly known about Alex Pierce.]

MH: No, there is no story quite like that the NWC has told in recent months. No story as winding, as surprising, as memorable, or as far-reaching. The men involved were numerous, their own motivations spun off from the great struggle for control of this ship.

[A slow, harmonious Symphony soundtrack plays..]

MH: We have watched this test of both virtue and deceit, almost polling to see which is the more popular. Indeed, that timeless line between good and evil in this tale is.. a fickle one, which depends solely on who you talk to about the subject.

[Next, a photo of The Justice Department's MASSIVE banner for one of their "And Justice For All" shows.]

MH: Schukar then up and declared Hawaii Island Wrestling a new region out of nowhere. But only when his time was well and right, by revealing that not only was Devon Justice the mysterious advisor, "Frank", who gave him the idea to, many think, poison this man..

[A on-file shot of "Warrior" Ken Nemesis. This one's from Across Enemy Lines One, where he cleanly defeats James "911" Hill in the Main Event of Night One.]

MH: ..but he was the man behind HIW all along. Why did they decide to take Ken's dignity? All for the power. [A pause. Harden's emotions clearly come through.]

MH: Yes, the bastard even attempted to kick out two of the regions of this Council for not "honoring" his appearance at their event. He has extended blasphemy to new limits in Professional Wrestling... taking it upon himself to strip titles, reinstate titles, and designate a new NWC Title, the NWC United States Championship.

[Eugene "High Society" Robinson's shocking turn on Anton MacTavish from "Illuminati" is replayed. We've seen this clip more than a few times, hmm?]

MH: All for his original move, in the past, to lay the seeds of what is now this wrestling juggernaut. Yes, that despicable man has persevered like none other, but in retrospect, I must say the _only_ particular genius of it was his own timing.

[The very first, original logo of the NWC comes onscreen. It looks a little more bright- colored, more promotional, less distinguished than the traditional one we're all used to.]

MH: Then, what some would say when it went too far. Others would say the "good stuff". Maybe the point where it all turned psychotic. That's possible. Where it truly lost any meaning and became a farce, a grand joke. This is possible, too.

[One lettered word appears: Apocalypse.]

MH: BSW "Apocalypse". Taking all of that past from the GWA, which closed down just a short time before then, and twisting it around like some crazed, demented sociopath. [pauses] I'm sorry, I used to work with him there. I just took it all to heart myself, because of how it happened.

[A still-frame appears. It's Executive Director Schukar, on the second rope at "BSW: Apocalypse". After stripping Roadkill's title, and giving it to final champ Estavan, CS won his most precious token.]

MH: Sick.

[That token? His commemorative gold GWA World Heavyweight Championship belt. His words are played, in a slow echo.. "You cannot conquer the future, until you conquer the past."]

MH: Just sick. That moment, one many true NWC historians regard as highly significant as much as they want to forget about it, is when I think it all changed. It was just... wrong.

[They have no trouble finding a file picture, a pose with either Schukar holding the title, or Schuk Security holding it for him while he holds his cellphone.]

MH: There was more. The Executive determined that his longstanding plan to break through the "Talent Curtain" of Georgia Championship Wrestling was intentionally wiped out by the, I believe he said "nepotists" there.

[Harden sighs deeply at the quote. We switch to a shot of Schukar completely interrupting the start of GCW Monday Night Glory. He sat there, cold faced in the ring, after verbally berating the company which he said "stonewalled" him.] MH: In reality, Georgia was just the luckiest region. One man, sometimes, could not keep up with the intricate web of supply and demand, in power terms, that was Chris' stock and trade. Some people who believe in what's right, including myself, simply wonder when the power tripping parade would end. When it would finally get old.

[The now-familiar logo for "NWC: Purgatory" comes up.]

MH: I think it's safe to say that Night Two of Purgatory, which we are about to begin, may be that terrific day of victory. That celebration - it is either tonight..

[We bear heavy eyes, this time, on the "blacked out face" logo which has often been synonymous with the visage of Alex Pierce.]

MH: Or it - is never.

[BOOM!]

[We switch down to the Complex!]

MH: WELCOME TO NIGHT TWO! THE SEVENTH LEVEL!!

[Once, this place stood in direct opposition of Rome and the Vatican. With pyrotechnics galore and explosions that again rock this huge shell background we're seeing again, we return to the Purgatory Complex across Venice's historic Piazza San Marco.]

[The fans are rocking, the shell is stable on the water, and the announcers are ready to roll again.]

Al Lucente (AL): You are looking LIVE at the masses of Venice! You are looking LIVE at the Purgatory Complex!

Frank Barr (FB): [sarcastic] We're live! We're live! So what. You know, you dumb bastards say crap twice waaa-aaay too much!

MH: You're gonna start already, huh? Fans, I'm Marcus Harden! With me once again, to do the color-commentary we've got the "Al-Mighty" Al Lucente, former Owner of Motor City Wrestling! And with him, the man who reportedly drank one hundred brews in one hundred minutes last night..

FB: Reportedly? What the f[bleep]k is that supposed to mean, jerkoff?

[Barr raises his arms to the crowd, and Harden waves at the air. "The Major" gets another good reaction from the crowd.] AL: Tonight, we've got more great matches from the Road To Purgatory, as that reaches its conclusion! Someone's gonna win control of the WHOLE National Wrestling Council, and the tournament winner gets all the fame, all the glory, and a shot at the big one!

MH: Yes! The NWC World Heavyweight Championship!

FB: The current champion, regardless of who he is then, is gonna get slaughtered by whoever wins this tournament. I can just FEEL it.

MH: Tonight, we'll see "Peerless" Hunter Sabuani and Blade in a hardcore match! The Mystery Entrant takes on Eugene "High Society" Robinson, the NWC United States Champion!

AL: Are YOU saying that, too?

MH: Hyuk Suh Kim is challenged by Colby "Impact Player" Fairchild, and "The Blessed" Henry Johnson's crusade runs up against the Navy Seal, Maxton "Stainless Steel" Rainstone!

FB: Funny, I'm kind of at a loss for what *I* can do tonight, to top last night!

[Barr amuses himself.]

FB: Hey, fatties. I bet either of you guys could hold down that much alcohol.

MH: Want to bet, General Patton?

FB: Whoa-whoa. Hardy Boy, I've got the products, I've got a funnel, and I've got a kegerator right over there. I've even got my double can helmet, too! We're set!

AL: Do I get in on this? And fans, the SCCW Heavyweight Title will be on the line in "The Seventh Level" match. I don't know if it can possibly top last night's incredible NWC World Tag Team Championship war, but it's certainly gonna try!

MH: That should be an explosive match. Literally!

[Barr groans.]

MH: You've got Leveticus, Crimson Prophet, and Devo Tremors all hoping to fill the vacant SCCW Title that Gordon vacated just over a week ago!

AL: The Georgia Heavyweight Title's at stake, in a Crucifix Match! Scorn versus Steve Gaines.. who will strap their opponent to the crucifix first and get it hoisted?

FB: Even more, if someone interferes for either guy, that guy loses and he has to retire! So much is at stake tonight, Lucente, it's amazing.

AL: Well, even I'll admit your feat last night is amazing if you actually did it.. MH: Then, we're going to our floating barge ring, with scaffolding setup, for a Battle Royal! One representative from each region will fight it out with no rules, no real referee, and the canals of Venice await all but the winner!

AL: That winner gets a World J-Crown Shot! And the man he'll face may be whoever survives the Three-Way-Terror Match!

MH: It's Elimination Rules for the NWC World J-Crown Championship.. the Uppermost Echelon's Collin Montgomery defends against two men, "Drifter" Abbott McCain and Trent Shylax!

FB: Who knows what's gonna happen in that one? I'd have to guess that one of the guys from the Battle Royal manages to interfere, somehow..

AL: Then, there's the big one! For the NWC World Heavyweight Title.. "Bermuda" Billy Page of SCCW gets his long-awaited chance to take on the champion, "Showtime" Trey Slater of NEWS! Will Slater's reign finally come to a halt, here at the biggest Pay-Per-View in NWC history?

MH: We'll see, but now we've got to go to the ring for Second Round "Road To Purgatory" action!

FB: Is this the good match or the boring match?

AL: None of these matches are boring, Frank!

["The Major" just decides to ignore Lucente, instead starting off this mother by putting on his two-can beer helmet.]

FB: Oh, yes. I went there.

[Marcus Harden rolls his eyes, as we cut to commercial..]

MH: Folks, as we are getting set for the second round Schukar Bracket match, we have learned that, just to make things interesting, Chris Schukar has made this match a Texas Death match!

AL: I believe this is because the winner of this match may have to face Eugene "High Society" Robinson, Schukar's main man. He wants Eugene to win and we all know it.

FB: You two need to shut up with your conspiracy theories. You aren't Mel Gibson, Al, and you sure as hell don't look like Julia Roberts, Marcus.

MB: The following is a second-round match in the Schukar bracket of the Road to Purgatory tournament and will be a special TEXAS DEATH MATCH!

[A modicum of cheers; for Schukar, and the brutality of his bracket.]

MB: He is from the bad side of Las Vegas, Nevada and stands six feet tall! He weighs in at two hundred twenty-three and --

[VROOOOOOOM!]

[The echoing sounds of a motorcycle's engine pours through the canals, loud and echoing -- there may be more than one of these. For a long moment, there's only the angry roar and the acoustics draw the sound out so they could be coming from anywhere. Cue the beginning of Innercorse's "King of the Ring," those rocking drums barely making themselves heard over the noise.]

[Michael Buffer is such a professional that he's continued his introduction, even if it can only be heard subconsciously until those engines finally die.]

MB: -- is! PEERLESS!! HUN-TER!

SAAAAAAAABUUUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAANIIIIIIII!!!!!

[THACK-THACK!]

[Echoing double-shots of Coterie black and gold pyros crisscross over the entranceway as the roar of the revving bikes transforms into the sound of their travel and two motorcycles launch themselves through the curtain, skimming down the rampway. The first is a modified double-strutted Harley Davidson low rider, midnight blue with a flame across the gas tank, and it carries the Big Man of the Clan, who is once again accompanying Sabuani to ringside.]

AL: We all saw what Cassidy O'Hollerin is capable of last night, gentlemen, and with that baseball bat in his hands, I sure wouldn't want to face him.

MH: Can't *any* of these Schukar idiots handle one of these matches alone?

[A yard or three behind Cass is a bike that's all too familiar to Georgian wrestling fans. A matte-black crotch-rocket zooms beside the Pinnacle of Power Wrestling's beast, its purple racing stripes glimmering in the overhead light. Designed for speed and nothing more, the bike holds both Sabuani and a passenger who's undoubtedly a woman, though Hunter reaches with a free hand to yank her wrists up from their rather low hang around his waist.]

[Once at ringside, Cass stops at the base of the ramp, hefting is razorwire covered bat and grinning like there's no tomorrow. The Big Man is wearing dark jeans and a sleeveless red denim shirt, his Armani shades sliding first to Hunter and his companion, then up the ramp. He grins wide.]

FB: Tastes great, less filling. [O'Hollerin waits as both the Raja and the woman dismount the other bike, their helmets unstrapped and removed in an instant. The man is, indeed, Sabuani, wearing black corduroy cargo pants and an unbuttoned denim shirt of his own, soft blue and with a white T-shirt underneath. He slides into the ring, not waiting for the woman, who many will recognize from this week as the seductive Siren, Katsidy (and then they'd understand why Hunter doesn't want to deal with her).]

[Katsidy's poured into leather pants and a black and white checkered, long-sleeved men's dress shirt that's tied up so high it barely covers her shoulderblades, nevermind her torso. She grins real wide at the wolf-whistles from the crowd as she struts calmly over to the side of the ring apron to bend over (conveniently, the camera is right there to watch the leather strain against her rear) and tug a black duffel bag from beneath the ring.]

[In the ring, Sabuani grins and grins wide as he climbs to the second rope of one of the corners facing the entrance to lift a fist into the air. Then he pivots and settles into a seated position on the top rope, waiting.]

MH: Cass on the outside with a bat, Katsidy on the other side and who *knows* what's in that little black bag! This can't be anything but trouble for Blade!

["Sad But True" by Metallica plays.]

# HEY #

# I'M YOUR LIFE #

# I'M THE ONE WHO TAKES YOU THERE #

# HEY #

# I'M YOUR LIFE #

# I'M THE ONE WHO CARES #

# THEY #

# THEY BETRAY #

# I'M YOUR ONLY TRUE FRIEND NOW #

# THEY #

# THEY'LL BETRAY #

#I'M FOREVER THERE #

# I'M YOUR DREAM, MAKE YOU REAL #

# I'M YOUR EYES WHEN YOU MUST STEAL # # I'M YOUR PAIN WHEN YOU CAN'T FEEL #

[The fans rise and look towards the curtains...]

# SAD BUT TRUE! #

[Red fireworks go off, starting on the ends of the stage and working in towards the rampway. You count eight on each side, sixteen total. Through the fireworks steps the SCCW Gambler's Heritage Champion, Blade, and his manager Hannibal "The Cannibal".]

Michael Buffer: Coming to the ring at this time, accompanied by Hannibal "The Cannibal", from Miami, Florida... weighing in at two hundred, sixty four pounds... the Master of the Bladeplex... HERE IS BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAADE!

[Blade stands at the entrance, mocking the crowd as he points to the shiny gold around his waist. He casually walks to the ring, looking very confident despite his opponent's size and reputation. He leaps to the apron and turns to check out the fans' responses to him, which are... "not appealing", to say the least. Blade backs onto the bottom rope and leans on the top rope.]

[The bell rings, and the crowd begins to pop as the action gets underway early, Blade with a kick right to the ribs of Hunter Sabuani, doubling him up. A few members of the crowd start to get excited as Blade sets up the Peerless One for a piledriver. Hunter counters with a backdrop to send Blade to the mat, and then hits him with a kick in the side of the head. He brings Blade back to his feet and whips him into the ropes, but a duck of the head allows Blade to stun him with a rocker dropper facefirst into the canvas.]

AL: Ouch what a move! Blade is looking to end this one early.

MH: You know, this type of match is tailor-made for a man such as Blade. When a quote unquote man like Hunter Sabuani wins a hardcore match, that's the day I'll streak the arena.

FB: No! Don't say that! I don't want to have to cheer Blade on!

[Blade flips Sabuani over onto his stomach and tries for a pinfall, but the GCW rep escapes with a kickout at two. Blade pulls him back and sends him immediately over the top rope to the floor, but Hunter manages to skin the cat and pulls himself right back over the top rope onto his feet.]

[Blade's back is turned, fully expecting Sab to be out on the concrete, which is why Sabuani manages to absolutely _PLANT_ Blade with a superkick off the jaw, sending Blade through the ropes out to the floor on the other side. The crowd boos Sab, who takes a bow before exiting out to the floor with much gusto. He pulls Blade to his feet and smashes his head off the guardrail, but Blade takes it and grins, then smashes PHS low in the groin.]

AL: Don't do that, I hear he likes it. FB: Can we just call the match, please?

MH: Come now, Frank... surely you're not shy on matters of a physical nature? It's as natural as... [sees Rat, friend of Sabuani watching from nearby] well, not _That_.

[Blade sends Sabuani crashing hard into the ringsteps, which buckle but don't move more than a few inches. He peels his opponent up off the floor and puts him on his shoulder, but it's Sabuani who slithers down Blade's back and sends him facefirst into the ringpost, then knees him in the back to take a second close look at the steel. Blade staggers back and flops to the floor, and Sabuani is quick to hook a leg. The referee slides out of the ring and drops to make the count, getting in a three count. And the crowd boos.]

AL: Unbelievable! Hunter Sabuani makes the first fall of the contest, when everyone figured Blade would just be all over Hunter.

MH: Two things. First off, there's too many jokes to make about Blade being 'all over Sab'. And second, a pinfall doesn't mean sweet jack diddly if Blade can answer the ten count.

[Well, let's see. The referee makes it to six before Blade pulls himself up to his feet with the bottom rope, and Sabuani grabs his hair to put him into a headlock, pulling him onto his feet in the process. Blade responds with a back suplex into the ringsteps, and now they move another six inches to a foot at least. Still however, they don't come apart, proving once again that Salvation Army goods are second to none.]

FB: That speaks for itself, I think.

[Floyd sits up, and then grabs Hunter's leg, bending it into the ground and stomping directly on the back of the knee. Sabuani screams out in pain, which prompts a chant of "Sissy! Sissy!" from the fans at ringside, and matters aren't helped as Sab's manager, Rat, runs up behind Blade and proceeds to paintbrush the back of his head. This draws his attention, and Blade advances upon Rat, who's quick to back right up, shrieking and begging for her life.]

FB: Oh come on, deck her! Deck her!

MH: Something's definitely wrong with you Frank.

AL: Why do you think that about ol Frank?

MH: The idiot of this announce team is showing a lack of class by wanting Blade to hit a woman.

AL: Sabuani with a low blow! Sabuani with a low blow, after coming up behind Blade!

FB: You just said a mouthful, and I just drank one! [gulp]

[Blade drops to his knees as Hunter Sabuani has used the distraction to his advantage. A rake of his back allows Sabuani to pound on Blade with a sledgehammer blow, but slowly Blade begins to return to his feet. When Hunter throws a haymaker, Blade blocks, and stuns his opponent with a deadly shot to the chin.] [The process is repeated twice more, and then an atomic drop leaves Hunter Sabuani on wobbly legs. A lariat drops him straight to the floor on his back, and Blade grabs Sabuani's legs, splits the uprights and then asks the crowd for their opinion. Not surprisingly, they give him the green light. And with one kick, Blade has answered the wish of just about everyone in the building.]

AL: Blade kicked him! What a devastating shot! Hunter Sabuani will _NOT_ be singing baritone in the choir next weekend.

FB: He was already a soprano before, what's this make him now?

MH: I'm surprised that hurt him at all.

[Blade yanks a dazed and confused Hunter Sabuani to his feet, scoops him up onto his shoulder and drops him throatfirst onto the steel barrier surrounding the ring. Sabuani chokes and begins to roll, as far away from Blade as he possibly can as the crowd pops wildly for the extreme icon. Blade stomps Hunter a few more times, and then grabs a steel folding chair.]

MH: Blade's taking this right to the "Peerless" One! NO love lost, here!

FB: How much research did that take, champ?

[He starts to swing it down across Hunter's back, but Rat again comes up behind and latches onto the chair, as best she can. Rat grasps the chair as Blade turns around, but lets go as Blade gets that look in his eyes. Again she backs up, but this time Sabuani's not in a position to Golata his opponent, as Blade drops the chair and blasts Rat with a forearm. Or, so he tries.]

AL: CASS! BIG CASS blasts Blade, with that steel chair Blade dropped! I don't believe it.

FB: Al buddy, you really don't? Poor, naive Al.

MH: Cass is picking up Blade now and Blade headbutts Cass across the chin, startling. He grabs the chair and....

[WHAM!]

MH: ..Down goes Cass!

FB: Payback's a real b[bleep]h for Hunter's biggest b[bleep]h! HAHA!

[Blade turns around, and reclaims the steel chair he dropped after blasting Cass. Hunter Sabuani is to his knees now(insert your own joke here), and Blade flattens him with a swinging chairshot to the side of the head. Sabuani slumps, and Blade puts a foot on his chest at the head of the aisle. The referee drops for another pin attempt, and Blade evens things up at one fall apiece. POP!]

AL: It's one to one, but in a texas death match obviously the count of falls means nothing. [The referee starts to place a ten count on Hunter Sabuani, but to the chagrin of the entire Purgatory crowd it would appear, Sabuani gets back to his knees by the count of seven! FB: Blade's right there, smashing his face into the barrier! Not bad.

MH: Sabuani is draped over the barrier, practically out on his feet, and Blade smashes him in the lower back with the chair! That causes him to stand straight up, and begins to prance up the aisle to block out the pain..

[Blade grabs the chair and places it straight across his arm, then runs right at Sabuani and drops him with a steel aided lariat. Sabuani drops to his knees, and Blade drops the chair to the floor, grabs him with a front facelock and starts to choke his opponent out. A scoop leads to a backbreaker across his knee, and now he goes for a lateral press halfway up the aisle.]

MH: Come on Blade, put that fairy away!

AL: Here's a cover... kickout by Sabuani! Where'd he find the strength to break the pin attempt?

FB: Probably his purse.

[Blade sits up, and then grabs Sab by the head, stands and dumps him over the guardrail into the crowd. Rat runs up the aisle after the two, shouting out insults directed at Blade, insults that fall on deaf ears. Blade pulls Sabuani to his feet and hits him with three reverse knife- edge chops across the throat, then throws him by the hair into a pile of chairs. Sabuani goes flying through the audience, and upon sitting up, he touches his lip, sees a small trace of crimson on his finger, and begins to shriek louder than before, wringing his hands and flailing his legs.]

AL: This is becoming quite a show, isn't it? Hunter Sabuani is obviously squeamish today. Unfortunately he got stuck in a texas death match, with "Brutal" Brian Floyd of all people?

FB: Who the hell's that?

MH: Rat probably handles all of Hunter's business. And I'll bet they don't talk about business in bed.

AL: Marcus, please!

FB: It doesn't matter how Sabuani feels now, he might win this Road to Purgatory tournament.

[Blade stomps Sabuani in the face and drags him to his feet, but an irish whip into the guardrail is reversed, and Hunter charges blindly with a running forearm shot. Blade is knocked onto his knees, and Hunter delivers a very quick snap suplex to the concrete before sitting up and grabbing a steel chair. Holding it with only a few of his fingers, he swings lightly and connects with Blades head, but Blade continues to rise to his feet.]

[The two men brawl right back through the crowd until they reach the entrance, and go around the side of it, Hunter Sabuani being put over the railing and through an area of wiring, cables and steel beams. Blade climbs over and follows Sabuani, who crawls further back and in on his hands and knees.] AL: We'll try to keep up with this action folks, please bear with us as they two make their way through the Purgatory Complex.

FB: For the love of god I hope they don't wind up in Lee Clark's locker room. This is only a TV-14 rated show and I don't want to know what's in there.

AL: Just break his damn neck!

MH: Always succinctly put, Al.

[Sabuani and Blade battle into an open area in the back, and Blade sends Sabuani ass over tea kettle into a pile of steel rods, which of course breaks the bindings and sets them rolling, the entire pile collapsing and rods starting to go everywhere. Sabuani tries to get to his feet, but as he does the rods continue to roll underneath him, and Blade smashes him into the floor finally with a running elbow into the back of the head.]

[He covers, and the referee is there with a count of three. Again Sabuani dissapoints by returning to his feet, and Blade levels him with a punch to the face. Sabuani starts to move away from Blade, and picks up a mop in the process.]

AL: It looks like Hunter Sabuani is going to start to clean up.

FB: You've heard the stories about the perverted janitor at the local high school? Looks like it's about to come true here in Italy.

[Sabuani sticks the wet mop in Blade's face and knocks him backwards into a cement column, then smashes him across the arm with it. A second shot, this time to the stomach, snaps the mop in half and Sabuani begins to poke Blade in the ribs with it, scratching him in several different places. A kneelift up against the column knocks the wind out of Blade, and Sabuani tries to work Blade over with a headbutt followed with a piledriver.]

[Blade starts to backdrop Sabuani over his head, but Hunter manages to stop it and throws Blade to the floor. Hunter starts to run into a room backstage, and emerges with a trashcan. He raises it to level Blade with the thing, but Blade dodges and stuns Sabuani with a boot to the stomach. Hunter instantly drops to the floor, and Blade picks up the garbage can and nails Sabuani with it, leaving it dented and wrapped around his head.]

MH: Blade just BASHED him!

[The crowd out in the arena bursts into cheers, and Rat, watching the video screen, bites her fingernails in anguish.]

AL: Chalk this up for Blade, this one may just be over soon. Hunter Sabuani has been playing catchup for nearly the entire match now, Blade, the Gambler's Heritage Champion, is much more accustomed to this style!

MH: You think a loss like this would be enough to get Sabuani out of NWC?

FB: Don't you mean GCW? [Blade peels the trashcan off the side of Sabuani's head and drops to make the cover, and again Hunter Sabuani is down for the three count. The crowd begins to pop more wildly than before, fully expecting the ten count to go off without a hitch. You'd think they would have learned to expect the unexpected, and Hunter Sabuani stumbles to his feet just under the ten count.]

[Blade is surprised from behind(no, not that way!) with a steel rod to the spine, and Hunter Sabuani struggles to keep from passing out after he draws blood, which is trailing down Blade's back. He bends the rod over Blade's head and snaps him into the concrete with a DDT, then lazily covers Blade by lying back on top of him with one arm, and no hook of the leg.]

AL: Good lord, Hunter Sabuani put Blade down! There's the three count! Now let's see if Blade can recover in time to answer the count of ten.

MH: He'd better. He'll never live it down in the locker rooms if Sabuani manages to get a win over him in this type of match.

[Blade fights to his feet rather quickly, surprising the crowd and delighting them. Sabuani rakes his face and then his back again, cinching in a headlock before Blade sends him crashing onto a table set up with coffee and donuts. The table doesn't break, at least not before Blade grabs Hunter, lifts up and executes his patented...]

AL: BLADEPLEX THROUGH THE TABLE! Hunter Sabuani is in a pile of trouble here folks! Blade just dropped him through a table on his head!

FB: It ain't over yet.

[Blade covers Sabuani, but rather than take the easy three count, he lifts Hunter's shoulders up at two and a half. The crowd begins boo, and Blade lifts Hunter up for a second Bladeplex. He lifts, but as he raises up Hunter manages to use the momentum to come down behind Blade, still hooked in the facelock except now it's Floyd in position. Hunter scoops his opponent up into a DVD position, and before the crowd can say "What the hell?", executes a nasty looking Perfect Ending straight into the concrete floor.]

MH: PERFECT ENDING! HUNTER SABUANI NAILED THE PERFECT ENDING!

FB: I told you.. it wasn't over yet.

[Sabuani drapes his arm across Blade for the three count, and then rolls away, leaning in a corner as the referee places a ten count on Blade. 1... 2... 3...]

AL: Good god, good god! Hunter Sabuani may win! He might actually win this thing! What a devastating maneuver, that Perfect Ending.

[4... 5... 6...]

MH: Dammit Blade, get your sorry ass up! Rise!

[7... 8... Blade begins to stir, but only just.] AL: What a stunning turnaround this would be if Hunter Sabuani can pull it off and move on! Blade looked to have his number early on, but if he can-

FB: Stay down, Blade. It's better this way.

[9... Blade begins to roll around, and uses his forearms to prop himself up. He starts to rise, and then...... 10 !]

AL: He dropped again! Hunter Sabuani wins! Hunter Sabuani!

MB: Here is your winner... HHUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEERRRRRRR SSSSSSSAAAAAAABBBBBBBUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNIIIIIIII!

[Rat, Cass, and Kat run back to the locker rooms upon Hunter's name being announced as the winner, and Sabuani struggles to his feet, walking away from "Blade.]

AL: Well, it looks like Mr. Schukar may have gotten his wish. If Robinson makes it, Hunter Sabuani is gonna be in bad shape for the Finals of the Schukar bracket.

AL: Oh, gosh..

MH: What?

AL: I just realized what you said earlier.

FB: Who?

AL: Marcus. [thinks] What? [remembers] Yeah! Didn't you say you'd streak through the arena if Sabuani got past this one?

MH: I did?!

FB: HELL NO! I will shoot myself right here, right now!

MH: [coy] Hey, I might just do it then..

AL: Welcome back, fans! "NWC: Purgatory" moves right along.

MH: Al, we've got a camera backstage where Abbott McCain is standing by! Let's switch to the back.

[Cue backstage.] [We cut to a middle-aged man, standing outside the door of a makeshift locker-room erected specifically for the Purgatory event. He is sporting the attire of a NWC Purgatory official, dress-trousers, white shirt, tie and blazer. Pinned to his breast is a nameplate identifying himself as "Head of Security" [HoS], although it looks pretty suspect at close inspection.]

[Knock. Knock.]

[Knock. Knock.]

HoS: Mr. McCain. Are you in there?

AM: [Voice replies from inside] Who is it?

HoS: Head of Security Mr McCain. I have a message that needs to be forwarded to you from one, Michael Bold.

AM: Ok. Come on in.

[The man opens the door and steps inside. We see "The Drifter" seated on a bench, facing his designated locker, leaning forward slightly with his head bowed and forearms resting comfortably on his knees. Placed by his side are a few personal trinkets and a water bottle that he picks up and takes a noisy hit from. Finally in his own good time McCain opens his eyes, raises his head and acknowledges the presence of the other.]

AM: What can I do for ya chief?

[Producing a scrap of paper from his blazer pocket, the man begins to read& ]

HoS: Mr. Bold says he would like to see you. He wasn't too clear on the reason, all he mentioned was that it was for business purposes. He's in [mumbles] Section D: Room 7.

[We manage to get a peek at the scrap of paper before the man stuffs it back quickly back into his blazer. It is, in fact, blank. There is nothing written on it at all. He is sweating and looks pretty nervous. McCain notices this but shrugs it off.]

AM: [nods] I think I know what this is about. Where did you say he was?

HoS: [startled - mumbling] Section C: Room 11.

AM: What? Where is that, anyway?

HoS: Maybe I should just show you personally. Could you follow me, please? It's not far at all.

AM: [agreeing] Ok..

[McCain stuffs his personal belongings into his locker and secures the locker door. The pair step out into the corridor. Taking lead the HoS guy motions for McCain to follow.] HoS: Right this way, sir.

[They proceed down the hallway. As they pass another door much like that of McCain's. It swings quietly open. Out step two men, one being instantly recognisable as BSW owner "Primetime" Bryan Taylor. The other is a relative stranger to audiences. He is the newly acquired bodyguard of Taylor who goes by the name, Gabe Knox, a huge Ox of a man with a back the size of Texas. The latter is hefting a chair that he raises over his head while rushing up behind an unwary McCain.]

AL: That's Bryan Taylor. A very powerful NWC figure. But who's the other buffoon?

FB: You mean enormously big buffoon, who's just about to smash McCain over the head with that chair. I don't know.

THWACK!

MH: Chairshot! Square on McCain's unprotected head.

THWACK!

AL: And again! McCain is down!

THWACK! THWACK!

MH: More chairshots to McCain's right-leg this time! McCain is getting fair pulverised. I can't watch anymore. It's too brutal to even look at. Bryan Taylor standing over McCain laughing. Taylor takes the chair now.

THWACK! THWACK !

AL: This is diabolical. Why did he have to go and do something like that? A man from his very own roster, and Taylor has him beaten mercilessly. Someone better get the EMT's out there straight away. Call&

FB: Sshhh! Taylor is talking.

[Bryan Taylor [BT] passes the chair over to Knox then pulls a thick wad of notes out of his breast pocket. Separating a couple of crisp bills from the pile he hands them over to the "Head of Security" who snatches them greedily and scampers down the hall-way.]

BT: [pointing a finger in McCain's face] Remember me grease monkey? You know, that guy you decided to f[beep] over at Future's Edge. MY Future's Edge!

AM: [between gritted teeth] F[beep] You.

BT: [laughing] Good, you do remember me. What did I promise you, McCain? Huh!? Tell me, before I spill your brains over these lovely new walls!

AM: Go shag a goat. [visibly winces] BT: [more laughter] I promised that you'd get yours sooner or later didn't I? DIDN'T I ? I told you no one crosses me and gets away with it without paying ten-fold didn't I? But you wouldn't listen. No! You had to go against the powers that be because you suddenly found a damn conscience. You put some goody-goody "get-you-nowhere" values before a career that I could have made the greatest Blugrass State Wrestling had ever seen. You chose to side with the biggest pack of losers the other side of the Atlantic instead. MORON!

[SLAM! Knox brings his boot down on McCain's head, pinning him to the ground.]

BT: Now you must pay the consequences, and I am those consequences McCain. See, when "Primetime" makes a promise, he makes it a matter of principle to keep it. When "Primetime" makes a threat, he has to keep that too, because I never go back on my word. Never! And now McCain, now you have nothing, just as I said. No precious J-Crown shot for you, I put a stop to that. The sad thing is, I'm not even half-finished with you!

["BOOOOOO!!!"]

BT: Wait until you get back to Kentucky where I can use the extent of my powers to there fullest. This is only a walk in the park compared to the hell I'm going to put you through. Might as well cut your losses now by throwing your pathetic body into some canal and drowning yourself! Buh-bye McCain. See you at home.

[Taylor, and his hulking mass of a bodyguard, leave McCain beating the ground with his fists in fury. The EMTs arrive on the scene soon after and carry the injured grappler away.]

[Cut back to ringside.]

AL: Newsflash folks. Hot off the printers. We now could have a two-way battle for the J- Crown championship. There's no way in this world McCain's making it to the ring tonight. Not walking anyway.

FB: Well not unless Mr God [marks the sign of a cross across his chest] ambles out of the pearly gates of Heaven and grants McCain a miracle. [snort] Yeah right!

MH: We've got more great Night Two action on the way!

FB: [gulp] [big gulp]

MH: Let's go to Michael "Could Be" Buffer, already in the ring!

MB: The following match is a second round contest in the Road To Purgatory Tournament! Introducing first...

[The lights dim once again as four large flames cover the entryway. "Eye of the Tiger" plays through the announce system as the lights start to strobe.]

AL: Could it be? Is it the return of the White Tiger? Is he here to face off against his old friend?

MH: Is the Mystery Entrant a bulked up White Tiger?!

FB: What the hell? Last night he was Victor Manson wasn't he?

[Clad in the same attire as Night One, the Mystery Entrant once again slowly makes his way down the aisle. This time with black steel chair in hand with tiger stripes taped onto the side of it. As he reaches the ring apron he tosses the chair inside the ring, reaches up, grabs the top rope, pulling himself up onto the apron, and strides over the top rope and into the ring.]

MB: Standing at an undisclosed height, and weighing in at an undisclosed weight... hailing from an undisclosed location... here is theeeee MYYYSSSTERYYYYY ENNNTRANT !!!!!

AL: I can. t tell. Is it Tiger? Is it Manson?

FB: I GOT IT!!

AL/MH: What?!

FB: IT'S THE BIG HURT!!

AL: Are you nuts?

FB: No. I'm dead serious. Fifty bucks says it's Vic Manson!

AL: You're on!

[We see Marcus Harden feverishly scratching a note down on a scrap of paper.]

AL: Marcus... what are you doing?

MH: I'm crossing Manson off my list of possible people it could be. If _Frank_ thinks its him, it HAS to be wrong.

AL: Good point.

FB: Screw you guys.

[As Frank and Al each cough up $50 and hand it to Marcus to hold, a muffled voice comes over the P.A.] "Calling all cars... calling all cars. Be on the lookout for Eugene Robinson... He is wanted by the FBI for he is armed and extremely dangerous. Over and out."

[As the officer-like voice begins to fade away [as do the sounds of sirens filling the arena], the patronizing lyrics of "Armed and Dangerous" by Anthrax, race around the ring. Known for his weird songs, we are about to be graced with the presence of the NWC United States champion. And just like last night, cheers become boo's and screaming becomes taunting.]

MB: And his opponent, making is way down the aisle...

[Suddenly, much to our surprise, the arena illuminates in emerald green colors. As the rays of light get brighter and brighter the fans begin to cower behind their posters and pull their shirts over their heads. Finally, just when you thought the arena couldn't get any brighter, the entire main shell shoots out a monstrous stream of black smoke.]

## Trapped up inside here, like lions in a cage ##

## I've been a mark of injustice ##

## Bound by these chains ##

## Can't find a reason, I'm on my own ##

## My destiny waits for a sign of me ##

## I'm leaving alone ##

MB: Hailing from Mbuji-Mayi, Zaire, Africa... standing six foot three and weighing in at two hundred and twenty-five pounds, here is the current NWC United States Champion... EUGENE "HIIIIIIIIIIIGH SOCIETY" ROOOOOBBIIINNNSSSOOONNN!!!!

[Tonight's crowd may not be as boisterous as the previous night for we were able to hear the famous voice of Michael Buffer this time around. The black smoke seems to be in every direction but it slowly begins to fade away as the metallic green lights pan around the arena.]

AL: Did you see that! Holy cow, what a bang!

## I'm out on my way now ##

## It's been so many years ##

## The chase is my lifeblood ##

## I have no more fears ##

[Last night it was a dollar bill sign, tonight, black smoke fills the arena. But suddenly the smoke begins to clear away and the man himself, Eugene "High Society" Robinson, stands all ready centered in the aisle way.] AL: What...

FB: What the heck is he wearing?

MH: I have no idea.

## Fire, burns in my veins ##

## Anger, shows on my face ##

## Hatred, it poisons my soul ##

## Look out, I'm about to explode ##

FB: He's rid himself of his tuxedo outfit.

MH: So much for the fashion statement that I spoke of last night. Just when you think you understand the guy, he does something like this.

[Eugene, dressed for a streetfight, stands still on the rampway to the ring. A golden bandana, similar to the one he wore in GSW, covers his usually slicked back, sandy blond hair. His hands are wrapped in taped-on glass shreds, capable enough to tear anyone apart. But looking beyond the white, sleeveless polyester and silk vest with matching pants, past the large black boots on his feet, we see a wagon he drags behind him.]

## Evil ones try to destroy us ##

## We. re armed and prepared for attack ##

## We'll take on the world with rebellion ##

## We're dangerous down to the last ##

## Armed and Dangerous ##

## Armed and Dangerous ##

AL: First a tuxedo, now a white, silk vest and pant attire. What's next, the future bathing suit line of the year 2001? Come on people.

MH: Indeed Robinson is sporting a more comfortable wrestling outfit tonight after he blessed us with an Oscar de la Rente tuxedo last night.

[Pulling the wagon full of toys behind him, the cameras are quick to zoom in on Eugene. Two 3/4 body sized step stools, a 2 x 4 chunk of wood, a metal chain, and much more is visible in the wagon. Eugene pulls it himself, no Schuk Security whatsoever, as he makes his way down to ringside.]

## Am I evil, or am I insane ## ## The lion inside of me, is no longer tame ##

## A blade in my left, a gun in my right ##

## To beat you within, an inch of your life ##

AL: He looks like the janitor I saw earlier; half a shirt, carrying a bunch of junk.

FB: Does this asshole's song ever f[bleep]in' end?

[As the lyrics to the song fade away we are dazzled with some sweet guitar riffs. Eugene makes his way up the steal steps with a step stool in his hand. He throws it into the ring where the referee barely gets out of the way. Robinson, grabbing a hold of the top rope, springs himself into the ring.]

FB: Thatta boy, take your glory ass time getting in the ring, Sparky.

AL: Since when has he cared about others to begin with?

MH: He'd better look out... the Mystery Entrant has picked up his chair!

FB: SPARKY!!

** THWACK!! **

MH: OH MY! Right across the back with that step stool goes the Mystery Entrant! I guess this one is under way!

** DING! DING! DING! **

FB: You GUESS?!

AL: High Society's getting off on the wrong foot here.

[Eugene staggers backwards into the ropes. The Mystery Entrant takes a small running start and potatoes Eugene in the face with the chair, sending him flipping over the top rope and onto the floor below.]

** THWACK !! **

MH: Another MASSIVE blow by the Mystery Entrant! Eugene brought a step stool into the ring, but so far it. s Mystery tiger-striped chair that. s doing the damage.

FB: See I told you it was Eddie Zam. Who else would swing a chair that way?

MH: What?!

AL: Mystery drops the chair in the ring and heads to the outside. That wasn't too smart. He may need that. MH: Closing in on Eugene Robinson now... a series of hard fists to the head! Eugene doesn't know what hit him! Irish whip...

** SKRAAANK!! **

MH: OW! Right into the guardrail!

FB: Sire's really looking good. He can be real brutal when he needs to be.

AL: Would you STOP! It is NOT Steve Sire!!

FB: Appearances can be deceiving.

MH: Steve... I MEAN, the Mystery Entrant rolls a dazed Eugene Robinson back in under the bottom rope. And before he follows him in, he's looking into that wagon that Eugene brought to ringside.

AL: Looks like he's got himself a street sign.

FB: Ahhh... the ever popular "STOP" Sign.

AL: The old standby.

FB: There ain't nothin' like the classics!

MH: Mystery back inside and he winds up for a big swing with that sign! But a baseball slide through his legs by Robinson! Mystery connected with nothing but air!

AL: And now and Irish whip by Eugene... reversed by Mystery!

MH: Off the ropes comes Robinson as Mystery bends over for a back-body drop!

AL: NO! Robinson goes for a sunset flip!

MH: But he can't quite get Mystery over...

** THWACK!! **

FB: BOOYAH!

MH: The Mystery Entrant clobbers Eugene on the top of the head with that street sign!!

AL: That'll do a number on your noggin, that's for sure.

MH: So far Eugene hasn't been able to put ANY of his own weapons to use. Talk about a plan that backfired.

FB: Don't worry. This match is FAR from over. I predict we'll see Sparky do some damage yet. MH: Once again Eugene is over by the ropes... and this time Mystery has the street sign rather than the chair... he charges!

[WOHHHHH!!!]

MH: Eugene dropped down and yanked down on the top rope! Mystery just went flying over the top and there was NOTHING on the outside to cushion his fall!

FB: Not unless you count his face. Ouch.

AL: And here goes Eugene! He's not taking a break here!

MH: Catapult over the top rope by Robinson! INTO A KNEE DROP!! OH MY!! What a move by High Society! He had to have been eight feet in the air before he came crashing down with that knee! And right onto Mystery's chest!

FB: Poor Eddie. But hey! How cool would that be if his chest just like, caved in! Woh!

AL: As much as I hate to agree with you, Frank, that WOULD be pretty cool!

MH: [to himself] I'm working with fourth graders.

FB: Yeah, that would be AWESOME!

MH: Eugene using the opportunity now to dig deep into his bag, or in this case, wagon of tricks. He's pulling out... what looks like some rope... made out into... A LASSO?!

FB: WAHOOO!! Eugene's gonna rope him some cattle! Just like back in his old days!

AL: Interesting.

MH: Mystery slowly getting to his feet... but Eugene's twirling that lasso around... HE LETS IT GO!

FB: BULLSEYE!

AL: DAMN! He got him!

MH: Ladies and gentlemen, Eugene Robinson has just LASSOED the Mystery Entrant!

FB: Quick! Somebody get a stopwatch! See how long it takes him to hog-tie him!

MH: And with a mighty YANK, Eugene pulls Mystery off his feet and back down HARD to the unforgiving floor!

AL: Nice form. I give him an eight.

MH: This does NOT look good for the Mystery Entrant! He has no use of his arms at this point, and until he gets himself free from that rope, Eugene can have his way with him. FB: Ah, Marcus... Eugene's not REALYY from the south you know.

MH: I know. What's your point-- Awwwww! You're sick, Frank!

FB: What's YOUR point?

AL: I hate to interrupt, boys, but Eugene's got a new toy.

MH: IT'S A 2X4!! High Society with a 2X4 and now--

* THUNK! *

AL: OUCH! Right across the back!

FB: Eugene's sportin' wood!

* THUNK! *

MH: And AGAIN across the back with the 2X4! Robinson is absolutely DESTROYING the Mystery Entrant right now.

FB: This is savage brutality. And the best part is... IT'S SANCTIONED!

["BOOOOOOOOOO !!!"]

MH: And now the crowd's really letting "High Society" have it!

[Eugene has climbed back up onto the apron and stands there with his arms outstretched, one hand still holding the 2X4, smiling proudly. A couple of people begin to throw some trash his way, and he merely bats it away with the piece of lumber.]

AL: Man, this guy is turning into one cocky sonofabitch, right before our very eyes. This crowd wants to LYNCH HIM!

MH: We should BE so lucky.

FB: Bite your tongue, Marcus. That's the Crown Jewel of the NWC you're talking about.

[As Eugene mugs to the crowd some more, the Mystery Entrant rolls over onto his back. Seeing this, Eugene grips the board in front of him like a bench press bar and leaps off.]

* SMACK! *

* THUD! *

MH: MYSTERY! Mystery just kicked a leaping Eugene Robinson right in the face! And DOWN goes the US Champ!

AL: Face nothing, he got that beefy leg of his up and knocked that stupid hunk of wood into Eugene's face! MH: Are you sure? Let's see that again if we can.

[We are shown a replay of Eugene leaping and Mystery lifting his leg just in time. The board does indeed collide with Mystery's raised foot and bounce back into Eugene's face.]

AL: See, told ya.

FB: Nasty! I think that may have broken Eugene's nose! Look at the blood flow!

MH: It appears so, Frank. Robinson's nose is bleeding quite heavily here.

AL: I sure hope the little bugger doesn't have any photo shoots coming up. Wouldn't THAT just be too bad.

FB: I detect a note of insincerity in your voice... YOU JERK!!

AL: Ooh. That one hurt.

FB: DOODYHEAD!!

MH: And with Eugene right now on his hands and knees bleeding like a stuck pig...

AL: Dude, that's NASTY!

FB: BLOOD! A GIANT RIVER OF BLOOD!

MH/AL: Huh?!

FB: It's from Ghostbusters 2... you know... . Slime! A giant river of slime!...... It was when Dan Aykroyd was..... was hanging by a cable in the subway tunnel..... and there was...... all this slime...... and it was flowing...... WHAT ?!

MH: Anyway, while he's doing that, Mystery is untangling himself from that lasso. And if I were Eugene, I'd look out. Mystery is NOT going to be happy when he gets unwound.

AL: I think he was unhappy a looooong time ago.

[Mystery eventually does free himself, and his first order of business is to drag Eugene to his feet with a handful of hair and whip him into the ringsteps.]

** CLANG !! **

MH: High Society getting up close and personal with the steps!

AL: And Mystery's grabbing a bottle of water from that nearby fan.

FB: How is Italian water? Is it anything like Mexican water?

AL: How the HELL would I know? FB: I was asking Marcus. I KNOW how uncultured YOU are.

MH: OOOH! After a big swig of water, the Mystery Entrant just smacked that plastic bottle right over Eugene's head! Talk about adding insult to injury.

AL: No... THIS is adding insult to injury.

[He smacks Frank off the back of the head.]

FB: OW!

AL: SCREW YOU, FRANK!

FB: Hey, man! What's your PROBLEM!?

AL: Injure... then insult.

MH: Pick-up by the Mystery Entrant... INTO A TORTURE RACK! Mystery has Robinson in a torture rack and he's rending the life out of him!

AL: This could REALLY spell trouble for Robinson!

FB: You wanna know how I spell trouble?

AL/MH: NO!!

FB: Wow. Jeez guys, you didn't need to hurt my feelings.

AL: You don't HAVE any feelings.

MH: And neither will Eugene Robinson if he doesn't get out of this torture rack soon! It's got to be wrecking havoc on his spinal chord and nerve system!

AL: Kinda like working with Frank. That does damage to my nerves.

FB: Up yours, Lucente. Didn't Schuk fire your ass back at Fury! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU EVEN DOING HERE?!?!

MH: SAMOAN DROP! A Samoan Drop by the Mystery Entrant! Right on the outside! Oh MY, is Eugene in trouble here or WHAT?!

[Picking up the now almost lifeless body of Eugene Robinson and rolling it back into the ring, Mystery slides in himself and makes a cover.]

AL: Mystery with a lateral press! This could be it!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE--

MH: NOOO!! Eugene with a shoulder up! How in the WORLD did he manage that?!

FB: It's gonna take a lot more than a broken nose, a damaged spinal chord, and a possible concussion to put High Society down for good.

AL: Not MUCH more.

MH: Mystery, himself clearly exhausted at this point, picks Eugene up and prepares to send him towards the rope with an Irish Whip. Reversed by Eugene! He bends over for a back body drop!

AL: No! Mystery puts on the breaks and hooks one of Eugene's arms! He spins him around and into a backslide!

MH: But Robinson somersaults forward on Mystery's back! He lands on his feet and--

* WHAM!! *

FB: DDT, BABY!!!

MH: Robinson with a desperation DDT!! Where he got the energy to pull off that last exchange is beyond me!

AL: He may not be dead yet!

FB: Well - DUHHHHH!

AL: Put a cork in it, Barr. You're yesterday's news.

FB: Yesterday's N dot E dot W dot S? MH: [confused] And now, the former Sparky goes to work. He picks up that stepstool that was lying in the ring and--

* CRUNCH! *

MH: Right across the back! A little payback perhaps, for when Mystery did that to him earlier with the chair.

FB: Perhaps.

AL: Now he's got that sign... what's he gonna--

** THWACK !! **

FB: THAT'S what!

MH: A swift shot across the skull of the Mystery Entrant! My, how quickly the tides have turned in this match-up. A few moments ago it looked like Mystery was gonna walk out of here the victor, but right now, High Society is in control!

[Eugene rolls outside the ring and once again begins to rummage through his wagon of toys.]

AL: What's he got? A CHAIN!

FB: And another one of them step stool things.

MH: Robinson rolling back into the ring, as Mystery is still quite groggy from that shot to the head a moment ago. Eugene with a fistful of chain...

* CHING ! *

AL: OWZA! How's your face, Mystery?!

MH: A solid shot to the forehead with that chain!

* CHING! * * CHING! * * CHING! * * CHING! * * CHING ! *

MH: Repeated shots to the forehead by Robinson with that chain!

AL: I doubt that mask is providing much protection at this point!

FB: I KNOW it isn't! LOOK!

AL/MH: WOHHH!!!

[The camera zooms in to a rather gruesome close up of Mystery, who is now slumped up against the bottom turnbuckle.]

MH: Mystery is CUT! AL: UNDERNEATH THE STRETCH MASK!!

FB: AWESOME!

MH: Eugene Robinson is showing a ruthlessness here tonight I don't think we've EVER seen!

FB: Not counting last night?

MH: Well, of course, not counting last night. That's a given.

AL: Eugene's up to something here, guys.

[Eugene has set about setting up the two step stools over in one corner, about two feet apart from each other. After motioning for a ring attendant to hand him the 2-X-4 from the outside, which they do, he places it across the tops of the two stools.]

[He drags Mystery over to the stools and drapes Mystery's back over the board so that his arms are hanging down behind him. Removing the chain from his fist, Eugene ties up Mystery's wrists with it.]

FB: This is COOL! Eugene's gonna mess this dude up BAD!

[Eugene spits in Mystery's face and turns towards the crowd who lets out an arena full of boo's. But, with his back turned Mystery begins to squirm back and forth and the large piece of wood over the step stools is beginning to crack down the middle. However, Robinson luckily turns around before this happens.]

MH: It sure does look that way. Once again, Mystery finds himself in a VERY precarious position.

[Once he does disentangle himself from the board/chain combo, he stumbles around the ring looking for his tiger striped chair. Finding it, he takes the chain and wraps it around the chair a couple of times. By now, Eugene has stumbled to his feet.]

AL: This is gonna be some nasty payback, I think.

MH: You look to be right, Al. Robinson is up... Mystery has that chair, and--

AL: What the?!

MH: Mystery tosses the chair to Robinson and--

** THWACK!! **

FB: AWESOME!!!!!

MH: SPEAR!! SPEAR!!! MYSTERY TOSSED THE CHAIR TO ROBINSON, AND EUGENE CAUGHT IT RIGHT AT HIS CHEST AND MYSTERY SPEARED HIM!!! WHAT A MOVE!!! AL: Good GAWD! That was STUPID! That dumb ape could have separated his shoulder with that!

FB: Don't be such a pantywaist, Al! That was DA BOMB!!

MH: And he's not done there! Mystery staggers to his feet... and he's got that chair! And NOW! Now he's going... UP TOP !

AL: He's kinda big to be going aerial, don't ya think?

FB: Don't nit-pick, Lucento. This is gonna rule!

MH: Mystery climbing up top! Robinson is still down from that spear! And Mystery has the chair! HE LEAPS!!!!!

** CRUNCH!! **

MH: THE ARABIAN FACEBUSTER !!!

FB: WOOHOO!!! I TOLD YOU THAT IT WOULD RULE!!

MH: A top rope legdrop with that chair tucked under his leg! We saw him use this last night against Tommy Hardbody! It's simply devestating from a man THIS size, in a hardcore match! Mystery may have just put the "finishing touch" on this one!

AL: Say goodnight, Eugene!

MH: The referee drops down for the count!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE-

AL: YESSSSS!!!!!

FB: NOOOOO!!!!!

MH: WAIT!!!!!

AL/FB: WAIT?!?!?!?!

MH: EUGENE JUST HAD A FOOT ON THE ROPES!! HE HAD A FOOT ON THE ROPES!!!

AL: NOOOOO!

FB: YESSSSS!

MH: And Mystery can't believe it! He thought he had this match won! In fact... he DOES think he had this match one! He's raising his hands in victory like he just pulled out the victory!

AL: HE DID! He did! Screw this foot on the ropes crap!

MH: The referee doesn't see it that way! And he's trying to explain to Mystery that it's not over!

FB: It might be!

MH: ROBINSON! ROBINSON GRABS THE 2X4 AND FROM HIS BACK...

** FOOMP ! **

[OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH!!!]

MH: GOOD GAAAAAWWWWWD!!

AL: LOW BLOW! WITH A _2-X-4_!!!!!

FB: Right now where that dude's NUTS are has become the real mystery!

MH: Mystery drops to his knees! He just got crotched with that hunk of lumber!

AL: Can you imagine the PAIN that man is feeling?! FB: Do we have to?

MH: And now Eugene is rolling to his feet! These two men are on their last legs! How the HELL they're going to fight another match after this is beyond me! There's no way!

AL: Eugene's got that street sign again... what's he gonna do?

[Robinson, sign in hand, weakly propels himself off the ropes facing Mystery and out of nowhere finds the strength to dropkick the sign right into Mystery's face.]

** THWACK!! **

MH: That didn't make hard contact, though..

[The masked man falls backward with a quick, lifeless thump. Just as quickly, Eugene drops down on top of him.]

MH: Wait! What's going on here!? HOLD ON!

AL: ROBINSON WITH THE COVER!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

** DING! DING! DING! **

MH: THAT'S IT!?!?!?!!!!

AL: UNBELIEVABLE MATCH!!! FB: OH YEAAAAAHHH!!!

MH: High Society survives! Robinson is moving on to round three! My God, what a savage match!

AL: That was insane! How did Eugene ever come back from that vicious spear and facebuster combo?! It was... dare I say... SUPERHUMAN!!

FB: Now take the mask off Eugene, and show the world that it really IS Steve Sire!

AL: WOULD YOU SHUT UP ALREADY!! For the hundredth time... IT IS _NOT_ STEVE SIRE!!!

FB: But does he get away without unmasking!? BULLF[BLEEP]IN' [BLEEP]!

AL: I've gotta agree, there.

MH: Well, one thing's for sure. The Entrant and Robinson BOTH wanted to make it to the CS Bracket Finals, and only in the end did anything seem sketchy about that at all.

AL: The Entrant put up his best fight, but "High Society" lives up to the promises.. it's Sabuani/Robinson for the right to wrestle for a NWC Title Shot, later on!

FB: What a great one that's gonna be! But the ending to this one was a little suspect. Robinson definitely was tested, though, so there's no question we're gonna find a real winner for the Finals!

AL: We'll be right back for more "NWC: Purgatory".. right after THIS!

FB: Know how to funnel two at a time, Aldo?

AL: Who're you talkin' to? Nobody in this town can funne-

[Cut to commercial.]

AL: The first second round match of the Alex Pierce tournament coming up right now, guys.

MH: There's alot of intensity in this one. No doubt that Kim will be focused on Colby Fairchild 100%. FB: What? And Fairchild won't be focused on Kim? Fairchild is Hunter Sabuani's personal lapdog, I mean, uh, protege. And if there is anyone in this tournament that Fairchild is there to sort out, it's Hyuk Suh Kim.

AL: Of course, these two men know each other from GCW, where Fairchild has placed himself as an obstacle between Kim and Sabuani before now.

MH: I think that Kim has the edge here. Although he may be the smaller of the two...

FB: Maybe? He'd be smaller if he was wrestling in a midget league.

MH: As I was saying, although Kim is smaller, he is fresher and more mentally prepared for this match than the "Impact Player".

AL: Just last night we saw that same man live up to his name, though Marcus. Beating former World Champion Damon Hayes. With a win like that to his name, you cannot write this man off.

FB: Hayes has lost it. You could clearly see that last night.

MH: Hayes is a quality wrestler, that much is true. This is why I say Kim is fresher. Although Bold is a top quality athlete in his own right, I just don't think he took as much out of Kim as Hayes did to Fairchild.

FB: Yeah, but Kim can't have much gas left in that tank. His body isn't big enough to carry a large enough tank.

AL: Let's go to Michael Buffer.

MB: Ladies and Gentlemen. The Following contest, under strict rules, to a finish, is a second round match in the Alex Pierce bracket of the Road to Purgatory Tournament!

[Good crowd pop.]

[[Enter Sandman by Metallica begins to trickle from the PA system]]

## say your prayers little one ## ## don't forget, my son ## ## to include everyone ##

MB: Introducing First, From Georgia Championship Wrestling...

[The lights begin to dim and your attentions is drawn to the Purga-TRON The word "IMPACT" flashes on the TRON for a brief moment and then stops. Then the word "PLAYER" flashes on the TRON under the word "IMPACT." The words fade to black and then a crest burns into the screen with the letter CF and then the name Colby Fairchild appears in glowing white letters.]

## tuck you in, warm within ## ## keep you free from sin ## ## till the sandman he comes ##

[Images of Fairchild appear. Fairchild getting powerslammed by Milas. Fairchild hitting the swinging neckbreaker on Milas then delivering Child's Play. Static filters onto the screen and then a loud sickening thud and then in slow motion Fairchild delivering Child's Play on Trent Johnson. That image melts away as Johnson's skull crashes against the mat and then it appears to fast forward to Fairchild hitting Chris Hansen in the back with a steel chair. A clip of Fairchild and Steve Gaines trying to destroy each other with fist flying fast and furious. A shot of Colby executing a double underhook suplex and throwing his opponent over the top rope.]

MB: Weighing in at 250 pounds and hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada...

[Colby Fairchild appears on the Purga-TRON with a smirk on his face then it fast forwards to a clip of him battling off Cassidy O'Hollerin during the battle royal.]

[The trains appear to be miles apart from each other but they are building speed as they travel]

[Image of Fairchild yet again as he locks up Tony Pride during the battle royal.]

[The clip changes back to the two trains that are now less than a mile apart.]

MB: He is "The Impact Player"...

[Images of Fairchild appear. Static filters onto the screen. Fairchild delivering Child's Play on Trent Johnson. That image melts away as Johnson's skull crashes against the mat. The clip cuts to Colby locking Alex Reynolds in Overkill. Fairchild cinching in Dead Impact on a nameless wonder. The clip seems to run to the end of the reel then clip of Fairchild standing in the middle of the ring at When Heaven and Hell Collide holding the Aloha State Title in left hand with it extended towards the rafters.]

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSVEEEEEEEEE BOOM!

## sleep with one eye open ## ## gripping your pillow tight ## ## exit light ## ## enter night ## ## take my hand ## ## off to never never land ##

[The clip fast forwards back to the freight trains that collide and explode into a ball of fire.]

MB: COLLLLLBBBBYYYYYYYYY FFFFAAAAAIIIIRRRRRCCCCHHIIIIIIILLLLDDDDD!

[Colby appears from behind the curtain. A chorus of boo's echo from the rafters. The intensity in the icy blues tell that it's business as usual for "The Impact Player." The dirty blonde hair that we have accustom to seeing is limply dangling into his face. He's wearing a black T-shirt that the sleeves have been ripped off of.] [The word SLEMLOG in red with the imprint of a boot are embedded on the shirt. Black elbow pads are just below his biceps. His fists are covered in white tape. Fairchild is wearing long black tights that have red cutting throughout them that have the Coterie emblem with his initials across the back. Kneepads can be seen under the tights. Black wrestling boots complete his ring attire.]

AL: Impressive Entrance by Fairchild. He certainly looks prepared tonight.

MH: He's going to have to be. Because his opponent certainly will be.

FB: He might be ready, but he won't be able to reach it.

AL: Speaking of Fairchild's opponent, here comes Hyuk Suh Kim.

MB: And his opponent...

[The lights dim, then go out completely. The sound of wind comes from the PA system.]

AL: Kim was in rare form last night. There was some speculation that he had been a bit beaten up coming into this event. Those rumors were put to rest against Michael Bold.

MB: Weighing in at 160 pounds... He's the GCW Southern Heritage Champion...

[A single white spotlight shoots through the darkness, highlighting the black curtain. "High Roller" by The Crystal Method cuts in, bringing the crowd to its feet. Cheers rain down as Hyuk Suh Kim emerges, moving with measured strides toward the ring.]

MH: I like his music. It's catchy.

FB: Techno? You like techno?

MH: It's not techno. It's industrial.

FB: Hah! Marcus goes to those stupid bars.

MH: [defensive] So?

MB: Here is HYUK SUUUUUUUHHHH KIIIIIIIIIIMMMMM!!!

[Kim is as he was the night before, in black karate pants, no shirt, and taped hands and feet. He moves with a certain purpose and a distinct determination. He brings no title. His thin, toned upper body has no tattoos. His ears have no earrings. Kim is plain; all business. He approaches.]

AL: For the record, Kim's music is annoying.

MH: Bah.

AL: But that's not the issue. Hyuk vowed it would be he and Sabuani in the final tonight. He seemed sure of it. FB: He's brash. Cocky.

AL: Cocky, maybe. Brash, no. But for that to happen, he's going to have to make it past the man in the ring waiting for him: "The Impact Player".

[Hyuk reaches the ring, moving up the ringsteps with patience. Entering between the second and third ropes, he comes to the center of the ring, his gaze firmly on his opponent.]

MH: Look at that intensity. Kim sees Coterie. It's like a bull seeing red.

FB: A really small, weak bull.

AL: Alot of intensity between these guys.

MH: You could cut the intensity in that ring witha knife. But neither man is stupid enough to jump the gun here.

FB: I hate these rules. Where's the initiative?

AL: I think the initiative may just be arriving. Take a look at the ramp!

[As the two men size each other up in the ring, Miss Madison makes an appearance on the ramp, slowly making her way towards ringside. Both men are distracted by the appearance of the seductive Madison. Without a word, she makes her way over towards Kim's corner and just stands there. Although both men seem taken aback by this action.]

MH: I'm not sure Hyuk quite knows what to think about all this. She made an appearance last night against Michael Bold, and now she walks straight to his corner.

AL: Kim over in his corner now trying to persuade Madison to leave the ringside area.

FB: She can come and sit over here if she wants. There's no chairs, but there's a nice spot on my lap.

MH: Could you trust Madison here? I know she seems to be behind Kim, but this is Sabuani's personal protege.

AL: Kim is going to have to be careful, I think the bell has already gone.

FB: And Fairchild knows it too. Mark of a smart man, let the bimbo get the attentions of short stack and sneak up on him.

AL: Sunset Roll-up by Fairchild. Kim is caught off guard, the referee in place...

1...

2... MH: Nope. You're not going to get Kim that easily.

FB: He very nearly did, you nonce.

AL: Both men back to their feet quickly, Kim the quicker of the two, ducks under the attempted clothesline by Fairchild.

FB: Ducked?

MH: Kim quicker on the turn, Fairchild trying to get back around to face the Southern Heritage Champion, only to be met with a dropkick to the face which sends Fairchild down to the mat.

AL: Fairchild and Madison right next to each other right now. Let's see if there is any eye contact between the two.

FB: I'm telling you, my eyes have not left that woman since she arrived. If there is no eye contact, then Fairchild is queer.

MH: I'll make sure he knows you said that.

FB: Like I care, Harden.

AL: Kim with the armbar on the fallen Fairchild, looking to try and weaken the shoulder of the coterie man.

MH: Kim using every once of his body weight in that armbar. Although there isn't much there, he knows how to use it in that ring.

FB: If I was Fairchild, I'd turn on the air conditioning in this arena. Kim is so light that he'd be blown away and be counted out. It's an easy strategy to work. The guy in charge of that will only cost about five bucks to bribe.

AL: Fairchild getting back to his feet now, trying to work Kim over towards the ropes, looking perhaps for an irish whip on the little guy.

FB: This match is already beginning to show that women were perhaps right for once when they say that "Size Matters".

AL: Fairchild using that power advantage to send the Japanese competitor across the ring, Kim comes back, and fairchild drops to the floor, Kim over...

MH: He slammed on the brakes! Kim catches Fairchild getting up... Mahistral Cradle!

1...

2...

FB: Not a chance. But at least it sirred some life into Madi. She perked up a little when she saw that.

MH: Do you ever think of anything else?

FB: Often, but it's too intelligent for you.

AL: Both men again quick to their feet.

MH: You can sense the tempers beginning to fray here.

AL: Kim slaps Fairchild! Right across the face!

FB: Colby won't take that garbage. Oh!

AL: Hyuk catches his arm en route! He catches it with a strong grip. But Fairchild drills him with a kick that was - dammit, that kick was low! Kim goes to a knee. Fairchild goes to suplex him . . . .

FB: No! Don't suplex him! He always -

AL: And a textbook vertical suplex from Fairchild. Well done. He covers, but Kim is in the ropes like a seventh grade gym teacher.

MH: Yeah, I set the school record for that rope climb.

FB: Hey, me too.

MH: Really?

FB: Yeah.

AL: If you two would stop reminiscing, there's a match we have to call.

FB: You call the match fat boy, I'm watching Madi.

MH: He's lieing about the rope thing.

FB: What makes you think that Harden?

AL: Fairchild now dragging Kim away from the bottom rope, picking him up and hooking the head.

MH: You'd have never made it up there with the size of your head.

FB: If you want to be a comedian, Harden, I suggest you get a new act. This one wore thin in '98.

AL: Kim trying to knee his way to freedom here. FB: Watch those knees ref. I think they're hitting Fairchild in the family jewels.

MH: They're hitting him in the midsection, Frank.

FB: That's impossible. The guy is straining to reach the man's nads.

AL: Another knee from Kim loosens the grip a little. A second one...

MH: Fairchild caught it. Takes him over... Fisherman's Suplex! Nicely done by Fairchild!

1...

2...

FB: How does that little Jap keep kicking out?

AL: However he is kicking out, Frank, the fact remains that he is. And it's all serving to frustrate Fairchild.

MH: Kim looks hungry here though. The coterie seem to bring another level from this kid, who works that little bit more dangerously when he has that contempt in his mind.

AL: It's in his eyes too. Look at the face of Kim as he gets back to his feet once more, and although he just got hit, his natural speed gets him up as quick as Fairchild.

FB: How can you see in those eyes? They're so...

MH: You're crossing the line, Barr.

FB: I crossed the line years ago.

AL: Kim running at Fairchild. The bigger man is visibly unnerved by this. He goes for a punch on the Japanese superstar, but misses the shot, Kim off the other side, sliding underneath the legs of the Impact Player.

MH: He just clipped out the knee! Beautiful. I can't tell whether the strain was on the knee joint or the ankle, but either way, Fairchild is in pain.

FB: Isn't that illegal?

AL: Immoral maybe, but not illegal. Certainly smart though, as the height advantage of Colby Fairchild has just disappeared.

MH: It's hard to be tall and powerful when you're on your back.

FB: I still thought that Kim was smaller. AL: Kim now wrenching on that right knee of Colby Fairchild, working over it with a simple but effective spinning toe loop.

MH: It's one of those holds that hurts alot more than you think it does. And Fairchild needs to do something before the little samurai just snaps his leg.

FB: Fairchild will figure something out. Some of that elusiveness of Hunter has got to have rubbed off on the man.

AL: Fairchild doing what he has to do right here. working his way towards the ropes, and... Yup. He made it.

FB: There's a fair bit of fight in that guy yet. A bad leg won't stop him.

MH: Yeah, but it'll bring a great escape for Kim whenever he's stuck. Fairchild is going to be feeling that through the rest of the night.

AL: Kim releasing the hold and backing off by the referee's instructions, as Fairchild pulls himself up with the help of the ropes.

FB: Kim coming in once again, and going low, looking for the leg.

AL: Fairchild trying to stop him, but Kim seems to have a death grip on that leg. Fairchild hopping around, trying to keep his balance, but maneuver himself away from the ropes at the same time.

MH: Kim taking a little long here deciding what to do here. But Fairchild is going nowhere.

AL: But Kim is. Fairchild kicking Kim off and into the ropes, Kim comes back and... HARD Clothesline from the Canadian.

FB: That hurt the little guy. You can see that right now. The anger in the eyes is gone, and only pain remains.

MH: I think he has a point there, Al. That was a hard impact clothesline.

AL: Wait just one minute. Fairchild is signaling to Madison. He wants her to take a shot at Hyuk.

MH: That would be a disqualification. But I'm not entirely sure Fairchild is here to win. I think he may well be here for this. He's here to hurt Kim, and soften him up.

FB: What? And did you honestly think that Sabuani would want this thorn in his side to merely lose? No, mess with the coterie and you have to suffer.

AL: Kim being hooked by Fairchild, who is asking for Madison to come into the ring. But Madison refuses to come into the ring.

FB: What is the matter with that woman? Did she not realize where the money was? MH: Sometimes there's more to life than Money, Frank.

FB: That's a lie made up by losers. Poor Losers.

AL: Fairchild has had enough. He throws the hurt Kim to the ground as he goes to the outside.

FB: That's it Colby, you tell her.

MH: Fairchild is making a mistake here. He shouldn't be concentrating on Madison, he should be concentrating on Kim, who is beginning to recover.

AL: Fairchild is walking over here and... What the hell?

FB: What the hell are you thinking Fairchild?

MH: Fairchild with a chair, and walking straight to Madison, who is refusing to move. Fairchild has visibly snapped with the woman.

AL: I understand the man's frustration, but if he's even thinking about hitting Madison with that Chair, he's gone too far.

FB: Madison seems to have forgotten where she belongs, maybe a chair shot will set it straight.

MH: Fairchild swings...

AL: KIM! Kim just dove in the way and took a chair shot for Madison, who now moves to check on the little samurai. But Fairchild still has that chair...

FB: Here we go...

MH: FINALLY! The referee is over there and taking the chair off of Fairchild. But what about the shot to Kim? Surely that's a DQ?

AL: I think the referees are saying that it was Kim who threw himself in the way. The shot was not aimed for him, and as much as hitting Madi with that chair would have been sick, there is nothing in the rules about hitting anyone at ringside.

FB: Wait a minute. That's genius.

MH: What is?

FB: Well, did you see Madison flinch at all?

MH: You don't think...

AL: Regardless, Kim has been rolled back into the ring now by the coterie man, who immediately makes the cover... 1...

FB: It's academic...

2...

AL: NO! NO! Kim kicked out! He squeezed that right shoulder up.

MH: Unbelievable tenacity from the young Japanese superstar. You can see how much this tournament means to him right there.

FB: But this thing cannot go on much longer. Kim took two heavy blows to the head right there. Surely the little guy can't have much left.

AL: Fairchild, still favoring that right knee slightly, picks up Kim once again.

MH: Colby is looking very angry right now. Especially since the referee took that chair away from him.

AL: Backbreaker, with ease by the "Impact Player". And it looks at though Fairchild is beginning to get a sadistic pleasure out of this now.

FB: And you can bet that Sabuani is enjoying every second of this. Not to mention Scorn.

MH: Kim needs to think fast now. Because not only is this match in danger, but the tournament is as well. With each blow, Kim's time in this tournment is getting shorter.

AL: And Fairchild knows it. Notice how he didn't go for the cover there. He just went to pick him back up once more... Fall Away Slam! Fairchild really beginning to have his way with Kim here.

FB: Show him that midgets can't handle it, Colby.

MH: Colby is not even thinking about the pin right now.

FB: Of course not. He's having a little fun with the man.

AL: This tourney has too much on the line to play around with a man as dangerous as Kim.

FB: Yeah, and you could say the same for Kim, who is getting played.

MH: DDT! Kim is set back down to the mat. Colby with the lackluster cover

1.....

AL: He better hook the leg.

2.....

MH: Fairchild pulls Kim up once again! He is either out of his mind, or wants to hurt this man.

FB: You gotta love it.

AL: Fairchild turns to Madison, who is looking at Kim.

FB: Only because she can't look at herself.

MH: Fairchild has managed to put together quite a string of moves here. Things aren't looking good for Kim.

AL: Colby drags Kim to his feet. You have to wonder how much more of this Kim can take.

MH: Kim has taken quite a beating in his short time in the GCW, and he just keeps getting back up. It will take something big to put him away.

FB: Yeah, like Cassidy O'hollerin.

AL: Snapmare takeover into a rear chin lock. Fairchild is taking Kim apart piece by piece.

MH: Fairchild obviously has something against Kim. There is no reason to elongate this beeting.

FB: There is every reason to do that.

AL: Name one!

FB: It's fun watching Kim get his ass handed to him all wrapped up with a pretty pink bow.

MH: Hey, you asked him the question.

AL: Anyways, Fairchild once again dragging Kim up from the mat. Kim's body looks limp, is he even awake?

FB: That's the way Kim! Take a mid match nap.

AL: Reverse neck breaker! Kim is layed out flat on his stomach, and Fairchild is sitting up shaking his head.

MH: Fairchild spat on Kim. What disrespect! FB: Fairchild had to get rid of it someway. Kim just got in the way. Personally I would not waist saliva on Kim.

AL: Kim is not moving. This is a terrible way for the little man to go out. I guess Fairchild just proved to powerful in the end. That chair shot he took for Madi must still be hurting him.

MH: Yes, its a shame it has to end up like this. Fairchild is taunting him, and Kim can't do anything about it. Why isn't the ref stopping this match, Kim is obviously not moving.

AL: This is a big match, would you want a referee to decide you were finished?

MH: I guess not. Cover by Fairchild.

1.....

2.....

FB: Fairchild advances

AL: HE GOT THE SHOULDER UP! HOW DID HE DO THAT?

FB: NO!

MH: Will you listen to this crowd, they are on their feet in support of Kim. Fairchild pounds the mat in frustration. Maybe he is regretting the time he took on that pathetic show of disrespect.

AL: Fairchild drags Kim to his feet and sends him to the rope.

FB: Colby raises the boot.

MH: Kim runs under Fairchild's leg to the opposite ropes and starts to run back at Fairchild.

FB: Colby backdrops him!

AL: Kim lands on his feet. Fairchild turns around to a charging Kim.

MH: Colby takes Kim's head off with a monster closeline. Good job by Fairchild not letting Kim's rush turn the momentum of the match. AL: Agreed, all too often we will see the tides turn on exchanges like that.

FB: Whew. Good job Colby, silence those fans.

AL: The fans have gotten quiet. That little spurt could be the last we see out of Kim for the remainder of the match. If Fairchild were to try and take out Madison this would be the time to do it.

MH: She sure would not have Kim to jump in front of the chair this time. Fairchild should be concentrating on putting Kim away right now. Leg drop to the throat of Kim. Kim grabs his throat out of reflex.

AL: That might be all he is running on right now.

FB: I agree, Colby has dished out a thorough ass kicking.

AL: Fairchild lifts Kim up onto his shoulder. He just put Kim on the turnbuckle.

FB: This is gonna hurt.

MH: Look for Kim to take advantage right about now. It is never a wise move to take your opponent to the top when you have this sort of an advantage.

FB: Oh great! Now that you have called the reversal, it is bound to happen. Damn physics!

AL: Colby climbs up and lifts Kim into the air. Superplex! Kim is out! That has to be it. I really don't see Kim getting up if Fairchild decides to cover him.

MH: Fairchild does just that.

1......

2......

FB: I guess we will see Colby in the next round.

MH: KIM GOT IT UP!! KIM GOT IT UP!! KIM GOT IT UP!! Colby slams is palm into Kim's nose in frustration.

AL: Kim hits him in the nose right back. There is still some fight in this kid. The fans are back on their feet, and they are blowing the roof off of this complex. How much more does Kim have left though?

MH: Who knows? I sincerely thought he was gone. Fairchild is signalling that he is going to end this match, but it may be too late.

FB: No, it is about time. Watching Kim get sent to the mat is only entertaining the first few hundred times you see it.

AL: Fairchild lifts Kim to his feet, but Kim rolls him into a small package!

1......

2......

MH: Fairchild powers out of it. Not really surprising. As much as I hate to say it, I don't think Kim has enough in him to get the job done against Fairchild.

AL: Fairchild did get past Damon Hayes, and that is an accomplishment in itself, if he were to get by Kim, he would be a definite threat to take that title shot. MH: True, but he has to take Kim out first. Both men at a vertical base for the first time in a long while. Fairchild rushes Kim!

AL: Kim dropkicks the injured leg of Fairchild, and he collapses. What a smart move by Kim. Fairchild is clutching that knee.

FB: that has to be cheating.

MH: And you like cheaters, so what are you complaining about? Fairchild really has this comming to him when he refused to put Kim away. Kim is still finding it hard to stand up straight. Fairchild really did a number on him.

AL: Will he be able to hold him down for a pin? Fairchild is still fresher then Kim is. Kim now stomping on that knee. Fairchild is in some real pain right now.

MH: I don't think he will be able to stand for the rest of the match. Kim drops an elbow onto the knee. Looks like he is getting retribution for the beating he took. Adrenaline is a wonderful thing.

MH: Fairchild is trying to get to the ropes. He may need them to get back to a vertical base. That knee has to be on fire.

AL: Kim pulls him back to the center of the ring. This looks bleak for Fairchild. Kim places Fairchild into a fujiwara legbar.

FB: a Fuji what?

MH: All the pressure is on that left injured knee. Fairchild is pounding the mat in agony. It would be wise for Fairchild to give in now. Better not further the injury.

FB: Or, how about he just powers out of the move!

AL: I doubt that will happen. Fairchild has too much pride to give in to kim. The pain has to be getting to him. The ref making the mandatory count.

1.....

2...

MH: Fairchild manages to get his arm up, but for how long.

AL: Looks like Fairchild has managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

FB: Ha, smartass.

MH: Fairchild has put up one hell of a fight, and should go back to GCW proud of his victory over Hayes.

AL: Fairchild looks like he is out. The ref checks again.

1....

2....

THREE!!!!!

AL: Fairchild is out. The pain was just too much. Great showing by both men.

MH: Kim had a lot taken out of him this match, and Fairchild's main job may have been done.

FB: What is that supposed to mean?

MH: Figure it out. AL: We're back, with more "NWC: Purgatory" action! Night Two continues, with EVEN more of the Road To Purgatory! This is the fourth quarterfinal match!

FB: And in a match-up that begs asking the question "What would Jesus do"..

AL: Ladies and gentlemen, it's what promises to be a crowning jewel of the second tier in the Alex Pierce bracket--Maxstone Rainstone and Henry Johnson!

FB: Oh, Henry.

MH: This one's interesting on any one of a dozen levels, guys. BOTH men showcasing strong momentum after first round.. Rainstone outlasting Justin Canyon, and Johnson doing the same with Alex Reynolds.

[Pretty standard screen full o' highlights taking place over Harden's commentary. Black and white, slow-motion, full color and all stops in between, with Rainstone's precision assault on Canyon, and Johnson's methodical deconstruction of Reynolds.]

AL: One wonders if there's an advantage to be had here.. you match up the stamina of an ex-Navy SEAL with a..

FB: Navy SEALS. Navy SEALS. Why the hell is everyone so concerned with the whole Navy SEALS thing?

MH: Barr, the SEALS generally go about thirty days without eating a whole meal as part of their training. I doubt you go thirty minutes without adding to your gut.

FB: Spoken like a true p(bleep)y of the sea, Marcus. Every military man knows that wars are won on SOIL, not doing the butterfly backstroke in a striped shirt and pants that button up over the crotch..

MH: And every civilian knows that it doesn't really matter, since you all end up catching the same VD's. Now, moving on..

AL: Promises to be a war in there.

FB: Navy SEALS. I've got a decent mind to catch a plane from LAX to Minnesota, and give Jessie Ventura ample time to bleed.. damn the media, too.

MH: Barr. Shut up.

FB: Watch your damn mouth, Harden, or I'll take little 'Maxtons' flippers and snorkel, and see if they'll all fit square up your--- [Barr doesn't get far enough to emulate pop culture wisdom. The house lights are fading down fast, and the "PurgaTron" (If you will) has begun to air his vid. The crowd makes a decent pop once again, the fast and furious pictorial of exotic locales and danger in the trenches crackling through Rainstone's career in the SEALS' service..]

[By now, the entrance is practically etched into the mind of NWC fans throughout the world- -the graphic shots of cartel warfare, the barren lifestyle of the incarcerated, the jungles and the thrashing seas--and then the images of Rainstone himself, in full gear and pristine uniform. Saluting the fans. Waving the flag. The carbon steel combat knife and blue metal of the assault rifle as he strikes a pose most dramatic on the Liberty Bell.]

[Michael Buffer has replaced the usual voice-over with something a bit more pertinent.]

MB: Introducing first.. the man recognized nationally as the very paragon of intensity and dedication.. the former peak of Navy SEAL standard.. here to represent Las Vegas in the second round..

[Pyros. Cheering. Explosions of the audial and visual sort.]

MB: He is the SCCW Smut CHAMP-EE-ON! The STAINLESS STEEL of PER-FEC-TION! The man they call HAAAAARDRAAAAIN!

[And then, once again, the blare of the national anthem. It's an entrance worthy of a war hero, or maybe King Farouk--as the flagpoles extend from either side of the stage, canned air creating the breeze effect, and between them, Rainstone--body tense beneath the dark army fatigues he wears, the sunglasses bridged on his nose, smirk in place and the beret askance on his head.]

FB: This is what I'm talking about. This is Navy attitude. You'd think this jerkoff were coming straight from the Stardust, all sizzle and no mental steak.

MH: "Mental steak"?

FB: Mental steak! Toughness! Integrity of mind! That's what the ARMY is about.. not this candy-striper Tropicana b-s.

[The anthem concludes, giving way to Rainstone's theme from "Airwolf". Maxton makes a precise slip under the ropes on his belly, rising with the flag draped over his shoulders-- flashbulbs explode in a ripple wave of light, a couple thousand fans capturing the moment in unison.]

AL: The man doesn't even look winded after the first round!

MH: The guy's has his eyes and nostrils stapled open and been hung upside-down in the surf, Al.. Justin Canyon is a Twinkie in comparison.

FB: This is what Agent Orange does to a guy. Look at that fool and his flag.

MH: Frank.. [And once again, as seems to be part of the natural balance of color announcers everywhere, Marcus is cut short by the sudden appearance of fizzling light over the crowd. Rainstone sees it. The people see it, too. The thrumming begins.]

FB: Oh, look. It's the star of Bethlehem.

[Impact in five.. four.. three.. two.. the light sparks towards the PurgaTron, and..]

[BOOOOOM!]

[The crowd goes nuts all over again. One would think that the novelty of fireworks would eventually wear off as far as the wrestling fan mind goes--but then again, the basic tenants of reality are usually lost on this fair breed.]

AL: It's the man from NEWS..

FB: And his holy piece of sweetmeat!

[And though it isn't the first time tonight, the fans eat it all up like it were--a steady rise and fall of "OOOHS" and "AAAAAHS" against Orff's masterpiece. "Oh Fortuna" and the eternal struggle of man in understanding his place in God's Kingdom live and in living color on the big screen.]

[It's all there; the flaming wrath of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's escape, the epic wars of the Israelites and the terrible judgements against them.. culminating with the glory of Jesus, his death and rebirth. Sure, it's a bit heavy, but you can't argue the production value.]

MB: Making his way to the ring for the second round of the Pierce bracket.. here to represent NEWS...

[The smoke clears, the images give way to flesh, and out comes Johnson and Mary Stone. Henry's eyes grace over the waving arms of the fans, Mary moving along with him beyond the stage, and down the ring aisle.]

MB: He is the "BLESSED"... he is the man with a mission.. he IS...

[He's actually looking a bit winded. Johnson's large frame sags slightly beneath its own weight, his step not dragging, but definitely.. tarnished. Mary stays in his pace as they reach the ring, ascending between the cables as Buffer gestures towards the pair.]

MB: HE IS... HEEEEENRY... JOOOOOHN-SOOOOOOOON!

[The explosion and shattering of the image on the PurgaTron garnishes another "OOOOAAAAH!" from the rapt crowd, the arena plunged into total darkness for a good moment of wild cheering.]

FB: I wonder what Mary thinks of Henry's Johnson?

MH: At least Henry's got a Johnson, Barr. FB: Leave it to a Navy-sucking clown like you to make fun of a man's war injury..

AL: GENTLEMEN. We're about to begin..

[The moment seems to suddenly catch on to Johnson--after a brief conference with the referee, he pulls back and stretches his arms overhead, massive frame tensing. Rainstone doesn't flinch from across the ring, even as Johnson shudders and throws his arms up, looking as if he's just caught a second wind from on high.]

FB: That was freaky.

MH: A man who's drunk on faith is a man who doesn't know the power of his own..

FB: Blah, blah, blah! I'm Marcus Harden! Listen to me! I sound so smart with my jargon about Sophists and numerology and the Feast of Mu'Jebha-zed!

[DING! DING! DING!]

[The crowd's fever peaks, and then calms. Buffer's out of the ring. The two referees are primed. The bell has tolled. And Rainstone and Johnson start circling.]

AL: Here we go.. both men showing a lot of caution at the outset.. testing each other's agility..

FB: What agility? Johnson moves like a burlap sack full of dog crap, and it isn't like the water ballerina's any better..

MH: Rainstone gets a hold of Hank's arm! Quick counterclockwise armdrag.. Rainstone tries to slip behind, but..

AL: Johnson powers out! An elbow to Rainstone's ribs! Followed by another! Look at the impact!

FB: There's your Navy SEAL 'conditioning', Marcus.. jelly-boy's gut looks like a skin on a pudding cup.

AL: Rainstone blocks a third with a grab-and-twist hold that I'm at a loss to even describe..

MH: Hey, not all of Maxton's moves came out of a wrestling school, Al.. he's got tricks the boys in back haven't seen on any side of the ocean..

FB: Like boring the crowd into submission? Look at him, stumbling all over Johnson, trying to back the Christian Network banner-boy into the corner..

AL: Yes, into the turnbuckle.. the referee's on top of them both, looking for a break..

MH: Rainstone breaks clean.

FB: PSH. What kind of Candyland crap is that? AL: And we're back to where we started.. Johnson's freed from the corner, and both men are back into circling mode..

MH: On a side note, Maxton has dubbed this match as "Operation Pheonix Rising".. he's lending tactical expertise into his gameplan for the tourney, each round getting its own code name for..

FB: See? You SEE? That's what I'm talking about. A sailor-boy can't just wrestle or fight, he has to THINK and PLAN and all that tripe..

AL: SPEAR! RAINSTONE HITS THE SPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE!

MH: Gee, Frank, maybe if Johnson planned a bit better, he wouldn't have just gotten ripped in half by that spear?

FB: Like I care about either of these goofs.

AL: And Rainstone just planted Henry Johnson halfway across the ring.. that's insane! Maxton's going to upend the power of Johnson with sheer wolverine audacity! And now, he's going for a reverse anklelock!

MH: Anklelock applied.. no, no, he's got Johnson way too close to the ropes.. I don't think Maxton planned on knocking him that far back with that vicious spear..

FB: Aw, isn't that cute? Johnson reaches the ropes, and Rainstone breaks the hold. Someone get me a puke bucket, or a Damon Hayes hat.

AL: The official's just doing his job, Barr.. we knew that the Pierce bracket wouldn't stand for any nonsense, and thus far, it certainly hasn't.. Maxton with a back-somersault to his feet, and Johnson a bit slow to rise..

MH: Henry's realizing that Rainstone's going to do whatever he has to do in order to keep him guessing.. I think he's starting to contemplate his game plan, boys..

FB: Instead of standing there like a moron, he's going to start sitting there like a moron.

AL: And Johnson's up--Rainstone in quick! Rainstone with a series of lightning-fast kicks, two to the knee, one to the thigh, look at his quickness!!

MH: And a kick to the--NO! Johnson caught his leg! Johnson shoves that kick aside, and--

FB: BLAM! Somebody call the medic! Clothesline! A HUGE freakin' clothesline! Maxton's head is somewhere in aisle seventeen!

AL: Someone's lit a fire under Henry Johnson.. a snap scoop slam! Boots! Johnson's pelting Rainstone with boots to the ribs and back!

FB: Yeah, and look how he won't just up and kick Maxton in the side of the skull.. what a freakin' wuss. MH: Rainstone propells himself to his feet by.. gawddamn, sheer will alone, I think! Going low on Johnson, who--

FB: And people say I'VE got problems, Harden?

AL: --tries to contain Rainstone with a double underhook attempt.. he's got one arm hooked, but Maxton's fighting like a cornered pit bull to keep the other out of reach..

MH: Oh, MAN!

FB: The HELL was that supposed to be!?

[What, indeed--basically, Johnson went for the power approach, and nailed what could be called a half-Pedigree on Rainstone. He had one arm hooked, and Maxton's head under the opposite armpit.. not enough cushion for when he dropped to both knees, and drove the SEAL's skull into the canvas face-first.]

[It goes up in replay on the PurgaTron. The crowd goes crazy. This was the kind of stuff they paid to see, y'know.]

AL: A heavily modified underhook DDT.. I suppose.. puts Rainstone down flat.. Johnson's going for a cover!

MH: One--

FB: Hook the leg! THE LEG! You idiot!

AL: Maxton's brains must be scrambled, but he's far from finished.. stiff kick-out sends Johnson back, and the official's checking on Rainstone.. he might be bleeding..

FB: Serves him right. He ain't wading in the kiddie pool right now.

MH: Looks like Rainstone's nose might have gotten busted, but no red stuff as of yet.

AL: And they're gonna let it continue! And Rainstone's already on his feet and lunging in for Johnson.. Henry doesn't back off, and these two are locked into a dead man's grapple!

FB: Sheesh, what the hell got into her?

[Mary's still at ringside--something you might have neglected to notice. After all, she isn't ripping her top off, or choking the referee, so the average fan's radar tends to gloss over such a presence--but she definitely looks unnerved by what's happening in the ring. Every time Hank's got an advantage, she looks like she's cringing inside.]

FB: I take back every horny thing I ever said about her. She's spooky.

AL: Rainstone's managed to seize the advantage out of the lockup.. he's going behind to try and tense up on Johnson's arm.. no easy task, considering the size of that thing..

FB: And now Lucente's starting up! You guys are perverts! MH: Shut up, Barr.. Rainstone's still relying on submission holds to try and wear Johnson down, the effort there to close up that chickenwing..

FB: They don't teach THAT move in sissy sailor camp!

AL: HARD into the corner! BOTH men! Johnson just backed his way into the corner, and slammed Maxton Rainstone into the pads! Johnson with the advantage, now, taking it to Maxton with forearms while the former SEAL is dazed..

MH: Hefting him up onto the turnbuckle.. could be a superplex on the way..

FB: Or an elbow to the head! HA! I hate to give sailorboy any kind of credit, but he just drove the spine of his elbow right into God-Boy's eye socket!

AL: Any way out of a jam, I suppose--and Johnson slips down two ropes, onto his feet!

MH: Rainstone wastes no time in applying leg scissors around the big man's neck, hoping to take advantage of his perch.. looking for a tilt-a-whirl..

AL: NO!

FB: HAW!

[The sound of Rainstone's spine rebounding off of the canvas as the result of Johnson's counter powerbomb is pretty sick. The crowd releases a groan as Hank hefts Maxton off the top turnbuckle, turns about 180-degrees, and just BLASTS him onto the mat.]

AL: That one came from NOWHERE! Henry Johnson's fighting for his damn life in there, it looks like!

MH: And once again, Johnson's looking towards the heavens for some inspiration..

FB: And smiling. Because he's looking at the freakin' rafters? This guy doesn't belong in a wrestling ring, he belongs in the bean garden at the Los Angeles Mercy Mental Hospital.

AL: Rainstone's had the air knocked right out of his lungs.. and Johnson's in control..

MH: Back suplex by Hank! And Rainstone hits HARD!

AL: Good show of psychology by Henry Johnson.. he's got Rainstone dazed from those heavy bumps he's taken off the ropes, and now seems to be capitalizing on the head and shoulders area..

FB: And ruins whatever respect I was starting to garnish his way by slapping on a boring chinlock.

MH: Reverse chinlock applied by Johnson--and the official's right there to ensure that it isn't a chokehold.. this is the Pierce bracket at work.. FB: Wouldn't it be cooler if Johnson just punched him in the throat? And made him cough up blood? I mean, isn't that making you guys pine for the Schukar bracket to come along and spice things up?

AL: Regardless as to whether or not the rules say that's illegal, Henry Johnson doesn't make it a point to..

FB: But wouldn't it be cool?

MH: You're so wasting your time, Al.

AL: Sigh.

FB: Dammit, Rainstone's starting to wake up.

AL: And the fans have something to do with that, Frank.. you can barely hear yourself think against the stomping feet of Maxton's supporters!

[True, that. Amidst the bickering of the announcers, the crowd has started to swell with inspiration for Rainstone, stomping feet and a resonant "NA-VY" chant. Lo and behold, the incantation seems to be working, as Maxton's starting to struggle.]

MH: That isn't a problem for Frank, Al.

FB: Awww, is daddy's little sailor girl all mad that the bible-thumper is punking her Real American Hero?

AL: Maxton's starting to rise.. he's up.. he's up.. he's UP! Driving an elbow into Johnson's belly! And another!

MH: He's busting out! Maxton Rainstone's broken loose of Johnson's massive arms, and is taking the fight to the Blessed!

FB: It's so incredibly retarded to hear YOU call him that, Harden.

AL: Knees to the gut and chest! Rainstone's caught fire in there! An irish whip to the ropes!

FB: DEAR LORD!

MH: And a cross-bodyblock by Johnson just got CAUGHT in mid-air! Rainstone just CAUGHT Johnson!

AL: And even Frank Barr can't believe it!

FB: I was more stunned by five hundred pounds of fat flying through the air than the actual move itself, Lucente..

MH: FALLAWAY slam! Picture perfect, baby! AL: And Johnson's looking for a breather, but no such luck from Rainstone.. Rainstone's trying to get him into position for what looks like a dragon sleeper--

MH: NO! JAWBREAKER! JAWBREAKER!

[Actually, it looked more like a Stone Cold Stunner with Maxton's skull landing on Johnson's head instead of his shoulder. Rainstone's head snaps back with the impact, sending him into a stumble.]

FB: Wow, just like a rattlesnake.

AL: I don't think we've EVER seen Henry Johnson this resilient and driven in a wrestling ring before..

MH: A taste of glory does weird things to people, Al.. and he isn't fresh as a daisy, but he's back up to his feet, and charging that shoulder right into Maxton's midsection!

AL: That's two! Johnson's got a hold of Rainstone's arm, and he's just feeding him into those shoulderblocks!

FB: Three times is a--

MH: DDT! DDT! OHMOMMA! WHAT A DDT!

FB: --bitch!

[Indeed it is. Rainstone's grit proves itself once again as he just slaps Johnson's hand off him, and counters a third shoulderblock with a stinging DDT. Henry bounces off his head, and doesn't look to be getting up with much zest.]

AL: We've said it before, and we'll say it again.. Maxton Rainstone is perseverence personified!

FB: You don't say that THAT often, because you sound like an idiot whenever you do..

AL: RAINSTONE SALUTES THE CROWD! THIS COULD BE IT!

MH: He's lookin' for the epitah on Johnson's tombstone--

[Maxton scoops Johnson up as Hank shudders to his knees.. but as he goes up and over, Johnson uses the momentum of his legs to bend things backwards. It's too bad that Rainstone's trench-hardened body is so supple, otherwise he just woulda fallen down.]

FB: It's a Slinky!

MH: NO! Henry Johnson manages to power out somehow! He's got Rainstone's head under his arm! Could be a--

AL: REVERSE DDT! YES! MH: And Johnson just SPRINGS to his feet after that one! He looks like HE can't even believe the things he's pulling out for this match!

FB: At least he isn't pulling out his Johnson, freako.

AL: Johnson's looking over towards Mary.. she's..

[Well, she's got a really weird look on her face. She looks wane as all get-out. Biting her lip, she looks up towards Johnson, who returns a broad smile of reassurance.]

FB: These two are weird. Like, really weird. Not just Jesus Freak weird.

MH: I think your vocabulary's finally imploding, Frank.. that's the fifteenth time you've said 'freak' in the last minute or so.

FB: Shut your messhole, freak.

AL: JOHNSON SIGNALS FOR THE RAPTURE! This could be all she wrote!!

MH: And Rainstone's taken a tremendous amount of abuse to his head.. he could have a concussion after that reverse DDT he was planted with..

FB: It wouldn't make much of a difference to his four or five apple pie-swilling, flag- worshipping knucklehead fans.

AL: Maxton can barely get to his feet as Johnson drags him up.. YES! Johnson is setting for the Rapture! Lifting--

MH: NO! Rainstone breaks out, and floats over! He's going for a Caroli--

FB: HA! Johnson jams his elbow into his eye yet AGAIN! No perverted-inverted-converted Russian legsweeps for the submarine jockey!

AL: And now, Johnson's got the upper hand--could be a piledrive--NO!

MH: AGAIN! AGAIN! Rainstone flips out! He's slipped loose! Belly-to-belly--

FB: Johnson must be on CRACK, man! He just headbutted Maxton in the face to get loose!

AL: And Johnson goes for a SECOND Rapture! A SECOND Rapture! He just blasted Maxton Rainstone in that injured nose with his forehead!

FB: It's over.

MH: NO!

[Well, it almost is--until Maxton slips out of the Rapture for a second time, and snares Johnson's right arm into a forward somersault double armbar. It happens so quick, nobody even has time to blink, let alone Hank himself.] AL: ROLLING ARMBAR! ROLLING ARMBAR! MAXTON RAINSTONE COMES OUT OF NOWHERE!!

FB: There's the needless dramatics YET again..

MH: Johnson's reaching.. straining.. for the ropes..

FB: See, that's the guy's problem. He should use his arm instead of his Johnson for that stuff.

MH: Almost there.. Henry Johnson's practically there..

AL: NO! NOOO! NO! HE TAPPED! HE TAPPED! HENRY JOHNSON TAPPED OUT!

[And indeed he has--despite incredible resolve and divine inspiration, the harder Johnson tries for the cables, the harder Maxton yanks on that tortured limb. Right before it pops out of its socket, Henry does the bravest thing any guy could do, and chooses discretion over valour.]

[The crowd, of course, detonates on impact.]

AL: Maxton Rainstone is going to the next round! Maxton Rainstone is going to the next round! The former Navy SEAL is just one match away from the finals.. and he takes the hopes of Sin City with him!

DING! DING! DING!

[The "Star Spangled" banner erupts over the PA system once more as Rainstone quickly releases Johnson's arm, does a backwards roll to his feet, and rises. Buffer's there for the official call as one referee raises Maxton's arm, and the other checks on Hank.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner and third round participant.. SIN CITY'S OWN.. MAX-TON... RAAAAAAAIN-STOOOOOOOONE!

FB: You know, I thought this guy might be the lesser of two evils, but... nah. I still hate both their guts.

MH: Well said. How's the beverage situation?

FB: Beverage situation? If you say it like that, you don't deserve to find out!

[Lucente laughs, as we cut to commercial.] AL: We'll be right back, NWC fans!

AL: We're back, here on Night Two of Purgatory! We're just now getting a chance to catch our breath after more exciting Road To Purgatory action, the UNBELIEVABLE Quarterfinal matches we saw!

MH: So many bizarre, complicated, ominous sounding events filled this card, now we switch to the matchup many are calling a "spot-fest"..

FB: Heck.

AL: Heck..?

FB: Let me finish.

MH: Finish, then!

FB: Heck, that's all nothing compared to the craziness we're about to witness here in Vienna!

MH: We're not in Vienna, Major!

FB: ....

AL: Riiight.

MH: Look, everyone.. this is a terrific, exciting, innovative contest we have coming up. It's for a prized shot at our NWC World J-Crown Championship, now currently held by "The Salience" Collin Montgomery of the Uppermost Echelon. These men, one from each region in the Council..

FB: Can you hurry up?

MH: They're all here to climb into a ring that'll be MOVING.. travelling through the canal here in front of us, and continuing outward! Obviously, this thing is moving slower than Frank Barr's commentary, so they've got plenty of time to fight it out.

AL: Also, there's some limited scaffolding built up on each side, and crossing over!

FB: This thing's a monstrosity! Have you seen the guy driving it? He looks like Captain Ahab!

AL: Captain Ahab?

MH: Major?

FB: You rang?

MH: Was he the other half of your tag team, the "Macho Military Men"? FB: Shaddup. Fatass.

AL: Fans, it looks like we're ready for the introductions. All of the wrestlers are here, in the ring. Our 'navigator' if you will, who The Major has lovingly dubbed Captain Ahab, is set at the wheel to guide this beast of a setup..

MH: It's got to be something like, forty, no.. thirty feet by sixty feet, I would guess.

AL: Whatever it is, it's getting ready to move down the open, Italian rivers. These men, Jimmy Lane, Ebola Zaire, Johnny Wai, The Real American Hero, and Maahir Abdul-Mateen, will try to be the only one who DOESN'T get wet!

MH: What an idea! These guys can fly off of the scaffolding, looking like a good 10-13 feet high up there..

FB: YOU'RE 10-13 feet high, Harden! That scaffolding goes up twenty feet, I assure you both.

AL: To do introductions for this World J-Crown Contender's match, we have a returning NWC wrestler.

FB: Who!?

AL: The one and only, Sid Snow! Former MCW Michigan-National Cruiserweight Champion, and United States Cruiserweight Title Contender.

[A spotlight flashes on a good-sized, agile looking wrestler coming out of the stands. He's headed for the barge, where the competitors wait anxiously. The man, recognized now as "Suicide" Sid Snow, waves to the crowd and gets a good reception. He continues walking the last stairs to the Barge's docking point.]

FB: Who's the bum? Why should I care?

AL: He was one of the pioneers in what's now the J-Crown division!

FB: You didn't answer my questions..

AL: He was spectacular in my organization, Motor City Wrestling..

MH: [mumbles] Let's take it to Snow for the intros, and then we'll see this crazy.. and we do mean CRAZY.. match come to fruition. Has it ever been any stranger than this, my friends?

[The competitors for the match are shrouded in darkness, each either taking a corner or, in Ebola Zaire's case, already well climbed atop the scaffold structure.]

FB: You know I don't care for these idiots, but I'll tell you this much.

AL: Look at Zaire! FB: The Major has seen men he didn't like shot. Men falling from great distances.. off ships, off of trees and buildings, outposts and towers, out of helicopters, you name it! There's just a THRILL that goes along with seeing someone plummet to their doom!

[The opening beats of Orbital's 'The Box' tinkle over the P.A, to a moderate pop from our good-sized crowd. A few seconds later, the figure of this man with his hands in the pockets of his black baseball jacket is lit up by multiple, glowing spotlights, his head down but with a confident swagger in his step as he walks around the ring.]

SS: Our first competitor, representing the New England Wrestling Syndicate! From San Francisco, California. He weighs in at two hundred-thirty four pounds..

[The man looks up once or twice at the crowd, who mainly seem to be booing him as he makes his way down the aisle. He reaches the ring, climbing onto the ring apron, holding on to the top rope as he vaults into the ring.]

SS: ...He is... Johnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnny WAAAIIII!

[The crowd jeers at the announcement of his name, but Wai seems not to care, a crafty smirk on his face. He takes off the jacket to reveal a bare torso, light blue and green wrestling tights with the word 'WAI' emblazoned down the right-hand side, and a yin-yang symbol on the left. Completing his outfit is a pair of clean white wrestling boots. Wai rolls his neck a couple of times, before stretching out, glaring at his shadowed opponents.]

AL: We could see two men go at once, or any number of people trying to interfere! And remember, this thing's got a charted course..

SS: [reading it straight off the cards] Introducing at this time... He weighs in at 227 pounds and hails from Boston, Massacuesetts. He is the HIW TROPICAL STORM CHAMPION!

SS: Please welcome at this time "JACKASS" JIIIMMMMMMMYYY LAAAANNNEE!!!

[Lane steps eagerly into the spotlight as it changes over to meet him. Jimmy grins wide for everyone to see. He has a mischevious, scheming look on his face that pretty much says, "I know something you don't know so NAHNAHNAHNAH!". He wears black tights, with green and red zig zag thingys going up the sides, and a white tanktop.]

FB: I'll admit, this guy did make me laugh making fun of tourists and the locals and stuff..

[He flexes in the middle of the ring a little then, holds the mic that was in his right hand up to his mouth. The music stops as Lane starts to speak.]

Jimmy Lane: I just wanted to congratulate the geniuses at the NWC for thinking up a match like this! You might say its a real... fish out of water!

[A collective groan escapes the Purgatory audiences. He slaps his knee and cackles, while we just cover our ears in hopes that he'll go away. He places the mic down in the corner and takes off the T-shirt.]

AL: What were you saying, Barr? FB: Not a thing. [laugh]

SS: Our next competitor.. formerly Trent Johnson, here is.. MAAHIR ABDUL-MATEEN!!

MH: Next up should be Trent Johnson.

FB: That's not his name!

AL: Well, it IS a little difficult to pronounce.

FB: So?!

MH: Do you know it?

FB: No.

AL: We thought so.

[A booming, distinct sound electrifies the Complex. It's the heavy bass from "No Mercy" by Pharoahe Monch! The spotlight changes over from Lane, to a small pop. After a much larger response from these NWCites, Maahir Abdul-Mateen climbs up one of the ropes, one hand on a large, vertical cross-section of scaffolding..]

AL: Everyone has to make a big entrance it seems, fans!

MH: Aldo, that's how it was last night. Tonight is no different, by any means.

[The big screen behind the ring, hanging up, lights up with a countdown.]

[FIVE...as the crowd sees it and goes with it...]

[FOUR!]

[THREEEEEE!]

[TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!]

[ONEEEEEE!!!]

[The lights in the Complex go out.]

[The PSM becomes deeply filtered in red.]

[That light goes out as well.]

[The arena is then bathed in white.]

[The Light goes out again.] [The arena flashes quickly to blue.]

Voice: HELLLLLLLLOOOOO - VEEEEENNNNNNICCCCCCCEEEEEEE!!!!!!

[Bruce Springsteen's "BORN IN THE USA" begins to play over the PA System, and the crowd replies with a mixed reaction of cheers and boos. But it would appear that in just a short time, he has even become a fan favorite with many locals and European wrestling fans.]

[The Big Screen lights up with a phrase, as it alone is all Snow reads of an introduction in this loud spectacle.]

["REAL"]

["AMERICAN"]

["HERO"]

[FLASHES of pyrotechnics bolster out, in red, then white, then blue!]

MH: Whoa! He's got the loud-sounding stuff, too!

FB: What!? I can't hear you!

AL: [quietly] Don't talk, then..

[Crowd pop! All the lights go out yet again, but then, standing in his corner, is the man in the red lighting. The Real American Hero, as he is known, raises his arms confidently and cups his hand to his ear somewhat as the crowd cheers.]

MH: Big entrance for the Real American Hero! He's got to be one of the clear favorites here in this match, guys. And you know who that leaves.. the one and only GCW Glory Champion!

AL: Mr. "MasterPenis Theatre", one of the majority of guys here for whom the NWC's 235 pound J-Crown Cruiserweight Division limit is quite a stretch..

FB: Wait. That guy.. [pause] That guy's 235?

MH: Yep. Your weight when you went off to West Point, right?

FB: Nope, yours when you hit puberty! Now this Ebola guy. He's a moron.

MH: Hey, jackass. He is a legend, and that is disrespectful.

AL: Barr has a point. He IS without his manhood!

MH: And that has to have some effect on this match, as Ebola has very recently taken a chair shot to the back of the head and had three sets of lockers thrown on him!

FB: That's right, beefers. He should be the first to go! MH: Obviously, you don't know the meanest, dirtiest bastard in all of the NWC...

FB: Schukar's here?

[Announcers share a chuckle.]

[Green laser lights shoots out across the sky! "Infected" by Bad Religion fires up on the loudspeakers. Fireworks of many, varied colors explode overhead in brilliant finish after brilliant finish. The people jump up to their feet, beginning to cheer for the wonderful entrance. A loud thundering begins to play over the intercom as the spotlight hits the large, side scaffolding on the right.]

MH: EBOLA is HERE!

[Zaire raises a fist into the air, hanging precariously from the side on the far end, mostly above the water.]

FB: Whoa-whoa! Calm down, Bucky!

##Now here I go,## ##Hope I don't break down## ##I won't take anything, I don't need anything## ##Don't want to exist, I can't persist## ##Please stop before I do it again## ##Just talk about nothing, let's talk about nothing## ##Let's talk about no one, please talk about no one, someone, anyone##

[The man hangs there and begins to headbang INTO the scaffolding!]

AL: GOOD HEAVENS!

[The crowd is going crazy as they begin to chant SICK! SICK! SICK! SICK! as it flashes on the Big Screen. The man stands there eating up the crowds reaction to him!]

FB: Well, he's taking his sweet-ass time, don't you think? I'm willing to sit around and wait for this, since four of these five dumbasses are gonna end up in THAT water!

[The Major coughs, just THINKING about it. The competitors are all ready to go, and Snow is relaying the signal to go soon.]

FB: But... they just won't get ON with it! Send the damn thing down the f[bleep]ing river, Captain Ahab! Ahoy!

AL & MH: ...

FB: [belch] MH: Frank, it's a NWC P-P-V and this is Ebola's first major appearance! He is gonna live it up to the utmost, there's no doubt about it. It's time to start, so let's see it.

FB: First? Don't you remember him stealing the tag titles many months ago? Across Enemy Lines 2, in Sydney Australia? The Lower Echelon, perhaps?

AL: Bro, you can't forget that.

MH: I'm amazed, Barr..

##You and me have a disease## ##You affect me, you infect me## ##I'm afflicted, you're addicted## ##You and me, you and me##

FB: I'm an amazing kind of guy, Hardhead.

[Ebola, still banging his head quickly on the steel, smiles... and the people also love this man. Maybe they just don't know any better!]

MH: We've got Maahir, RAH, Wai, and Jimmy Lane chilling in the ring, watching the freak as he hangs there on the side scaffolding! He must have some game plan, because normally he just runs to the ring and starts fighting.

FB: Nah, I think he is scared. I think Trent..

AL: -Maahir!

FB: Whatever. Trent has him scared to death!

##I'm on the edge## ##Get against the wall## ##I'm so distracted## ##I love to strike you## ##Here's my confession## ##You learned your lesson## ##Stop me before I do it again##

[Ebola listens to his own music dutifully. His head begins to thrash even harder. The crowd now beginning to sing the song to the best of their ability, and Ebola begins to jump up and down! Then..]

FB: WHAT THE HELL???

[Ebola's hair falls out.] AL: Wait a minute! Hold the phone! THAT'S not Ebola!

FB: [groan] That's just some italian punk.

MH: Where is Ebola, then?

[The imposter makes his way off at nearly the last possible second. Wai, RAH, Lane and Maahir look around wondering where the freak actually is...]

MH: OH MY! LOOK ON TOP OF THE SCAFFOLD!!

FB: [heavy gulp] HOLY F[BLEEP]!

##You're clear - as a heavy lead curtain want to drill you - like an ocean## ##We can work it out, I've been running out, now I'm running out## ##Don't be mad about it baby## ##You and me, you and me## ##I want to tie you, crucify you##

[DING! DING! DING!]

AL: We're starting like THIS!? Zaire's got a bat wit him! It's covered in barb wire..

FB: NICE! This is the floating festival of DEATH!

MH: Now the thing is moving! And EBOLA IS ATOP THE SCAFFOLD, DIRECTLY OVER THE RING!

##Kneel before you, revile your body## ##You and me, we're made in heaven## ##I want to take you, I want to break you## ##Supplicate you, are incurable## ##I want to bathe you in holy water I want to kill you## ##Upon the altar, you and me, you and me!##

MH: EBOLA ZAIRE!!

FB: ALREADY! MY LORD!!!!!

["RAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"]

MH: ZAIRE JUST FLEW OFF THE TOP OF THE SCAFFOLD WITH A BARBED-WIRE BAT!

FB: The bat HIT Johnny Wai! MH And Ebola DRILLEDMAAHIR WITH THAT FLYING DROPKICK!!!!

AL: TEN, FIFTEEN FOOT DROP! WHILE THE THING WAS MOVING !

MH: To start the match, even!

AL: EBOLA IS OUT COLD! BUT JUST LISTEN TO THIS CROWD!!!!

["RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"]

FB: Ah man, I could do that.

AL: When!?

FB: Back in.. the day.

[The aftermath of the jump is pretty amazing. Hero locks up with Lane timidly, but both are amazed at the three men laid out. Wai, particularly, looks cut up as he was unfortunate enough to be in the way of the barbed-wire bat as it descended.]

MH: Wai's cut open! Mateen and Zaire are both down in a heap, and this HEAP IS CHUGGING ALONG! Have you seen anything like this in your entire life, Barr?

FB: It ain't movin' that fast, tho. And neither's Ebola after that jump. But damn.. a barbed- wire bat, suicide dropkick from the adjoining scaffolding overhead! That was great, I don't care what anyone says!

AL: These fans agree with you! And now it's Lane with the rake to the eyes.. and he brings Hero to the buckle! Face smash, and another!

[Wai is in a state of shock, trying to tend to his deep wounds.. but the situation looks pretty severe. As of yet, Mateen is barely starting to stir, and Zaire is simply out.]

MH: Real American Hero's not being so heroic, as he's backed up in the buckle! Forearm shot.. and the "Jackass" measures his prey.. SUPERKICK! To the GROIN!

FB: Eh, cheap fix. Guy should thank him.

AL: WHAT!?

MH: Wai comes over, cautiously.. and Lane turns!

FB: Man, look at these crowds gathered to watch this Royal. There are folks actually watchin' this from that canal side! Better than buyin' a ticket, eh Guido?

MH: Right by Lane, blocked! Two quick jabs by Johnny.. and an irish whip! LOOK! The "Jackass" has to leap over Zaire's body, and back over it again.. spine buster!

["RAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!"] AL: Nice execution! Lane is down, and Hero's set to fly from the second rope. Amazing hangtime on his patriotic flying elbowdrop!

[We switch to a quick profile of the Barge's driver, "Captain Ahab". He wrinkles his wrinkled, grey eye further, giving a meaty thumbs up in our direction.]

FB: [loud] Have one on me, brother!

MH: And Wai's gonna step between the ropes to the apron, and start scaling some scaffolding! Hero looks to him and decides to head over to Maahir Abdul-Mateen, backed up, slouched in the corner.

AL: There's a stomp. And another! RAH is attempting to pick the man up, here, but Mateen is THAT dazed!

FB: And what about Real American Wacko? He took a kick right to the codpiece!

AL: He took an INCREDIBLE impact when Ebola Zaire, to START this match for a shot at the J-Crown Championship, flew down from the top to obliterate himself AND Mateen!

MH: Man, what action we have had thus far!

AL: Okay, now Wai is back. He and Lane are decking it out in the far corner of the ring, Johnny elevated on the ropes. Wai pushes Lane out, Wai with a DROPKICK!

MH: HUGE hangtime.. but Lane just sidesteps, shoving Wai's legs out of the way!

AL: The NEWS representative is cut and down, very, very hard. Jimmy Lane hops onto the back of Wai, and he flamboyantly wrenches in a tight headlock.

FB: So, the snore patrol wrestles. Get some weapons! Don't try to sell this, Lucente.

MH: But, look! RAH and Maahir are going nuts on each other!

AL: Maahir with a slap to the face! RAH spins around, connecting with a vicious clothesline! Maahir rolls with it, however, and is on his feet! Mateen is off the ropes..

MH: He's off with a crossbody, but RAH catches him! WOW! FALLAWAY SLAM!

["RAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!"]

AL: Mateen is not getting up so well, and Ebola is beginning to show some signs of life. He's stirring, guys! I'll have to say I am impressed.

FB: [laughs] Can you believe it? Zaire's deciding to get on his feet now! He's sulking over to RAH.. and what? Now both men pummel Maahir! What a teaming up!

AL: Those two know who the real threat of the match is, and what better way to get rid of him than double team him! FB: Please! Who's the one who came off the scaffold!?

MH: RAH and Zaire on kicking the snot out of him... OH, MY! RAH WITH A SNEAK RIGHT HAND TO THE SIDE OF ZAIRE'S NOSE! That just bloodied the sick ones face right up!

[Quick shot of some fans waving and showing their signs. One key one we get to see in English says: "Ebola Fears Gravity"]

FB: That's an accurate sign. [cackles]

AL: Zaire and RAH now continue to exchange haymakers! They're punch for punch! Zaire had some harsh words for the more "mainstream favorite" RAH, this week.

MH: RAH took it to heart! Hero with a high knee to the gut of Zaire, that makes a loud impact. Zaire doubles over, and RAH heads off the ropes!

AL: RAH continues past Zaire, jumping onto the second rope and turning! SPRINGBOARD LEGDROP ONTO EBOLA'S NECK! HERO, THE BSW SKYWEIGHT CHAMPION, IS BRINGING THE FIGHT RIGHT TO THE GLORY CHAMP!

FB: Ebola's head just snapped backwards!

MH: And his face was crushed into the mat too, Barr! I suspect RAH is in the best position to win it all right now, and look out! Johnny Wai and Lane were struggling in the corner, with Hero charging at both!

AL: RAH takes off into the air.. and a DROPKICK TO THE FACE OF WAI! VICIOUS DROPKICK! WAI WAS BEING HELD BY LANE!

FB: DAMN! He's got to be cut even worse after that impact.

MH: What a crazy, just purely insane idea for a match! And the action just doesn't stop, guys. We can see that Zaire's right back up, as is Mateen. They're on opposite ends of the ring, near the center.. now to the apron! Yes!

FB: Go! Go! GO!

AL: They're both scaling the scaffolding, of this floating barge! What a spectacular sight!

MH: Here they go!

FB: This is great! One wrong move, and they're in the drink!

AL: Drink? Who'd want to drink THAT!?

FB: I can't believe these other two bums are still in! Hero and Jimmy Lane! They have pretty much taken over this match in the ring as Wai is bloodied. "Jackass" Jimmy is laying the stomp on RAH! AL: I still can't believe that Zaire is still in this match after the beating he received. Other than his opening suicide maneuver, he has had little to no offense. Now, he and Mateen are on opposite edges of the beam that goes over the ring!

MH: That's nice, but RAH is starting to put up a little resistance now! Lane with another kick.. RAH catches it! He lips the other leg beautifully.

FB: Good move, even I'll say that..

MH: Lane comes crashing down hard! RAH grabs both legs and puts Lane in the BOSTON CRAB! He's really got him in a vice hold! RAH is sitting hard onto it while Lane is screaming out in pain!

AL: But here comes Wai... SPIN WHEEL KICK TO THE BACK OF REAL AMERICAN HERO!

["BOOOOOOOO!!!!"]

FB: And that is why you don't wrestle in these types of matches, idiot. You gotta be fast, quick and fight hard!

MH: Maahir, a little bloody himself, is crawling along with the help of the steel guidebeams. Maahir sees that Ebola is walking his way with no precaution. It looks like he is gonna try and eliminate the former Trent Johnson right now!

AL: Is Wai even alive, Harden? He hasn't moved that much, and I seriously think he's lost too much blood.

FB: But check out the two guys up there!

MH: Maahir picks Zaire up and he's gonna slam his face down! He is trying to lift him up, maybe just enough extra to get him into the water, too?

AL: LOW BLOW!

MH: A MULE KICK! Ebo is still alive!

[Shot changes to more fan-people hanging out along the sides of the river. One group, looking like a bunch of preppy frat college students from America, holds up their huge banner: "GREG FEARS RUSS!"]

FB: Taking a page out of Jimmy Lane's preparations for this match!

MH: Dangerous situation for these two! Maahir is in bad shape, backing off on all fours. Ebola isn't in much condition to follow him..

FB: What's he gonna do? Dive again!?

AL: [laughs] Guys, I see we've reached the halfway mark, journey-wise. About as long from now, that barge will come back around, making a full circle here in front of us! It may not be over by that point, either! MH: Maybe not! But look! YES!

AL: Ebola does charge! He's got something left! The GCW Glory champion stands, walking towards.. and he puts the boots to Maahir!

MH: Again! And again!

AL: He kicked him so hard Harden, that the side of his cranium smacked into the steel!

FB: Wha-who-whooooa!

AL: He's teetering! MAAHIR- HE'S-HE'S...

[Gasp!]

MH: Ebola swings and misses! Johnson lives!

[Another Gasp!]

AL: Zaire's down to his knees, while Maahir Abdul-Mateen is basically hanging off the side, precariously some ten feet above the competitors below!

MH: Is he gonna go?

FB: He could! He might! He...

AL: HE DOES! LOOK OUT!

MH: OHH!! HE LANDED RIGHT ON TOP OF REAL AMERICAN HERO!

AL: WHAT A COLLISION!

FB: Ebola's laughing himself into convulsions, up there! Honestly, I thought he'd go down WITH him, just to do it again!

AL: You're not the only one! Now RAH and Mateen are down in a heap, and Lane has no problem working Wai over!

MH: Lane picks Johnny up. It's a hook of the leg, and the neck. Russian Legsweep! He rolls through with it and continues choking the dazed, bloody Johnny Wai! Look at the man go!

AL: And Zaire's scaling back down.. is he coming all the way? By air or by foot, I should say..

FB: Huh?

MH: Ebola! LOOK OUT, "JACKASS!" It's a vicious cross-body block, from a challenging, perched position on the side beam!

AL: Both men are down! ALL men are down! MH: This has been some kind of match, that much I'll agree..

AL: Wow! Almost in synch, three of our J-Crown Title Shot combatants have stirred or stood up. Wai's back to his feet, most amazing of all.. and we're seeing some life out of Real American Hero, and Ebola Zaire!

FB: Those two are goin' after each other! Get the bat, Virus-boy!

MH: Hero dives! Huge forearm clothesline, sending Ebola back to the ropes! Hero seizes the opportunity.. by backing into the ropes, getting a running start! Baseball slide!

FB: Knocked him off!?

AL: No! No! Zaire's still in! Zaire's still in this!

MH: Yes! He fell out of the ring, but he's still on the barge.. there's not but four, maybe five feet of space there, on either side of that scaffolding..

AL: Here comes Wai, with a baseball slide of his own!

MH: EBOLA!

AL: HE SIDESTEPS!

[SPLAAAASH!]

FB: YES!

MH: WAI WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE CANAL!

AL: JOHNNY WAI HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

FB: WAI, OH WAI! [laughs]

MH: Ebola gets up to the apron, and he steps into the ring.. here's Hero! Big clothesline, takes the man down! And Lane is there!? HOW!?

AL: I don't know, Marcus! The "Jackass" has RAH, and he sends him HARD into the steel of that scaffolding!

MH: Ebola helps out, tripping the Hero! This is a gang-up, and I think the wear and tear of this match is getting to all the men! We've seen some incredible offense in this match, and it doesn't look to be stopping!

AL: Ebola sets up RAH in the corner. Lane runs.. and he's gonna use Mateen's crumbled up body as a springboard! Flying Avalanche Splash into the turnbuckle!

MH: WOW! AL: And Ebola! The sick bastard! He's following it right up by BITING Hero! He's taking his teeth right to him, where-ever they'll go as RAH tries to scramble away..

FB: Is the barge back, yet? I asked Captain Ahab to pick me up some Goldschlager..

AL: Hey, that's good stuff.

FB: No [bleep], Lucento!

AL: RAH is scrambling, up the scaffolding! He's gonna make a run for it airborne, and hope that these guys fight it out amongst themselves! Not a bad idea!

MH: Wait, Al. He may be going up to use it as a perch! To send his Patriot Missle down on the competitors!

AL: And yes, Ebola and Lane go after each other! Trading punch! Zaire lunges with a knee, but Lane catches it! He picks the man up.. OOH! He runs him into the steel of the scaffolding, jarring it bigtime!

[Real American Hero is precariously hanging on, on the far side of the scaffolding.]

MH: He could be wet ANY second!

FB: What's taking him so long, then?

MH: Who, Hero?

FB: No, stupid.. the barge driver! With my booze!

AL: [sighs] Hero scales up a little bit more, and Zaire's just prone on the mat. "Jackass" Jimmy drags Maahir Abdul-Mateen onto Zaire, and he's got a nice little pile! OH NO!

MH: Jimmy swings and connects with that barbed-wire bat, to the sternum of Mateen! That's just VICIOUS!

FB: It keeps the man down! That's the name of the game.. because Lane can definitely employ some high-risk offense.

MH: And he will! Good call by the Major! It's "Jackass" Jimmy Lane, the HIW Tropical Storm Champion, climbing the scaffolding now! He's on the beam across the ring from Hero, but advancing up rapidly.. taking his positio-

AL: MY LORD!

MH: HE JUMPS! A _HUGE_ FLYING BODYSPLASH ONTO THE _PILE_!

AL: The bat was sandwiched in between the mess!

FB: REALLY!? You've gotta be kidding me! MH: Even Hero's looking on in shock..

FB: C'mon, you Yankee cornball, jump off! Make it a four-some!

[Mateen and Zaire each receive a close-up shot, one after another. The men's faces are completely covered in red, blood soaked agony. Neither are moving in the slightest. Lane, however, managed to avoid the impact of the bat and is stirring.]

MH: What's Hero gonna do?

FB: He should come down and toss out the dead weight! I don't know what he's DOING up there!

AL: He's just waiting for the right moment.. that's all..

FB: The right moment, for what? To slip OFF!?

AL: Guys, I'm getting word that the barge is only a couple of minutes away from its return here to the Purgatory Complex, and the Piazza San Marco!

["RAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!"]

FB: Is that a pop, or a pop for the Hero? [scratches chin]

MH: Can you believe this!? Jimmy Lane is back to his feet! He's going across the ring.. not too fast, but he's trying. He's coming over towards RAH! Hero climbs higher, and up onto the cross-over section of scaffolding!

AL: Hero's right above thie ring, and Lane's in hot pursuit!

MH: Mateen has stirred, as well! He's been saving something! He backs up to get some momentum off the ropes!

AL: WAIT! NOT THAT WAY!

MH: Lane had a foot on the ropes, pushing them down! It completely overturns Maahir, and he flies over the top.. and OUT! WOW!!

AL: MAAHIR ABDUL-MATEEN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

MH: Fast and furious, as we approach the docking point! What's it gonna be? WHO is gonna go on to a card, real soon, and challenge for the NWC's World J-Crown Championship? Hero is on his stomach, waiting Jimmy's ascension. He gets there, and Real American Hero clocks him with a right hand!

[Shot switches to the inside of the cabin, at the Captain Ahab fellow driving the rig.]

AL: What? What's he got to do with it? [He turns, walking out the door.. pulling himself up to the flooring they built on the back of the barge.]

MH: That's a man in disguise! I can tell, now! But WHO is it?

FB: ANOTHER person in disguise? I've just got to go kill someone now, excuse me.

AL: Do I get your Goldschlager?

FB: Not funny, asshole!

[The person in the Captain Ahab getup pulls off the sailor's hat. The spectacles. The fake beard. The moustache. He pulls off his dark blue jacket, too.]

MH: POTS! IT'S THE POTS!!!

AL: THE POTS HAS BEEN DRIVING THIS THING ALL ALONG!

FB: Stop yelling!

MH: WOW!

FB: What's all of it mean, though?

[The POTS is revealed, and he gets a good reaction from the nearby crowds. They're within sighted distance of the Purgatory Complex, and the mammoth vessel's sight is enough to get the Piazza San Marco crowd going nuts. POTS is living it up, waving his arms around to make the most of his appearance.]

AL: What an unbelievable appearance! How did he manage to get himself in as the driver of this rig?

MH: They're REALLY close to us, here!

FB: Is it gonna end soon?

[POTS moves over to the scaffolding, on one side. Jimmy Lane and Real American Hero are punching back and forth.. Hero maintaining an advantage due to his positioning. POTS shakes the scaffolding, and goes directly for some connector cables!]

MH: The Steel Cables? They're helping to keep this thing up, and stable! The whole thing will go!

AL: Could that be his intention?

MH: NO!

FB: YES! [looks] I MEAN - NOOOOOOO!!!

[CRAAAAASH!] MH: THE WHOLE THING GAVE WAY! INTO THE RIVER!!!

[SPLAAAAAAAAAAASH!]

[Static, abrupt buzzing and whooshing sound. Cut to static.]

[After a long delay, we're finally back. The announcers all have changes of clothes, except Frank Barr, who doesn't seem to care that much that the entire set, and most of the audience, just got drenched by a huge, steel scaffold structure plunging backwards into the canal.]

AL: Fans, we're back. Words just don't seem to be able to describe what's happened.

FB: We got SOAKED, that's what happened!

AL: Did you see Hero and Lane go into the water? It was scary! Are they okay?

FB: [mock crying] Waaah!

MH: And Ebola Zaire won the match! It kinda took away from his celebration, for us to get hosed down and the production feed to be messed up, but it was a huge win anyway! The GCW Glory Champ receives a World J-Crown Shot, and represents Georgia proudly!

FB: What? The jerkoff who uses real, live feces in the ring on his opponent serves someone proudly?

AL: Hey, now. Give the guy some credit.

FB: Okay, he's a sicko. That good?

MH: Hey, that's the consensus, at least! Again, congrats go out to Ebola Zaire. We're sorry for the production problems with that.. but it was a GREAT J-Crown Battle Royal!

FB: And now a match where everyone is going to die!

AL: [clears throat]

[Suddenly the lights go out around the setup arena and the crowd begins to cheer as the chanting of monks begins over the PA system of the arena. There is nothing but pale moonlight to view the makeshift arena. A huge set of explosions light up the sky as the bank of the channel sends fireworks and fire bursts into the air. A huge spotlight on top of the main Purgatory tower is shining over the area looking for something when they find it.]

FB: Look at THAT! [In the channel's water, creeping toward the set comes the God. Steve Gaines is neck deep and as he immerges from the water we see that he has a large python around his neck. He is wearing only a pair of jeans. As he immerges, a group of men in white robes run up and surround him. The lights go out again and Black Sabbath's Sabbath Bloody Sabbath begins to play over the PA.]

[Moments later a deep voice bellows through the darkness.]

SG: LET THERE BE LIGHT!

[Suddenly a loud booming brings the lights all back on at once and Steve Gaines stands in a white robe in the middle of the ring. Underneath he has white trunks and brown boots. He stands with a black, studded cross, approximately the size of a baseball bat and waits for his enemy.]

AL: Man, this is some weird crap, dudes!

MH: It'll only get weirder, I promise.

[With startling abruptness, the industrial aggression of Nine Inch Nails' 'Burn' jars the fans out of their collective state of euphoria for the challenger, whipping them into a seething congregation of savages, directing their frenzied boos toward the entrance way.]

#This world rejects me#

#This world threw me away#

#This world never gave me a chance#

#This world's gonna have to pay#

[Unspectacularly, his expression the same indifferent look of apathy that has become his hallmark, the GCW champion Scorn leaves the sanctity of the back, via the curtains, and walks slowly out into the aisle way. His eye length hair drenched, his vacant eyes scanning the gathering of disapproving fans, the hate bringer raises his empty right hand, a clenched fist. From his left hand hangs the GCW/CCW title, a defaced hunk of once proud metal, its leather strap trailing wistfully across the floor.]

FB: Look at this poor, poor man. He's had a terrible life, guys.

AL: Yeah, that's what Stalin said.

RA: Introducing next, he is the GCW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION and he represents THE COTERIE!! Standing at 6FT 3inches!! 240lbs!! HE!! IS!! SSSCCCCOOORRRRNNN!!!!

#Something inside of me has opened up its eyes#

#Why did you put it there? Did you not realise?#

#This thing inside of me, it screams the loudest sound# #Sometimes I think I could burn#

#BURN#

AL: One sick puppy.

MH: I'll agree with you.

[Scorn begins his approach, walking with a measured step, his eyes never leaving the ring. The obscenities of the fans surrounding him do nothing to faze him - the hate bringer continues unabated. He sports a dark blue 'Culture of Destruction' T-shirt, dilapidated blue jeans cut haphazardly at the knee, black boots completing the ensemble.]

#I look down at where you're standing#

#Flock of sheep out on display#

#With all your lies bumped up around you#

#I can take it all away#

[The hate bringer stands, now, before the ring. His glacial eyes scan upwards, traversing the metallic form of the crucifix with agonising slowness. His palm opens, the GCW title dropping to the floor, discarded. Slowly, calmly, Scorn makes his way around the edge of the ring, dropping to his knees. His hands close around the cold metal of a steel chair.]

#I'M GONNA BURN THIS WHOLE!! WORLD!! DOWN!!#

[With a sudden frenzy, Scorn's mood changes. He slides beneath the bottom rope, the chair raised, his face contorted in an animalistic snarl.]

MH: And here comes Scorn! Scorn with the chaà

[THWACK!! Cue fan excitement.]

MH: OH!! GOOD GOD!! GAINES DROPKICKED THE CHAIR INTO SCORN'S FACE!! GAINES CAUGHT SCORN!! AND THE CHAMP IS DOWN!! THE CHAMP IS DOWN!!

AL: Scorn made a mistake there, but one must wonder, did he like that?

FB: You know what I like? Gummy worms in my tequila. [THWACK!]

MH: OH my! Scorn getting that steel chair right across the back! Good lord!

[Gaines discards the bent steel chair, and begins stomping on the Hatebringer like a man possessed.]

AL: Gaines helping out Scorn a bit, pulling him right to his feet, ooh! Stiff forearms working Scorn against the ropes. Irish whip, there goes Scornàcoming back, and a back elbow wobbles Scorn! But look at the man, this is confusing.

[Scorn just stands there, almost asking for Gaines to hit him, and Gaines obliges with a running clothesline that knocks Scorn down.]

MH: We have seen this at the beginning of Scorn matches before, he likes the punishmentàhe really does.

FB: So, the smart thing to do would be to hit the goofy bastard while you still can!

AL: Umm, well said I guess. Both men to their feet again, that crucifix leans ominously against the ropes. Scorn isn't putting up any offense to this point; he's just standing there. What is Gaines doing?

[Gaines, perhaps frustrated by Scorn's inactivity walks over to the corner and begins undoing one of the turnbuckle pads.]

MH: This is fixing to get real ugly, what is Scorn doing?

[Scorn slowly leans over, picking up the bent chair, he slowly approaches Gaines, who has just got the first pad off.]

[TWHACK!]

FB: Ugh, don't turn your back on Scorn.

MH: My lord! Scorn picking up the semi limp body of Gaines! Ooh face first into the exposed steel turnbuckle! Again! Again! And again!

[A close-up shot of Gaines face reveals he is the first to be busted open, and it's this early?]

AL: Scorn measuring the challenger now, right hand and Gaines is down! GOD is slumped over here, Scorn picking him up real slow now.

[Scorn delivers a swift kick to the gut, he backs up and takes a run for a swinging neckbreaker but Gaines makes an alert move and grabs onto the ropes, Scorn bounces hard off the mat.]

AL: Beautiful move by Gaines! Kick to the gu - Scorn caught it!

[Boos!] AL: Enzigiuri by the challenger!

[Cheers!]

FB: Shouldn't I be talking?

[Scorn rolls out of the ring, holding his head. Gaines starts to climb to the top turnbuckle. The announcers go sorta silent as the crowd's noise reaches a fever pitch.]

AL: He shouldn't!

MH: He wouldn't!

FB: The crazy bastard just did!

MH: FLYING DOUBLE AXE HANDLE BLOW FROM THE TOP TURNBUCKLE DOWN TO SCORN ON THE FLOOR! Gaines is not wasting any time here. He's already pulled Scorn to his feet and is just taking him apart with those chops, backing him up against the guard rail!

AL: Gaines backing up now, what's this?

[Big ooh from the crowd]

AL: Clothesline sending both men over the guard-rail! They are in with the fans now!

FB: Italian hoodlums, all of them! GAH!

[Amongst the sea of humanity Gaines climbs on top of Scorn and delivers repeated closed fists]

FB: Hardcore rules smardcore rulesàhe can't do that!

MH: Gaines is like a caged animal being let out, have you ever seen harder right hands, Al?

AL: Not that I can recall.

[Gaines stands up after a series of them, raising his hand high in the air, he is about to come down with a big punch before Scorn delivers a blatant, but legal shot to the groin with his foot. Gaines takes a second to comfort Stevie Jr. before going for a big right hand. Scorn moves and it's fist to pavement contact.]

AL: OUCH!

FB: Someone is going to have to be using the left hand for patting tall Tommy, I can tell ya that much!

MH: Gaines is in some serious pain for sure.

AL: Scorn has him in suplex position by the guard-rail, I wonder what he has in mind here! OH! [Scorn takes him up in suplex position but instead just drops him gut first across the guardrail, he just hangs on it. Scorn follows it up with a running dropkick that knocks Gaines back onto the ringside of the guardrail.]

MH: Cameraman having trouble keeping up with these men.

AL: Ouch!

[Just as Scorn approached the guard rail, Gaines pops up, and just tags Scorn with a right hand to the jaw.]

MH: Gaines backing up now - what is this? Running is Gaines! SPRINGS OFF THE GUARDRAIL INTO A CLOTHESLINE! SCORN IS DOWN! Gaines springs up, and he is jacked, Frank!

FB: Good use of jacked and Frank in the same sentence, Harden. You're catching on.

AL: Here is Gaines now hooking up Scorn! Belly to belly suplex on the concrete now. In most matches this would be horrifying, but it is of the expected here. Goodness gracious! Look at Gaines trying to choke out the Hatebringer.

MH: You get the picture he wants this man deceased!

[Scorn releases the hold, only to kick a man out of his chair. The fan is in a bit of a tug of war with him with the steel chair. This gives Scorn time to stand up, he merely looks at a women before she abandons her chair, he picks up the steel chair just as Gaines wrestles his away from a fan.]

FB: Oooh! This looks like fine!

[CLANK!]

MH: Both chairs collided in mid air! The force turned Gaines around Scorn from behind! THE ERASER! THE ERASER! A DIVING REVERSE DDT!

AL: The back of Gaines head hit that concrete with so much velocity and force, I don't know if he'll be able to continue.

[Several crowd members look on in astonishment as Gaines partially sits up, his head is literally spinning.]

FB: Scorn just put that big boot right on his delusional head!

MH: Scorn indeed, putting the boots to the man who would be god. Look at him, just dragging him by the arm on the ground, what is this?

[We watch as security men from all over clear a path for Scorn as he is not moving towards the ring, but laterally, towards where the guardrail next to the entrance ramp is.]

FB: I told you guys, the cheese has slipped right off of this guy's cracker. AL: He is tossing the semi limp body of Steve Gaines onto the entrance way, Scorn stepping over now too, Gaines is still woozy from that DDT, you can see it in his eyes. Scorn is still drag - oh no he's not!

MH: I think our man Gaines is going to getàwet.

[They are not each just a few feet from one of the Venice rivers, that happens to go through this complex.]

AL: Scorn picking him up -OH NO! I think he's going to bodyslam him right into the river! Up goes Gai - he slips over Scorns back! On his feet is Gaines.

[Scorn turns and catches a running superkick to the kisser, he stumbles and falls right into the drink.]

[SPLASH!]

AL: SCORN IN THE RIVER! SCORN IN THE RIVER! I KID YOU NOT!

FB: Someone get the Hatebringer a towel damnit!

[SPLASH!]

AL: Gaines went right in after him!

FB: Two matches in a row in the water? This Pay-Per-View RULES!

[The crowd pop is huge. We just can't see much at this point.]

MH: What is going on in there?

[We see hands flailing above water as both men are tangled under water. Splashing is violent, and kind of scary. We can see a healthy amount of blood in the water by now, from both men's injuries. We see Gaines head rise above water briefly, he takes a deep breath before being taken back down.]

AL: This is - well, this is sort of dangerous.

[And with another huge water burst both heads go above water, they each have a tight grip of each other and are exchanging panicky punches. It takes one big blow by Gaines to separate the two superstars. Gaines slowly but surely is the first to start to climb out.]

AL: Gaines has decided to take the battle out of the river now - oooh! To no avail! Scorn just pulled him right back in.

FB: Look at the look in Steve's eyes! He is pissed off, to be sure.

AL: Right you are Frank, he is backing Scorn right off of him now, with those vicious forearm blows. It looks like he has the room to get out of there now. FB: Or not.

[Scorn locates a cord from some device dangling hear the edge of the ramp, and pulls Gaines in via strangulation with the cord.]

MH: Oh no! This is truly dangerous with that cord in the water, someone might have to step in, I don't like this one bit.

FB: Quit being such a worrywart, things will be fine!

AL: I don' t know about you guys, but I think Gaines might be losing consciousness here. And the damndest thing is even if he does, Scorn hasn't won the match. He has to drag him back to that crucifix. These guys are letting emotions get the best of them; they need to be in that ring.

FB: Al, you dummy - what are the chances that in a match with bastards of this goofy orientation, that you'll see a ring battle?

AL: True.

[Gaines seems to be fading rapidly, but he has the presence of mind enough to reach back, and plant a finger right in Scorn's eye.]

MH: Good lord, Scorn isn't letting go, Gaines just digs into his eye more! Ugh! This is the weirdest scene I have laid my eyes on in awhile. A grown man choking another with a cord while both are inside a river that goes through a building.

AL: Finally! Scorn let's go. He is holding his eye. This isn't good at all. Gaines is gasping, the look on his face says it all.

[It takes Steve a second, but he crawls out of the freezing river, he is like a beached animal on the ramp now, doing more gasping, and even more shivering.]

MH: Here is Scorn too, still holding that eye.

[Scorn tries, and makes it out of the river successfully. He quickly approaches Gaines from behind before gripping him around the stomach from behind.]

AL: Go behind by Gaines! Elbow to the jaw by Scorn! Quick kick by Scorn now, can he get the DDT in?

[Huge Crowd Gasp]

MH: Oh what a counter!

AL: Indeed it was. A release northern lights suplex by Gaines! And the look on Scorn's face says it all! He is in some serious pain. That ramp doesn't give an inch folks, that's nothing but pain.

FB: Pain that even Scorn feels, but the difference is he likes it. [Gaines is to his feet first, but barely.]

AL: Both men on their feet now, Scorn charges, Gaines ducks! Running Bulldog by the challenger! And Scorn takes another lump on this unforgiving ramp! But they are going the wrong way, they are not going towards the ring.

[Gaines is now walking at a slow pace towards the back of the arena, still walking up the ramp mind you. Scorn gathers himself and begins to charge, Gaines doesn't even see it coming.]

MH: OH! Clothesline to the back of the head by Scorn! Both men taking an incredible amount of damage in a relatively short amount of time.

AL: Look at Scorn, how many times have we asked what he is doingà

[Scorn disappears behind the curtain.]

FB: C'mon! Let's get a camera back there for the love of Christ.

[Gaines gets up and is staggering. He stands, looking blank for a second. He is just staring at exit to the back of the arena. After a few seconds a bit of a shrug motion as he starts to walk back there. He doesn't clear the curtain to the back for more than 3 seconds before his body comes almost flying back. The thud his body makes on the ramp is sickening.]

MH & FB: WHAT THE HELL!?!

[Scorn steps back from behind the curtain, a relatively large shiny wrench in hand.]

AL: Oh geez, Gaines is just busted. And busted good.

[A closeup shot confirms this.]

FB: BLOOD! BLOOOOOOOD!

MH: AWW DAMNIT! SCORN WITH A SHOT TO THE GUT WITH THAT WRENCH! He just reared back and gave it everything he had. Gaines is trying badly to get up; ANOTHER SHOT WITH THAT WRENCH! This shot to the side of Gaines.

[Scorn stands, just waiting on his man, wrench in hand.]

AL: This is sorta sad, Gaines has somehow made it to his feet, but he is a bloody mess. Only a matter of time before - OH!

[Gaines, out of the blue spins at Scorn and hits a kick that knocks the wrench right out of his hand, after ducking under a Scorn lariat attempt, Gaines hits another super-kick.]

MH: Oh the resiliency!

FB: Our "GOD" has collapsed however. MH: A well deserved collapse, he's been choked, DDT'ed on concrete, beaten with a wrench, and a host of other fun things.

AL: Payback is what he is looking for, looks like Steve has that wrench.

[With Scorn on his feet and dazed, Gaines is crouched behind him with the wrench, he puts the wrench in between Scorn's legs, has a hand on each side of it, and simply lifts it up really hard. Needless to say the Wrench to groin impact doesn't feel good.]

Crowd: OOOH!

FB: THE HATE BRINGER'S NUTS ARE SMASHED!

MH: Scorn is um. Well, he's down.

FB: Tell the people what's really going on, he's holding his hateful nuts!

AL: Gaines seems more than happy with himself here.

[Scorn is indeed holding a certain area of his anatomy as he crawls slowly back down towards the ring. Gaines is following him close behind.]

AL: Gaines spinning Scorn around, right hands sending Scorn closer to the ring yet. Ooh, Scorn has lost his balance. Scorn now being dragged by his hair - this isn't going to la-

[THUD!]

AL: Heads up move by Scorn! A quick elbow to the gut followed by a Russian legsweep. You don't just drag Scorn someplace by the hair without ending up hurt. But now Scorn is the man pulling Gaines up by the hair, what is this now? Piledriver posit- JUMPING PILEDRIVER ON THE STEEL RAMP! And once again, you have to wonder if Gaines is dead.

FB: Let's hope so.

[Scorn now begins the dragging process, this time he is headed towards the ring. Gaines is once again sort of out of it. We notice as Gaines is being dragged by the ring he has started to regain consciousness, Scorn doesn't know this, we see Gaines hand slide under the ring for a second, and pull something rather small out.]

MH: Looks like he just grabbed something from under the ring thereàhe's barely awake, but he showed some presence of mind there.

AL: Indeed he did, Scorn is picking him up now, and literally rolling him into the ring, first time we've been here for a little while.

FB: A most Wondermous idea!

MH: What kind of a word is wondermous?

FB: It's an announcer thing. [With Gaines now in the ring, Scorn slides in as well.]

MH: Scorn now picking up the almost helpless Gaines, but don't forget, he's got some sort of brass knuckles there.

AL: Scorn looks to beàwell, he's going for the finish here folks. He's backing him up against that Crucifix!

[A lot of crowd noise.]

AL: He's trying to strap one arm in - GAINES FIRING BACK WITH A RIGHT HAND! BRASS KNUCKLES TO THE SKULL OF SCORN! Taking Scorn's head and ramming into the crucifix! Oh my, Gaines is on a roll now!

MH: Upàand down with a vertical suplex goes Scorn!

AL: Oh look at Gaines, where is he getting this energy?

[As Gaines gets up, he waves his arms in the air with a lot of energy. He gets down next to Scorn and applies his old finisher, a form of the Crippler Crossface.]

AL: Oh my! We haven't seen this in a little while, I think he called this "The Murder Weapon". Look at him just crank on Scorn, he's not letting go. Scorn isn't even making an effort to get to the ropes, and it wouldn't matter even if he did! I think Scorn likes this.

MH: Look at how hard Gaines is cranking on that, good god. He looks like, and is a man possessed. He believes he is god, he really does.

[Gaines just won't let go, he keeps pulling harder and harder]

FB: Geez, this guy is nuts.

[To the amazement of everyone in the arena, Scorn begins to literally power out of it, he makes it to his knees, the hold is looking more than awkward now as it was not meant to be applied to anyone doing anything else than sitting.]

AL: I don't even believe this!

MH: Gaines trying as best as he can to get this man put back downà

AL: I don't think it's going to work Marcus.

[All at once Gaines releases the hold and quickly goes for a facebuster, before he can get it off, Scorn shoves him against the ropes, when Gaines comes back he levels him with a clothesline that knocks him flat on his black.]

MH: OH THE IMPACT! He isàdown!

AL: Gaines turning him over, he's going for the murder weapon agaàoh Scorn squirms out of that! Gaines isn't a happy camper. FB: Yeah, he's a frickin' dumb camper is what he is.

AL: Gaines staying on the offensive, irish whipàreversed by Scorn! Duck under by Gaines, high knee by the hatebringer! And just as quickly as he hit that move, he's retreating to the outside of the ring.

[Sure enough, Scorn slides out of the ring, he is not as much of a bloody mess as Gaines, but he is getting there. With one big oomph, he tosses the ringsteps over the top rope and into the ring. The crowd is in a frenzy.]

MH: This can't be good for anyone involved.

FB: Well, it has good possibilities for the average blood thirsty fan in all of us.

AL: In all of us?

FB: Admit it Alf, you want to see his blood spilled!

AL: Alf?

[Scorn is now back in the ring. Gaines is just making it to his feet.]

MH: Kick to the gut by Scorn!

[long pause]

[CRASH!]

FB: Ewwww!

AL: SCORN JUST POWERBOMBED GAINES RIGHT ON TOP OF THE RINGSTEPS! The pain that must be running through his back right now! I can't even imagine! The jagged edge of that ringstep, that truly made an ungodly noise.

MH: He's still stretched out on those ringsteps. It's been awhile since I've seen men endure this kind of pain in such a short time period. What strength it must have taken to get the bigger Gaines up. Scorn is tryingàoh my, he's trying to deadlift him into another powerbomb. I don't think he's going to be able to do that.

[He is having an extreme amount of difficulty doing this.]

AL: Kicks being delivered to the face of Scorn, but not having much effect. Gaines is doing anything he can to get him offà.what's thàhe's biting Scorn! Scorn leaned right into that one!

FB: Oh Christ, he's literally chomping on his nose! And Scorn is actually deadlifting the man while he is getting bitten! [Scorn doesn't really succeed as he gets him about half way up his back goes out and Gaines falls right down on Scorn's face, a big pop from the crowd. Gaines collapses, holding his back.]

MH: The war wages on here, Gaines climbing on top of the manàhe's biting him again! This is just hideous. Scorn wasn't that cut up before, but he sure is now. Gaines now standing up!

[Scorn tries to get up too but catches a double axe handle to the back. Scorn tries to get up again and catches a running knee drop to the back.]

FB: A persistent bugger this Gaines is.

MH: Oh look at this! Gaines has him in powerbomb position, payback is a b(bleep)! Scorn goes up!

AND DOWN!

[CRASH!]

AL: Gaines JUST returned the favor! Now it's Scorn who is in an un-ending amount of pain it appears. Those ringsteps are not nice, not nice at all.

FB: Oh my sweet Jesus, what is this head case doing now?

MH: I might not be the smartest man in the worldà

FB: You can say that again.

MH: But it looks like he's going to the top rope to me.

AL: Oh you bet he is, it is a slow decent. Scorn is still stretched out across the ringsteps in the dead center of the ring. Steve is not a high flyer.

MH: Oh my! HE LEAPS!

AL: GOOD HEAVENS!

[CRASH!]

MH & AL: NO NO NO NO!

FB: I think I'm going to be ill.

MH: HE MISSED THE JUMP! THIS IS A HORRIFIC SCENE! Scorn shot out of the way. I'm afraid the sound we all heard was the elbow of Steve "GOD" Gaines colliding with the steel.

[Gaines is rolling around like a crazed man clutching that elbow. Scorn is on his feet, and stands above him with a pretty damaged steel chair. He grips it on it's sides, and proceeds to jab Gaines in the gut with the rounded edge of the chair. The crowd hatred is evident. Scorn's voice carries over, even though he has no mic.]

Scorn: HOW DOES IT FEEL, STEVE!?!

[Jabs him again.]

AL: Oh my! Scorn is just - AND AGAIN WITH THAT CHAIR!

[THWACK!]

AL: Scorn with a fourth shot! This time bringing the chair down upon the man's back in a more traditional fashion.

FB: You are talking as if the people can't see the action, they aren't reading a transcript - this is live TV!

MH: By law we are supposed to cater to the blind.

FB: You are so full of s(bleep)!

MH: Scorn going outside the ring now, oh lord, he's rolling the protective mats away. This cannot be good for Gaines.

[Huge Crowd pop]

AL: You aren't going to believe this guys, but Gaines is up again!

[A shot of Steve-o reveals he is holding his ribs, and now bleeding from the mouth, perhaps internal bleeding.]

MH: Scorn doesn't even see himàhe's too busy outside the ring.

[After a moment of hesitation, Gaines charges, and hits a baseball slide dropkick that sends Scorn flying against the guardrail. Gaines slowly steps out on the ring apron.]

AL: This man will go to NO end to hurt the Coterie, Scorn charges - GAINES LEAPS!

[OOOOOH! From the crowd]

AL: FLYING CROSSBODY BY THE CHALLENGER! Scorn is down! Gaines has a second, third, well, his twelfth wind here. He's getting Scorn to his feet. He just pumped his first in the air, and I'll be damned if the crowd isn't giving him a hand. They respect what he has gone through tonight.

FB: You are forgetting the fact that he is really really dumb.

[And without hesitation, Gaines scoops Scorn up, and hits a sidewalk slam on the concrete. He just stands there for a second after he does it. Staring down at Scorn.]

MH: OOOOOH MY! We are getting our money's worth here. How many bones have been broken in this match?

AL: And now it's Gaines dragging the dead weight, he is scooting Scorn back into the ring. He wants to win this one BAD. Gaines has to get him back in that ring!

[Gaines rolls in after him. He has the presumably out cold Scorn up on his feet, and shoves him against the crucifix.]

MH: I don't think Scorn is even awake anymore. I think that Sidewalk slam did it. Did you see how easily Gaines maneuvered him into the ring again?

AL: Well, whatever the case may be, a hopeful crowd looks on.

[Gaines uses all his energy to pull himself to his feet. He has a hold of Scorn's arm.]

MH: Can he do it? It looks like he's almost got that first arm strapped in? I THINK HE MIGHT BE DOING IT FOLKS!

MH & AL: DEATHLOK! DEATHLOK! [Sure enough, as the air is let out of the crowd's balloon, Scorn reaches out and sticks his thumb right down Gaines' throat.]

FB: Hehehe, oh this is beautiful. I couldn't have done this better if we were working off of a script!

[Scorn still has not let go, we can see Gaines has started to fade a little.]

AL: Gaines is in SERIOUS trouble here! Scorn is turning this whole thing around! He is off the crucifix. He's trying to manipulate Gaines on itàbut Gaines just won't go! It's a stand off just a few feet from the Crucifix! Scorn with the deathlok, Gaines not moving an inch towards the crucifix!

[The standoff continues for a few more seconds before Scorn slides a knee to the gut in on Gaines, while maintaining the deathlok.]

FB: What a move!

AL: You aren't kidding!

MH: Scorn pushing him back now! Gaines is up against the crucifix! I think this move is slowly putting him out.

[The crowd begins to get a bit behind Gaines.]

MH: How much longer can Scorn hold onto this hold?

AL: Well , it looks to me like Gaines is almost completely out of it.

[And all at once, Scorn lets go of the hold, Gaines starts to slouch down, but Scorn stops him.]

FB: Only a matter of time before the bringer of hate takes this bad mamajama home!

AL: Right you might be Frank. Scorn has now strapped in both of his feet now. The crowd isn't pleased about this. He's got the left hand strapped in nowàI can't believe this war will be over.

[CROWD POP!]

FB: Oh for the love of Pete!

AL: Gaines with his one free hand punching Scorn, Scorn has been backed off! Gaines working feverishly to get unstrapped. Oooh Oooh no, Scorn's got theà.

[TWHACK!]

AL: DAMNIT! SCORN WITH THAT CHAIR RIGHT TO THE HEAD OF GAINES! THAT CHAIR HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE RING THE WHOLE DAMN TIME! GAINES IS OUT LIKE A LIGHT!

[Scorn takes a second to stap the last hand in.]

MH: I think this is over guys.

[After a moments hesitation, the attendants start to raise Gaines up.]

[DING!]

[DING!]

[DING!]

MB: The winner of this match, AAAAAAAND STIIIIIIIIIIIIIL GCW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORN!

[You can hear all the announcer's let out a deep breath as the sight of an unconscious Steve Gaines fills our screen. His face is a crimson mess, we can even see it in his hair.]

FB: That was well, unique. When's the sequel?

MH: The thought of that makes me ill.

[Our final shot before fading back to the announcer's booth is a blood soaked Scorn holding onto a blood soaked GCW title, as he mimes a crucifix.]

FB: Man, I just cut the juiciest, ripest, sme-

AL: [cutting him off] Alright fans, now, I understand, we're going to take a look at something that unexpectedly happened last night, after the PPV cameras stopped rolling. Let's cut to the footage.

[Switch to footage of last night. "NWC: Purgatory" Night One.]

MH: Alright, boys, let's go home!

FB: Hell, I AM home! [a toast]

[Suddenly, images familiar to recent SCCW fans fill the Jumbo-Tron.

GREED

Cue a shuffling of images with a money motif. Coins flowing, dollar signs flashing, old black and white footage of men at banks.]

MH: What the hell?

[APATHY

Another film reels-this one more dismal. We see an animal pound, several homeless people, and third world nations filled with starving children.

HATE

We see war-and lots of it. Adolf Hitler delivers a speech to hundreds of thousands of zombified Germans. The Americans go gung ho against the Vietnamese. The Cold War goes ugly in Korea.

VIOLENCE

Now we focus on some violent TV. A group of cops being gunned down by a mob. An angry crowd running rampant through the streets, destroying all the stores in sight. Several news clips of the Columbine incident are shown.]

FB: Wait a sec...I know this...

[SEX

Old footage of a woman seducing a man into her bed is shown in fast forward. A few images of Pamela Anderson and Brittney Spears flash by.

GLAMOUR

Bright lights flash-cameras are going off everywhere as pictures are taken of Brad Pitt, Jim Carey, and Jennifer Lopez...then of a very reluctant Princess Diana, driving off...

OBSESSION

The famous O.J. car chase is shown. President Clinton insists "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." A news reporter comes to us from just outside the private funeral for John F. Kennedy Jr.]

FB: This is...this is the call of...

BOOM!

[Huge grey pyros go off all over the ramp, and when the clear, the image of the words "CARETAKER'S KEEP " is engraved on the Jumbotron.]

MH: What? The Caretaker's Keep? One of the ruling factions of SCCW? They're not scheduled to be here!

FB: But we're so lucky that they are!

[Actually, it's not the entire Keep, rather, two thirds of SCCW's Triumvirate, the Caretaker, in his safari outfit as usual, and former LSW owner David Cooper, decked out in a fine Italian suit, making their way to ringside, to thunderous boos from the Venice crowd.]

AL: Let me just reiterate that the Keep is NOT scheduled to be here in any way, shape, or form.

FB: Who cares? You're looking at SCCW's finest, right here! Where's Pelican Boy? Where's Woobs?

[The two enter the ring. The "ASSHOLES" chant is furious as David Cooper takes a mic.]

COOPER: So-

CROWD: ASSHOLES, ASSHOLES, ASSHOLES, ASSHOLES!

[Cooper gives a snide look to Caretaker. They both give double middle fingers to the crowd, furiously inciting them even more. Eventually, the boos stop.]

COOPER: So this is Italy. I've heard about it before. I've had the food. I've worn the clothes [he rubs his jacket]. And now, I'm here for real, at the request of my friend, associate, and fellow Triumvirate member, the Caretaker.

[Crowd boos...incessantly.]

COOPER: Unfortunately, we're not here for pleasure, we're here for business. But if we were here for pleasure, Italy, I assure you one thing, I'd take off this fine jacket, I'd do...THE PELICAN...

[More boos. Caretaker does a quick demo of the dance.]

COOPER: And I'd show all you greasy idiots how to party, KEEP STYLE!

[Lots more boos. Cooper hands the mic to Caretaker.]

CARETAKER: Now, let there be no doubt about it, in Venice, sin IS in, and you spell sin K-E- E-P. And to my associate's comments, I agree with the greasy idiots part, but let me just add...lamebrains!

[Que the booing...again.]

CARETAKER: Now, I'm sure you're all wondering why I'm here.

AL: Yeah, why ARE you here?

CARETAKER: I'm sure a lot of you assume that we are here to help take out...Billy Page.

[The crowd EXPLODES at the mention of the challenger to the NWC Title.]

CARETAKER: But, no, that's Pelican Boy's personal grudge, that's his business, and he isn't here tonight. Besides, Page is OUR SCCW rep, and as such, since we run SCCW, we want him to win. So, Page, good luck tonight.

MH: Somehow, I doubt his sincerity.

CARETAKER: No, we're here for one reason, and one reason only, and that's the destruction of "Vacuous" Vic Valari!

[Mixed reaction from the fans. They hate Vic and Caretaker.]

AL: That's quite a hefty promise.

CARETAKER: You see, Vic, a few months ago, you were confined to a wheelchair, but by some miracle, you got out of it. Unfortunately for you, tomorrow night, because I just can't wait for SMUT for my boys to kick the ass of you and your freak of a brother, you're in for the match of your life, if you've got the guts.

MH: What's he getting at?

CARETAKER: You see, right now, Woobs is on his way to Italy, to this very arena, to fight you, Vic, if you accept the challenge, in the most unique of matches. Woobs is coming, but not by himself. With him will be two wheelchairs.

MH: What?

FB: I like the sound of this.

CARETAKER: And, on Night Two of Purgatory, in front of the Venice lamebrain crowd, Vic Valari will fight Woobs in the last ever match of his Vacuous career, in the first ever Hell on Wheels match.

AL & MH & FB: WHAT?

CARETAKER: That's right. Each competitor will be strapped into a wheelchair. Foreign objects dispersed throughout the ring. You do whatever you can to beat the snot out of the other guy...last man standing...er, sitting, wins.

MH: What a sadistic, horrible, tasteless...

FB: I love it!

CARETAKER: So Valari, if you accept, we'll be here again, tomorrow night. You'll get strapped into that chair, but Vic, you won't get out. See all you lamebrains tomorrow!

["Rockafeller Skank" starts to play again as they start to leave.]

AL: And the challenge has been laid down for a...Hell on Wheels match. Unbelievable.

-Switch back to the present-

AL: We understand that Vic Valari IS here to answer the challenge for the Hell on Wheels match, but first, it looks like we're going to be able to get around to our SCC-

[The lights suddenly dim down to nothing, and the crowd raises up the obligatory hooting and hollering that goes with it. Here and there a few pin-points of lighter light pop up and do little to actually illuminate anything, but rather add an eerie starlight effect to the massive Purgatory complex.]

MH: Electrical problems?

FB: My fanny. This is how all these guys do their entrances nowadays.

MH: Oh. Oh yeah..

[Beep. Boop. Beep. Bop. Beep. Boop. Beep. Bop. Little techno-esque beeps and bop began to periodically come out of the P.A. as the lights at the entrance flash purple and white in short, small flashes along with them. The crowd begins to murmur expectantly at the minimalist light show.]

AL: Well, what do we have here? Looks like a surprise entrance by.. who is it?

[Music accompanies the beeps and it becomes obvious it's "Nobody's Real" by POWERMAN 5000. The crowd murmurs a little louder, but doesn't exactly pop yet, but the curtains part and a giant silhouette plays out against the bright light coming from behind them. The lights go back on with a "THOOM!" and...]

AL: Good Lord no! It's "Vicious" Vic Valari and his brother, Manny!

[Sure enough! It was not one but two people, with Valari standing in front of his seven-foot- one brother, Manhattan as they stand at the head of the aisle looking out over the decently cheering, booing and generally popping-all-over crowd. Valari stalks down to ringside, dressed in regular street clothes and his brother, dressed likewise, walks with purpose behind him at the whole she-bang heads towards the ring.]

MH: You gotta assume they're here to answer the challenge of the Caretaker, but with Valari, who knows?

AL: Well, I think there's only one way to find out! Sit here and listen to what he's got to say.

[Indeed, Vic has the mic and he spills over the top rope, landing in his feet and grinning like a mako at the huge crowd assembled for the night's event.]

VVV: This interview is brought to you by Savior Promotions and the original Mister Pay-Per- View, "Vicious" Vic Valari!

[Valari laughs to himself as the crowd gets the last of their entrance woohoos out.]

VVV: And tonight! For the people here in the Purgatory Complex on sunny, shallow Venice Beach, California...

[The crowd does a giant 'huh?'. Shallow? Why I oughta!]

VVV: ...and the millions of couch sod lazing it out at home, you have the pleasure of watching the greatest athlete in the NWC match his stunning return to wrestling! Now, who, you may ask, would merit the honor of being the opponent of Triple V on this very special of occassions? Would it be... Soul Shadow?

[RAAAAAAAAH!]

VVV: Could it possibly be... White Tiger?

[RAAAAAAAAH!]

VVV: Maybe it could even possibly be... DREAD SAXON?!

[RAAAAAAAAH! ... but it's a little mixed. What's he doing over there in GCW anyway?]

VVV: No, coming to us straight from a dark match in Rocky Mountain Wrestling, yours truly, "Vicious" Vic Valari will be wrestling... some guy named Woobs.

[The crowd gives a mixed reaction. They hate Woobs, but they want to see the match.]

VVV: Not for the fame! Oh no! Not for the money! No, tonight, I will wrestle Woobs in a gay little wheelchair match for one single, solitary reason. So that from now on, when the world turns on their TVs, tunes into SMUT, and sees the Most Vicious Man in Professional Wrestling on their screens, they'll say...

[Vic shoots through the ropes suddenly, catching a ringside cameraman by surprise as his catches the camera by the lenses and pulls it up to his half-shaven, snarling mug.]

VVV: "OH MY F[bleep]KING GOD! What is Valari going to do to someone this week?"

VOICE FROM BEHIND CURTAIN: Vic! Vic!

AL: What's that?

[The Caretaker and David Cooper appear on the ramp. The crowd starts booing furiously. Caretaker has a mic.]

CARETAKER: Vic...Vic...I...uh...he's not here! Woobs...he...isn't here!

VVV: Isn't that a surprise! Folks, did you hear that? Woobs isn't here because he's CHICKEN-S[bleep]T! Isn't that right, Mr. Taker? I bet you held his hand and handed him his tissues when he broke down into tears.

CARETAKER: No...no...Valari...I...he's not here...the plane arrived, the wheelchairs were there, the plunder was there...but...no Woobs, they said he had the flu.

AL: The flu?

CARETAKER: Valari, this match...it ain't gonna happen.

VVV: Mr. Taker, you better tuck your shirt it, because I can see the yellow streak all the way from here, chuckles.

CT: What are you saying, Valari?

VVV: I don't know. Do you have Pelican feathers in your ears? I'm saying that Woobs, the Caretaker, and even your longtime companion there are SCARED of me!

CT: Oh no, Valari, believe you me, if Woobs says he's got the flu, he's damn near paralyzed, because if he wasn't, he'd be here right now, in a wheelchair, rolling the hell out of you! Now unless you have anything intelligent to say, I'm gonna get the hell out of this damn country and wait for you to come back to Vegas and we'll kick your ass there!

VVV: Listen, I'm sure all these easily distracted ADD patients out here didn't just have me come out here to waste my breath on a bunch of punks like you and not get down to the nitty gritty! So you pony me up someone to beat on, or I will come down there and pick someone!

CT: I told you, WOOBS ISN'T HERE. Who do you want to fight?

VVV: How about the man who made the match?

CT: What...me? You want ME? To take this match?

[Valari nods. Cooper shakes his head.]

FB: Is he nuts?

CT: No way, I've got a company to run!

[Valari does a rather impressive impression of a chicken, complete with realistic clucking. Caretaker stammers.]

VVV: Come on, Caretaker! Do you want to go back to Vegas and have to tell everybody that you missed out on the big show with the big opportunity to fight a former World Heavyweight Champion just because you were afraid that a man fresh out of being in a wheelchair might give you a boo-boo!

[A little more stalling.]

VVV: Let me tell ya, your mama put up more of a fight last night than you're putting up right now!

[The crowd lets out an "OOOOOOO ." Caretaker suddenly looks offended.]

MH: Hoo-boy.

[Grand Master Care starts taking off his vest. Cooper warns him against it. Caretaker shakes his head and takes the mic again.]

CT: Come to think of it, Valari, you bastard, I don't want to ever see your face in Vegas again! I want to get rid of you tonight, and if I have to do it myself, in a wheelchair, I'll do it!

AL & FB & MH: WHAT?

AL: Is he crazy?!?

CT: Let's get the chairs, David. And Valari, don't you ever talk about my mother again!

[Caretaker signals to Cooper and they duck behind the curtain. They quickly reappear, this time with a hamper full of foreign objects. They wheel it to the ring and start filling the ring with its contents as Valari and Manhattan taunt them some more.]

AL: I...don't know what to say...Hell on Wheels...

FB: Look at all those weapons...I see chairs, cookie sheets, that looks like a briefcase, a box...so much!

[Cooper and Caretaker run back to behind the curtain again, this time reemerging with two foldout wheelchairs.]

MH: And...I don't believe this...Caretaker is coming down to the ring...with David Cooper...each with wheelchairs...for a Hell on Wheels match.

FB: ONLY IN THE NWC ! I LOVE IT!

AL: At any rate, Cooper has tossed a chair into the ring, and Valari and Manhattan are unfolding it. Caretaker's in the ring and Cooper is now helping him get into his chair.

MH: Cooper and Manhattan, the respective corner men of Caretaker and Valari, strapping them into the chairs tightly so we can begin this...match.

[A ref slides into the ring.]

AL: Now we've got a ref, he's making sure Caretaker and Valari are both strapped in...I can't believe this is happening!

MH: But it is! The men are in the chairs, the plunder is in the ring...I can't believe Caretaker actually agreed to this, and the ref calls for the bell!

[DING! DING!]

AL: And it's on! Caretaker and Valari eyeing each other from across the ring...they gear up...start rolling!

-SMASH-

FB: Whoa!

AL: Caretaker and Valari ram into each other and each go for a tailspin!

FB: Well, ya gotta figure Valari's got the advantage here, he's got more experience in a wheelchair!

AL: But I gather he's never been in a wheelchair like this!

[Caretaker aligns his chair quickly and rams Valari again. Valari gets pushed into the corner and starts to try to wheel his way out.]

MH: Looks like Caretaker may know what he's doing after all!

AL: Caretaker wheeling himself over to the far corner...good lord, he's gonna ram Valari...no! Valari's trying to get out!

MH: Look at Cooper!

[Cooper reaches out and grabs the spokes of the Valari's chair, preventing his escape. Caretaker charges right at Valari, full force, sandwiching Valari between him and the turnbuckle. Both men seem fairly dazed by the collision.]

AL: This match is already turning out to be quite dangerous!

MH: The ref is checking on Valari, making sure he's still in there, he certainly is! And he looks pissed!

AL: Look at Caretaker! He wheeled himself to face the crowd, now he's flipping them off!

FB: What's Vic doing now?

[Valari reaches down to the ring, where all the plunder is.]

AL: It looks like Valari's picked up a toaster! That's one of the weapons Valari brought in! He's got the toaster, Caretaker doesn't see it! Valari is waiting for Caretaker to turn around-

FB: Look out!

-WHACK-

[Valari wheels himself towards Caretaker with one hand and whacks him in the face with the toaster with the other. Caretaker spins around.]

AL: Valari now looking around the ring at all the foreign objects.

FB: What a selection!

AL: He picks up...what's that, a quarter roll? It looks like a quarter roll...and he...chucks it at Caretaker's head! Caretaker is dazed!

[The crowd is eating this up, laughing hysterically as Valari's onslaught continues.]

AL: Valari picks up a cookie sheet...that gets propelled into the Caretaker as well! Caretaker now trying to wheel his way to safety!

MH: Where you gonna go Grand Master Care?

[Caretaker starts frantically wheeling his war around the ring. Valari goes into a corner, looking like he's ready to charge Caretaker. Cooper suddenly reaches into the ring again, to grab the wheels, but before he can, Valari wheels backwards, right over Cooper's fingers. The crowd lets out an "OUCH!" Cooper clenches his hand in pain.]

AL: What a move by Valari! Valari reaches down, and picks up a chair...oh my...he gears up, the chair is out...

-CRACK-

AL: BIG charging chairshot! Caretaker could be out! The ref checks on him...he's groggy but appears to be conscious!

MH: Meanwhile, Valari know has...a wrench! What's he gonna do with that! He...throws it to Manhattan? What?

[Valari does indeed toss Manny the wrench. The huge brother of the Vicious One hops onto the apron and starts loosening the ring ropes.]

AL: What? What is this about?

MH: Whatever it is, meanwhile, in the ring, Valari has wheeled his way to Caretaker and looks to have brass knuckles, and is slugging whatever parts of Caretaker he can reach, namely his arm!

FB: Good strategy.

AL: I suppose so. But look at Manhattan...those three ring ropes are off! One side of the ring has no ropes! No Manhattan is...setting up a table! He sets up a table on that one side of the ring! I think I know where they're going with this!

[Valari grabs on to the handles of Caretaker's chair and turns him around so that he's facing the table. Valari then gets directly behind Caretaker.]

FB: Look out!

[Valari starts pushing Caretaker towards the table. At the last second, Caretaker summons some energy to turn himself around and he ends up going through the table back first. The chair has taken the brunt of the damage...and has completely broken apart.]

FB: Oh no! The Caretaker's chair has broken! Caretaker is up and mobile! Valari is furious!

MH: What kind of cheap place did Caretaker get his chair from! This is ridiculous! Surely the ref has got to stop this match!

AL: Well...he isn't! He's allowing it! Caretaker, fully mobile, is getting back in the ring! Furthermore, the ref is admonishing Manhattan, who just went to attack Caretaker! The ref is telling him not to get involved folks!

MH: Meanwhile, a ring crew has been dispatched to get those ropes re-attached. We won't see a replay of that act.

AL: Folks, Valari is in some serious trouble here. Caretaker, standing, is in the ring, and Valari is still in the wheelchair. With those ropes being re-attached, he has nowhere to go! Caretaker now grabs a chair, and he's taunting perhaps the most hardcore man in the NWC, who right now is helpless!

MH: If I were Caretaker, I'd just nail Valari.

AL: And now...YES!! Caretaker nails Valari with the chair! And again! And again! Three hard chair shots, and this crowd is in shock!

MH: The ref checks on Valari...he's still hanging in there!

AL: Remember, the rules of this match are still the last man standing...er, conscious, wins.

MH: What else is Caretaker going to do here...man, he is really savoring this moment, he wants revenge for what Valari did to him on SMUT, and here's his chance...he finds a water bottle. Caretaker takes a big mouthful of water...and he SPITS IT RIGHT IN VALARI'S FACE.

AL: That's just about humiliation. Furthermore, he SLAMS Valari over the head with the bottle. Now Caretaker looking around the ring for anything else to hit Valari...oh no, he's found a glass plate. No, don't do this, DON'T-

-SMASH-

AL: OH NO! A GLASS PLATE BROKEN OVER VALARI'S HEAD! VALARI IS BUSTED WIDE OPEN! VALARI IS BUSTED WIDE OPEN! I don't like Valari, but this is nuts!

MH: Valari...is still hanging in there though! Shards of glass are everywhere, blood is everywhere, but Vic Valari is STILL conscious.

FB: Wait...what's Valari doing?

AL: Valari...he's...got one of those glass shards! Caretaker is gloating, he doesn't see it, but Valari has one of those glass shards, and he's cutting the straps on his chair! VALARI IS CUTTING LOOSE!

MH: And...yes! He's out! Valari is out of the chair! Caretaker doesn't see it yet! Valari reaches down and grabs a steel chair....

-WHACK-

MH: Caretaker goes down! Caretaker is down, and Valari is out of the chair! This thing has degenerated into a Last Man Standing match!

AL: Oh, good lord! Folks, let me tell you... these kind of matches were Valari's trademark back in my MCW promotion and I sure as sunshine wouldn't want to be in the Caretaker's place right now. I speak from experience, I might add! He's looking around the ring for something else to.. a mop handle! This doesn't lo-

-WHA-CRACK-

MH & AL & FB: OWW!!

MH: Man, that mop handle broke like a twig over the Caretaker's back! I think a piece of it flew into the fifth row!

FB: HA! And look at the little dance the Caretaker is doing! I'm surprised that didn't put 'im out!

AL: Valari with the go behind. He hooks Caretaker and... OH MY GOODNESS! Oh no! Oh heavens no!

[The screen splits in two to show the replay of what just happened; having hooked CT up, Valari proceeded to fall backwards with a Russian leg sweep that sent the Caretaker sprawling back-first into that pile of broken glass!]

MH: Look at the Caretaker wiggle all over the mat! He is in a world of hurt right now and I think I'm gonna have to go out on a limb here and say this match is as good as over. There's no way he's getting up from that.

AL: Cooper doesn't think so, though! He's on the apron and he's pulling his hair to tell the ref.. to tell the referee there was a hair pull? I don't think that mat- oh, and a pull of the tights. And.. well, David Cooper is trying to accuse Valari of breaking every rule possible, but the ref is having none of it.. WHOA! Look out!

FB: That big dumb mute, Manhattan, almost made it into the ring to capitalize on the distraction, but luckily, the referee saw him coming.. and how could you not?

MH: But now Coop is in the ring! He's got a piece of that broken mop handle and...

*bing*

MH: Right in the lower midsection! Valari is doubled over and Coop is right on his back! He's trying to choke out Valari with that piece of mop handle, and.. whoa! Vic backpeddles across the ring...

AL: Right into the waiting arms of Manhattan, who's still on the apron! And there goes Cooper. I don't think we'll have to worry about him anymore. Valari turns his attention back to the Caretaker, who's getting back to his feet... I think Vic is eyeing CT's broken wheelchair! Look at the grin on his face. He's up to no good!

FB: Speaking of up to no good, Manny just dropped Coop throat first across the guard rail over there. Ya know, I'm not gonna be jealous of the medical bills they're gonna forward to Valari's house come tomorrow.

AL: Back in the ring, Valari's tearing the last of that wheelchair to pieces, trying to see if he can't make some good plunder out of it. He's got a wheel off of it and he's measuring up CT...

*SPARROOOOOOING!*

AL: And..! And, well.. the Caretaker is now stumbling around the ring with a wheel stuck firmly around his neck. Hmm.. Ut oh! Vic's not finished! He's got a steel bar from the chair and...

- THWACK -

AL: ..doubles CT over with a blow to the stomach...

- CRACK -

AL: ..and sends him sprawling with a shot to the back! Good lord, someone stop this match already! The Caretaker may not be the best, most moral man in the world but he is also NOT a professional wrestler! I don't want to see anyone get hurt as bad as Valari might hurt him.

MH: Well, the Vicious One doesn't seem to share the sentiment. He lifts CT up to his feet and whips him across the ring.. right into the other wheelchair! That one's still together, thankfully, but the Caretaker bounces it across the ring... and Valari's grinning again! He's calling for Manny! This can't be good...

AL: Manhattan comes over to Vic's side of the ring... boy, Coop doesn't look good after that giant-sized beating... and now Vic is using the cord from that toaster to lash CT's arms to the wheelchair! CT is out cold, too! He can't do anything to stop Vic!

MH: Vic and Manny are lifting the Caretaker down to the floor, and the referee is almost forlorn! He has no idea how to call this match, but he's trying to keep up! Valari, however, isn't about to let him check CT's condition... Wait, the Caretaker is coming to and he.. he sees what Valari's done and he has come to life! Look at him fight, but OH! Manny just clobbered him with a forearm.

FB: Now where are they going? Vic's down to the floor, and... are they wheeling him up the entry ramp? What's Vic got planned here?

AL: Oh no.. The Caretaker is fighting again but even he knows the end is near... Valari and Manhattan have him up on the entry way platform, and the Caretaker his waving his arms, and shaking his head. Valari is pointing out into the crowd.. and NO! NO NONONO!

[Flashbulbs around the arena go off as Manhattan gets a charging start and sends the Caretaker FLYING off the end of the ramp. The wheelchair bound Keep-master screams as the crowd parts and he disappears from camera-view.]

FB: Holy crap! Get a camera over there! Is he okay? Well, that's an obvious question...

AL: Word from the ref?

MH: I think he's calling this one off, folks. I.. oh, man. Look at that.

[Due to the fact that the lighting in the crowd area isn't set up, not much is visible besides a dark jumble of chair and a single, still leg sticking straight up in the air while a wheelchair wheel continues to spin nearby.]

AL: And the ref is calling for the bell here! This one is over!

-DING DING DING-

MH: Looks like Valari is officially the winner. Cooper is now climbing, er, limping into the crowd to help out Caretaker, while Valari and Manhattan begin to leave, gloating all the way.

AL: Plus a crew of referees has been dispatched into the ring to clear out all this plunder! What a mess!

MH: Let's get this cleaned up here, we need to keep the show moving, and it is time for quite possibley, the sickest match on both nights! A ladder match can be dangerous, but when you put that ladder on the inside of a cage, then it becomes down right insane!

AL: No to mention the fact that the cage will have gasoline soaked rags, and set ablaze! An inferno to say the least, and three men will have to try and find a way to walk out, ALIVE!

FB: We can only hope for pain, and a lot of it!

(The lights dim sharply and the building becomes immersed in a red hue. The faint sound of wind begins to permeate through the speakers. As the sound of wind diminishes, the sounds of Anthrax's 'Killing Box' replace it. The crowd begins to become slightly disgusted at that sound. The debris begins to fly from the crowd area toward the ring. Some hitting ringside fans and the ringside officials, other debris directed at the entrance way... An ominous voice begins to echo throughout the building overpowering the music...)

"The most brutal form of violence known to the National Wrestling Council is now set to arrive. Please keep your garbage to yourself... Shut Up... And prepare for the onslaught..."

(The crowd begins to chant Prophet Sucks in unison....)

"He is the only true champion that the SCCW has ever had... He now comes again to entertain you classless peons... Maybe for once in your lives, show some respect to someone who truly deserves it..."

(The crowd erupts in a huge boo at the insult. Security officials start to pick up some of the debris collecting at ringside and try to deflect the still oncoming trash...)

(The curtain from the entrance flies open and Prophet appears, holding the flag of the Egyptian people high on a stainless steel pole. The security officials surround him as he begins to move towards the ring, batting garbage out of the way and pushing the fans back behind the guard rails lining the aisle to the ring.)

"Please stand and show your respect for the two time SCCW Heavyweight Champion and soon be again.... CRIMSON PROPHET!"

(The security officials disperse as they reach ring side area. Prophet circles the ring waving the Egyptian flag over the ring side fans. The odd obscene gesture from the fans is quickly replied by Prophet, spitting on them. Being pelted with garbage, Prophet climbs up into the ring. The harsh music trails off and the lights dim slowly... Prophet bows his head and slowly lowers the Egyptian flag....The building roof suddenly erupts into a huge ball of fire as Prophet leaps into the ring)

AL: Just look at that beast in the ring. Some say he has the best chance at winning, being that Devo is too small for these monsters, and Leveticus is still feeling from the fire that Devo nailed him with a few weeks ago.

MH: This is true, but Devo does have the heart of a champion, and I think he will suprise A LOT of people.

FB: I just hope all three will be carried out on stretchers after the match.

[Al and Marcus turn and look at Frank.]

[ The crowd sits in anticipation as the roar of intensity has died down and is now in curiosity. The darkness fills the italian night sky, only illuminated by the surrounding lights and the brilliant half crecent moon. The audio system suddenly erupts with "My Own Summer" by The Deftones, shattering the peaceful anticipation that had built. At the same time the enourmous shell that is the Purgatory backdrop explodes into a giant blue flare, with literally hundreds of mini blue flares erupting to the beat of the song. The Italian crowd starts to boo, as they know who is coming out.]

[Leveticus emerges to the crowds displeasure, several Italian obsenities are clearly heard over the camera's microphone. As the spectacle of an entrance continues, Leveticus makes his way towards the cell that waits to house him, completely ignoring the crowd that boos him. He brushes off the debris that fly at him, the sodas bouncing off of his long black coat that follows his every step. His hair is pulled back in the pony-tail that we are accustomed to, his black sunglasses hiding his demonic eyes from our view. He walks by the camera, which does not pan to follow him, as we catch a close up glimpse of his scarred torso from the open front of the coat.]

MH: This man calls himself the master of hate, evil incarnate!

AL: For good reason, Harden!

[Leveticus stops about halfway towards the ring and pulls out a microphone from the pocket in his coat. The crowd continues to boo as the song starts to fade off into the distance, the blue flares dying down as well. Leveticus holds the microphone to his mouth and gets ready to speak just as the round of boos starts to literally shake the place to the ground. He cracks a smile, then continues. ]

"Ahhhh, now I remember why I never protested being banned in your Italian federations, as this reception clearly shows your stupidity."

[ The fans start to really eject trash at him. ]

"But with your intellectual problems aside, I'd like to let you all know exactly what is going to happen tonight. You will be laid witness to the most feared man in the NWC, myself, taking on two inadequate opponents inside of a steel cage lit on fire. You the fans of Italy should know what a beating looks like, as your Olympic team can't exactly hold its own anywhere..."

[ As if it never started, the boos and trash continue to pour down on Leveticus, who slowly starts to walk towards the ring. ]

"Tonight you will witness an act of cruelty that goes unmatched Council wide. I will once again take a victory from a former NWC World Champion in Devo Tremors....beating that failure of a wrestler Crimson Prophet as well. Tonight there will be a sentencing to hell, at my whim. Devo Tremors plays the fans to try and hide his own personal fears. Crimson Prophet simply hates everything...wanting to hide from the fact that he can never ever hold his own again in the NWC. Tonight....these two men will step inside that cage with me, and only one man will walk out."

"I promise you that..."

[ Leveticus finally reaches the ring and drops the microphone after literally taunting the crowd. He stands on the apron and simply raises one hand and gives the entire country of Italy the middle finger. ]

MH: AND THERE GOES LEVETICUS!!!

AL: Levie through his jacket off and is running towards the ring! He slides in and Prophet and Leveticus is going at each other!

FB: LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT!!! This match hasn't even started, and these two are pounding the life out of each other!

MH: And Devo still hasn't even been introduced... I have a bad feeling about this match guys!

AL: Prophet rakes the eyes of Levie.. Leveticus reels back a little bit, and Prophet nails him with a springboard clothesline! Leveticus is down, and Prophet comes in and a KICK TO THE FACE!

MH: NO, Leveticus catches it, and sweeps the other leg! Prophet down on his back, and Levie holds on and is back up! An elbow to the inside groin of Prophet! Leveticus is taking it to him!

MB: And nowwwww... their opponent...

[The psycho-ish keyboard intro of Dream Theater's "New Millennium" ping-pongs from all four corners of the makeshift half-shell arena. The assembled crowd immediately leaps to their feet, popping like mad at the anticipated arrival of one of the NWC's most popular stars.]

MB: He hails from Concord, Massachusetts... standing five-feet, eleven-inches tall, and weighing in at a compact two-hundred and five pounds...

[The music has by now kicked into it's raucous opening and Buffer is forced to shout over the din of John Petrucci's roaring guitar and the maddening cheers of the crowd.]

MB: He is a former NWC World's Heavyweight Champion, and a former Sin City Heavyweight Champion... a man known throughout the world as the Y-2-K All-Star... the "Future of the NWC"... and the "Millennium Kid"... ladies and gentlemen... DEEEEEVOOOOO TRRRRRRRRRREMORRRSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

[And the pop is deafening. All along the Piazza San Marco they're going nuts. And then, out into view comes their hero. Devo is dressed, as usual, in his metallic blue, full-length, wrestling tights and black boots. His hair is short and spiked and his body glistens thanks to a fresh coat of rubbing oil. His wrists and fingers are heavily taped, and for the first time in memory he is wearing elbow pads.]

[With him are fellow TSMF stablemates Lance Marshall and Trent Shylax. Shylax pushes a wheelchair which holds eight-year-old youngster Dougie Tanner, the unfortunate victim of crippling bone disease and quite possibly, the world. s biggest Devo Tremors fan. Dougie wears a brand new Devo tee-shirt which features a picture of Devo and Dougie together on the front under a giant "DT" logo. (And although you can. t see cause the kid. s sitting down, the phrase "Making Wishes Come True" on the back.)]

[The small group makes its way towards the ring area, where eventually Shylax stops the wheelchair and both he and Marshall take up positions guarding the youngster on either side. Devo and Dougie complete an intricate series of hand shakes before Deev tousles the kid. s hair and heads into the ring!]

FB: Ah man, here comes the twerp!

MH: And my god does he come! Devo is running into the ring, and just lept ontop of the down Prophet! I've never seen so fire and hate coming from Devo towards one man! Devo is going at Prophet like there is no tomorrow, and Leveticus, who is laughing, inches back to the turnbuckle.

AL: Leveticus is pointing to the sky, and here comes that ring! The ladder is tied to the ring with a chain, and I have a feeling Leveticus is waiting for those deady weapons!

FB: Oh, man, I'm about to wet myself!

MH: What?

AL: The cage has finally etched its way down, and Tremors and Prophet are exchanging blow for blow! DEVO WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE FACE OF PROPHET!! Prophet hits the mat hard, and Leveticus backs away from the cage... He raises his arms and they come crashing down!

MH: Those ring posts just exploded and the fire set those damn gasoline filled rags on fire!!! The crowd is going crazy as the ring and cage has just been set on fire! Devo and Prophet are seperated now!

FB: Each man is in a corner looking at each other. Devo is in a defense stance, hunched over. Prophet is down on his knees... Feeling the heat of the cage, and Leveticus just stands there with him arms crossed.

AL: This is insane.. How do you call a match like this! Devo is breathing hard... He looks out to Dougie, and cracks a small confident smile, and Prophet comes in and nails him with a fist! Devo is down on the ground and Prophet is beginning to kick him!

FB: OH MY GOD! Devo is bleeding all over his side... How did that happen?

MH: I don't know, but Leveticus just spun Prophet around, Levie has him by the throat and Levie is attempting a choke slam, Prophet with a jab to the throat, and Levie reels back, Prophet leaps in the air... LEVIE CAUGHT HIM.. POWERSLAM!!!! Prophet was drove hard into the mat!

FB: Devo back up and grabs Leveticus by the hair and pulls him away! Devo back on top of Prophet, and those taped up fists are pounding on the flesh! Prophet is trying to block them! Leveticus back up, he looks pissed.

MH: Levie looks at Devo, and NAILS HIM WITH A KICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!! Devo just flew off of Prophet, and Prophet begins to roll around, trying to get some space inbetween him and Leveticus. AL: Leveticus has pretty much owned this match thus far, and has turned his attention to that ladder... I think it is time to get sick! Levie pulls that chain off of the ladder, and it comes crashing down hard!

FB: Leveticus is wrapping that chain around his fist, and turns...

MH: AND LEVIE IS MET WITH A DROPKICK FROM TREMORS!!! Levie drops hard onto the mat, and drops the chain, Devo picks it up.. .OH MY... HE IS WHIPPING LEVIE WITH THE CHAINS!

AL: Leveticus is definitely feeling that, and meanwhile, Prophet is setting that ladder up against the cage. This doesn't look good. Prophet now walking over to Tremors, and grabs him by the hair from behind.. Tremors swings around...LOW BLOW WITH CHAINS!!!

FB: Prophet may be able to withstand pain, but NO MAN can take that to his boys!

MH: Devo runs to the ropes, springboard!! NO FREAKING WAY!!! Devo off of the ropes, and hit a BLOCKBUSTER.... The chain was drove HARD into the throat of Prophet and then the back of the head off of the mat! Devo back up! He hears the crowd cheering...

AL: Levie is back up as well, and spins Tremors around... A punch to the throat, and that left Deev gasping for air.. Leveticus whips him into the ropes... Levie drops his head, and Tremors with a leapfrog!... Leveticus turns and follows...

MH: DEVO RUNS UP THAT LADDER AND UP ONTO THE CAGE!!! LIONSAULT!! DEEV NAILS LEVETICUS WITH LIONSAULT OFF THE CAGE!!!

FB: What an idiot!

AL: Tremors barely escapes the flames of the cage and takes out the devil with an awesome move! Tremors is up, and is setting up the cage.. He is lifting it up and setting up onto the top rope... I don't know what he has planned...

MH: I don't know either, but with both men down, I would be climbing out of this ring and winning that title!

AL: Remember, Marcus, Devo said this match is more than winning that title, he wants to hurt Prophet!

FB: I just think he is too dumb to work a ladder and set it upright.

MH: The Crimson Prophet and Leveticus both, are beginning to stir, and Devo takes notice. He walks back over to both men, picks up the chain and NAILS PROPHET IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD! I think I see a bit of crimson on Crimson.

FB: That was cute. Just say he is bleeding like a stuck pig.

AL: Man, I'm hungry now! MH: Devo picks up Prophet and throws him into the corner, and the ladder smashes hard into the back of Prophet. Prophet drops foward and the ladder crashes down him!

FB: Deev better be careful, because he doesn't see the devil stalking up behind him!

MH: Devo turns around and is met with a kick to the stomach... Levie sets up on him... POWERBOMB ONTO THE LADDER ONTOP OF PROPHET!! You could hear a scream escape the lips of Tremors, and a inhuman grunt from Prophet. Leveticus cracks a sinister smile and grabs Devo by the hair. He begins to drag him away from the ladder and Prophet and drops his limp body in the center of the ring.

FB: Oh man, this is great. I think Leveticus is going for the win!

AL: Leveticus turns around and picks up the ladder... He is setting it up in a neutral corner and is beginning to climb it.

FB: Somebody should tell him that the belt is hanging in the center of the ring...

MH: Leveticus, up to the top AND HE IS AIRBORN!!!! LEVETICUS LEAPS HEAD FIRST TOWARDS PROPHET!!!

AL: AND PROPHET MOVES!!!! Prophet moved and Leveticus just killed himself. Leveticus is out cold. Prophet is lying on his back, and I think Devo is dead in the middle of the ring.

MH: Yes, but Devo is actually beginning to shift around. I sense a little bit of life still in him.. Infact, he is up on his knees and you can see the hatred burning in his eyes. He looks to Prophet who is beginning to move around as well. Devo dashes towards Prophet! Prophet gets a foot up and Devo's head just nailed it!

AL: Oh my god! There is a giant slit on Devo's head and blood is gashing out of it! Devo has multiple cuts on him, and there hasn't been a metal hit on him yet...

FB: Waitaminute! What is that on Prophets foot?

MH: My god! There is a nail sticking out of the toe of Prophet! That is where all the cuts are coming from! Devo is down hard, and losing a lot of blood, and Prophet is back up and in full force! He is using that foot and kicking Devo hard in the stomach.. That is just SICK!

AL: Well, like we've been saying all night, neither man seems to be paying attention to the third opponent and Leveticus is about to get up!

FB: Maybe now we can get to some sick stuff, the Devil seems to have purpose now!

MH: I think you are right, Frank, because Leveticus is reaching down into his tights... Just what I thought, a pair of brass knuckles!!! Leveticus charges and...

AL: OH MY GOD!!!!

FB: LEVETICUS JUST NAILED PROPHET IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND PROPHET'S FACE WENT FACE FIRST INTO ONE OF THOSE FLAMING RAGS!!!! MH: Prophet is down on the mat, screaming in pain as the back of his head is gushing blood and his face has felt the heat of hell! Leveticus turns to Devo. Devo still on the ground, and Leveticus picks him up. Leveticus grabs him by the hair and tilts his head backwards. He is jawing him something fierce.

AL: Leveticus winds up with that brass knuckle...

FB: THAT LITTLE CHEAT!!!

AL: Devo just jabbed his thumb into Leveticus' eye and the devil is down. He hit him damn good with that, and LEVETICUS IS BLEEDING FROM THE EYE!!!

FB: Somebody needs to check on him! He may be blind!

MH: And deservingly so! That monster deserves anything he gets!

AL: Devo who is feeling the roar of the crowd, grabs that ladder.. He lifts it straight up into the air... DEVO JUST SUPLEXED THE LADDER ONTO THE BACK OF LEVETICUS' HEAD!!! Leveticus is down on the mat and Prophet is down on the mat...

FB: And I can't believe that, that little twerp is on top of both of these men!

MH: Deev is walking over to Prophet and is pulling him over to Leveticus... Both men still out from the pain... WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING?!?!?!?!?!

AL: MY GOD, WHAT COURAGE! WHAT BRAVERY! WHAT

FB: A FUC##NG MORON !!!

MH: Devo is climbing up on the cage!!!

FB: For crying out loud, I can smell his burning flesh!

AL: I think this is probably the dumbest thing, Deev has ever done.. I mean, what does he hope to accomplish?

MH: I don't know, but you can see the pain and the blister forming on the face of Devo! I hope whatever he does is worth what he is doing...

FB: Isn't there some kind of law against this sort of stuff?

MH: Well, he is dodging the rags entirely, but some of those flames are huge, and we all know he feels it...

AL: Devo is finally standing on top of the cage... He looks out into the crowd.. The crowd is roaring.... Devo looks down, and he sees Little Dougie

FB: The crippled..

AL: Devo points towards Dougie, Dougie is clapping... AL & FB & MH: MY GOD !!!!!!!!!

MH: DEVO WITH A TREMOR DRILLER!!!! DEVO WITH A TREMOR DRILLER!!!! DEVO WITH A TREMOR DRILLER ONTO LEVETICUS AND PROPHET!!!! AND ALL THREE MEN HAVE TO BE DEAD!!!!!!!

AL: That had to be a twenty to twenty five feet drop and Devo nails them with his signature maneauver!!! Devo said this was about revenge, and I think he just killed himself and his opponents!

FB: What a freaking loon! I mean, he could've won the title, but now, he had to do this stupid thing!

MH: There are somethings more important than titles, Frank! Devo lives for the fans. He lives and breathes for them, and when you mess with one of them, and when you mess with one that is as special as Dougie is, a man has to stand up to evil!

FB: Shit, he just dumb if you ask me...

AL: Well, all three men are not moving, and I can't believe that they are actually breathing!

MH: Noway in heaven.

FB: What?

AL: That is impossible!

FB: What?

MH: The Crimson Prophet is the first to move!

FB: WHAT????

AL: I can't believe it... after just taking the finisher of Tremors from atop of a twenty foot cage, Prophet is stirring... He is putting his arm up on the rope and is pulling himself up! I can't believe it!

MH: I guess everybody has that extra desire to win on a NWC wide pay per view, and especially with the SCCW heavyweight title on the line!

FB: Now Tremors and Leveticus is beginning to stir. I'm beginning to think that these men are NOT human...

MH: Guys, I don't like the look on the face of Prophet... He is wiping away the blood and licks his hand... He is kneeling down... and HE'S TAKING OFF THAT BOOT WITH A NAIL IN IT!!! My god, this match has been non stop! And that evil man, Prophet, has taken off that boot! AL: AND HE IS GOING CRAZY ON LEVETICUS AND TREMORS!!! He is swinging that boot like a mad man and nailing Tremors repeatedly! He is nailing Leveticus repeatedly! Tiny holes are puncturing the skin of these two men, and PROPHET IS LAUGHING!!!

FB: Oh, this is GREAT!

MH: Prophet has snapped! Prophet has snapped! Prophet is walking over to the ladder, and he is setting his head down in between the rungs of the ladder! He is centered in it, and is beginning to spin around! He just nailed Devo in the face and Tremors is down! He just hit Leveticus in the ribs, and Leveticus has been rammed against cage! LEVETICUS IS ON FIRE !!!!

AL: Leveticus arm is on fire and he's on the ground, trying to put it out! You can see the pain, you can smell the flesh! This is inhuman! And Prophet is dizzy as hell!

FB: Prophet just fell over, and that ladder is still on neck, and the ladder is propping up Prophet! Prophet is sitting on his touche and the ladder is lying lopsided on him neck and head!

AL: Look at Devo... He is holding his face, and OH MY GOD!!! His lip has been split down the middle.. That can't be good!

MH: Devo's lower lip has split down the middle, and his face is a bloody mess! I know we've said this many times tonight, but look at the hatred in his eyes! He is staring down Prophet, who is sitting still in the middle of the ring with that ladder still on his head!

FB: What can these men do to each other? This is absolutely insane!!!!

AL: No way... I think Leveticus was right in one of his earlier promos, because I see a sadistic smile etch onto Tremors face!

MH: You're right, Al. And Devo is getting up with the help of the ropes.. He is climbing up to the top rope! He is wobbily, but HE JUMPS !!

AL: GUILLOTINE LEG DROP ONTO THE UPSIDE OF THE LADDER!

FB: OH MY GOD! Devo just killed Prophet! Did you see his neck snap??? I think he is dead!

MH: I think you are right because Prophet is down on his side, and he is NOT moving! And neither is Devo for that matter!

FB: I hope he is happy! I hope he did what he set out to accomplish and that is to kill the man, Crimson Prophet!

AL: This is freaking unbelievable, and I can't believe that the NWC would sanction a match of this match danger, and this much hate between these THREE men! We could care less what them idiots in SCCW do, but this is the NWC!

MH: I'm not sure I agree, Al. This is the perfect place to end the hatred of these three men, and Gordon was right to get it out infront of all the NWC. He is trying to show that he has three hell of a great workers! FB: I just like to see the pain that is apparent in this match!

MH: And I suspect that pain to be greater, because the devil is up and awake! It seems as though the fire didn't stop him, and now he has two men down, and the title is within reach!

AL: I don't think so, Marcus! Look! Devo is moving again! After all that, he is still moving!

FB: Yes, but Leveticus sees him! He walks over there, and he is grabbing ahold of Deev. He hooks him up... POWERBOMB!!!

MH: That doesn't look that is it though, because Levie is still holding on! He's lifting him up for a second one!! POWERBOMB!! And he is still holding on!

AL: Look at Prophet, guys! He's still lying down, but he is reaching down into his tights... He is pulling out a vile.. IT'S A VILE OF GAS!!! And he is sprinkling it all up and down the ladder without moving... Nobody sees him doing this!

FB: Oh man, he's gonna set them all on fire!

MH: Leveticus just nailed Tremors with a third powerbomb and Tremors is out cold in the corner! Leveticus turns around and still sees the dormant Prophet.. He is grabbing that ladder and is setting it up!

FB: YES! Levie is going to win!

AL: Leveticus is sets the ladder up and is beginning to climb up. He looks down at Prophet and Tremors to make sure neither is moving... Neither is, and Leveticus is back to climbing up th ladder! He is on top of the eight foot ladder!

MH: The belt is inches from his grasp! He is barely touching it and the belt begins to swing.. He is inches away from winning!

FB: NO! Prophet is back up... He has a lighter... OH F#CKING GOD!!! BLESS BY FIRE ONTO THE LADDER AND THE LADDER JUST EXPLODED INTO FLAMES!!!! LEVETICUS' ENTIRE BODY IS ON FIRE !!!

MH: Leveticus falls from onto top of the ladder all the way to the mat, and is rolling around! His entire body is engulfed by that evil, evil fire! He is trying to put himself out and Prophet shoves the burning ladder down onto Tremors!!!!

AL: Tremors screams out in pain, and shoves the ladder off, but not before he as badly burned, but not nearly as bad as Leveticus who has finally put himself out!

FB: This has been the most brutal example of human torture EVER!

AL: Prophet grabs the limp bodies of Leveticus and Tremors and sets them in the middle of the ring... We saw something like this similar earlier in the match when Tremors nailed the Tremor Driller... MH: And just like Devo, Prophet begins to climb the cage! This idiot isn't dodging the flames though, he is going straight through them! He is all the way up to the top now, and you can see the blisters from the extremely hot cage and rags burning. The smile on his face is completely maddening, and he has pulled that vile of gasoline AGAIN!

FB: What is he gonna do with it, set himself on fire? I don't think so!

AL: Prophet is pouring the gas onto his pants leg....

FB: HE SET HIMSELF ON FIRE!!!

MH: MY GOD, DO THESE MEN FEEL PAIN???

AL: Prophet screams out in pain, with a mixture of a laugh! His leg is a ball of flames and HE LEAPS!!!! A GUILLOTINE LEG DROP FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE WITH HIS LEGS ON FIRE !!!!

FB: And he just missed the title belt as it hit on the inside of his hand!

MH: PROPHET IS COMPLETELY MAD ! He now rolls around, trying to put those damn flames out and Tremors and Leveticus are screaming in the pain of a legdrop with flames from that height!

AL: I've come to the conclusion that none of these men want the belt! They just want to competely KILL each other!

FB: I don't think we will see another one of these matches any time soon!

MH: I think you are right, Frank. All three men are down, and the crowd is absolutely LOVING the athletic ability of these men! We sit here and think what they are doing is stupid..

FB: It is.

MH: But the athleticism is unbelievable!

FB: It doesn't take an athlete to throw, set himself on fire, use a nail boot, chain men in the balls, or use the burning cage to your advantage, it takes just an idiot!

AL: Too true!

MH: Anywhich way you look at it, these men are still getting up and taking more punishment! And as if on cue, the evil one himself, Leveticus, is reaching up. His charred flesh, burnt, black and peeling, is up and looking for me. He is obviously pissed now.. He for the first time, is charging at Prophet who seems is not able to get up from that fall.

AL: Levie picks up Prophet and looks to finish him off once and for all! He lifts him up.. MILITARY PRESS!! Leveticus is just standing there holding him in mid air...

FB: AND DEVO... JUST PUSHED BOTH MEN INTO THAT CAGE ! WOW! MH: UNBELIEVABLE CONTEST! Leveticus' face rammed into that steel cage and more blood pours from him. Prophet is still down... He is trying to get up, but it seems as though his legs won't comply!

AL: Deev is setting up that burnt ladder and is beginning to climb up it! You can see the pain on Devo's face, this has been a gruesome match, and that steel ladder is obviously still hot from the blaze on it earlier!

MH: Well, if Prophet couldn't stand a few seconds ago, that pain is gone, because he is climbing up the other side of the ladder! Both men are trying to hit each other with a wild fist, trying to one up the other!

FB: Leveticus is back up though, and now he begins to climb up the side of the cage! The man is not human! He has already been caught on fire, what, four times? And he is doing it to himself again?

MH: Leveticus is just a little bit higher than Tremors and Prophet and THE MAN IS NOT HUMAN!!

AL: Leveticus just lept from the side of the cage and nailed both men with a flying clothesline! All three men crash to the mat with the ladder slamming down onto Leveticus!

FB: It looks like Levie got the worst of that move! Again, all three men are down...

MH: Well, here come all the paramedics... I guess Pierce has finally said enough of this, and is getting this match over with!

AL: I think this is good move, I mean, after this move, they shouldn't get up. BUT, if they did, I honestly believe that somebody will not walk out of this match ALIVE!

FB: Well, the Paramedics are trying to get into the cage, but they don't realize that the entire stucture is solid...

MH: And, what the hell is this? I'm not believing what I'm seeing, but Leveticus is getting up. Both Prophet and Tremors is down and Leveticus is back up on his feet! Levie is setting up the ladder, and I truly think this is for the last time! There is no way either man can get up after all this punishment! Leveticus is up on top of the ladder and he is just looking out into the crowd!

AL: The crowd is booing loudly and Leveticus flips them off! He reaches up.. WHAT THE FU .....

FB: CK IS GOING ON???? The title is being raised!

MH: Leveticus turns his attention to where the crank is that lets the belt go up and down and NO! It can't be! It's DA Gordon ! Gordon is lifting the belt? What is he doing?

AL: What is he doing is a good question, and it looks like we are about to get an answer, Gordon is pulling out a mic and looks to speak!

[Chants of asshole erupt though out the crowd!] DA Gordon: What the hell do you hairy idiots think you are doing?

[BOOOO!]

DA Gordon: Anyway, Leveticus, you son of a bitch. Why do you think I stripped you of that belt? I needed a reason to get you guys to kill each other, and this match is not gonna be over, til' one of you three are DEAD ! Do you hear me, you bastard? Not till one of you are dead!

[Leveticus hops off the ladder and goes to the cage... He points his arm out it and points at Gordon to say he is a dead man!]

DA Gordon: Yeah, you scare me from over there, you big yahoo! Oh, just so you know.. You shouldn't turn your back on two worthy opponents!

[Leveticus turns around and is met with dropkick to the face by Crimson Prophet!]

MH: Well, Gordon takes his exit as the belt is lowered again and it looks as though this match will continue... Prophet taking advantage of the situation and nails Levie.

AL: Then, walking behind him and putting him in a camel clutch! NO! NO ! He's not doing it! I know he's not!

FB: That crazy son of a bitch has another vile and is pouring it on his legs! He is gonna set his legs on fire... He is drowning himself and Leveticus with that fire! The gas is all over them and Prophet has his lighter! He flicks it....

MH: DEVO FROM OUT OF NOWHERE DROPKICKS PROPHET IN THE FACE AND PROPHET IS FLUNG INTO THE BURNING CAGE!!!! PROPHET'S ENTIRE BODY IS ENGULFED !!!!

FB: I've never heard a man scream like that.. this is insane... SOMEBODY PUT HIM OUT!!!

AL: Devo is like a mad man and is climbing up the side of the cage! Leveticus is up and climbing the other side! I don't know where this spurt of energy came from any of the men, but it's inhuman!

MH: Thank god Prophet has finally been put out! The paramedics how extenguishers with them, and covered Prophet with the Carbon dioxide! Leveticus and Tremors both are ontop of the ladder exchaging punch for punch!

FB: Man, I can't take much more of this! AL: Devo nailed Leveticus flat in the nose.. Leveticus slips down a rung, and Devo is climbing up to the top..He is shorter than the other two men, and has to stand up on top to reach the belt... Leveticus is back up, and LOW BLOW from the devil!

MH: Devo doubles over, and Leveticus climbs all the way up to the top and Devo is resting on Leveticus' shoulders! He won't! He can't! Leveticus reaches up!!! HE'S GOT THE BELT!!! HE'S GOT THE BELT!!! LEVETICUS IS THE CHAMPION!!!

FB: THE OBLIVION!!!! THE OBLIVION!!!!! THE OBLIVION ON DEVO TREMORS!!! And all three men are sprawled out on the mat! I think Gordon got what he wanted because I think Tremors and Prophet are both dead and that vile bastard Leveticus is the champ!

AL: Darker days are ahead for the NWC if the SCCW continues to condone this type of craziness, and I'm sure Pierce will have something to say about that!

MH: Leveticus is standing up now, with his title in his hands! and a mic has been thrown into the ring?!?!?!

[Leveticus grabs the mic]

Leveticus: " Well it looks as though the pretty boy of the NWC has failed to realize his own mistake. You seem to think that I am only after my own personal greed, but you haven't realized one thing yet. I played you all along. You thought that I cared only about the championship, winning it to lease my greed, but in the end, it was your stupidity that got the best of you. I have won the match, defeating another NWC World Champion to go along with Trey Slater and White Tiger."

MH: He definitely has an agenda, that much is clear. If I were a former great, I'd stay clear of one Leveticus.

FB: The MASTER of Evil! Forget Scorn, forget Robinson, forget Schukar, man!

"The stepping stones have been dealt with, and now it is my time. Your future in the NWC is non-existant after tonight Tremors...you are going to burn in hell. It's my time in the NWC, and you have become quite the obstacle. Ever since you won the NWC World Championship you have elevated yourself to new heights...ascending from the bowels of the unknown to the top of the world. I am here to send you back down Devo, and you will do so in a ball of fire..."

AL: What mutiny this man seems to bring along with him, and look at him now.. He is looking for something.

MH: Whatever it is, he has found it and opening up the bag, that was under the ring apron, just inside the cage... He opens it up and it is the American Flag and the Italian Flag... Leveticus drapes it onto Tremors body.. he is walking over to the cage.. NO !

FB: Levie just grabbed one of those flaming rags and through it on the flag with Devo it them! The flags are in flames and Devo is trapped under a wall of flame!

AL: Shylax, Marshall and the 'Medics are tearing down one of the walls.. Unbelievable.. and Leveticus slides out of the ring on the other side, and the meds put the flame out on Devo! Devo and Prophet are both out and Trent and Marshall are carrying Devo out with Little Dougie crying.

MH: The meds are trying to help Prophet, but Prophet just nailed the meds and is crawling out of the ring!

FB: And Leveticus stands in front of the fans here in Italy, taking all of their abuse and waste being thrown at him and laughing all the while!

MH: This has been one of the most brutal, terrible, awful spectacles ever to go out on Pay- Per-View!

FB: What you're saying is, this was the best match of Purgatory. Right.

AL: That's not what he's saying at all, Barr!

FB: Shut your trap, Albert! Tell 'em we're going to commercial, like you're supposed to, and leave the fighting to the big boys. The drinkers.

[Lucente sighs.]

AL: An already tremendous Night Two of "NWC: Purgatory" continues after this! It's like two gigantic Supercards in one, right after another, and the action just seems to never stop!

FB: Didya read that RIGHT off the index card?

[We're in the back lockerroom. This specific room is dark, the door only slightly ajar. Inside, noticable movement is coming only from the gesturing of a man sitting down. He speaks softly under his breath, trying not to be heard.]

Man: Joe, my plan is nearly complete. The NWC will be mine very shortly.

[A momentary pause.]

Man: Yes, Joe, you will be rewarded for your service to the Flawless One.

[So, we're spying on Raymond Pierce.]

RP: Of course I was right. Why would Alex have any interest in the NWC or wrestling? Someone saw that old interview and was trying to use the Pierce name to make a name for themself.

[A pause.]

RP: Yes, the Mystery Entrant idea was brilliant. I knew Schukar would panic after that and change his plans up. He's such an ego-maniac. He would have looked so stupid had he gone through with his original idea after last night.

[A pause again.] RP: Okay, Joe. You have your orders. Get my things ready and finalize the plans on my other non-NWC acquisition. It's time to get back in the thick of things around here.

[He stops talking and the sound of a cell phone being folded back into place is heard. He looks up and chuckles softly. The soft edges of his upper body can be seen in the darkness. Suddenly, a sound is heard.]

RP: [Startled] What's that?!

[His head swings from side to side and then suddenly stops in terror.]

RP: Who are you? What are you doing here? I can have security in here in under five seconds!

[A voice as quiet as a serpent's interrupts Raymond's tantrum. The whispering disguises the sound, but can't hide the anger behind it.]

Voice: I don't doubt that...big brother.

[A sense of security quickly returns to Ray Pierce.]

RP: Well, I'll be damned. It was you all along. Alex Pierce, finally breaking in to the industry I created. I'm sorry, Alex, but you're years behind your older brothers.

AP: [wry] It would seem so, yes.

MH: ALEX PIERCE!?!?

RP: Unfortunately, I have news for you. You will leave right now. I will not allow you to soil the Pierce name once again. Andy and I disowned you from the family. You will not use any of our money to fulfill whatever sick fantasy plans you have. No, instead I will pick up right here where you will be leaving off, whether you like it or not.

AL: WHO IS IT!?

[A low shuffling of feet is heard. The security that Pierce felt a moment before noticably leaves him. There is the slightest blurring in the shadows -- perhaps Alex leaning toward Raymond.]

AP: [matter-of-fact] No, big brother, I don't believe that will be happening.

FB: DAMNIT! Who _are_ you!?

[Ray Pierce leans back in his seat.]

RP: Y-Y-You're not Alex! [Yelling] SECURITY!

[There is nothing coming from the darkness, no security; only a soft, heady laugh. The younger Pierce's whisper is unrelenting, almost mocking.] AP: Don't fret, Ray-Ray. Security has been...dealt with...by MY associates.

RP: You mean...

AP: Very good observation skills, Ray-Ray. That's _exactly_ who I mean. They are here with me. There are everywhere I am. And, yes, of course I'm Alex. Neither you nor Andrew were ever willing to set aside your ego and open up your eyes or even make one call to our parents.

[Lucente and Harden gasp.]

RP: They knew?

[That laugh again, not comforting, not quite mocking, and filled with only derision.]

AP: You seem to forget that it was you and Andrew that disowned me, not our parents.

[Ray raises his hands.]

MH: Hmm.. I'm still not quite sure who Alex IS!

AL: Right! That's because we don't know yet, dude.

RP: No, I don't believe you. I don't believe any of this. Why are you doing this? Why are you torturing me with your lies? And why are you talking like that? Speak up! Each whisper is painful!

[If anything, the whisper drops an octave, cooly sliding off Ray as if it were his own conscience.]

AP: Lies, Ray-Ray? No. That is your trademark. And I whisper so as to not draw attention to what I'm about to do to you.

[Ray bravely garners a false confidence.]

RP: So, what was it? Have you become so obsessed with the Impeccable Warrior that you've adopted my name, my family?

[With hawk-like speed, two hands grab Ray Pierce out of the chair he was sitting in and pull him out of view. With the anger, the whispering once again becomes a hiss.]

MH: Whose hands were those!? Just then! Did you see?

FB: No, f[bleep]kdamnit!

AP: [hissing] Dare not call me a liar again. You share father's dark complexion, but even you can't deny seeing the gray of our mother's eyes when you stare in mine.

RP: [Defeated] A-A-Alex? My God. AP: Yes, brother. It is I. Now the game I have played with you must come to an end. The pieces are all in place. Unfortunately, this is a contest that you are not, nor ever have been, a part of. I must carry out the final act without you. [The voice tightens with dry humor.] Your parting gifts will be available at the door.

AL: WOW!

[For one split second, there is utter silence. A silence that eerily marks the end of a story and the beginning of something new. This silence is symbolic. This silence is meaningful.]

[Then this silence is broken by one loud, echoing scream.]

[The Perfect scream.]

[Crash! The sound of two objects colliding. One, the soft, giving flesh of a human body. The other, the hard, stubborn steel of a locker door.]

AP: Enjoy the warm embrace of unconsciousness, brother, for when you awake, you will discover you have been removed from the game. Permanently.

[Cut back to ringside as the limp hand of the Impeccable Warrior flops into view, a black leather boot settled beside it as the mysterious younger Pierce strides from the room.]

MH: What the hell? So Raymond Pierce is NOT Alex?

AL: Apparently not. I definitely saw two hands that accompanied the voice.

FB: [humming] Could be a scam, could be a scam..

AL: Right. And whoever Alex is, he wasn't really fond of the "Impeccable Warrior's" claims last night.

FB: I'll say it again. The only good Pierce is a dead Pierce and if the NWC thinks that Alex is some kinda savior, they're as dumb as "Ray-Ray" is bruised.

MH: And WHY does that name for Raymond sound so familiar?

AL: Maybe we'll learn more, in the finals of the Pierce bracket?

[The lights dim, then go out completely.]

AL: [low, dramatic] But just who WILL represent Alex in the big Iron Man final of R-T-P?

[Wind emanates from the PA. The crowd stands and applauds.]

AL: Will it be Hyuk Suh Kim? Or will it be Maxton Rainstone!?

["High Roller" by The Crystal Method erases the wind and its industrial beat incites a spotlight, which shines down upon an emerging Hyuk Suh Kim. The cruiserweight moves with small steps. With patience.] MH: This was my pick, guys.

FB: This time. This time, he'll lose.

[The 5'8" superstar is oblivious the cheers that rain down upon him. Down the center of the aisle, his black karate pants leading the way. Kim wears no shirt, and his hands have indeed been retaped. He reaches the ring.]

AL: A one-hundred sixty pound man is not built to take this kind of punishment. Not even this one.

FB: He'll be a corpse by night's end.

[Hyuk strides up the ringsteps, then enters the ring. There's nothing flashy about this entrance. It's black and white The lights come up. The music is gone. Kim awaits his opponent.]

[House lights fade out and the Jumbotron begins to explode again with the promotional clip of Maxton Rainstone. The crowd begins to cheer at the sights on the screen. At first, the rapidly changing clips are live footage taken from a number of Rainstone's missions when he worked for this country as a Navy Seal. Scenes that take us into the elite world of the special Ops. We are taken on a quick but expansive montage of real life operations at sea, in the Air and Land. Despite all the Seals being in camouflaged gear, Maxton Rainstone is not hard to miss. His presence is unmistakable in each scene.]

Voice Over: In the montage of professional leaders, there is one class of men feared the world over. They fight not for the money or fame or popularity of the crowds. No one puts a silver spoon to their mouth. They are the men who fight for freedom, for justice and the ideals of a world class community. The world knows little about them. Their lives hidden behind secrecy and level 6 classification and their orders carried out under clandestine operations. We know them as...

NAVY SEALS!

[The scene quickly changes to quick clips of international terrorists, drug lords and international criminals; some behind bars, some being led in hand cuffs to a prison cell and some of them lying dead in a pool of blood. The scenes are graphic. Harsh reality setting in. And the last shot shows Maxton Rainstone taking off his beret and holding an M-16 rifle over his right shoulder.]

[Soon the scenes begin to change and show more hospitable clips of several commendations that Rainstone had received in his illustrious career. Then, finally the spots begin to fill up with more recent appearances of the commando turned professional wrestler, and his latest accomplishment in winning the Smut title from Derrick Daliente. then defending it against five others all in one match. The men are tore around like rag dolls in the wind and at last we see Rainstone holding the SCCW Smut title belt over his shoulder and waving an American flag in the ring with Las Vegas crowds going completely wild.]

[The final freeze frame shows Maxton Rainstone in his now famous promotional shot entitled, "Uncle Sam wants You!" and there on the Jumbotron is the poster image of Rainstone with his foot resting on Philadelphia's Liberty Bell and a gun and blade crossed in front of his well conditioned body. The tattoo on his arm of the US Navy Seals is unmistakable.]

Voice Over: "One man has now turned all that know how, all that training and military experience to the professional world of modern day wrestling. Ladies and Gentlemen, it's SCCW's very own Navy Seal, the current SCCW Smut Champion, your "Stainless Steel" of perfection, the man they call "Hardrain", the one the only--

MAXTON RAINSTONE!

[Pyros ignite and at the curtain as Maxton Rainstone comes out dressed in dark army fatigues and an army green muscle shirt. He wears dark sunglasses and a Navy Seal beret, and that unmistakable smirk; an American flag is folded over his shoulder.]

[The house lights begin to slowly come up as the Star-Spangled Banner begins to play over the loudspeakers. Along the sides of the walk out, from the floor, a row of flag poles rise up sporting American Flags. Studio fans blow just enough to give then that out-in-the-open movement creating the illusion of wind. As the flags blow Maxton walks slowly down towards the ring. American fans have now stood to their feet most of them repeating the words of the anthem as Rainstone stands to attention saluting, army fashion, for the media.]

[As the Anthem concludes, a long applaud and cheers begin to ring from the capacity crowd. As the house lights come up Rainstone's theme music from "Airwolf" begins to blare loudly over the speakers. With the sound of the helicopter pumping out of the speakers Maxton jogs the remaining way to the ring throwing the flag to a young fan sporting a Rainstone T- shirt and slides under the ropes into the ring.]

[DING!]

MH: And here we go! Rainstone and Kim, the winner advances to the finals as Alex Pierce's champion!

FB: Yeah, yeah. They're gonna get run over. It's that simple.

MH: Rainstone with a lunge at Kim, ducked by the Wind! Kim diving past, pops up to his feet, and delivers a sidekick to the chest! Lightning fast, this one!

AL: Rainstone is doubled over! Kim off the ropes... big face-crusher! And a double-stomp to the small of Rainstone's back sends the Navy Seal reeling! MH: Kim waiting on Maxton now! Kim's waiting on Rainstone to get to his feet... Stainless Steel is up -- standing sidekick! Knocked aside by Rainstone! Kim spins all the way around and boom! Boom! Boom!

FB: Third row, fat ladies in lingerie, Hyuk's teeth!

MH: Hyuk is down! Hyuk is down! Hyuk is down and Rainstone isn't going to let up! Both these men want that shot at the NWC title bad, gentlemen!

FB: Well, no crap.

AL: Maxton slinking around to the ankles of Kim -- he's gonna launch Hyuk! He's gonna launch Hyuk into outer space!

MH: Catapult! Catapult! Rainstone with a catapult, but Hyuk! Hyuk in midair! Hyuk floats over in midair, swinging over the top rope and landing on the apron!

FB: Alright. Someone tell me where the wires are.

AL: Hyuk's on the apron and Rainstone heads over there to the Wind -- jab to the throat! Jab to the throat by Hyuk and he grabs Rainstone's head! He grabs Rainstone's head... guillotine! Guillotine!! Maxton's hung up on that top rope! And Hyuk's leaping right back up to the apron!

MH: Hyuk waiting on Rainstone to turn around! Hyuk's waiting -- slingshot wheel kick! Slingshot wheel ki-- no! Suplex! Suplex by Rainstone! Suplex by Rainstone! Hyuk just got dropped! What a move! What a desperation move! Hyuk was planted! Planted!

FB: I'd like to plant her.

MH: We've got a visitor, gentlemen! It's Madison! Madison, who we've seen supporting Hyuk Suh Kim all night, is making her way down to ringside!

[Indeed, it is the Babe We Wanna Bang, Madison, in jeans and a white silk blouse, her strawberry-blond hair bouncing lively behind her. The Babe skirts around the far side of the ring, looking coolly towards Rainstone and Kim as the former hefts the latter up.]

MH: It appears we're going to be joined by the Babe here, as Maxton shoots Hyuk into the corner! Rainstone charging in after and Kim! Kim lifts a leg! Kim lifts a leg but Rainstone ducks beneath! Backhand blow from Rainstone nearly sends Hyuk over the top!

AL: These guys are crisp!

FB: So are my pants.

MH: Madison, thank you for joining us tonight.

Miss Madison (MM): Thank you, Marcus, it's my pleasure. Just pretend I'm not here; I'm just a spectator. MH: Rainstone with a kick to the midsection and he drops to his knees for an uppercut to the jaw!

MM: [wince] Oooh.

AL: So, Madison...

MH: Rainstone with a... monkey-flip! Monkey-flip and Hyuk lands on his feet! Hyuk lands on his feet!

AL: Not for long!!

MH: Spear! Spear! Spear!!! Rainstone just speared Kim out of his boots?

MM: You were saying, Al?

FB: He wants to do you, baby.

AL: Will you -- why have you been supporting Hyuk this weekend?

MH: Rainstone locking on a front-facelock! Rainstone's locking on a front-facelock and lifting Kim vertical! What a hanging suplex! Hanging suplex by Rainstone!

MM: [neutral] Hyuk is a fantastic athlete. He's quick, agile, and he's beaten some of the top stars in GCW already.

AL: Including your fiancée, Hunter Sabuani, is that not correct?

MH: And Rainstone! Rainstone hangs Hyuk up! Rainstone hangs Hyuk up on the top rope! Hyuk's hung out to dry on the top rope!

MM: Yes, that's correct, Al. He did beat Hunter, and cleanly.

MH: Rainstone slingshots himself up and over! Pescado! Pescado across the legs sends Hyuk whipping backfirst to the floor! What innovation from Stainless Steel!!

FB: You're real pretty, Madi-baby...

MM: Why, thank you, Frank.

FB: But you're also boring as a post. What about your hatred? Let Pretty Boy Hunny-Sub have it! Let him know what boinkin' a hooker's done for your relationship!

AL: And . . . Kim is thrown from the ring! He lands hard! Kim lands hard on the floor!

FB: He's getting his ass kicked.

AL: The ref pointing to the ring, but Kim is in no hurry. He's leaning against that guard rail. He must be exhausted. Look at him. MH: Ya gotta just dig deep, here. Ya gotta keep coming.

AL: Hyuk is on his feet as his opponent waits. He manages to walk around a bit. And the crowd -- the crowd is getting behind Hyuk here. Taking a deep breath, Kim dives back into the ring. Right into a cloud of stomps!

MH: Rainstone is stomping away! On Hyuk! Those are clean blows, remember!

FB: Yeah, because Rainstone's too much of a pussy to even cheat *there*!

MH: Rainstone pulls Hyuk to his feet -- oh! Hyuk! Hyuk grabs Rainstone's head! Hyuk grabs Rainstone's head and slams it down! Down into the knee! Down into his knee! Maxton is staggered again!

MM: This is the kind of stuff I'm talking about, boys. Hyuk is *so* quick.

AL: Hyuk now... roundhouse kick! Roundhouse kick connects -- Hyuk pivots through for a second, ducked by Rainstone! Rainstone grabs Hyuk -- fireman's -- nope! Hyuk floats off, steps on the back of the knee and wraps an arm around the throat of Rainstone... inverted DDT! Inverted DDT!

MM: Mmrm. Reminiscent of Scorn's move. [as if she's taking mental notes] Interesting...

MH: Indeed! Hyuk floats over -- our first cover of the match!!!

ONE!!!

TWO!!!

No! No! Rainstone kicks out! Rainstone kicks out and kips up! Rainstone's to his feet!

AL: Kim's joining him! Double kip-up, here... and Rainstone shoots in a standing sidekick of his own! Rainstone shoots in a sidekick of his own, sending Hyuk back and away!

FB: So, uh... what've you thought of the competition here, babe?

MM: The entire tournament has been *fantastic*. I've never seen athletes like this put themselves through hell before.

FB: I was talkin' about the wet T-shirt contests, but that works... AL: Maxton charges at Hyuk, but Kim with a drop toehold that sends the top rope right into the throat of the former Navy SEAL!

MH: Whoa.

AL: Kim drags him away from the ropes now and is on him! Dragon sleeper! Kim rolls onto his back, pulling the man up. He's cranking back on that sucker now, Frank.

FB: His shoulders are being pinned! Hyuk's being pinned!

MH: Oh for crying out loud. Be quie -

AL: Uhm, Hyuk is being pinned. You're right.

ONE!!

TWO!!

AL: And Kim breaks the hold, kipping up to his feet.

MH: You gotta be alert in this type of event. Hyuk nearly cost himself a slot in the finals with that one, fellas!

[Madison falls noticeably silent; the cameras catch the Babe watching the match intently.]

MH: Kim and Rainstone face to face now! Kim and Rainstone! Kim with a left hook, ducked by Stainless Steel! Steel with a European uppercut -- caught by Kim! Caught by Kim and Kim wraps up Maxton -- backslide! Backslide! Backslide!

ONE!!!

TWO!!!

THR--No! No! Rainstone got out of there! Rainstone slipped out of there!!

AL: Woogh, that was close. FB: Lemme get closer here to the Babe...

MH: Pay attention to the match, Barr. Hyuk steps in! Hyuk steps in! Hyuk steps in tight!

AL: Hyuk firing off kick after kick! Holy crap!

FB: [low] Yeah, jeez.

AL: I-I can't even describe it! These kicks are relentless, his opponent in the corner. The ref's getting in there at last, forcing Kim back. That was twenty-some kicks in under ten seconds.

MH: Kim can do some things that no one else in the Council can touch. That is one of them.

AL: And look at him just stand and wait now, arms at his side. Hyuk Suh Kim... is a warrior.

FB: And that... was a gay line.

MH: Rainstone's slumped in the corner, but he's pulling himself up! Rainstone's pulling himself back to his feet and he's gonna go at it with Kim again! Rainstone's not backing down an inch!

AL: But neither's Hyuk!

MH: Hyuk with a chop, blocked by Maxton! Maxton's kick, similarly blocked by Hyuk! These two are trading punches back and forth like nobody's business, but neither man can connect! Neither man can connect!

AL: Oh! Rainstone twists it! Rainstone twists the arm through! Rainstone with a full nelson! Rainstone with a damn full nelson!

[*WHUD!*]

MH: Dragon suplex! Dragon suplex! Dragon suplex bridged over --

ONE!!!

TWO!!!

MM: Kick out, Hyuk!

MH: Jesus! Hyuk rolls out! Hyuk rolls out and he shifts so he's on the back of Rainstone! He's got the arms! He's got the arms! He's got the arms -- front-flip forward! Double bridging armbar! Double bridging armbar! Kim's got it! Kim's got it cinched!

MM: Yes!!

[The sound of headsets dropping.]

AL: And Madison leaps away from the announce position to watch! She's ecstatic that Hyuk pulled his move through!

MH: That's the move! That's the move that he used to beat Alex Reynolds to become the GCW Southern Heritage champ! That's the move!!

AL: Can Maxton hold on? Can Maxton Rainstone hold on in the face of all this punishment? Can he possibly hold on?

MH: He's trying! He's trying! Rainstone plants his feet! He's gotta be going through EXCRUCIATING pain! Hyuk got that move out of nowhere! Hyuk got that damn move out of nowhere!

AL: Rainstone's trying to pull himself to the corner! He's trying to pull himself to the ropes! He's trying, he's hanging on desperately! He's trying desperately to hold on!!

MH: But everytime he moves, every step he takes...

FB: "...I'll be watchin' you!"

MH: [ahem] Every time Rainstone inches towards those ropes, he puts even MORE pressure on his arms! He's gonna dislocate his own shoulders! He's gonna dislocate his own shoulders!

AL: The referee's in there tight! He's asking Rainstone if he wants to give up! He's asking Rainstone if he wants to give up, but Stainless Steel ain't going anywhere! Stainless Steel won't quit! Stainless Steel won't --

[And then there was the sickening "pop!"]

MH: His shoulder! He just dislocated his shoulder! Rainstone just dislocated his own shoulder! He's almost there! He's almost there!

[DING DING DANG!]

AL: What the -- ?

MH: The bell just rung! The bell just rung! Hyuk's confused! The referee's confused! Let's go to Michael Buffer for the decision! [Cut to Buffer. Think he's a robot? So do we.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen, the second referee has ruled that Maxton Rainstone canNOT continue! Therefore, the winner of this match by a technical submission and advancing into the finals of the Road to Purgatory tournament... HYUK! SUH!!! KIMM!!

MH: No! No! Rainstone was nearly there!! Rainstone was nearly there! Maxton Rainstone was nearly there!

AL: Aw, what a way to go out.

MH: Can we get a replay, here?

[Cut to replay. Rainstone is flailing with his foot for the nearby ropes as Hyuk holds to both his arms. His shoulder dislocates himself and the second referee (GCW Senior Official Jason Lyons) winces noticeably, as does the Babe We Wanna Bang. Lyons calls for the bell, Rainstone's foot just a foot or so away from the ropes.]

FB: More f[bleep]in' replays. [groan]

MH: Hell, Barr. That was just a great match, bottom line! These two kids are the future of the NWC, and there will be another day for Maxton Rainstone in the future!

FB: Hey! This could get interesting!

AL: And Hyuk sees Madison! Hyuk sees Madison, who's attending to Maxton with the referees! Hyuk staring coldly at the Babe, who doesn't even seem to notice! There's no expression on Hyuk's face right now, I don't think he knows what to make of Madison's interest in him!

[Hyuk slowly shakes his head as he slides through the top and middle ropes and drops to the floor.]

MH: Hyuk Suh Kim just barely managed to outlast Maxton Rainstone in what was a tremendously athletic contest that I'd love to see again sometime! But right now, Hyuk's headed to the finals of the tournament!

FB: How much will the little samurai that could have left?

MH: We'll just have to find out, Frank. We'll just have to find out.

AL: "The 7th Level" of Purgatory, Night Two, continues after these brief messages! FB: Know what uh, briefly?

AL: ...

FB: Hypermart SUCKS!

AL: I'm sure that means something, but.. I dunno. More after this.

MH: [thinking they're off] Would 'da helmet fit on me, brah?

MH: Uh. Sorry for that, everyone.

AL: We're back, fans, and we're into the home stretch here on Night Two! The last two Finals of the Road To Purgatory, one of which is an Iron Man Match!

MH: After that, we've got two hotly contested NWC World Championship Matches, too! The Three-Way with Shylax, McCain, and Montgomery, and "Bermuda" Billy Page trying to fulfill his dream and unseat the reigning champ, "Showtime" Trey Slater!

FB: Dude. The local college-aged folks are throwin' a party on the Affirmative Action Crown Barge, now! That RULES!

MB: The following contest is the FINALS of the Chris Schukar bracket of the Road to Purgatory tournament!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MB: It is for one fall with hardcore rules! Introducing first... from the City of Sin, Las Vegas, Nevada!

[For the third time in two days, Innercorse is piped through the speakers, drawing the crowd to their feet; like him or hate him, Sabuani's put on a show so far and there's no sign this will stop yet.]

MB: He weighs in at two hundred twenty-three and one-quarter pounds! The master of the Perfect Ending, he is the most decorated athlete in the history of Georgia Championship Wrestling --

[A low baritone over the speakers, familiar immediately as that of the Peerless One.]

PHS: Is anyone really tired of hearing Buffer say "Heavyweight Champion of the World," or is it just me?

MH: He interrupted Buffer? Is there no end to the gall of the Peerless One?

[As the lyrics kick in, the song's volume drops dramatically and, accompanied by no pyro this time, the Raja and his entourage stride through the curtain. This time, there are four of them, led by Sabuani himself. Hunter's forehead is bandaged after his second-round war, but his grin is wide and the hardcore wardrobe he stained with his and Blade's blood in the earlier match has been discarded for familiar midnight blue and black tights and no shirt. He clutches a microphone in one hand, a bottle in the other.]

FB: That's balls. I'll give up some respect for that.

PHS: I mean, it's always Heavyweight Champ this and this guy did that. I don't care, I don't think Ratsy cares or Cass does. Hell, Kat probably doesn't even care.

[Sabuani strides down the aisleway, his smile growing with each stride. At his side and pushing a surprise visitor's wheelchair to ringside, Katsidy nods, braided hair bouncing. The Siren has changed outfits since the war she played such a pivotal part in winning; her leather pants and tied-up dress shirt have been replaced by a leopard-print faux-fur microskirt and a black velvet, spaghetti-stringed top. But it's the woman Katsidy is pushing down to ringside who's more of a surprise to see than the Siren's cleavage again.]

AL: I can't believe she's back, after what Van Iten did to her last night.

MH: In case you missed Night One, fans... after Hunter beat Ben Van Iten in the first round, BVI held Rat hostage and when both Sabuani and Sicarii refused to forfeit the match, Ben delivered a VILE chairshot to the Dynamo's head. We were told that she spent the night in a nearby hospital with concerns she might have another concussion just two weeks after being catapulted off a cage on the last GCW Glory.

FB: But she's back?

[Indeed, Rat's there in leather and lace, her own forehead bandaged from the sick shot she suffered at the hands of the Razz and Pizzazz, but she's sneering at the ring announcer, standing with his brows lifted carefully at Hunter. Third in the line is the Big C, still bearing that razorwire-covered baseball bat but also carrying the little black bag of goodies PHS used so well in the second round, looking like some demented Santa Claus.]

PHS: Before I kick the hell out of Mr. So-called High Society to win Chris' little bracket, I just wanted to let you people know something.

[The Peerless One rolls under the bottom rope, his Coterie entourage skirting to the lower corner near the announce table. Cass sets the bag down and Kat pats the top of Rat's head as Sub comes to his feet in the ring.]

PHS: When I put that slug Van Iten on my shoulders, all of you cheered because you wanted to see him beat. When I slammed that loser, Blade, to get here, you booed because Katsidy helped and I "cheated." Well, which is it? You can't like me AND hate me, you morons.

[Mixed response from the crowd.]

PHS: You either put me on your shoulders and hail me like the god that I am, or you boo me and think I really give a crap. But I won't have you undecided or thinking I'm some wussed-out trick like Madi's being with her precious little Hyuk.

MH: [low] Sabuani referring to the vocal support his fiancée, Madison, has given Hyuk here at Purgatory. PHS: Which is it? Am I a god or the devil? Because I don't have all night for you to get that wine out of your head and decide.

[They choose to boo; wouldn't you after being insulted? Sabuani just shrugs, moving to the Coterie corner and hopping up to sit on the top turnbuckle again.]

AL: Well, the folks are booing for him right now, but once his opponent comes out, I wonder if that will remain the case?

FB: That's the one problem with all of these guys who cheat. They're all so good at it, we always have cheaters facing cheaters at the very end, and the fans end up hating everybody! But it's not their fault. The fan favorites just aren't that good.

MH: I'd like to see you say that, with Maxton Rainstone in front of you.

FB: No problem. If he wants to come out here right now, I'll say it!

AL: Yeah. Big man while there's a match about to go. Why don't you take a break and go out back to look for him and say it.

FB: Uh... I can't.

MH: Uh huh.

FB: I don't dare leave the two of you out here to do commentary all alone. The folks at home would all smash their televisions.

AL: Of course, Frank.

MB: And now... his opponent! Coming down th-....

Voice: Hear ye... hear ye...

AL: What the heck is that?

MH: Beats me.

Voice: ...may I present... the great and honorable... King Eugene "High Society" Robinson!!!

AL: Is he gonna start every match with some low life's voice coming over the loudspeakers?

FB: I wonder how much that guy makes, hmmm....

Several Voices: ALL HAIL THE KING!

[The booing for the man about to walk out nearly doubles from the earlier matches, as the song "King of Kings"... a phat hip-hop remix by DJ Guzz.. blasts over the loudspeakers.]

## Let me tell you how it is ## ## Let me show you what's to come ##

## Let me teach you a thing or two ##

## For I'm the man that once was you ##

[The blackened arena is lit up by golden beams shining down towards the entrance way. The back ground music, that of trumpets blasting over the loudspeakers, adds to the royalty effect that surrounds us.]

MH: Look who's here!

[Suddenly, the two distinguished, recognizable members of the Schuk Security come walking out down towards the ring with a royal red carpet trailing behind them every step of the way.]

AL: Schuk Security in the house! I was picking Sabuani here, and now I'm starting to think that's how the Bastard is gonna decide this.. those two monsters.

FB: If he's half as smart as he used to be, he will! Whoever he wants to win his bracket, will win it! Why?

MH: Why's that, Major?

FB: Because there are NO rules!

AL: Great. And we're treated to a Royal Treatment for Schuk's "Crown Jewel", Eugene Robinson.

FB: ::::tap:::: ::::tap::::: :::::tap:::::

MH: Frank! Stop tapping the mic along with the beat!

FB: It just floats. Like, it's rockin' on my buzzage, dude.

MH: ....

AL: WHAT!?

## I will be the king of kings ##

## Wear a crown and all the things ##

## I'd always want but never need ## ## For all I know is pain and greed ##

[As the red carpet stretches out all the way down to the ring, the golden beams shoot back towards the entrance way. A cloud of smoke races down the bordering guardrails as four men step out carrying a throne on their shoulders with Eugene Robinson sitting with his legs crossed on top.]

MH: Even I think this is too much.

AL: That's what I've been saying since Round One, but nobody listens to me.

## I will make you shout and cry ##

## I will make you do or die ##

## I will make you rant and rave ##

## About the day you met your grave ##

[Robinson, with a bandage now on his nose from his previous match against the Mystery Entrant, sits relaxed on the throne with a golden crown atop his head. Several jewels are engraved along the golden top hat as his sandy blond hair can only be seen just over the brim of his forehead and along the back of his neck. His baby blue eyes glare down with the biggest arrogance you have ever seen. Robinson, with scepter in hand, truly is making his royal entrance.]

FB: I wonder how much his scepter is worth?

AL: Would you shut up about that stuff?

MH: This is one for the ages. I truly thought I had seen it all.

## I will be the king of kings ##

## Wear a crown and all the things ##

## I 'd always want but never need ##

## For all I know is pain and greed ##

[Eugene's security guards continue to carry him down as he lounges back in his royal seat. He bats the scepter against his other hand as he prepares himself to smack his opponent over the head with it. Robinson, snickering at the fans as he makes his way down, is a man with a bigger ego then life itself.]

## I'm the ace that flies the plane ##

## The man who surpasses everything ##

## I'm the one that rules the ring ## ## Mother F[bleep]r I'm the King! ##

AL: Interesting! Both Hunter Sabuani and Eugene Robinson have came out to music about being the "King" or "King of the Ring".. I guess we find out who's right, right here!

MH: Not necessarily.. weren't you paying attention?

[As the song fades away and the men set down the seat next to ringside, we are stricken by Eugene's full attire. A flocculent black robe drapes down his body to the ground as the edges of it are decked in a money green color.]

AL: Back to the splendor, we see!

[If you notice the back of the robe, it is an emerald green money sign with the letters H-i-g- h S-o-c-i-e-t-y spelled out in the shape of a crown over it. His chiseled physique can be seen through the openings in the robe, as he wears no shirt for the first time in quite some time. Black cotton and silk loose Damask flare pants cover his legs while he carries his scepter in the ring.]

MH: What are you doing Frank? Get off your knees...

FB: HEY! I dropped a can, and anyway, I'm paying my respects to the King!

[Robinson stands in the center of the ring with a scepter in one hand and now a mic in the other. Sabuani sits on the turnbuckle and just yawns. As the raucous crowd continues to boo the powerful voice, Mister High Society puts them in their place.]

ER: Listen up you subordinate serfs, when the King is in the ring, you pay your damn respect!

"BOOOOOOOOOO!!"

AL: Listen to the crowd, they aren't liking this one bit.

MH: What a shock.

ER: I shall have you all of you peasants know that the future of your beloved heroes lies in the hands of me, your majestic king. What we have before you isn't a case of Dungeon and Dragons... so there will be no knight in shining armor rescuing his queen and saving the day. You see, what we have right now is a simple case of a divine power!

[The crowd, not taking a liking to this little spiel that Eugene speaks of begins to chant the famous word of Sparky.]

"S-P-A-R-K-Y!!! S-P-A-R-K-Y!!! S-P-"

ER: S-P-iritual God? I know I am. But you can simply refer to me as "Your Highness," or even "Your Lordship"... all these things will suit me just fine. But now... now it's time to lay a crowing atop the only other man who could even THINK that he might hold as much divine right as me. [And with that, he tosses away the microphone, removes his crown and places it next to his scepter, there on the apron, then unfastens his cape. Hunter slides from the turnbuckle, and as he watches the cape be removed from Eugene's shoulders, is surprised when Robinson immediately springs at him!]

MH: Eugene Robinson! Right after Sabuani!

** DING! DING! DING! **

AL: Quick move by "High Society", and Hunter didn't even expect it!

MH: With that cape of his! He wraps it around Sabuani's neck and is doing his best to choke the life out of him!

FB: Ha! Everything is just starting now!

MH: Sabuani trying desperately to free himself from the black cape of Robinson's... that affectation that is completely ridiculous on him...

AL: But which HAS become a handy weapon, I must say...

FB: Kill! Kill!

MH: Hunter falls to the corner, gasping for breath. Eugene not wasting any time and immediately begins putting the boots to the former GCW champion...

AL: With those steel tips I might add...

MH: Yes indeed! Those steel-tips to the boots, which are impacting themselves into Sabuani quite nicely in the corner.

FB: This is not pleasing O'Hallerin or the two women... they are looking on quite upset it seems.

AL: That's because their man is getting his ass handed to him.

MH: Eugene with a few more stomps. He reaches down and grabs Sabuani by the hair and pulls him to his feet. Hunter almost impulsively unwraps himself from the cape, and Eugene uses that distraction to hip toss him...

* WHAM! *

AL: Right out of the corner!

FB: Beautiful move right there. Although this is a hardcore match, both of these guys are tremendous technical wrestlers as well.

MH: They are indeed. Hunter Sabuani sitting upright now in a bit of a daze... Robinson right behind him... AL: He rushes the downed Hunter...

FB: Eugeneeeee...

* SMACK! *

MH: DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!!

"BOOOOO!"

AL: Eugene Robinson with a beautiful running dropkick... nailed Hunter right off the back of the head with both of those boots of his... Sabuani wrenching his neck forward... possibly straining some of those muscles.

FB: Yeah, like they weren't already strained in the previous two matches of his.

AL: Well we don't know, now, do we?

FB: Haven't you been watching the same matches I have? I don't think there's a thing left on either of these guys which isn't either busted, broken, or bruised!

MH: Be that as it may... with Sabuani laying face-down on the mat, still trying to recover from the violent attack by "High Society" right out of the chute... Eugene is taking this time to--

AL: --get up and raise his hands to the crowd?

FB: Ah yeah! Play to the crowd, baby! Show them who's the king!

"BOOOOOOOOOO!!"

AL: Not exactly a warm reception, is it?

FB: No... but it's not like Robinson was expecting anything else!

AL: True.

MH: The fans really giving it to Eugene for his tasteless display... both here now, and basically for everything recently. Hunter rolls over to his hands and knees and moves to the ropes for an assist in getting back to his feet.

AL: Eugene better turn around. He could get himself into trouble if he leaves his back to the "Peerless One" for too long. You NEVER want to keep Sabuani out of eyesight for too long, because you'll never know what he's going to pull.

MH: That is true. Robinson turns around and finds Hunter leaning across the top rope... he's obviously in immense pain after all he's been through, and this match is not helping matter any.

AL: Robinson charges Sabuani! Hunter still draped over the top rope! MH: HE REACHES THE ROPES! HE LEAPS!!!

AL: RIGHT OVER THE TOP ROPE, GRABBING SABUANI'S HEAD ON THE WAY DOWN--

** SPROING!! **

MH: OOH! And he pulls Hunter's head down across the top rope! Eugene lands to the outside, and Sabuani springs back--

* WHAM! *

FB: And lands hard on his back to the canvas once more!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

MH: This match has been ALL Eugene Robinson so far! Hunter Sabuani has not been on his game at all!

AL: Eugene took it right too him at the top and he has dictated the pace of this match.

MH: With Hunter still down and out in the center of the ring, Eugene gets back to his feet on the outside.

FB: Robinson HAS dictated things thus far... but I think his dictation is about to come to a close!

AL: What do you--

MH: There it is! Cassidy O'Hallerin! The seven foot monster! He's now right on top of Eugene, standing over him like a colossus!

AL: I don't think Eugene has seen him move up next to him yet...

FB: Well once that shadow falls upon him--

[Eugene Robinson notices it get rather dark, and turns to his left... thereby seeing a wall of flesh right in front of him.]

AL: He's seen him!

MH: Yes he sure has! Robinson's eyes move upwards! Trying to find the end of this wall of humanity!

FB: He needs to look AWFULLY high to find that!

MH: Cassidy looks down upon Robinson! Robinson gulps!

AL: The last thing he can afford to do is take on Cass at this point! MH: Eugene stares at the "Big Man Of The Clan". He starts to back away. Kat and The Rat cheering on as O'Hallerin reaches out--

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

AL: AND GRABS EUGENE BY THE HEAD! HE HAS HIM!

FB: CASSIDY HAS GRABBED EUGNE ROBINSON! HE HAS NOWHERE TO GO!

MH: Eugene trying desperately to get away, but that huge palm of Cassidy's is just gripping the sides of Robinson's blond head! There's no escape!

AL: And Hunter is now back on his feet! He sees that his bodyguard has got Eugene pinned!

FB: Well if he hopes to take advantage of that, he better do something quickly, because here comes members of Schukar Security, up behind Cassidy, each with a steel chair!

MH: All of these are indeed legal, don't forget. Hunter rushes to the far ropes...

AL: He bounces off... comes back across the ring...

FB: Schukar Security raises those chairs--

MH: HUNTER LEAPS!!! OVER THE TOP ROPE!

FB: THEY SWING THE CHAIRS!

** THWACK!! **

** THWACK!! **

AL: WHOOOOOAAAAA!!!!

* THUD! *

MH: SABUANI!!! SABUANI!!! FLEW OVER THE TOP ROPE AND GRABBED EUGENE RIGHT IN TIME!

FB: O'HALLORIN GOT DECKED!!!

AL: YES HE DID! BUT NOT BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO KEEP ROBINSON AT BAY LONG ENOUGH FOR HUNTER TO COME OVER THE TOP ROPE--

MH: AND GRAB EUGENE AND BULLDOG HIM TO THE CONCRET FLOOR!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

MH: What a reaction by this crowd! No love lost for Sabuani obviously... but their cheers go up for that spectacular move! AL: Hunter timed in just perfectly! Right as Cass let go of Eugene because of the two chair shots to the back, he was able to fly over the top with a dive that caught Robinson around the neck, and allowed him to bulldog the U.S. champ right onto the floor!

FB: They don't call him the Raja for nothing!

MH: Hunter Sabuani... slowly getting to his feet, while Robinson is laid out in front of him. O'Hallerin turns and goes right after the two S.S. men, who nailed him with chairs.

AL: If he catches them, they're dead!

FB: From the smell alone!

MH: Hunter pulls Eugene to his feet. Grabs him by the wrist... Irish whip...

AL: To the barrier!

** SKRAAANK!! **

MH: And Eugene hits it hard! His back slamming into the steel!

FB: I think Hunter has finally gained the upper-hand for the first time in this match.

MH: Very much so. Robinson slumps to the floor, and Sabuani quickly over to him. He begins to put the boot to him now, this time...

* SMACK! *

* SMACK! *

* SMACK! *

* SMACK! *

AL: Four shots right to the face! Stomping away on Schukar's pony boy... not giving an inch...

MH: Fans all around the world enjoy this display of two jerks kicking the crap out of each other.

FB: I know I am!

MH: Hunter in definite control at this point. Both men looking a little worse for wear... neither man totally recovered from their first matches earlier this evening... Sabuani having defeated Blade, and Robinson having taken out the mystery entrant...

FB: You mean Zam.

MH: NO, I DO NOT MEAN EDDIE ZAM!!! AL: And now they are taking out each other!

MH: Eugene still slumped against the railing... referee checking on him but he's not calling it.

FB: He damn well not!

AL: What is Hunter doing?

MH: I believe he's gotten back to his feet, and is over by the ring apron! He's lifting up the ring skirt to look underneath!

AL: What could he be looking for?

FB: HE'S PULLING OUT A LADDER!

MH: My goodness he is! That appears to be the ladder used earlier this evening in the SCCW title match!

AL: Jeez that thing is destroyed!

FB: It looks like a pretzel!

MH: That is does. Prophet, Leviticus and Tremors having almost broken the ladder AND themselves in their match earlier. But now Hunter has it and is climbing back up onto the apron...

AL: This is not going to be pretty, whatever it is!

FB: He lifts it up and places it across his shoulders!

MH: The ladder is currently being held in a fireman's carry! Eugene still down on the ring floor! His Schukar Security currently being held at bay by Cassidy O'Hallerin...

AL: What is he--

MH: Hunter rushes down the apron! HE LEAPS!!!

FB: HE'S DOING A DEATH VALLEY DRIVER WITH THE LADDER, AND IT--

AL: OOOOOOOOOOHHH!!!

** CLANG! **

MH: HOLY MOSES! HUNTER SABUANI JUST DROVE THAT LADDER RIGHT INTO THE MIDSECTION OF EUGENE ROBINSON!

AL: Just like he was giving the ladder a DVD!

FB: Yeah! Yeah! That's it! That's it! MH: Eugene Robinson on the receiving end of the top of that ladder... as it was driven into his stomach by the leaping Sabuani off the ring apron!

AL: And if that ladder wasn't broken before, it sure is now!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MH: And fans react to that move like they did on the previous one!

FB: HUNTER GOES FOR THE COVER!

MH: FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE!

ONE!

TWO!!--

MH: NOOOOO! NOT QUITE!

FB: How in the world did he get a shoulder up?

AL: I don't know, but Robinson sure did!

MH: Sabuani not believing it either! He thought for sure that driving the ladder into Eugene would do it, but it wasn't even close! AL: He's going to have to take it a little more rough than that.

FB: Don't worry. He will.

MH: Back to his feet now... referee checking on Eugene, but is not stopping this match.

AL: The girls are a lot happier now too, with the way things have turned around.

MH: Not surprising at all. Sabuani grabs Eugene by the hair. He pulls him to his feet. Robinson slow to get up, still trying to get some wind into his lungs.

AL: He tries a weak punch, but to no effect. Hunter with a quick rake of the eyes brings that to a halt.

FB: It always does.

MH: He grabs "High Society" by the wrist... setting him up for an Irish whip...

AL: He throws Eugene towards the steel ring post--

FB: No! Reversal!

AL: Eugene reverses the throw! And now it's Sabuani who--

MH: NO! ANOTHER REVERSAL! SABUANI PUTS ON THE BRAKES!

FB: AND THEY THEN--

* THUD! *

* THUD! *

AL: OOOOOH!

MH: DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! BOTH MEN DOWN!

FB: And the tied of the match changes once again!

AL: Both men out flat on their backs on the ringside floor... both men taking a breather...

MH: Cassidy O'Hallerin on the far side, working over members of Schukar Security, who are trying desperately to get over to help out their "king"...

FB: Not gonna happen. The Big Man has then penned up.

MH: Referee checks both men... neither of whom is jumping quickly back to their feet, although Robinson IS starting to show signs of life.

FB: Too bad he doesn't HAVE a life... AL: Weak, Frank.

MH: Eugene to his hands and knees, leaning against the apron. Hunter still down flat on the floor, his head slamming against the concrete from that clothesline a lot harder than Eugene's did.

AL: Luckily for him, because he's getting back to his feet!

MH: Robinson has pulled himself back to his feet. He hops up onto the apron, and crawls along it to his own corner.

FB: And on the far side, Cass is STILL working over the Security men! They are getting driven back from the pressing attack of the monster!

AL: And here comes The Rat! Wheeling herself up towards the fracas!

FB: Eugene at his own corner... and he... what is he--

AL: He's grabbed his CROWN!

MH: That's right! His golden crown! Eugene has picked it up and is standing back up onto the apron!

AL: The Schukar Security are trying to stand back up from the attack at the hands of O'Hallerin. But Cass is right there with The Rat... who is still in her wheelchair...

MH: Sabuani still down on the floor, and I really don't want to think what Eugene has in store with that thing.

FB: CASSIDY HAS THE RAT! HE'S GOT THE BACK OF HER WHEELCHAIR! HE PUSHES HER FORWARD!

AL: WHAT IN THE WORLD--

MH: RIGHT AT SECURITY! HE STOPS SHORT! THE RAT FLIES OUT OF THE CHAIR!!!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

FB: Holy bejeezus! Lou Thesz press! Lou Thesz press!

MH: The Rat just flew forward out of the chair and nailed both members of Schukar Security with a Lou Thesz press!

AL: And the fans are eating it up!

FB: But back on the other side, Eugene still has that crown of his!

AL: LOOK! HE TURNS THE CROWN OVER! POINTS FACING DOWN! HE SEES HUNTER STILL LYING ON HIS BACK ON THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!!! MH: He wouldn't--

FB: DAMN RIGHT HE WOULD!!!

AL: ROBINSON RUNS ALONG THE APRON! THE CROWN IN HIS HANDS!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MH: FANS CHEERING FOR THE CARNAGE WE'RE ABOUT TO SEE!!!

AL: EUGEEEEEENNNNNEEEEE--

* THUNK! *

FB: EEEEEWWWWW!!!!!

MH: MY GOD! MY GOD!

AL: Oh, now that really wasn't--

MH: Eugene Robinson just DROVE the points of that crown right into the forehead of Hunter Sabuani! Right into his head!

FB: That was NASTY!

AL: And it's broken him open again this night!

MH: ROBINSON NOW WITH A COVER!!!

FB: HOOKS THE LEG!!

ONE!

TWO!!

TH--

FB: No!

MH: Shoulder up! Sabuani with a shoulder up!

AL: The crown shot couldn't put him away!

FB: I don't think Eugene can believe it! Look at him! He's just as surprised as Sabuani was earlier!

AL: He must have thought that was all it was going to take! That was an incredibly vicious move on the part of the Untied States Champion!

MH: You aren't kidding! The crown was jammed right into his forehead as Eugene dove off of the apron to the floor! Hunter is now writhing around in pain, as blood begins seeping through his fingers--

AL: We've got The Rat pasting Schukar Security on one side of the ring, and Eugene pasting Sabuani on the other!

FB: What an athlete!

MH: Athlete?

AL: What's so athletic about taking a sharp piece of metal and driving it right between the eyes?

FB: Medieval jousters did it, and people considered THEM athletes!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!" MH: Fans still going crazy for the bloodshed brought about once again! The Rat bloodying the noses of the men, and Eugene standing up tall, quite exhilarated from the blatant violent attack with his crown!

AL: And Sabuani is in quite a bit of agony from it as well!

FB: Wall-to-wall action on all sides right here.

MH: That it is! Eugene is back to his feet, and is slowly starting to make his way around the ring... probably wondering where all his support is...

AL: And O'Hallerin has left The Rat to her own devices as she pummels the other men, and walks back around to where Kat is standing.

FB: If Eugene's not careful, he's going to come upon the big man again!

MH: Cass moves right over to Katsidy... who still holds that large black bag--

AL: I think she's trying get something out of it!

FB: Here comes Eugene!

AL: I don't know what--

MH: CASS PUTS HIS HAND IN! HE'S PULLING SOMETHING OUT!

AL: WAITAMIN--

FB: Is that a CINDERBLOCK?!?

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MH: Yes it is! Cassidy has a cinderblock! Eugene coming upon them and doesn't realize what is ahead!

AL: Well if he wasn't looking at the floor in total exhaustion, maybe he would!

MH: Cassidy shouts at him! Eugene looks up! His eyes widen!

FB: He's screwed...

MH: O'Hallerin THROWS the cinderblock at Robinson!!!

"RAAAAAH!"

* THUNK! *

"OOOOOOFF!!" * THUD! *

MH: I don't believe it!

AL: Right off the chest! Robinson takes the cinderblock right off the chest!

FB: And falls backwards from it! He caught the block off his chest, fell backwards and fell to the floor with that huge piece of concrete on top of him!

AL: He could have shattered some ribs from that!

MH: He's lucky he was able to get his hands up in time to absorb some of that blow.

FB: But not all of it! He's out flat on the floor! That block still lying on top of him.

MH: The Rat finally has let up from her pounce on the other two men, and has crawled her way back to her wheelchair...

AL: Katsidy and Cassidy admiring their handiwork as Eugene is out flat on the ground, that huge weight crushing his midsection right about now.

FB: And here comes Hunter! Blood dripping down his face, but is back for action!

AL: This is NOT a good spot for Robinson to be in right now.

MH: That he is not! Sabuani comes around the ring and sees his opponent laid out on the floor, that huge cinderblock crushing his chest. He moves over towards us--

FB: AND GETS A STEEL CHAIR!

AL: Uh oh.

MH: Sabuani with that steel chair! Kat, Cass and Rat all over to cheer him on! He takes the chair, moves right over to Eugene...

AL: RAISES IT ABOVE HIS HEAD--

** THWACK!! **

** CHUNK!! **

** CRUNCH!! **

AL: Arrrrgggghhh!!!

MH: Uhhhhhgggghhh!!!

FB: Whoooooaaaaa!!! "RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MH: Now that was NOT--

AL: Not exactly--

FB: WHAT A SHOT WITH THAT CHAIR!!!

MH: Oh come on now!

AL: Sabuani slamming that chair right into the cinderblock, driving--

FB: ROBINSON HAS TO HAVE BROKEN RIBS NOW!!!

MH: This was not what Eugene Robinson had in mind when he--

AL: LOOK OUT!!!

** THWACK!! **

** THWACK!! **

** THWACK!! **

MH: From behind! From behind! More members of Schukar Security!

AL: They just rushed up to the ring and nailed Cassidy over the head with those steel chairs once again!

FB: And on this side, one of them just nailed Hunter too!

AL: This is almost becoming ridiculous! We have more action happening with the ringside attendants than we are with the people actually fighting the match!

FB: That just makes it more fun!

MH: I don't know about that! O'Hallerin has dropped to a knee, the men behind him working him over now with the edges of those chairs. The Rat and The Kat are moving themselves out of the line of fire, and Sabuani has dropped to the floor from that shot of his as well.

AL: Both Robinson and Sabuani lying on the floor, while Cass and the S.S. are going at it once again.

FB: Cassidy rips a chair out of the hands of one of the men! He swings it himself!

** THWACK!! **

FB: And beans one of the men in return! MH: The referee has lost complete control of this match. There are now four S.S. members here at ringside, all of them over to the Big Man Of The Clan, trying to take him out with chairs. The Big Man of course, holding them off quite well.

AL: Eugene and Hunter... mere inches from each other on the floor... both trying to regain...

FB: Consciousness?

AL: That's one way of looking at it.

MH: They are both equally exhausted... this, their second hardcore match of the night, and their third of the weekend... neither one wanting their Road To Purgatory to end here and now...

AL: Well then one of them better roll over and pin the other one!

FB: I don't think either one really knows where they are right now.

"RAAAAAH!"

MH: Sabuani moves first!

AL: Yes! He pulls himself up to a sitting position! That blood still dripping down his face!

"RAAAAAH!"

FB: And now Eugene rolls over! Onto his stomach!

MH: It looks as though both men are trying to get up so that they can press the attack once again!

AL: Jeez. Look at them. They're both dead on their feet!

FB: Yeah! Isn't it so cool?

MH: That's one way of looking at it, I guess.

AL: Sabuani to his feet! He's pulled himself back to a standing position! He's on his feet!

MH: And he's turned around and begun advancing on Eugene!

FB: He's still on his hands and knees, moving a lot slower due to those bruised ribs of his...

MH: Hunter right on top of him and--

* FOOMP! *

"WHOOOOOAAAAA!!!" AL: LOW BLOW! LOW BLOW!

MH: ROBINSON WITH A LOW BLOW ON SABUANI!

FB: That'll do it!

MH: Groin shot by Eugene, right into the private parts of Sabuani!

AL: And look at the way Katsidy is wincing!

FB: She's going to be REALLY depressed tonight after the card!

MH: Hunter stumbles a bit, trying to regain some feeling below the waist. Robinson up on his feet, and he grabs the Raja by his wrist.

AL: Irish whip coming up...

FB: Right into the--

** SKRAAANK!! **

MH: RINGSIDE BARRIER!

"RAAAAAH!"

AL: Hunter's back SLAMS against the steel, much like Eugene's did earlier in the match!

MH: But this time Eugene isn't going underneath the ring. Instead, he's measuring Hunter, whose face is in total agony as he leans against the rail.

AL: EUGENE CHARGES HUNTER!

MH: The Rat shouting a warning! Sabuani opens his eyes!

FB: He sees him coming! He ducks!

AL: BACK BODY DROP!!!

MH: AND OOOOOOVERRRRR--

* THUD! *

MH: DOWN to the floor Eugene Robinson goes!

AL: Desperation move by Sabuani! Bending at the waist, and back body dropping Robinson up and over the guard rail, having the Grandeur Of Greatness land hard on the floor amongst the fans. MH: And what a landing he took! Hunter quickly up and over the barricade, and he takes a couple stiff shots to Eugene's face, before dropping to the floor!

AL: We've got another cover!

FB: Referee into position! Hook of the leg!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE--

MH: NOOOOOOO!!!

AL: KICKOUT! ROBINSON WITH A KICKOUT! FB: JUST BARELY!

MH: You aren't kidding! Eugene BARELY gets a shoulder up in time!

AL: And once again, I don't think Hunter can believe it!

MH: Well both of them are spent, and I think Hunter was hoping for this to all be over, but it surely is not!

FB: It's only getting started!

AL: Sabuani is slowly back to his feet. He grabs the blond locks of Eugene and starts dragging him away from the ring...

MH: Falls count anywhere folks, remember!

FB: They're heading towards the back of the area... back to where the--

AL: Fans all crowding all around, watching as Sabuani drags the U.S. Champ...

MH: To the back of the staging area, where we can see the technical crew is setting up the solid steel crucifix for tonight's match-up between Scorn and Steve Gaines--

FB: You mean God.

MH: Uh, whatever.

AL: Sabuani moving them up there! All the techies scattering away as the two warriors make their way up to the crucifix...

MH: Hold on! Robinson puts on the breaks!

AL: He pulls himself back!

MH: Hunter spins around. Eugene with a kick to the stomach! Sabuani bends over! The technical crew scattering out of the line of fire. Eugene grabs him with a front facelock, and- -

* THUD! *

FB: DROPS HIM WITH A DDT!!!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

AL: Out of nowhere Robinson gets him! The Raja took too much time, trying to bring him up to the back! Robinson caught him with the D.D.T. on the floor!

MH: And now he rolls on top for a cover of his own! Referee right there!

ONE!

TWO!!--

MH: And a kickout once again by Hunter Sabuani!

AL: My god... these two men are killing themselves out there, and if they keep it up, they wont have anything left for the Iron Man Match still to come.

FB: Eugene back to his feet... obviously favoring those ribs of his. They make his nose seem like a boo-boo.

AL: He lifts Hunter up a bit... grabs a solid grip on Hunter's leg...

MH: Stands up and--

"WHOOOOOAAAAA!!!!!"

* THUD! *

MH: THROWS HIM DOWN WITH A DRAGONSCREW LEG WHIP!

AL: What a move! This late in the match!

MH: Robinson obviously pulling out some of his technical knowledge to keep Hunter off- balance. He gets back to his feet, and moves over to him once more. He pulls him to his feet, and throws him forward-- FB: RIGHT INTO ONE OF THE TECHIES! HA!

"RAAAAAH!"

MH: Yes indeed! Sabuani collides with one of the technical staff, still trying to put the finishing touches on that metal crucifix right next to them! Sabuani hauls off and nails him with a big right hand! The techie goes down! But here comes Eugene! Right up behind!

AL: I don't know if Hunter can hear him coming! "High Society" moving in to him and--

MH: HUNTER SPINS AROUND AND GRIPS THE METAL CRUCIFIX!

** CLANG! **

AL: HE SPUN IT AND SMASHED IT RIGHT INTO THE FACE OF THE ADVANCING EUGENE ROBINSON!!!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

AL: What a move! What a move!

MH: Eugene falls to the floor once more! His hands going immediately to the bandages on his nose! He might have had it broken again!

FB: Sabuani drops for the cover once more!

AL: This is it!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!--

MH: No it's NOT it!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

FB: I don't believe it!

AL: Neither does Hunter, but the fans don't care! They are screaming their heads off that this match is still going to go on!

MH: How much more can these men take?

AL: I really don't know! But it's been a LOT so far!

FB: Sabuani is giving up!

AL: He's what?!?

FB: He's giving up! He's waving off Eugene, pulled himself to his feet, and has started to make his way back towards the ring, leaving Robinson there in a heap by the crucifix.

MH: I'm not totally understanding this logic, but I guess Hunter would rather have some time to rest, rather than risk the chance that Eugene might sneak a move in. But all he's doing is giving Eugene a chance to rest too.

FB: No, not really. Cause look who Sabuani is sending up to DEAL with Robinson!

MH: Oh jeez. Here we go again! Hunter hops over the barricade to go back to the ring, just and O'Hallerin hops over the barricade the other way, to go up and deal with Eugene.

FB: He's REALLY screwed now.

MH: Sabuani back over to the rest of his people... Katsidy and The Rat... Cassidy up to where Eugene is still laying on the floor. AL: He better get up RIGHT now, or else Cassidy is going to--

** THWACK!! **

** THWACK!! **

** THWACK!! **

** THWACK!! **

MH: You were saying?

AL: WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?!?

FB: IT'S A WHOLE SWARM OF THEM!!!

MH: Chris! Damnit!

AL: Schukar obviously looking out for his boy, by sending out reinforcements! Another four Arena Security guards come rushing out from the back area and begin wailing away on Cassidy O'Hallerin!

MH: Three use their chairs all up and down the big man's back, while the fourth helps bring "High Society" back to his feet!

AL: And you can see, by the look on his face, that those ribs are really bothering him.

FB: CASS IS DOWN TO ONE KNEE AGAIN!

MH: Just when you think you've dealt with all the S.S., more keep showing up!

AL: Sabuani can't believe what is happening! He's rushing back to the barricade to come up and deal with the interlopers that have--

MH: EUGENE IS RUSHING BACK TO THE RING!!!

AL: HUNTER WASN'T EXPECTING IT!!!

MH: ROBINSON LEAPS AT HUNTER OVER THE BARRICADE!!!

FB: SPEAR!!!

* THUD! *

MH: AND DOWN THEY BOTH GO AGAIN!!!

AL: DOWN TO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR! ROBINSON ON TOP OF HUNTER!

FB: COVER!!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE--

AL: AGAIN!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

FB: Unbelievable!

MH: How in the world did he get a shoulder up?!?

AL: I have no idea!

FB: But he did it! Somehow he did it! MH: This is simply amazing. Eugene Robinson slowly to his feet AGAIN, and reaches over to pick up the Raja. He grabs him by the hair and throws him back into the ring!

AL: What a novel idea!

FB: These men are so far gone... what else can they do?

MH: Impossible to say, Frank. Hunter crawling around in the ring, and Eugene over to him. He pulls him to his feet, hooks the leg--

* WHAM! *

AL: And drops him with a Russian leg sweep!

FB: This is insane.

MH: Hunter Sabuani down flat on the mat. His entourage screaming at him to get up, while Robinson climbs to his feet and makes him way to the corner.

AL: Cassidy O'Hallerin still at the back, trying to fend off all of the S.S...

MH: Sabuani still out flat! Eugene up top!

AL: This is it! He stands tall! Sabuani is NOT moving down beneath him!

FB: HE LEAPS!!!

AL: FLYING ELBOW FROM THE TOP ROPE!!!

MH: AAAAANNNNNDDD...

* WHAM! *

FB: HE NAILED IT!!!

MH: HE NAILED IT!!!

AL: HE NAILED IT!!!

MH: COOOOOVEEEEERRRRR!!!!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!--

MH: --EEEEEOOOOOHHHHH!!!!

AL: NO!!! ONLY TWO!!!

FB: ONLY TWO?!?

AL: ONLY TWO!!!

FB: SOMEBODY TELL THESE TWO THAT THEY STILL HAVE ANOTHER MATCH TONIGHT!

AL: I would, but that's only if they win this one! And neither of these two maniacs are staying down!

MH: This is incredible! Eugene Robinson was six inches from moving on to the final round! But somehow, some way, Hunter Sabuani found a way to get his shoulder up.

FB: This is why he is the Raja! MH: I guess so. Robinson! Back to his feet! The fans clapping along, anxiously awaiting the next move that will happen...

AL: They don't care WHO is in the ring at this point... they just want to see the carnage!

MH: Which is what they are getting! Sabuani is still bleeding from the forehead, and Eugene is bleeding from the nose once more, after taking that shot to the face with the steel crucifix.

FB: And our ring keeps getting messier and messier.

AL: Eugene grabs Hunter and pulls him to his feet! He grabs him by the wrist--

MH: Could be another Irish whip--

AL: It is! Towards the corner! And he--

MH: NO! REVERSAL!

FB: REVERSAL! AND IT'S EUGENE WHO GOES IN--

MH: AND HE...

* WHAM! *

AL: NAILS THE CORNER BUCKLE HARD!!!

MH: SO VERY HARD!!! HIS HEAD WHIPS BACK AND SMACKS OFF THE RING POST! THAT NAILED HIM!

AL: HE FALLS TO THE MAT!

FB: Right in his own corner! He's propped up against the bottom buckle... his eyes glazed over from his head slamming into the post!

MH: Sabuani is right there! He's ready for--

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

AL: HE'S GOING FOR A BRONCO BUSTER!!!

FB: BRONCO BUSTER!

MH: The fans are going wild!

AL: He runs! Right at Eugene!

MH: HE LEAPS!!! FB: EUGENE HAS HIS SCEPTER!!!

AL: WHAT?!?

FB: HIS SCEPTER WAS STILL THERE IN HIS CORNER! HE LIFTS IT UP!!!

* FOOMP! *

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH!!!!!"

MH: EUGENE ROBINSON LIFTED HIS SCEPTER JUST IN TIME!!! HUNTER SABUANI LEAPT AND NAILED HIMSELF RIGHT INTO THE SCEPTER!!!

FB: RIGHT INTO HIS "CROWN JEWELS!!!"

AL: My god!

MH: Hunter bounces back, and falls dead into the center of the ring! That REALLY did it!

AL: The groin shot heard round the world!

MH: That had to have been the luckiest thing in the world! For Eugene to get thrown to the one corner where his king's scepter still lay! Any other corner, and Eugene would have been nailed by the bronco buster!

AL: But instead, he has Sabuani down and out in the center of the ring! He stumbles out of the corner! He crawls over to Hunter! Ever so slowly!

FB: Hunter's eyes are crossed!

MH: How can you tell amongst all the blood?

AL: Eugene right to him! He drops! Across the shoulders!

MH: Referee right there for the cover!!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE--

MH: BUT SABUANI GRABS EUGENE!!!

FB: WHAT?!?

MH: HE ROLLS HIM OVER!!!

AL: REVERSAL!!!

FB: NEW PIN!!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE--

MH & AL & FB: NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

MH: KICKOUT! ONCE AGAIN!

AL: ROBINSON WITH A KICKOUT!

MH: AND THIS MATCH IS - NOT - YET - OVER!!!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

FB: Oh god! No more! My heart can't go on!

AL: It's just--

FB: I just can't take it anymore.

MH: Both men are on this side of exhausted--

FB: SO AM I!!

AL: What is there left for these two men to do?

MH: Eugene staggers up! Out of the reversed pin, and he gets to his feet!

AL: Sabuani still down on the mat! His chest rising and falling in exhaustion!

FB: I can't go on. MH: The Grandeur Of Greatness lifts Hunter to his feet! He walks him over to the opposite corner. He grabs him in a front facelock, and hoists him up--

FB: How does he have the strength to do that?

AL: I really don't know!

MH: Eugene places Hunter on the top turnbuckle! Hunter still dazed! Eugene starts his careful climb!

"RAAAAAH!"

AL: Fans are expecting something big!

MH: Eugene onto the second turnbuckle--

* SLAP! *

MH: HUNTER WITH A SLAP TO THE CHEST!

* SLAP! *

MH: ANOTHER ONE! SIGNS OF LIFE!

* SLAP! *

AL: EUGENE GETTING HIT UP THERE ON THE TURNBUCKLE!

MH: ABSOLUTELY _AMAZING_!

* SLAP! *

* SLAP! *

FB: SHOTS FROM BOTH MEN NOW!!

* SLAP! ** SLAP! *

* SLAP! ** SLAP! *

AL: This is trench warfare, of the most breathtaking variety!

MH: Oh jeezus! Punches are now thrown up there on the turnbuckle! I don't want to think about what is going--

* SLAP! *

* SLAP! * * SLAP! *

AL: Sabuani and Robinson trading exhaustive shots up top! This is going--

FB: RAKE OF THE FACE - BY HUNTER!!!

MH: SABUANI RAKES EUGENE'S FACE!!! EUGENE IS STUNNED!

AL: SABUANI GRABS HIS BALANCE! HE STANDS UP ON THE TURNBUCKLE! PULLS EUGENE UP WITH HIM!

FB: THIS COULD BE ALL - OVER!?

MH: HUNTER GRABS EUGENE AROUND THE HEAD AND--

AL: WHOOOOOAAAAA!!!!!

MH: EUGENE PUSHES OFF BACKWARDS FROM THE TURNBUCKLE!!!

FB: THERE'S NOTHING BELOW THEM--

MH: EXCEPT EUGENE'S BIG WOODEN THRONE!!!

AL: THEY'RE FALLING!!!

......

......

*** KERR-RRUNCH!!! ***

MH: MY GOD! MY GOD!

AL: BOTH MEN THROUGH THAT WOODEN THRONE!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

FB: They're dead.

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

MH: Both men are down on the floor! One on top of the other! AL: Referee rushes to the outside! He's making a count!

MH: Who has the pin?

FB: They're both on their backs! I don't--

AL: COVER!!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

AL: THREE!

FB: THREE! MH: BUT WHO?--

AL: HUNTER...

FB: EUGENE...

AL: HUNTER...

FB: EUGENE...

MH: I DON'T KNOW! I JUST DON'T KNOW!

** DING! DING! DING! **

AL: I think a shoulder got up!

FB: Referee is talking to Michael Buffer!

MH: Both men are still lying down amidst the rubble of that king's throne!

AL: It won't matter who wins! Neither one will be able to fight in the finals!

FB: I just don't know how...

MH: Wait! We have Michael Buffer...

MB: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN... THE WINNER OF THE MATCH...

...AND GOING ON TO THE IRON MAN FINALS OF THE ROAD TO PURGATORY TOURNAMENT...

...IT IS...

.....

......

.....

.... MH: Damnit Buffer, don't MAKE me!

....

..."PEERLESS"..

...HUNTER!

...SABUAAAAANIIIII!!!!!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

AL: It was Hunter!

MH: Hunter!

FB: Hunter got his shoulder up?

AL: Hunter got his shoulder up!

MH: Both men were out flat on their backs! They had their arms over each other!

AL: But Sabuani somehow at the very last second was able to lift his shoulder!

MH: And he's going on to the finals of the Road To Purgatory tournament!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

FB: Listen to this crowd!

MH: This match has been unbelievable!

AL: And both men still haven't gotten up!

FB: Here come The Rat and Katsidy! MH: As well as The Schuk Security!

AL: Where is O'Hollerin?

MH: I don't know! But the two women better get Hunter out of here before Schukar Security come to exact some revenge!

AL: That was the closest match I've ever seen!

MH: Nothing more than just ONE INCH! That's all!

FB: Hunter got his shoulder up just that ONE INCH and was able to pull out the victory!

MH: And when Eugene wakes up, you know he's going to be feeling it!

AL: There go the two women... pulling Hunter from the rubble of that throne and dragging him back down the aisle.

FB: Unbelievable.

MH: You aren't kidding. And we have Hunter Sabuani going on to the Road To Purgatory FINALS! Iron Man Rules, for the shot at the NWC World Championship!

AL: Marcus, that's if he even makes it there!

MH: Indeed, Aldo.

FB: [kicking back] Well, all I need is a nap. Think there's any space at this Barge Party?

MH: Whew. What a night this has been, fans, what a Pay-Per-View!

AL: You're not kidding, Marcus. We've still got two NWC title matches and the finals of the Road to Purgatory tournament to go!

MH: Speaking of the Road to Purgatory... I'm being told there's something going on backstage that we need to take a look at.

Barr: Damnit. In my day, we didn't need to do this kinda crap. [Cut backstage into one of the many hallways in the makeshift building. There, leaning against a wall, is none other than the beleaguered Emissary of Alex Pierce, the man called Bastian. Bastian's leaning his shoulder against the wall, removing a cigarette from the inside pocket of his long overcoat and tucking it between his thin lips.]

MH: It's BASTIAN!

[And who is it that waltzes up towards Bastian as he raises the lighter but the Siren herself, Katsidy. Bastian immediately stiffens, his lip curling in disgust as he remembers last weekend's Luau. Kat's changed again, though odds are that black satin robe and slippers aren't the wardrobe she's planning to wear for the finals. The woman sips at a cup of espresso as she nears the Emissary, eyes sparkling.]

Katsidy: You look tense, lover. I've seen that face before, but usually, it was while we were in bed together. Don't tell me you're still bitter about last weekend.

[Bastian's scowl lengthens, deepening into rivets across his cheeks.]

BASTIAN: What d'ya want, Kat?

Katsidy: [a little grin] You, but I know that can't happen. Instead, I was thinking of a little wager.

BASTIAN: A wager, eh? On what?

Katsidy: The finals, of course.

BASTIAN: Ready ta bet on the Prickless One already, hrm?

[The look on Katsidy's face is as cool and calm as ever, her dark eyes hinting where her words don't go.]

Katsidy: He's *quite* capable, believe me. So, are you up for it or is Lexy's champion not someone you think you can rely on? [She takes a delicate sip of the drink, smiling over the rim of the glass.]

BASTIAN: [forcing himself to remain calm] What're the stakes?

Katsidy: Simple, really. If Lexy's man wins, not only does *he* [a bit of emphasis there, grin widening] get control of the NWC, but you get Simone back.

[His chin lifts slowly, coldly.]

BASTIAN: And if Sabuani wins?

[The Siren calmly sets the cup down on a nearby table, stepping slightly closer.]

Katsidy: Then I get what I know you'll never... [Her hand brushes across Bastian's cheek, and the Emissary flinches away in response.] ...ever... give me. BASTIAN: You can't have it. I told you that, luv.

Katsidy: Then you can't have her. C'mon... take a chance, Bastian. Hunter's been *so* exhausted by these matches tonight and... other... things, who knows? you might even win...

BASTIAN: [simply, pulling away] Done. Your funeral, girlie. Yer funeral.

[Katsidy steps back slightly, picking up her cup and saucer and turning away. She strides down the hallway without a second glance back.]

[Cut back to ringside.]

AL: What the HELL is going on between Bastian and Katsidy?

MH: I don't know, but it looks like the two have made a wager on this Final Match!

Barr: A good wager when you've got the whole damn Coterie backing you up.

AL: Next up is the Three-Way-Terror Elimination Match, for the NWC's World J-Crown Championship! Some people have said this was, overall, the MOST contested J-Crown Title Match EVER!

MH: They've got a good case to say so, Lucente! Most definitely! These three men poured their heart and soul into their promos, training, and preparations here in Venice. I think they even accounted for Jet Lag..

FB: Wish I'd thought'a that..

AL: Let's go to the Announcing Machine, Michael Buffer!

FB: Does he get paid by the match? [listens] S[bleep], man!

MB: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a Triple Threat Match... and is for the National Wrestling Council... World's J-Crown Championship!!

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MB: Coming to the ring at this time...

[And with those magic words, the lights go out. Quickly lighters are supplied by those who have them, and flashlights by others. Throughout the Purgatory Complex, tiny points of light are swirling, as if a thousand fireflies had swarmed the arena. As blue light fills the Complex, the opening notes of Gomez's "We Haven't Turned Around" begin to play.]

## We came, we came, we came again ##

## To steal the time and point the blame ##

## Came back for more, came back to see what you had in store ##

## Everyone join the line ##

## Everyone ##

## (yeah) ##

MB: Our first challenger, hailing from and currently residing in Syracuse, New York... he weighs in tonight at two hundred twenty-six and three-quarter pounds, and stands six feet, four inches... one of the premier cruiserweights from the New England Wrestling Syndicate and the master of the "Wings Of The Angel" moonsault DDT and the "Destroyer" side piledriver... the self-proclaimed Wild Card... TREEEEEEEEEEEEENT SHYYYYYLAAAAAAAAAX!!!

## So you wanna spin the world around? ##

## So you wanna spin the world around ##

## And everybody else ##

## (cut em down) ##

## So you wanna make catastrophe? ##

## Well won' t you send it on over to me? ##

## I've got some time ##

## (everybody run and hide) ##

[The crowd is on its feet as the blue-and-white strobes kick in at the entryway, and Trent Shylax walks out to a THUNDEROUS pop. Dressed in his standard black pants, white tank- top, and black boots, his hair tied back in a ponytail, he stares out at the crowd with a sense of wonder. He is obviously taken back a bit by the sheer force of the masses. He walks down the aisle, slapping hands with fans who offer them, and continues to look around at the crowd. As he rolls into the ring, he stops to take a good look once more. Reaching the center of the ring, a smile crosses his face as he looks to his left and right. We all know what's coming...]

**FWOOM** [Trent and the thousands in attendance hit the "crucifix" pose, setting off fireworks at each ringpost, the ramp, and the surrounding scaffolding. Quite a sight, to be sure. He then perches himself at a ringpost and points toward the entryway once again. Everyone turns their heads, waiting to see who is coming out...]

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MH: IT'S TSMF!

AL: TSMF has arrived to support their stablemate! Darren Fury, Lance Marshall and Devo Tremors!

FB: Great. Now God-boy has backup. Is this really necessary?

[Trent nods toward his TSMF stablemates, who point and shout a few words of support. All three take a seat by the timekeepers' table, conversing with the fans and each other, although Tremors looks like he'd rather be out back lying down. To say he is worse for the wear after his match with Leveticus and Crimson Prophet, would be an understatement. Trent returns his attention to the entryway, waiting for his opponents.]

MB: And his opponent...

[The lilting guitar intro of Sonic Youth's "Diamond Sea" drifts across the masses seated in and around the magnificent Purgatory arena. It is gentle and melodic for the time being. Up on the big screen a rising sun drifts into view. And with it the captions "The Drifter" and "Abbott McCain" super-imposed upon various scenes of McCain in action.]

MB: Weighing in at a trim two hundred thirty-two and one quarter pounds, this man comes to you from the motor-city, Deeee-troit, Michigan...

[Orange strobe lights flare, casting their gentle radiance across the entrance area. Awe- inspired murmurs emanate from the crowd dazzled by the pretty lights and soothing music. And then...]

*TWANG!*

*ZZZZZZT*

[The soothe changes abruptly into a throaty distortion of screeching feedback.]

MB: He stands all of six feet thu-reeee incherrrrrs, and is known worldwide as "The Drifter". He is Bluegrass State Wrestling. s J-Crown repre-sentatiiiiiiiive...

*TWANGGGGGG!*

*ZZZZZZZT!*

[The music picks up another level deafening the ears of those unfortunates close by.]

MB: He is... ABBOTT MCCAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNN!!!! *TWANG!*

*ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!!!!!*

[The blare fades out and there is a lengthy pause. Abbott McCain fails to appear.]

FB: Where is this guy? How dare he hold up the proceedings for World J-Crown Championship.

MH: It. s pretty obvious he. s in no fit state to contest the bout.

FB: Then why do we have his music blaring? Why is Buffer making the introduction for him? Huh? Tell me that Mr. Know-it-all.

[The crowds starts losing interest and booing.]

MB: (once more) He is& & . ABBOTT McCAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!

[Another lengthy pause and now the disgusted chants from the crowd grow even more violent. At that moment the drapery is pushed aside and through the entrance steps Abbott McCain. He is a sight for sore eyes. There is thick bandaging wrapped around his head and likewise around one leg. His trouser on the injured leg has been ripped away to accommodate the bandaging. He looks pretty comical limping down to the ring.]

FB: Check this doofus out. He looks like he stepped straight outta a re-run of M.A.S.H as a hospitalized extra. Someone get Hot Lips Hoolihan ringside. This guy needs some medication now, before he keels over and dies. [he starts laughing hysterically]

AL: I don't want to admit it, cause he is a straight-up sorta guy, but he's going to get hammered by the other two. Hung, drawn and quartered.

MH: Quite simply, gentlemen, Abbott McCain is in no condition to wrestle here tonight. No condition.

"RAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MH: WOH! But he's got company!

[Stepping out into view come McCain's back-up; "The Immoral" Ken Stone, "Braveheart" Michael Bold, and Ahmed Reed, all members of The Outcasts. The three men follow McCain to ringside, and like the members of TSMF before them, take up seats at ringside.]

MH: I think it's safe to say that whatever plans the UME may have had for this match, have been severely crimped by the presence of the six men at ringside.

FB: These guys have NO business being here! This is bogus!

AL: Relax, Frank. They won't be getting involved unless the UME sticks their nose into things first, I can guarantee you that. FB: Oh, like YOU know. Reed and Bold suffered EMBARASSING losses last night--

AL: LIKE HELL THEY DID!!

FB: If you'll let me FINISH... and you just know they're gonna wanna take their frustration out on somebody. The UME aren't the ONLY people that are capable of running a little interference, you two!

AL: Get real, Frank. First off, Bold and Reed BOTH came within a hair of being victorious last night. And second, interfering here won't change that, and they know it. They're just here as a precaution, as are TSMF.

[The lights in the arena dim. Through the darkness a large beam of light shreds the black surroundings. The shape of a glowing Uppermost Echelon logo sits planted on the entrance to the ring. There is no music, no sound, except for the hissing of the crowd, for they know who the champion is.]

MB: And THEIR opponent...

[Finally, a skipping sound can be heard over the speakers. A few seconds later, the mellow guitar playing of "Get Born Again" by Alice in Chains blasts over the speakers.]

## Sad Sufferin' ##

## I knew him when ##

## Fair weather friend of mine ##

## Try not to think ##

## I merely blink ##

## Hope to wish away the lies... lies ##

## Can you protect me ##

## When I'm a wrecked ##

## I pretend you're still alive ##

## Yeeeaahh ##

[The music picks up into the normal loud noise. The curtains spread, a lone hand parts them. In the man's hand is the NWC J-Crown Title. Then the rest of the body follows. As we expected, Collin Montgomery stands at the top of the ramp. A few beads of sweat drip down his face and he smiles.]

## I choose to pay ##

## Born Damp and Gray ## ## Thick fog that hiiide our smiiiles ##

## Clear all your SINS ##

## GET BORN AGAIN ##

## Just REPEAT A COUPLE lies. lies. lies. ##

## Yeah-e-yeeeah ##

[Collin stops at the top of the entrance and looks over the crowd. A thin smile parts his cruel lips. The NWC J-Crown has now been strapped over his shoulder; a pair of fluorescent green and black tights adorn his toned legs. Collin's chest is bare. He breathes in deeply and then exhales. Collin's nose wrinkles as he grins, just like a little boy scout trying to impress his mother with a dazzling smile, yet this is evil. This is sadistic. This isn't human.]

## Can you protect me ##

## When I'm a wrecked ##

## I pretend your still aaaaaaliiiiive ##

## I choose to pay ##

## Born Gamblin Gray, thick fog that hiiide our smiiiiiles ##

## Sad Sufferin' ##

[In Collin's left hand is a microphone. He begins to bring it up to his lips, but stops. The crowd is roaring with boos. Collin's smile flickers unsteadily. His eyebrows rise as a cup is hurtled towards him. Monty sidesteps and watches the cup splash all over. He then kicks the Styrofoam off the entrance. Collin isn't grinning. He isn't smiling. He isn't smirking. He looks on with pure hate in his eyes. All joy is gone. All light and forgiveness is missing from his once loving ways. You can almost see the evil in his demeanor.]

## (liiies all the time... all the liiies) ##

## GET BORN AGAIN ##

## (liiies all the time... all the liiies) ##

## Sad Sufferin' ##

## (liiies all the time... all the liiies) ##

## GET BORN AGAIN ##

## (liiies all the time... all the liiies) ##

## Sad Sufferin' ## ## (liiies all the time... all the liiies) ##

## GET BORN AGAIN ##

## (liiies all the time... all the liiies) ##

## Sad Sufferin' ##

[Collin signals for the music to stop and it does rather quickly. Monty then looks down to the ring, straight at Shylax and McCain, for the first time. They sit impatiently, waiting for the champion to slip inside the ring; waiting for the chance when they can strike and bring his entire kingdom down around him. Monty will have none of it. He gets on the microphone, a solid stare planted on the challengers.]

Montgomery: For now, almost eight weeks I have held this title. That is almost two months as the reigning J-Crown Champion inside the NWC. Has the fame, the illustriousness, the feeling of pure excellence gone to my head? Has it infected a once smart man? Has it manipulated and used brain cell after brain cell for ego food? Why of course not, I'm proving it now.

Collin Montgomery is not a fool. He is not an idiot. Collin Montgomery is a man who doesn't use his power in wrong ways. [the stare becomes even more overwhelming] I beat Justin Jameson. I have beaten Jimmy Steele, beaten Real American Hero, beaten Trent Prophet, and now, the time has come, for me to prove myself, on Pay Per View, and in front of all of you. I will not only beat Trent Shylax and Abbott McCain, I will not only take their pride and their integrity. I'm also going to take their blood, their power, and their souls, especially Trent Shylax's soul, and offer it up to the Devil Himself, JW Oswald. I will walk out of this arena tonight, as the NWC J-Crown Champion.

[The crowd's booing intensifies. Shylax shoots a dirty look up at Montgomery. Monty has no choice but to snarl back.]

Montgomery: I see you two each brought some friends. I figured you might. And I suppose you were expecting me to do the same. Well... once again you two morons have thought wrong. I've said all week that I don't NEED the UME to help me win my fights. I choose to use their services because quite simply, the rest of the clowns who I've beaten during my glorious reign have not been worth my effort.

But tonight... tonight I will prove not only to you two, but to all the world, that Collin Montgomery is without a doubt, the greatest technical wrestler in the NWC. So keep your guard dogs on a short leash, boys, because they have no function tonight.

[And with those words, the J-Crown champ strolls proudly down to ringside.]

MH: A bold statement there by the champion!

FB: HA! I told you, Al! Monty's a real man! He's gonna take these two panty-waists out with pure wrestling skill! A clinic! He's gonna put on a clinic!

AL: I'll believe it when I see it. [By this time, all three men are in the ring and leaning up in separate corners. McCain is sitting back on the second turnbuckle, constantly tending to his bandaged knee and basically looking less-than-ready for battle. Shylax is gnawing on his bottom lip, clearly anxious to get thing's started. Monty looks smug as he raises his boots for the referee to check.]

MH: This is going to be a classic confrontation. No doubt about it.

AL: I'm really looking forward to what has the chance to be one of the greatest three-way matches in National Wrestling Council history. We've seen it all this week. The hype is most definitely present. Now it's time to get it on!

FB: That's Buffer's job to do that, you know? Hey, that reminds me.. what do they pay you for?

AL: I was going to ask you the same thing!

** DING! DING! DING! **

MH: The referee signals for the bell and this match is now officially underway. All three men sizing up the situation. None of them looking to make the first move.

FB: Oh, for God's sake, somebody punch somebody!

MH: McCain makes the first move... but it looks like... YES! He's offering a handshake to Trent Shylax!

FB: Sportsmanship. Phooey.

AL: A nice show of respect by McCain.

MH: And Shylax gladly receives the gesture. McCain backing into his corner once again, and now Montgomery comes to center ring and offers HIS hand!

AL: Oh, like he's sincere!

MH: And neither Shylax nor McCain is taking the bait!

FB: What a couple of poor sports! What? Monty's not worthy of a handshake?

AL: Not when they know he'll just use it to clothesline them or something. Monty's a dirtball and they are both well aware of it.

FB: Sissies.

[Monty holds his hand out for a few seconds, smiling innocently to both of his opponents. They don't budge. Finally, Monty shrugs his shoulders as if you say, "I tried", then drops his hand and bends over at the waist, resting his hands on his knees. Alternating takes between Shylax and McCain, he finally motions for both of them to "bring it on".]

FB: Would somebody PLEASE do something!

AL: Okay, I agree with our annoying colleague. This is getting stale.

MH: Shylax makes his move. He steps into Monty now and gets right up into his face! Toe- to-toe they stand! Shylax and Montgomery!

AL: Look at these two jaw at each other! This is like watching a playground fight.

FB: A really BORING playground fight.

MH: Shylax shoves Monty! Montgomery stumbles back and Shylax swings with a wild right hand! Monty ducks! And he takes Shylax over with a quick hip toss! Down goes Trent Shylax!

AL: And down goes Monty! McCain just rocketed out of the corner with a vicious clothesline!

FB: Cheap shot. He had to wait until Collin wasn't looking to try that.

MH: But nonetheless effective. And McCain lets his momentum take him right across the ring to the opposite corner from where he started and sits back down.

AL: He's obviously going to pick and choose his spots here, as those injuries he suffered earlier at the hands of Brian Taylor have taken their toll.

MH: Shylax and Monty both back up to their feet quickly, and this time it's Shylax for a hip toss...

AL: Blocked by Monty!

MH: And he tosses Shylax again! Trent hits the canvas hard once again!

FB: Notice how Collin whipped around hard and fast there, looking for McCain to try another cheap shot? What a heads up wrestler Collin is. He's a genius.

AL: A genius who needs to pay attention.

MH: Shylax is up and spins him around! And takes the champion over with a Japanese arm- drag!

AL: Back to his feet immediately is Montgomery... spinning heel kick by Shylax is ducked under...

* WHAM! *

MH: BUT McCAIN! McCain once again takes Montgomery down with a lethal running lariat! FB: What a CHEAPO!

* SMACK! *

MH: And Shylax then nails McCain with a spinning heel kick! Both Monty and McCain are down and Trent takes a running start for the ropes...

AL: SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT!!

* WHAM! *

FB: NOBODY HOME!!! HA!!

MH: Montgomery rolls out of the way and Shylax eats the canvas!

AL: A very sudden exchange there. Our first real action of the match.

FB: Yeah, but now we got another stare-down. Yawn.

MH: Monty and McCain have got to their feet and are eyeing each other cautiously. Shylax still smarting from that missed moonsault, and now Collin and McCain move in for a collar- and-elbow tie-up.

FB: Double yawn.

AL: Shylax is to his feet now... McCain and Monty locked in that collar-and-elbow... neither man getting the advantage.

MH: Spinning heel kick by Shylax!

AL: Ducked under by both men! McCain shoves Collin towards the ropes!

MH: He comes off with a clothesline, but McCain ducks that as well!

AL: And Shylax tries to clothesline Montgomery... but HE ducks! Off comes McCain from the ropes and--

* SMACK! *

MH: SHYLAX CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER HEEL KICK!

AL: But from behind! Montgomery with a bulldog takedown on Shylax!

MH: And Collin right back to his feet--

* WHAM! *

AL: But taken down by a legsweep by McCain! MH: All three men are down!

FB: SLOW DOWN! I can't keep up!

[In almost perfect synchronicity, all three grapplers kip-up from their backs, quickly regaining their balance and becoming instantly alert of the situation at hand. The crowd pops like mad for the rapid fire exchange the preceded it.]

AL: A fabulous sequence there!

FB: How could you catch all that?!

MH: McCain wincing a little though! He's favoring that bandaged knee.

AL: And like a shark on a feeding frenzy, Montgomery moves in for the kill!

MH: Kick to the back of the knee! McCain's leg goes out from under him and he meets the mat hard with his back!

AL: Shylax charges into the picture...

* SMACK! *

MH: SUPERKICK! Montgomery lands a solid superkick on the jaw of the charging Shylax! And the force sends Trent flying all the way back into and THROUGH the ropes!

FB: WOW! Now THAT I saw!

MH: And here goes Montgomery now. He sees his opportunity and begins to work over the knee of McCain!

AL: Quick boot to the knee! And another! Repeated stomps!

MH: He drapes McCain's leg across the bottom rope... Monty jumps up and SMASHES down on the knee with all his weight!

FB: I bet that smarts. Too bad, McCain. Time to call it quits.

AL: DO shut up, Frank.

MH: And Abbott is in obvious pain here! He just rolled himself right off the canvas and down to the floor below!

AL: Just look at Monty. He thinks he's all that and a bag of chips.

FB: Cuz he is. And a dessert too!

MH: But he'd better look out! Cuz Trent Shylax is back up on the apron!

"RAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!" AL: SPRINGBOARD CROSS BODY BLOCK!

MH: Collin turned around just in time to catch that body block from Shylax! Listen to the crowd roar their approval of that!

AL: And Trent's not done there! Back to his feet and...

* WHAM! *

MH: A standing somersault senton! The agility of this man is incredible!

AL: Pulling out all the stops here, no doubt about that!

FB: What's this fancy-shmancy somersault crap! That ain't wrestling!

AL: Put a sock in it, Barr!

MH: Hook of the leg by Shylax!

ONE!

TWO--

MH: And that's all he can get is a two count as Montgomery kicks out! AL: That's what Trent has to do, though. Keep hitting these guys with his high-impact aerial stuff and go for the pin. Wear them down any way he can.

MH: And after that kickout, Collin rolls out of the ring seeking a breather of his own.

FB: Smart move.

MH: And the crowd really giving it up for Trent Shylax in the middle of the ring!

[Shylax waves his arms up and down a couple of times, doing his best to get the crowd going. They respond with a massive roar, and a faint chant of "JEE-SUS SAVES!" is heard in the distance. On the outside, Montgomery leans up against a guardrail, while on the opposite side, McCain is to his feet and rolling himself in under the bottom rope.]

MH: The J-Crown champ looking to catch his breath, but he may not get the chance! Shylax slingshots himself over the top rope!

FB: HAHA!! Heads up by Monty!

MH: Montgomery looked up in time to catch Shylax in mid-air, thwarting the attempted plancha!

AL: And he immediately drops Trent right across the top of the guardrail! Oh, my! What a heady play by the champ!

FB: Which is exactly why he IS the champ! WHOO!

MH: Monty looks like he wants a chair at this point! He's rummaging around ringside...

AL: He's not gonna get any help from those guys.

MH: And Monty just tried to knock Lance Marshall off of his chair! Oh, no! These two have had their history in N.E.W.S., and this is NOT the guy Monty wants to piss off!

FB: Marshall better watch himself. If he is HALF the sportsman that Al's been making him out to be, he. ll leave Monty alone.

AL: I agree. But that doesn't mean he has to let Collin have the chair. IT'S ILLEGAL, in case you've forgotten, Frank!

FB: I KNOW it's illegal, Al. What do I look like, a moron?

MH: GENTLEMEN! PLEASE! Let's stick to calling the action.

FB: Whatever.

MH: Marshall is all set to get up into Monty's face here, but Collin's doing the right thing by steering clear. He's not only outnumbered, but he's been wearing himself down while Marshall's been sitting at ringside. It's a fight he'd lose right now. FB: I'm telling ya, if Marshall doesn't sit down like a good boy I'm gonna go over their and drop him myself.

AL: Simmer down, Frank. Simmer down.

MH: Monty instead rolls back into the ring, and Abbott McCain is right there waiting for him! Stomp to the back!

AL: Look at Collin scurry across the ring on his hands and knees, trying to get up!

MH: But every time he tries, McCain is right there with a boot to the back! He just keeps sending Monty back down face-first into the mat!

FB: Give a brother a chance, Abbott.

MH: And Montgomery scurries over to the ropes and latches himself onto that bottom one! Here comes the referee who FORCES McCain to back off.

FB: Get him out of there, ref!

AL: He is, Frank. Relax!

MH: And Collin pulls himself up to his feet. He looks more annoyed than anything after that exchange.

AL: And now it's McCain who's taunting MONTY to come and get him!

MH: Which he does! Montgomery charges! DROP TOE HOLD!

* WHAM! *

AL: Collin eats canvas! But scrambles quickly to his feet and drops back off the ropes! He charges McCain again!

MH: TITL-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER!!

FB: OUCH! C'mon, Collin!

MH: And suddenly McCain looks like he may not be feeling the effects of those injuries quite as badly as before.

AL: And it couldn't have come at a better time. Monty's frustrated after his brief run-in with Lance Marshall on the outside.

MH: Shylax is finally to his feet again and is making his way back into the ring. Right now, McCain is in the driver's seat as far as this match goes.

FB: That won't last. Collin just needs a quick breather. MH: He won't get it here. Abbott brings him to his feet and sends the champ flying towards the far corner with an Irish Whip!

FB: REVERSED!

MH: Instead it's Abbott who hits the corner buckle!

AL: And in goes Montgomery right after him!

MH: ELBOW UP! McCain got his elbow up and caught Collin smack-dab in the jaw! And he quickly grabs the champ and tosses him into the corner!

* SMACK! *

"WHOOOOO!!"

MH: Knife-edge chop by McCain!

* SMACK! *

"WHOOOOO!!"

MH: And another one!

* SMACK! *

"WHOOOOO!!"

* SMACK! *

"WHOOOOO!!"

MH: McCain just SLAPPING Collin Montgomery repeatedly across the chest!

AL: But here comes Trent Shylax back into the picture!

MH: Running start! ..... DOUBLE SPLASH SANDWHICH IN THE CORNER!!

"RAAAAAH!"

AL: Collin Montgomery wound up on the wrong side of that one!

FB: This is unfair! They're... they're... they. re teaming up against him!

AL: No they. re not! McCain took just as much of that as Monty did!

FB: Well it's STILL unfair!

AL: Oh, you. re impossible! MH: McCain staggers out of the corner, while Montgomery is merely leaning up against the buckle! He's had the wind completely taken out of his sails here!

AL: And there goes Shylax! He leaps up onto Montgomery! He wants to go for a monkey flip!

* WHAM! *

FB: HA! NO DICE! Monty just pushed that high-flying pansy right off!

MH: Down hard goes Shylax!

FB: He swatted him away like a pesky fly!

* WHAM! *

MH: And right there to follow it up is McCain! He drops a guillotine leg drop on Shylax! Now he rolls over with a lateral press!

ONE!

MH: But there. s Monty with an elbow drop across the back of the head of McCain!

FB: Great job, Collin!

AL: Why did he do that?! If McCain pinned Shylax, then Trent would have been eliminated!

FB: Cause... I don't know! Because he wants to pin them both himself! Yeah! That's it!

MH: Folks, we are about eight minutes into this contest and so far it has been almost non- stop action!

AL: And I honestly don't think we're even CLOSE to seeing one of these men get eliminated! MH: Montgomery maintains the upper-hand here though, as he brings McCain to his feet and clocks him with a solid right hand! Irish Whip to the ropes...

* WHAM! *

MH: Out of nowhere Shylax levels Montgomery with a clothesline!

* WHAM! *

AL: And then gets knocked over by McCain who comes off and nails Trent with a shoulder block!

FB: Is anybody else starting to get dizzy?

* WHAM! *

MH: And Montgomery springs to his feet and drops McCain with a football tackle!

AL: But right there to follow it up is Shylax with a bulldog!

MH: And McCain brings Shylax down again with a legsweep! Unbelievable action!

FB: STOP! MY HEAD HURTS!

MH: The champ is the first one to his feet! He plants a boot across the back of McCain's skull which keeps him down! And now one on Shylax! And back to McCain! Then Shylax! Collin Montgomery is practically dancing on these two men's skulls!

FB: Wow, I never knew Collin was such a good dancer. HE DOES IT ALL!!

AL: And he drags Trent Shylax to his feet. He throws Trent's arm over his shoulder and hooks his leg...

* WHAM! *

MH: Fisherman's Suplex! With a bridge! THE COUNT!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE--

MH: MCCAIN! McCain breaks it up with an axe-kick across the back of Monty's head!

AL: Now why didn't HE just let Monty pin Shylax?! What are these guys thinking?

FB: McCain is a moron. That's what he was thinking.

AL: Oh, but when Monty did it, he's a showman.

FB: Yup.

AL: You are SUCH a loser, Frank!

FB: Keep it up, nimrod. I'll see to it that Schukar has you fired... AGAIN!

AL: Not if Alex Pierce's man wins the Finals, he won't!

FB: [spits]

MH: McCain has Monty on his feet! Boot to the midsection, and he spins Collin around! He hooks on a FULL NELSON! THIS IS THE ROAD TO NOWHERE!!!

* WHAM! * MH: FACE FIRST INTO THE CANVAS! The Drifter just drove Monty's face right in the mat!

AL: LOOK OUT!

* WHAM! *

MH: SPRINGBOAD MOONSAULT BY SHYLAX!! He caught BOTH MEN with that move! Unreal!

FB: For the love of GOD! Can't these guys slow down for a second so I can figure out what's happening?! How can I give my award winning commentary if there's no break in the action?!

AL: Award winning?! HA!

FB: I'll have you know I'm a holder of the distinguished Buckeye Newshawk Award!

MH: Isn't that the award Les Nessman used to win on WKRP?

FB: Yup. I broke his streak.

AL: You did not!

FB: Sure I did.

AL: IT'S A FICTIONAL AWARD!!!

FB: Says you.

MH: All three men stagger to their feet, and it's the speedy Shylax who propels himself across the ring and off the ropes. What's he gonna do here?

* WHAM! *

FA: NOTHING!

MH: DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE BY MCCAIN AND MONTGOMERY!

AL: Wow. Teamwork. I didn't think we'd see any of that.

* WHAM! *

FB: YOU WON'T!

MH: Montgomery after a quick shot to the gut just DDT'd McCain!!

AL: WOW! This is crazy! How the hell do these three guys keep getting back up?! The pace of this match has been insane! Absolutely insane! MH: They must have heard you, Al, because right now all three men are down on their backs sucking wind.

FB: Can you blame them?!

MH: Not at all. It's been breakneck speed from the very beginning.

[The referee stands over the three fallen combatants and administers a standing 10 count. It's obvious that Montgomery can get up whenever he feels, but he's smartly using every precious second to rest.]

MH: I really have to wonder how much more fuel is left in these guy's tanks. There's no way they can keep this up for the full twenty minutes. Sooner or later, they're going to falter.

AL: Definitely.

MH: And as the count reaches eight, Montgomery rolls up onto his knees and stops it. Look at the exhaustion on his face. He's feeling it, no question about it.

FB: But so aren't these other two goons. In fact, they're still on their backs, so I'd say they're feeling it more.

MH: The J-Crown champion now looking to take the offensive once again. He brings McCain to his feet and hooks on a rear waist lock...

* WHAM! *

MH: GERMAN SUPLEX! But he's not done there! Monty maintains his grip and rolls both of them right back to their feet...

* WHAM! *

MH: ANOTHER German suplex! And he wants one more!

* WHAM! *

MH: A trifecta of rolling German suplexes from Montgomery on McCain!

FB: Textbook! This man should teach a class on how to dismantle would-be contenders.

AL: Oh, puh-lease!

MH: Now Monty heads over to Shylax. It looks like he wants to repeat the feat on Trent!

* WHAM! *

FB: THERE'S ONE!

* WHAM! * AL: TWO!

* WHAM! *

MH: And three! Collin Montgomery has just delivered six consecutive German suplexes! Three each for both of his challengers! Man, was that impressive!

AL: Yeah, but just how much did it take out of him?

MH: Montgomery clearly feeling it as he rolls up to his hands and knees and attempts to catch his wind. Problem is, McCain isn't going to let him. Double axe-handle across the back!

FB: If this was a straight one-on-one match, Collin would've put these clowns away ages ago. The only reason they've lasted this long is cause they won't fight each other! They just keep taking turns letting Collin kick their asses!

AL: That is so not true.

FB: Sure it is!

MH: McCain, after a series of stiff boots to the side of the head, really has Monty weary!

AL: But his knee still looks to be giving him trouble. McCain is simply NOT one hundred percent at this point.

MH: Front face lock applied on Monty... who lifts Monty up!

* WHAM! *

MH: REVERSE BRAINBUSTER! AMAZING! He somehow managed to find the strength to get the champ up and deliver that deadly move!

AL: But at what cost?! McCain's not getting up too quickly, Marcus.

FB: PUSSY !

MH: Shylax now looks to take advantage as the other two are down. He's propping himself up on the top buckle, his feet on the middle rope...

* WHAM! *

AL: Beautiful second rope legdrop on McCain! So much for your theory that Shylax and McCain were only fighting Monty, Frank.

FB: I never said such a thing.

AL: YES YOU DID!! MH: Trent now pulls McCain to his feet and sends him off the far ropes...... Leapfrog! ...... McCain of the near ropes, Shylax for a jumping cross body block--

AL: NO! Caught by McCain!

* WHAM! *

MH: POWERSLAM! They felt that one all the way in China!

FB: Is she here?

AL: Shut up, Frank!

MH: And now it's Monty who gets to his feet and lunges at McCain with a short distance clothesline! Not far to go to the mat for McCain, but the impact was felt nonetheless!

AL: Monty back to his feet. And now it looks like... YES! He's going up top!

FB: Awww yeah, baby!

MH: Shylax staggers to his feet! He looks a little dazed... he doesn't see Monty!

AL: He turns!!

MH: MISSILE DROPKICK!!! MONTGOMERY NAILS SHYLAX IN THE CHEST WITH A DEVASTATING MISSILE DROPKICK!!

FB: HE DOES IT ALL!! Is there a BETTER all-round wrestler in this business than Collin Montgomery?! I submit there is NOT!

MH: He's certainly on top of his game here. He gets up and hooks Shylax by the head for an apparent standing suplex. The jerk and the lift... he's got him up!

* WHAM! *

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!!"

AL: MCCAIN!! MCCAIN WITH A SHORT DROP-KICK TO THE KNEE!! Montgomery topples down with Shylax crashing down right on top of him!!

MH: SHYLAX HAS A PIN!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE--

MH: But McCain is quickly there for the save!

AL: They keep DOING that!

FB: I like it.

AL: WHY?!

FB: Just cause it pisses you off.

MH: McCain throws Shylax off of Montgomery and now HE goes for a pin attempt!

ONE!

TWO!!

THR--

FB: But Collin kicks out! HA!

MH: And Shylax comes flying off the ropes with a knee to the back of McCain!

AL: This is insane! No man has been able to mount more than two or three offensive moves in a row. The moment they build any momentum, the fresher man comes in and breaks it up.

MH: It has been back-and-forth from the opening bell.

FB: Staggering!

MH: Shylax with a short scoop and a slam on McCain. And now one on Montgomery. And now... now Shylax is heading up top!

AL: All three of these guys are on the verge of exhaustion, but they just won. t give up!

MH: Shylax up top... * WHAM! *

MH: SOMERSAULT LEGDROP! Right across the chest of the champion!

AL: WOW! Where does he find the energy for this stuff?!

MH: HOOK OF THE LEG!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE--

MH: But AGAIN it's Montgomery with a kickout!

FB: He can't be pinned! It's impossible! AL: Elbow to the back by McCain! And again, NOBODY can keep the upper-hand!

MH: McCain now hammering away on Trent Shylax with a series of fists to the side of the head! And Montgomery uses the opportunity to roll out of the ring.

FB: Is he a genius or what? This guy knows where he is at all times. That's it, Collin, just let those two losers pound each other into oblivion. You rest up.

AL: That's the cowards way out!

FB: No it isn't. It's the champions way. It's smart tactics.

MH: Either way, he won't get much of a rest I'm afraid, as McCain scampers outside as well. Monty doesn't see Abbott coming up behind him...

** THUD! **

MH: BIG clothesline to the back of the head by McCain! He sent Monty face-first to the floor!

FB: Here we go. Now we'll get some REAL action.

MH: McCain drags Collin up and whips him towards the barriers!

** SKRAAAAANK!! **

AL: BINGO!

MH: Montgomery meets the hard steel railing!

AL: And look at McCain. He's not making any stupid mistakes here by charging in after Collin. He's gonna play it safe and take his time here.

FB: WIMP!

AL: If Collin did it you'd say it was "shrewd".

FB: That's cause if Collin did it, it WOULD be shrewd. Something about the way McCain does it that makes it wimpy.

MH: And now Abbott looks to send Collin across the floor to the other side barrier. He grabs the champ by the arm... REVERSAL!!

AL: REVERSED BACK BY MCCAIN!!

FB: REVERSED BACK-BACK BY MONTY!!!

** SKRAAAAANK!! **

MH: And in the end it's McCain who rams into that unforgiving steel railing!! FB: YEAAAAAHHH!!

MH: And Collin moves in quickly! BIG right hand!

FB: That'll knock the taste right out of your mouth!

AL: But McCain fires back with a right of his own!

MH: Both men just exchanging massive blows on the outside! They're letting each other have it with everything they've got as they fight all around ringside!

AL: Look at the sweat fly off of them with each successive shot! Where are they getting the energy from?!

FB: What the?!

MH: WAIT A SECOND!! SHYLAX IS UP!! He sees the two men slugging it out on the outside and drops back off the ropes. What is he...

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

FB: OH MY GOD!!!

MH: LEAP OF FAITH!! LEAP OF FAITH!! SHYLAX NAILS BOTH MONTGOMERY AND MCCAIN WITH HANDSPRING PLANCHA OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR BELOW!!!

AL: THAT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!

MH: And all three are wiped out on the floor below!

FB: No WAY that just happened! No WAY!!

MH: It may be awhile before ANY of these men get up! They are as physically exhausted as any men can be!

AL: No question, Marcus. They've been going at it for nearly twenty minutes now!

MH: In fact... I understand we just passed the eighteen minute mark! Two more minutes and we'll have ourselves a draw!

FB: NOOOOO!! That would suck!!!

AL: I don't see how we can have anything but. None of these three men are going to give an inch!

MH: Shylax has finally managed to drag himself up to his feet, although the look on his face says it all. He is SPENT!

AL: McCain is struggling to get up as well! FB: What about Monty! Don't forget Monty!

MH: Montgomery as well is getting up. And as McCain rolls himself back into the ring, Monty grabs hold of the middle rope and attempts to pull himself up onto the apron.

AL: Look at him. He's dead on his feet. This has become a battle of stamina!

MH: McCain lying face up in the ring... and Monty standing on the apron. WAIT--

* WHAM! *

MH: SLINGSHOT OVER THE TOP ROPE!!

FB: AWESOME!!

MH: Montgomery digs deep into his reserve and somehow finds the strength to slingshot himself up and over and on to McCain! Lateral press for the cover!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

MH: NO! McCain! McCain got his shoulder up!

FB: OH, COME ON!!

AL: MAN! That was close!

MH: Shylax climbing up the outside of the ringpost! He's going up top to fly once again!

FB: What is that man, STUPID?!

AL: He's running on pure guts!

MH: All three of these men are!

AL: Monty is slowly getting to his feet! Shylax sees his chance!

** WHAM!! **

MH: FLYING CROSS BODY BLOCK!!!

FB: THE MOMENTUM ROLLS HIM RIGHT THROUGH!!! MONTY HAS A PIN!!!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

MH: NO! NO! NO! SHYLAX KICKED OUT!! HE RAISED A SHOULDER!! NO FALL!!

FB: DAMNIT! HE HAD HIM!! I KNOW HE DID!!

MH: It was close, by Shylax got that shoulder up at the last second.

AL: UN-BE-LIEVABLE!!

MB: Fifteen seconds. Thirty seconds remain in this match!

FB: NOOO!!

MH: ONLY THIRTY SECONDS LEFT!! AND ALL THREE MEN ARE DOWN AND SPENT!!

AL: Shylax is up! He's making his way to the turnbuckle AGAIN!!

FB: He IS insane!!!

MH: Trent Shylax climbing up top! But NO! Montgomery and McCain are moving! They're getting to their feet as well!!

AL: WE'RE ALMOST OUT OF TIME!!

MH: McCain sees Shylax! He races over to the corner as fast as he can!

AL: So does Montgomery! Shylax is screwed now!

MH: McCain and Montgomery are both up on the second rope now!! They're going to..... THEY. RE GOING TO DOUBLE-SUPERPLEX SHYLAX FROM OFF THE TOP BUCKLE!!

[The crowd starts chanting along with the ring announcer, as he counts down the seconds.] "TEN!"

MH: TEN SECONDS LEFT!!!

AL: HERE THEY GO!!!

"EIGHT!"

*** WHAMMM!!! ***

MH: SUUUUUPERRRRRPLEXXX!!!

AL: AND BOTH MONTY AND MCCAIN HAVE HOOKED A LEG!!! THEY HELD ON FOR A FISHERMAN'S SUPERPLEX!!!

MH: THE REFEREE DROPS DOWN!!!

"SIX!"

ONE!

"FIVE!"

TWO!!

"FOUR!"

THREEEEE!!!

"THREE!"

MH: SHYLAX IS ELIMINATED!! WITH THREE SECONDS LEFT?!

.TWO!!"

AL: BUT IT'S NOT OVER TILL TWO MEN ARE ELIMINATED!!!

"ONE!"

** DING! DING! DING! **

FB/MH/AL: NOOOOOOOOOO!!!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

MH: IT'S OVER!!! IT'S OVER!!!

AL: WHAT?! HOW?!

FB: WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED!?!

MH: I don't know! I think Shylax was eliminated, but I'm not sure! Maybe he got his shoulder up!

FB: Impossible!

AL: WHAT WAS THAT!? WHERE'S THE DAMNED ANNOUNCEMENT?!?!?!

MH: Whoa, partner! We're about to find out!!

MB: Ladies and gentlemen... the official decision by the referee... is that Trent Shylax was eliminated at the nineteen minute and forty-five second mark... and that the time limit then expired!! As a result... this match ends in a DRAWWWWW!!! And therefore... STILLLLL NATIONAL WRESTLING COUNCIL J-CROWN CHAMPION.... "THE SALIENCE".... COLLLLLLLLLLINNN MONTGOMMMMMERYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

FB: WHAT?! A DRAW?!?! NO WAY!!! MH: IT IS! It's a draw!

AL: The most unbelieveable, impossible of endings to this battle! But probably the most deserved.. who could have picked a clear winner? This one might have stole the show, you know!

MH: Al, Shylax was eliminated at the last possible second, but there was no time left for McCain or Monty to even make an ATTEMPT to pin the other! You're right, just unbelievable!

AL: I don't believe what we just witnessed. My goodness, what a display of guts and courage and balls-to-the-wall, never-say-die DESIRE by all three men!

MH: And just listen to that crowd! They are really letting these three know how much they appreciated that inhuman performance!

["RAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"]

[The crowd is all on it. s feet, saluting the three exhausted warriors with a massive standing ovation. There is not a boo to be heard. The fact that Montgomery has retained means nothing, because the simple fact of the matter is that is what a clean, honest to goodness hard fought war put on by all three.]

MH: And slowly but surely the members of the Outcasts and TSMF are making their way into the ring! Marshall and Tremors lifting Shylax to his feet! Bold and Reed helping McCain... and even Darren Fury and Ken Stone are doing their part to assist Collin Montgomery! For one glimmering moment, there are no enemies... nothing but RESPECT!!!

AL: I think we've seen just about EVERYTHING you can see on a damn wrestling card, that's for sure!

FB: When they knock the scaffolding off the barge, and then throw a party, and the guy who won the Battle Royal (allegedly) joins the party, you KNOW you've seen everything!

["RAAAAHHHH!!"]

MH: For once, I've gotta agree. What an amazing event.

AL: And we're STILL not done! The big one is up, Daddy! The BIG one!

FB: Me and Harden's little side wager?

AL: Take a deep breath, folks, because we'll be right back with the NWC WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!

MH: HERE WE GO, BABY! WHOOOOOO!!!!!!

MH: Twenty-two matches down... and only two to go.

AL: The biggest match of the entire weekend may be right here! MH: I don't know if anything will be able to cap off what we've seen thus far, but goodness knows, these two men will do their best to rock this place like no other has here in Venice.

FB: What? Are you guys kidding? Both Slater and Page are HURT! They're both battered and bruised! Slater has in no way recovered from the beating he received at the hands of The Coterie on the last episode of Glory, and Page got hit by a fricking CAR earlier this evening! They're going to be even more worse off than Sabuani and Kim were, for chrissakes!

AL: Uh... I don't think you're giving these two men much credit, Frank.

FB: I don't need to! They're both dead on their feet! I mean come on! Just take a look at the footage from earlier tonight out in the street!

[We cut to the footage from the attack Page received at the hands of Pelican Boy.]

Murray: FOLKS! It's PELICAN BOY! Pelican Boy is attacking Page from behind! And now Page is fighting back! A brawl has started here in the parking lot! Where's security, someone get security.

[As Ryan tries to get security, we see Pelican Boy and Page brawling back and forth into the street. Suddenly, a car is seen turning the corner and is headed in full speed right at the two men. Meanwhile, Pelican Boy hits Page with a kick to the stomach and now shoves him into the middle of the road. Pelican Boy quickly hops onto the sidewalk and Page looks up as the car comes right at him, the next thing we here is Ryan's shrieking voice.]

Murray: PAGE HAS BEEN HIT BY A CAR! PAGE HAS BEEN HIT BY A CAR! OH MY GOD! PAGE IS HURT! WE NEED HELP!

[The car stops and Pelican Boy hops into the car as it quickly speeds off. Suddenly, security arrives on the scene with doctors and they quickly fallen over a bloody Page who lies motionless in the street.]

[The footage ends and we go back to the announcers.]

FB: See? Page is not going to be in any shape to have a really great match. And we don't even need to SHOW you what happen to Slater. Everybody knows.

AL: Okay, fine, Frank. You've made your point.

FB: F[bleep]k off.

MH: Well, in any event, lets go up to Michael Buffer for the introductions of one of tonight's Main Events!

MB: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time for one of Purgatory's MAIN EVENTS!!!

"RAAAAAH!"

MB: This match is one fall... one hour time limit... and is for the National Wrestling Council...

...WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!"

MB: Introducing first, the challenger... he has once before fought for the World Heavyweight Title, but came up just short almost a full year ago. Weighing in at two hundred seventy- one and one half pounds& from Honolulu, Hawaii& the former SCCW Tag Team and Heavyweight Champion& please welcome...

BERRRMUDAAAAA BILLLLLYYYYY PAAAAAAAAAAGGGGEEEE!!!!!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!"

[Suddenly the lights go pitch black. The fans start screaming in anticipation but nothing happens. The arena stays pitch black as with the fans noise level, you can barely hear yourself think.]

** KRA-KABOOOOOMMM!!! **

[The entrance is completely shielded from view as gold sparks explode in every which way in front of the ramp. The minute the fireworks go off, the lights come back on but no one can see anything. Finally, the smoke starts to dissipate and the image of a figure can be seen against the NWC Purgatory backdrop. He is standing with his head pointed down and a backwards black hat on. Suddenly, the lights go out again and the jumbotron comes to life as the symbol of Billy Page lights up across it.]

** BANG! ** ** BANG! ** **BANG! **

[Three back to back to back fireworks explode on the entranceway causing the lights to turn back on. "Guerilla Radio" by Rage Against The Machine explodes onto the loudspeakers as the place begins to go absolutely bonkers. The smoke clears again on the entrance ramp and we see the challenger with his hat in his hand as he throws it into the crowd, causing a mad pile of people to start brawling over the hat. Page just stands there as he soaks in the crowd noise, which has reached it's greatest level yet. The music dies down and we here the four famous lines from the song.]

## It has to start somewhere ##

## It has to start sometime ##

## What better place than here ## ## What better time than NOOOWWWWWWW!!!! ##

[The music kicks in again even louder as the place goes off again. Page then begins his slow walk to the ring slapping high fives with all the fans begging to touch the Pagezilla's hands. Page is in his long black pants with the Pagezilla letters going down his left leg in green and the SCCW logo on his ass. Red streaks highlight his other pants leg. He has on a Pagezilla tee shirt, which is unusual, as he usually doesn't wear anything other than a wife beater to the ring. He slaps fives with more fans before slowly climbing the steps. Before stepping into the ring, Page stands on the top rope and takes off his shades. He looks around at the crowd going crazy and then flips them to the ground as he jumps into the ring.]

MH: The challenger will get a lot of emotion from the fans here tonight.

FB: And you can bet help from the Coterie.

AL: I highly doubt Page would be looking for help from Hunter Sabuani, thank you very much, Frank.

FB: Who said anything about LOOKING? He just might get it anyway. Depending on who Sabuani would rather lose the match... Slater or Page.

MH: I must say though... of all the people to kick out of The Coterie... why Slater? He was probably the second best wrestler in the entire group. Granted, the least likely to be feeble- minded enough to follow Sabuani like a lapdog... unlike the rest of the group... but still... his skills are highly prized.

AL: Perhaps Hunter decided that the only place he cares about controlling is Georgia? He'll let Oswald set up franchises of his group in all the different regions... but Hunter will remain strictly in GCW.

MH: That's a good point. Trey Slater WAS the only member of the Coterie outside of Georgia.

FB: I'm just surprised the "Peerless One" could stand to have ANY of his group members hold the World title other than him. That must have killed him inside.

AL: That's distinctly possible.

MH: Well as we see Billy Page walk around the ring, soaking in the cheers, you should notice the shirt that Page has on tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if underneath, he is heavily taped after being absolutely destroyed by that car.

FB: Now that was high quality entertainment&

AL: Oh stop!

[Page steps over to the other side of the ring and climbs the ropes, screaming at the fans to make some noise. The crowd starts chanting "BBP, BBP, BBP" and Page eggs them on by slapping the top turnbuckle pad in rhythm as the entire arena vibrates in chants for the challenger. Finally, Page looks over at the ring announcer and asks for a mic, to which he does receive one.] BBP: I said it would be a week of little talk and all walk, and tonight is the time that I do the walk. Tonight is the night I claim my spot as THE MAN. Tonight is the night I take all of those funny guys comments, remarks, and roll into one big NWC World Heavyweight Title and shove it down every single one of their throats. Tonight, I am walking in as an underdog, a man given no chance at all to win. But I will be walking out with the most important title in front of my name that anyone can ever achieve. I will be walking out NWC World Heavyweight Champion.

[Crowd starts chanting "BBP, BBP, BBP" again and again as Page cracks a small smile.]

BBP: Now Pelican Boy, I want you to watch real close. You almost ended any chance I had at becoming NWC World Heavyweight Champion tonight, but you made the biggest mistake yet. You didn't complete the job. So watch real closely my friend as I come back to the City of Sin not only with a serious ass kicking in store for you, but an ass kicking from the NWC WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION...

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!"

BBP: It's Showtime at Purgatory 2000, Trey my friend... so let's get this thing going because I'm ready to take that belt from around your waist!

[Page tosses the mic to Michael Buffer, who pauses to clear his throat before continuing with the introductions.]

MB: And his opponent&

[The ring lights go dark again, along with the lights surrounding the Plaza San Marco. After a few seconds, the fans begin to get restless, and a few flick on some lighters to add an eerie feel to the situation. Then, after another few seconds, the familiar yell, which has been played numerous times for nearly two months, is heard.]

## OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! ##

** KRA-KABOOM!**

[After the explosion has occurred and the familiar sound of Jamiroquai's "Deeper Underground" has begun, a number of strobe lights go on in the darkness, flashing the colors of purple and green all around the Plaza. As the diehard NWC fans stand up to see the champ, an odd mixture of boos and loud cheers fill the air, which is certainly shocking during a Trey Slater entrance. After the chorus of the song has started, three shots of purple fireworks shoots from the entrance towards the sky, indicating that the NWC World Champion is soon to arrive.]

* FWOOM! * * FWOOM! * * FWOOM! *

[After the smoke from the purple pyro has subsided, green fireworks shoot out from all four corners of the scaffolding above the ring, moving around in a pinwheel effect. Green fireworks shoot out from all four ring posts as well, causing the crowd to let out a few "ooh's" and "aah's". The male crowd suddenly switches from ooh's and aah's to cheer loudly, for the lovely Alexia Lowery has stepped out seductively from the entrance. She is dressed like eye candy as usual, wearing a pair of specially designed shiny black spandex shorts, similar to the wrestling attire that Trey wears. This pair sports silver and white crescent moves all over the material, and hugs against the soft skin of Alexia. She is also wearing a white shirt that is tied up in a knot in the front, which shows off her stomach and cute bellybutton for the crowd. On the front of the shirt is "Showtime", which is in purple bubble lettering. As she turns around, we can see the logo that is popular with hillbillies and rednecks everywhere. It is a graphic of the lovable Calvin of "Calvin and Hobbes" fame, with his back towards us. He is urinating on a graphic, which is rather hard to see. After the camera zooms in, we can see that the graphic is the logo of the Coterie, the group that Trey Slater brought to worldwide status. Alexia is also wearing a pair of black leather boots, which stop slightly below her knees.]

MH: Well, we can definitely see how Slater feels about the Coterie!

FB: Well duh. What do you expect, for Slater to be happy and gracious about it? Do you expect him to go up to Sabuani, shake his hand and thank him for the sending his ass to the emergency room?

AL: Are you done?

FB: Maybe.

[After Alexia has played to the men in attendance, a man walks out, looking like he's ready for business. He is sporting the "New York Mafia" look, dressed in a black business suit, which has white pinstripes on the material. He is wearing a white shirt underneath, along with a silver "power" tie. This man has black hair, which is slicked back to make the look even better. He is wearing a pair of sunglasses, which only adds to the coldness that we receive from his expressionless face. He is a rather muscular man, a man that looks like he could wrestle for any organization in the National Wrestling Council. He is not however, for he is now the lone bodyguard that Trey Slater has kept from the defunct "Slater Secret Service". He is the cousin of the NWC World Champion, a man who would do anything to prevent harm to the man that he treats like a brother. He is Geoffrey Knight, a man you certainly do not want to mess with. After stepping out from the entrance, Knight stops to look at the large crowd, then walks down to meet up with Alexia. Then, the shower of golden fireworks begins, indicating that the NWC World Champion is ready to grace the wrestling world with his awesome presence.]

MB: Coming into this epic struggle tonight, this man stands at six feet, four inches tall, and weighs in tonight at two hundred and sixty-four pounds. He is accompanied to the ring by his enforcer, Geoffrey Knight, and by his ravishing girlfriend, "God's Gift to Showtime" Alexia Lowery. He is a former RMW Rocky Mountain Heavyweight Champion, a former GSW Bay Area Champion, and a former GSW Pacific West Coast Heavyweight Champion. He is the self-proclaimed "Supreme Ruler of the National Wrestling Council", and the self- proclaimed "Greatest 'Show' on Earth"&

He is the NWC HEAVYWEIGHT& CHAMPION OF THE WORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRLLD&

HE..IS.."SHOWTIME" TRRRRRRRRRRRRRREYYYYYYYYYYYY

SLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATERRRRRRRRRRRRRR!! [After the golden fireworks shower continues for a few seconds, we finally see a muscular figure walk through the pyro, the figure of our NWC World Champion. As he walks down to meet the other two, he is walking with a very noticeable limp, one of the many results of a beating by the hands of the Coterie. Slater is also sporting white tape around his rib cage, not to mention a large bandage on his forehead, which is blocked at times by the wet strands of his brown hair, which sway across the bandage as he limps towards the ring. The only thing that isn't new about Trey is his flashy wrestling attire, which consists of a pair of shiny light purple spandex pants with a large shiny silver crescent moon on the back, with "Showtime" on top of it in teal writing. On the crotch area of the shorts is a teal crescent moon, and tiny gold and lime green crescent moons scattered all over the shorts complete the design of the shorts. Slater is also wearing light purple kneepads, with a lime green crescent moon on the left pad, and a silver crescent moon on the right pad. He is also wearing black tape around his wrists, as well as his black wrestling boots with multicolored crescent moons scattered all over the material. The NWC World Heavyweight Championship, which is covered in the blood of Trey Slater, is wrapped loosely around his waist, so he does not feel any pain in his ribs.]

MH: What is surprising, is that Slater has been mostly confined to a wheelchair for the last few days, and yet he is actually walking under his own power to the ring.

AL: Well, as we all know, Alexia has been very vocal about Trey's decision to defend his title tonight. The doctors have said that he's in no condition to compete in the ring, but Trey would not let that stop him. The question now is if Page will attack the injured rib area, or if he'll try to keep it clean and simply outwrestle Slater.

FB: He sure as hell better go after the ribs! You know damn well that Slater is gonna go after Page's ribs! In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if that was Slater himself who drove the car that took out Bermuda.

AL: Why do you say that?

FB: Think about it! Now they're both hurt! Things are just a little more even. Remember... just cause Slater got kicked out of the Coterie, doesn't mean he's all of a sudden a Boy Scout. He's still the most devious and vicious man you'll find in New England, and if even he doesn't have the Coterie to back him up this time, you can be damn well sure he's got five other plans cooked up. Hitting Page with a car was probably only step one.

[After slowly walking up to the apron, Alexia walks up the ring steps, followed by Slater. Knight stands on the outside, getting ready for business. After helping Alexia through the ropes, Slater gingerly steps through the ropes to avoid any pain. It's no use, however, as we can see Slater wince as he bends down to go through them. After stepping into the ring, Slater walks to the opposite corner of the ring, climbs up onto the second turnbuckle, and looks out at the sea of fans. As hundreds of flashbulbs go off, Slater closes his eyes, knowing the fact that he is the showcase of this entire NWC event. After opening his eyes again, he raises his hands into the air, then yells his familiar "Bow down to your mother f[bleep]kin' champion!" before he steps down onto the mat. Once down, Alexia walks up to Slater and wraps her arms around him, helping him unfasten his NWC World Title. After handing the title to the referee, she returns to Slater, and gives him a quick kiss before leaving the ring.]

FB: What a woman! AL: Yeah, well that woman will scratch your eyes out as much as look at you.

MH: Billy Page will need to keep one eye on her, as much as keeping an eye on Slater.

AL: And don't forget Trey's cousin and bodyguard, Gabriel Knight. Also not a man you want to ignore.

MH: The odds are definitely in Slater's favor at this point.

FB: Good! That means the champ will beat Page quicker!

AL: Don't get ahead of yourself, there, Frank.

FB: I can hear Buffer's victory speech already!

MH: Both men standing tall in the center of the ring. The referee holding up the World Heavyweight Championship above his head... displaying it for all the crowd to see...

AL: The fact that it's still covered in Slater's blood is a bit gruesome.

FB: Badge of honor...

MH: Well whatever it is, this match is for that 10 pounds strap of gold.

FB: And it's staying right where it belongs!

AL: You mean GOING to where it belongs. Around the waist of--

FB: No, I do not mean that at all.

** DING! DING! DING! **

MH: Well as the two of you are bickering, the bell has rung and this match is under way!

AL: Slater and Page quickly move in to each other... it appears that they want to start the action on a high note, and they move in for a collar-and-elbow tie-up.

MH: They lock up and the two of them start fighting for position.

FB: Come on Trey!

AL: This is actually odd. Normally Trey would pussyfoot around and duck and cover, but instead he went right to Page and started things off--

MH: Sorry to interrupt, but they've broken! They've broken the tie-up! Neither man finding the position they wanted and they split themselves apart.

FB: The champ is just giving Page a false sense of security. AL: Actually, it's probably more like neither man was happy with the grip they had.

MH: For all we know, you could both be right. But as the two grapplers circle each other again, and the referee telling them to get this back started again, we have to wonder--

AL: Collar-and-elbow tie-up once more! Both men grab each other and start muscling for position a second time.

MH: Bermuda Billy Page, the stronger of the two... but not this time, it seems.

FB: He knows he can't win!

AL: Actually, as we can see the two men jockeying for position, we can tell that both are straining to get the upper-hand, but are unable to.

MH: And once again... the two split apart and release.

FB: Oh come on!

MH: For the second time, both men were unhappy with the position they had with the other, and rather than force a bad position and start out on the wrong foot, they let go and backed up.

AL: This has now become more of a mind game for both men I think, Marcus. Ordinarily a collar-and-elbow tie-up goes immediately into another move, and the action goes chaotic right from the start. I think this time, each man is hoping to demonstrate their toughness by coming out on top right at the top.

FB: With a tie-up?

AL: Precisely. Page is known for his power moves right off the bat. Slater is known for his hiding in the ropes and stalling techniques. But for this match... which will obviously be a lot less of a high-impact match, due to the health concerns of both men... the psychology has become much more dominate at the top.

MH: Neither man wanting to give up the first salvo you mean?

AL: Exactly. And as they return to circling each other... you can see the two of them looking into each other's eyes. Looking for the weakness they can exploit.

FB: I can see their weaknesses! Just look at their ribs!

AL: The physical weaknesses are one thing, but the psychological weaknesses are totally different.

MH: Referee signaling for the two to start up again. Slater shakes out his hands and Page quickly with a stretch of the neck, and they move in--

AL: Back to the collar-and-elbow! Locked in! MH: And look at these two! Listen to both of them as they strain against each other, trying to come out on top of this first exchange.

FB: Well, I'm getting tired of the two of them--

AL: OOH! Billy Page finds the opening and delivers a big knee right into Trey's midsection!

MH: That was the opening salvo! High knee to the ribs of Trey Slater, and look at him! All it took was a single shot, and already the champ drops to a knee!

AL: Yeesh. Just looking at the champs face, and you know that he already can sense this is going to be a long night! The pain that is coursing through...

MH: Forearm shot by Page to the head of Slater! Slater's face wincing again!

FB: Get up, Trey!

AL: Page grabs a hold of Slater's wrist and brings him back to his feet! Moves forward, and- -

MH: Irish whip into the ropes... Slater bounces in...

AL: Comes off and Page rushes up! Clothesline!

FB: No! Duck-under by Slater!

MH: Slater returns to the far ropes and bounces off, Page drops horizontal on the canvas...

AL: Slater back over... hops over Page and back to the ropes once more.

FB: Billy Page springs back to his feet as Slater bounces off the third time!

MH: PAGE LEAPS!!! DROPKICK!!!

AL: NO! SLATER WITH THE BRAKES AS HE GRABS THE ROPES!

* WHAM! *

MH: And Bermuda Billy Page lands hard, flat on his back on the canvas! He grabs the back of his head, and without missing a beat, the champion rushes over and DROPS THE ELBOW TO THE MIDSECTION!

FB: That's right!

AL: Turnabout is fair play, and as Page went after Slater's bruised ribs, so does the champ!

MH: Slater back to his feet in a flash, and then DOWN once again with another elbow!

AL: And you can see the grimace on Billy that he is definitely feeling it. MH: Slater not wasting any time. Jumps back to his feet, hand going the tape on his own ribs as he checks on his own well-being... moves to the feet of Page and lifts both legs.

FB: He grabs them both!

AL: Could be a slingshot maneuver right now. Referee moves out of the way of the corner, and Slater cinches in both legs of the challenger...

MH: Pulling a move out of the old playbook, and has him hooked! He leans backwards--

AL: PAGE FLIES UP!!!

FB: FLIES FORWARD!!!

* WHAM! *

MH: AND HITS THE CORNER TURNBUCKLE WITH A HARD IMPACT! FACE-FRIST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE GOES THE CHALLENGER, AND THE CHAMPION HAS THE UPPER HAND!

AL: Page slumps against the corner buckles, and goes right for his face. Page's chin slamming hard into the pad, but also snapping his neck back in the process. Slater to his feet and rushes the corner...

* SMACK! *

MH: High boot to the back of Billy Page! A stomp to the kidneys goes the champion, and the challenger drops down the corner.

* SMACK! *

* SMACK! *

MH: Two more stomps of the boot to the lower back of the challenger. Referee right there to try to get the champion to let him out of the corner, but Trey is not having any of it.

FB: Of course not! Let them fight! Don't get in the way ref!

AL: Slater places the boot against the neck of Page and LEEEEEEAAAAANNNNNSSSSS hard against it, using the ropes for leverage...

MH: Basically a choking maneuver, and the referee right there to begin the count--

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!-- AL: And Slater lets up! Releases the boot to the neck.

MH: You were right about what you said earlier, Barr, Slater is still no Boy Scout.

FB: Didn't I tell you?

AL: AND ONCE AGAIN HE RETURNS TO THE BOOT AGAINST THE NECK OF PAGE!

MH: Choking him out once again! Referee--

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!--

AL: Release!

FB: Trey is doing everything right, right now.

MH: Well, he certainly has things definitely moving in his direction. He stands up from the last move and backs away from the corner. Page still leaning awkwardly in it, face against the second turnbuckle, his spine bent backward, as he lays sort of chest-first on the canvas.

FB: Perfect shots to the ribs if Trey wants to take them!

MH: Which he does not. He instead moves down and grabs Page once more by the legs. He lifts the legs up and drags Page towards the center of the ring.

AL: Not exactly a typical Slater-style match, but with his injuries, you really can't blame him.

MH: Page laid out flat on the canvas. Slater still with that left leg of Page's elevated. He spins around and--

* WHAM! *

MH: DROPS AN ELBOW RIGHT TO THE BACK OF PAGE'S KNEE!

AL: And listen to Billy cry out!

FB: Crying like a girl!

MH: Actually, wit the force of that shot Trey took, I think even the strongest of men wouldn't have been able to keep quiet.

AL: With Page still down, the champ takes the opportunity and grabs the leg with a powerful lock... putting even more pressure on that knee. MH: It's actually smart tactics by the champion. His injury is mainly his ribs. But with Page, being hit by that car was more of a whole body collision, and Trey can work on any part and make it hurt.

FB: Which will make this match shorter.

AL: Most likely.

MH: Page with his hands wrapping his own head as he tries to deal with the pressure that is being applied to his knee. Slater really WRENCHING the leglock backwards, trying as hard as he can to get the former Sin City champion to submit. Referee right over to ask for it, but Page screams out "no".

AL: It's still early. Page won't give up from this, but you know that this will take its effect later on when Billy tries to do many of his power moves. Without the knee, he won't have the balance to do many lifts.

FB: Good!

MH: Billy Page still screaming out in agony over the leglock! Slater LEAAANS back even further to put as much pull on the joint as possible.

AL: Hold on a second! Page is leaning backwards too! He's trying to reach behind him!

FB: Hey!

MH: Slater is too far back! As Page leans backwards, he's reaching out and trying to grab Slater by the head. Trey so intent on putting that pressure on the knee, he doesn't realize that--

AL: PAGE HAS SLATER BY THE NOSE!

MH: That he does! In a desperation move, Page has reached over behind him and has got the champion by the nose! As Trey pulls on the knee, Billy pulls on the nose, and I think Trey will be forced to break the hold.

FB: That's it!

AL: He released the hold! Page got him to release the hold!

MH: That is certainly one way to escape from that move, and it's given Billy a chance to breath. Slater rolls over and gets back to his feet, rubbing his nose slightly, and Page crawls himself over to the ropes.

AL: It doesn't appear like he is able to jump right back to his feet that readily any more.

FB: That's cause he's now without a wheel! MH: Well, not precisely, but obviously that right leg does have some pain coursing through it. Slater not backing off too much though, and he moves right back on top of the challenger, still trying to use the ropes to pull himself up.

AL: He won't need to use the ropes, because the champ is helping him up to his feet just fine.

MH: That he is. Trey pulls Billy to his feet, and moves him into the center of the ring. Slater cocks his elbow back to deliver a blow to the head--

FB: NO! BLOCKED BY PAGE!

AL: That right hand was blocked by Page! Slater tries again!

MH: And another block! Slater with a third, and THAT one is blocked! Page with a punch of his own--

* WHAP! *

MH: AND THAT ONE CONNECTS!

"RAAAAAH!"

AL: Big right hand by the challenger! Slater takes a stunned step back! Page moves in, grabs him--

MH: GUTWRENCH!

* WHAM! *

MH: AND DROPS HIM ACROSS THE KNEE WITH A BEAUTIFUL BACKBREAKER!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

FB: Oh man!

AL: Big defensive stand by the challenger there, and with that driving of Slater into his left knee--

MH: Smart decision on that one by Page, choosing the left...

AL: He's got himself back into control. Slater laying flat face-down on the mat. Page moves in above him and straddles the champion...

FB: What is he doing?

AL: What does it look like he's doing? He bends down and places Slater's arms across his knees, reaches underneath with a reverse chinlock, and sits BAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCKKKK... MH: CAMEL CLUTCH APPLIED BY BERMUDA BILLY PAGE!

"RAAAAAH!"

AL: And now the tide has really turned!

FB: This shouldn't be allowed--

MH: Trey Slater's face says it all, ladies and gentlemen... you can see the pain throbbing through his body with each pull of the chin that Page is delivering. Those ribs are being stretched further than he ever thought he wanted to take them.

AL: There are almost tears coming to his eyes!

MH: If Trey should somehow get out of this match alive, he's going to need a LONG rest to recover form this.

FB: Somebody get the ref in there and check Page! I think his hands have moved down and it's now a choke!

AL: Not likely, Frank. Page has it locked in tight! In fact, Billy is raising himself up just a bit- -

* WHAM! *

MH: AND DRIVES HIMSELF BACK TO A SITTING POSITION, SLAMMING HIS BEHIND RIGHT TO THE LOWER BACK OF SLATER ONCE MORE!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

FB: Oh now, come on! How can we--

AL: Trey Slater is DYING in there right now! Page with that shot just pulled Slater's neck backwards a good three of four inches more! Alexia Lowery on the outside screaming out to the ref to check on things, but he's obviously been keeping an eye on it the entire time, and Page has kept this move clean.

FB: That's what you say...

MH: Despite all the pain, Slater still refusing to give up. His eyes are jammed shut, but you can see him barely shake his head in the negative every time the referee checks.

AL: Hold on a second now! Alexia Lowery has just jumped up onto the apron!

MH: Wait! She--

FB: Here we go!

AL: Lowery calling out for the referee, who immediately spins around and moves over to her. MH: Once again, Slater's entourage making a difference...

AL: Lowery trying her best to keep the referee occupied. He is yelling at her to get down from the apron, but I don't think that is going to do it.

MH: And look what is happening on the opposite side! With Page still holding Slater with the camel clutch, Slate's bodyguard, Gabriel Knight has jumped up onto the apron!

"BOOOOO!"

AL: Referee not seeing a thing! Knight inside the ring now, and is advancing right upon Page from behind! Page doesn't know--

MH: NO! PAGE TO HIS FEET! HE LET GO! HE SPINS AROUND JUST AS KNIGHT IS UPON HIM!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

MH: AND PAGE BACKHANDS KNIGHT ACROSS THE FACE! WHAT A SHOT BY THE CHALLENGER! KNIGHT GOES FLYING BACKWARDS AND DROPS OUT OF THE RING!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

AL: He must have had eyes in the back of his head! I didn't think he knew Knight was coming!

FB: Dammit!

MH: That's a veteran move right there folks! Page saw Lowery up and distracting the referee, and Page guessed right that they were using the distraction to their advantage.

AL: And listen to this crowd! Gabriel still out flat on the ground on the outside, Alexia Lowery hopping down from the ring apron and rushing around to attend to her man's bodyguard, Slater still flat on the mat with the agony of that camel clutch still very much evident...

MH: And with the referee turning back to the action in the ring, Page moves right up to the champion and...

* SMACK! *

MH: A big kick to the kidneys on the champion!

* SMACK! *

MH: And another one! It's Page's turn now! Slater rolls over onto his back

* SMACK! *

* SMACK! * AL: And a pair of boots this time to those injured ribs!

FB: That's not right! The ref needs to get in there and stop Page from taking advantage of--

MH: The challenger leans over and grabs Slater by the hair. He pulls the champion to his feet, Slater not moving fast at ALL--

AL: Every single move he makes now is filled with suffering from those problem ribs...

MH: Page with an Irish whip...

AL: Slater bounces off the ropes... comes back...

FB: Page up quickly and--

* WHAM! *

MH: CLOTHESLINE!

AL: Big clothesline! Almost took his head off with that!

MH: That it certainly did! Slater's head just SMASHING off the canvas, and Page looks on with his handiwork.

FB: Where is Gabriel to halt all of this?

AL: He's still trying to recover from that huge backhand to the jaw he took.

MH: Billy quickly to the corner... forsaking a pin attempt...

AL: We haven't seen one yet.

MH: To the second rope he goes! Slater still out flat on the canvas. Page ready--

AL: HE LEAPS OFF!

FB: LEG DROP FROM THE SECOND ROPE AND--

MH: SLATER ROLLS!

* WHAM! *

MH: HE MISSED! PAGE MISSED WITH THE LEG DROP!

"BOOOOOOOOOO!!"

AL: Desperation move by the champion, but he was able to get out of the way of the falling Billy Page! FB: And Page's ass smacked hard on the mat! Ha!

MH: That it did! Slater keeps rolling, and soon gets to the ring apron. Lowery quickly over to help him down from the ring to take a breather on the outside.

AL: Page still trying to shake off the shooting pain running down his legs right now from that missed leg drop.

ONE!

MH: We can see plainly that as Slater moves gingerly around the ring, assisted by his girlfriend Alexia, that those ribs are making it impossible for him to remain focused at the task at hand. When every single move brings about pain, you can't get your mind off of it.

TWO!

AL: But then again, let's not forget that Page is in just as much pain at this point as Slater is.

THREE!

FB: That's right! He is!

FOUR!

MH: I would disagree there. But in any case, Page recovers from the missed drop, and he moves to the ring's edge as well. Referee doing the count on Trey, but here comes Page to try to get him back in the quick way...

FIVE!

AL: He circles around the ring, Slater with his back to him, moving ever-so-slowly.

MH: Page rushes up and--

FB: GOES NOWHERE!

SIX!

MH: Gabriel Knight! Knight blocks the path! Knight running interference for his cousin, as Page tries to reach him!

SEVEN!

FB: Hit him! Hit him, Gabe!

AL: I don't think that is his plan, but he IS stopping Page from making his way around to the champion. Page and Knight getting into a bit of an argument there on the outside, but Billy is making no attempt to go around him. FB: Because he knows that would be suicide!

EIGHT!

MH: Trey Slater slides back into the ring and uses the ropes to get back to his feet.

AL: Wincing with every step.

NINE!

MH: Billy gives up on the big Gabriel Knight, and climbs back up onto the apron to re-enter the ring, stopping the count of the referee.

FB: Too bad! We almost had a count-out right there!

AL: Slater moves across the ring right over to where Page has just climbed up! He reaches over--

* THUD! *

MH: NO! PAGE WITH A SHOULDER TO THE MIDSECTION AS SLATER ARRIVED!

* THUD! *

AL: AND ANOTHER ONE!

FB: Get in there, ref!

* THUD! *

MH: Three shots to the midsection! Each one lighting Trey's ribs on fire even more! Page stands upright! Slater dazed!

AL: PAGE LEAPS UP AND OVER--

FB: SUNSET FLIP BACK INTO THE RING!

MH: AND PAGE TRIES TO PULL SLATER DOWN! INTO THE PINNING ROLL-UP!

AL: BUT SLATER IS FIGHTING IT! HE'S TRYING TO AVOID GOING OVER!

FB: And look at Knight! He's right there! He reaches out and grabs Slater's hand!

MH: Trey Slater with a grip on his bodyguard's hand to keep from being pulled over! Billy Page pulling down on the thighs with all his might, struggling to get the champ down!

AL: Referee sees this! He's not going to let them get away with--

MH: Kick to Knight's hands! Referee kicked the hands and Slater lost his grip! FB: PAGE PULLS HIM OVER!

AL: HE COMPLETES THE FLIP, AND PAGE--

MH: NO! SLATER ROLLS OUT! SLATER ROLLS COMPLETELY OUT OF IT! I THOUGHT PAGE WAS GOING TO GET HIM DOWN FROM THAT, FOR THE PIN, BUT SLATER ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE POSSIBLE PIN!

AL: All this match and not a single pinfall attempt yet!

MH: Billy quickly back to his feet and rushes Trey, who is down in the center on the ring in tremendous agony.

AL: He comes up to him and--

* FOOMP! *

"WHOOOOOOOOOOAAAAA!!!"

AL: LOW BLOW! LOW BLOW!

MH: LOW BLOW ON PAGE!

FB: ALL RIIIIIGHT!!!

MH: Another desperation move by the champion! Page grabs himself and falls back down to the mat! Slater with the only move he could really pull out of his hat right now.

AL: Not surprising. It's the move he uses most frequently.

FB: Now that's not--

MH: Slater crawls over to Page who is down on the mat! He moves up to him, and reaches across his face! He twists his arms around and applies what appears to be--

AL: Dragon Sleeper!

"BOOOOO!"

MH: Yes it is! Dragon sleeper applied by the champion! Page is already down on the mat, but it was probably the safest move Trey could attempt that would put the least amount of pressure on himself, while hopefully getting the most chance of pulling out a victory.

FB: The ref moves right on top of Page to check to see if he's already out!

AL: He could be getting close! Slater holding that in as tight as he can! Squeezing all the blood out of the skull of the challenger! As the camera moves around, we can get a shot of Page's face, and it's readily apparent that he is fading!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** MH: Fans doing their best to keep Page conscious...

FB: Yeah, like that's going to do anything.

AL: It might! Slater looking around, almost shocked at the response from the crowd! He squeezes the sleeper even tighter, trying so hard to put Page away! The referee right on top of their action, and we can see that Page has his eyes open and is not going out!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: Page is coming out of it! We can see him! His eyes are wide, and he's trying to shake himself back up!

FB: Oh not this cliché!

AL: Trying to get his blood pumping back through his arteries!

MH: Slater squeezes even harder, but I don't think it's doing any good! Page is trying to climb back to his feet.

FB: What? No! Stop him, Trey! Stop him!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

AL: The fans are doing it! Page is slowly powering himself back to his feet!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MH: And the fans are loving it! Lowery and Knight can't believe what they are seeing, and neither can Slater. Dragon sleeper is STILL applied, but doesn't seem to be having any effect at this point.

AL: And I would have to say that--

FB: HEY! WHAT THE HELL?!?

MH: Who do we have coming down the aisle?

AL: Who do we have? Can't you tell?!? IT'S CASSIDY O'HOLLERIN!!!

FB: WHAT?!?

MH: It is! It is! Cassidy O'Hollerin walking down the aisle, coming to the ring! Page is back on his feet and is elbowing Slater in the gut to get out of the sleeper. O'Hollerin comes to ringside, and immediately is confronted by Gabriel Knight--

FB: Jeez. Compare to Cass, Knight is a midget!

AL: Page with another stiff elbow, and Slater releases the hold! Page is free! MH: Cassidy just standing there at ringside and is watching on! Page now free, and he throws himself to the ropes... Slater still stunned from those elbow shots and is bent over in the center of the ring.

AL: Billy into the ropes... bounces off... Slater standing still...

MH: And Bermuda comes running back and--

FB: DROP TOE HOLD!

* WHAM! *

AL: SLATER CAUGHT HIM! HE SNUCK THAT MOVE IN THERE!

MH: THE CHAMPION PLAYING POSSUM WITH PAGE, AND THE CHALLENGER WASN'T EXPECTING IT AS HE CAME OFF THE ROPES!

"BOOOOOOOOOO!!"

AL: And with Page landing face-first on the mat once more, Trey slides back over and applies a leg scissor around his arm, and cinches in a crossface submission hold!

MH: Back to the mat wrestling goes the champ! And once again, Page is caught up tight.

FB: Look! Slater finally sees O'Hollerin! With him now facing the other way, he sees the man he defeated not more than two weeks ago, standing there at ringside, staring at him.

MH: The Big Man Of The Clan with his arms folded, eyes locked intently with "Showtime". Neither men looking away. O'Hollerin suffered a defeat at the hands of Slater in his last title defense, and it's obvious he has returned to the ring to make some type of statement.

AL: But is Trey really getting the statement? He's just staring intently at his former opponent and Coterie stablemate, all the while still pulling back on the crossface on Page.

FB: And if you'll notice, Gabriel Knight has not made a move against O'Hollerin yet, and O'Hollerin has made no attempt to do the same.

MH: I guess just his presence here is enough.

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

AL: Fans once more trying to inspire Page to get back to his feet.

MH: But you have to wonder what his state of mind is now. First a leg lock, then a dragon sleeper, now a leg scissor / crossface submission. Slater is keeping the pace at his own speed, and is working over all parts of Page's body. There's not one area that Trey has not worked.

FB: That's cause he's the champ! AL: And with all of that... his eyes have still not left O'Hollerin's!

MH: That's because he knows that his entourage is now useless with him here.

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

AL: Fans on their feet, clapping their support of the challenger! Page reaching out, trying to get to the ropes...

MH: Slater doing a very good job of keeping him away though.

** CLAP **

MH: Hold on! I think another person is coming to ringside!

FB: WHAT?!?

AL: Who is--

MH: YES! Clapping along with the crowd! It's ANTON MACTAVISH!

FB: MACTAVISH?!?

MH: Yes, MacTavish! He's coming down to the ring as well! Fans are still on their feet as Page tries desperately to get to the ropes! MacTavish moves in next to O'Hollerin, and the big man looks down and sees the New England president...

FB: WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING HERE?!?

AL: I think he's just here to watch the match!

MH: Page is inching closer to the ropes! Slater leaning farther back to keep him at bay!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: AND NOW LOOK AT THIS!!!

AL: WHY THAT'S--

FB: THAT'S DAMON HAYES!!!

MH: "SHERIFF" DAMON HAYES IS COMING TO THE RING!

AL: He was the one who defeated Billy Page last year at Devil's Night 4 to retain the World Heavyweight Championship! Page's only other shot at the World title!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: Billy reaching! Reaching! AL: AND HERE COMES D.A. GORDON! THE SCCW PRESIDENT!

FB: AND HE HAS DAVID COOPER ALONG WITH HIM!

MH: THEY'RE ALL COMING OUT OF THE WOODWORK NOW!

AL: Page getting ever closer to the ropes, and Slater can't believe what he is seeing!

FB: MY GOD!!! FROM THE CROWD!!! IT'S SPENCER SLOAN AND TOMAS BAILEY!

MH: THEY WERE SLATER'S PARAMOUNT INDUSTRIES STABLEMATES IN NEW ENGLAND BEFORE SLATER JOINED THE COTERIE!

AL: All of these people coming in to ringside to watch the match! Page stretching! Stretching!

FB: Slater trying so hard!

MH: HE'S GOT IT!

AL: HE'S GOT IT!

FB: THE ROPES!

MH: PAGE HAS THE ROPES! REFEREE CALLING FOR THE BREAK!

AL: Hayes right next to O'Hollerin! Sloan and Bailey move to the far side. MacTavish and Gordon standing next to each other watching their respective men battle it out...

MH: Slater finally lets go of the crossface now that Page is in the ropes. He jumps up to his feet and quickly SLAMS his knee to the back of the challenger's head!

FB: HERE COMES ROADKILL!

AL: ROADKILL?!?

MH: Roadkill! One of Slater's defeatees! He's coming to the ring! And right behind him is N.E.W.S. Commissioner Charlie Nav!

FB: What the hell IS IT with these people?

AL: They're all here to see these two men fighting for the biggest prize in the land! Slater pulls Page back to his feet. He goes underneath! Lifts Page up onto his shoulder--

MH: Page still dazed from the knee to the skull and is unable to do anything. Slater rushes towards the center of the ring, and...

* WHAM! *

AL: POWERSLAM!!!!! "RAAAAAH!"

MH: WHAT A MOVE! WHAT A MOVE BY SLATER!

FB: COVER THE MAN! PAGE IS DOWN!

AL: Slater rolls off of Page! That powerslam took too much out of him! I think it re- aggravated the ribs!

MH: Page out in the center of the ring! Slater rolls over to the ropes, his ribs in TREMENDOUS PAIN! He can barely sit upright! That powerslam was too much!

AL: Terrific move, but ultimately the wrong thing to do!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: These fans are still clapping along as these two men are killing themselves in a technical way that nobody probably thought they were going to see! Bailey and Sloan are on the side of their former Paramount Industries stablemate clapping along for him to get up.

AL: Damon Hayes and Roadkill have set up a table on the far side and have taken a seat to watch the action!

"BOOOOOOOOOO!!"

MH: Oh no! And look who is coming to the ring now!

AL: IT'S THE CARETAKER! AS WELL AS PELICAN BOY! The ones who got Page hit by the car earlier tonight!

MH: They're now coming to the ring, and move in next to David Cooper to watch the match!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

FB: Slater is spent.

AL: As is Page I think.

MH: Both men laying exhausted on the mat. Trey reaching above his head, trying to use the ropes to pull himself to his feet, but the pain is just too much. Billy is still laying flat on the mat and has not moved. The crowd is in a frenzy right now as more and more people from the back are coming to ringside to watch the two of them fight...

AL: Now look! Lee Clark is coming down! The first man who Slater defended against! And right behind him is Ben Van Iten! The man who was too much of a wimp to show up to fight Page at Millenium Malice!

FB: Jesus Christ! We're getting EVERYBODY down here to watch this match! Everyone who has something to do with either of these men! ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: Slater using all of his strength to pull himself to his feet. Clark passes by D.A. Gordon and gets a harsh look. BVI right next to Nav, and O'Hollerin moving around to where Sloan and Bailey are standing. We have people on all sides of the ring, many of them clapping along with the fans as Slater rises up to his feet, crying out with every inch of his journey.

AL: Slater is up! He is up!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

AL: He's on his feet! He takes a step towards Page, still out in the center of the ring! Fans reacting to all of this in a positive manner!

FB: Here comes Slater now! Cover the man and let's go home!

MH: The champion right above Page! He reaches down and grabs him by the hair. He pulls the man up and Page almost instinctively gets to his feet. I don't think he knows where he is at this point. Caretaker looking on! Roadkill and Hayes clapping along! MacTavish and Gordon talking to each other...

AL: Slater grabs Page by the wrist and goes for an Irish whip! Whips him towards the turnbuckle and--

FB: REVERSAL!!! PAGE STANDS UP AND REVERSES IT!

AL: HE WAS PLAYING POSSUM ALL ALONG!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

MH: SLATER TO THE CORNER AND--

** WHAM! **

"WHOOOOOOOOOOAAAAA!!!!!"

MH: RIGHT INTO THE CORNER! HE HITS HARD! HE HITS HARD!

AL: THE CHAMPION SLAMS INTO THE CORNER HARD! AND HERE COMES PAGE!

FB: PAGE RUSHES TO THE CORNER! BEN VAN ITEN AND CHARLIE NAV RIGHT BELOW LOOKING ON!

MH: PAGE UPON HIM AND HE SPINS SLATER AROUND! HE GRABS THE BACK OF THE CHAMP'S HEAD AND SIGNALS TO THE CROWD--

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

AL: I THINK WE'RE ABOUT TO SEE A SLAM INTO THE CORNER, FOLKS!!! MH: BILLY WITH SLATER'S HEAD! AND HE DRIVES HIM DOWN!!!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

AL: CROWD AND THE MEN AT RINGSIDE CHANTING ALONG WITH EVERY SLAM INTO THE BUCKLE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

NINE!

TEEEEENNNNN!!!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

MH: MY GOD, IS BILLY PAGE FIRED UP!

AL: As is freaking EVERYBODY!

MH: Page spins the champion around! He gets him arm underneath Slater's and he--

AL: HIP TOSS OUT OF THE CORNER!!!

* WHAM! *

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

FB: DAAAAMMMNNN!!!

MH: There we go! There we go! Page is practically shaking! The crowd is as well! All the people at ringside are screaming as well for the challenger, as Slater rolls around on the mat in absolute agony!

AL: COVER THAT MAN!!!

MH: He's not going to! No! He's motioning to the crowd! He's telling them he's going to the top! You know what this means! AL: It means we're going to see his giant frogsplash!

FB: Don't say that!

MH: Yes we are! The fans are going crazy! Roadkill, MacTavish, Nav, O'Hollerin... all pumping their fists! Page slides to the apron. He starts to climb!

AL: Slater out flat in the center of the ring! The Caretaker, and Alexia Lowery screaming at him to get up!

MH: They aren't getting their wish! He is OUT! Page on top high! He's all set!!!

FB: I can't look...

MH: HERE HE GOOOOOEEEEESSSSS...

AL: AND--

** THUD! **

AL: HE MOVED! HE MOVED!

MH: THE CHAMPION MOVED!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

FB: HE MOVED?!?

MH: I don't believe it! Nobody can believe it!

AL: How in the world did Trey Slater ever find the energy--

MH: I think every single person here watching this match thought for sure Trey Slater was out for good!

AL: But you can hear the fans! As much as they may hate Slater personally, they are really giving it up to him for what he is putting himself through tonight!

MH: Slater and Page both!

AL: Both men down in the ring! Neither one getting up! The referee over both of them and is beginning his count--

ONE!

MH: On the outside we see Ben Van Iten watching with rapt interest. Pelican Boy trying desperately to get into the ring, but is being held back by The Caretaker.

TWO! FB: Because Taker knows full-well that the rest of these people would destroy Pelican Boy if he tried to interfere at this point.

THREE!

MH: Sloan and Bailey comforting Alexia Lowery, who looks absolutely destroyed at what she's had to witness here tonight.

FOUR!

AL: Cassidy O'Hollerin talking with Roadkill and Lee Clark about what has gone on... all three victims of Trey Slater's title run.

FIVE!

MH: Gordon moved over to Hayes, still sitting on the table. Neither of them can believe what's gone on so far.

SIX!

MH: These two men are on the verge of having this match ended right here!

SEVEN!

AL: But neither one is making a move to get up!

EIGHT!

MH: Referee is still counting! And we're almost--

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

AL: PAGE!!! PAGE!!!

NINE!

FB: PAGE HAS SAT UP!!!

AL: HE'S ROLLING TO HIS FEET!

MH: HE QUICKLY MOVES OVER AND PULLS SLATER BY THE HAIR TO HIS FEET AS WELL!

AL: I don't understand that! Why did he pull him up? If he had left Slater on the mat at the end of the ten-count he could have won!

MH: I think he wants to win this match with a pin!

AL: Well we haven't seen a single pin attempt all night! When does he plan to do it? MH: I have no idea! But you're absolutely right in that there's not been a single pin attempt! That is simply amazing!

FB: Page and Slater both on their feet! Page with an Irish whip...

AL: NO! REVERSAL!

MH: SLATER REVERSES IT! BILLY PAGE GOES TO THE ROPES!

AL: HE BOUNCES!

FB: COMES BACK!

MH: SLATER--

AL: LIFTS PAGE UP--

MH: INTO HIS SKY-HIGH POWER "PLEASURE BOMMMMMMB"...

AL: NOOOOOO!!!!!

FB: DROPKICK!

MH: PAGE!! WITH A DROPKICK TO THE CHEST AS HE REACHED THE APEX OF THE LIFT!

* WHAM! *

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

AL: Both men down once again!!!

MH: This time it is Billy Page who finds the escape!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: I just can't get over--

AL: How in the world did Page find a counter to Slater's sky-high powerbomb in his condition?

FB: Well, however he did it, it's sent Slater flying backwards, completely out of the ring!

MH: Yes indeed it has! Billy lying flat on the canvas, his chest rising and falling in pain and exhaustion, and Slater is crumpled on the outside, right at the feet of his woman, Alexia, as well as Sloan and Bailey.

AL: Referee beginning his count on both men.

ONE! FB: Trey should just stay outside and take the count-out loss. He'd keep his belt!

AL: NO! WE WANT TO SEE A PIN!

TWO!

MH: Hell, I'd settle for one of them to make a pin ATTEMPT...

THREE!

AL: Page rolls over to his hands and knees! Slater still down on the outside...

FOUR!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: Look at this! As the fans start clapping again, "Terrific" Tomas Bailey reaches down and helps his best friend to his feet! Despite their differences in recent weeks, especially with Slater giving away Paramount Industries' share of N.E.W.S. without telling the other two, to get his World Title shot in the first place...

FIVE!

MH: ...Bailey is helping his friend get back in the ring! He wants to see these two warriors finish this match cleanly as much as everybody down there does!

SIX!

AL: Page up to one knee! And Bailey gently moves Slater-- WHOA!!!

SEVEN!

MH: SLATER JUST SPUN AROUND AND SLUGGED BAILEY RIGHT IN THE FACE!!! WHAT IS HE DOING?!?

FB: Maybe Bailey twisted a knife in his back!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

EIGHT!

MH: Slater hauls off a second time and wallops his best friend in the nose once again! He must not want anyone's help! Even though his best friend was doing him a favor!

NINE!

FB: Some favor! Obviously Trey didn't see it as any favor!

AL: This is insane! Alexia Lowery, just as surprised at Trey's reaction as everybody, hurriedly hoists her man up onto the apron and under the rope! MH: This match still continues! Billy Page is on his feet! He goes over to Slater! Grabs him by the back of the head! Pulls the champ to his feet once more!

FB: My god, would you look at Slater's chest! You can see the bruise as it spreads out underneath the bandages!

MH: Slater is on rubber legs. Page sees that it might be his time!

AL: On the outside, Tomas Bailey is LIVID over what has just happened! And his nose is bleeding too!

MH: But luckily, calm heads are prevailing and Spencer Sloan is keeping the hot-headed youngster from storming the ring! Which is just as well, because Page has Trey up and has him by the wrist!

FB: He rushes forward and goes for an Irish whip!

AL: Page pulls Slater towards him! Slater rushes past and goes towards the ropes by an Irish whip!

MH: Slater to the ropes--

AL: No! Slater crumples to the mat! He doesn't make it to the ropes! He falls to the canvas, and the momentum takes him OUT of the ring, under the bottom rope!!

MH: How can this match go on? These men are exhausted!

FB: Trey tumbles to the outside, but somehow manages to land on his feet!

AL: He stumbles away from the ring, right up to where Hayes and Roadkill are sitting! Slater falls forward and the two men slide out of his path to give him room!

MH: And Slater lands right across that table! That table that Hayes had set up to sit on while watching the match! Trey is now sprawled out on it and everyone is moving out of the way!

FB: Oh god.

AL: What?

FB: You don't think...

AL: What? That Page?

FB: He's not that stupid!

AL: Are you kidding? Of course he isn't that--

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!" FB: Oh god.

MH: PAGE IS HEADING FOR THE TURNBUCKLE!!!

AL: My lord, he IS!

MH: NAV AND BVI MOVE OUT OF THE LINE OF FIRE! ROADKILL AND CLARK SLIDE OVER AS WELL! "PAGEZILLA" IS CLIMBING TO THE TOP ROPE!!!

FB: Somebody tell him to get down! Slater is in no shape--

AL: For once, I agree with Frank...

MH: BERMUDA BILLY PAGE IS HIGH ON THAT TOP ROPE! "SHOWTIME" TREY SLATER IS RIGHT BELOW HIM, LAYING ON THAT TABLE!!!

FB: This really can't be--

"RAAAAAH!"

MH: HE LEAPS!!! FROGSPLASH!!! HE LEAPS!!!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

AL: AAAANNNDDD!!!

*** KERR-RRUNCH!!! ***

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

AL: Oh my freaking GOD!

MH: HE NAILED IT!!! HE NAILED IT!!!

FB: DID HE EVER!

MH: BERMUDA BILLY PAGE NAILED HIS FROGSPLASH THROUGH THE TABLE ON THE OUTSIDE!!!

AL: Slater is dead.

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

MH: FANS CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT THEY ARE SEEING HERE, AND NEITHER CAN THE FOLKS AT RINGSIDE! FB: Neither can I!

AL: Page and Slater lying amongst the rubble of that table!

MH: This time they are both REALLY out!

ONE!

FB: And the referee is doing his count!

TWO!

AL: I think this match is over.

THREE!

FB: There's no way in hell that either of these two men are going to make it back into the ring.

FOUR!

MH: Neither of them are moving at all. And none of the people at ringside are taking it upon themselves to put them back in the ring.

FIVE!

FB: After all this, we're getting a freaking DOUBLE COUNT-OUT?

SIX!

AL: Well unless we get a miracle...

FB: Where's Hank Johnson when you need him!?

SEVEN!

FB: We CAN'T have the match end like this!

AL: Well I don't know what else...

EIGHT!

MH: Hold on guys! President MacTavish is coming this way!

NINE!

MH: He's just grabbed the microphone from Buffer!

TE-- MacTavish: HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!!!!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MacTavish: THERE IS *NO-WAY-IN-HELL* I'M GOING TO LET YOU COUNT BOTH OF THESE MEN OUT!!!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MacTavish: These men have KILLED themselves here tonight for everybody! And I refuse to let it end this way! And I think President Gordon will agree with me on this!

[We cut to a shot of D.A. Gordon, who nods his head and says "Damn right!"]

MacTavish: So you just stop your little ten-count... and boys... please go over there and help both of those gentlemen back into the ring!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

FB: I don't believe that.

AL: Can he DO that?

MH: Uh... well...

FB: I guess he just did!

AL: O'Hollerin and Roadkill helping lift Billy Page up from the shambles of that table and rolls him into the ring.

MH: Just as Charlie Nav and Ben Van Iten do the same for Trey Slater!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MH: And I guess this match will still go on!

FB: Go on? How can it? Neither man is moving!

AL: I don't think they got that far!

MH: The referee obviously not making a ten-count now, because he knows full well that it wouldn't go through...

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

AL: And now it is the fans and everyone at ringside, clapping their hands and stomping their feet in an attempt to get them on their feet!

FB: It's not going to work. ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

AL: I wouldn't be too sure of that.

MH: For all we know...

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

FB: Nothing...

AL: Give them time! They have a LOT to work off!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: Hold on!

AL: I see it!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

FB: What--

AL: It's Slater!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: His leg is moving!

AL: And look!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

FB: My god! So is Page's!

AL: Slater is rolling over!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: Fans can't believe it! Slater has rolled over! Page has started straining to pull himself to his knees!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

AL: All these wrestlers and front office staff at ringside, all trying to get both men up! Someone deserves this match!

MH: And I get the feeling that the first pinfall attempt we see here in this match... will also be it's last! ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

FB: Slater to his knees!

AL: Page up as well!

** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP ** ** CLAP **

MH: Slater turns to his challenger for his World Heavyweight Championship! He crawls over! Page slowly, unsteadily, gets to his feet!

AL: "Showtime" grabs Page by the tee shirt and pulls himself up as well! Both men now standing face-to-face! Both men with glazed looks in their eyes!

MH: Both men on the verge of falling down again!

FB: SLATER WITH A PUNCH!

* WHAP! *

AL: PAGE WITH A PUNCH OF HIS OWN!

* WHAP! *

MH: SLATER WITH ANOTHER!

* WHAP! *

FB: AND PAGE WITH ANOTHER!

* WHAP! *

MH: BOTH MEN! BOTH MEN!

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

MH: MY GOD IT'S A FREE-FOR-ALL!!! LEFTS AND RIGHTS! LEFTS AND RIGHTS! BOTH MEN WOBBLING ON RUBBER LEGS! * WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

MH: At almost inhuman speed, these two men are throwing punches! All of them connecting! All of them finding their mark! All of them making the crowd go absolutely BONKERS!

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHAP! *

* WHISH! *

MH: PAGE MISSED! PAGE MISSED! THE PUNCH SAILED WIDE!

AL: SLATER REACHES OUT! HE GRABS THE ARM OF PAGE!

FB: HE TWISTS IT! PAGE COMES AROUND!

MH: TREY SLATER HAS THE ARM! HE PULLS FORWARD!

AL: IRISH WHIP INTO THE ROPES!!!

MH: BILLY PAGE GOES INTO THE ROPES!!! PEOPLE HOLDING THEIR BREATH!

AL: HE BOUNCES! HE COMES BACK IN!!!

FB: SLATER BENDS OVER FOR A BACK BODY DROP!!!

MH: PAGE FLIES INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING! TREY READY TO CATCH HIM...

AL: AND PAAAAAAAGGGGGGGEEEEEEE--

-----

------

-----

MH: SUNSET FLIP!!!

SUNSET FLIP!!!

SUNSET FLIP!!!

HE LEAPS UP AND OVER!

HE PULLS SLATER BY THE THIGHS!

SLATER FALLS DOWN BACKWARDS!

THE SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!

THE SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!

REFEREE INTO POSITION!

REFEREE SLIDES INTO POSITION!

"RRAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

CROWD GOING CRAZY!!!

ONE! (ONE!)

TWO!! (TWO!!)

THREE!!! (THREE!!!)

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

MH: IT'S OVER!!!

IT'S OVER!!!

IT'S OVER!!!

"RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

** DING! DING! DING! **

AL: IT'S ALL OVER! IT'S ALL OVER!

FB: I'M JUST STUNNED!

MB: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN... THE WINNER OF THE MATCH... AAAAAAANNNNNNNDDDDDDD...

...NEEEEEEEEEEWWWWW

...NATIONAL WRESTLING COUNCIL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!!!!!

BERMUDAAAAA

BILLLLLYYYYY

PAAAAAGGGGGEEEEE!!!!! "RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

MH: Oh my god! Oh my god!

AL: We have a new champion!

FB: We have a new champion!?

MH: Bermuda Billy Page is the new World Heavyweight Champion!

AL: That was simply...

FB: Beyond words.

MH: Exactly. Beyond words!

[With the fans going absolutely bonkers, the referee immediately rushes over to get the World title belt. Slater rolls out of the ring into the waiting arms of Alexia and Gabriel, while everyone else rushes INTO the ring! Charlie Nav, Cassidy O'Hollerin, Anton MacTavish, Spencer Sloan, Damon Hayes, Roadkill, D.A. Gordon, The Caretaker, Pelican Boy, Lee Clark, Ben Van Iten, Tomas Bailey, David Cooper... all rush into the ring. Nav immediately rushes to Page's side and lifts him to his feet. The look on his face is priceless.]

AL: Celebration time! This has been a dream realized, a destination reached, a successful journey for that young man right there, "Bermuda" Billy Page!

FB: [sarcastic] I'm speechless.

[He is the NEW World Heavyweight Champion!]

[The referee steps in behind him and straps on the belt. All the people in the ring are milling around... some ecstatic, others looking quite perturbed. Caretaker again does his best to hold back Pelican Boy, knowing full well this is neither the time nor the place. Lee Clark looks right at the new champ, as Page rubs his hands over the belt... Clark knowing that his time has probably come and gone. MacTavish is riling the crowd up, trying to get them onto their feet in praise of the champion. Gordon looks on with mixed emotions... both in his hatred of Page, but also in his pride of one of his boys bringing home the gold.]

[Hayes and Roadkill go up and congratulate the new champ, and you can see in his eyes that he is grateful. Charlie Nav then whispers in Page's ear, and makes a motion towards "The Advocation" Spencer Sloan... who grins at the new champ and holds up two fingers. Those two fingers symbolizing the two weeks Page will have as champion before coming to New England and taking on "The Advocation" at Three Ring Circus. Page just smirks and nods.]

[O'Hollerin, Hayes, Clark, and Roadkill all move to the ropes to go to leave. Pelican Boy becomes more insistent at going after Page, but now even David Cooper holds the birdman back. The fans keep going crazy, and Page soaks in every second of it. He looks around the ring at those who are here, and his eyes lock with Ben Van Iten. Ben Van Iten... the man who didn't show up to their match at Millenium Malice to determine the "franchise" of SCCW. BVI deciding instead to make an escape back to Hawaiian Islands Wrestling.] [BVI just stares at the man who now wears the World Title belt around his waist, and just shakes his head in disgust. Page can't help but smirk, and MacTavish gives BVI the old "oh well" shoulder hunch. Van Iten looks around the ring at all of the people standing there, and the moves forward right up to Page himself.]

AL: Uh oh.

MH: This is not good.

AL: Why do I get the feeling we're about to see their Millenium Malice match after all?

FB: Cause Page kept rubbing the fact that BVI didn't show up, in his face! If I was Van Iten, I'd take my shot right now too. Page is in no shape to defend himself.

MH: Yeah, but BVI also has a half-dozen people in the ring to contend with if he does.

FB: Pelican Boy would help him.

AL: I don't think Ben is that dumb.

[And sure enough, he isn't. He just stares into Page's eyes for a few seconds... the hatred that these two had for each other, still burning beneath their eyes. Billy reaches behind him and unsnaps the belt, and then holds it up in front of him... almost as if he's taunting BVI with it. For his credit, BVI just smiles a crooked grin, looks to his left to nod at MacTavish and Nav... to his right to nod to Sloan, Gordon, Cooper... and then turns on his heel to walk away.]

MH: And Ben Van Iten does the wise thing.

FB: Damn! I wanted to see them go at it!

AL: Sorry Frank. But Ben isn't that stupid.

MH: Bermuda Billy Page holds up his World Championship belt, grinning from ear-to-ear! He turns to MacTavish, raising the belt up and--

** THWACK!! **

AL: What the?!?

MH: PAGE JUST NAILED MACTAVISH WITH HIS BELT!!!

FB: I DON'T--

** THWACK!! **

MH: MY GOD!!! HE JUST TURNED AND NAILED D.A.GORDON!!!

** THWACK!! ** MH: THERE GOES CHARLIE NAV!!!

FB: AND LOOK! BEN VAN ITEN TURNS BACK TO FACE THEM ALL!!!

* WHAP! *

MH: VAN ITEN JUST KICKED COOPER IN THE FACE!!!

FB: YES!

["BOOOOOOOOOO!!"]

AL: WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON?!?

** THWACK!! **

** THWACK!! **

MH: PAGE IS INSANE!!! HE'S TAKING OUT EVERYBODY WITH HIS BELT!!! THEY'RE ALL DROPPING LIKE FLIES!!!

AL: AND WHOMEVER PAGE ISN'T GETTING, VAN ITEN IS!!!

FB: THIS IS SIMPLY--

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

AL: OH GOD NO!

MH: CHRIST! NOT THAT!

AL: PLEASE TELL ME THIS REALLY ISN'T HAPPENING!

MH: JW OSWALD!!! RUNNING TO THE RING!!!

AL: OH NO. NOT THIS. PLEASE BILLY... NOT THIS...

FB: OSWALD TO THE RING WITH A STEEL CHAIR!!! COLLIN MONTGOMERY RUSHING TO THE RING WITH HIS JUNOR CROWN TITLE!!!

MH: MACTAVISH TRYING TO GET UP--

** THWACK!! **

MH: HE'S TAKEN OUT!

AL: PELICAN BOY RUSHES THE CHAMP, BUT HERE COMES OSWALD!!!

** THWACK!! ** AL: NAILED HIM WITH A CHAIR!

MH: MONTGOMERY UP TO CHARLIE NAV--

** THWACK!! **

MH: SPENCER SLOAN! THE MAN WHO WILL BE FACING BILLY PAGE IN TWO WEEKS AT THREE RING CIRCUS! HE LOOKS AROUND--

** THWACK!! **

** THWACK!! **

** THWACK!! **

AL: DOWN HE GOES!!!

MH: THIS IS DISGUSTING!!!

["BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"]

FB: MY GOD!!! I NEVER EVEN SAW IT COMING!!!

["BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"]

MH: EVERYONE IS DOWN ON THE MAT! ALL THREE MEMBERS OF THE UPPERMOST ECHELON ARE STANDING IN THE RING, RIGHT IN FRONT OF BERMUDA BILLY PAGE!!

AL: Oh please no... Billy... tell me you didn't...

[We see Page smirking in the center on the ring... his belt... still covered in the dried blood of the former champion, Trey Slater... dangling from his hand. All around him are the various people who were standing by him not more that two minutes ago... all now lying in heaps on the canvas. As the crowd boos and boos and boos... Billy reaches up, grabs the edges of his "Pagezilla" tee shirt, and rips it from his chest to reveal an "Uppermost Echelon" tee shirt underneath.]

["BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"]

FB: Wow. He sure did. Damn. I have a new-found respect for him.

[JW Oswald steps over the bodies that are strewn around the ring. He demands a microphone from Buffer, who hands him one. Oswald then moves with mic in hand, over to the new champ. Page takes the microphone and then takes a long, hard look at the NWC World Heavyweight Title which now he holds in his hands. Page looks up at the crowd, with that smile still on his face.]

BBP: You know what? F[bleep]k YOU! [Garbage begins to be hurled into the ring as Page stands there and enjoys every minute of it. BVI suddenly walks up and hugs Page, as the two slap each other on the back. Oswald and Van Iten raise Page's hands from each side and Montgomery straps the NWC World Heavyweight Title around his waist.]

MH: This is sick.

FB: This is too cool.

AL: Shut up, Frank.

BBP: You know, Mr. Oswald here came up to me one day and laid it out for me. He made me realize that for me to reach this level, I would have to do the one thing that I thought could never happen to me in Vegas. I would have to leave you, the fans, the people I fought for every single night.

["BOOOOOOOOOO!!"]

MH: How one man can get such a pop to turn into such a chord of boos in one night is amazing.

AL: He doesn't care. Even all the celebrating we just did with him and his victory... he just doesn't care. Sonofa--

BBP: But I realized that you guys would never be there for me if I were to come up on the short end of the stick tonight. I knew that if I came into this match like I did the first time, without some type of plan, without some type of way to out master the enemy, I would screw it up again and you pieces of trash would be there to laugh in my face. Remember the first time I lost to Hayes, I went back to Missouri and life never was the same, because you all dumped me for the next challenger. You all completely forgot about me, after everything I did for you people!? Well, you know what, tonight is different because I realized all of you to be what you are, worthless, nine-to-five working pieces of crap!

["BOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"]

BB: And I'm World Champion because I didn't care anymore.

[A soda is thrown into the ring nailing Page in the head as it causes a pop from the fans, but Page just smiles.]

BBP: Hit me all you want with anything you got, because instead of going back to Vegas a chump, dumped by all of you bastards, I am going to be parading around the world as the NWC World Heavyweight Champion! Along with my boys Ben, JW, and Collin, as we show the world why we are indeed the UpperMOST Echelon, and why we rule the NWC world as you now know it. The NWC World Champion, The NWC J Crown Champion, The ICON JW Oswald, and THE FRANNCCHHHIIISSEEE...

["BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"]

BBP: You guys all fell for it! Every single one of you. You really think Ben chickened out at Millenium Malice? PLEASE! You've got to be kidding! It was all a part of the plan! HA HA! AND LET ME TELL YOU ALL SOMETHING... HE IS THE FRANCHISE OF NOT ONLY HAWAIIAN ISLAND WRESTLING... THE FRANCHISE OF NOT ONLY THE CITY OF SIN-

[The crowd throws more trash, as Page actually praises Ben Van Iten.]

BBP: BUT THE NWC'S WHOLE F[bleep]ING FRANCHISE!!! BEN& VAN& ITEN!!!!

[Page and BVI embrace one more time, laughing it up at the fans watching as the four men stand in a line holding up each others arms as they sit on top of the National Wrestling Council in the middle of the ring.]

MH: I don't understand.

AL: How could he do it?

FB: Easy. And it got him the World title!

MH: HE HAD THE WORLD TITLE EVEN BEFORE HE DID IT!!!

AL: HE DIDN'T NEED TO SELL HIS SOUL TO GET THAT BELT!!!

FB: You guys just don't understand.

MH: No. I guess we don't.

AL: What a way to end our pay-per-view. To watch as Bermuda Billy Page climbs out of the ring with the three most despicable men on the planet.

FB: Three men who also happen to be two former World champions, and the current J- Crown champion. They know what it takes to win.

MH: They know what it takes to rip all of our hearts out.

AL: And stomp them into the ground.

FB: Damn right they do. And I'm quite glad to know them.

MH: You are disgusting. You know that?

FB: Every day of my life.

AL: It's just unbelievable.

MH: Folks, we'll be back right after this, with the finals of the Road To Purgatory Tournament! Hunter Sabuani, Hyuk Suh Kim.. which competitor wins the riches and the fame?

FB: Iron Man Rules, Baby! Woooohoooooo!

AL: THAT is the big one, Marcus! MH: After ALL we've seen.. after ALL we've witnessed.. so many matches, nearly every one a Main Event in their own right, in this most historic of historic Supercards.. it's finally time.

AL: Time to find out everything, perhaps?

MH: Exactly.

FB: So many mysteries, questions unanswered.. but to me? The only mystery is how Ray "Not Again" Pierce managed to pull off that big locker-room scene, with a tape recording and an extra, or something!

AL: Fans, we'll be right back with the finale of "NWC: Purgatory:" The Seventh Level, right after this!

AL: Here we go, guys. The big one.

MH: Indeed. The Purgatory Pay-Per-View had a simple premise.. to determine between one side, commonly perceived as good, and the other side, commonly perceived as evil.

FB: You figured that out, huh?

MH: In order to make that determination, the parties set up a tournament, "The Road To Purgatory", which will award someone with a World Title Opportunity, but maybe more importantly, decide once and for all who is in control of the National Wrestling Council.

AL: There's a lot more than even THAT on the line, Marcus. It's about tradition. It's about history. It's about heritage. All of it that we KNOW Schukar has taken a crap on, and we DON'T know who this Alex Pierce guy is..

FB: Wait. Do we even get to find out, even if he "loses" this match? We saw The Mystery Entrant go into two rounds, wearing a mask, and he lost to Eugene Robinson, right?

AL: Do go on. An original thought!

FB: Shutup, jackass! Anyway, Mystery walked right on out of here, without unmasking! I'm saying.. couldn't Mr. Alex over there get away with a cop-out like that, too?

MH: Well, earlier we saw Ray confronted by the real Alex, so I'd say no, Major! Alex Pierce, whoever it may be, is IN the Purgatory Complex and will _likely_ make his presence felt for this match, one of the most titanic importance in our organization's long, storied history.

FB: Or, maybe there's a connection between Pierce and the Entrant? But that would mean ther- naw!

[You can almost hear Barr struggling to form any ideas on the subject.]

AL: Regardless, this is as dramatic.. as spectacular a final as you could have possibly created from the entrants Pierce and CS chose. Pierce's representative, Hyuk Suh Kim, made it to this Iron Man Final by making Michael Bold submit, beating Colby Fairchild, and outlasting Maxton "Stainless Steel" Rainstone in an electrifying Pierce Bracket Final!

MH: And his opponent? The Raja. The Sultan. The King. The Great One? Hunter Sabuani. His own Road To Purgatory involved a stiff first round opponent, former World Champion Ben Van Iten.

FB: I remember that match! It seems like SO long ago!

AL: Then, he somehow managed to keep Blade down for a ten-count in their Texas Death Match, and, in what may have been the most thrilling match on this card, survived the onslaught of Eugene Robinson after a VERY dramatic back-and-forth slugfest.

Voice: Are you overpaid hacks done yet?

MH: I know that voice!

FB: Schukie! Hahahaha!

AL: Fans, it appears that none other than NWC Executive Director Chris Schukar is in our Purgatory Ring. He's been very scarce in the week leading up to this card, and over the two nights. It's speculated that's because his top priority is keeping his plans for tonight secret.

MH: Al, if he's got plans, he better go with them now! We're almost done!

AL: You forget. To him, this is the only match that matters. To him, this is the contest that _ends_ the contest for majority control of the Council.

[Shot changes to the ringside area. The lighting is dim, very unspectacular for the type of setup this half-shell thing has prepared. After the crowd settles down a bit, we see Executive Director Schukar, dressed to the utmost in his oversized, charcoal grey business suit. He takes a brief moment to survey the crowd.]

["BOOOOOOOOOO!!!"]

MH: That'll answer it for ya, C-S!

[On a slight cue from Schukar's hand, the spotlight travels downward, illuminating the wonderfully jeweled commemorative gold belt he wears. Upon close up, it is known to be the GWA's World Heavyweight Championship. It is majestic, yet arrogant as it reflects the spotlight glow so brilliantly.]

CS: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. As far as you all are concerned, you can think of this as the part of the show where you get to meet the ringmaster!

[Chris throws two arms into the air, victoriously.]

CS: And tonight, it's time for the finals of the Road To Purgatory Tournament! If my bracket's champion, Hunter Sabuani.. [Loud, but obviously mixed response. You can never tell, these days.]

CS: ..picks up a victory here, I gain control of Ken Nemesis' shares of the National Wrestling Council's, thus his power on the Executive Committee. My power would, and will be, unquestioned and untouchable.

["BOOOOOO!!!!"]

CS: Yes, yes.. scream your damn lungs out. But it won't change a thing! And for your limited enthusiasm about the New Era's coronation ceremony tonight, I have a special surprise!

MH: A surprise!?

FB: You know something, he's really changed.

AL: [sarcastic] Are you for real?

CS: Tonight, in this final Road To Purgatory contest.. the special referee will be.. YOURS TRULY!

[The announcers groan. A scattered, negative response emits from the audience. Most just aren't sure what to make of it, and want to see the match already.]

CS: Thank you! And, as the referee, I will decide when the match is over, and how it is contested throughout!

["BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!"]

AL: HE CAN'T DO THAT!

FB: He just did!

MH: Unbelievable. [sigh]

CS: Ladies and Gentlemen.. our next contest, is an Iron Man, or anything else I may happen to decide, Rules Matchup.. the overall finals of the "Road To Purgatory" TOURNAMENT!!

[POP! The anticipation is definitely built up, all the fans are on their feet. Except some locals on the Party Barge, but that's neither here nor there.]

THE FINALS

FB: The two people who'll just cut Buffer off and replace him entirely, respectively, Sabuani and Schukar! That's something you gotta love, Harden!

MH: [low] Yeah. Great.

CS: Is everyone ready for this one?

FB: Quick. Who's your pick? Harden?

MH: PHS. This is not the first time he's been in an Iron Man match on NWC PPV -- he lost three falls to two to Damon Hayes at CW99. He knows what to expect, how to stretch time out, and he's going to have to do so against a moderately fresher Hyuk Suh Kim.

FB: I said quick!

CS: FIRST.. REPRESENTING THE ALEX PIERCE BRACKET, FROM GEORGIA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING.. HYUK SUH KIMMMM!!!!

[The lights dim, then go out completely. For the fourth time, wind blows from the PA system.]

AL: What a surprise this kid has been.

MH: Didn't surprise me!

FB: [groan]

["High Roller" by The Crystal Method fires into the darkness. A spotlight highlights the entryway. And it highlights the emerging Hyuk.]

AL: Hyuk Suh Kim, the crowd favorite here. Here he comes, listen to this place!

[The crowd is on their feet. Cheering. Kim does not acknowledge them, moving with measured strides on down the aisle. Hyuk's expression says nothing. It doesn't show the fear he must have. Or the excitement. Kim hides all of it, moving as he would any other match.]

MH: He's got a good chance, too!

AL: Okay, Marcus. Look at the concentration.

[Kim paces up ringsteps. Kim enters the ring. It's all familiar at this point. But, then, something strange happens. Hyuk comes at Buffer, taking his microphone.] FB: Oh sweet Jesus, no! Not a Hyuk interview!

MH: Heh.

HSK: [calmly] Hunter. This match comes as no surprise to me. Tonight, nothing changes. There is nothing you can do. There is nothing that can save you. And no one.

[Pause.]

HSK: I am like the wind . . . and you will not see me coming.

[Thump. Yay.]

FB: Well folks, he's like the wind. You heard it here first.

CS: AND HIS OPPONENT! THE WINNER OF MY BRACKET.. REPRESENTING THE COTERIE, THIS IS "PEEEERLESS!" HUNTER! SAAAABUUUAAAAANNNNNIIIIII!!!!

[Out go the lights for the billion and first time tonight.]

[Cue "King of the Ring" from Innercorse and a bucketload of boos from this crowd. The big screen flashes with a word, but too fast for the crowd to see it for sure. Then darkness again. Then the word. Then darkness.]

FB: Here he comes! This man survived THREE brutal massacres called hardcore matches to get to right here, right now!

[Now the flickering comes faster, the Peerless appearing and disappearing with every beat of the ong. The curtain is pushed aside for a tired looking Sabuani, even as a pyro explosion emanates from both sides of the aisle, rattling off like machine guns in the increasingly late Venice night, black-purple and gold spark-spigots shot into the night.]

[Sabuani is dressed in formal, familiar black and midnight-blue tights, the only item in his hand is an extra large bottle of water, part of which he pours over his head as he steps through.]

MH: Here is a man who has been through hell this weekend, fans. He has been beaten to HELL in the Schukar bracket, and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. [chuckle]

Barr: Fact is, he's still here, Harden. None of them could put him down.

AL: Fact is, he's still here because of *them*, Barr.

[The "them" in question are the people coming out through the curtain in Sabuani's wake. The Diminutive Dynamo leads the Coterie out in Sabuani's wake, revving her wheelchair on the stage with a big grin. Beside her comes The Big C, Lucille and black denim bag in hand, his Armani-shaded eyes cold in the face of the small swell of cheers for the crowd, though with the amount of damage they've done, the boos are almost overwhelming.]

Barr: [singing] The Boys Are Back In Town! [Next through is Katsidy in a pink tube top and button-front cardigan, her hair piled up on her head in a teased-out ponytail. She merrily hops towards the Peerless One, extending a hand for Hunter. She's ignored by the Peerless One as he turns and grins at his troops...]

[...and they're not alone.]

MH: Oh, give me a break !

[Following O'Hollerin, Katsidy and Sicarii are the others; Thorsen and the rest flank out from the entrance, even Scorn is there, though the evil Hate Bringer definitely shows signs of the mammoth amounts of damage he took in the crucifixion match.]

AL: Oh, great. There goes our chances for a fair Final.

MH: With Schukar deciding what happens, did you think it'd be fair, anyway? [grumble]

[But Sabuani and the Coterie are met at the base of the aisle by our angry, dominating referee. Schuk's confident and full of attitude in the Peerless One's face, and the coldness he's met with doesn't do much to damper his enthusiasm.]

[Over the noise and the raucous song, it's hard to make out what the two are saying, but CS is increasingly vehement, not backing down at Sabuani's words or the dulcet promises of Katsidy. The Exec signals to Buffer in the ring and to Buffer, who is grinning outright, raises the microphone to his lips.]

MB: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has informed me that the Coterie has until a count of ten to vacate the premises or Hunter Sabuani will be DISQUALIFIED once per minute they remain!

MH: Why would he do that!?

FB: He's all about fairness, I have to add! He wants his moment, and he wants it unquestioned, like he said! Weren't you listening, Marcus?

[Buffer's announcement is sure to get a response from the crowd, as Sabuani will be left to his own devices. Mr. Schukar backs off slightly, raising one finger in the air. The crowd counts along.]

AL: Alright! ALRIGHT! The Coterie are gone! The Coterie have been banned!

Crowd: TWO!!!

MH: Sabuani is beside himself! Sabuani is screaming at the referee!!

Crowd: THREE!!!

MH: He ain't backing down, either! Not tonight, not any night! Get them outta here and let's see if Sabuani can win this one by himself!

Crowd: FOUR!!! [Finally, Katsidy lays a hand on Sub's shoulder, which is quickly shrugged off. Even people who *can't* read lips can understand he just shouted "WHAT?" at the Siren.]

Crowd: FIVE!!!

[She grins a little, unflinching in Hunter's rage as she leans up close to whisper something in his ear.]

Crowd: SIX!!!

[Slowly, the Raja grins.]

MH: Is he gonna go for it? A fair finish, for all the marbles?

Crowd: SEVEN!!!

[And the rest is easy; Hunter waves off the Coterie with a flick of his wrist and, some reluctant, others not so, they back off and down the aisle.]

Crowd: EIGHT!!

[Katsidy stays, however, having a few words with the Executive before he, reluctantly, nods. Sabuani's grin is visceral, but he doesn't see his opponent in the ring...]

AL: Interesting turn of events, there! It's gonna be a final, and Schukar will referee it himself, but there WILL be no Coterie interference! Fans, we get a winner here, plain and simple! This one is gonna go down in the history books!

MH: And I can't wait!

[DING! DING! DING!]

AL: There's the bell! This one's underway!

[We take a quick look at the Purgatory Jumbotron. It has a large, prominent clock graphic that just started counting down from "30:00". Above it, in even larger, thick white lettering, is a tally of the falls scored by each man in this Iron Man Matchup.]

HSK: 0 PHS: 0

Time: 29:15

FB: Wow! It's dumbed-down to the fullest! MH: Hyuk charges instinctively, and he's sidestepped by Sabuani! PHS practically throws Kim into the buckle, and charges! CLOTHESLINE!

AL: That's a quick start! He's got his arch enemy's head, he tucks it in, lifts! To the top rope! Sabuani just set Kim up on the top rope, and the match just started!

FB: But it's like a late-match scenario, because both men have wrestled three times in the last two days, twice already tonight! For Sabuani, he had no-rules, hardcore matches to get through!

AL: He certainly had enough help. Kim with a palm thrust, stunning Sabuani back. He leaps, spinwheel kick from the buckle! HUGE move by the Samurai!

MH: HSK gets steam built up again, and jumps to the second turnbuckle, facing away from Sabuani! WHOA! A quick springboard MOONSAULT!

AL: WHAT A TERRIFIC MOVE!

MH: THE COVER!

FB: A fall, already!?

[Schukar drops to count.]

1......

2......

[KICKOUT!]

AL: Hunter kicks out, with little difficulty!

MH: His eyes were open, waiting on the last moment to catch his breath! That's the name of the game at this stage, when you're this exhausted, when _this_much_ is on the line.

AL: Kim has Sabuani up, and he gives him a menacing glare, before executing a swinging neckbreaker! Textbook execution on that move, right there!

MH: You're not kidding, Al! AL: The former GCW Heavyweight, and current Southern Heritage Champ, Hyuk Suh Kim, does have a win over Hunter Sabuani to his credit. That mean he knows Sabuani's bag of tricks very we-

FB: Speak too soon!

MH: Eye-Gouge by the "Peerless" One! He went straight to the face, and blinded Kim! He grabs a headlock, and moves with it, turning away from Schukar. Quick right hands, right to the bridge of the nose!

FB: Does it really matter?

AL: What matters is it's vicious, and Kim may already be bloody in this one!

[Cut to the Jumbo Tron for an update.]

HSK: 0 PHS: 0

Time: 24:48

MH: Sabuani with a chop to the chest, and a series of kicks to the midsection! He's gonna do as much damage as he can, to bloody and wind this man!

AL: HSK swings up with a European Uppercut, connecting! Hunter staggers! HSK shuffles back, and sets up on the second rope!

MH: NICE!

AL: FLYING FOREARM!

FB: Sabuani's down, and this time his eyes AREN'T open!

MH: Another cover by Kim!

1......

2......

AL: SHOULDER UP!

MH: Sabuani's SO exhausted, you can tell! I think Kim DOES have more, here, and my pick may have been wrong, Major!

FB: Why!?

MH: It seems like Hyuk Suh is playing some cat-and-mouse, and when he sees an opening, he EXPLODES on it with a high-risk manuever! One of these times, Sabuani's gonna get knocked unconscious, as much as it may not be his own fault, and that's it!

[Hyuk Suh Kim signals to the audience, before going out to the apron. He prepares for a moment, then slingshots himself into a high-velocity somersault legdrop!]

AL: What a MOVE!

MH: I'm tellin' ya now, one of these time's he'll have a fall!

AL: You may be right, but remember, Schukar's right there in the ring and I don't know if-

FB: No cover! He just kneels by Hunter's face, and he's got a handful of hair! He pulls that head up and he's CRUSHING him with Palm Strikes!

MH: Kim lifts Sabuani to his feet, and that took a lot of assistance!

AL: Irish whip to the ropes, HSK backs in the opposite, flying shoulderblock!

MH: He just SPEARED him in mid-air, that's what it was! Amazing move!

FB: He wants a damn pin again!

1......

KICKOUT!

MH: Hunter's out after ONE!

AL: That's what I call a statement! He's telling Hyuk Suh he can take everything he's got to dish out, and apparently his only strategy can be to hope that Kim's tank reaches empty..

MH: And fast! Hunter is locked up with him now, side-headlock, spun around into the back chicken-wing.. PHS looks to escape, tries the back elbow!

FB: Tag him! Right in the kisser, man! No, I mean Schukar!

[Shot goes to the Jumbo-Tron for a Fall Count and Time Update.]

HSK: 0 PHS: 0

Time: 16:59

AL: Hyuk ducks the elbow! He locks his arms together around the stomach, and executes a MASSIVE Belly-To-Belly Suplex! Standing... and a STANDING MOONSAULT!

MH: GEEZ!

[THUD!]

FB: Explosive impact on that series of moves.. and Hyuk is scaling to the second rope! FLYING HEADBUTT!

MH: More calculated, high-risk impact from the Pierce Champion!

AL: He locks him into a submission! Half chicken-wing and the-chinlock! Body Scissors! What a hold he's got him in here!

MH: And the Little Samurai that Could has a lot left, because he's writhing his back to position Hunter away from the ropes!

AL: He wants this to be a lesson in pain for the "Peerless" One!

FB: The man's interviews are the real lesson in pain, Alpo!

AL: He wrenches the hold! Mr. Referee isn't really there, but he's in the vicinity. We can tell Hunter's giving up, but not only what you said, bro, HSK wants a submission to go up one- nothing in this Iron Man Final! [Something like two or three minutes passes by, uneventfully, with Kim gripping the submission hold with textbook precision. Hunter's face is filled with pain and agony, but he seems predisposed to the notion that he will NOT submit, and seems captive to the pain.]

AL: Time's ticking, Kim!

MH: But there's just nowhere for Sabuani to go, here! He's desperately far from the ropes, and Kim's basically got control of all his movement!

FB: He'll let go after a while, won't he? It would be boring..

[Sabuani is still struggling to escape the hold, as the crowd starts to get behind him somewhat. The prowess displayed by Hyuk Suh Kim in keeping him stable in the middle of the ring is downright inspiring.]

MH: That's not the thinking at all, Frank. Fact is, it would basically cripple Hunter Sabuani at this point after all he's been through, give HSK a fall, and Sabuani would be powerless to fight back to even the falls!

AL: WHOA! HUNTER WITH A BACK HEADBUTT!

MH: AND ANOTHER! OUCH!

FB: He bloodied Hyuk's nose! That's how serious it is.. he'll use a brutal, desperate counter to escape!

MH: The hold is broken! And Hyuk's nose may be, too!

AL: He's on his stomach now, holding it! Sabuani's up, and he's kicking away angrily at HSK's back!

MH: The Peerless One drops an elbow! Now he leads Kim to his feet... IRISH WHIP! COUNTERED BY KIM!

[Gasp!]

AL: Kim shoots to the opposite ropes again.. Flying Shoulderbl- NO! POWERSLAM BY SABS! WHATTA REVERSAL!

FB: OOOMPH!

MH: Amazing mid-air counter, and it's surprising to see Kim go for the same high-risk move twice!

AL: I was thinking the same thing!

MH: It's curious, is all. He has a full, complete arsenal of impact moves from any wrestling style, Lucente!

FB: Ask him about them now, while he's on the canvas! AL: Right hand! Another stiff punch to the face of Kim, as Sabuani plants one knee in his chest!

MH: He picks the man who once beat him, up... DDT! Major impact on that snap DDT manuever by Sabuani!

FB: How much time's left, douchebags?

[Shot changes to the Jumbo Tron, for another time update.]

HSK: 0 PHS: 0

Time: 11:04

MH: Just a little over ten minutes left to go in this contest! Both men have been at a stalemate, thus far, but Hyuk Suh Kim seems to have the more energy in reserve!

AL: You can't blame Sabuani, though, for having to wrestle in a hardcore bracket! He took all kinds of crazy, sick moves out on the outside, where Pierce won't even let his competitors wrestle!

FB: Yeah! What kinda bull[bleep] is that?

MH: Sabuani performs an arm drag and twist, holding Kim's arm away from his body! He tries a hook kick, but Hyuk ducks under.

AL: Sub twists around, ducks a clothesline and dropkicks at the knee! Nice counter!

FB: Whoosh!

AL: Hyuk is staggered - bigtime!

MH: Sabuani stalks his prey.. and doubles him over with a kick to the midsection! He lifts him up in a scoop slam!

AL: Hyuk gets out the back! He's got his head cradled!

MH: WHOA!

AL: HUGE REVERSE DDT!

MH: Sabuani got taken COMPLETELY by surprise, there! We just saw a five-star counter by Hyuk Suh Kim, and it's just great to see competitors that kno- AL: The Cover!

1......

2......

3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MH: That's it! HSK GETS FALL ONE!

[Sabuani lunges up, a moment too late. He's EXTREMELY pissed when he sees the fall registered.]

HSK: 1 PHS: 0

Time: 9:17

AL: One Fall To Zero! Hyuk's in the lead!

MH: What an amazing reversal, Al! He slipped out behind a scoop slam, right at a split second! Hunter didn't see it coming until-

FB: Until he was being DDTed!?

MH: Exactly! Hyuk isn't really stopping to celebrate, though! AL: Hunter is regaining his composure. The "Peerless One" has some life left, and it may have just been a miscalculation of Schukar's count that cost Sabuani a fall there! He didn't look like he was "out", you know what I mean?

MH: Yes! Yes I do!

FB: [mock vomiting sound]

AL: And Sabuani is back on his feet! AMAZING! That's quite a display of resilience, over the long and short term.. I'm impressed..

MH: So is Hyuk! He looked a little stunned.. but he swings with an enziguiri.. DUCKED! Kim flops on the mat! Hunter grabs a leg quickly!

AL: He pulls that leg away and drops the other arm.. ELBOW!

MH: LOOW ELBOW!

FB: OUUUCH!

AL: A legdrop! The cover, by Sabuani!

1......

2......

THRE-

MH: NO!!! SHOULDER UP!

AL: JUST BARELY, MARCUS! JUST BARELY!

MH: BOTH MEN! BOTH MEN ARE EXTREMELY TIRED!

FB: I'm tired of hearing you guys yell! Daaa-aamn! [Shot switches to the Jumbo-Tron for an update.]

HSK: 1 PHS: 0

Time: 7:50

AL: Sabuani picks the man up! PERFECT END- NO!

MH: Hyuk Suh FLOATS OVER! He hooks him in! DDT!!!

["RAAAAHHH!"]

AL: WHAT A MOVE!

MH: He drilled him, and again, he caught Sabuani completely by surprise when he least expected it! This has been such a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle!

[Both men are down, motionless in the ring. Schukar is vaguely, halfway pretending to execute some kind of ten-count. Well, not really.]

AL: We're at a standstill, but one that benefits the GCW Southern Heritage Champion! If Hyuk can hold on for nine more minutes, he's got the World Title Shot and Alex Pierce wins control of the NWC!

FB: That means you keep your job, Al! [sarcastic] Yeah, baby!

MH: Both men are down!

AL: SHUT UP, BARR!

MH: What a match, thus far! A tremendous finale to this Pay-Per-View!

AL: We're far from the finish, Marcus. This one's got a good six, five minutes left? I don't know, but I know that Kim's in good shape.. although bloody. Sabuani definitely came into this with less in the gas tank, and it may cost Schukar bigtime!

[STILL no movement from the participants. The cheering is picking up, to urge these enduring warriors to their feet to continue their struggle, against each other, against time.]

FB: What would you know?

AL: Kim's moving! He's rolled over, and he's resting on his forearms!

MH: Nothing from Sabuani, though! FB: Time? TIME?

[The pop continues, and now Hunter is beginning to move somewhat. We switch to the Jumbo Tron for an update!]

HSK: 1 PHS: 0

Time: 5:03

MH: It's coming down to the wire! Sabuani! Kim! Sabuani! Kim! Who's gonna take it?

AL: Right now, Kim's ahead!

FB: We KNOW that, jackass!

MH: Sabuani on his knees, coming over towards Kim, a dropping forearm smash! And he rolls over, and begins choking him against the bottom rope!

AL: Just the picture of this, right now.. this is what the Road To Purgatory was about! It came down to two men, with nothing left at ALL, struggling just to choke one another on the bottom rope because they can't even walk!

[Sabuani rakes the eyes of HSK, and backs off for a second, gasping. Kim grabs hold of the second rope, pulling himself to his knees.]

FB: Al, I think you might be right, for once. There is some despair to the end of this match.. they both want it, but they've been tested SO much!

MH: Sabuani! Sabuani with what must be his fiftieth-wind of the Tournament, and he half- dashes over, jumping dropkick!

AL: Kim goes out of the ring!

MH: Wait! The crowd's buzzing and looking at the ai- WHOA! MISS MADISION!

AL: MADISON IS HERE!

FB: Hellloooo Nurse!

[Madi comes down the aisle to a slight cheer; on one hand, we're in Italy, on the other, she's not done more than be vocal in her support for Hyuk. She's wearing an oversized white cotton dress shirt tucked into simple (if snug) jeans. She gets a chair and shows it to Sub.] FB: What's she doing!?

AL: Hyuk's down on the outside, and nearly at the FEET of Miss Madison, who just lifted a chair up - wait!

FB: She didn't! Hyuk's getting it!

MH: AND SHE'S GIVING IT TO HIM!

AL: Here comes Hyuk! With the chair, sliding into the ring! Sabuani's backing up, and begging off - Here's Katsidy! There's a confrontation on the outside! Madison! Katsidy!

FB: [without ANY hesitation] CATFIGHT!

AL: Just pointing fingers, though, but they're doing more than that in the ring! Stay out of the way, Schuk.. or don't! HSK's swing ducked by Hunter, low blow! LOW BLOW!

MH: He kicked him RIGHT where it matters!

[Barr laughs out loud, spitting up some drink.]

FB: That wasn't a bad line, junior!

AL: Sabuani sets up.. OH NO! THERE IT IS! THE PERFECT ENDING!

MH: PERFECT ENDING ON THE STEEL CHAIR!

FB: IS IT LEGAL!? F[BLEEP], WHO CARES!

AL: Schukar is RIGHT there! The Cover!

1......

2......

3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HUGE Pop!]

AL: HE GOT HIM!

MH: Incredible turn of fate for Kim! Madison gave him the chair, but maybe the karma came back around on him for once!

FB: This one's even, baby! What are we gonna do if there's a tie?

HSK: 1 PHS: 1

Time: 2:03

MH: That's the question I want an answer to, because there's only TWO MINUTES LEFT!

["RAAAAAHHHHHHH!!"]

AL: Truly amazing final, here. If it does make it to the end, tied, the match we're watching now goes down in the history books as one of the greatest ever, without a doubt.

MH: Let's not look ahead.. there's still time for Sabuani! He's had Kim reeling in the corner, and now he wants to try a high risk move! I don't know what, though..

FB: The Hunter Bomb! Do The Hunter Bomb, Hunter!

[Kim is set up on the top rope, by Sabuani, facing out and towards the crowd. A belly-to- back superplex, perhaps?]

AL: Elbow by Kim! Sabuani FALLS! MH: Great move!

AL: PHS dives right back up with a flurry of punches inward to the abdomen! Hyuk isn't gonna get turned around, now! Look at Hunter's immediate, unwavering resilience..

MH: Elbows and a kick by Kim! Hunter isn't going to be moved from his position! There's not much TIME LEFT!

AL: Not at ALL! WHOAA!!!!! HERE THEY GO!

MH: SABUANI HOOKS KIM! HE LIFTS! HE LIFTS!

FB: LOOK OUUUUUT!!

[-SLAM!-]

MH: AMAZING! A BELLY-TO-BACK SUPERPLEX!

AL: BOTH MEN ARE OUT!

[The crowd is on its feet for this memorable performance by these athletes who have been before them so frequently during this event. It is, indeed, the rousing ovation this ending deserves from a more-than-satisfied audience.]

FB: They're both DEAD is more like it!!

AL: Neither is moving! But they're still tangled up, in a heap on the mat!

MH: THERE'S -NO- TIME! THERE'S -NO- TIME!

HSK: 1 PHS: 1

Time: :09

AL: KATSIDY! MADISON! BOTH ARE POUNDING THE MAT FOR ALL THEY'RE WORTH!

["RAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!"]

AL: THE EXEC IS THERE..

1!

AL: -WHO- IS PINNING -WHO-!?

2!!!

MH: I DON'T KNOW!

[We see it perfectly, from the birds-eye view. Sabuani's shoulder darts up, if only a mere three or four inches off the mat.]

3!!!

FB: WHO WON!?

MH: I'M NOT SURE!

[A series of small, popping smoke explosions signifies the end of the Iron Man Match's time period. The crowd simply continues its standing ovation, even in their pure confusion over the winner.]

MH: THAT'S IT! IT'S OVER! IT'S OVER!

[The replay is shown, from that view, in the corner of our screen. We see Schukar, simply on his knees in the middle of the ring, his hands clenched and held to the sky in a poignant image. We cut to a shot of Katsidy, estatic on the outside. She rolls into the ring, immediately going to console her man with a kiss.] AL: SABUANI WON! HE GOT A SHOULDER UP!

FB: Terrific, terrific finish! Hot damn!

MH: Truly amazing match, guys! Truly amazing CARD!

FB: Subby wins it! The damn bastard survived this whole thing, and he's the Road To Purgatory Champion! What's more, the National Wrestling Council is now Schukar's to control!

MH: [deep sigh] Yes, that's also what comes of this.

AL: My sentiments exactly, Marcus. But let's be positive about it. This was a great match, Sabuani won it even though most would say he had less coming in, and he's just avenged his loss to Hyuk Suh Kim!

MH: It is definitely a Coterie celebration, now, just like the World Title aftermath was an Uppermost Echelon one. The various members are coming out to the ring, right now! It's a party for the Road To Purgatory Champion, "Peerless" Hunter Sabuani!

FB: The Tournament is Over!? I thought it'd never end. That's kinda.. sad.

AL: You're sad it's over?

[The crowd continues its applause as Madison consoles Kim, and a group of four or five Coterie allies helps Hunter out of the ring. They've already brought the champagne, and the pyrotechnics and loud, whizzing fireworks fill the scene, to it's utmost, with the victory he's achieved.]

MH: What's next on our itinerary? We're not getting the go-ahead to close out the show. But, this Road To Purgatory Iron Man Finals match, which is now over, was the last match we had scheduled!

AL: We haven't found out anything about Pierce, and Schukar hasn't gotten a chance to make any statements on the mic. But, the latter is for the better.

FB: He's certainly happy, though! He still hasn't left that ring yet!

MH: [dry] Yes, I'm sure. Many months of grief pouring out, here.

[The Coterie continues their celebration, as we cut to commercial.]

MH: We're back, fans! I've just been told this small bit of time we have left, in the Pay-Per- View feed, is for Schukar's victory speech. [Most of the applause has died down, yet the suspense still remains. Executive Director Schukar stands in middle ring, confidently holding the microphone. Is this his moment, finally?]

FB: He DID win the bracket! And Sabuani's got to be way too tired to give a speech, so why not?

AL: Did you really just say that, Barr?

[SKEEVBOOOOOOM!]

[The celebration is cut short abruptly by a thunderclap that shakes the Purgatory Complex down to the ground beneath the bleachers. Schukar's head snaps up and around as the lights spiral off, one section at a time, counterclockwise.]

MH: WHOA !

[A familiar, hissing voice cuts through the speakers; the same voice that last taunted Raymond Pierce earlier tonight. The voice of Alex Pierce.]

AP: Don't think it's over, Chris. Don't think you've won, don't think you've slapped your pretty little trophy on your pretty little champion and think that just because Hyuk has fallen tonight... that we will all not rise up again.

[Quickly, the only light in the entire complex comes from the bank of lights over the ring. Schukar stands unafraid, the Schuk Security at his side almost seething in rage.]

AL: Here it is! The man has won control, but he's still got a significant roadblock in his way! The enigma of Alex Pierce!

CS: Enough games, Pierce. I'm tired of emissaries, I'm tired of champions, I'm tired of sheriffs and diving at shadows. I've beaten you. I've beaten you at your own game, but for the first time, I don't get to see you. I don't get to see you out here, broken and bleeding at the feet of the New Era. So show yourself. Show me Alex Pierce. Show me the man I can never find.

[There's a mocking tint to Alex's disembodied voice, something more expected from a wry upturn of the lips.]

AP: Do you want to know, Schukar? Do you *really* want to know?

CS: No. I *deserve* to know! I deserve a trophy. I deserve a victory, goddamnit!

AP: Do you want to know, fans?

[There's a dull roar from the crowd, eager and pensive at once. They can't decide if this is a game or not.]

AP: Then the fans' wish is my command. Close your eyes, Schukar. [Nothing from the Executive Director. He just sneers.]

CS: We don't have time for your games, *boy*.

AP: [a quiet sigh] Then I will have to close them for you.

[Blip.]

["RAAAAAHHHHHH!!"]

[Pop! The arena is in darkness, completely swathed in shadow, for a long moment. Roving spotlights no thicker than a basketball lance through the darkness, bouncing off Schukar and his troops.]

[There is silence.]

[Then...]

[BOOM!!]

[A white-hot magnesium explosion engulfs the ring, sending the fans and Schukar to blinking. That voice echoes again, this time much closer.]

AP: I am here now, Schukar. But I do not think I will be bowing and scraping anytime soon.

[And their eyes clear slowly.]

MH: There's someone else in the ring, fans! There's a figure in the ring... I can't quite make it out... it's...

AL: Look! Look! But who IS that? It's not Ray Pierce or Bastian, I'll tell you that.

MH: It's...

.....

[Stunned crowd roar, equal parts shock, awe and exhilaration. When the light clears and the spotlights fall atop the ring again, Schukar and his security are joined by one other.]

[One other with long wisps of rust-red hair.]

[One other swathed in white save the gloves wrapped around the figure's hand.]

[One other with a slight smile on their face.]

[One other whose gray eyes bore into Schukar.]

[One other named...]

MH: DESADE!? DESADE !! ALEX PIERCE IS DESADE?? ALEX PIERCE IS _DESADE_??

AL: OH MY GOD!

[The crowd's cheer only raises as the Ops' theme song, "Pigz" from Las Cruces, picks up throughout the arena. Yes, it is Desade who stands in the ring, microphone tightly clutched in her hand. She is dressed in starkly white slacks and a white blouse that's only slightly unbuttoned, her wild hair tumbling over her features and partially obscuring those steely gray eyes.]

[Schukar is dumbfounded, his mouth hangs open, his eyes are wide. This was clearly the last person that he expected to see. Desade's smile creeps a tad wider, angrier.]

Desade: I am Alex Pierce, Christopher. I warned you I was your nightmare, I warned you you would never be rid of me. I warned you I would haunt you. But never did you listen. Never did you open your eyes. You, much like my brother, *never* thought that it could be anyone else but a man. Anyone else but an arrogant man making arrogant plans that fell apart because Hyuk Suh Kim could not quite escape tonight.

[Desade steps closer; there's no consideration of personal space. Schukar is duly shocked, almost trembling from the revelation.]

Desade: I bet you're happy now.. I bet that somewhere in that mind, you realize you have beaten me. All your problems are over, yes? I will just go away, fade back into the mists that took away my precious LSW and you will be unopposed. I will be forgotten, and you will write off my revolution as a mere blip in your path, much like when Shawn Arrows defeated me to retain his title.

[The two are nearly nose to nose now; Desade's half-hidden eyes are unblinking.]

Desade: Think again.

[Schukar's smirk does find his lips again, cold and hard and disbelieving.]

Desade: Though I have no power, though I have no control... I have a mind, Christopher. A voice. A will. A life. You will *never* silence me. You will never silence those around me, those who believe as I do. You will never be rid of me. I will bruise, I will be injured, but I will *fight* and others will fight with me.

[The Executive makes a subtle signal behind his back for his security.]

Desade: Injure me and I will stand up again. Cut off my finger and I will jab it down your throat. Break my leg and I will break yours. The National Wrestling Council is above you, Schukar. Beyond you. Beyond your grasp, beyond your ken. You can no more control it than you can harness the wind. And everywhere you go, I have been watching. I have been there in spirit, and nothing is yours. Nothing you hold dear is safe. No secret you clutch to your chest is yours and yours alone.

[The Security have not moved a muscle, their eyes fixed somewhere near the conversation.]

Desade: If it takes me twenty days, twenty weeks or twenty months, I will find a way to wrest you from your seat of power, Christopher. No... excuse me. *We* will. We, the people... we, the wrestlers... we, the Bastians and the Sheriffs... we, the Hyuk Suh Kims and Maxton Rainstones.

[Long, drawn out pause. Desade's smile is wolfish now, a grin.]

Desade: We, your own security.

MH: WHAT??

[Schukar turns around, right into the clutches of the larger of the two members of Schukar's Security. He's hoisted easily into the air, pressed over head by the man.]

AL: THE SECURITY! THEY'RE WORKING FOR DESADE!

Desade: How did you think I knew, Chris? How did you think I knew where you were? Not even I can be everywhere. And I don't have to be when I can rely on friends like these.

AL: Does that mean...

MH: Schuk Security! Schuk Security were Black Ops! They were Black Ops all along! Arkady climbing to the top rope!

FB: UNBELIEVABLE!

AL: Gideon pressing Schukar overhead and -- WHAM! WHAM!

["RAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"]

MH: YES! He drops him! He drops Schuk! Hotshot! Hotshot and a legdrop across the back of the head! Ops have taken out Schukar! Chris Schukar is laid out!

[Schukar is beaten in the ring, flopping on his back. He's stopped by the outstretched boot of the Enigma, black as night and ending in a quicksilver heel.]

Desade: I warned you, Schukar. I warned you to beware the shadows...

[The crowd quickly gets behind the efficient destroyers of Schukar.]

Desade: [with the crowd] They move when you're not looking.

[And then the boos start, as quickly as the cheers came.]

MH: Down the aisle! Down the aisle! It's the giant, masked Mystery Entrant! The Mystery Entrant is coming to save Schukar! He's coming to save Schukar!

AL: Look out, Desade! Mystery Entrant in the ring!

MH: He's going for Desade! He'll hurt her, too!

AL: Desade.. who rolls out to the floor! Gideon blocks the mystery man's path!

AL: Gideon with an overhand right -- blocked by the Mystery Entrant! Blocked by the Mystery Entrant who -- waistlock! Waistlock! Waistlock and belly to belly suplex! That's four hundred pounds! Four hundred pounds suplexed out of his boots by the Mystery Entrant!

FB: What the f[bleep]?

MH: Desade is holding back Arkady! She's holding back Arkady! And Desade's... she's smiling?? She's smiling! Gideon rolls from the ring and Desade mouths "Next dance... I lead."

FB: Schukar might get out of Italy with his life, but we've seen the shock of a lifetime!

AL: I'm stunned! The Ops are leaving! Ops are walking away! Schukar is being helped to his feet by the Mystery Entrant and Black Ops won't even look back at them!

[The Mystery Entrant, his tight, fitting black mask concealing his face, takes a long look out to the crowd as they settle down. Schukar is brushing himself off, laying against the side ropes a little injured. The big man has the microphone, and the attention of everyone.]

MH: I have a feeling we're gonna see it, right here!

Mystery Entrant (ME): [deep, brooding voice] There has been much speculation. There has been much debate. There has been much argument. There has been, mostly hate.

[The man reaches up for his mask, pulling it up somewhat. The fabric just curls up, if only a few inches up the man's chin.]

FB: Damnit! Who is this S.O.B.!?

ME: Tonight, on this biggest of stages.. we realize the final stage of hate, the end of our journey to the seventh level. Or, that's what someone more wise might say.

AL: Huh!?

[Schukar stands up straight, walking over to the man. The Executive makes a pulling sign with his hand on his face, indicating it's time to do the unmasking. The Entrant responds and rolls it up, even further.]

MH: Who!? Who!? WHO!?!?!?

[We can now make out an older, worn face, mouth, and cheekbones. Still not quite a positive I.D., though..]

ME: Ladies and Gentlemen, you are now witnessing the birth.. of the Superpowers.

[The Entrant rips the mask off!]

MH: OH MY GOD!

....

[A collective gasp!]

....

AL: NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

....

[The crowd responds with a shrilling round of boos, at the revelation of the Mystery Entrant!]

MH: KEN NEMESIS! NEMESIS! DAMNIT ALL TO HELL!

AL: NO! NO! MY GOD NO!

[Schukar has his hands raised to the sky, clapping proudly. The Mystery Entrant, "Warrior" Ken Nemesis, flings his mask the way of the canal, haphazardly. The camera zooms in on the proud, evil smile draped across his bruised face.]

AL: KENNY!? HOW COULD YOU!?

MH: I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! OF ALL THE PEOPLE! THAT SON OF A B[BLEEP] WAS BEHIND ALL THIS, TOO! HE WAS IN IT ALL ALONG!

[As the Mystery Entrant pumps a historic, defiant fist into the air, the Purgatory Complex's audience can only sit in mass confusion, stunned by what they have just watched.]

FB: I'm in shock! That's all I can say to this, guys! Pure SHOCK!

AL: Revelation after revelation! This is a resolution for the ages! Pierce was Desade, and knew everything because the two main Security were Black Ops!

MH: Now, Ken Nemesis!? The man who once stood for honor, dignity, and tradition!?

AL: There was no "stealing" of power by Schukar! I just can't f[bleep]ing believe this!

FB: Watch your mouth! [laugh]

[Schukar signals for the crowd to quiet down, pointing confidently at the revealed cohort.]

KN: HAHAHA! The beginning of the New Era is what you're looking at, not the end! Everyone thought they had it figured out, that my friend and the man who's done it all, Chris Schukar, was me, the Mystery Entrant?

[Nemesis lets go his most vile, most sadistic cackle.]

KN: It was me. I have been going with it all along, and in fact, I've GOTTA say one thing about it! There were NEVER any shares of mine to be won! This Tournament, as far as controlling the NWC goes, was all a sham!

CS: Either way it would have went, we'd have won.

KN: Exactly. Now, we move to the future. The New Era. The Golden Age of the NWC, that we travel upon because of the hard work of our associates and I. We, my friends, WE are on top! If you wanted to know what's significant about NWC, take a look right here, brother! Schukar. Nemesis. We're here at the conclusion of Purgatory, dropping a BOMB on the Wrestling World!

CS: I've had people coming to me wishing they'd have gotten our backing a lot earlier. And the new, dominating leader of the wrestling end of this is none other than Ken Nemesis! He is 1/3 of the Executive Committee, as I am. Together, we've jokingly been called the "Superpowers" by the handful of my colleagues that know. In a way, that's damn right!

FB: Listen to all these boos! This is stupifying!

[Schukar laughs, as Nemesis scans the crowd. Ken walks towards the apron, picking up a T- Shirt a ring attendant provides him.]

CS: The Superpowers have already made one decision, that's for absolute sure. The Mystery Entrant was not a plan to be taken lightly, and "Perfect" Raymond Pierce decided to strut out here and claim HE was that man.

[Mixed response from the audience.]

CS: Pierce, I want to make sure you don't get anyone in the Council listening to your lies again. For that fradulent claim, you are now BANNED FOREVER from the NWC! You may NEVER step in a ring affiliated with this Council, EVER! If you do, you will be arrested, you will be fined, and you will be thrown in JAIL!

["BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"]

KN: Let's just put it this way, assholes. There's no end to the possibilities, now. I am an equal leader with every person involved, and I don't care about corporate ties, political deal making, and butts being kissed. Now that I'm out in the open and taking control to do things MY way, our organization WILL be more than a loose association! We're talking a return to greatness, to the very heritage of "evil" groups of wrestlers.

AL: I'm absolutely speechless.

[The tank-top, black and red shirt gets zoomed in on, the moment "Warrior" Ken Nemesis puts it on. It reads "SYNDICATE - FOREVER "]

MH: SYNDICATE! NO WAY!

FB: YES!!

KN: The Syndicate. Yes, that's right.

["BOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"]

KN: I am one of the oldest members of that dynasty, which we now break from and create anew in the Council. It is time for the new, promising BADASSES of this Council to get their due from the NWC governing body, get sponsored, and also have a group that means something! An equal group, a family, that means to dominate their region of the NWC, and share in the spoils of the New Era's unparalleled power at this moment. What was once the Ring Syndicate is reborn as, simply, the Syndicate.

MH: MY GOD!

CS: You don't have to convince anyone to affiliate, Kenny. It's all going to work out, trust me.

KN: [rudely] I know. There's loyalty to be found within this organization, and if you're as smart as someone like myself, someone like Devon Justice, or someone like Eugene Robinson, you know WHO the man to talk to is!

[The jeering is non-stop! Nemesis pauses, grinning far and wide.]

AL: Fans, we're out of time! We're being ordered to get out of here!

[Schukar seems to have heard the commentator, and makes a motion to Nemesis. The "Warrior" steps out of the ring, hurriedly, and heads over to the announce booth.]

FB: Holy f[bleep]! The big Nemmy is heading over here, and he's not happy! I think he wasn't done!

AL: We've got to sign out! For Marcus Harden, and "The Major" Frank Barr... I'm Al Lucente! Thanks for tuning in for or purchasing "NWC: Purgatory" Nights One and Two! Thanks to our backstage interviewers Ryan Murray, Jessica LaRue, our Ring Announcer Michael Buffer, and congratulations to all of our winners here, tonight!

[Nemesis is RIGHT at the broadcast location. We can't quite tell what he's saying, but he's clearly SCREAMING at Harden.]

MH: What the hell do you want from me? We're being told we're out of feed time! That's the satellite dish's fault, brother!

[Nemesis lunges over the table with a Warrior Line!]

AL: OH MY GOD!

FB: WHOA!

[The trash-tossing is getting thick, and forcing Schuk to take cover. The other two announcers have scurried off, and for a moment Harden begs off from Nemesis.]

[The man mouths "You were the one..."]

KN: You better believe it. We win. You LOSE .

[Nemesis lifts Harden up through the air, almost launching his body skyward, in the general direction of the announce table. As this final, sickening scene begins fading to black, we witness the horrible impact of the announcer's body through the table setup. It completely collapses, and the camera goes scanning the audience while we finish fading to black.]

[Darkness. End.]