********************************************************** ********************************************************** ********************************************************** American Wrestling Alliance Proudly Presents AWA Saturday Night Wrestling San Antonio, Texas September 28, 2008 ********************************************************** ********************************************************** ********************************************************** [As the closing notes to the "Sanford And Son" theme fade into nothing, the viewing audience is greeted by the sounds of "One More Saturday Night" by the Grateful Dead. A large white map of the United States fills the screen as the music plays. The shot zooms through the map, different states "popping up" into view as we race past them. As we pull back from the map, it no longer is white but rather made up of the Stars and Stripes. The map goes into a spin, spinning round and round as we zoom all the way into it, dissolving into a few slow motion shots of animated men battling in a red, white, and blue ring. The animation runs through various wrestling moves from an atomic drop to a bodyslam to a piledriver. And as the blue animaniac applies a clawhold on the white animaniac, we freeze and the AWA logo fills the screen. After a moment, we fade away from the cheaply done intro to the smiling faces of two men. One is clad in a dark navy suit, white dress shirt, and red and white striped tie. He sports nicely-styled salt and pepper hair and a well-groomed moustache. He grips a wireless mic in his hand, grinning widely at the camera. In his late-50's and the epitome of professionalism, this man is Gordon Myers. By his side is... well, somewhat a bit more flashy. With a mic in one hand and a glitter covered briefcase in the other, this man is paunchy to say the least. He's got a decent sized gut pushing at the buttons on his lime green dress shirt underneath an eye-burning yellow jacket. His black hair is tousled in all directions like he hasn't run a comb through it in his life. His teeth appeared to have been whitened recently... perhaps several times even as he flashes a huge smile. He's in his late 30's... he's former manager "Big Bucks" Bucky Wilde. They're standing in front of a bluish gray standard television studio set where you can see the AWA logo splashed across the wall above a small television monitor. Wilde lifts his glittering briefcase with a flourish, slapping it down onto a wooden "desk" in front of them as Myers begins to speak.] GM: Good evening, fans, and welcome to another edition of AWA Saturday Night Wrestling featuring all the stars of the American Wrestling Alliance, _the_ major league of professional wrestling. I am Gordon Myers, your host for the next hour of action, and by my side, as always... BW: Say it... saaaaaay it... GM: The Announcer of the Half Year, Bucky Wilde. How long do you plan on making me do that? BW: Until January, daddy. Then I should have a new title. GM: I see. Fans, as you may have noticed, while _we_ are in the WKIK Studios tonight, the ring, the fans, all the AWA superstars are not. In fact, the action that you will be seeing tonight was taped last night at the San Antonio Civic Center in front of a sold-out crowd and what a night it was, Bucky. BW: We were both there last night to call the action live for tonight's show and I still can't believe what Mark Shaw did. And what about when- GM: Take it easy, Bucky. We don't want to spoil anything for the fans watching at home. Let's just suffice to say you do NOT want to miss what happened in San Antonio in this footage we'll be showing you over the next ninety minutes. We've got the debut of Japanese competitor Naitomea, we've got Stevie Scott in action, and don't forget about the official announcement of how the National Tag Team Champions will be crowned plus much, much more. BW: Gordo, I can't believe he jumped over the- GM: Bucky! Fans, before my colleague gives away the whole show, let's go up to the ring for our first match! [Both men turn towards the video monitor behind them as the shot changes to live action from the San Antonio Civic Center. There's a panning shot over the few thousands on hand as the lights go down, to be replaced by a bluewash. A thin shillouette stands at the entrance way, standing out against the blue light. Nothing happens for a moment, and the audience's noise has started to die down when the opening chords of "Try Honesty" by Billy Talent begin to play. The bluewash changes to regular lighting and "Subzero" Adrian Freeman slowly walks out, smoke billowing out behind him. Some of the fans boo and jeer, and Adrian takes a moment to sneer at them before heading to the broadcast table at ringside, obviously frustrated about something. Gordon Myers and Bucky Wilde rise from their seats, turning to face the approaching Freeman.] GM: Good evening, fans, from here in San Antonio for this very special AWA Saturday Night Wrestling taping. BW: It's Friday, Gordo. GM: But it won't be when our fans see this broadcast - nor when they see this man, "Subzero" Adrian Freeman, who looks none too pleased right now. [Freeman enters the frame, snatching the mic.] AF: You're damn right I'm not pleased, Gordo. GM: I'm assuming this has something to do with you losing to Rick Marley's team in War Games? AF: What did you just say? [Gordon looks puzzled.] GM: Um this has something to do with you losing to Rick Marley's team AF: Stop right there. You're trying to undercut me again, aren't you Myers? Always selling me short, hoping that nobody notices that I am the best thing this federation has going for it. But no matter how many times you say it, I did not lose to Rick Marley in Laredo. I was not pinned and I was not submitted. I wasn't even in the same ring as the fall. The Last Stampede proved nothing, other than that Stevie Scott can't be relied upon. BW: He has a point, Gordo. [Freeman pulls the mic away again, totally irate as he points at the camera.] AF: Do you hear that Marley? It proves NOTHING. GM: Be that as it may, you were still on the losing end. AF: You know what? I don't want to talk any more. That's all anyone here does: flap their gums. I'm going to do my job and wrestle. [With that, Freeman slides under the bottom rope. Standing in the ring already is Melissa Cannon, referee Marty Meekly, and a tall and muscular wrestler.] MC: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a fifteen minute time limit. Introducing first, from Birmingham, Alabama CHRISTOPHER MCKENZIE! [Surprisingly big cheer.] BW: Why all the cheers? Who is this guy? GM: Christopher McKenzie is a former linebacker for Texas A&M. He already has the athleticism and dedication to make a great wrestler, we'll see if he has the skill. [Melissa Cannon raises the mic again.] MC: And his opponent, from Sydney, Australia "SUBZERO" ADRIAN FREEMAN! [The crowd boos, but Freeman pays them no heed. Melissa steps through the ropes and the bell quickly rings.] GM: We are underway. Lockup to start with, and McKenzie immediately powers Freeman back into the corner. He has a sixty pound weight advantage and he's not afraid to use it. BW: This seems unfair. Shouldn't we have weight classes or something? GM: Didn't seem to bother you when it was Tumaffi against well, anyone, really. [McKenzie whips Freeman into the ropes and catches him with a big shoulder block on the return. Freeman is knocked over and Christopher quickly covers.] GM: Kickout at one! McKenzie is off to a great start. BW: I'm surprised, I thought Freeman would have won by now. [McKenzie drags Adrian Freeman up to his feet and drills him with a right hand to the jaw. Freeman stumbles back. He drops to his stomach and rolls out of the ring.] GM: Adrian Freeman taking a breather but McKenzie isn't going to let him. [Indeed, the former linebacker follows Freeman out and rushes at him. Adrian ducks out of the way at the last minute, letting McKenzie run shoulderfirst into the wooden steps, sending them sprawling. As he turns around, walking away while holding his left arm gingerly, Freeman kicks him in the upper arm and then European uppercuts him.] BW: McKenzie runs right into those steps! Ouch, there go those big tackles. Welcome to wrestling, daddy! [Freeman rolls his opponent back into the ring and follows him. He pulls his opponent's arm into a chickenwing. McKenzie cries out in pain, but refuses to tap. He tries to muscle his way out of it, but Freeman has the hold on tight.] BW: This is how talented Adrian Freeman is. See how he takes a simple submission and makes it very painful and very hard to escape. [Eventually Christopher McKenzie powers his way over to the ropes. Marty Meekly yells at Freeman to break the hold, but the Australian ignores him. He starts a count, and gets up until four before Adrian finally lets go.] GM: Freeman in no hurry to release that hold. BW: Hey, if the ref gives you five seconds you may as well use them. [McKenzie gets to his feet, gingerly holding the damaged arm. Freeman grabs that arm and uses it to whip him into the opposite ropes, then catch a rebounding McKenzie with a big belly to belly suplex!] GM: Impressive suplex, getting the big man over! One! Two! No, McKenzie kicks out. BW: See, he was able to do that because he used McKenzie's momentum against him. Smart wrestling. GM: Since when are you such a technical wrestling expert? BW: Adrian told me about all this stuff himself. [Gordon just sighs. In the ring, Freeman starts stomping on the arm of the former linebacker.] GM: Brutal, just savage stomps to the arm. He's looking to further inflict damage on that arm and see if he can take one big weapon out of McKenzie's arsenal. [But McKenzie isn't out of it yet, as he shoves Freeman away and uses the ropes to stand himself up. Freeman heads towards him, but gets a knee to the breadbasket.] GM: Ohh! He caught Freeman coming in with a knee! Big left hand by McKenzie! BW: And he's got these fans rallied behind him again, Gordo. [A series of right hands follows, sending the crowd into a roar. A dizzy Freeman stumbles back, and Chris McKenzie connects with a clothesline that sends him falling head over heels!] GM: Chris McKenzie, making a comeback! Can he pull off the upset here? [McKenzie pulls Freeman's head between his legs, and lifts him up with ease into powerbomb position to the cheers of the crowd!] GM: Powerbomb! No, Freeman countered! BW: He calls that the Peregrine Driver, daddy! [Indeed, at the last second Adrian Freeman grabs onto Chris McKenzie's head and falls back, driving his opponent's head into the canvas. McKenzie lays there, motionless, as Adrian Freeman quickly scurries over him and pulls him into the Deep Freeze. McKenzie cries out and then taps.] MC: The winner of the match, at a time of four minutes and 17 seconds "SUBZERO" ADRIAN FREEMAN! [The screams of pain from McKenzie fill the air as Freeman keeps the hold applied.] GM: And Christopher McKenzie just could not take that Deep Freeze. This match is over but Freeman doesn't seem to be done yet. [Adrian Freeman leaves the Deep Freeze locked on, just rolling his eyes at the bell and Meekly's urgings.] GM: This is just spiteful and unnecessary. Young McKenzie could be seriously hurt if Freeman keeps this stunt up much longer. BW: This has nothing to do with Christopher McKenzie. Adrian Freeman wants to send a message to Rick Marley, and to the world. GM: Well, it looks like Rick Marley has a reply! [The crowd roars as Marley races down the entrance ramp and slides into the ring. Freeman immediately releases the Deep Freeze and punches Marley as soon as he enters the ring. Marley returns fire, and the two rivals are soon trading lefts and rights.] GM: Freeman! Marley! Going toe to toe inside the ring! And here comes security to break it up. [AWA security quickly floods the ring, pulling Freeman and Marley apart. Both struggle with the larger security guards, trying to get at their rival.] GM: After the chaos of the weeks leading up to The Last Stampede, apparently the AWA officials are going to keep a tighter leash on some of these guys. Freeman and Marley want to go at it so badly but the security forces are trying to keep them- ohh! [Freeman rears his head back and spits on Marley. Furious, Rick breaks away from the guards for a moment and drills the Australian with a right hand, before three security officers tackle him to the ground.] GM: Well, obviously Rick Marley and Adrian Freeman agree on one thing: things between them still haven't been settled. We're going to try to get this under control. Fans, we'll be right back from San Antonio! [With Marley and Freeman both being restrained by AWA security, the shot fades out... After a moment, we fade back up on a very long shot of the exterior of a pretty dingy looking building.] "Have you ever dreamed of fame?" [Cut a little closer.] "Of glory?" [A little closer.] "Of your friends and family seeing you on television?" [And just a little closer, revealing a red, white, and blue sign that reads "AWA Combat Corner."] "Well, now you can make all your dreams come true by signing up today at the AWA Combat Corner - the official training school for the American Wrestling Alliance!" [We cut to the interior of the building where we can see lots of standard gym equipment surrounding a very basic wrestling ring. There are people lifting weights, running on treadmills, and of course, working out in the ring.] "With the very best trainers in the business, the AWA Combat Corner is the most-equipped training facility to get you in shape and get you in the ring in the shortest amount of time!" [Cut into the ring where Todd Michaelson is barking out instructions.] "With former World Champion Todd Michaelson leading the classes, you can guarantee that you will be prepared for in-ring action upon graduation and with the AWA expanding by the day, you will have a place to work on Day One!" [Two young students are grappling on the canvas.] "So, stop by the Combat Corner today... call our offices... visit our website... and let them know that you want to be the next AWA Superstar! You want to be the future of the business! You want to wrestle!" [Fade to a graphic that has all the info on the AWA Combat Corner. We freeze there for a moment... ...and then fade back up on the announce desk in the WKIK Studios.] GM: Welcome back to AWA Saturday Night Wrestling, fans. As you saw a few moments ago, things are still spilling over from The Last Stampede. Obviously what went down in Laredo couldn't settle all the grudges in the AWA. Obviously we- [Suddenly, the lights go dark and a montage of voices begins to play over the P.A.] "Bring out your dead! Bring out your dead!" "He's dead, Jim." "FATALITY!") BW: Hey, aren't we the only ones here tonight? Whats going on here, Gordon? GM: Bucky, I have no [Dream Evil's "The Chosen Ones" begins toblast out over the P.A. and the team of Werewolf Gregorson and Despair step into the WKIK Studios, both dressed in matching black ring attire with a barbed wire-wrapped sword on the side of each leg.] # We are the chosen ones, we sacrifice our blood We kill for honor We are the holy ones, our armor stained with blood We killed the dragon [Cupping his hands around his mouth, Gregorson lets out a wolflike howl, then turns to his partner and nods his head as both men start making their way to the announce desk.] # In glory we return, our destination's end We slayed the dragon! No more living in fear, it's time to raise our king. We made it happen - we're the chosen ones! BW: What are those two doing here? Theyre not scheduled to be here tonight! GM: I dont know, Bucky. But this is a new look and new music for both of them so maybe theyve got something to say. # We are the chosen ones, we sacrifice our blood We kill for honor We are the holy ones, our armor stained with blood We killed the dragon were the chosen ones! [Coming to a stop at the announce table, Gregorson and Despair take up flanking positions on either side of Gordon and Bucky.] GM: Gentlemen, welcome. Its a pleasure as always. BW (under his breath): Not really. WG: Gordon, thank you, and, Mr. Wilde, I advise you to choose your words carefully or you may live to regret them. BW: Hey, who do youeep!! (Buckys argument is cut off as Despair feints a jab that sends the brash color commentator scurrying behind Gordon Myers' back for safety. Gregorson, meanwhile, nods his head appreciatively in his partners direction and continues.) WG: Gordon, with War Games and our teams victory over The Russians and their allies now a thing of the past, the time has come for both Despair and myself to refocus our efforts on the thing that brought us to the AWA in the first placethe opportunity to become the first ever AWA National Tag Team Champions. D: And while the Championship Committee isnt making their announcement until a little later in the program, we wanted to come out here tonight and make it known that well do whatever it takes to win those titles. WG: That being said, Gordon, Despair and I have agreed that, as much as we enjoyed playing the parts of Americas Heroes in our feud against The Russians, the time has come for us to be true to ourselves and return to our roots. GM: Does this mean youre turning your backs on the fans? BW: See? I told you, Gordon. I told you all along! D: Bucky, youre about this close to getting my foot shoved up your WG: Were not turning our backs on anyone, Gordon. Were simplyturning the intensity up a little here in the AWA. GM: I see. So what does this mean in terms of what weve come to expect from the team of Werewolf Gregorson and Despair? D: It means, Gordon, that, if we need to break a few bones to get the job done from now on, then thats what were gonna do. Getting cheered by the fans is awesome, man, it really is But having our opponents walk all over us because were honor bound to follow the rules when its obvious that theyre not not gonna happen, not any more. WG: So, whether its Kentuckys Pride, The Glamour Boys, our old friends, The Russians, or anyone else, let them all take notice. The Dead Pool is reborn in the AWA, Gordon Myers, and things will never be the same again! [And as The Chosen Ones begins to play again, Gregorson and Despair depart, leaving a speechless Gorden Myers in their wake.] GM: The Dead Pool? I'm not sure I like the sound of that. BW: So much for the baby-kissing good guys. They fooled you all! I knew they were scum all along, Gordo. GM: Bucky, please - I just... well, I don't know what to think about the apparent change in attitude of Gregorson and Despair. Fans, let's go back to San Antonio for a match that had great potential that turned very ugly in no time flat. [Both men swivel to face the TV screen as the scene in San Antonio comes back up to reveal Melissa Cannon standing in the ring.] MC: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a ten minute time limit! Introducing first - already in the ring and accompanied by his brother and tag team partner Cooper Oaks... From Zeb, Oklahoma and weighing in at 235 pounds, KADEN OATS! [A couple feint claps and a boo or two sounds out from the San Antonio crowd for the 6'4" tag team wrestler and his brother, who is on the outside. Oats kind of ignores the lack of applause and instead waves to the crowd with a smile. Kaden Oats wears the same gear as his Oklahoma Brothers' mate - black trunks and black t-shirts with the OK state flag on them.] MC: And his opponent, making his AWA debut and hailing from right here in San Antonio, TX! [The crowd gives a big hometown cheer!] MC: He stands at 6'5" and weighs in at 261 pounds - ROOOOOOODRICK VIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDA! [A young, mid-20's looking man comes through the entrance to a big hometown ovation, causing Vida to raise his hands in the air. Dressed in a black/blue/yellow wrestling singlet and boots, Rodrick Vida comes down to the ring with no time to waste. He's not overly muscular, but he's not a skinny kid either. As Vida approaches the ring, Kaden Oats exits it to meet his brother and talk strategy. Meanwhile, finally inside, Vida shoots his arms up once more for the hometown crowd.] BW: Milking the San Antonio fans a bit too much, don't you think? GM: This is his debut! To make it in front of his friends and family as well? I can't think of why they wouldn't root him own, the hometown kid. BW: Not when you done nothing to prove those cheers, daddy! [The ref pats down Vida and does the same to the now re-entered Kaden Oats. Once checked, the ref gives the signal for the bell.] "DING! DING! DING!" GM: There's the bell - Oats and Vida in a collar and elbow tie-up in the center of the ring... [The two struggle for a moment before the more experienced Kaden Oats slips out and takes control, Irish whipping Vida into the ropes.] GM: Oats charging towards Vida - big hack at the clothesline misses! [Vida stops in his tracks and plants his left foot and then lifts his right to hit the turning Kaden Oats square in the jaw! Huge crowd roar!] GM: Amazing strike! Vida just leveled the Oklahoma Brother Kaden Oats with that lightning quick superkick! BW: For a man his size, that IS amazing! This Vida kid may have some talent after all... [Vida goes to the ropes and raises his hand as the ref tends to the fallen Kaden Oats.] GM: Vida celebrating and - BW: And showing off, being a rookie that is. You haven't won the match yet, kid! Got to cover him! [The ref lifts Kaden Oats' arm once and it falls... Another time, and it falls... Just as the ref goes to lift Kaden's arm for a third time, it suddenly disappears! Crowd boos!] GM: Cooper Oats just dragged his brother from the ring before the ref could get the final count! BW: Teamwork, daddy. Teamwork. GM: But this is a one-on-one contest - there's no reason for Kaden Oats' brother to be out here right now! BW: That's no fault of his own that this Vida kid didn't have the brains or the friends to come down to the ring with him. I thought the town was behind him? Why not someone from the crowd. GM: No! Please, we don't want any incidents! [In the ring, the ref admonishes the Oklahoma Brothers as Cooper drags Kaden up and tries to revive him. Vida finally sees the situation and just shakes his head in disgust.] BW: One, two, three, Vida - that's how you win 'em! [Seeing the two brothers standing on the opposite side of the ring on the outside, Vida takes a couple steps back and runs full on, leaping up and tumbling over the ropes in a tope con hilo! Another huge crowd cheer for the move and Vida!] GM: Amazing dive from this rookie Rodrick Vida, taking out both Oklahoma Brothers on the outside! BW: Amazing for the size of the kid, but it was still ugly! Vida almost took as much from the move as the Brothers. [Indeed, as the crowd still cheers for the move and the ref gives a ten count, the three men on the outside start to stir.] GM: You're right, Bucky. Vida's having a hard time getting to his feet and I think he may have landed right on his left hip and knee. BW: Kid got too hungry, looking to make a big splash on his debut match and going after just too much there. Kid's got some talent - shouldn't be wasting it all right here, right now. [Kaden is the first to get to his feet and alertly rolls into ring to break the count on him.] GM: Count of five... six... [Vida is up to one knee by the apron, the crowd cheering him on to get in the ring and not go out like this.] GM: Seven... eight... [Vida stands upright, with the other OK Bros Cooper still on the outside.] GM: Ni- No! Vida just escaped the count out, literally at the last second! BW: Vida's not going to lose his debut match to a countout, daddy! He's no Tin Man Bust! GM: Ugh, he was pivotal in that War Games match, Bucky. How can you keep calling him that? BW: Who, Old Man River? GM: Ugh... Back to the match, Kaden Oats now laying boots into the hip of Rodrick Vida. BW: Hit him where it hurts! If he's got a hip injury, bye-bye cause that'll cause all sort of trouble. [Kaden stops for a moment to look over the ropes at his brother Cooper, seeing him still down on the ground after taking the brunt of the tope by Vida.] GM: Cooper Oats still down on the outside and it seems that that's distracting Kaden from this match. BW: That's flesh & blood - win's a win, but a brother's a brother, daddy! [Kaden, still clutching the ropes, quickly scrapes the heel of his boot across the face of Rodrick Vida to the scorn of the fans. Oats then starts to climb through the middle ropes, but a hand clutches the back of his trunks and gets pulled back and rolled over.] GM: Floatover roll-up by Vida! ONE! TWO! THR- NO! BW: Too close, Gordo! That was too close for Kaden Oats! He's got to stay focused on this match cause Vida's got all the big moves so far! [An upset Kaden Oats jumps up and hits Vida with a big elbow to the back of the head. Oats follows with an Irish whip on Vida into the corner turnbuckle.] GM: Oats charges... But alertly Vida sidesteps - [Vida drops down and catches Oats' leg between his feet as he charges, causing Oats to slam hard into the middle turnbuckle.] BW: Right in the mush! Whoa, daddy, that's got to hurt! GM: Vida with a drop toe hold on Kaden Oats and he looks out after falling down hard onto that turnbuckle. Rodrick Vida looking impressive in his debut so far... [Vida drags Oats up to two feet and peppers the head of the OK Brother with open palm strikes, each one snapping Oats' neck back and forth like a spring.] GM: Vicious strikes here from Vida - BW: If this Oats kid's head wasn't ringing before, the bells sure are tolling now. GM: Vida now clutches Oats's head... [Vida raises his left hand before striking his knee into the face of the bent over Oats. Quickly wraps Oats' neck with his left arm and then drops, slamming Oats' head into the mat. Another hometown crowd cheer!] GM: Great combination takes down the Oklahoman! Vida with the cover - ONE, TWO, TH- [The crowd boos as Cooper Oats breaks the count by dragging his brother's leg out from under Vida's cover.] GM: Cooper Oats just stole Rodrick Vida's first win here in AWA! BW: Hey, got to protect the blood. Hey, if Vida wanted the win, he should've hooked the legs. Rookie mistake. GM: I don't think he counted on someone dragging his pin away. BW: Got to prepare for anything, Gordo. [Vida tries to plead to the ref, but he just tells Vida that all he saw was the pin breaking.] BW: Get over it, kid, and get back to the gameplan. [Kaden Oats gets to one knee, shaking his head that's been rattled around in this match. Vida eyes the rising Oats and pushes the ref out of the way.] GM: Vida charges - oh! Huge thrust kick sends Kaden Oats to the outside! BW: Damn, that hit that Oats kid right in the side of the head! [Kaden Oats crumples to the outside, to which his brother doesn't take to kindly to. He yells at Rodrick Vida and Vida opens the ropes for him all the while the ref tries to take command of the situation.] GM: This match is breaking down and I don't think this is too wise of young Rodrick Vida. BW: Fighting both brothers isn't too smart, that's for sure. Cooper, I don't know if he got any talent, but he's fresh and angry. Not to be messed with right now, kid. [The ref tries to push away Vida from the ropes to give Kaden Oats a ten count, but is interrupted when Cooper Oats enters the ring.] GM: Cooper Oats is in the ring now and - [Just before the two men grapple, the crowd really lets out a round of boos as a large figure makes his way down the aisle.] GM: What in the world! What in the world is he doing here?! BW: Gordo? Whatever the hell that mad man wants, that's what. [Both Rodrick Vida and Cooper Oats stop their preparation to fight each as they look on with a bit of amazement, a bit of fear, and bit of confusion at the man who just entered the ring.] GM: GRANT STONE! Grant Stone has no business being here! He has no business in this match and no business to be in this building today! [With an angered expression, Stone stands opposite of both Vida and Cooper Oats as the fans continue loudly booing him.] BW: Vida and Oats look like two deer staring straight into the headlights of a big mac truck. Get out of there if you know what's good for you! [With a snarl, Grant Stone charges and turns Cooper Oats inside-out with a huge clothesline. Vida looks on and tries to escape, but he too gets caught with a clothesline to the back of the neck.] GM: Someone! Get this psychopath out of the ring! Now! [Stone scrapes his boot across the face of Rodrick Vida repeatedly as the ref tries to break up the act. Grant Stone stops and shoves aside the official.] GM: This man has no conscious. None at all - not after what he did to Kevin Slater. Not after what he did to Luke Steele. BW: Don't you mean what SOMEONE told him to do? GM: You believe that? Taylor doesn't seem to be the kind of man to associate with this... this... monster. BW: Are you serious? Taylor was running buddies with that lunatic Simon Ezra! Taylor was in the Syndicate with Casey James! He's been associated with monsters for years! [Stone drags Rodrick Vida up by the hair and hoists him up over his shoulders. The crowd boos loudly at their hometown man being treated in such a way.] GM: Don't do it! Don't - [With a stoic, evil look, Stone drops to his side and drives down the crown of Vida's head hard into the mat. The crowd falls silent as Stone rises above a motionless Rodrick Vida.] GM: What malice! What did this young man ever even do to Stone to deserve that? BW: Like I said, Grant Stone does what he wants right now. I don't see anyone stepping up to the plate to challenge him after what he did at the Last Stampede. [As both Cooper and Kaden Oats escape the area, Stone looks down on the still Vida... and picks him up by the hair again!] GM: Damnit! Someone stop this! [Reminiscent of what occurred to Slater and Steele, Stone shoves the lifeless body of Rodrick Vida into the corner and hooks a biel on Vida before tossing him over the ropes down onto the floor below.] GM: This man is sick. Just sick! BW: Hope that kid had some insurance cause he ain't wrestling any time soon after that! GM: Sadly, you might be right... Why? Why would he do this? [The crowd really lets Grant Stone have it, some throwing trash in his direction. Stone swats the projectiles out of the way as exits the ring and nears the announcers' desk.] BW: Gordo, I think you may just find out! [Stone stands in front of the desk and holds his hand out. With a tight upper lip born out of anger of what just happened, Gordon Myers slaps a microphone into the hand of Stone.] GS: That? [Stone pauses, allowing the fans' anger to fill the gap.] GS: That was a message. To anyone... Anyone who wants to take up Kevin Slater's bounty. Anyone who wants that maggot's money? [Stone's eyes narrow.] GS: Come at me. You try to put me in a neckbrace - just try it. But before you do it, just look on at the man over there on the ground. Look on and see what you have to accept as a real damn good chance of never walking again. [Stone drops the microphone back on the desk and turns away, to which Myers grabs it back.] GM: He never even challenged you! He wasn't looking to get your bounty! [Stone turns back for a moment, staring into the defiant Gordon Myers. The big Kentuckian keeps his gaze on for a couple of seconds before turning back around, stepping over the fallen Rodrick Vida as he continues back out of the arena.] GM: Fans, ugh - someone's gotta stop this guy. Someone absolutely has to. Kevin Slater, Frank Dylan James, Luke Steele, now Rodrick Vida? The body count continues to rise for Grant Stone. BW: You want someone to stop him? Who? Who, Gordo? Who is going to stand up to Grant Stone and live to talk about it, daddy? GM: I don't know but someone has to do it - and soon. Fans, don't go away - we'll be right back! [The shot holds on Gordon Myers as we fade to black... ...and then back up to a shot showing the logos of Pro Wrestling Revolution, Sin City Wrestling, and Southern Championship Wrestling.] "From Day One, the American Wrestling Alliance was determined to give its fans the very best action available. And on Day One, our video library is officially open for business!" [Cut to a closeup of the Sin City Wrestling logo.] "Check out "High Profile" Darryl Styles on commentary. See the Upper Crust in action before they were the Upper Crust!" [Now to the Southern Championship Wrestling logo.] "Ricky Royal lit up the rings in SCW before he came to the AWA! "Stars and Stripes" Clayton Shaw was a SCW staple as well!" [And then the PWR logo.] "See Calisto Dufresne in action! And don't forget the ever-dangerous Kolya Sudakov!" [Cut back to the wide shot of all three logos.] "Events from all three promotions are available NOW exclusively through the AWA website via DVD or download! So, be the first on the block to be an AWA expert and check out all of this great action today!" [Fade to black... ...and then back up on the WKIK Studios announce desk where Gordon and Bucky are standing.] GM: Welcome back, fans. The Last Stampede was the site of some tremendous action and some incredible shocks - but perhaps nothing was more shocking than Mark Shaw's violent betrayal of his tag team partner, Adam Rogers, that night during their tag match with Shadoe Rage and Bruno Verhoeven. The stipulation was simple - the man who scored the victory for his team would be named the #1 contender to the National Title and receive a shot at Ron Houston here tonight. BW: And with a stipulation like that, how can anyone be surprised that Mark Shaw would do whatever it took to take that spot? But what about what he did in San Antonio, Gordo. I just can't- GM: We're not there yet, Bucky. For now, let's take a look at some comments recorded with "The Natural" Adam Rogers shortly after The Last Stampede and then some more comments made in San Antonio last night. Take a look. GM: And now let's take a look at some comments from "The Natural" Adam Rogers that were recorded shortly after the conclusion of The Last Stampede. [Camera fades to a scene in the back of the South Laredo Rodeogrounds where Adam Rogers is standing, holding a mic.] AR: Well, you know what they say... all's fair in love and war. Right, Mark Shaw? [Rogers looks down, pursing his lips.] AR: I guess I pegged you all wrong, pal. Yeah, I knew what the number one contendership meant to you. And I knew you'd be willing to go through hellfire and brimstone to get it, that you'd put it all on the line tonight to walk out of Laredo, Texas, as the man breathing down the neck of Ron Houston. But willing to throw your dignity out the window to get there? I'm sorry, but I thought you were more of a man than that. Guess I was wrong, huh? [Adam shakes his head, obviously disgusted.] AR: That's one of the dangers of trying to do things the right way, isn't it? I know what you said about Adam Rogers...shakes hands, kisses babies...you're not the first person to accuse me of being a Boy Scout, and that's OK. But Mark Shaw, allow me to give you a little history lesson on "The Natural." There have been times in my career where I haven't always done it that way, situations where I made sure I did whatever it took to get my point across. And if the need arises, I can still dig down into my bag of tricks and pull out some surprises you never knew I had. I would prefer not to go there. I've done things in my career that I'm not proud of, all in the name of gold...much like you did tonight. I would prefer to keep things above board, to maintain my personal honor, my dignity, my respect both for me and for the sport. But sometimes, as they say, you have to fight fire...with fire. And if playing dirty is what you want? Buddy...I can be the dirtiest player in the game. For your sake, you better pray that this developing thing between you and me doesn't get that far. [The camera freezes on Rogers' face for an additional second, then cuts to the San Antonio Civic Center where Adam Rogers is standing with Gordon Myers and Bucky Wilde.] GM: There you heard the comments from "The Natural" Adam Rogers following The Last Stampede, and now the former World Heavyweight Champion joins us. Adam, it was indeed an unfortunate turn of events for you in Laredo, Texas. [Rogers shrugs.] AR: It was and it wasn't Gordon. Yes, I did not walk out of Laredo with the number one contendership but truth be told, that doesn't mean a whole lot. I'll get to why in a second. But first, let's talk about why it was, instead, a rather fortunate turn of events for me. [Myers gives a quizzical look as Rogers goes on.] AR: You see, Gordon, what this allowed me to see is what kind of person Mark Shaw truly is. Now, I knew the number one contendership meant a lot to him...but enough to attack his own partner? Enough to jeopardize our opportunity to win the match by refusing to tag out on several occasions? Mark Shaw showed his true colors in Laredo, Texas. Yellow. Don't think I'll ever forget that. I've got a long memory, Mark Shaw, and someday...sooner or later...you're going to have to pay the piper for what you did in Laredo. Now, Gordon...as we all know, Mark Shaw has a title shot tonight against Ron Houston. [Myers nods.] GM: That is correct. AR: And by virtue of winning the battle royal a few months ago, I still have a guaranteed shot at the National Title coming my way. GM: That also is correct. AR: So let's just say that somehow...some way...Mark Shaw is able to beat Ron Houston tonight and become the new AWA National Champion. Guess who's going to be at the front of the line? GM: You. [Adam smiles, nodding.] AR: You got it. The way I see it, my shot at the title? Long overdue. I should have received it that very night but thanks to Marcus Broussard, that didn't happen. So as far as I'm concerned, if I want that shot tonight after the number one contender finishes with his? I'll have it. And who knows, Gordon? If Shaw does win...I may just decide that I want my shot _tonight_! [Big roar! Rogers grins again, pats Myers on the shoulder, points to the crowd and then walks out of the camera view.] GM: There you have it, fans - and that just makes tonight's showdown between Ron Houston and Mark Shaw for the National Title just a little more interesting. With Adam Rogers waiting in the wings for the winner and potentially taking his title shot TONIGHT! BW: That... that hardly seems fair, Gordo. GM: Fair or not - it may be exactly what we're going to see. But we know exactly what we're going to see right now. The man who submitted - who surrendered - in WarGames to lose the match for his team, "Hotshot" Stevie Scott is in action! Let's go up to Melissa! [Cut to the ring where Melissa Cannon is standing.] MC: Our next contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, already in the ring, from Havana, Cuba...CUBAN ASSASSIN #6! [The crowd reacts with a surprising small face reaction.] MC: And his opponent...from St. Louis, Missouri, weighing in at 231 pounds...here is "HOTSHOT" STEVIE SCOTT! [The supra-loud lead guitar of Spinal Tap's Nigel Tufnel blasts over the P.A., followed by the other lead guitar from David St. Hubbins from their hit "Bitch School." The crowd immediately reacts with jeers at the soon-to-be-entering villain who got what was coming to him at the Last Stampede. Finally, emerging through the curtain is "Hotshot" Stevie Scott, bringing the jeers to a new level of...jeering. The normally cocky Scott is anything but, instead seeming almost dazed as he pauses, looks to each side, and slowly begins making his way to the ring.] GM: There he is, folks, a man who just weeks ago was surrounded by friends...by associates...and tonight he walks to the ring a defeated man, Bucky Wilde. BW: I tell ya, Gordon, I'm not sure what to make of this. On one hand, it's hard to fault Stevie Scott from surrending since that stake was being driven into his head...but on the other hand, he let his team down, a team that included some men who don't like being let down, if you get my drift. GM: Indeed I do, and so does Stevie Scott. [Stevie's clad in full-length tights, with flames airbrushed down the outside of each leg, his dirty blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail. He now sports a scraggly beard instead of his stubble, a darkish color contrasting against his hair. Ignoring the crowd, he slides under the bottom rope and immediately heads to his corner awaiting the bell.] GM: Stevie Scott not anywhere near his usual arrogant self this evening, and it's going to be interesting to see where he goes from here...a man used to being surrounded and supported by allies suddenly has none. [The bell rings and Stevie and CA6 circle one another before going into a collar-and-elbow. It doesn't take long before the Assassin easily armdrags Stevie down to the canvas.] GM: Armdrag takeover by the Cuban Assassin, a move performed with relative easy, Bucky Wilde. BW: Stevie's head just ain't in it tonight, Gordo. No way that should have happened. [Stevie sits on the mat for a moment, again with a dazed look on his face, before getting back up and circling CA6 again.] GM: He needs to get his head into it, and soon. There's another tie-up, and _again_ the Cuban Assassin takes the Hotshot down with an armdrag takeover, this time holding onto the arm and applying an armbar. BW: Don't forget, it wasn't too long ago that Stevie bribed the Assassin to take his spot in a tag match...might be some payback tonight. GM: That would well fit the theme in Stevie Scott's life recently. [Stevie rises to a vertical base, backing his way into the ropes and forcing a break. CA6 breaks cleanly and Stevie takes a powder, falling to the mat and rolling to the floor.] GM: Stevie Scott getting out of the ring, perhaps to clear his head a bit- BW: Or perhaps to leave. GM: Indeed he is...Stevie's heading back toward the dressing rooms it appears. [Big roar! Not for long, as the CA6 is quick to give chase and catch Scott before he disappears, spinning him around and drilling him with a hard right hand!] GM: The Cuban Assassin has other plans! Big right hand, and now he's dragging Stevie Scott back to the ring! My goodness, Bucky Wilde, love him or hate him, I never thought I'd see the day where Stevie Scott looked this bad. BW: He's lost out there, Gordo. Totally lost. GM: The Assassin sends him back into the ring, climbs back in himself...Stevie to his feet, and a scoop and a slam from the big Cuban! Off the ropes...elbowdrop right on the money! Lateral press gets a one...two... [But Stevie finally gets a shoulder up before the ref's hand hits the mat for a third time. Disappointed reaction from a crowd that is getting more and more behind the CA6.] GM: Near fall right there...the Cuban pulls Stevie to his feet, but a thumb to the eye by the Hotshot! BW: That's the old Stevie Scott. Maybe he's getting his head back on straight. GM: A pair of forearms to the side of the head staggers the Assassin... Scott grabs an arm and sends him for the ride...here comes a clothesline, ducked by the Assassin! [CA6 hits the far side, charging toward Stevie and leaping into the air before Scott can react.] GM: Diving forearm smash from the Cuban Assassin! Stevie's been knocked flat! BW: I think he calls that the Cuban Cigar, right? GM: Whatever, it was effective. Here's a cover...could it be? [The crowd counts along with the ref...one...two...three! Really? Really.] GM: I... I don't believe what we just witnessed. Fans, the Cuban Assassin #6 just beat Stevie Scott, and he beat him without breaking a sweat! BW: Wow. I don't even know what to say. MC: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner...THE CUBAN ASSASSIN #6! [The crowd roars again for the "enhancement talent", who even seems shocked he won. He raises his arms in victory before exiting the ring to cheers. Stevie, on the other hand, sits up seemingly unbothered by what just happened. The crowd again begins to jeer and make fun of the Hotshot.] GM: We may be witnessing the end of what was a very good career, Bucky. Stevie Scott just lost to the Cuban Assassin #6, and his reaction is honestly surprising to everyone. Like he doesn't care that he lost. BW: He might not, Gordo, because he already lost all he had at The Last Stampede. He lost his friends. GM: Fans, this has been a night of unexpected happenings here in San Antonio - and we're nowhere near done. Don't go away, we'll be right back with more AWA action! [The shot holds on a disillusioned Stevie Scott slowly walking back up the aisle before fading to black... ...and then fade back up on a black screen with the AWA logo splashed across it.] "Join your favorite stars of the American Wrestling Alliance throughout the state of Texas this week for exclusive meet-and-greet sessions." [A scrolling list of names and locations flash by in white text: Rick Marley and Kentucky's Pride Laredo Fashion Plaza - Laredo, Texas October 1 Ricky Royal Dallas Honda - Dallas, Texas October 3 Sweet Daddy Williams Houston Fashion Plaza - Houston, Texas October 5 Werewolf Gregorson, Despair, and Adam Rogers Harris Chevrolet - Dallas, Texas October 7 The names end, leaving just the AWA logo behind.] "All the stars of the AWA are comin' your way so don't miss 'em!" [And with that, we fade back to black... ...and then back up on the WKIK Studios announce desk where another individual has come out to join Gordon and Bucky. Shadoe Rage swirls in his navy sequined cape, arms thrown out so that the RAGE in silver sequins is visible. He holds his money bag in his left hand as he starts shouting in the direction of the mic.] SR: Let me tell you something ... the AWA doesn't want me here. I know this. You two know this but you're stuck with me. I'm here and I'm not going any where, get me? [Rage slams the money bag down on the announce desk, pointing a threatening finger at Gordon Myers who takes a visible half-step back.] SR: The Stampede was the last straw. Not only did they saddle me with a fraud by the name of Bruno Verhoeven who is nothing but a coward like his so-called father. No, but they treated me like an afterthought. I will not accept that kind of disrespect. Doesn't anybody notice that Paul Driscoll isn't around here any more? He's busy learning how to walk again. That's what he's doing. [Rage cackles at his own joke - then goes deadly serious again in a heartbeat.] SR: The AWA is now Rage Country whether you all like it or not. It's just that simple, man. This is Rage Country and I should be the rightful number one contender. But no, you had to go try to embarrass me. You had to go and find me the worst partner in the world and try to disrespect me but the fact is I was the best wrestler in that ring. [He holds the money bag up once again.] SR: Tonight there will be no competition for my $25,000. No, there won't be. But you're all on notice. After tonight I will no longer be held responsible for my actions. You will all feel my wrath and you will all die in darkness! [Rage storms away from the announce desk leaving a stunned Myers and Wilde behind.] GM: That guy is... well, he's not playing with a full desk, is he? BW: A full deck? I'm not even sure he has cards at all. GM: Fans, let's go back to San Antonio for the debut of the newest AWA competitor - hailing from Japan - Naitomea! [We cut back to the San Antonio Civic Center where Melissa Cannon is standing.] MC: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a ten minute time limit. Introducing first... already in the ring at this time... standing 5'9 and weighing in at 180 pounds... from Tocula, Mexico... he is INFERRRRRNOOO! [Inferno raises an arm to some cheers. He's clad in black from head to toe with the arms cut out to be left bare. His black mask is covered in stitched red and orange flames.] MC: And his opponent... [The sounds of the Deftones fills the San Antonio Civic Center as the crowd begins booing.] MC: Weighing in at 195 pounds... from Japan... making his AWA debut... NAITOOOOMEAAAA! [The entrance curtain blows open revealing a slow walking figure. He's wearing chromatic colored vinyl pants with black flames coiling their way from his shins to his inner thighs. Black boots with white kick pads complete his lower half. He's wearing a black, sleeveless, skin tight t-shirt stylized with a crucified angel on the front and some sort of winged demon on the back. His tanned, petite yet muscular arms and heavily tattooed with some sort of tribal design and glisten with oil. Black BMX styled gloves conceal his hands. His face is hidden by a black carbon fiber fitted helmet that looks like a bleached white skull who's mouth is twisted with a spine chilling smile. Two massive horns protrude upward from the temples and the eye slits are covered with a opaque material which glows a constant red. His long black hair falls freely and appears to be dripping wet. He slowly walks down the aisle way admits the seemingly quiet arena.] GM: This guy scares me a bit, Bucky. BW: Is it the mask? The mask creeps me out. I've been having nightmares about that mask for- GM: It's not the mask. BW: Oh. Yeah. Me neither. GM: It's just the way he carries himself. No heart. No soul. Some kind of a monster it seems. BW: Well, yeah - there's that too. [Naitomea steps through the ropes, tossing the carbon fiber mask aside to reveal a more traditional vinyl mask underneath... ...and then immediately charges forward, leaping into the air with a dropkick to the chest of Inferno that knocks the smaller man back into the buckles as the bell rings to start the match.] GM: Ohh! Cheap shot to start the match! [The Japanese grappler quickly gets to his feet, lashing out with a knife-edge chop across the chest of the stunned Inferno before grabbing him by the wrist.] GM: Irish whi- WHOA! [The crowd gasps as Inferno runs up the turnbuckles, executing a full backflip to land on his feet behind the charging Naitomea... ...and then immediately leaps back up into the air, snaring Naitomea in a rana that snaps him down to the mat to the cheers of the crowd!][ GM: Uh oh! This nineteen-year old from Tocula, Mexico is not about to be intimidated by the bully from Tiger Paw Pro, Bucky. BW: Apparently not. Inferno showing off some speed and quickness to get an edge on Naitomea who immediately pulls back to regroup. Smart move by Naitomea. [The Japanese bully leans against the ropes, kneeling on the canvas as he eyes the spunky luchador warily. Inferno claps his hands together, starting a rally clap for himself as he waves Naitomea back into action with him.] GM: Naitomea slowly to his feet - here comes Inferno! [The luchador drills Naitomea with a pair of right hands before attempting a whip.] GM: Irish whi- reversed by Naitomea! [Inferno rebounds back at top speed... ...and promptly gets a hard knife-edge chop to the windpipe that knocks him off his feet, leaving his gasping for air. A quick leaping senton across the chest allows Naitomea to make a quick pin attempt.] GM: One! Two! That's all. Inferno slipped out the back door. [Naitomea promptly gets to get feet, dragging the masked man up by the eyehole of his mask... ...and uses the mask to throw Inferno to the corner to the boos of the capacity crowd.] GM: Back into the corner they go again... [A couple hard forearms to the chest leaves Inferno hanging on to the top rope, trying to stay standing.] GM: Inferno's trying to weather the attack from Naitomea here and- another whip... [But this time, Inferno slams spinefirst against the buckles, making him easy prey as Naitomea barrels across the ring... ...and drives his boot up into the chin of Inferno!] GM: OHHHH! RUNNING KICK TO THE JAW! [Yanking Inferno out of the buckles, Naitomea pulls him into a front facelock, reaching down to hook the leg.] GM: What's he got in mind here? [Hoisting Inferno off the mat, Naitomea drops him down headfirst on the canvas.] BW: FISHERMANBUSTER! GM: I don't even know what that is! [Naitomea leans over the downed Inferno, slapping him hard across the face before hooking his fingers into the mask's eyeholes once more and dragging him off the mat.] GM: No pin attempt at all. This guy's just cruel - brutal too. [Naitomea hoists Inferno off the mat, depositing him up on the top turnbuckle.] GM: Uh oh. This can't be good news for the young man from Mexico. [The Japanese superstar steps up to the midbuckle... ...and eats a hard right hand across the face by Inferno!][ GM: Ohh! What a shot by Inferno! [A second one wobbles Naitomea and a third knocks him off the ropes to the mat.] GM: Down goes Naitomea! Inferno's on his feet! [And as soon as Naitomea climbs to his feet, Inferno leaps into the air, snaring a front facelock, rotating through the sky... ...and SPIKING Naitomea headfirst on the canvas!] "OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" BW: TORNADO DDT BY INFERNO! GM: The luchador is fighting back! He's got this crowd rallied behind him and- OHHHH! [With Naitomea down on the mat, Inferno snaps off a standing somersault senton, throwing himself across Naitomea as the referee drops down to count.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! THR- NO! NO! BW: Naitomea just barely got the shoulder up and that would've been a major upset considering all of the hype we've seen for Naitomea over the past several weeks, Gordo. GM: Inferno drags him off the mat, scoop... and a slam down to the mat. [The crowd roars as Inferno gestures towards the corner, quickly scaling the ropes to the top.] GM: Inferno is up top! He's poised! He's ready! [And he throws himself into the air, executing a full front somersault... ...and hitting nothing but canvas as Naitomea rolls out of the way of the 450 splash!] GM: OHHHHH! MISSED! [Naitomea quickly regains his feet, yanking Inferno off the mat by the mask into a scoop... ...and then smashes him down to the mat with a split-legged driver!] GM: OHHH! Right down on the back of the head and neck! One. Two. Three. "DING! DING! DING!" MC: Your winner of the match in a time of two minutes and fifty-seven seconds... NAITOMEA! [The crowd boos the announcement as the Deftones start once more over the PA system.] GM: Big win for Naitomea here in his debut and I look forward to seeing what else this young man will be able to do here in the AWA in the weeks to come. Fans, don't go away - after this break, we've got the announcement regarding the National Tag Team Titles that you will NOT want to miss! [The shot holds on Naitomea looking menacingly down at Inferno as we fade to black... After a moment, we fade back up on a very long shot of the exterior of a pretty dingy looking building.] "Have you ever dreamed of fame?" [Cut a little closer.] "Of glory?" [A little closer.] "Of your friends and family seeing you on television?" [And just a little closer, revealing a red, white, and blue sign that reads "AWA Combat Corner."] "Well, now you can make all your dreams come true by signing up today at the AWA Combat Corner - the official training school for the American Wrestling Alliance!" [We cut to the interior of the building where we can see lots of standard gym equipment surrounding a very basic wrestling ring. There are people lifting weights, running on treadmills, and of course, working out in the ring.] "With the very best trainers in the business, the AWA Combat Corner is the most-equipped training facility to get you in shape and get you in the ring in the shortest amount of time!" [Cut into the ring where Todd Michaelson is barking out instructions.] "With former World Champion Todd Michaelson leading the classes, you can guarantee that you will be prepared for in-ring action upon graduation and with the AWA expanding by the day, you will have a place to work on Day One!" [Two young students are grappling on the canvas.] "So, stop by the Combat Corner today... call our offices... visit our website... and let them know that you want to be the next AWA Superstar! You want to be the future of the business! You want to wrestle!" [Fade to a graphic that has all the info on the AWA Combat Corner. We freeze there for a moment... ...and then fades back to the WKIK Studios broadcast table where Gordon Myers and Bucky Wilde are standing, having been joined by Stephen Ross.] GM: Fans, welcome back to AWA Saturday Night Wrestling. At this time, we have been joined by the Chairman of the Championship Committee, Stephen Ross, who has promised to give us some very exciting news about the crowning of the first AWA National Tag Team Champions. Mr. Ross, welcome to Saturday Night. SR: It's my pleasure, Gordon. BW: Well, what's the big news? SR: No time for pleasantries, eh Bucky? GM: I apologize, Mr. Ross, for my colleague. SR: No worries, guys. I want to get down to business just as much as you do. This announcement has been a long time in coming - there's been a lot of hype and anticipation for it so without anything further... [Ross pulls out a sheet of paper and begins to read.] SR: The Championship Committee of the AWA is honored to announce that the National Tag Team Titles have been officially launched as of tonight. To crown the first champions, the American Wrestling Alliance will be hosting a traditional tag team tournament. Over the next several weeks, the Committee will be reviewing applicants for the tournament and seeding them according to win/loss record, quality of opposition, as well as overall talent. Once the seedings are complete, the brackets will be announced. In the end, only one team will be standing and that team will be the National Tag Team Champions. GM: How many teams will be involved in the tournament? SR: We're not prepared to disclose that at this time. But we should have that information in the coming weeks. But we do know is this should be one heck of an exciting tournament and everyone at the AWA offices is overjoyed to finally be getting this chase for the gold underway. GM: Well, thank you yet again, Mr. Ross, for being with us. For now, let's go up to the ring where Rough N Ready, sure to be considered for this big tournament, is about to compete. [All three men turn towards the television monitor behind them as the San Antonio Civic Center comes into view yet again. Up to the ring we go with Melissa Cannon, who is in the ring with two other wrestlers already there. Both are slightly balding men, one wearing black trunks and the other wearing red trunks.] MC: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, both hailing from Fargo, North Dakota, at a combined weight of an even 500 pounds, the team of Alvin and Orville Anderson! [The two men immediately raise their arms to the crowd.] BW: Since when was there ever a wrestler named Orville?! GM: There is now, Bucky. BW: Oh, you're funny, Gordon. [The opening strands of Deep Purple's "Knocking At Your Back Door" kick in, the chords seemingly building anticipation for what is to come. And once the chords reach their crescendo and the drums kick in, that's when Rough N Ready emerges from the entranceway. Dave Cooper wears black wrestling trunks, matching kneepads and white wrestling boots, and also wears a black T-shirt that says "Rough N Ready" in white lettering. Eric Matthew Somers wears a black singlet and white wrestling boots. Standing in between them is their manager, Sarah Sharpe, dressed in black pants and matching jacket and a white T-shirt.] MC: And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by their manager, Sarah Sharpe, hailing from Albuquerque New Mexico, at a combined weight of 615 pounds, here are Dave Cooper and Eric Matthew Somers, the team of Rough N Ready! [The trio makes their way to the ring, Sarah walking in front with Dave and Eric side by side, Dave with a serious look on his face and Eric with a mischievous grin. They reach the ringside area, where Dave is the first to ascend the ring steps and duck between the ropes, followed by Eric, as Sarah takes her place at ringside.] GM: Rough N Ready coming off a win over the Glamour Boyz at The Last Stampede, although I wonder if the issues between those teams have truly been settled. BW: I know for a fact that Hoff is not going to let his men get set back by one loss, especially when the Glamour Boyz proved these old men don't have what it takes to keep up with the youth of today! GM: The Glamour Boys are certainly an up and coming team, but from what I saw at The Last Stampede, the veterans in the ring showed they still have what it takes to be one of the best teams in the AWA. BW: Yeah, well, I'd bet on that changing the next time they face Hoff's men. GM: The bell has sounded and this one is underway. [Dave Cooper starts for his team with Alvin Anderson, the man in the red trunks, starting for his side. The two lock up, with Cooper managing to apply a side headlock.] GM: Cooper with a side headlock on Alvin Anderson. BW: Alvin, is it? So when do Simon and Theodore do the run-in. GM: Bucky, must you make such a joke? BW: What, you'd rather I ask where Dave Seville is? GM: [sighs] Never mind... Alvin now shoving Cooper into the ropes, but it's Cooper with a shoulderblock on the rebound. Alvin now getting to his feet, but Cooper is waiting for him. BW: He's going right back to that side headlock... and there's a nice counter with a backdrop suplex by Alvin Anderson. See, I told you Cooper's getting up there in years. GM: The match is barely underway, Bucky... but it was a good counter move by Alvin Anderson, and now he stomps away on the downed Dave Cooper. [Alvin then drags Cooper to his feet, sending him into the ropes and attempting a back body drop, but Cooper anticipates the move and kicks Alvin in the head.] GM: Cooper countering that back body drop attempt... and now he goes into the ropes... big clothesline takes Alvin Anderson off his feet! BW: OK, so Cooper still has a few tricks up his sleeve, but no way can a man thinking more about his 401K than his weekly paycheck keep this pace up. GM: Cooper with a headbutt that stuns Alvin... now drags him to the corner and here's the tag. [The crowd cheers as the big man, Eric Matthew Somers, enters the ring, with Cooper holding Alvin Anderson so Somers can dish out a swift kick to the gut.] GM: Somers now sending Alvin into the ropes... he catches him in a bearhug! BW: Alvin goes to the eyes! Good move right there! GM: That's against the rules, but it may have been the only way Alvin could have broken out of that hold... now Alvin nailing a series of forearms, trying to soften up the big man. [Alvin goes for a kick to the midsection, but it's blocked by Somers, and now Alvin finds himself flailing away with his arms to no avail.] GM: Somers blocked that move... he spins Alvin around... atomic drop finds the mark! BW: Right down onto that spine... and it looks like Alvin wants out of there. GM: He makes the tag to Orville Anderson... we will see if he fares any better. BW: Maybe he needs his brother Wilbur in there... I hear they do interesting stuff with a bicycle. GM: Bucky, stop that. BW: OK, you want to just go get some popcorn? GM: What are you talking about? BW: I'm serious, Gordo... I hear their popcorn is so good, it blows the top right off the popper! GM: [groans] I had to ask. [Meanwhile, there is a match going on, as Orville has been firing off a series of strikes to Somers, managing to stagger the big man, thus prompting Orville to climb to the second rope and leap at him.] GM: Orville leaps at the big man of Rough N Ready... but he's caught! BW: I guess Wilbur did a better job at flying, didn't he? GM: Stop it, Bucky... Somers has Orville... is he just setting him down? [Sure enough, the big man of Rough N Ready gently places Orville down on his feet then pats him on the shoulder.] BW: Wow, Eric, try that with the Glamour Boyz and they'll just take you right off your feet. GM: Somers seems to be... wait a minute! The big man with a quick waistlock that catches Orville off guard! Overhead belly to belly suplex! BW: Whoa... did you see how high he elevated Orville? Unbelievable! [Alvin Anderson senses his partner is in trouble and has gone to the second rope, and his effort works as Somers had his back turned.] GM: Alvin back in the ring and just nailed Somers with an axhandle from behind... the big man down to one knee as now Alvin going to help Orville up. BW: Better take advantage of the two-on-one situation while you can. GM: Alvin and Orville now both hammering away on Somers... Dave Cooper trying to get in there, but referee Marty Meekly holds him back. BW: They send him into the ropes... double dropkick takes Somers down! How about that, Gordo? GM: Alvin now sliding out of the ring as Orville is going for a cover.. but the official is late to get there. BW: Lazy bum! GM: The cover... one... two... bench press kickout! [Somers now rolls to his feet, looking a bit more ticked off than he was earlier.] GM: Somers now up and Orville backpedaling into the ropes... but here comes Alvin from behind again! BW: Better get the rest of the chipmunks out there to help you, Alvin! GM: Stop that, Bucky... Dave Cooper, though, enters the ring himself and spins Alvin around... kick to the midsection doubles him over.. off the ropes and hits the roaring elbow! [Marty Meekly orders Cooper out of the ring as Somers turns to grab Alvin and toss him through the ropes, but the distraction allows Orville to nail him from behind.] GM: Orville able to take advantage... now he tries to whip Somers into the ropes himself, but the big man holds his ground. BW: And look at this... Somers just pulled Orville forward... he's goozled him! GM: And Somers wastes no time... chokeslam on Orville Anderson! [The big man drags Orville back to his feet, reaching over to tag in Cooper.] GM: Somers sending Orville into the ropes... he hits his own back body drop as Cooper runs off the ropes... kneedrop to the skull connects. BW: Alvin trying to get in there... but Somers is right there to meet him. GM: A goozle... and another chokeslam! Alvin rolling out of the ring! [Marty Meekly directs Somers out of the ring as Cooper sends Orville into the ropes.] GM: Dave Cooper with a spinebuster slam... he now turns Orville over and locks on the STF! BW: This is a painful submission hold, Gordon... very difficult to escape and he's got Orville right in the center of the ring. GM: Orville trying to hang on as Alvin Anderson is climbing onto the apron... [Alvin then ducks between the ropes, but too late, as Orville is slapping his hand on the canvas.] GM: There's the tap out! This one is over! [Cooper releases the hold as Somers enters the ring to join his partner.] MC: The winners of the match, Rough N Ready! [Both members of the tag team raise their hands and duck between the ropes, Gordon gets up from his seat, as if expecting to talk to them, but the two men go past Gordon and start heading to the back.] GM: Rough N Ready notch another win here in the AWA... I was hoping to get some words from them but it looks like they are just heading to the back. [One person does make her way to the broadcast table, and that's Sarah Sharpe. Noticing Sarah, Gordon grabs a mic at the table.] GM: Sarah Sharpe, your men emerge victorious once again... is there a reason they aren't talking tonight? SS: Right now, Gordon, there are several things on the minds of Dave and Eric, so I apologize if they aren't in the mood to chat this evening. BW: Not that we want to hear them blabber, anyway! SS: Speaking of apologies, somebody should apologize to Gordon for being in the same space as he is. BW: Hey! SS: But back to Rough N Ready... first of all, they heard what Hoff had to say about the need for the Glamour Boyz to regroup, so it looks like Hoff and his men haven't learned the lesson they should have learned at Last Stampede. Well, the only thing I have to say is that if those two want to continue causing problems for Rough N Ready, then Rough N Ready will just have to solve them, this time for good. GM: What about the tag team titles that are to be established here in AWA... I take it Dave and Eric have their minds set on those titles. SS: You better believe it, Gordon... the one thing Dave and Eric wanted to prove is that, regardless of how many years they have logged in this fine sport, that they still have what it takes to be the best tag team AWA has to offer. We respect what Werewolf Gregorson and Despair have done, we know that Kentucky's Finest is certainly worthy of being among the finest, and the Russians may still be stuck in the 80's, but you have to respect their ability. Even the Glamour Boyz, I'll admit it, they gave us a run for the money. But what it comes down to is Rough N Ready has that veteran expertise that has served them well through the years and they expect it to continue to do so. BW: Well, if I were you, Sarah, I wouldn't be talking about tag team titles when you know that Hoff is the superior managerial mind and is gonna have his Glamour Boyz ready for you again! SS: Bucky, you can just tell Hoff this... if he's such a superior managerial mind, he'd actually stop doing more harm than good for the Glamour Boyz... namely the fact he tried to get those two a name at the expense of my men. If Hoff wants to press any issues about managerial minds, I have no problem dealing with it personally. [With that, Sarah departs as well, heading to the back.] GM: Rough N Ready - looking to cash in for National Tag Team Title gold. And speaking of looking to cash in for gold, our National Title match is up next so don't you go away! [The shot holds on Gordon Myers as we fade to black... ...and then back up to a shot showing the logos of Pro Wrestling Revolution, Sin City Wrestling, and Southern Championship Wrestling.] "From Day One, the American Wrestling Alliance was determined to give its fans the very best action available. And on Day One, our video library is officially open for business!" [Cut to a closeup of the Sin City Wrestling logo.] "Check out "High Profile" Darryl Styles on commentary. See the Upper Crust in action before they were the Upper Crust!" [Now to the Southern Championship Wrestling logo.] "Ricky Royal lit up the rings in SCW before he came to the AWA! "Stars and Stripes" Clayton Shaw was a SCW staple as well!" [And then the PWR logo.] "See Calisto Dufresne in action! And don't forget the ever-dangerous Kolya Sudakov!" [Cut back to the wide shot of all three logos.] "Events from all three promotions are available NOW exclusively through the AWA website via DVD or download! So, be the first on the block to be an AWA expert and check out all of this great action today!" [Fade to black... ...and then back up on the WKIK Studios where Gordon Myers and Bucky Wilde are standing.] GM: Welcome back, fans. It's Main Event time here on AWA Saturday Night Wrestling and... well, Bucky... you've been waiting all night for this. BW: I still can't believe what we saw last night in San Antonio, Gordo. Between Shaw and that guy and... what about the end when he jumped over- GM: Would you stop? Fans, believe me when I say - this is one of the most intriguing Main Events in AWA history and... well, you won't want to miss a second of it. Check it out. [The two men turn towards the television monitor which fills with a mirror image of Myers and Wilde standing at ringside in the San Antonio Civic Center.] GM: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, please welcome the man who in just a few moments will challenge Ron Houston for the AWA National Championship - "The Hellion" Mark Shaw! [For the first time, a chorus of boos greets Mark Shaw as he steps out to the interview area. Gordon Myers stands with microphone at the ready, looking at Shaw with a neutral expression.] GM: The man joining me now is quite the controversial figure as of late. Mark Shaw, before we speak about your opportunity tonight, I think it is time you address that controversy. Mr. Shaw, do you have anything to say about your actions regarding Adam Rogers? MS: What is there to say? I did what no one else had the courage to do. I did the thing that separates me from these people. There's a reason why all these people in the audience paid to see me and why no one would ever do the same for them. [A loud chorus of boos follows Shaw's words.] MS: I did what had to be done. I did what was necessary to win. I never hid who I was. I never said anything different. I am here to win the National Title. And if I have to step over Adam Rogers to do it, so be it. Come to think of it... there's no one in this world I wouldn't step on to get that title. So Ron Houston, as you're walking towards the ring tonight, you just keep that in mind. GM: Speaking of Mr. Houston. This will be your latest shot at his National Title. In your other previous attempts, you've fallen short. What makes you believe this time will be different? [Shaw turns visibly read as he regards Myers, and there's a tense moment as his fists clench.] MS: You trying to say something Myers? GM: Only the truth Mr. Shaw. MS: Fine. You wanna play it that way? Fine. What's different this time? What's different is this. Nothing is holding me back now. Nothing and no one is in my way. I am the number one contender, because I earned it. I am the very best the AWA has to offer. And after tonight, I will be the National Champion. And whether anyone likes it or not, that's just how it'll be. Now, I'm done with you Myers, I got a title to win. [As the audience continues to boo, Shaw walks up the ringsteps to step into the ring and we cut to Melissa Cannon.] MC: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a 60 minute time limit and is for the AWA National Championship! [Huge crowd cheer!] MC: Introducing first, he is the challenger... already in the ring at this time... standing 6'2 and weighing in at 270 pounds... hailing from Los Angeles, California... he is the number one contender to the National Title... He is the Hellion... MARRRRRRRK SHAAAAAAAW! [A surly Shaw simply ignores the jeering fans, leaning against the turnbuckles with an angry expression on his face.][ MC: And his opponent... [Beck's "Farewell Ride" starts up to a huge roar from the San Antonio crowd.] MC: Standing 6'7 and weighing in at 286 pounds... from Athens, Georgia... he is the AWA National Champion... THE ATHENS GEORGIA MADMAN... RONNNN HOUUUUUUSTON! [Houston comes stomping through the entrance curtain to a huge reaction, the title belt slung over his shoulder as he walks towards the ring.] GM: Here comes the champion! Fresh off a victory over a debuting Juan Vasquez at The Last Stampede, he's looking to score another successful title defense here tonight against the number one contender. BW: I don't know, Gordo. Look at Shaw's face - his eyes - I've never seen anyone so focused and determined. After all the times that Shaw has fallen short in winning this title, do you really think he's going to fail again? GM: We're about to find out, I guess. [Houston steps up the wooden ringsteps and into the ring, still clad in his leather trenchcoat... ...when Mark Shaw barrels across the ring, ripping Houston's legs out from under him with a charging double leg takedown that deposits the champion down on the mat.] GM: Ohh! Shaw attacks before the bell! [The referee frantically calls for the bell to start the match as Shaw rains down clenched fists on the National Champion.] GM: Mark Shaw is all over Ron Houston to start this one! [Michael Meekly shouts at Shaw to get off of Houston, starting a five count.] GM: Meekly with a count on Shaw- [The Hellion springs up off of Houston, grabbing Meekly by the shirt collar and shoving him back against the ropes, glaring at him.] GM: Whoa! Whoa! Hold on a second! Don't do it, Mark! [Shaw cocks his fist back like he's about to flatten the official when he suddenly finds himself pulled down to the canvas in a schoolboy rollup!] GM: ONE!! TWO!! THR- [The crowd groans with disappointment as Shaw slips a shoulder off the mat just before the three count... ...and then BULLDOZES a rising Houston with a lunging clothesline that knocks him flat!] GM: OHHHH! What a clothesline by Mark Shaw! [Seething with anger, Shaw snatches the fallen National Title belt off the canvas and lifts it high into the air, staring down at the writhing Ron Houston.] BW: That belt looks pretty good in his hands, Gordo. GM: Perhaps but it's not his just yet, Bucky. Ron Houston is still the National Champion. BW: For now. GM: We'll see about that. [Shaw tosses the title belt back down to the mat as he drags a recovering Ron Houston off the canvas and blasts him with a knife-edge chop that knocks the champion back into the corner.] GM: Houston hasn't even gotten his jacket off yet, Bucky. Mark Shaw just came on like a house of fire and Ron Houston hasn't even recovered from the initial attack yet. [Grabbing Houston by the wrist, Shaw fires him across the ring.] GM: Big whip from corner to corner... here comes Shaw! [A stampeding Mark Shaw smashes Houston against the buckles with a running clothesline.] GM: Houston staggers out of the corner... [Right into the waiting arms of Shaw who scoops Houston up into the air... ...and slams him down hard on the canvas!] GM: Ohh! Bodyslam by the challenger! [Shaw immediately starts stomping the downed Houston, forcing him to roll under the ropes and out to the concrete floor.] GM: Shaw forces him out to the floor... BW: He's going out after him too! [The Hellion steps out on the apron, soaking up the jeers of the fans as he looks down on Houston, waiting for him to get back to his feet... ...jeers that quickly turn to cheers as "The Natural" Adam Rogers appears in the aisle, making his way down to the ring.] GM: Adam Rogers is in the building - and he's heading to ringside! BW: What business does he have out here, Gordo? GM: He's the next man to challenge for the title! And he may do it tonight! He threatened to challenge Mark Shaw for the title as soon as he wins it! We may be in store for two title matches here tonight, Bucky! [Dressed in his ring gear, Rogers reaches the ringside area just as Shaw leaps off the apron, smashing down with a double axehandle smash to the back of Houston's head.] GM: Ohh! [Shaw stands over the downed Houston, firing off a few choice words in the direction of Adam Rogers who ignores the big man, shouting words of encouragement to the downed National Champion.] GM: Rogers is trying to rally Ron Houston - trying to get him back to his feet to fight off the challenge of Mark Shaw. [Sneering at Rogers, Shaw drags Houston off the floor by the hair... ...and promptly catches a right hand hard to the underside of his chin, snapping his head back!] GM: What a shot by Houston! [The National Champion grabs Shaw by the head... ...and promptly hurls him into the wooden ringsteps, knocking the steps over!] GM: OHHHHH! INTO THE STAIRS! [With the crowd cheering wildly, Houston rolls Shaw back under the ropes into the ring... ...and the cheers turn to a confused buzz just as quickly.] GM: What the- BW: Who is that? GM: No idea. [From the locker room area emerges a mysterious man dressed in a black cloak with a hood draped over his head to hide his identity from the masses.] GM: We've got someone else on their way out here. Ron Houston has spotted him and he looks absolutely puzzled. Who in the world is this, Bucky? BW: I asked you first! [Inside the ring, Houston drags Shaw off the mat by the hair, grabbing his arm for a whip... ...a whip that Shaw easily reverses.] GM: Houston off the far side... [The big cowboy gets scooped up into the air as Shaw spins quickly... ...and DRIVES Houston into the canvas!] GM: POWERSLAM! WHAT A POWERSLAM! [Shaw pushes up off the downed Houston, glaring out to ringside where his eyes rest on the hooded individual. He holds his gaze for a moment and then nods his head, climbing to his feet before he reaches down to drag Houston off the canvas again.] GM: Another whip... [Shaw drops down in a three point stance... ...and charges forward, aiming a clothesline directly at the throat of the National Champion.] GM: Clothesli- ducked by Houston! [Houston quickly ducks down again, this time hoisting Shaw up onto his shoulders in a fireman's carry.] GM: FADE TO BLACK! FADE TO BLACK COMING UP! [The National Champion executes the airplane spin, round and round and round... ...but before he can swing Shaw out into the faceslam, Shaw manages to wriggle free, landing on his feet behind his opponent.] GM: Shaw escapes! [And promptly hooks his arms around the waist of Ron Houston from the side to the concern of the San Antonio Civic Center crowd.] GM: He's got Houston hooked! Here it comes! [The crowd gasps as Shaw hoists Houston into the air, dumping him down on the back of his head and neck.] GM: BACKDROP DRIVER! THAT'LL DO IT! BW: We've got a new National Champion! GM: Shaw with the cover! ONE!! TWO!!! THREEEEEEE!!! [Shaw springs up off of Houston, throwing his arms in the air in triumph... ...but Michael Meekly has his arms in the air as well, waving off the pin.] BW: What the-?! GM: Foot on the ropes! Houston got a foot on the ropes! [Shaw turns around with his arms still raised, only to find Meekly shaking him off. A look of confusion crosses the face of the Hellion as Meekly tries to explain.] GM: Mark Shaw thought he had it won - he thought he was the new National Champion. BW: I think we all did. GM: But he made a mistake. He dropped Houston with that Backdrop Driver but they were too close to the ropes. They were too close to the ropes and that allowed Ron Houston to get his foot on the ropes and break up the pinfall! BW: Shaw's in shock. [Shaking his head in disbelief, Shaw approaches Meekly slowly - the referee backpedaling to escape... ...but the Hellion grabs him by the shirt, screaming at him.] "I'M THE CHAMPION! I'M THE CHAMPION!" [Meekly shakes his head, denying the charge... ...and gets thrown down to the mat by his shirt for his words. Meekly frantically rolls from the ring, waving at the timekeeper who predictably...] "DING! DING! DING!" [The crowd explodes in a mixed reaction as a wide-eyed Mark Shaw kicks the ropes in frustration.] MC: Ladies and gentlemen... your winner of the match as a result of a disqualification... And STILL AWA National Champion... RONNNNN HOUUUUUUSTON! [The crowd cheers the announcement of Houston as the champion as an irate Mark Shaw drops down to the mat, rolling under the ropes to the floor. The mysterious hooded man looks on in silence as Shaw approaches the ringside barricade.] GM: Shaw's out on the floor. He's failed to win the National Title yet again and I think he's- [A buzz washes over the crowd as Shaw reaches over the barricade.] GM: What the- BW: He's got a chair, Gordo! GM: I can see that! Mark Shaw has a steel chair! We need to get some help out here - we need to stop this! [Shaw rolls back into the ring, steel chair in hand... ...and finds himself face to face with Adam Rogers who shakes his head at Shaw, blocking his path to the roars of the crowd.] GM: Adam Rogers has blocked him! He's standing in Shaw's way! BW: That guy's nuts. Shaw's got a chair! Rogers is unarmed - completely unarmed! Shaw's going to cave his skull in, daddy! GM: Adam Rogers showing the bravery that makes him a hero to these people has put himself in between a helpless Ron Houston and a steel chair-wielding psychopath! [The staredown ensues for a moment, flashbulbs popping throughout the arena... ...when Shaw suddenly rears the chair back, charging forward.] GM: NOOOOOO! [A wild swing of the chair is ducked by Rogers who cocks back his fist and fires a right hand into the side of Shaw's head... and then another... and then a third which makes Shaw drop the chair.] GM: Rogers is fighting him off and- [The crowd roars as Rogers hits a discus punch that causes Shaw to fall through the ropes and out to the floor!] GM: Oh yeah! The Natural chases him off! Mark Shaw has been sent scattering from the ring and Adam Rogers has saved Ron Houston from severe injury. [Rogers stands near the ropes, challenging Shaw to get back into the ring. A fired-up Hellion seems certain to do so but a hand on his shoulder from the mysterious man in black seems to stop him.] GM: I don't get this at all. This guy... this man in black seems to have some kind of control over Mark Shaw, Bucky. BW: Rogers should slip that guy twenty bucks because he may have saved his career, Gordo. GM: You may be right. He certainly is keeping Mark Shaw at bay. [The Natural stares at Shaw as he slowly backs down the aisle, leaving Rogers and Houston inside the ring. The former World Champion backs away as well, dropping to a knee to check on a recovering Ron Houston.] GM: Rogers is checking on his ally and friend, Ron Houston, who took that hellacious Backdrop Driver a few moments ago. Houston escapes with his title... but just barely... BW: We should have a new National Champion, Gordo. Mark Shaw should be the champion right now. He should be- [Inside the ring, Rogers has just managed to get Houston to his feet... ...when suddenly Mark Shaw charges down the aisle, diving headfirst under the ropes into the ring, scooping up the steel chair...] "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!" "OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" [The crowd falls silent as the steel chair slams down hard over the skull of Adam Rogers, knocking him completely flat from the impact as the Hellion stands over him, dented chair in hand.] GM: My god... my god in heaven. Did you see that? BW: See it? I heard it! He caved in Adam Rogers' skull - just like I said he would! [The boos grow in volume as Shaw stares at the motionless Rogers, still gripping the steel chair in his hands... ...and then turns towards the fallen Ron Houston who is leaning against the turnbuckles.] GM: Oh no. BW: Shaw's not done! He's not done! GM: He's turning his attention to Ron Houston now! [Shaw steps towards Houston, pointing the dented steel chair directly at the National Champion.] GM: The National Champion is defenseless! The National Champion is in serious trouble here! BW: Rogers is out, Gordo. Houston's got no one to help him now! He's got absolutely no one to help him fight off Mark Shaw - the Hellion! GM: Houston's got a hand up - that won't fend off a steel chair though. [Down on the mat, the National Champion has his hands up, weakly trying to defend himself from the steel chair blow coming in his direction.] GM: Houston's down. Houston's out. Rogers is out as well. There's got to be someone who can stop this maniac! There's got to be someone who can- BW: Look out, Gordo! [Mark Shaw raises the chair all the way over his head, rearing back with both hands for the shot that will likely put Ron Houston in the hospital... ...when a strong buzz erupts from the San Antonio Civic Center crowd as someone in a suit hurdles the ringside barricade, diving headfirst under the bottom rope and springing to their feet, striking a defensive pose between Houston and the suddenly-stunned Mark Shaw.] GM: Wait a second! Is that-?! [The crowd responds with an absolutely shocked reaction as everyone finally can see who is standing in defense of Ron Houston. Perhaps the last person who you would expect to stand in defense of Ron Houston. A man last seen on AWA television being defeated by Ron Houston. For the National Title.] GM: BROUSSARD?! MARCUS BROUSSARD IS IN THE RING! BW: I don't- I don't understand! GM: The San Jose Shark- isn't he still suspended?! [Broussard holds his ground as Mark Shaw stands shocked, trying to figure out what to do next... ...when a hand on the shoulder from the man in black causes Shaw to drop the chair and exit the ring with his advisor.] GM: Shaw's backing down! Marcus Broussard is on the scene and Mark Shaw is backing down from him! BW: Wait a second... did Marcus Broussard just SAVE Ron Houston?! GM: I don't believe it. I can't believe it. What did we just see? [With Shaw out of the ring, backing down the aisle, Broussard turns around just as Ron Houston regains his feet... ...and the staredown ensues.] GM: Broussard and Houston! Eye to eye! Nose to nose! What is going to happen here? [And with the former and current National Champions staring each other down... ...we fade to black.]