********************************************************** ********************************************************** ********************************************************** American Wrestling Alliance Proudly Presents AWA Saturday Night Wrestling Live from the Crockett Coliseum Dallas, Texas February 12th, 2011 ********************************************************** ********************************************************** ********************************************************** [As we fade in, we hear the closing theme to the Fishing With Orlando Wilson show as the shot starts to fade. It is replaced with footage marked "TWO WEEKS AGO" as we see Louis Matsui, MAMMOTH Mizusawa, Juan Vasquez, Jim Watkins, and Todd Michaelson on the set of the Money Pit.] LM: So what do you say to Vasquez... versus MAMMOTH Mizusawa... for the National title... [Dramatic pause.] LM: At the THIRD ANNIVERSARY SHOW?! [The crowd damn near blows the roof off at the thought!] TM: Hold on, hold on! Mr. Watkins...? [Jim Watkins lifts the mic.] JW: The stipulation for Steal The Spotlight says that the winner gets whatever title shot they want, whenever and wherever they want it... ...and if Mr. Matsui says they want the title shot on the Third Anniversary Show in two months' time... [Watkins grins.] JW: I say let's hook 'em up! [HUGE CHEER! Vasquez claps his hands together, nodding his head as he climbs to his feet, moving past Watkins and right up to Matsui, getting right up into his face! The crowd grows ever excited by the sudden escalation of tension, as MAMMOTH quickly steps in to protect his manager, leading to a staredown between Vasquez and the Japanese giant! The two lock eyes for a moment. And then Juan raises the AWA National title up to MAMMOTH's face, drawing a huge pop from the crowd. The staredown continues... Watkins steps between the two men, keeping an arm up on either side to hold them at bay as flashbulbs fire from all around... ...as we fade to black and fade to the sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Saturday Night Special" 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 interior of the Crockett Coliseum where over 4,500 fans have jammed into the building to watch their favorite AWA stars. The ring sits in the middle of the oval-shaped seating area, surrounded by a metal barricade on all sides. The ringside seats are your standard steel chairs while tall wood and metal bleachers are erected all around the rear of the oval. A long elevated entrance ramp runs from the entryway to the ring. On either side of the ramp stand two elevated platforms to be used for interviews - one that is being covered by a giant black curtain. As we cut to the ringside area, atop thin black mats that cover the concrete floor of the former warehouse, we find two tables - one for the timekeeper and one for the announce duo. Speaking of which, the camera cuts from the cheering crowd to the ringside area where we find the familiar faces of "No Descriptions Needed" Gordon Myers alongside "Big Bucks" Bucky Wilde - the best announcers in the game.] GM: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome once again to another edition of AWA Saturday Night Wrestling where you will see all the stars of the American Wrestling Alliance, THE Major League of Professional Wrestling. I'm Gordon Myers and by my side, as always, is the two-time Announcer Of The Year, Bucky Wilde! [Bucky's rockin' a eyeball-bursting orange jacket and green dress shirt... and looks damn proud of that fact as he raises a metal briefcase covered with silver glitter that reads "BIG BUCKS" on the side.] BW: It'll be three-time Announcer Of The Year soon enough, daddy! GM: That remains to be seen. We've got one heck of a night lined up for all you fans here on AWA Saturday Night Wrestling - the champ will be in action! BW: That's right. The National Champion, Juan Vasquez, will be in non-title action here tonight against a... well, since Spring Training's about to start... let's call it a player to be named later! Later tonight! GM: You seem to be the man with all the scoops - any idea on who it will be? BW: Not a clue, daddy. I'm as in the dark as all these yahoos in the crowd tonight. GM: In addition to that, we've got Eric Preston taking on "Playboy" Johnny Casanova! We've got Nenshou defending the Longhorn Heritage Championship! Calisto Dufresne's on the Money Pit! All of that plus much, much more - and you just never know what'll happen here in the Crockett Coliseum! To kick things off, let's go up to the ring and say "Welcome back!" to our old friend, Melissa Cannon! Take it away, Melissa! [We crossfade to the ring where a beaming Melissa Cannon is standing. The AWA faithful roars in tribute to her, bringing a bit of color to her cheeks as she bows her head, accepting the cheers.] MC: Thank you all so very much! [Big cheer!] MC: And it gives me great pleasure to be back here in Dallas, Texas, to say... tonight's opening contest is scheduled for one fall with a ten minute time limit! [The shot pulls back a bit to reveal a second person in the ring. A mountain of a man with greasy, stringy hair hanging over his face, a full beard, and a red singlet with crazy, bloody teeth scrawled all over it.] MC: Introducing first, he hails from The PIT!... he is The Cannibal... Aaron Croft! [Cannibal Croft shakes the ropes mightily and then storms around the ring, showing off his terrible strength and fury to the jeering crowd.] GM: I've heard stories about this Cannibal Croft... BW: Told by the fireside? GM: They say--what? BW: With a flashlight making your face all spooky? Say Cannibal Croft three times in front of a mirror and he appears, daddy! GM: What are you talking about? I've just heard that he's a vicious, violent competitor. BW: I heard he shot a man in Reno, daddy. Just to watch him die... and then eat him. GM: That's a ridiculous thing to say! [The low, somber twang of "Dead Flowers" by Townes Van Zandt sulks onto the airwaves, soon followed by the appropriately morose "Gentleman" Jack Holland in full getup: black tights, jacket, and big aviator shades. He stops near the entrance, takes a deep, bracing breath, and sets off toward the ring. Fans reach out to slap his hand but he ignores them, planting his fists firmly on his hips.] MC: And his opponent... from Elizabeth, Colorado... "GENTLEMAN" JACK HOLLAND! BW: This ain't the Jack Holland we're used to seein'! [Holland climbs up the steps briskly and wipes his feet on the mat. He takes off his aviators to get a good look at Cannibal Croft. Croft roars back, flexing his biceps and bringing his fists together beneath his chest.] GM: You're right there, Bucky. Holland's usually a serious guy but always very focused. Not so tonight! BW: He ain't still mad about that emergency or whatever, is he? GM: He may well be. BW: Oh come on! That was weeks ago! Get a grip, daddy! [Holland shrugs his jacket off and hands both it and his glasses to a ring attendant. He climbs into the ring and immediately starts across, fist cocked to throw. The referee intervenes, backing Holland up across the ring. Croft takes advantage by surging forward and clubbing Holland over the referee's head! Watson evacuates the ring and the ref calls for the bell.] "DING! DING! DING!" GM: And we're off with Croft already at an advantage! [Croft pulls Holland to his feet and shoots him into the ropes. Holland snares the top rope to keep himself balanced, but Croft charges right in and creams him with a lariat that flips Holland over the top rope and onto the apron!] BW: Whoo! Holland knocked for a loop there. Get up, daddy, he's gonna rip your arm off and take a bite! GM: He will not! But what Croft will do is bring Holland back into the ring the HARD WAY with a big suplex! And a cover! [The ref counts one... Two... ... and Holland throws a shoulder up!] GM: Too close for comfort there and I'm sure Holland is ready to get out of this predicament! BW: Croft's got 'im! Lookit this! Lookit this! WHOA DADDY! GM: A headbutt from Croft takes Holland back to the mat! [Holland rolls over, touching his forehead and checking if there's blood. Croft starts after him again, but Holland keeps rolling until he escapes the ring and drops to the floor. Croft menaces Holland from the ring, but Holland is more concerned with his own well being, collapsing against the barricade and checking his skull once again.] GM: The ref is counting on the outside here and Cannibal Croft is very much in control! BW: Look out now, he's goin' out after Jack! [Indeed, Croft has climbed out through the ropes and dropped to the floor at the count of six. Jack Holland is not about to find out what's waiting for him from the Cannibal and quickly rolls back into the ring. Croft kicks the barricade in fury. He turns and climbs back onto the apron...] BW: OOOH what a move! [... and goes sailing out into the barricade courtesy of a running knee from Jack Holland! Croft winces and slumps down, hanging onto the steel rail to keep himself aloft.] GM: There are the brains of the Colorado Cowboy at work there, a step ahead of Aaron Croft and it paid off! Croft is definitely hurt on the outside. BW: I dunno how smart this one is, Gordo! GM: Neither do I! Jack Holland on the outside here and he's sending Croft back into the ring! Looks like he's gonna take the most of this opportunity... [Holland has rolled Croft back into the ring. Holland backs into the ropes, measures Croft up, takes two steps forward and leaps high into the air... crashing down on Croft's jaw with a knee drop! Croft flops, but Holland is on top of him in a second and hooking the leg for the pin.] GM: A one! A two! BW: Not enough! [The referee holds up two fingers after a powerful kickout from Cannibal Croft.] GM: Not enough indeed, Holland's still got a ways to go to put Croft out of commission here. BW: But he ain't giving it up! Here's a front facelock from Holland here! GM: Holland is simply not sticking to any one strategy except to keep the pressure on, not the usual style from him but so far it's working. [Holland wrenches in the front facelock tight, keeping Croft pinned facefirst into the mat. Croft drums his foot on the mat to show he's still got life. Then he plants his palms and pushes up, using his overwhelming strength to press his chest off the canvas despite Holland's added weight. Croft gets a knee under him, resisting Holland's further tightening of the hold.] BW: This is lookin' bad for Gentleman Jack, Croft's gettin' back up to his feet here... [Cannibal Croft reaches his feet though he's still trapped in the front facelock. Croft throws an elbow into Holland's gut, and then another, both of which stun Holland but can't break the hold. Holland fires back with a heavy clubbing blow to the spine that rattles Croft's foundation.] GM: Hold on here, Holland's trying to thread his leg through... BW: What the hell's he going for? GM: Could we see a submission hold out of Jack Holland? [Croft is using his arm to block Holland's frentic attempts to get his right leg between Croft's. Finally, after digging his elbow into Croft's shoulder, Holland hooks his leg around Croft's. In quick succession he hooks back Croft's far arm and brings his other leg over Croft's head, locking on the octopus hold!] GM: HE GOT IT! [And Croft twisted his hips, carrying Holland up, over, and down to the mat with a high hip toss counter! Holland rolled through to his feet quickly, fists raised to brawl, but a start in from Croft had Holland backing across the ring into the corner. Holland raises his hand for a little clemency.] BW: He don't got it. GM: An unusual move from Jack Holland, maybe hoping to catch Croft off guard, but it didn't pay off there. BW: Holland's gotta play this smart, daddy. He gotta use some of those big brains of his, call on some of that experience. He's gotta get his head in the game! GM: Surprised to hear something like that out of you, Bucky. It's actually good advice for Holland at this point in the match! [Croft and Holland circle around, Holland especially careful, Croft once again flexing and baring his teeth. Holland brings his hands high for the tie-up and Croft accepts. Holland quickly swings around for the rear waistlock but he goes somewhat wide, allowing Croft to turn around untrapped. Holland comes right back in, but Croft flapjacks Holland high into the air, snares his legs, and... ... SMASHES him with an almighty Alabama slam!] GM: My stars! What an impact, and this one could be all over! [The referee counts one and two before Holland lifts his legs and kicks out.] BW: He's a tough customer, daddy! A tough son of a gun! GM: Jack Holland is still in this fight, but perhaps not for long! [Cannibal Croft mounts Holland and lays in a series of heavy right hands, frequently being stopped by the referee for using closed fists but always tearing his arm away and returning to his work. After he's beaten on Holland sufficiently, Croft swings his legs over and goes for the pin.] BW: C'mon, Holland! GM: ... a two... and a shoulder up! Somehow Jack Holland is still in this! [Croft practically jumps to his feet and swings his arm up high, tilting to the ground... ... and dropping a monster elbow on Holland's chest! Croft doesn't stop there, though, jumping to his feet and loading up another!] BW: The Cannibal's about to break Holland apart! [Croft drops another massive elbow to the sternum, crawling immediately back up to his feet, loading up to drop another...] GM: With every one of these elbow drops, he's driving more wind out of Jack Holland and inflicting a hell of a lot more damage! [And dropping another right down on the heart.] BW: Geez, it hurts me to watch that, daddy! GM: Now Croft goes for the cover! [Croft has hooked Holland's leg so deep he's folded the Coloradan in half. The referee drops to the mat to count once... twice.. Holland shifts just barely enough to get his shoulder off the canvas!] GM: Not yet! Not yet! [Croft slams his fist on the mat in rage. After a brief bout of snorting, Croft gets himself under control enough to grab Holland by the base of the neck and slowly drag him to his feet.] BW: I got a feeling that this is gonna be the end, daddy, and it ain't gonna be pretty! GM: Gotta agree with you there! [Croft gets Holland to his feet, but Holland quickly snares Croft's head and rolls him backwards into a small package!] GM: WHAT A COUNTER! [The ref dives into position!] GM: ONE! TWO! BW: NO! [Croft shoots his legs up into the air and gets his shoulders off the mat just before the three count! Holland rolls away and hurriedly backs into a corner as he sees Croft on his feet just as quickly and advancing like a bull. Holland shakes his head furiously, holding his hand out for space, then both hands, sinking down in the corner as he pleads for breathing room.] GM: And this is DEFINITELY ungentlemanly behavior, Bucky! BW: He's gotta buy himself some time! He's rattled! He's gotta get his marbles to the right hippos! GM: Aaron Croft is slowly making his way in and he's got baaaad intentions on his mind! [Croft casts a bleak shadow over Holland who is hunched small in the corner. Cannibal Croft snarls and reaches down, grabbing Holland by the throat! The referee objects, but Croft ignores him in favor of slowly pulling Holland to his feet. Holland tenses his neck, fighting every inch of the way, grabbing at Croft's hand and trying to claw his way free. Nothing seems to work.] BW: The Cannibal can do whatever he wants to Jack Holland right now and there is NOTHING Holland can do about it! GM: Holland had better think of something soon or--NO! [Croft releases Holland's neck and stumbles back, grabbing his eye after Holland despicably drove his thmb into it!] BW: That's something! GM: That's not what we're used to seeing out of Holland AT ALL! He rolls him up! [Holland frantically stamps his feet, hips arched high, putting as much pressure on Cannibal Croft as he can to keep him down for the schoolboy rollup pinfall! The referee drops into position to count once, twice, and as Holland really puts on the pressure, three times.] DING! DING DING! [Holland's feet hit the mat and he immediately releases the hold, rolling until he can slide out of the ring! Croft sits up, bewildered at the outcome.] MC: Here is your winner... JAAAAAACK HOLLLLLAND! [Holland stands on the floor, hands on his hips as the crowd responds with a mix of cheers and boos for the victory.] GM: Holland stole it! He stole it! BW: You're damn right he did, and he had every right to! You gotta do whatever you can to win in this sport, daddy! [Holland snatches back his jacket and sunglasses before starting his march up the aisle. Cannibal Croft leans over the top rope, yelling murderously. Holland lifts his hand in victory as he heads out, but he lowers it soon after, clutching at his collarbone.] GM: Well, he did win, but I wonder if you ask Holland of a couple months ago about what he just did right now, what he'd say. BW: He'd say good to that poor bastard for winning, that's what he'd say! GM: I'm not so sure... [Holland heads up the ramp and is about to disappear to the back when he is stopped by none other than Jason Dane.] JD: Mr. Holland, if you've got time for a few words? GJH: Make it quick, Dane-o. [Dane nods sharply.] JD: Well, Mr. Holland, recently some people -- both fans and people backstage -- have been saying that you've been off your game recently. How do- GJH: Off my game? [Holland knits his eyebrows and meanmugs, stepping in threateningly close to Dane.] GJH: _Off my game_!? Hell, I won out there, didn't I? [Holland gestures to the ring with his jacket holding hand.] JD: Yes you did, but- GJH: But what? But what else matters? I'm gettin' the winner's bonus. I got the win in the record books. What else matters to you? JD: Well, Mr. Holland, this is just not how we're used to seeing you, some people have been saying -- as I said, this is just the rumor -- some people have been saying that perhaps that emergency that pulled you from Saturday Night Wrestling a few weeks back might have something to do with-- [Holland ripped the microphone from Dane's hands and got right in Dane's face, prodding the interviewer's chest with his index finger.] GJH: You listen here, Dane-o, and you listen good. I told Stegs what would happen if he kept on and the same goes for you. I like you, Dane-o, but let's get one thing straight: MY business is MINE. I ain't got time for gossipy housewives like you. You keep your nose outta my business and I keep my fist outta your nose. [Holland shoves the microphone back into Dane's chest, sending the interviewer staggering back a few steps. Holland swings his jacket over his shoulders and storms to the back.] JD: *cough* Fans, we'll be... we'll be right back. [We fade away from Jason Dane to black... And then to 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 to an external shot of a cool Louisiana night. A low mist hangs over the ground as the moon hangs in the sky, casting a soft ethreal glow, dimly illuminating the ground beneath. The camera pans out to show the chain link fence surrounding the dark windows of Angola Prison. The exercise yard stands empty...the dim emegency lights all the sign of life in the massive structure. A strong, quiet voice begins speaking...] "There was a time that a place like this held meaning..." [The camera pulls out further, bringing a solitary figure into focus. He stands well back from the fence, white face paint with black around the eyes and mouth...a black trench coat and a large black bird sitting on his shoulder...] "A time when men feared the consequences of their actions...when the word 'justice' mean something... That time is long past. We now live in a time when the strong prey on the weak...sociopaths, doing little more than gravitating together, their avarice and cowardice acting like honey to flies...attracting them...keeping them...sustaining them. Azrael here...he and I...we've seen this. We've watched from afar, biding our time...waiting for the right moment to announce ourselves. Waiting for the right time to put those who have strayed from the straight and narrow on notice...to tell them: This simply won't do." [The pauses, reaching up and stroking the bird's head with the back of his hand...the corvid simply stares, looking around with its beady, unblinking eyes.] "You've had your time. You had your chance to walk around, confident in your strength and secure in the knowledge that no one can stop you. That time is at an end. You have been tried...measured...and found wanting...and I get to show you that justice and vengence have a lot in common. You see, I'm not a religious man, but there's this misquoted piece of biblical verse that sums it up nicely: 'The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.' Now...I'm no shepherd...and I couldn't care less about leading a flock...but when it comes to great vengence and furious anger..." [He pauses, nodding.] "That I'm willing to get behind..." [Fade to black... ...and then fade back to live action as we see the interview platform. The crowd is already booing, as the flowing dark-brownish-red bisht and white kaffiyeh of Sultan Azam Sharif are easy to spot from anywhere in the crowd. It probably doesn't hurt that Count Adrian Bathwaite's peach-colored dress shirt appears to be made out of a bizarre cross between Lycra and the stuff they put inside glowsticks. The highly visible duo are attended by the enormous Iranian flag carried by the Sultan, which he is waving in front of the crowd. Jason Dane gets it started... and oddly enough, he's wearing a catcher's chest protector.] JD: Last week, we saw a heinous ambush by... [ANGRY OLD MAN CANE JABBING(tm)... and it does nothing. The chest protector succeeds. Dane smiles.] JD: Ha. I came prepared, Count Ba...AAAAAAAHHHH! [So Bathwaite whacks him in the kneecap with the cane. The Asian-toned, European-featured, silverhaired sexagenarian (that word sounds much more lurid than it is) sneers triumphantly at a hopping Dane. BOOOOO!] CAB: You think you're safe from me, you needle-necked serf? Let me clue you in on something that Supernova found out last week. The nobility always wins in the end. Always. We have the power, because we deserve the power, because we know how to wield the power. And all of you lowborn dirt farmers can only dream of it. Very rarely, someone rises up above the chattel to make something of himself, and then one of two things happens. He comes crashing back down to the rank and file, just like a pig always goes back to wallowing in the mud. Or, maybe once a generation, we get somebody who redefines themself and starts a new line. You, you're a bottom-feeder just like Supernova. I've been waiting all week for this; finally, the time for Supernova to confirm for all these dim-witted peasants that he (and they) cannot rise above their station. He will apologize to me for striking me, and admit that he has no business in the presence of the highborn. And I know you're listening, you painted-up punk, so I'll make it simple. You have until the end of the Sultan's match to prepare yourself, because right after his match, you are to come down here and offer your apology. That is the way it's going to happen. And maybe then, all of these little snot-nosed monsters who drag their so-called parents over here will come to realize the way society is supposed to work: the elite rule everything, and the rest of you are here to serve us! That is why Supernova has to do this in public. Tell them, Sultan! [The black-haired Persian stops waving his flag, instead holding it at his side with his left hand while pointing with his right. The starts to "tell them" in his ridiculously thick accent.] SAS: You know, Mistair Jahsun Dan, dot I alvays vas fight for honor. Supairnova, he diddint have no honor ven he punch my manaiger, sixty-two year old man, un den last veek he poosh Mistair EEvon Kustofitch vat is also old man. Un dey both vas raspected shampwons, just like vas deh Sultan, Azhun Game shampwon un Olympic shampwon. Supairnova is dis jehbronie vat come in off deh street vit makeup on, un he gonna attock old man. But he not gonna attock Pahlavn-e Keshvar, Varzesh-e Pahlavani! [The Sultan ditches his robe as he says this, just so that he can slap both sides of his chest, then wipe off the sweat... er, oil? VATEVAH!] SAS: I am not old man, Supairnova, un you vatch me! You vatch vat Olympic shampwon look like, den you gonna know vat did all ontollEgunt AmerEcun know, dot you couldn't hit deh Sultan un get avay! Un you gonna see dot IRAN! IRAN! NUMBAH WUN! CAMARAMAN, ZOOM IT! [Cue the flexing. Sharif's physique is impressive, but bears many scars, particularly for his age. Bathwaite nods, and gives Dane an Angry Old Man Cane Jab (tm) to the knee before heading towards the aisle. "Saz O Avaz Mahdor" by Mohammed Reza Shajarian begins to play, the loud Persian vocal opening drawing even more hate from the not-really-culturally-sensitive fanbase. Bathwaite points his cane threateningly at some young kids, and Sharif marches his huge flag right behind. Cue the chant.] "U! S! A! U! S! A! U! S! A! U! S! A!" GM: Here comes the man known in his home country as a Pahvlan-e Keshvar, Bucky Wilde. BW: Geshundiet. Unless "Palony Kushver" means "undefeated", daddy, I don't think it's good enough ta describe the tear this man is on in the AWA! He ain't lost a singles match yet! GM: And I have to wonder whether or not Sultan Azam Sharif... the "Great and Honorable Sultan" as it loosely translates... really thinks what he did to Supernova was right. BW: Of course he does; it WAS right. Look, Gordo. If somebody like Calisto Dufrense, or James Monosso, or Johnny Casanova came over here and punched you in the face, would you be crying if somebody broke their hand for it? GM: Let's leave personal feelings aside. I'd be enraged, and- BW: Exactly. The Sultan was right. [The Sultan is now waving his flag all over the ring, as a young man with baggy black pants and wrestling boots, who is wearing a black T-Shirt that reads "NEVER SAY DIE", stretches out across the ring. He has messy black hair, taped-up fists, and is wearing a white mouthguard. The music dies out, but the chant does not.] "U! S! A! U! S! A! U! S! A! U! S! A!" MC: The following contest, set for one fall, has a ten minute time limit. Introducing first, to my left... From Houston, Texas... weighing two-hundred sixty seven pounds... JOSEPH PUCKETT ! [The crowd cheers the underdog as he pumps a fist. Sharif ditches his kaffiyeh; having earlier shed his bisht, he is now garbed in his ring attire of loose white sirwal tucked into shiny golden boots shaped vaguely like galesh... a hooked point on the end. Bathwaite is in the ring, giving the referee some instructions.] MC: His opponent... introducing first the manager, COUNT ADRIAN BATHWAITE! He represents... hailing from Shiraz, Iran... weighing two-hundred fifty-three pounds... SULTAN AZAM SHARIF ! [The chant picks up in volume.] "U! S! A! U! S! A! U! S! A! U! S! A!" [Shairf is pleading for the crowd to pipe down, holding out his hands placatingly with a distressed expression on his face. Bathwaite is furious, insisting that the referee silence the crowd or disqualify Puckett.] GM: The Sultan does NOT like this chant, Bucky. BW: D'you like being disrespected, Gordo? I mean, every time someone comes out here an' disrespects you... which is about five times a show, ya know... ya get that look in yer eyes. That look says, "if I was thirty years younger, a foot taller, an' had a hun'nerd pounds of muscle on me, an' had even a shred of athletic ability or toughness, it'd be bidness time!" I respect that look, Gordo. Just don't let Bathwaite see it. GM: ...thank you, Bucky. BW: Yeah! That look you got right th... what? Why're ya starin' at me? "DING! DING! DING!" GM: The opening bell rings, and Sharif seems to be distracted by the fans, and confused about his opponent's ring attire. Puckett wrestling in a T-Shirt, I think Sharif is waiting for him to take it off... and a quick go-behind and takedown by Joseph Puckett! BW: Remember, the Sultan is used ta rigid rules an' discipline. Ya don't wear T-Shirts in amateur wrestling... frankly, ya look like a slob wearin' 'em here. Get some professionalism, kid. Show some pride. GM: Sharif easily escapes; there is zero chance that this young man is going to accomplish anything by mat-wrestling a former Olympic freestyle wrestler. You can count the number of men on the AWA who could even try that approach on one hand. BW: And the number who could beat him that way? You could count 'em on zero fingers. GM: Sharif with the counter takedown, wrestling Puckett to the mat and applying a facebar. This is very painful, Bucky, and considering what happened to Joseph Puckett the last time we saw him... BW: Huh? We saw this... oh, yeah! This is the kid who got his teeth broke by Monosso! Who'd be dumb enough ta get back in a wrestling ring after that?! He's gotta have an IQ in th' sub-City Jack range. If that's possible. GM: Puckett gets to his feet. He's deceptively strong, and elbows the Sultan in the ribcage. And ag... no, fireman's carry takedown. Sharif keeping control, applying a surfboard... yes! He has his foot in the back of Puckett and cranking back on the arms! BW: This just shows how kind and honorable the Sultan is. GM: How? BW: He's givin' Supernova plenty of time ta swallow his pride an' get his apology ready. Remember, he's gotta come out here and apologize after this match! GM: So says Bathwaite. BW: When the nobility speaks, the commoners better jump to it! So it's gonna happen, just you watch. "U! S! A! U! S! A! U! S! A! U! S! A!" [The chant energizes Puckett, who gets to his knees... and then his feet. Stubbornly, the Sultan keeps the hold applied. This is ill-advised, as he's now balancing on one foot with his opponent standing. The Texan makes a quick turn, escaping the hold, and clotheslining the teetering Iranian in one move!] GM: TREMENDOUS COUNTER BY JOSEPH PUCKETT! Can he follow up?! BW: He better! GM: A right hand, and a left! The Sultan reeling! The fans are electric! And a hip toss sends Bathwaite's charge to the canvas! The undefeated record may be in jeopardy! BW: No, not to Toothless Joe Bucket! C'mon, Adrian, get him together! GM: Puckett off the ropes, and a hard forearm shiver rocks the Persian! Off the ropes again... WHAT A DROPKICK! [The cheers of the fans stop short, as Sharif uncorks his secret weapon, the dropkick. Both feet hit Puckett in the face with an audible WHACK, and he drops like a rock!] BW: WOW. I didn't expect THAT from him, daddy! GM: The Sultan isn't a very mobile competitor, but he apparently has a very effective standing dropkick in his arsenal! Joseph Puckett trying to get to his feet, but he is still dizzy. A big kick to the side with those horrid boots! [After the kick, the Sultan reaches down and grasps both of Puckett's wrists. He pulls him in, overhooking the arms in a double arm trap. A single headbutt by the Sultan sets up, and then he suplexes his man clean overhead by the arms!] GM: IMPRESSIVE! An incredible... suplex of some kind. I don't even know what to call that! BW: Inverted Tiger Suplex, Gordo. GM: Whatever it was, Puckett is stunned. Sharif... dragging him on the canvas! He is facing the man east, and we all know what this means! [The crowd tries to warn the Houston native... roll over, or crawl away, or something. Sharif straddles his back with his arms outstretched... and then descends on him. He quickly tucks both of Puckett's arms onto his thighs, and cinches in the Camel Clutch!] BW: Game over, man. Game over. GM: Indeed it is! Once Sharif gets this locked in fully, there is no way to escape via technical counter. You can only hope to power out, and I do not know if Joseph Puckett is equal to that challenge... [The Sultan torques Puckett's head, methodically yanking one way, waiting, then yanking it back the other... this repeats until Puckett does the only sensible thing left. He submits.] "DING! DING! DING!" BW: Nope. Still undefeated. And it's apology time. GM: No, it's release the hold time! Why does Sharif do THIS, if he is so honorable?! [The boos are vehement as the Sultan does not release the hold. Count Bathwaite gets in the referee's face and distracts him from applying a count to the Iranian grappler. Curiously, the Sultan's face doesn't betray rage, or even intensity at this point. It's like he's inquisitively looking at Bathwaite, wondering why he's arguing with the referee.] BW: He lets go when the Count tells him to let go. GM: He can break the kid's neck this way! He's helpless! What on Earth does Bathwaite want?! [But that's when the boos turn to cheers.] GM: Wait a minute! We've got help on the way! BW: Who in their right mind' oh no, not him! ['Him' would be Supernova, who is dressed in street clothes but still has his face painted. He also sports a cast on his right hand.] GM: Supernova has come to the aid of Puckett! BW: The only thing he should be doing is getting on his knees and preparing to apologize! [As Supernova slides under the ropes, Bathwaite quickly backs off, although shouting at him while doing so. Sharif hasn't turned his attentions to Supernova yet' 'and nor does he get a chance to do as the face-painted wrestler strikes.] GM: Supernova nails Sharif in the back of the head! BW: He him with the cast! That's should be a fine right there! GM: Like the fine Sharif should get for not releasing the hold when the bell rang? BW: That's different! He's just following Bathwaite's orders! [Sharif's grasp on Puckett is released and the Sultan ends up rolling to the apron, holding his head. Supernova gets in a quick kick to the ribs before Sharif rolls to the floor.] GM: Hold on' Bathwaite coming up from behind! BW: Ha! Serves Supernova right for sticking his nose in his business again! [As Supernova shouts at the downed Sharif, Bathwaite creeps up behind Supernova, holding his cane above his head' 'but as he swings, Supernova suddenly spins around and catches the attempted shot!] GM: Supernova caught him! Bathwaite is in trouble! BW: He better not touch him! He's supposed to be apologizing, anyway! [Bathwaite is now shaking his head and pleading his case as Supernova has the cane in his left hand, with Baithwaite's right hand still clutching it' 'but not for long as Supernova manages to pull the cane away from the manager.] GM: Bathwaite better get out of there if he knows what good for him! BW: Why? You want to see Supernova strike him again? How dare you condone violence against the elderly, Gordon! [Bathwaite, though, is quick to slip out of the ring, through the ropes, but stays standing on the apron, still begging Supernova not to hurt him. Supernova stares at him, then motions to the ring announcer for the mic.] BW: Ah, good! Supernova is about to deliver his apology as promised. GM: I don't know about that' he wouldn't really do that, would he? BW: He should! Twice now he's put his hands on his elders' he needs to learn to show some respect. GM: If anyone needs to show respect, it's the like of Bathwaite for the way he and the Russians set up Koyla Sudakov. [Sharif is now on his feet, still holding his head, but he makes no motion to get into the ring' no doubt because Supernova is brandishing that cane in his left hand while supporting the mic as best he can in the cast on his right hand.] S: Bathwaite! You called me out here, right? [Bathwaite shouts above the cheering crowd: 'You know what I want!'] S: I understand you wanted an apology? [And this time, Bathwaite shouts louder: 'You're right I do!''] S: Very well then' [He then pauses, with some fans screaming at Supernova not to do it, while Bathwaite smiles.] S: Apologize this! [And with one swift motion, Supernova takes the cane and pushes it with both hands over his knee, snapping it in two! Bathwaite's smile has quickly disappeared, and now he's angry. He tries to get back through the ropes, but Sharif is pulling him back and the referee is blocking his way.] GM: There's your apology, Bathwaite! BW: How dare he! Does Supernova know how much that cane cost! GM: I don't think he cares! And it's quite clear Bathwaite isn't going to get what he wants tonight! We'll be right back, fans! [Fade to black. After a moment, we fade back up on a shot of Jason Dane and Mark Stegglet in an apparently moving car.] JD: You know, Mark... the AWA Access iPhone app has been so popular over the past year, I hear we're making a sequel! MS: Jason, that kind of news is so hot, it should be on the app! [The two men laugh very awkwardly as a giant iPhone appears.] JD: Hello, Mr. iPhone. [The iPhone speaks. Yes. Yes it does.] iPhone: Hello, Jason Dane. Did you know that former AWA National Champion Kolya Sudakov was a former Mixed Martial Artist? JD: Well, actually I did. iPhone: Mark Stegglet, did you know that Calisto Dufresne was the first and only champion in Pro Wrestling Revolution? MS(in his best Johnny Carson impression): I did not know that! [Thankfully, a voiceover starts.] VO: Starting today, you can download AWA Access Version 2.0! This new app contains a brand new TRIVIA mode where you can get all the details on your favorite AWA superstars! Plus, be the first to see our brand new BEFORE THE AWA section where you can find matches from the best of the AWA - before they were AWA! AWA Access Version 2.0 - coming to an iPhone near you! [Fade back to black... And then back up to footage marked "TWO WEEKS AGO!" Stretching out, his back cracking, "The Bull" Bruno Dawson stands with a towel around his neck, barely sweating after his match against Kenny Trigg.] BD: Well, AWA, that was a good warm-up. Stretched my muscles a bit, and I actually had to use some effort to toss Kenny Trigg down before making him tap out. Who else you got? [A smile, confident bordering on cocky.] BD: Moving up the ladder in a promotion such as this is a lot tougher than walking into an independent and immediately making an impact. I understand that, and am more than willing to work my way up from the bottom. But if you feed me more men like Kenny Trigg, there's going to be a long list of medical claims this company is going to have to pay out. So it might be in your best interest to give me an actual challenge next time. [Bruno plops down on a bench facing a set of lockers. He relaxes a bit, and tosses the towel around his neck into an open locker.] BD: This coming show, it looks like I've got a day of rest. Fine by me, I'm getting paid either way. The next time I step in the ring, however, I plan on making an even bigger statement. "The Bull" will not be denied, nor will he wait forever. The stars of AWA will be forced to take me seriously sooner rather than later. When that time comes, we'll find out who has what it takes to stand with me. I have a sneaky suspicion that there aren't many. It's time to evolve, or die with the changing climate. [Close in on the straight face of Bruno Dawson, a possible future star in the AWA... ...and then fade back to live action to another face. The mirrored sunglasses he wears don't fully hide his black eye. And certainly, they can't hide the fact that his nose is crooked, clearly broken, and then perhaps re-broken so that it will heal properly. But none of the obvious injuries to his face, or the fact that whenever he takes a deep breath he winces because of the pain in his ribs, makes Alex Martinez look any less threatening. Standing backstage, wearing his black leather jacket, dressed in his ring gear, he stands behind a microphone held by Jason Dane. Even though his eyes are hidden from view, the intensity of the man is unmistakable.] JD: Two weeks ago, we witnessed something horrible. You, Mr. Martinez, were attacked by James Monosso. If you don't mind me saying so, he really did a number on you. Frankly, I'm surprised you're here this week, and scheduled for a match later. AM: You're right, Dane. Monosso straight up kicked my butt. He beat the hell outta me. No excuses. What you saw was me gettin' my butt handed to me. But ya know somethin', Jason Dane? JD: What? AM: That's just fine with me. [There's a slight smirk on the face of Alex Martinez.] AM: See, before now, I hadn't been takin' things with the Minion, and the Dragon, and all that too seriously. I didn't sweat it. I figured some guy wants to dress up like an idiot and say a bunch of dumb crap? Well, who am I to stop him? But now, now ya got me takin' this all very seriously. Monosso, you did hurt me. But ya didn't end me. And that was mistake number one. Mistake number two? [The smirk is joined by a chuckle.] AM: Well, you done told me who was pullin' your strings. [Dane pauses a moment, and then his eyes widen.] JD: Wait, are you saying you know who this mysterious Dragon is? AM: Damn right, Dane. I know exactly who the Dragon is. And if you were listenin' to what Monosso said to you after he beat the hell outta me, you'd know too. See, I gotta thank ya for that Monosso. You gave me someone to focus all my energy on. But don't think that gets ya off the hook. JD: But how do you plan on dealing with Monosso? Certainly, he made it clear that nothing you can do will affect him. He even invited you to his house. [Martinez nods.] AM: You're right Dane. Monosso ain't the sorta man that can be reasoned with, or even dealt with by pinnin' for a three count. No, James Monosso, I'm gonna have to do something else to ya. But I wanna make somethin' real clear. I'm not goin' to your home, Monosso. And I ain't gonna find you in a parkin' lot either. I'm gonna do this right here, in Dallas, in the Crockett Coliseum. So that all these great fans can watch. And so that the man payin' ya can watch too. [Martinez pulls his sunglasses off, and the camera zooms in on his face and its multiple bruises and contusions.] AM: But what they're goin' to see? It ain't gonna be no match. At least, not as you understand it. James Monosso, you're a mad dog. You're rabid. And when you're dealin' with a dog that's foamin' at the mouth? Well, there's only one cure for that. And it ain't no wrestlin' match. James Monosso, I'm gonna put ya down once and for all. [The expression on Martinez' face goes beyond intense. It can be described as murderous.] AM: You took money for my blood Monosso. And now, you're gonna have to pay the price. I'm comin' for ya Monosso. And when I get my hands on ya? Ain't nothin' you're gonna be able to do. JD: Serious words from a serious man. Let's head back down to ringside for more action! [We crossfade to the ring where Melissa is standing.] MC: The following matchup is a tag team contest scheduled for one fall with a fifteen minute time limit. Introducing first... already in the ring at this time... from Parts Unknown, Weight Unknown... THE BLACK DEMONS! [Two bulky masked men raise their bulbous arms to a lot of boos.] MC: And their opponents... [The sounds of KISS' "Rock And Roll All Nite" kicks in to a big cheer from the crowd!] MC: From Music City, USA... at a total combined weight of 453 pounds... Scotty and Marty... THE ROCKSTAR EXPRRRRRESSSSSS! [The crowd's cheers grow louder as Scotty Storm and Marty Morgan burst into view through the curtain. Morgan pauses, raising an arm to point at the cheering fans. He high-fives his partner before the two start making their way down the aisle, clad in black full-length tights and white boots with red bandanas tied off at random places. They each sport a t-shirt for an 80s rock band with the sleeves cut off as they head to the ring.] GM: Scotty and Marty, the Rockstar Express, are on the way to the ring for tag team action and after what happened to them two weeks ago when they were taking on The Aces, you have to wonder what kind of a mood they're in here tonight. BW: Same as usual by the looks of 'em, out there shaking hands, kissing babies... all that jazz. GM: They do seem in a good mood, yes. [Storm and Morgan step through the ropes, pulling off their t-shirts to a big cheer from the ladies in the crowd as they toss them out to the floor... ...and then get barreled over by the charging Demons as the bell rings!] GM: Look at this! [Let's call this first one Black Demon #1 as he throws Scotty Storm back into the buckles, burying boot after boot into the midsection as his partner flings Morgan into the ropes.] GM: Marty Morgan sent to the ropes... clothesli- [Morgan baseball slides underneath the clothesline, popping up to his feet to throw a right hand to the masked man's skull!] GM: Morgan caught him there! [Morgan grabs Demon #2 by the wrist, firing him towards his partner...] GM: LOOK OUT!! [A big crash brings the crowd to their feet as the two Black Demons collide in the corner, nearly squashing Scotty Storm who just narrowly lunges out of the way as the two big men hit the buckles!] GM: The Demons slam together and- [Spinning the second Demon around, Scotty Storm leaps up on the second rope next to him, cradling his head in a loose side headlock, raising his right hand.] "ONE!" "TWO!" "THREE!" "FOUR!" "FIVE!" "SIX!" "SEVEN!" "EIGHT!" "NINE!" "TEN!" [Storm leaps down, grabbing the arm to fire Black Demon #2 across the ring to the opposite corner as Marty Morgan leaps up on the midbuckle, raising a right hand.] GM: Now it's time for Black Demon #1 to get some! "ONE!" "TWO!" "THREE!" "FOUR!" "FIVE!" "SIX!" "SEVEN!" "EIGHT!" "NINE!" "TEN!" [Morgan leaps down as well, pumping a fist to the cheers of the crowd. The two Rockstars go to opposite corners, each grabbing an arm on their opponents.] GM: Double whip! BW: BOOM! RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE!! [The two big masked men collide in the center of the ring, staggered from the big meeting... ...and then quickly dropped. First, a double dropkick on the chin of the second Black Demon. Then a double drop toehold on the first Demon, sending him down in a big splash on his partner!] GM: Both Demons are down and the Rockstars are flying high! [On cue, the two Rockstars mount opposite corners, looking down at the two floored Demons... ...and take flight, Morgan with a fistdrop as Storm drops a big splash across the back of Black Demon #1!] BW: Stack 'em and rack 'em 'cause this one's over! [Flipping both Demons to their backs, the Rockstars apply a double lateral press as the referee counts both men down for the three count.] GM: There you go! The Rockstars win here on Saturday Night Wrestling! [Morgan and Storm quickly celebrate their win before exiting the ring, heading back up the ramp towards the locker room.] GM: The Rockstar Express with a quick win tonight, Bucky. BW: They don't get paid by the hour, Gordo. They wanted to send a message and they did exactly that. But what I want to know is a) are they done with the Aces and b) what about the First Family? GM: Jason Dane may be about to find out exactly that. Jason? [We crossfade over to the interview stage where Jason Dane has been joined by Scotty Storm and Marty Morgan, the Rockstar Express, who are all grins.] JD: Thanks, Gordon. Guys, a nice win in there tonight but I have to wonder, after what has happened to you guys for the past couple of months, how can you be in such a good mood? [Scotty Storm nods his head as he leans over the mic.] SS: First off, Jase... let's hear it for these great fans here in Dallas! [Big "Hey! That's us!" cheer!] SS: Now, you want to know why we're in a good mood - how can we not be when you hear these people, Jase? [Dane persists.] JD: I'm sure that's true but let's face facts. You didn't win the Stampede Cup. Two weeks ago, you went out to try and show The Aces that you COULD beat them and you didn't. Of course, that's thanks to the arrival of The First Family. SS: Look here, Jase. Yeah, we want to beat The Aces. That ain't no secret and it ain't no lie. We want to get them boys back inside this ring and we want to tear the house down with 'em one more time. And this time? When she's all said and done, we'll be gettin' our hands raised. JD: Are you challenging The Aces again? MM: Jase, you need to clean our your ears. We want a match with 'em... that's for sure. We want another shot at 'em and we'll take it whenever we can get it. But first thing's first... [Morgan points to the camera, a slightly angry look on his face.] MM: Adam and his Holy Rollers, I'm talkin' at ya. You want a shot at us? You want to make a name for yourself over us? Fine. Scotty and I have been up and down every highway and byway in thsi country, making names for ourselves... and these people in this building know... and those people at home know... they know what the Rockstar Express is all about. So, you want to become a household name thanks to us? Then bring it, boys. We'll be waitin' for ya. [With a whoop, the Rockstars exchange a high five, walking out of view once again.] JD: The Rockstar Express is runnin' hotter than ever and they're comin' for the First Family... [Dane shrugs.] JD: ...AND The Aces? I can't wait to see what happens with that one! Fans, we'll be right back so don't you DARE go away! [Fade to black. The black screen is filled with white text that reads "THREE YEARS AGO!"] "They said it couldn't work." [The words fade out and are then replaced with "TWO YEARS AGO!"] "They said it wouldn't last." [The words fade out and are replaced with "ONE YEAR AGO!"] "They're too old fashioned. They can't keep up with the times. Nobody wants to watch that stuff." [The words fade out and are replaced with "THEY WERE WRONG!" The text fades again and comes back to reveal, "March 26th, 2011 - The Main Event - The Third Anniversary Show." And then fades back out to black before returning to live action where Mark Stegglet is interviewing everyone's favourite Playboy, the podgier than usual Johnny Casanova, and main squeeze Big Mama. Stegglet opens his mouth to talk but is quickly interrupted by the enthusastic Cas.] JC: It's me, it's me, it's Playboy Johnny C! Oh boy, Steggles, are ya in for a treat tonight! MS: Should we take it you're confident in your ability to beat Eric Preston? JC: Am I confident? Of course I am, Steg! And I have to say, I'm a little fired up for this one. Ya see, this Eric Preston, he talked about his match with Sudakov as if it was the opportunity of a lifetime. Seems to me, he's been getting himself a lot of opportunities recently. First, he got to get thrown around by the victorious team in the Steal the Spotlight match a few months ago, in which ya'll remember I helped my good friend MAMMOTH pick up a huge win. Second, he gets entered into the Stampede Cup, a tournament which many better men such as yours truly were surprisingly overlooked for. Third, he gets a match against a former champ in Sudakov. And fourth, tonight, the biggest opportunity of them all, he gets to go one on one with a bona fide legend in the Playboy Johnny C. What do all these opportunities have in common, Steggles? I'll tell ya what - he blew them all! Meanwhile, I embarrassed Scotty Mayhem to the point where he appears to have changed his name and found more gainful employment far far from Johnny C. I teamed with MAMMOTH, and a coupla others who rode our coat tails, to help him get that massive Steal The Spotlight win. And how have I been rewarded? Without a match for about two months and now the chance to take on Eric Preston! It just don't make sense, does it, Stegg? [Stegglet avoids answering.] MS: You're certainly entitled to your opinion, Mr Casanova. You seem to be in a pretty good mood tonight. [Casanova nods.] JC: Now I have to admit Steggles, last time around, people were telling me I was kinda quiet. I heard a lady say after the show, that my lil speech was over so quickly, she got through it without passing out at my handsomeness for the first time in some years. It's true it's true. Ya know why, Steggy? [Stegglet shakes his head.] JC: I was missing my sweet cherry pie here, my little pumpkin, my woman of my lifetime... Big Mama! [He leans over and kisses his woman.] JC: See, it isn't given to many of ya out there to experience the love that we feel for each other. Most of ya will never know the beauty of two hearts beating as one. But those few who do will tell ya that when you're seperated from your one true love, life just don't shine so brightly any more. The Playboy has to admit he was going through the motions a little last time around. But this time the first couple of the AWA are reunited. Johnny C and Big Mama, together again. And for Eric Preston, that means nothing but a world of hurt. [Casanova flashes a toothy grin in the direction of the camera as we fade to the ring where Melissa Cannon is standing, looking a little off her game.] MC: The following... [She pauses, shaking her head.] MC: The following contest is set for one fall with a ten minute time limit and it is for the Longhorn Heritage Championship! [Big cheer!] GM: Well, that explains why Melissa seems a little rattled, Bucky. We all recall way back in November when Nenshou sprayed that vile mist into Melissa's eyes at the orders of Lori Dane. He's the reason we haven't seen Melissa until tonight! BW: I think Lori Dane - and a lot of others - would say that it's her fault that Melissa's been out of action. GM: A good point but you can imagine what it must be like for Melissa to have to make this introduction. [Melissa continues, having been reassured by the referee.] MC: Introducing first... already in the ring at this time... from Mobile, Alabama... "Tough" Tony Tyler! [A few cheers for the African-American with "TOUGH" tattooed across his chest.] MC: And his opponent... [The lights dim and a light mist rolls out from the entryway as "Raijin's Drums by George Sakalis begins to play over the PA System. After a moment, the mysterious Nenshou appears, wearing a long black robe with the hood pulled down over his painted face. Pausing at the entrance, he begins to walk smoothly and unhurriedly down towards the ring, his steely gaze locked on the squared circle. Behind him comes his manager Percy Childes... overweight and sweating, the piece of filth is as loud as his charge is silent, jawing at fans and threating to brain them with his crystal orb topped cane.] MC: From Parts Unknown... weighing in at 253 pounds and being accompanied to the ring by his manager, the Collector of Oddities, Percy Childes... he represents the Unholy Alliance and is the current AWA Longhorn Heritage Champion... NENNNNNNSHOU! [The jeers intensify for Nenshou and Childes as they approach the ring, title belt in hand. Nenshou leaps gracefully through the ropes into the ring. He stares across the squared circle through the thin slit in his hood... ...and then jerks the hood back, lifting his head and spewing a green spray into the air! Melissa Cannon can be seen taking two steps back at the sight of the mist, especially as Nenshou points a tape-wrapped finger in her direction.] GM: Oh, come on! There's no call for that! [Nenshou takes a step towards the ring announcer when "Tough" Tony Tyler does the gentlemanly thing and steps in front of Melissa, shaking his head as he shouts at the champion.] GM: Yeah! You tell him, Tony! BW: "Tough" Tony is trying to live up to his nickname here and might get his career ended for it. Nenshou's not about to- [Without warning, Nenshou drives his tape-wrapped fingers into the windpipe of Tyler with a stiff-fingered thrust. Tyler falls backwards, clutching his throat as Melissa bails out to the floor and the referee signals for the bell to start the match.] GM: Nenshou's on the attack from the first second, all over Tyler now with kicks to the ribs... [Three hard front kicks to the ribs sends Tyler falling back into the ropes. Nenshou steps forward, hooking Tyler around the neck, pulling his throat down on the top rope!] GM: He's choking him! Choking "Tough" Tony over the ropes and- [At the count of four, Nenshou breaks the choke, tugging the top rope hard to snap Tyler back down to the mat.] GM: Percy Childes shouts some orders to his man from outside the ring, clutching that title belt to his chest. Childes treasures that belt, you know that, Bucky? BW: Of course he does. Percy Childes sees that belt as a symbol of what he and his men plan to do to all of these nostalgic twerps who sit around wishing it was the 90s. [Holding the top rope, Nenshou buries a kick to the ribs of Tyler. A few more follow, forcing Tyler to roll under the ropes to the apron. The Asian Assassin reaches over the ropes, pulling Tyler to his feet by the arm... ...and promptly WHIPS him along the apron into the ringpost, sending him crashing down to the barely-covered floor!] GM: Ohh! Tyler goes down hard to the floor... [Out on the floor, Percy Childes approaches as the referee turns his back to the floor, keeping Nenshou at bay... ...and completely misses Childes slamming his crystal-topped cane into the ribcage of Tyler!] GM: Oh, come on, referee! Turn around out there! [Childes raises the cane again, this time driving the edge of it down into the midsection of Tyler who curls up, clutching his abdomen as a cackling Childes strides away, leaving Tyler gasping for air.] GM: Percy Childes is a no-good piece of garbage, Bucky! BW: Why don't you try telling him that with Nenshou or James Monosso around? GM: I'll pass on that but something has to be done to put this guy in his place, Bucky. BW: The man's got an army - an Army of Darkness - surrounding him! Nenshou, Monosso, Layton, Polemos! You want Childes? You gotta go through all four of them and ain't no one... and I mean no one... around that's man enough to get that done. Look at what's happened to anyone who's tried! GM: Vernon Riley out with a broken leg. Ron Houston out with another arm injury. The Unholy Alliance is quite possibly the most dangerous force in all of wrestling. [With "Tough" Tony back on his feet, Nenshou grabs him by the arm, dragging him under the ropes into the ring... ...and lashes out with a hard kick to the chest!] GM: Nenshou's introducing "Tough" Tony to those educated feet here tonight. Dragging him up now... [A hard knife-edge chop echoes through the building as Tyler falls backwards into the turnbuckles. Nenshou moves in, throwing another big chop to the chest before leaping up, lashing out backwards with a perfectly-placed kick to the sternum!] GM: Another kick! [Grabbing Tyler by the arm, Nenshou whips him across the ring, sending him crashing into the buckles.] GM: From corner to corner goes Tyler... [Nenshou breaks into a charge, jumping into a handspring before flying backwards to smash his elbow up under the chin of Tyler to the jeers of the crowd! Tyler collapses in a heap on the mat as Nenshou stands over him, striking a martial arts pose... ...and suddenly the crowd ERUPTS!] GM: Look out now! BW: What the heck is HE doing out here? GM: Brian Von Braun's heading down the aisle! [An angry Nenshou, hearing the crowd's reaction, spins around and gestures wildly at the approaching Von Braun.] GM: Look at this! Nenshou saw him coming and he's telling the referee to get him out of here! BW: As well he should. Von Braun's got no right to be out here right now! None! GM: I thought you liked Brian Von Braun! BW: Not if he's coming after Nenshou! [An angry Percy Childes shouts up at Von Braun who reaches the end of the ramp, standing by the ropes. Nenshou approaches, still gesturing at Von Braun... ...and suddenly finds himself pulled down in a schoolboy!] GM: ROLLUP!! ONE!! TWO!! TH- [BIG ROAR OF DISAPPOINTMENT!] GM: Nenshou slipped out just in time! We almost had a major upset! [And suddenly, Von Braun leaps off the ramp, dropping down to the floor and pointing a warning finger at Percy Childes.] GM: Wait a second! Von Braun's coming after Childes! He's coming for him! [Childes backs away, shaking his head, waving his crystal-topped cane back and forth as he clutches the title belt tightly to his chest. A smirking Von Braun pursues, not charging, just simply stalking his prey as he makes the "belt gesture" in his direction.] GM: Nenshou needs to keep his focus in there or- [Tyler rocks Nenshou with a right hand, knocking the distracted champion back into the ropes. "Tough" Tony grabs him by the wrist, flinging him into the ropes... ...and hurls him through the air, sending him crashing to the mat with a backdrop!] GM: BIIIIIIIIIG BACK BODYDROP!! [With a dazed Nenshou taking a knee, Tyler rushes forward with a diving clothesline that flattens him!] GM: "Tough" Tony with a cover! ONE!! TWO!! [But Nenshou fires a shoulder off the mat again. Tyler quickly takes the mount, raising a fist to the cheers of the crowd, and batters the skull of the downed Longhorn Heritage Champion!] GM: Right hand by Tyler! Another right! [Outside the ring, Percy Childes is still in a full retreat, backing all the way around the ring... ...and bumping into the ramp!] GM: He's trapped! Childes is trapped! [Tyler pops up to his feet, pulling Nenshou up by the hair into a front facelock. He shouts something to the roar of the crowd.] GM: Tyler called for the Alabammer Jammer! BW: That'd be great if I knew what that was. ["Tough" Tony powers Nenshou up off the mat, lifting him horizontal to the mat...] GM: He's got him up! [And in mid-lift, Tyler drops back down to his knees, dropping Nenshou facefirst on the mat!] GM: ALABAMMER JAMMER!! [Tyler flips Nenshou onto his back, lunging across him in a lateral press.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! THR- [The crowd ROARS with disappointment as Nenshou slips a shoulder up.] GM: Nenshou's out at two! That was so close! So close! [A disappointed Tyler slams his fists into the mat, looking pleadingly at the referee who holds up two fingers.] GM: This young man from Alabama just came within a hair of defeating the Longhorn Heritage Champion! And imagine what a win like that would do for his career, Bucky! Just imagine! BW: He'd sure be able to charge more to appear at the Boys And Girls Club on Friday night. GM: Tyler can't believe it. I can only imagine how many folks he's finished off with that very move back in Alabama but tonight, it wasn't enough to beat Nenshou. [Tyler pulls Nenshou off the mat, hooking a front facelock again.] GM: He's going for it again! [Fleeing for his life, Percy Childes starts to backpedal down the ramp, Von Braun still in pursuit, pointing at the Collector of Oddities.] GM: He wants the Alabammer Jammer again! What's he- [Nenshou quickly reaches over, raking his fingers across the eyes of Tyler, temporarily blinding him!] GM: Ohh! He goes to the eyes! [With Tyler blinded, Nenshou deadleaps, hooking his head between his legs to pull him into a rana, reaching back with both arms to tightly cradle the legs.] GM: HE'S GOT HIM!! ONE!! TWO!! THREEEEEE!!! "DING! DING! DING!" [Nenshou immediately rolls from the ring onto the ramp, climbing to his feet. He quickly rushes down the ramp, pursuing Brian Von Braun and the fleeing Percy Childes who have disappeared behind the curtain.] GM: Nenshou is your winner... but he's heading to the back! He's gotta save his manager! BW: That's right. Who knows what the heck Von Braun is gonna do to Childes if he catches him! Run, Percy, run! [The Asian Assassin disappears through the curtain well, vanishing into the locker room.] GM: Well, we'll try to find out what happens back there... but Brian Von Braun just showed the entire world that he's serious when he says he's going to take that title off Nenshou's waist. But when will that match happen? BW: Von Braun's a menace! He shouldn't be given a title match - he should be fined and suspended for attempting to terrorize a manager! Watkins and his Championship Committee should be reviewing this! I'm sick and tired of the abuse of managers around here! First, it was Adrian Bathwaite! Then it was Ivan Kostovich! Now, Percy Childes?! This is ridiculous, Gordo! GM: Von Braun didn't lay a hand on- BW: That you saw! Who knows what maniac did if he caught up to Percy in the locker room! GM: I'd say that he brought it- "Tonight's story is somewhat unique, and calls for a different kind of introduction." GM: Oh, come on! [Michael Jackson's "Threatened" usually signals the arrival of Joe Petrow. But this time, it is a gynormous 152-inch television coming into view, being pushed onto the top of the ramp ramp by two wrestlers, who are both familiar and anonymous] GM: Now _what_ in the world is this? BW: _This_, my friend, is a special treat from Mr. Petrow and the Hall of Fame Legend Mark Langseth. And you and everybody else would be wise to pay attention! [And indeed, with the television in place, it is Joe Petrow who steps out now, holding his own microphone, back in his element stylin' in a high priced suit. Standing at the top of the ramp as the music fades out, he pauses to survey the crowd, taking in their boos and letting them escalate slightly before speaking] JP: _My_ name is Joe Petrow. [The boos come back in force. Petrow doesn't bother waiting for them to die down] JP: Like Juan Vasquez, I feel the need to remind you of my name, because if you really knew who I was you would _not_ be treating me like this! [More boos. Doesn't he ever learn?] JP: You see now why you don't deserve to see or hear the Hall of Fame Legend Mark Langseth in person now, don't you? Well, don't worry about Mr. Langseth, because I _guarantee_ that in due time, he will get every bit of the respect that he deserves. BUT! Mr. Langseth wants not one iota of what's to come to be on his conscience! If things must come to pass as I say they will, then he wants to give you every chance to do the right thing on your own! And so, I have prepared this video, set to majestic music befitting a legend, so that even the most _inbred_ Texas hick [more boos!] can follow along and know what it means to be a living legend. So Juan Vasquez, Alex Martinez, and every other person out there, drop whatever you're doing, and get ready to learn just what Greatness Personified is all about! [Petrow pauses for a moment then, annoyed, he slaps one of the wrestlers on the top of the head and barks directions. The chastised ham-and-egger runs to the set and punches some buttons. Familiar music plays over a stream of Mark Langseth career highlights. You, the home viewer, get to see it in all its glory on your own television] [Musical intro as we see footage of a much younger Mark Langseth, making his NeCW debut.] #Try to be best 'Cause you're only a man And a man's gotta learn to take it# [Footage of Mark Langseth acting as a "slave" to Gabriel Whitecross with the words "COURTESY OF EMPIRE SPORTS" at the bottom of the shot.] #Try to believe Though the going gets rough That you gotta hang tough to make it# [Quick cut to Langseth now with the respect of his mentor Whitecross.] #History repeats itself Try and you'll succeed Never doubt that you're the one And you can have your dreams!# [Langseth defeating Whitecross for the EMWC North American Title and then holding the title proudly in the air.] #You're the best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you down You're the Best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you down You're the Best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you dowwwn!# [Footage of Mark Langseth being thrown from pillar to post inside the Thunderdome by Curtis Hansen... footage of Langeth kicking out again and again before dragging himself over to make the cover and defeat the EMWC's Franchise in the middle of the cage.] #Fight 'til the end Cause your life will depend On the strength you have inside you# [Mark Langseth in the ring facing off with Eddie Van Gibson, again kicking out again and again.] #Ah you gotta be proud starin' out in the cloud When the odds in the game defy you Try your best to win them all and one day time will tell when yer the one thats standing there you'll reach the final bell!# [...until footage conveniently cuts to Langseth hitting his No Sweat neckbreaker, then cuts again to Langseth making the cover. 1...2...3! Mark Langseth and EMWC Owner Chris Blue celebrate with the World Championship belt.] #You're the best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you down You're the Best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you down You're the Best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you dowwwn!# [Mark Langseth enters the ring with the championship belt, looking at the towering Alex Martinez. More cuts, to Mark rolling Alex up for a three count, then of him shattering a toilet seat over Martinez' head, and obtaining yet another pinfall. As the inspiring guitar solo plays quietly in the background, we see footage of the Hall of Fame ceremony, where Mark Langseth is being presented with his ring. Sounds of different interview highlights from different points in his career overlay the video footage of Mr. Langseth making his acceptance speech:] ML: So, this is how you all treat me, huh? So this is how a man, who for nearly one year works the hardest, entertains the most, and just about carries this company to stardom... This is how he's treated? [...] ML: Please, Alex, come clean. Don't keep deluding yourself and all these fine fans...you disrespect everything. This company...me, and these people...yes, you disrespect your very own people. You give them the absolute worst role model that I can think of. [...] ML: But if I do well? Show that I still got it in the ring? Be - dare I say it? "My old self"? Then let that moment be the start of a new era in my career... And as a notice to all of the AWA that I'm to be taken seriously. #You're the best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you down You're the Best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you down You're the Best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you dowwwn!# [Footage of Mark Langseth hitting the ring at SuperClash - a quick montage of technical expertise before locking Greatness Personified on Macht Kraftwerk. The shot changes to Langseth tangling with Shane Destiny, turning sure defeat into victory with a cradle out of nowhere to get the pin.] #Fight 'til you drop never stop can't give up Til you reach the top (FIGHT!) | Footage of Superclash II, you're the best in town (FIGHT!) | highlighting a changed and Listen to that sound | deranged Mark Langseth, A little bit of all you got | gradually becoming more and Can never bring you down!# [Footage of SuperClash II, highlighting a changed and deranged Mark Langseth gradually becoming more and more unhinged with Destiny until finally forcing his foe into unconsciousness. He stands, hand raised but with the look of denied respect and adulation.] #You're the best! Around! Nothing's gonna ever keep you down You're the Best! Around!# [As the screen fades to the occasional background shouts of 'Oh Ye-eah!', the final picture is a head shot of Mr. Langseth with a big toothy grin, surrounded by a halo of light. The caption below reads:] MARK LANGSETH HALL OF FAME LEGEND THE BEST AROUND [Cut back to a live action, and a full shot of Petrow, staring at the television and clapping in reverence. But he stops, as he notices the boos around him. The camera pans around to show the crowd groaning and waving their arms in disgust, one woman in particular holding her little girl with braces close as she screams "GO AWAY, YOU FREAK!" Back to Petrow, who slowly moves his head back and forth, taking in the response, then nodding slightly before bringing the mic back to his lips:] JP: I figured as much. In a logical world, in a world where people still felt honor-bound to respect the achievements of others, Juan Vasquez and Alex Martinez would be shoving each other over backstage right now, trying to be the first one to come out here, get down on his hands and knees, and _beg_ for our forgiveness! _Beg_ for the forgiveness of the two most accomplished men in the AWA, and for the _only_ Hall of Fame legend that it has! But men like Vasquez and Martinez have spoiled you people! Pandering to _your_ needs, _your_ desires! And now, you don't respect anything that was ever done for you before! Now you expect us to be your little puppets, to do everything that you ask for in exchange for a little crumb of temporary support, until the next flavor of the month rolls into town. But that will all end very soon! We will be ushering in a new era of respect! Of honor! Of discipline! And now, you have only one choice left! Either give the Hall of Fame Legend Mark Langseth the respect that he deserves willingly. Or...we will foreclose on the debt you owe to us...just like half of your homes have probably been foreclosed by now! [More boos at the cheap shot!] JP: Martinez! Vasquez! You have two weeks to save yourselves, and to save the AWA! Do the right thing, or we'll do the right thing for you! [Petrow spikes the live mic onto the ramp, a loud POPPING noise emphasizing his disgust. Petrow's music plays again as he screams at his helpers to get the television backstage and we fade to black. ...and then back up on a shot of the AWA National Title belt. The super-excited voice of Mark Stegglet is heard over it.] "You've seen it on Saturday Night Wrestling!" [A shot of Marcus Broussard with the belt over his shoulder.] "You've seen it on AWA supercards like Memorial Day Mayhem and The Last Stampede!" [Now a shot of Kolya Sudakov in a fighting pose with the belt hanging over his shoulder.] "You've seen the best the AWA has to offer wearing it!" [A shot of Stevie Scott holding the belt high in the air.] "And now, it can be yours!" [A final shot of Juan Vasquez, battered yet triumphant with the gold belt held in both hands fades into a shot of a young fan doing the same.] "Available NOW on AWAShop.com, get the official replica of the AWA National Title belt that only the best and brightest of the AWA superstars have held!" [A closeup of the AWA National Title slowly fades to black... ...and then we come back up to a live shot of the Crockett Coliseum. The chilling voice of Kevin Spacey as John Doe whispers over the PA:] 'The Lord works in mysterious ways' [Then, the haunting tunes of 'John the Revelator' by Curtis Stigers and the Forest Rangers start to play just as Adam steps through the curtains.] # Tell me who's that writin'? John the Revelator # Tell me who's that writin'? John the Revelator # Wrote the book of the seven seals [We see three shadowy figures on one of the interview platforms, which is still dark. Then, slowly, reminiscent of a sunrise, the stage is illuminated to reveal the First Family. There is Eve, wearing a white blouse and a black mini-skirt, her hair wound into a strict bun. The behemoth, Brother Cain, is looming in the background. He is the only member of the First Family who is in his ring attire, long, black tights and a white executioner's mask. Adam stands in the front, wearing a white suit, a bright red shirt and a white tie. His arms are spread out to his sides and he has a serene smile on his face, which is directed towards the ceiling even though his eyes are closed. The music fades out and Eve, without a microphone but still very audible, screams: ] E : REJOICE! [The crowd, not happy with the previous appearance of the First Family, react with boos and jeers. Eve's face is twisted into a grimace of anger.] E : REPENT! [More boos. Adam slowly opens his eyes and lowers his arms.] E : LAMENT YOUR SINS! [Eve throws her arms up in frustration and walks to the edge of the stage to jaw with the nearest fans. Adam, calm and collected, has fished a microphone out of his suit.] A : Broooooooootheeeeerrrrssss '. siiiiiiiiisssteeeeerrrrsss ' we feel your hatred! Your voices defame us, your faces show your distaste for our words and deeds ' we hear your message! [The smile never leaves his face as he continues in his mid-western twang.] A : And we pity you. For you simply do not know better. You are deaf and blind to the _truth_ ' to my words and to the will of the Lord! But do not fear the future, brothers and sisters ' you will learn! We will teach you in the days and weeks to come, teach you to looooooove us, to accept us as the saviours that we are! [Adam nods sagely as Eve continues to berate a group of fans close to the fans. Brother Cain may as well be a statue in the background.] A : And save you is what we want. The biblical Adam lost paradise for all of mankind but me, the new First Man, will lead you back to it, into a golden age of righteousness and faith! You will cheer _us_, follow _us_, not miscreants like the Rockstar Express or the Aces. What kind of example do they set? Have they dedicated their fights to the Lord, like Samson, like David ' like us? E : NO! A : No, they have not. Their fights are for selfish reasons, for greed and self-idolatry. And you, my brothers and sisters, fail to see the error of their ways and do as they do. No more! E : NO MORE! NO MORE! [It is hard to tell what causes more boos .. Adam's disparaging words or Eve's shrill voice repeating them. The fans make their rejection very audible, though.] A : The Aces and the Rockstar Express ' too glaring examples of what is wrong with AWA at this time ' like Sodom and Gomorrha! And like Sodom and Gomorrha, they will be wiped out, to show His flock what becomes of sinners who do not repent. E : REPENT! A : This time, the instruments of the Lord are not fire and brimstone, though. This time, he has chosen Brother Cain ' [Adam points at his tag-team partner who does not acknowledge the gesture.] A : ' and me, the First Man! The result will be the same ' annihilation. E : OH YES, ANNIHILATION! A : And then some of you, brothers and sisters, will hopefully turn to goodness, to righteousness, to faith ' to us. Or you will continue to suffer the Fall! E : SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! [As the 'John the Revelator' starts up again the lights on the stage are dimmed until total darkness engulfs the First Family again and we return to the announcers' desk.] GM: I didn't know our shows were a showcase for a Sunday sermon, Bucky. BW: Adam speaks wise words, Gordo. I feel enlightened already. GM: I'm sure. But when the Rockstar Express or the Aces get through with them, it may be Adam and his gang of holy rollers who feel enlightened! Fans, let's go up to the ring for oue next matchup! [We crossfade to the ring where Melissa is standing.] MC: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a ten minute time limit. Introducing first... from Greenville, South Carolina... Eric Preston! [Preston slowly raises an arm to some cheers.] MC: And his opponent... [Robert Palmer's "Addicted To Love" kicks in to a bunch of jeers.] MC: Being accompanied to the ring by his main squeeze, Big Mama... he weighs in tonight at a self-proclaimed 222 pounds... currently residing at his winter home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida... "PLAAAAAYBOY" JOHNNY CAAAAASAAAANOOOOVAAA! [The music picks up as Casanova struts through the curtain, clad in a pair of powder blue trunks with a feather boa to match. On his arm is Big Mama as they make their way down the elevated ramp towards the ring. Casanova pauses a few steps down the ramp and does a hip swivel in the direction of the crowd to draw more jeers.] GM: Here they come, Bucky. BW: The first couple of the AWA, daddy! GM: I don't know about that but- [Casanova reaches the ring, waiting for his main squeeze to hold the ropes open for him, which she promptly does. The "Playboy" steps through the ropes into the ring, pointing a finger at Eric Preston who ignores him.] GM: The referee steps in the middle, making sure things don't get out of control early... [Casanova hands off his feather boa to Big Mama, receiving a kiss on the cheek in reply before she exits the ring. Casanova tugs on the top rope, loosening up as the referee calls for the bell.] GM: Eric Preston versus "Playboy" Johnny C and this should be one heck of a showdown, Bucky. BW: Really? Isn't this just another stop on Eric Preston's Straight To The Bottom tour? Does this kid even stand a chance against an athlete like "Playboy" Johnny Casanova? GM: Athlete? Are we looking at the same guy? Casanova looks... plump... even by his standards, Bucky! [The two competitors circle one another in the middle of the ring before coming together in a tieup.] GM: Collar and elbow in the center... [Preston uses his power edge to shove Casanova down to the mat.] GM: Ohh! Big throw down to the mat! [Preston nods to the cheering crowd, flexing one bicep to the squeals from the females. Casanova scrambles to a knee, looking up at Preston with a glare.] GM: Preston threw him down with ease and now Johnny Casanova has to figure out what comes next for him... [Preston shouts "Get up!" at the Playboy, rubbing his hands together as he waits in the middle.] GM: Casanova up to his feet... moving back in slowly... [The two men tie up once more, jockeying for position... ...and once more, Casanova gets hurled down to the canvas!] GM: Whoa my! Down goes Casanova again! [This time, as Casanova gets up, he kicks the ropes in frustration, accusing Preston of a hairpull.] BW: Of course! That makes sense. He pulled the hair! GM: He did not! BW: Sure he did! I saw it! GM: He lies and you swear to it. [Preston denies the accusation, waving Casanova forward.] GM: In comes the Playboy for another tieup... [And Casanova promptly buries a knee into the gut on the tieup attempt, doubling up Preston... ...and then SLAMS home a double axehandle across the back to put Preston down to a knee!] GM: Ohh! He knocks Preston down... [Grabbing the hair and pulling Preston's head back, Casanova takes aim, and SMASHES his elbow down across the forehead!] BW: He measured him with that one! A lot of people take Johnny Casanova lightly because of his size or because of his personality but this guy is a top notch professional wrestler, Gordo. GM: But can he hang in there with an athlete like Eric Preston? BW: I love how you keep thinking Preston is something special. He's a broken man, Gordo. A shell of what he was. You think this kid is the same guy who Vasquez and Michaelson went on and on about? That war with Monosso broke him and all that's left is for someone to sweep the pieces out with the garbage. [Pulling Preston to his feet, wheeling him back into the corner, Casanova winds up and cracks him on the jaw with a right hand!] GM: Ohh! What a shot that was! [A big smirk on his face, Casanova backs off, hands on the back of his head as he busts out a hip swivel in the direction of the Combat Corner graduate... ...and gets a haymaker on the jaw for his efforts!] GM: PRESTON FIRES BACK!! He knocked Casanova flat! [Preston catches Casanova with another right hand as the Playboy gets back up, knocking him right back down. This time, Preston pulls him up by the hair... ...and gets a thumb stuck in his eye!] GM: Ohh! Eyegouge! BW: And nothing's more effective than that. GM: Casanova pushes Preston onto the ropes, look at this! [Reaching underneath Preston's head, Casanova hooks a three quarter nelson and pulls the throat down on the top rope!] GM: He's choking him! Casanova's choking Eric Preston! [As the count hits four, the referee backs off the Playboy... ...which allows Big Mama to leap up on the apron, hooking both hands around the neck of Preston and pulling down hard!] GM: And now it's Big Mama strangling the air out of him! [Casanova provides plenty of distractions, pointing out a popcorn vendor in the cheap seats to the official and explaining how the glare off his "flair" is blinding the Playboy.] GM: Come on, referee! [Big Mama finally releases Preston, allowing him to fall back to the middle of the ring as Casanova shoves past the official, slowly approaching with his fist balled up... ...and drops down to his knees, driving the clenched fist into the forehead!] GM: Fistdrop! Right between the eyes! [Casanova applies a lateral press, shouting "Count 'im!" at the ref who obliges.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! [But Preston fires a shoulder off the canvas at the count of two. Casanova angrily holds up three fingers at the official who shakes his head.] BW: That was a three count, Gordo! Slow count by Meekly. GM: It was not! Preston's shoulder was way out of there before the three count came down. [Casanova cradles Preston's head with his left arm, battering the forehead with clenched right hands to the jeers of the crowd and the protests of the official. At the count of four, Casanova rises to his feet, arms spread wide to show no evil doings.] GM: The referee's warning him for using those clenched fists and- BW: He's gonna make Preston quit! I love it! GM: Casanova's setting up for- is this? Yes it is! An abdominal stretch! [The crowd jeers as Casanova hooks in the stretch, shouting "YEAAAAAH BABY!" as he pulls back on the arm... ...but quickly burst into cheers as Preston wastes no time in flipping the Playboy over with a hiptoss!] GM: Preston escapes! The kid's got some fire left in him! [Preston pushes up to a knee, shaking the cobwebs before getting to his feet where he buries a boot into the ribcage of Casanova, forcing him to roll closer to the ropes. With a roar, Preston races to the far ropes, rebounding off... ...and dropping into a baseball slide, kicking Casanova squarely in the kidneys and knocking him out to the floor!] GM: OHHHHHH! [The crowd roars for Preston as he uses the ropes, pulling himself up to his feet. He leans over the ropes, shouting at the dazed Casanova as Big Mama rushes to the Playboy's side.] GM: Preston's shouting at Casanova! Preston's gonna - get out of there, Big Mama! [The First Cougar of the AWA refuses to back away, standing her ground in front of the downed Casanova as Preston waves for her to move.] GM: Get her out of there! BW: No way! She's standing by her man! [An angry Preston steps through the ropes, again shouting at Big Mama to move from up on the apron.] GM: Eric Preston's trying to continue his attack but this... this... BW: Careful, Gordo. GM: Big Mama's blocking his path and- [Suddenly, Casanova lunges from his knees to grab the back of Preston's leg, pulling hard... ...and yanking Preston down to the floor, the back of his head smacking the edge of the ring apron on the way down!] GM: OHHHH! Good grief, Bucky! BW: Preston's out! He's not getting up from that! The back of his head just SMASHED into the hardest part of the ring! [Casanova leaps to his feet, spinning around with his arms held wide as the crowd jeers him wildly. He puts his hands on the back of his head, swiveling his hips in the direction of the booing fans before turning his attention back to Eric Preston, pulling him off the floor and shoving him under the ropes into the ring.] GM: Preston's back in... Casanova pulls himself up on the apron, stepping into the ring... [With Preston scooting back into the corner, seated against the buckles, Casanova moves into action. He plants his foot on the face of Preston, raking his boot across the face.] GM: Ohh! He'll rip the skin right off Eric Preston with a move like that! [Casanova delivers two more of the facewash-style kicks in the corner, raking his boot leather across the flesh of the stunned Preston. With a sneer, Casanova drags Preston to his feet by the hair, shoving him back to the corner. He grabs Preston by the arm...] GM: Irish whip coming up... [But as Preston approaches the corner, he leaps up to the midbuckle, and blindly leaps backwards, smashing the incoming Casanova with an elbow on the jaw!] GM: LEAPING BACK ELBOW!! HE CAUGHT ALL OF THAT!! [The crowd roars for Preston's offensive explosion as both men lie motionless in the middle of the ring.] GM: Preston saved himself with the back elbow and now these fans are trying to rally the kid from South Carolina! [Never giving up on the Combat Corner graduate, the sounds of "PRES-TON! "PRES-TON!" "PRES-TON!" fill the air. Big Mama wildly smashes her arms into the mat, screaming at her man to get back to his feet.] GM: Big Mama's rooting on Casanova! The rest of the Crockett Coliseum is rooting on Eric Preston! Who will be the first to get to their feet? [As the referee applies a double count, we see Eric Preston get to his knees at the count of six. He pushes the rest of the way up at eight, slowly reaching down to pull Casanova up off his knees. He ducks down, scooping Casanova into the air... ...and SLAMS him down in the middle of the ring!] GM: Scoopslam by Preston... and he's going up! [With a nod of his head, Preston heads to the apron where he begins scaling the ropes in the corner.] GM: Eric Preston's going up top! BW: We've seen this before, Gordo. GM: We certainly have! Preston likes to come off the top with the high cross body! [The Combat Corner graduate gets to the top rope, standing tall with his arms raised as Casanova slowly rises to his feet... ...and leaps from his perch, catching the Playboy squarely across the chest, toppling him down to the mat!] GM: HIGH CROSS BODY!! HIGH CROSS BOD- [But the cheers turn to a shocked roar as Casanova somehow rolls through the crossbody, applying his own lateral press.] BW: JOHNNY ROLLS THROUGH! GM: ONE!! TWO!! THRE- [The crowd roars as Preston fires a shoulder off the mat just before the count of three.] GM: So close! Johnny Casanova was so close right there to- [And as soon as an eager Preston leans down to pull Casanova up, he gets his eyes raked!] GM: Ohh! Casanova goes to the eyes again! [The Playboy quickly hooks one arm on Preston, then hooks the other... ...and then leaps into the air, dropping down to the mat with a split-legged facedriver!] GM: PLAYBOY PLUNGE! PLAYBOY PLUNGE! [Casanova promptly flips Preston to his back, tightly hooking both legs.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! THREEEEEE!!! "DING! DING! DING!" [Casanova promptly rolls from the ring, falling into an embrace with Big Mama. The camera can clearly pick up a breathless Casanova shouting, "Did I do it? Did I win?!"] GM: Johnny Casanova steals it! BW: Steals it?! He hit the Playboy Plunge right in the center of the ring! GM: After he raked the man's eyes! BW: Face the facts, Gordo. Precious Preston dropped the ball again! GM: Casanova's the winner... he doesn't even know where he is! He doesn't even know that he won! Give me a break, Bucky. How can this guy be the winner? BW: He could be out on his feet and he still won this thing, daddy! He got the pin, he gets to go to the pay window and pick up the winner's half of the purse, and he gets to go home with Big Mama - how much more of a winner could you be? GM: I'm going to be sick. Fans, we'll be right- [The sounds of women screaming fill the air over the PA system.] GM: Oh great. Just... fantastic. [After a moment, the screams are swallowed by an instrumental track called "Bitores Mendes" from the video game Resident Evil 4.] GM: This guy gets crazier every week. I thought he was bad back in Florida. His train really has jumped the tracks now. [Sufficiently happy that he's scared the hell out of the crowd, Anton Layton emerges from the entranceway with his usual black cloak hanging over his head. He takes three steps down the ramp, pausing, and drops to his knees. Throwing his head back, he shouts something unintelligble just moments before the monstrous Polemos strides out of the entrance tunnel, standing behind Layton like the proverbial Devil on his shoulder.] GM: What a pair these two make. What is he even out here for? He's not scheduled for a match! [Layton stays kneeling, his head thrown back as Polemos stands guard. After a moment, a nervous-looking Mark Stegglet emerges from the curtain, mic in hand. He slowly approaches, taking a wide berth around the standing monster.] MS: Mr... Mr. Layton? [Layton does not respond, head still back.] MS: Mr. Layton, I've been asked to come out here and- [Stegglet's words are cut off as Layton's arm shoots out, his hand grabbing Stegglet by the collar and pulling him closer.] AL: Do not presume you can ask me my business, you fool! [Stegglet struggles to get away but Layton's grip is strong.] AL: I warned you. I warned all of you from the day I arrived in the AWA that the Darkness was coming! And now... as you look around... the Darkness is all that the people can talk about. They talk of Riley with his leg shattered. They talk of Houston with his arm hanging from his torso like a thread. They talk of Martinez, battered and manhandled as he never has been before. They talk of the Unholy Alliance... the true Darkness the world over. [Stegglet slowly raises the mic to his own mouth.] MS: Are you saying that you're claiming responsibility for what happened to Alex Martinez? Is your Master and this... Dragon... one and the same? [Layton brings his eyes to bear on Stegglet, tilting his head slightly.] AL: James Monosso is an agent of evil. He does as he is told to do... whether it be in mortal form myself or dear Percy... or whether it's the whisper in the wind, the shadows in the dark, the Master advising his next step. MS: I'm not sure I underst- AL: Of course you don't understand. You aren't meant to understand the ways of my people. But what you will understand is this - this... Dragon... as he calls himself... shall be warned this one time. I do not take lightly pretenders... nor does my Master. If this Dragon thinks to hold himself up as my Master, he best think twice. [Layton gets an evil smirk on his face.] MS: Are you THREATENING the Dragon? [Layton lifts a finger, shaking his head.] AL: A kind warning from like-minded individuals. On this occasion, our goals and the Dragon's goals run as one. It will not always be that way. And at that time, this... Dragon... would be wise to avoid my path... the path of Darkness... [Layton jerks a thumb over his shoulder.] AL: The path of Polemos, the God of War! MS: Speaking of which, when will we see Polemos in action? [Layton begins to chuckle darkly.] AL: Ehehehehe. You believe yourself ready for that, dear boy? [He tilts his head again, eyeing Stegglet.] AL: Do these people believe themselves ready to see what carnage will unfold before them once Polemos is unleashed?! YOU ARE NOT READY! YOU ARE NOT PREPARED! [Layton lifts a finger again.] AL: But soon... very soon... We will not care. Polemos will come forth to the ring. Polemos will again do battle as he was born - as he was DESTINED - to do! Polemos will rise up and destroy all who come before him. He will cut a path of Darkness through the AWA the likes of which has never been seen. [Layton chuckles again.] AL: Ehehehehe... and he'll do it... on my command. [Layton throws his head back, laughing loudly when suddenly...] "WHO WAN' SIT ON SWEET DADDY'S LAP TANIGHT?!" [The sounds of Sweet Daddy Williams' self-written and self-performed entrance music, "I'm Gonna Be Your Sweet Daddy" sends the crowd into a roar as the lead singer himself walks into view, clad in blue jeans, cowboy boots, and a red t-shirt with "SWEET DADDY" written in white across the chest.] BW: How dare he interrupt Anton Layton?! How dare- GM: He didn't interrupt him! Layton was done talking! [Nonetheless, Layton does not look pleased as he climbs to his feet, turning to face the approaching Williams who has a mic in hand. The Atlanta fan favorite pulls up short of the monstrous Polemos who stands between he and Layton.] AL: Ah yes... he enters... the one who warns the masses... [Layton grins at Williams.] AL: You have seen it, have you? The coming of the Darkness? An era where a black hole will swallow the entire AWA and leave nothing behind but my Master and his followers... [Layton nods.] AL: You stand and shout to the masses... "they're coming! The bad folks are coming for you all!" But they don't listen, do they? [Williams doesn't respond, glaring at the monstrous Polemos.] AL: They won't listen... they won't listen until it's too late. And just like Vernon Riley before you, you ride upon the white horse... into the Darkness... where the Darkness will claim you as it did him. [A shake of the head from Williams as he slowly raises the mic.] SDW: Do you ever listen to yourself, boy? All this doom and gloom... you sound like a depressed teenage girl writing in her journal about the mean boys at school who won't look at her... ...oh, and them vampires that sparkle. [The crowd laughs as Williams cracks a grin. Anton Layton's gaze turns cold.] AL: YOU DARE TO MOCK- SDW: Not so fast, Twilight. [Another burst of laughter.] SDW: I told 'em all you're comin'. I told 'em all you're the big bad wolves comin' for our grandmas. And some are listenin' and some aren't. Ain't nothin' I can do 'bout that but keep talkin', tellin' 'em what you and yours are 'bout to do. Now, it's up to them whether they want to stand and fight ya. [Williams points a warning finger at Layton, jabbing the air to punctuate his words.] SDW: Right. By. Me. [Big cheer!] SDW: 'Cause that's where I'm gonna be, damn it! I'm gonna be standin' right here to throw down with ya. I'm gonna be here to bust ya open and make ya bleed because Big Vern? He can't stand here and do it no more! And Ron? Ron can't swing that big ol' haymaker no more! No one else may do it... no one else may fight ya... [Dramatic pause.] SDW: But I will! [The crowd roars as Williams throws the mic down, balling up his fists and striking a fighting pose.] GM: Sweet Daddy Williams is ready to take on the Unholy Alliance! And he'll do it alone if he has to! [Layton stands behind Polemos, tilting his head to examine the Atlanta fan favorite who appears to be ready for a fight.] AL: Interesting. Very interesting. You are prepared to stand alone against this most unholy of alliances...? [Layton nods.] AL: So be it. [A slap on the shoulder of Polemos has the giant surge forward, grabbing Sweet Daddy Williams by the throat!] GM: Oh no! He's got him! He's got Sweet Daddy by the throat! [The giant drags the fan favorite over to the edge of the ramp, forcing him down to a knee by squeezing the air from him.] GM: What is he going to do? What is this beast- what the heck is Layton telling him? He needs to- [BIG CHEER!] GM: DONOVAN!! IT'S ROBERT DONOVAN ON THE RAMP TOO!! BW: We haven't seen him since the Stampede Cup! [The arrival of the seven footer stops Polemos in his tracks. He shoves Sweet Daddy Williams down onto the ramp, standing tall to face the new attacker.] GM: Look at this! Donovan's as big as Polemos is! BW: And I bet Polemos ain't too happy about that. [A frantic Anton Layton begins pulling on the arm of Polemos, trying to keep him from squaring off with Donovan.] GM: We've got a seven footer staredown in progress here tonight in Dallas, Texas! [Donovan kneels down next to Williams, keeping guard over him as Layton somehow manages to get a struggling Polemos back through the entrance curtain and into the locker room area...] GM: Robert Donovan just saved Sweet Daddy Williams! I don't know what Polemos had in mind there but- BW: Whatever it was, the God of War never has good intentions, daddy. GM: You can say that again. Thank the stars for Robert Donovan! I don't know where he's been all these weeks but thank heavens he was here tonight in Dallas! [The big man helps Sweet Daddy Williams back to his feet to the cheers of the Crockett Coliseum crowd 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 fade back up to live action where Melissa Cannon is standing inside the ring alongside a Hispanic wrestler, dressed his head covered by an enormous sombrero, his mustachioed face peaking out beneath the sequined monstrosity. Over his chest he wears a multi-colored poncho, and in his hands he holds a pair of maracas, which he shakes incessantly, to the annoyance of the fans.] MC: Introducing first... hailing from El Paso, Texas. Here is... Macho Rodriguez! [Rodriguez throws his arms up in the air, still shaking his maracas, as the boos fill the Crockett Coliseum.] GM: Tonight, we get our first look at Macho Rodriguez. BW: With any luck, it'll be our last look too. [Rodriguez continues to pander to the crowd, and they in turn continue to boo him. Their boos quiet, however, as a familiar opening line blares over the loudspeakers.] #Its all right...# MC: And now, coming to the ring. He stands seven feet tall, and weighs in at three hundred and fifty pounds. [There's a buzzing in the crowd, as eyes turn towards the entranceway.] #Its all right...# MC: Hailing from Los Angeles, California... [The buzz begins to build into a roar.] #Its all right, I'm just...# [And then the crowd gets...] #A LITTLE CRAZY# MC: AAAAAAAAALEX MAAAAAAAAARTINEZ!!!! [The curtain is pulled aside, and out steps Alex Martinez.] GM: We're very happy to see Alex Martinez tonight, after the brutal beating he suffered at the hands of James Monosso two weeks ago. BW: And look at that face! He looks like he's been for a couple of spins through the meat grinder! [Martinez' face is indeed covered in bruises and blotches, only barely hidden by his mirrored sunglasses. He stands in the entranceway a moment before he begins to stalk down the aisle. Fans cheer and scream all around him, but the seven foot monster ignores them, continuing his slow walk to the ring, his expression one of stony stoicism. After reaching the ring, Martinez throws one long leg and then the other over the top rope before moving into the center of the ring and staring ahead at his opponent, waiting for the bell to ring, waiting for the violence to begin.] "DING! DING! DING!" GM: And the action is under way. BW: Or not. [Macho Rodriguez seems uninterested in a match, as he throws his giant sombrero into the middle of the ring and then begins to dance around it! Still shaking those damned maracas. After a few turns around the hat, he pauses, and gestures to Martinez, inviting him to join in the dance.] GM: I don't think this is a good idea. BW: Why not? I bet Martinez is a great dancer. GM: Considering the mood Alex Martinez has to be in after that attack we saw, I can't imagine he's going to take too kindly to this. [Martinez steps back and bounces off the ropes, and for a minute, it looks like he might dance as he springs forward. But as Rodriguez looks on, a cheesy grin formed under his bushy mustache, he's not expecting the boot that comes for his teeth.] GM: Big boot! Right on the chin! And Macho Rodriguez is down. BW: What a jerk! All Macho wanted to do was dance. And now look what that big idiot is doing! [Martinez stands over the sombrero, looking down on it. And then, the big man begins to stomp it, and doesn't stop until it's a flat bit of overly sequined felt. Lifting it, Martinez hurls it into the crowd as if it were a Frisbee.] BW: Will you look at what he's doing! What if he hit someone in the audience? We could get sued! GM: Calm down Bucky. [The camera cuts to Rodriguez, slowly pulling himself off the mat. Somehow, he still has hold of the maracas, and he's still shaking them for all he's worth. But in between shakes, he slowly begins to try to crawl out of the ring. But Martinez is having none of that, as he slowly stalks behind Rodriguez, grabbing hold of his gaudy poncho. Martinez pulls backwards as Rodriguez finally releases the maracas, scratching at the canvas, trying to get out of Martinez' grip. But no dice, as Martinez finally pulls him up off the mat and lifts him high into the air, Rodriguez' legs dangling limply.] BW: You see that, Gordo? He's hanging Rodriguez by the poncho! He's choking poor Macho! Referee, do your job and break this up! [The referee seems to agree with Bucky that this is a choke, as he lays in a five count to get Martinez to release Rodriguez, whose face has begun to turn bright red. Finally, on four, Martinez releases Rodriguez.] GM: The referee now standing in front of Alex Martinez, warning him about his tactics. [Rodriguez takes advantage of this and circles around the referee, poking Martinez in the eyes! Martinez reels backwards.] BW: Quick, while Martinez is blinded, someone tell Vasquez to get in the ring! I want to see him get Firebombed again! GM: Bucky! [Even though he's without his sombrero and his maracas, you just cannot stop Macho Rodriguez! He's dancing again, in the center of the ring. All his dancing makes him oblivious to the darkening shadow looming over him.] GM: Uh-oh! BW: Look out Macho! [Too late, as Rodriguez dances right into a seven foot tall, three hundred and fifty pound wall. Rodriguez spins around, just in time to eat a fist from Alex Martinez. Martinez grabs Macho and whips him hard into the corner, following up with a stiff clothesline that makes Rodriguez crumble to the mat. Martinez puts the boots to Rodriguez' chest, and then puts his enormous foot on Rodriguez' throat, bearing down with all his weight.] GM: That's three hundred and fifty pounds of a very angry Alex Martinez pushing down on his windpipe. BW: And again this big goof is breaking all the rules. Referee, disqualify him already! GM: If Martinez gets disqualified before he gets his fill of violence, he might come here, looking for someone else to take it out on. BW: Referee, let Alex Martinez do whatever he wants! [But the referee does lay in a count, and again at four, Martinez lets up, and Macho Rodriguez slumps forward. Martinez grips him by the hair and holds Macho's limp body in front of his own. Holding him there with his left hand, Martinez curls his right hand into a fist and begins to punch Rodriguez repeatedly in the face, as the fans count along.] GM: Alex Martinez has never been a kind man, but this is a whole new kind of violence for him. I think its safe to say that Macho Rodriguez is paying for the sins of James Monosso! [Again, Martinez' efforts are halted when the referee lays in a count. Martinez releases Rodriguez, and turns to glare at the referee. Martinez closes his right hand into a fist, but before he can do anything more than intimidate the official, he spies Rodriguez coming to and rushing towards him. Martinez spins and brings his knee up into the chest of Rodriguez, sending him reeling backwards.] GM: Alex Martinez is slamming Macho's head into the turnbuckle repeatedly! [As he does so, the audience counts along ' ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!.] GM: You've got to believe that every time he looks at the face of Macho Rodriguez, Alex Martinez is seeing James Monosso. And with every punch and kick, Alex Martinez is imagining the mysterious Dragon, and his servant, the Minion. BW: You think that's his imagination, or do you think Martinez is just too dumb to know the difference? GM: Why don't you go ask him? BW: I keep telling you, I'm needed here! [Finally getting Rodriguez out of the corner, Martinez whips him into the ropes and catches him on the rebound, lifting him up and then dropping him backfirst onto the mat.] GM: Sidewalk slam! BW: A kick and a slam! I think we've seen every wrestling move in the repertoire of Alex Martinez. GM: There's at least one more. [Right you are, Gordon. And its coming now. Martinez sends Rodriguez into the ropes one more time, and as he comes off, Martinez wraps his hand around Macho's throat, hoisting him into the air.] GM: FIREBOMB!!!! ONE!! TWO!! THREEEEEE!! "DING! DING! DING!" MC: The winner of the match... ALEEEEEEEX MAAAAAAAAARTINEZ!!!!! [Martinez remains in the ring for a moment, eyes trained on the entranceway. But when no one shows up to attack him, the big man exits the ring, and heads towards the back.] GM: I don't like the look on his face Bucky. BW: As long as he stays backstage, and I stay here, he can look however he wants. GM: I would not want to be in the shoes of James Monosso when Alex Martinez finally catches up with him. BW: Are there times when you WOULD want to be in James Monosso's shoes? GM: Not really. BW: Me either. Heard they never gave 'im his laces back from the loony bin. GM: Fans, let's go back to Mark Stegglet who is standing by with the number one contender to the National Title! Mark? [Cut to Mark Stegglet, standing by with the bespectacled Louis Matsui, dressed in a dark blue suit, and MAMMOTH Mizusawa, dressed to compete in a black singlet, knee pads and boots.] MS: Louis Matsui, two weeks ago, the challenge was laid out and the match was made: MAMMOTH Mizusawa versus Juan Vasquez for Vasquez's National title in less than two months at the third anniversary show. My question is, is this the right time to be testing Juan Vasquez? LM: Look, I'm going to put this real simple, see? Vasquez thinks himself a fighting champion, while my client has always placed great value on competition. For too long, we've been fighting other people's battles; this time, MAMMOTH Mizusawa fights for himself. Make no mistake about it, Stegglet, Vasquez-Mizusawa is going to be one for the ages, which is why I had no problem laying down the challenge and I'm sure the reason Mr. Watkins agreed so readily to it is because he sees that this epic encounter is going to be good for business, ya dig? [The crowd actually cheers in anticipation of the match.] LM: Which is why it offends me to hear Raphael Rhodes say he's going to make it his mission to make sure the match does not take place; Rhodes is putting his personal interests before the interest of the company. Now, I'm not going to blame him and I'm not going to stand here and say whatever our arrangement was with the Southern Syndicate was purely business and not personal, because I know when you hurt someone's family, it becomes very, very personal. [Heel pop, as the fans are reminded of the dastardly deed.] LM: But, Ralphy, I want you to listen and listen good: we might have taken money from the Syndicate, but we are NOT the Southern Syndicate. Which means, if you have beef with MAMMOTH Mizusawa, he ain't going to duck the challenge and he ain't running away. Like I said, my client values competition and I think a good match is good for the business, so I'm not going to do the Ben Waterson thing and manipulate things to get my client out of stepping into the ring with you. [Mixed pop! Clearly the fans don't know what to make of this.] LM: But I know you can be quite the sneaky little troublemaker - you were once part of the Syndicate yourself - so we're not putting it past you to try to jump my client when we least expect it, so mark my words, Rhodes, should you choose to do this outside of a sanctioned match, outside of the confines of the ring? Then you need to know that it also frees my client from the rules of a regular match... And if anyone thinks my client is dangerous in the ring... What I'm trying to say, Rhodes, is that MAMMOTH Mizusawa is not a hard man to find. Let's go, Mizusawa-san! [Matsui leads Mizusawa towards the ring as we cut to a commercial. After a moment, we fade back up on a shot of Jason Dane and Mark Stegglet in an apparently moving car.] JD: You know, Mark... the AWA Access iPhone app has been so popular over the past year, I hear we're making a sequel! MS: Jason, that kind of news is so hot, it should be on the app! [The two men laugh very awkwardly as a giant iPhone appears.] JD: Hello, Mr. iPhone. [The iPhone speaks. Yes. Yes it does.] iPhone: Hello, Jason Dane. Did you know that former AWA National Champion Kolya Sudakov was a former Mixed Martial Artist? JD: Well, actually I did. iPhone: Mark Stegglet, did you know that Calisto Dufresne was the first and only champion in Pro Wrestling Revolution? MS(in his best Johnny Carson impression): I did not know that! [Thankfully, a voiceover starts.] VO: Starting today, you can download AWA Access Version 2.0! This new app contains a brand new TRIVIA mode where you can get all the details on your favorite AWA superstars! Plus, be the first to see our brand new BEFORE THE AWA section where you can find matches from the best of the AWA - before they were AWA! AWA Access Version 2.0 - coming to an iPhone near you! [Fade back to black... ...and then back to the ring where Melissa Cannon is standing by with the mic.] MC: The next match is scheduled for one fall with a five-minute time limit. Introducing first, from Marietta, Georgia, weighing in at 220 pounds, Terry Trick! [The heavily-mulleted Trick leans against the ropes, bouncing on the bottom rope and acknowledging the crowd. There is a smattering of sympathetic cheers.] MC: And his opponent... Hailing from Tokyo, Japan; weighing in at 420 pounds and accompanied by Louis Matsui, he is... MAMMOTH MIZUSAWA!!! [Mizusawa holds out his arms and lets out a loud roar, which seems to stagger Terry Trick, since he seems to be clutching the top rope as if his very life depended on it. Louis Matsui gives his client a pat on the back as he exits the ring, as does Melissa.] GM: There's the bell AND THERE GOES MAMMOTH MIZUSAWA! [Mizusawa charges towards Trick, but he manages to duck out of the way. Terry Trick starts laying into the back of Mizusawa with forearm shots in the corner. He connects with a sloppy dropkick, which still manages to drive the big man chest-first into the top turnbuckle. MAMMOTH Mizusawa turns around, clutching his chest, and is met with a spinning forearm to the face that sends him back into the corner.] GM: Terry Trick is surprising the giant, it looks like, Bucky; he certainly is surprising me. BW: But now he's getting cocky, look... GM: Trick mounting the corner and waving a closed fist at the crowd... [He starts laying in with the punches as the crowd counts along...] ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SE- [Heel pop as Mizusawa manages to shove Terry Trick off. Trick lands on the mat with a loud smack!] BW: The seven-foot-tall monster almost threw him clear across the ring, Gordo! GM: And Mizusawa does not look pleased. Terry Trick is trying to scramble back to his feet as the giant stalks him... BW: KENKA KICK! GM: A running boot to the face might have knocked Terry Trick right out, Bucky! Mizusawa to the ropes... LEG DROP! NO! TERRY TRICK ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY! Terry Trick might have saved himself right there... [Trick manages to roll himself to the ropes, which he uses to pull himself up. Mizusawa, meanwhile, manages to push himself onto his knees. Terry Trick realises it and comes charging towards MAMMOTH Mizusawa... Who tosses him up and over with a back body drop!] BW: Even on his knees, Gordo, that must have felt like a back body drop by your average athlete. GM: MAMMOTH is back on his feet... Terry Trick better get up... BW: Terry Trick better stay down... Too late! [Massive heel pop as Mizusawa catches Trick in the corner with an AVALANCHE!] BW: That was the move that led to Marcus Broussard getting injured last month. GM: And look at Mizusawa, he's stepped back and is waving Terry Trick out of the corner. [Trick, looking pretty much out of it, staggers out of the corner, into the waiting hand of MAMMOTH Mizusawa.] BW: GOOZLE! [Mizusawa wraps his other hand around the throat of Terry Trick and he looks to Louis Matsui, who yells for his charge to "End him!"] BW: TUSK-U KU-RUSH-AAA!!! [Matsui mugs to the camera and we catch him saying, "Let's see Alex Martinez try to Firebomb that!"] GM: Mizusawa plants the native of Georgia with that massive two-handed chokeslam... Pin! [Still standing, MAMMOTH Mizusawa has his right foot on Terry Trick's chest.] GM: One... two... [The boos are deafening since Mizusawa simply removed his foot and stepped away from Trick, thus stopping the count. He holds his hands out and lets out a loud roar of "VAAAS-QUEZ!!!" as he lands a running splash on the laid out Terry Trick.] GM: Oh, come on! Just end it already! [MAMMOTH Mizusawa is back on his feet. He steps away from Terry Trick again and again holds his hands out and lets out a loud roar. This time, though, he yells, "RHO-DES-U!!!" as he lands a second big splash on Trick, who lies motionless.] BW: I think he's sending a message, Gordo... GM: Well, we get it! Come on, ref, stop him! [Mizusawa gets up and backs off again. He gets a running start and, with a loud cry of "BAAAN-ZAAAIII!!!" lands the third big splash. Terry Trick sputters back to life and starts coughing.] GM: He's spitting out blood, Bucky! This kid might have internal injuries thanks to Mizusawa. BW: Same thing we saw with Marcus Broussard last month! [Referee Mickey Meekly checks on Trick. He waves his arms and motions to the timekeeper, then signals to someone in the back.] "DING! DING! DING!" [The crowd is abuzz as Meekly gives Melissa Cannon the official word. Meanwhile, MAMMOTH Mizusawa stands over Terry Trick, who is now on his side, clutching his ribs. Trainers rush towards the ring.] MC: Ladies and gentlemen, referee Mickey Meekly has stopped the match, because Terry Trick is unable to continue. As a result, the winner of this match... MAMMOTH MIZUUUUSAAAWAAA! [Louis Matsui rushes into the ring and to his client's side. He raises Mizusawa's hand, even as the latter continues to look on, his face betraying very little emotion, as trainers check on Terry Trick. One of them waves to the back. Matsui, meanwhile, stoops over them and we hear him say, "Give Broussard a call. He'll hook you up with a great doctor." The trainers and referee try to wave them away.] GM: This is disgusting, Bucky, just disgusting. I don't know what else to say. Let's get out of here... [EMTs rush to the ring pushing a gurney. Louis Matsui finally gets MAMMOTH Mizusawa to leave the ring. They pass the EMTs on the way and Mizusawa decides to tip the gurney over as we cut to a commercial.] [Fade to black. After a moment, we fade back up on a shot of Jason Dane and Mark Stegglet in an apparently moving car.] JD: You know, Mark... the AWA Access iPhone app has been so popular over the past year, I hear we're making a sequel! MS: Jason, that kind of news is so hot, it should be on the app! [The two men laugh very awkwardly as a giant iPhone appears.] JD: Hello, Mr. iPhone. [The iPhone speaks. Yes. Yes it does.] iPhone: Hello, Jason Dane. Did you know that former AWA National Champion Kolya Sudakov was a former Mixed Martial Artist? JD: Well, actually I did. iPhone: Mark Stegglet, did you know that Calisto Dufresne was the first and only champion in Pro Wrestling Revolution? MS(in his best Johnny Carson impression): I did not know that! [Thankfully, a voiceover starts.] VO: Starting today, you can download AWA Access Version 2.0! This new app contains a brand new TRIVIA mode where you can get all the details on your favorite AWA superstars! Plus, be the first to see our brand new BEFORE THE AWA section where you can find matches from the best of the AWA - before they were AWA! AWA Access Version 2.0 - coming to an iPhone near you! [Fade back to black... ...and then back up to live action where we fade directly in as Count Adrian Bathwaite and Sultan Azam Sharif are in the ring, both still looking absolutely furious. Bathwaite holds the microphone and the self-styled Elder Of Etiquette shows a startling lack of manners as he points at the camera.] CAB: Supernova, you rubbish-picking lowlife! How dare you?! How dare you attack an honorable man from behind with a weapon?! How dare you break an old man's cane?! How dare you refuse a direct command from your betters?! Get your painted-up ugly face out here, you sewage-level subhuman thug! Nobody shows up Count Adrian Bathwaite and gets away with it! [Cue the Sultan. Anger flashes across the face of the Iranian as he adds his two cents.] SAS: SUPAIRNOVA! I DIDDUNT BALIEVE YOU ATTOCK ME FROM BEHIND! COME OUT UN LOOK ME FACE TO FACE IF YOU TINK DOT YOU GOT DEH GUTS! [Sharif starts pacing, looking all around for his adversary. He needn't wait long, as Supernova emerges from the back. The face-painted wrestler has in his left hand Baithwaite's broken cane, which he points in the direction of his foes.] CAB: There you are! You think a cheap shot sneak attack is gonna get you out of this?! Now you have to apologize AND kiss my foot! And then the Sultan will only give you half the beating you deserve! [Supernova approaches the ring, brandishing the broken cane' which means neither Bathwaite nor the Sultan are willing to make a move against him as Supernova enters the ring. The hesitancy of Bathwaite and Sharif to make a move allows Supernova to take the mic from Bathwaite, who backs up a bit, as if he thinks he's gonna hit him. Supernova smiles slightly' but the smile quickly disappears as he speaks.] S: So now you want to raise your demands, huh? Well, I'll just have to raise mine You'll get my apology the same day that Satan himself reports a freezing temperature in his place of residence! [The fans cheer, knowing full well that means 'never.' Bathwaite, on the other hand, isn't happy.] S: The way I see it, you've got nobody to blame but yourselves for what you call my weapon! You call Sharif a man of honor' you call yourselves my betters' and you call me a lowlife. Well, the way I see it, the only lower forms of life here are the two men standing right before me! Everyone saw how you conspired with Kostovich and Velikov to put one over on my friend Kolya' then everyone saw what you did to me last Saturday Night Wrestling' so it's all on your hands, Bathwaite! And if you and the Sultan think every action you take is gonna put me under control, I have only one thing to say to you' [He then gets up in Bathwaite and Sharif's faces.] S: NOBODY'S GONNA GET ME UNDER CONTROL! [That higher tone of voice got Bathwaite and Sharif to take a step back, after which Supernova clasps his hands to his mouth and howls. Suddenly, the cheers from the crowd turn to jeers as three more individuals appear at the top of the aisle. First is Ivan Kostovich, an older Russian man dressed impeccably in a stylish black suit. He looks steamed. Behind him is Vladimir Velikov, barrel-chested and strong as an ox as he carries his heavy metal chain across his massive neck. And finally, an anxious-looking Kolya Sudakov who is dressed in his ring gear but looks like he'd rather be anywhere else in the world.] BW: The Russians are here! GM: And they're coming down the aisle! They're heading to the ring! [Spotting the new threat, Supernova takes a defensive posture, holding up the broken pieces of the cane. Bathwaite smiles a mirthless smile, and starts nodding.] CAB: That's right, you needle-necked serf. Who would have thought that attacking your superiors would actually have consequences? You punched me, you broke my cane, and you waylaid the Sultan from behind for seeking justice! But you also put your hands on Comrade Kostovich, and what did you think was going to happen? [From an inside jacket pocket, Ivan Kostovich produces a mic as the Russians draw closer to the ring.] IK: This is why the world despises you Americans... this pathetic excuse for a professional wrestler right there... [Kostovich gestures at Supernova.] IK: He paints his face, flexes his muscles, shouts for you fools and you cheer him all the while. He claims to be some hero of the people when he spends his days attacking men who have been retired from the ring for years! Years! [The crowd jeers Kostovich.] IK: If I was so inclined, Supernova, I'd knock you flat myself... but that is not my position anymore. That is why I associate myself with these two gentlemen... [The elder Russian jerks a thumb towards Velikov and Sudakov.] IK: You have two options, Supernova. You will abide by Comrade Bathwaite's demands... and then you shall shine MY shoes as well. If you fail to oblige... [Kostovich turns, grinning at Sudakov.] IK: ...you will deal with my pet. [Sudakov glares at his former hero, shaking his head. The Sultan puts his hands on his hips and nods vigorously, as this seems very fair and just to him. Bathwaite cackles, as Supernova is now surrounded. Supernova's eyes are darting, threatening Kostovich and Velikov with the cane, while not making that same motion to Sudakov' although he is trying his best to keep an eye on him.] GM: You can't do it, Kolya! Stand up to these guys! Show them you're your own man! BW: He can't do that, Gordo. How many times do we have to discuss this? If he stands up to Kostovich, he's out of a job! He'll have to leave the AWA... hell, he'll have to leave the country! GM: I don't- there's gotta be SOMETHING he can do! [Supernova keeps turning, trying to keep his back exposed for as little time as possible. Bathwaite interrupts.] CAB: As much as I'd like to see you grovel willingly, you bleach-bottle bottomfeeder... my patience for your simpering has run out. That, and I'd rather have your blood on my shoes than your spittle. GET HIM. [As they move into the ring to attack Supernova, the blond wrestler backs up, ready to go down fighting...but the crowd's heads suddenly turn towards the entrance as a solitary figure comes streaking out of the back. His long dark hair frames a face with 'crow' style white face paint, and his black trench coat flares out, almost like wings as he charges down the aisle, black baseball bat in hand.] BW: Whoa Daddy! Who's this?!?!? GM: I don't know, but he's coming down like a house of fire! [The new arrival hits the ring at speed, sliding through the ropes and goes straight for the Russians, swinging the baseball bat at Velikov and hitting the top rope as he bails out. Its pandemonium in the ring as Supernova goes on the offense with the new arrival as the former attackers clear the squared circle, leaving the two face-painted men standing in the center...] BW: Someone clearly left a cage unlocked at the looney bin, daddy! Look at this guy. Somebody tell him Halloween's not for months yet! GM: Halloween or not, he's just cleared house with Supernova and now stands, pointing that bat at the Count threateningly... [Supernova eyes the new arrival suspiciously, but then can be heard saying, 'What are you doing here?'] BW: Does Supernova know this guy? GM: It appears he does' and it also appears he had no idea he was here! [The new arrival simply takes his bat and points at the retreating heels, then makes a slow throat slashing motion.] GM: Wait a second! That video! We saw that video earlier tonight! That's him! That's the guy who was in that video! BW: From the prison?! GM: Yes! That's who we just saw hit the ring... that's who just chased off Bathwaite and Sharif and the Russians! That's who just saved Supernova's hide! [Supernova and the man holding the bat in one hand continue to stare each other down with the crowd buzzing with confusion as we fade up to the announce position where we see Jason Dane standing by with AWA National champion, Juan Vasquez! The champ is dressed in a charcoal gray hoodie, an old Demon Boy Ishrinku "Screamin' Demon" t-shirt and laying over his shoulder is wrestling's greatest prize...the AWA National title.] JD: Juan Vasquez! Later tonight, you wrestle an unknown opponent. There's been a whole lot of rumors about who you'll be facing, but nobody has any real idea who it is. Your thoughts going into this match? JV: Well, ain't nothing like a little mystery to spice up your life, right? [A chuckle.] JV: I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a *little* excited at not knowing who my opponent is, Dane. I mean, it could be just about anybody! From Cuban Assassins #1 through 6, right down to the return of a rebuilt, cybernetically-enhanced robotic Stevie Scott! [BOO! The crowd doesn't seem to like the idea of robotic Stevie Scotts roaming the Earth.] JV: There's one thing about this that bothers me, though. JD: What would that be? JV: The title ain't on the line. [Juan shakes his head.] JV: Last year, I had to stand by and watch my name be put right on top of the contenders list week after week without ever being able to cash in on my shot, while Stevie Scott[BOO!] was allowed to sit on his butt for months on end avoiding conflict at every turn. Knowing how I felt, I knew that every other man in the top ten had to been just as frustrated as I was. And when I _finally_ took the title from him, I promised myself that the AWA was gonna' have a champion that'd do it proud. [He drops his head and sighs.] JV: And yet...even when I _have_ the title, you're telling me I can't defend it? [A slight shake of the head.] JV: That don't sit too well with me. [Juan takes a deep breath, shrugs his shoulders and sucks it up.] JV: But like I said, it doesn't matter who I face in that ring and under what circumstances, 'cause _everyone_ that steps through those ropes, better be prepared to face the toughest damn fight of their life! I'll tell it to you now, mystery man, and to everyone else out there...you're not just facing any geek off the street, amigo! You're stepping up to the greatest challenge any man can face in a wrestling ring! You're facing the AWA National champion! You're facing the best damn wrestler in the world! [Pop!] JV: And if you don't know it by now...well, I think I'll just let Jason Dane tell you his name. [The champ turns to Dane with a big grin on his face.] JV: What's his name, Jason? What's the name of the AWA National champion? The man, who by definition, is the toughest, smartest, handsomest, most talented and best damn wrestler in the world, today? [Dane seems to be caught off-guard.] JD: Huh? [Juan turns to the crowd.] JV: HELP HIM OUT, FOLKS! [A chant of "JUAN!" breaks out in the crowd as Dane gives a confused answer.] JD: His name is...Juan? [Juan cackles.] JV: And don't you forget it! [The champ ruffles Dane's hair and walks off, leaving a somewhat befuddled Jason Dane behind.] JD: Well..._Juan Vasquez_ certainly looks ready for his mystery opponent, tonight! Let's head back down to ringside for more tag team action! [We crossfade back to the ring where Melissa Cannon is, along with two other men. One is a young man with long blonde hair and dressed in blue tights and white wrestling boots, the other is a young man with long black hair and dressed in red trunks and black wrestling boots.] MC: This is a tag team contest scheduled for one fall... currently in the ring, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at a total combined weight of 485 pounds... here are William Washington and James Jefferson... they call themselves THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS! [The fans give a polite response to the two young men. The blonde man, Washington, holds up his index finger and says "USA all the way!"] GM: And here are The Freedom Fighters, two young men from the eastern circuit, making their first appearance in AWA. BW: Well, they're gonna have their work cut out for them tonight. [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.] MC: And their opponents, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, at a total combined weight of 615 pounds... here are the AWA National Tag Team Champions... Dave Cooper... Eric Matthew Somers... they are ROUGH N READY! [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. Each has a title belt slung over his shoulder. The two men head to the ring, both with serious looks on their face. They reach the ringside area, where Dave is the first to duck between the ropes, followed by Eric.] GM: I won't argue that these two young men have a tough task ahead of them, as they get the National Tag Team Champions. BW: After last week, Gordon, when Rough N Ready came out on top against The Moonshiners, I'm convinced now that Dave and Eric deserve to be recognized as the top tag team in wrestling... they took the best The Moonshiners gave them and still came out on top. GM: After all the times you've made fun of them because of their ages, I'm surprised to hear you say that. BW: Hey, I won't argue they may be long in the tooth... but they sure are proving they can still hit hard and take names. [The bell sounds and it's Dave Cooper starting things off against William Washington.] GM: I would imagine, though, that Violence Unlimited will be a much tougher task... after all, they hold a victory over Rough N Ready. BW: Yeah, but Violence Unlimited will find out that lightning isn't gonna strike twice. GM: That remains to be seen... in fact, it remains to be seen if Rough N Ready will grant them that title shot. [Cooper and Washington lock up in the center of the ring.] GM: A lockup and it's Cooper with the advantage... backing him up into the corner. The referee calling for the break and he will get it. BM: Cooper isn't known for strength... that's Somers' department... but Cooper isn't an easy guy to overpower either. GM: Both men circling and now another lockup. [Cooper is able to use a go behind on Washington.] GM: Go behind by Dave Cooper... takes him down with a waistlock. Cooper staying in control of his younger opponent. BW: For guys like The Freedom Fighters, this is exactly a match where they can learn some lessons... they just better not get out of line or those lessons will get harder. GM: Washington getting himself back to his feet... now he gets a go-behind and a waistlock of his own. Nicely done! [Cooper struggles to get out, then fires back an elbow to the jaw.] GM: Oooh... vicious elbow to the jaw breaks the hold... Cooper off the ropes... nice leapfrog by Washington! Here comes Cooper off the ropes... hiptoss by Washington... no, it's reversed! [But as Cooper goes to follow up, Washington puts up his feet and kicks Cooper away, then nips up and takes a defensive stance.] GM: And Dave Cooper unable to follow up... nice counter by William Washington. BW: Give the kid credit, but that's a veteran he's in the ring with... he'll find a way to get it done. GM: Cooper slowly nodding at the Freedom Fighter... now they circle again... lockup... side headlock by Cooper this time. [Cooper wrenches the headlock in for several seconds, before Washington is able to push him into the ropes.] GM: And Dave Cooper sent into the ropes... shoulderblock takes Washington down! [Cooper runs the ropes again, but Washington drops down to the mat as Cooper leaps over him, then he gets to his feet.] GM: Another leapfrog by Washington... Cooper coming off... dropkick by Washington takes him down! And another one! [After getting up and eating a second dropkick, Cooper rolls underneath the ropes to break the momentum.] BW: Smart move by Cooper... Washington was building momentum and he had to slow it down. GM: And now Eric Matthew Somers will go down to confer with his tag team partner. [Cooper and Somers discuss something as, meanwhile, the referee orders Washington to step back. Jefferson turns to the crowd and claps his hands a few times, getting the audience to clap with him.] GM: And now it's Dave Cooper getting back into the ring... nodding again at his younger opponent... the two men now circle... lockup... no, a knee to the midsection by Cooper. BW: That's smart wrestling... now a forearm to the head. GM: Referee warning Cooper to open the hand up. BW: He did, ref! GM: Now Cooper backs Washington into the ropes... whips him to the opposite side... back body drop... no, wait Washington landed on his feet! [Washington then surprises Cooper, as he turns around, with a savate kick to the ribs.] GM: Savate kick catching Cooper off guard! He's backed into the corner... BW: Washington following him in... leaping forward... takes him out with a monkey flip! GM: I don't think Cooper expected that... now Washington to the second rope... he comes off... [But as he leaps, Cooper plants a fist into the midsection, doubling Washington over.] GM: And Dave Cooper caught him! Washington in trouble as Cooper grabs him around the waist... belly to belly suplex! BW: Washington may have caught Cooper the first time, but he didn't catch him the second time... that's what makes him so good in that ring. GM: Cooper now sending Washington into the ropes... spinebuster slam takes him down! And now a quick cover... one... two... but a kickout at two. BW: Cooper bringing Washington up... uh oh, he wants the big man! [The tag is indeed made to Somers as the crowd swells.] GM: Cooper tags in Somers... send Washington to the ropes... fist to the midsection doubles him over... and a big sledgehammer blow to the back of the neck by Somers! [Washington crumples to the canvas.] BW: See, that's the type of punishment Jackson Haynes and Danny Morton and are gonna feel the next time Rough N Ready get their hands on them! GM: Somers dragging Washington up by the hair... headbutt by Somers and Washington slumps over in the corner! BW: Whipping him to the oppsoite corner... here he comes! GM: Somers charging in... but missing as Washington gets out of the way! [The fans cheer as Washington somersaults to his corner to tag in Jefferson.] GM: And now here comes James Jefferson for the first time... and he's taking it right to Somers! BW: He doesn't have enough behind those forearms to put the big man down, though! GM: Jefferson with a dropkick... it staggers Somers! He tries again... Somers staggering but he won't go down! BW: And if he can't knock him down, it's gonna be a long night for James Jefferson! GM: Jefferson going to the corner... he's going to take a chance... he's headed up top. [Jefferson leaps off the top rope for a cross body block, but it doesn't quite go as planned.] GM: Somers caught him! BW: Big mistake by Jefferson... taking ths big man down is easier said than done! [Somers then drops down to one knee and extends the other, dropping Jefferson across the extended knee.] GM: And a backbreaker by Somers! He will make a cover... one... two... no, Jefferson with the kickout! BW: Jefferson should have stayed down... save himself the embarassment. GM: He's not embarassing himself, he just made a young mistake... Somers now tagging Cooper back in... sends him into the ropes... big clothesline takes Jefferson down! BW: Here comes Cooper... elbowdrop on the money! GM: Cooper now dragging Jefferson to his feet... sets him up... nice snap suplex takes the youngster down! Another cover... one... two... and that's all Cooper will get. BW: I guess he's trying to make Mommy and Daddy proud. GM: And what's wrong with that, Bucky? [Cooper now applies a front facelock, trying to wear down Jefferson.] GM: And now Cooper with a facelock applied... trying to wear down the Freedom Fighter. BW: I think Somers working over Jefferson wore him down already... now it's just a formality. GM: But wait! Jefferson managing to push Cooper back towards the corner... Washington waiting right there for the tag! [And Cooper does not see Jefferson touch hands with Washington, but the referee does.] GM: Tag is made.. Washington is the legal man... he goes up top... off he comes with an axehandle! BW: Somers wants in there... what is the referee doing? GM: He's not going to allow Somers in the ring... and it was a legal tag, Bucky! Now Jefferson and Washington with a double whip on Cooper into the ropes... and a double elbow catches Cooper! BW: Illegal double teaming, Gordon! GM: Jefferson leaving the ring.. Washington with a cover... referee late to get there... one... tw... no, Cooper kicks out! BW: Well, these Freedom Fighters are getting lucky, but how long it will last? GM: Give these young men some credit, Bucky... Jefferson with a pickup... slamming Cooper to the mat. Now he'll go to the top rope himself. BW: He better hope it pays off, Gordon! GM: Jefferson leaping... flying bodypress... oh, but Cooper rolls with the momentum and has a cover... one... two... and almost a count of three! BW: You see, that's the problem with these young guys taking too many chances... it can come back to haunt them! GM: Washington staying on the attack, though... a pair of forearms staggers Cooper... now into the ropes... BW: Hey, did he just tag Cooper? GM: Well, it... yes, the referee signaled it was a tag. [Cooper ducks a clothesline, then grabs the ropes before coming on the rebound. Washington appeared ready to make a move, but stops and then motions for Cooper to bring it on.] GM: And I don't think William Washington saw it... he turns around... there's Somers! BW: And Somers has him in his grasp! GM: Chokeslam with authority! And now he drops down to cover. [Jefferson tries to enter the ring, but Cooper turns toward him to hold him off.] GM: One... two... three! And this one is over! [Somers slowly stands up, allowing the referee to raise his arm, as does Cooper.] MC: Here are your winners... ROUGH N READY! [Fans give a mixed reaction as Somers and Cooper nod at each other. The referee returns the tag team titles to them, which Cooper and Somers hold above their heads.] GM: And another victory for the National tag team champions... and I would imagine Violence Unlimited is next on their list. BW: If Haynes and Morton were watching, they better have been taking good notes... as long as they weren't too busy banging their heads into lockers backstage! GM: Knock it off, Bucky... and now, looks like we are about to be joined by the tag team champs. [Cooper and Somers do indeed approach Gordon and Bucky's broadcast position.] GM: Dave Cooper and Eric Matthew Somers... another successful match for the two of you... but the question remains: What about the challenge that awaits from Violence Unlimted? DC: Gordon, I'm surprised at you... you don't have anything to say about our victory last week against The Moonshiners. GM: Well, that was also an impressive feat. DC: Then let's talk about it, Gordon! Now, I won't take anything away from how hard those men can hit and how much punishment they can take... they just ran into two men who are even better at both! Week after week, Gordon... ever since Eric and I arrived in AWA, they keep sending them our way and we keep knocking them down! GM: Well, that didn't exactly happen when you faced Morton and Haynes... EMS: [interrupting] Wait a second, Gordon... we all have our off nights and that was one of them. GM: So are you saying that you will give Violence Unlimited a title match? BW: Now, hold on, Gordon... if you want to treat veterans properly, show them a little respect and don't be so quick to force the issue! [That draws a grin from Somers.] EMS: Bucky, I never I thought I'd say this... but that was a pretty smart thing you said. GM: Now just a minute... everyone wants to know... DC: [interrupting] Everyone wants to know a lot of things, Gordon... like when do we eat, when do we get paid and when do we get our rightful rewards just for showing up to work in the morning. Well, Eric and I have earned our rightful rewards, and that's the AWA National Tag Team belts in our possesion. If Haynes and Morton think that what happened at the Stampede Cup is evidence of how we really are, all I'm gonna say is this... you may have thought we weren't ready the first time we met you, but don't count on that happening the next time we meet! GM: So does that mean... DC: [interruping] Gordon, you are being just a little bit pushy. As a matter of fact, after this match, Eric and I were planning to discuss some business with Jim Watkins... and the way see it is this... the Third Anniversary show is coming up and Eric and I absolutely plan on being on that card. So we're gonna go back there, tell him what we want and then tell him we will put our titles on the line... and if Haynes and Morton want to sign on the dotted line to be our opponents, then they are more than welcome! [That draws a positive response from the crowd.] DC: But just in case those two didn't get the message, I'll say it again... if you thought we weren't ready the first time we met, don't count on that happening the next time we meet... and believe me... you don't want us when we are ready, because then we are just that much rougher! [He and Eric then depart the broadcast position leaving Jason behind.] JD: You heard it, fans! Rough N Ready wants to put their gold on the line in just over a month at the Third Anniversary Show! But will Violence Unlimited get the shot? We'll find out very soon but for now, we've gotta take a quick break! We'll be right back so don't you dare go away! [Fade to black. The black screen is filled with white text that reads "THREE YEARS AGO!"] "They said it couldn't work." [The words fade out and are then replaced with "TWO YEARS AGO!"] "They said it wouldn't last." [The words fade out and are replaced with "ONE YEAR AGO!"] "They're too old fashioned. They can't keep up with the times. Nobody wants to watch that stuff." [The words fade out and are replaced with "THEY WERE WRONG!" The text fades again and comes back to reveal, "March 26th, 2011 - The Main Event - The Third Anniversary Show." And then fades back out to black before returning to live action where the O'Jays' "For the Love of Money" blasts through the Crockett Coliseum and all heads turn to the section of the interview area that is now set up for The Money Pit. A deep voice cuts over the top of the classic track...] "Ladies and gentlemen... TODD MICHAELSON!" [The camera cuts to a "set" made of wooden walls that are painted and dressed to be a mockup of a bank vault. There are also various stacks of (presumably) fake money and bags of money all over the ground. Picture what you've always imagined Scrooge McDuck's vault to look like and you've got a great mental image. Sitting in the middle of it on a wooden stool, Todd Michaelson is dressed to the nines, a smile plastered across his face.] TM: Welcome to The Money Pit! [Big pop from the Dallas faithful.] TM: Now, considering who's about to come out here... that may be the only time you get to cheer during this. My guest here tonight... [Michaelson shakes his head.] TM: These are the sacrifices I make for you guys. I hate this man. Absolutely despise him. There's not a single redeeming quality about him and I've known him for a long, long time now. [A sigh.] TM: But, the man makes news... so here he is... please welcome my guest this week... he is a former Pro Wrestling Revolution Pacific Champion and a former AWA National Tag Team Champion... CALISTO DUFRESNE! [The crowd immediately begins to boo heartily as from the entrance portal emerges the most detested figure in the AWA, "Ladykiller" Calisto Dufresne. Clad simply in a pair of blue jeans and a teal t-shirt that reads "I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M 30", the usual cocky look on Dufresne's face is nowhere to be found as his eyes dart left and right before beginning to make his way towards Michaelson. He sits down on the stool next to our host who eyes him cooly. Michaelson opens his mouth to speak but Dufresne holds a hand up, leaning over to speak. He does so in an extremely raspy voice, likely the result of City Jack choking him two weeks ago with a bat.] CD: Before we get started, Todd, allow me to just apologize for what Von Braun, Stevie and Adrian did to you before Battle on the Bayou. That whole tire iron incident was unnecessary. I was against it from the start, you know. But I was out-voted four to one. And I'm nothing if not a selfless team player, so I went along with Waterson's scheme, albeit reluctantly. [Michaelson's steely eyes remain on Dufresne as he continues, not looking like he believes a single word out of the Ladykiller's mouth.] CD: You brought me in to this business, Todd. Taught me what I know. It's obvious that I'm the best student you've ever had and that you're immensely proud of what I've accomplished. And that's why I'm willing to forgive you for spitting at me and telling me you were going to kill me that night. [Dufresne smiles at his gesture of good faith. Michaelson continues to stare right through Dufresne, his eyes saying that nothing is settled. The former World Champion is seething as he glares at Dufresne, dropping three deep breaths before he gets on track with two simple words.] TM: City Jack. [Who said the fans wouldn't cheer again during this segment? Dufresne self-consciously rubs his throat as his face curls into a snarl.] TM: Two weeks ago, he came out here and attacked you with that Louisville Slugger he's been toting around since his return, nearly choking the life out of you. [The thought brings immense pleasure to the Dallas faithful and Michaelson himself.] CD: It's true, Todd. City Jack, like the coward he is, attacked me from behind while I was trying to put this entire mess to bed. All I want to do is move on with my life! I've put him down like the rabid dog that he is time and again and he just can't let it go! TM: It seems to me that he's not going to let it go until you see him inside that ring. [Crowd pop again as Dufresne looks around, annoyed.] CD: I saw him inside that ring a month ago. And I beat him! _Again._ I don't know what I have to do short of taking him out for good - which as we all know, is something that Calisto Dufresne wouldn't consider. [This elicits a snort from Michaelson.] TM: He doesn't want a six man tag match. He wants one-on-one, in the middle of that ring, in front of these fans. CD: And I had the mind to grant him that wish, _tonight!_ [Huge pop from the crowd.] CD: But then he went and got himself suspended. [The crowd reverses course, booing. Dufresne nods.] CD: I agree, fans. He shouldn't have been suspended. He should have been _fired!_ [Michaelson looks incredulous.] TM: For what?! CD: For continuously trying to tear down this franchise! Would a Fortune 500 company continue to employ some kid from the mailroom who goes after the top salesman in the company? Would the military accept a vicious attack from a buck private on the Commander in Chief? Absolutely not! And that's what this is akin to. [Dufresne shakes his head in derision.] CD: I wanted to finish this once and for all, tonight. Truly, I did. But since he went and got himself banned, I guess that it's just never going to happen. [Michaelson nods, rising from the stool.] TM: I suppose that remains to be seen. But you're not my only guest here tonight. As you know, the Championship Committee has been reviewing the situation between yourself and City Jack for two weeks now... trying to determine the appropriate course of action to take. And I understand they have made a decision. Mr. Watkins, come on down... [And on cue, "Big" Jim Watkins, the Chairman of the Championship Committee, walks onto the set of the Money Pit, shaking hands with Todd Michaelson and eyeing a seated Dufresne with annoyance.] TM: Mr. Watkins, I understand the Committee has been working very hard reviewing the tape of City Jack's assault on Dufresne from two weeks ago. [Watkins nods.] JW: That's right, Todd. We've been trying to figure out what to do about this situation. These two men have been at each other's throats pretty much for the better part of three years now... not to mention their time in Los Angeles with you where they were tearing each other apart. [Michaelson grins at a small cheer for PWR from the crowd.] JW: The Committee reviewed the tape from two weeks ago... but that wasn't it. We went back and looked at EVERYTHING! Every piece of information we had involving these two individuals was reviewed. In the end, we came to one conclusion - this needs to end. [Dufrense nods, shouting "Fire him!"] JW: We saw offenses by BOTH men that could potentially earn them a fine, a suspension, or worse... but in the end, this is the AWA, and that's not how we wanted this thing to go down. [The crowd cheers!] JW: Therefore, the AWA has made a decision... and I think you'll like this one, Todd. City Jack's suspension for tonight's show will be his SOLE punishment for his actions two weeks ago. [The crowd roars again, Dufresne throwing a hissyfit a few feet away. Watkins holds up a massive hand, shaking his head.] JW: Considering what you've done to that man in the past, Dufresne, I think you should consider yourself lucky we sent security out to break up that situation... because there were some members of the Committee... myself included... who felt that Jack was perfectly justified in trying to forcibly remove your head from your shoulders! [Another big cheer! Dufresne looks shocked at Watkins' words... and then storms away.] JW: Not so fast, Dufresne. I think you'll want to hear this one. [Dramatic pause.] JW: After serious review, the Championship Committee has ruled... [More pause!] JW: That on March 26th for our Third Anniversary Show... [The crowd begins to buzz now!] JW: Calisto Dufresne will go one-on-one... [Dufresne's shaking his head, looking furious.] JW: ...with CITY JACK! [HUUUUUUUUGE ROAR FROM THE CROWD!] TM: That's huge, Jim! City Jack vs Dufresne on The Main Event! Are you kidding me?! Do you know how long these fans - all of us - have been waiting for this?! [Watkins grins, nodding his head.] JW: I do, Todd... and that's why I know how important it is that there's a winner that night. You see, Dufresne... when we were reviewing the tapes of your actions, we picked up a pattern... a guy who liked to run when the heat was on. [A shake of the head.] JW: That ain't gonna happen against Jack - no sir. [Dufresne sneers at Watkins.] JW: There will be no runnin'... no hidin'... no dodgin'... no bailin' out... There will be no escape, Dufresne. [The buzz grows again.] JW: Because on The Main Event, when you face City Jack... [Dramatic pause!] JW: IT'LL BE INSIDE A STEEL CAGE!! [DEAFENING ROAR!! Dufresne's face goes white at the announcement!] GM: CITY JACK VERSUS CALISTO DUFRESNE INSIDE A CAGE!! BW: I heard him! I heard him! This isn't fair! This isn't right! GM: Why not?! After everything that Calisto Dufresne has done to City Jack, why isn't that fair?! BW: It's... it's like... he just gave him free reign to do ANYTHING he wants to the Ladykiller! He tried to... oh my god. GM: What an announcement! What a huge announcement! Todd Michaelson has done it again! BW: Oh, shaddup! [The crowd is still roaring as a stunned Dufresne slowly walks away, heading through the curtain as Michaelson and Watkins soak up the cheers from the crowd... ...and we fade down to the ring where a tall African-American man stands ready. He has a flattop afro, full-length black tights with thick red stripes running down the sides, red boots, and black gloves. His physique is excellent, and he's doing some shadow-boxing to limber up.] MC: The following contest is set for one fall, and a ten minute time limit! Introducing first, already in the ring... from Arlington, Virginia... weighing two-hundred sixty-one pounds... RASHAN HILL! [The young athlete steps up on the second rope, and raises both fists in the air. The crowd cheers softly, not knowing what to think about the guy yet. They then decide to cheer him about .25 seconds after "The Theme From Halloween" starts.] BW: Take a good look, kids. This is how you get your face on the side of a milk carton. [The boos intensify as "The Collector Of Oddities" Percy Childes opens the curtains for the burly madman known as James Monosso. Monosso is wearing his usual pale-green cutoff T-Shirt, black one-strap singlet with silver trim, black-and-silver boots, and bloodthirsty twisted unamused smirk. The wild-eyed lunatic stomps down the entrance way, and as he does, we can see one slight addition to his attire: a large sticker of a bullseye slapped on his back.] GM: The mad Monosso proved last week that he has no fear at all, assaulting a man that most sane human beings do not cross. BW: And he left Alex Martinez laying. How many people walkin' the Earth can do THAT? GM: The number has to be in the single digits. [Melissa continues.] MC: And his opponent... Introducing first, the manager, PERCY CHILDES! He represents... from The State Of Confusion... weighing two-hundred eighty-eight pounds... JAMES MONOSSO! [Monosso has entered the ring, but has eschewed the usual immediate attack in favor of circling with a hungry expression in his eyes. Hill backpedals, showing good footwork in keeping a healthy distance from the maniac.] GM: I believe that Rashan Hill was expecting an immediate attack, as is usually the case with Monosso. But James is unpredictable; he does whatever comes to mind when it comes to mind. BW: And look at his back! See that bullseye? I think he expects Martinez ta come for payback, Gordo. GM: Percy Childes staying uncharacteristically far from the ring this week, so I believe that you are correct. "DING! DING! DING!" GM: Alright, Hill moves in, collar-and-elbow tieup. And a headlock by Monosso. I... may be hallucinating. BW: Nope. Monosso's nuts. He's NOT stupid. If he wants ta get jumped... well, that might qualify as nuts AND stupid. Never mind, my point's pretty much lost by that fact. GM: James Monosso with a side headlock takeover, and it appears that he's going to try to wrestle this week. I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised, as seemingly random behavior is his idiom. BW: Then after it's all said an' done, ya look back an' figger out that he had a plan the whole time. An' THAT is why he's scary. I guess ya could ask Eric Preston all about that if ya can find him. He'll probably check himself inta th' Hangover Hotel on Washout Boulevard after Johnny C demolished him earlier! GM: Well, right now, we have Rashan Hill countering Monosso's seated headlock with a hammerlock. Monosso grabs his head... stands... and a jawbreaker! Veteran move by a man not really known for counter wrestling. BW: He's only really capable o' stuff like that when it's all that he's focusing on. Normally, it never even occurs to him ta try counterin' moves. That line o' thought just interrupts his usual tactic o' attempted murder. GM: Monosso starts stomping, and now applying a neck wrench! [Having pulled up Hill to a seated position, James cups his chin in one big meaty hand and pulls up to the side. His other hand pushes down to the other side. In essence, he's trying to unscrew his head.] BW: Well, this is one o' the few holds he DOES do from time ta time. I don't think I gotta explain why it works. GM: An application of brute power. BW: Well, if I'd'a known ya was gonna explain it ANYWAY, Gordo, I'd'a said somethin'! GM: Hill getting to his feet... the drawback of the neck wrench is that it doesn't effectively keep a man down, and it is not effective unless he is down. Hill with an elbow, and another elbow, and another... the hold does not break. BW: Again: HITTING JAMES MONOSSO IS USELESS. I think someone oughta put up a sign. These kids never learn. GM: I would think that a man the size and intensity of Alex Martinez could hit Monosso to some effect. BW: Oh, yeah, that's true. But Hill ain't in that class. He's bigger'n most, faster'n most, more agile than most, even stronger'n most. But he ain't gonna be able ta hurt Monosso by hittin' him. GM: Monosso finally breaks by transitioning into a blatant choke! Lifting the man by the neck with both hands! And spiking him down with a choke spinebuster! Or a two-handed choke slam if you prefer. BW: What you just saw is exactly what Rashan Hill... and probably Martinez... would have ta do ta beat him. Hill don't have much technical skill. So you gotta slam him, you gotta smash him inta things, you gotta force his body ta quit on him. His mind will never quit. But he's much older than he looks, Gordo. He started his career around 1988, I think. GM: Double stomp on Hill! A call-out to Anton Layton?! BW: Could be! Remember, we don't know who this 'Dragon' is, an' there's some clues that lead in th' direction o' Layton or his Master no matter what Layton said earlier. GM: As the self-described best broadcast journalist in wrestling, Bucky, I should think you'd be hot on this Dragon's proverbial tail. BW: Maybe I am. Maybe I don't break a story till I'm good an' ready, jus' like Monosso's waitin' ta break Hill when he's good an' ready. GM: Backbreaker by Monosso, and he has this match well in hand. He lifts his man... and slams him into the ropes! Goodness! Hill bounced face-first to the mat! [The fans boo, and Monosso stares out at them. His mouth curls up into a sneer, and he points at the turnbuckle.] BW: Uh, oh... I smell a Concussionator comin'! GM: I thought you named it the Concussionizer. BW: -ator, -izor, -o-Matic, -gasm, -clasm, -ism, -ation, -ification... it don' matter what th' suffix is, daddy, th' prefix is always th' same! CON-CUSSION! "THUUUUUUUD!" GM: Monosso throws Hill shoulder-first to the ringpost, right through the turnbuckles! You know what this sets up, and this should be banned! This has no place in wrestling! [The jeers intensify as Monosso leisurely steps out onto the apron. A groggy Hill leans on the middle turnbuckle, his shoulder up against the post and his head to the side of it. Monosso locks his gaze in on Hill's head, to which the fans stand and scream at him.] GM: This isn't a legitimate offensive move, this is an attempt to maim someone! BW: You say 'attempt' as if it ever fails. GM: HERE HE COMES... [The crowd begins to buzz as suddenly Alex Martinez comes rushing through the crowd, stepping over the steel barricade... ...and yanking a leg out from under a rushing Monosso, sending him sailing backfirst to the apron with a sickening splat! HUGE ROAR!] "DING! DING! DING!" [The referee calls for the disqualification, but that's the least of anyone's concerns right now as Martinez peels Monosso off the apron by the hair, dragging him to his feet.] BW: HEY! GM: MARTINEZ! BW: WHAT'S HE DOING HERE? GM: I think its safe to say, Bucky, that Alex Martinez is taking Monosso up on the offer that bull's eye presented! [The two titans facing each other, Alex Martinez throws the first punch. Monosso takes a half step backwards, and stares straight ahead. Martinez punches him a second time, and a third. Monosso takes another half step back, and then roars forward, throwing a punch that connects hard against Martinez' cheek. Now it's the seven footer's turn to reel back, as Monosso's punch connects. But again, Martinez mostly stands his ground. The crowd erupts as right hands are exchanged between the two.] BW: I'm tellin' ya, neither of these guys are human Gordo! Ya got a maniac against a monster. And I ain't sure which is which! GM: I don't think anyone has ever taken that many punches from Alex Martinez and stayed on his feet. And frankly, I don't think anyone but Alex Martinez could stay upright after that many punches from James Monosso! [Monosso finally does stagger back after a well placed punch connects with his nose. Martinez lunges forward, but Monosso might have been playing possum, as he grips Martinez' wrist and uses it to hurl Martinez into the guard rail.] "CLAAAAAAAAAAANG!" "OHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" GM: INTO THE RAILING GOES MARTINEZ!! And that guard rail just became disconnected out at ringside! It broke loose and the fans are scattering! [Martinez looks dazed, his arms draped over the top of the railing, motionless. Monosso backs up, and then comes charging at Martinez full force.] BW: There's about to be a seven foot stain on the floor of the Crockett Coliseum, Gordo! GM: That's two hundred and eighty eight pounds coming full force at Martinez! [The light comes on in the big man's eyes at the last minute, as he sees the freight train heading his way.] "CLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG!" "OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" GM: ALEX MARTINEZ DOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!! MONOSSO TOOK OUT THE RAILING!! [The crowd continues to roar as Monosso lies in the fetal position across the now-fallen steel guardrail, clutching his shoulder and ribs as a dazed Martinez staggers back in, shaking the cobwebs as he leans down to grab the madman by the hair.] BW: And now, Martinez has got Monosso by the hair! C'mon ref, disqualify him for that! GM: Disqualify? This isn't a match! BW: Uhh... yeah, never mind. [Now Martinez whips Monosso around, sending him back towards the ring. Monosso hits his back on the ring apron, and the ring can be seen to shudder from the force. Quick on the attack, Martinez sends several knees into Monosso's gut, a much softer target than his head. And then Martinez grips Monosso by the hair and pulls his head back.] "CLAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG!" GM: MARTINEZ JUST SLAMMED JAMES MONOSSO'S HEAD INTO THE STEPS!! BW: I think we can safely say that we've just seen the Alex Martinez version of the Concussionator! [Seeing AWA security starting to come out towards the ring, Martinez throws Monosso into the ring, figuring that will give him a few more seconds of time before the brawl is broken up. But as Martinez steps into the ring, he finds that Monosso isn't as hurt as he expected, as Monosso greets him with a boot to the skull.] BW: Hah! Smashing Monosso's head doesn't do anything but make him crazier! GM: Normally, I'd tell you to stop, but I think you're right. [Monosso whips Martinez chest first into the turnbuckle. The big man exhales loudly, all the air going out of his body. Monosso slowly approaches from behind.] BW: Last time I saw somethin' like that, it was in a damn zombie movie! Monosso just won't stop comin' forward! GM: Monosso is certainly nothing if not relentless. BW: And look what that lunatic is doin' now! [Monosso is behind Martinez, and reaches forward. But what he's doing is just sick and sadistic, as he twists Martinez' ear, jabs fingers into his eyes, fishhooks his mouth, twists and yanks on his nose.] GM: This is just sick! BW: Martinez asked for it! You don't want that man's fingers tearin' your cheek offa your face? Don't come and attack him! Its pretty simple, Gordo. [Martinez launches an elbow that hits Monosso in the temple, sending him backwards. Martinez turns around, shaking his head, trying to get his eyes to clear. And here comes Monosso, charging forward again.] BW: I'm tellin' ya, this guy just doesn't stop. Alex Martinez has never faced someone like this. GM: I've got to say, I think you're right Bucky. [But Martinez' vision clears just in time to see Monosso coming. He waits, until Monosso is in range.] GM: BIG BOOT! AND MONOSSO IS DOWN!! BW: That kick to the face got Monosso off his feet. But for how long? GM: Alex Martinez isn't going to give him a chance to get up. He's right on top of him. [But now its Martinez who shows his vicious streak. On top of Monosso, Martinez reaches out, wrapping both of his hands around Monosso's throat. He's choking Monosso, lifting him, bouncing his head off the mat, and howling in rage. Martinez' face is red and twisted in anger, as he continues to choke the life out of Monosso.] BW: This has broken down, daddy! GM: I agree. This has got to be stopped before it goes any further! [AWA security seems to agree, as they swarm the ring. They pull Martinez off of Monosso, but the big man doesn't go easily. It takes a half dozen of them to get Martinez off, and another man has to pry Martinez' fingers off Monosso's throat one at a time. They finally manage to push Martinez back into a corner, holding him as Martinez struggles to get free, his arm extended, trying to grab at Monosso. More security stands in front of Monosso, blocking his way.] BW: I hope security gets health benefits and hazard pay! I got a feeling we're about to see some guys gettin' tossed. GM: I.... wait a minute! PERCY CHILDES IS IN THE RING? WHERE DID HE COME FROM? BW: He got the heck outta Dodge when he could, but now he's back in the ring. GM: Monosso is ignoring his demands to exit the ring! [As Martinez continues to struggle against the sea of security holding him back, Childes continues to demand Monosso leave the ring, his words falling on deaf ears. That is, until Childes produces his cane. Suddenly, Monosso stares, transfixed by the sight.] GM: That stopped Monosso in his tracks. Monosso seems to be staring at the crystal hilt of Childes' cane. BW: From where I'm sittin', it don't look like anything excitin' to me. GM: But it seems to have a hold on James Monosso. [Childes uses the cane to slowly draw Monosso out of the ring, and into the back. Security continues to detain Martinez however, preventing him from giving chase.] GM: Security is going to give Martinez a chance to cool off. BW: They're gonna be there for awhile then. GM: You might be right. Fans, while we wait for the ring to clear, let's hear a word from our sponsors. [Cut to commercial. The black screen is filled with white text that reads "THREE YEARS AGO!"] "They said it couldn't work." [The words fade out and are then replaced with "TWO YEARS AGO!"] "They said it wouldn't last." [The words fade out and are replaced with "ONE YEAR AGO!"] "They're too old fashioned. They can't keep up with the times. Nobody wants to watch that stuff." [The words fade out and are replaced with "THEY WERE WRONG!" The text fades again and comes back to reveal, "March 26th, 2011 - The Main Event - The Third Anniversary Show." And then fades back out to black before returning to live action where the announcers stand at ringside.] GM: Man oh man... what a night this has been, fans. We want to thank WKIK for their help here tonight. With just moments before the hour, we are very obviously going to spill past our usual time here tonight but WKIK is committed to bringing you the National Champion in action here tonight and will stay with us until that match reaches a conclusion. But what wild action we've seen here tonight, Bucky... BW: It's been nuts, Gordo. Absolutely nuts. Monosso and Martinez just... they just destroyed the ringside area. We've got a barricade down, we've got steel steps knocked over. Crazy stuff. GM: Plus, we heard the announcement that City Jack and Calisto Dufresne will collide on The Main Event inside a steel cage! Rough N Ready say they'll defend the titles that night as well! So much has happened here tonight... whew boy... and we're not quite done yet, fans. The National Champion's about to step into that ring to face a mystery opponent... and we STILL have no idea who it is! But we're all about to find out together so let's go up to Melissa for the announcement! [We crossfade up to the ring to Melissa Cannon.] MC: The following contest is our Main Event of the evening! [Big cheer!] MC: Introducing first... [The sounds of "They Reminisce Over You" by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth begins to play over the PA system.] MC: From Los Angeles, California... weighing in at 238 pounds... he is the AWA NATIONAL CHAMPION... JUUUUUAAAAAAAANNNNNN VAAASSSSSSQQQUUUUEEEZZZZ!!!! [Vasquez bursts through the curtain to a huge roar from the AWA crowd! He's clad in his usual tracksuit style attire, jogging down the aisle as he leans over and slaps the hands of the ringside fans.] GM: For a man who doesn't know who is about to walk through that curtain to face him, Juan Vasquez is looking pretty confident, Bucky. BW: He's gotta be, Gordo. He's the champ. If he's not confident, he might as well hand the belt over right now. GM: Remember, this is a non-title match but a chance to beat the champ is always a big moment. [Vasquez steps through the ropes, holding the title belt high over his head to the cheers of the crowd. He pauses to pat Melissa on the shoulder before handing the belt outside the ring to an attendant.] MC: And his opponent... [The music fades... but isn't replaced by anything for a long moment.] GM: Who is it, Bucky? Who's it gonna be? [Suddenly, a voice shouts out from the darkness at the edge of the ramp.] "Did you really think it'd be that easy, Melissa?" [The spotlight hits to reveal Lori Dane at the top of the aisle to a shower of jeers from the AWA faithful.] GM: What in the... what is SHE doing out here? We've got a match! We don't have time for- BW: That's exactly her point, Gordo! There's never enough time for women in the AWA! There's never enough time for women's WRESTLING anywhere in this business! [Dane walks down the ramp with purpose, mic still in hand.] LD: Did you really think it ended like that? You thought you got to come back from your injury, grin and smile and show some leg to these idiots, let Vasquez pat you on the back there, and all would be forgotten? [The First Lady of Extreme smirks.] LD: I don't forgive and forget, Melissa... you should know that. [Dane steps through the ropes.] LD: Now, we have some unfinished business to take care of in my book. You have a choice to make... you have to- [The crowd ERUPTS as Melissa throws down the mic, taking Dane off her feet with a double leg tackle. She lands two heavy blows to the face before wrapping her hands around Dane's throat to the roars of the crowd!] GM: SHE'S GOING AFTER DANE!! SHE'S GOING AFTER DANE!! [Lori tries to fight back, flailing her arms back and forth, finally getting loose as she rolls to the floor. She takes a knee on the floor as Juan Vasquez and Marty Meekly hold Melissa back by the arms, both men grinning. Dane lifts a hand, running the back of her hand under her nose and coming up with a trickle of blood.] GM: Melissa Cannon just busted up Lori Dane's nose! She drew first blood right here tonight in Dallas, Texas! BW: I can't believe it! How DARE she? GM: What?! Are you serious?! BW: That's her teacher! Lori Dane did EVERYTHING to help Melissa Cannon get her foot into this business! How dare she go after her like that?! [A smirking Lori Dane nods her head, slowly backing down the aisle as she watches Vasquez and Meekly restrain her attacker.] GM: I can't believe it! What the heck else can happen here toni... "WHO WAN' SIT ON SWEET DADDY'S LAP TANIIIIIIGHT?" [The crowd ERUPTS in cheers as the curtain parts, revealing Sweet Daddy Williams as his music blasts over the PA system. The Atlanta fan favorite walks into view, carrying a duffel bag in his left hand and a wireless mic in his right.] GM: I don't understand. BW: Is HE the mystery opponent? GM: That doesn't make any... why is Sweet Daddy Williams out here? [Vasquez walks away from the struggling Cannon, leaving her to Meekly as he approaches the ropes, looking puzzled down the aisle at his fellow fan favorite. He can be seen saying "You?" as Williams approaches the ring.] GM: Sweet Daddy Williams is heading out here to the ring. I don't get this, Bucky. [Stepping through the ropes, Williams raises the mic.] SDW: Cut my music, please. [Williams looks up at Vasquez with an almost sheepish expression on his face.] SDW: Surprise? [Vasquez doesn't laugh.] SDW: I know. I didn't want to do it this way either. Look, Juan... you and I... we're friends, right? We've been through a lot together and been down a lot of roads together. But you know as well as I do that that belt around your waist is what it's all about. It's what you wanted more than anything else. It's what I want more than anything else. It's what anyone who straps on a pair of these wrestling boots wants more than anything else or they shouldn't be in this ring! [A cheer for that.] SDW: So, yeah... I wanted a shot at ya. I wanted to prove that I could hang with the champ... and I wanted to prove I deserve a shot at that hunk o' gold. [Vasquez shakes his head, still looking confused.] SDW: But I'd be lyin' if I said that's all this is about. [Williams raises the bag in his left hand.] SDW: It wasn't long ago that you did me a favor. You put some money - your money - on the line so that I could get a shot at the title. And you did that knowing that I'd probably never be able to pay ya back. [Williams tosses the bag to Vasquez who catches it.] SDW: Now, we're even. [Vasquez looks stunned as he reaches into the bag, producing a fist full of dollars.] SDW: See, I didn't want this to be a big secret. I wanted to stand here, man to man, eye to eye, and challenge you to a match... ...but he didn't want it that way. [Williams shrugs.] SDW: You know I couldn't afford to pay ya back on my own. So, when I got a phone call a few weeks ago, tellin' me to take this match... tellin' me that I could make a nice payday to take this match, I couldn't refuse. [Vasquez shouts, "Who?"] SDW: I think ya know that, Juan. And if ya know that, ya know they'd likely give me a big ol' bonus if I busted you up and hurt ya bad. [The crowd buzzes at the implied threat.] SDW: But that ain't why I'm here, partner. I'm here for a straight up match. I'm here to prove something to the world, to you, and to myself. So, as our boss would say... "let's hook 'em up!" [Williams tosses the mic outside the ring, tugging on the top rope as a still-surprised Juan Vasquez backs away, bouncing off the ropes and taking a few steps towards Williams as the two men circle, looking for an opening to get an early edge. The referee calls for the bell just before the two men lunge into a tieup.] GM: Vasquez quickly into a hammerlock, wrenching up on the arm... [The Atlanta native reaches backwards, trying to hook Vasquez around the head and neck for a snap mare but as Vasquez increases the pressure, Williams gives up on the counter.] GM: You've gotta believe that Vasquez is a bit shell-shocked in there. We heard a lot of speculation about who might be stepping up to challenge the champion here tonight but I don't think anyone dreamed it would be Sweet Daddy Williams, Bucky. BW: I certainly didn't. And he's quite mysterious with what he's saying. Is he implying that someone paid him to take this match? Someone that Vasquez should know? GM: I think he's talking about a certain former National Champion, Bucky. Perhaps a parting shot at a rival? BW: I can't believe it. [A trapped Williams powers over to the ropes where he simply grabs the top rope, forcing the official to call for a break. As Vasquez releases the hold, Williams quickly moves away, ready for a fight.] GM: Williams backs off, fists at the ready. He's ready to throw down at any given moment, Bucky. BW: Of course he is. This is a sneak attack on Juan Vasquez and who knows what Vasquez will do to fight back. [The two men tangle up in a tieup again, this time Williams forcing Vasquez back to the corner. The referee steps in, calling for a clean break. But with a clenched fist, Williams winds up... ...and then stops, shaking his head as he backs up, giving the official his clean break.] GM: And Sweet Daddy Williams breaks clean there, Bucky. BW: That may be a big mistake. He should waffle him upside the head at the first chance he gets. [Vasquez looks surprised at Williams, nodding his head as he eases out of the buckles. The two men square off in the middle again, tying up... ...and Vasquez buries a knee into the midsection!] GM: Ohh! Juan goes to the gut on Williams. BW: The soft spot, for sure. [Grabbing Williams by the arm, he fires him across the ring.] GM: Big whip by the champion... Williams ducks the chop... [Bouncing off the far ropes, Williams leaps into the air, taking Vasquez down with a vertical bodyscissor tackle and lays in the heavy blows, throwing right hands from the mount to the cheers of the crowd!] GM: Sweet Daddy Williams is takin' it to the National Champion! [At the count of four, Williams breaks up the barrage of haymakers, climbing to his feet. He reaches down, dragging Vasquez up by the arm, and flinging him into the nearest set of buckles.] GM: Into the corner goes the champ! And the challenger follows him in! [With a head of steam, Williams barrels towards the corner... ...and runs right into two raised boots to the mush!] GM: Ohh! Big counter by Vasquez! BW: And at this point of the match, these two are just countering everything they throw at one another. [A dazed Williams stumbles backwards as Vasquez hops up to the middle rope, standing tall...] GM: Axehandle! [But Williams catches him with a right hand to the gut on the way down, flipping over the champ and dropping him on the canvas. The crowd cheers as Williams windmills his right arm behind him over and over as he waits for Vasquez to rise up...] GM: BOOM! Big right hand by the Sweet Daddy! [The haymaker staggers Vasquez, sending him stumbling backwards into the ropes. Grabbing the back of the champion's head, Williams marches across the ring... ...and SLAMS his face into the top turnbuckle!] GM: Facefirst to the corner! [Williams holds up one finger to the crowd, still holding Vasquez by the hair... ...and SLAMS his face into the buckles again, driving it in over and over as the fans count along.] "ONE!" "TWO!" "THREE!" "FOUR!" "FIVE!" "SIX!" "SEVEN!" "EIGHT!" "NINE!" "TEN!" [Vasquez stumbles away, staggering to the middle of the ring where Williams grabs him by the hair again, marching to the opposite corner. Again, he holds up one finger and then drives Vasquez' face into the buckle.] "ONE!" "TWO!" "THREE!" "FOUR!" "FIVE!" "SIX!" "SEVEN!" "EIGHT!" "NINE!" "TEN!" [This time, as he finishes, Williams spins Vasquez' back against the buckles. With a whoop, he hooks a side headlock with his right arm, swinging his left around in a quick gesture to the crowd who cheer.] GM: He's going for it! He's calling for the Riley Roundup! [Attempting the running bulldog that his friend Vernon Riley used for so long, Williams rushes out of the corner... ...but gets shoved off by the champion at the last moment!] GM: Ohh! Vasquez counters the bulldog and- [And as Williams spins around to confront him, Vasquez leaps up into the air, lashing out with his boot to the back of the head!] GM: OHHH! KICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!! BW: Us professionals call that an enzugiri, Gordo. GM: Whatever you call it, it may have turned out the lights for Sweet Daddy Williams! [Vasquez crawls across the downed Williams to apply a press.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! [A big cheer goes up as Williams fires a shoulder off the canvas to break up the pin.] GM: Only a two count off the head kick but Williams is slow to try to get up after that. Vasquez really rang his bell, Bucky. BW: Juan Vasquez loves that leaping enzugiri and he's knocked countless opponents goofy with that very move. [Back on his feet, the National Champion drags Williams off the mat, popping him across the chest with a knife-edge chop. A second one backs Williams down a couple feet. Nearing the ropes, Vasquez grabs the back of Williams' head and smashes home a headbutt that knocks Williams back into the ropes, both arms hanging over the top rope to stay on his feet.] GM: What a headbutt! Juan Vasquez has one of the fiercest headbutts in our industry. BW: But as you watch this match, think ahead to The Main Event. Think about MAMMOTH Mizusawa challenging for the National Title. Will these weapons that work so well against Sweet Daddy Williams even faze the giant? Can Vasquez make something like an enzugiri or that headbutt do any damage at all to the big man? GM: The world will find out the answer to that question in just about six weeks. [Backed into the ropes, Williams is drilled with another chop across the chest by Vasquez who then grabs his arm, sending him sailing across the ring.] GM: Whip by Vasquez... clothesli- ducked by Williams! [Who blindly reaches back, hooking the champion's arms, and drags him down to the canvas.] GM: BACKSLIDE!! ONE!! TWO!! THRE- "OHHHHHHHHHHHH!" [The crowd groans with surprise at the near fall. Both competitors quickly scramble to their feet, each looking to get the edge as they rise. A wild right hand by Vasquez comes up empty over the ducking Williams who hooks a side waistlock, hoisting Vasquez off the mat... ...and bringing him down on a bent knee!] GM: Atomic drop by the Sweet Daddy! [A stunned Vasquez stands wobbly in one spot as Williams bounds off the ropes in front of Vasquez and bowls him over with a running clothesline!] GM: Big clothesline! Vasquez is flat on his back in the center of the ring... [Winding up, Williams hits the ropes again, spinning his right arm around and around... ...and leaps up with a loud bellow, dropping a big elbow down into the chest!] GM: Sweet Daddy Williams lays down the thunder on the National Champion with that elbowdrop! And a cover now... he's got one! He's got two! He's got- no, Vasquez is out at two! [Trying to stay on the attack, Williams regains his feet and bends over to pull Vasquez up... ...and gets POPPED with a loud uppercut to the jaw that can be heard throughout the Crockett Coliseum, the impact of which sends Williams falling backwards, landing in a seated position against the turnbuckles.] GM: Good gravy, what a shot by Vasquez! Did you HEAR that, Bucky? BW: I think even Justin Bieber heard that with his pre-pubescent ears! GM: Who? [Vasquez staggers to his feet, also falling back into the closest set of turnbuckles. With a roar, he charges across the ring at top speed, leaping into the air... ...and DRIVING both feet squarely into the must of the Atlanta fan favorite!] GM: OHHHHHH! He might've caved the man's face in with that! A high impact running dropkick in the corner and- [Grabbing Williams by the leg, Vasquez drags him from the corner to apply a press.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! TH- [BIG CHEER!] GM: Shoulder up! Williams got the shoulder up! [Climbing to his feet, Vasquez bends his arm, measuring his man as he drops an elbow down across the chest. He quickly scrambles back up, dropping another one.] GM: Elbow after elbow, all being driven down into the heart of Williams! [Vasquez repeats the process over and over, each one connecting perfectly before, after six elbowdrops, the champion attempts another cover.] GM: Lateral press - he's got one! He's got two! He's got- no, he doesn't! Williams is out the back door again! [This time, the National Champion looks a little frustrated as he gets to his feet, reaching down to drag Williams up... ...and this time, HE gets popped with an uppercut!] GM: Ohh! Sweet Daddy Williams returns the favor! [The blow sends Vasquez stumbling backwards and allows Sweet Daddy Williams time to get back to his feet. He promptly grabs the champion's wrist, firing him across the ring where he smashes into the buckles, stumbling back out... ...and getting launched high overhead with a backdrop!] GM: HUUUUUUUUGE back bodydrop by Williams! BW: Juan Vasquez should've changed some of the light bulbs while he was up there, daddy! GM: Williams is waiting for him... [And as Vasquez gets up...] GM: Big clothesline by Williams! And a second one puts Vasquez down again! [As the champion rises for the third time, Williams backs him into the ropes, firing him across the ring...] GM: Off the far side goes the champion... [BIG CHEER!] GM: SLEEPER! WILLIAMS HOOKS THE SLEEPER!! [The crowd roars as the man from Hotlanta applies the sleeperhold in the center of the ring, applying pressure on the neck to try and send the champion into Dreamland.] GM: Vasquez is struggling against! Vasquez is trying to find a way out! BW: If he doesn't, this one's over, Gordo! GM: It certainly is and- [Vasquez, knowing exactly where he is inside the ring, pushes off with his feet, driving Williams' back into the corner.] GM: Into the buckles but Williams is hanging on! He doesn't want to let go! [Moving out of the corner, Vasquez pauses... ...and drives his opponent's back into the corner again!] GM: Again to the buckles! Williams is hanging on for dear life! [Still in the corner, Vasquez twists his body slightly, throwing a trio of elbows into the gut of Williams to finally break the hold. A dazed Vasquez grabs Williams by the back of the head and DRIVES his knee up into the face with a kneelift!] GM: Ohh! Million dollar kneelift by the champion puts Williams back down on the mat, sitting against the buckles... [Grabbing the top rope to steady himself, Vasquez LUNGES forward with a knee to the face of the kneeling Williams!] GM: Hard knee in the corner! [Vasquez repeats the attack, driving his knee into the face three more times. He reaches down, dragging Williams to his feet. Bending over, Vasquez scoops Williams up over his left shoulder...] GM: Wait a second! Wait a second! He's going for the City of Angels! [Vasquez stumbles out of the corner, trying to keep the big man balanced over his torso... ...but a pair of sharp elbows from Williams breaks the grip, allowing the big man to get his feet back on the mat where he promptly hooks a front facelock and with a shout SPIKES Vasquez' skull into the canvas!] GM: DDT! DDT! WILLIAMS PLANTS HIM!!! [A tired Williams rolls the champion over, collapsing across him in a lateral press.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! THRE- [A HUGE roar erupts as Vasquez fires a shoulder off the mat, the referee holding up two fingers.] GM: He only got two! Juan Vasquez got the shoulder up just in time and he only got two! [With both men down, the fans start clapping and chanting, trying to inspire their favorite to their feet to finish this thing off.] GM: Listen to this Crockett Coliseum crowd going crazy for these two men! BW: I can't even hear myself think, daddy! [Both men stagger to their feet at roughly the same time, Williams lashing out first with a right hand.] GM: Haymaker by Sweet Daddy! [Vasquez fires back, throwing a jaw-rattling forearm smash!] GM: Forearm by the champ! [Williams throws another right hand, spinning Vasquez around... ...but he keeps on spinning, throwing a devastating rolling forearm smash that knocks the Sweet Daddy into the ropes where he slowly bounces off into the waiting arm of Juan Vasquez!] GM: HIPTOSS! [The crowd roars for the trademark hiptoss as Vasquez uses the opportunity to bounce off the adjacent ropes, charging back in, leaping into the air and tucking his legs... ...and SMASHING down backfirst across the chest of Williams!] GM: BACKSPLASH!! BW: Shades of Tommy Stephens! [Vasquez promptly rolls over, throwing himself across Williams again.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! THR- "OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" GM: He couldn't get him! He thought he had him! I thought he had him! This whole building thought he had him but Sweet Daddy Williams is showing the heart and will of a champion here tonight in Dallas! The title's not on the line but Williams is fighting like it is! BW: It's the chance to beat the National Champion. A whole lotta doors open for the guy who knocks off the champ - even in a non-title match. [Rising to his feet and showing the slightest bit of frustration, Vasquez rains down clubbing forearm blows to the back of the head and neck on a kneeling Williams. Grabbing him by the head, Vasquez pulls him into a scoop... ...and SLAMS him down hard on the mat before pointing to the corner!] GM: Vasquez is going up top! BW: He REALLY wants to finish him off now! [But instead of approaching from inside the ring, the usual path for the Moonsault Trilogy, Vasquez exits the ring to the apron, climbing from outside the ring.] GM: Where is he going, Bucky? BW: I'm guessing he's going up top but everyone in the building thought he was going for the moonsault. GM: Vasquez to the second rope... showing some signs of fatigue... now stepping up top... [The crowd roars as the National Champion stands atop the turnbuckles, looking down at the stunned Williams. He looks out over the sea of flashbulbs, pointing to the fans... ...and takes flight!] GM: VAAAAASQUEZ! [Flinging out his arms and legs to full extension, Vasquez sails through the air, and CRASHES down across the chest of Williams with a picture perfect splash!] GM: OHHH! HE GOT ALL OF THAT!! [Having knocked the wind out of Williams, Vasquez reaches back to hook a leg.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! THRE- [But at the very last possible second, Sweet Daddy Williams FIRES a shoulder off the mat to a shocked roar from the crowd!] GM: HE GOT THE SHOULDER UP!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! BW: This is a different Sweet Daddy Williams, Gordo! This isn't the shuckin' and jivin' goofball idiot we've seen wrestling for years - this is a man who wants to wear gold in 2011! [Vasquez pushes up to his knees, shaking his head back and forth as the referee holds up two fingers. With a nod, Vasquez climbs to his feet, leaning over with his hands on his legs, watching as a hurting Williams rolls over to his stomach, trying to push himself up off the mat...] GM: What is Vasquez doing now? The champion's just standing there... waiting... watching... BW: He might be trying to get a breather while he waits. GM: You might be right about that. This match is around the ten minute mark and both men are showing some signs of fatigue. Williams now to one knee... [Vasquez steps forward, looking down at the kneeling Sweet Daddy Williams. He balls up his right hand, shaking his head at his opponent, and shouts loud enough for all to hear...] "STAY..." [And uncorks a hellacious right cross on the jaw, stepping forward to deliver maximum impact on his follow-through, screaming "DOOOOWN!" as he connects. Williams recoils from the blow like he'd been shot with a rifle, falling flat on his back.] GM: My god! My god in heaven, what a right hand! [Vasquez falls to his knees, throwing himself into a final cover.] GM: ONE!! TWO!! THREEEEEEE!!! "DING! DING! DING!" [The crowd roars for the National Champion as he pushes right back up to his knees, nodding his head and patting Sweet Daddy Williams on the chest before the official helps him the rest of the way up.] MC: Here is your winner... the AWA National Champion... JUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN VASSSSSSSSSSSSSSQUEZ! [BIG ROAR FROM THE CROWD!] GM: Vasquez has done it! A big win for the champion here tonight on Saturday Night Wrestling! [The champion looks elated as they hand him his title belt back. He steps up to the middle rope, holding the belt high and soaking up the cheers from the crowd when suddenly...] BW: HERE COMES TROUBLE! [The crowd explodes in warning boos for Vasquez as MAMMOTH Mizusawa along with Louis Matsui come charging from the back, moving swiftly down the ramp (or as swiftly as a giant moves anyways.)] GM: Mizusawa! Mizusawa's coming out here and I'm not sure Vasquez even knows it yet! [The giant swings a leg over the ropes, striding into the ring. He approaches Vasquez from the blind side, grabbing his hair with both hands.] GM: He's got him! The giant's got the champion! [With a loud bellow, Mizusawa delivers a crushing headbutt to the back of the skull!] GM: A headbutt by the giant! [Still holding the hair, Mizusawa nods as Matsui screams, "AGAIN! AGAIN!" from the floor and the giant obliges, smashing home a second massive headbutt to the skull!] GM: Mizusawa with a second headbutt! Vasquez is out on his feet! [Spinning him around, the giant grabs Vasquez by the throat. With a roar, he hoists him high into the air, holding him there for the entire world to see... ...and DRIVES him down to the mat with a thunderous chokeslam!] GM: Chokeslam! Mizusawa just chokeslammed the National Champion! [Vasquez is motionless on the canvas, lying flat on his back as Louis Matsui steps into the ring... ...and picks up the National Title belt off the canvas.] GM: Hey! Put that down! That's not yours! BW: Not yet! [With a wide grin, Matsui presents the title belt to Mizusawa who takes it... ...and lets loose a loud roar as he hoists the title belt high overhead!] GM: Mizusawa's got the belt! And this could be... it could be a preview of what we'll see in six weeks' time! BW: Get used to this, you idiots. Because after The Main Event, you're going to be seeing a lot of this. MAMMOTH Mizusawa... the AWA National Champion! GM: We're out of time! We've gotta go! We'll see you next time, fans! [The shot holds on Mizusawa, still holding the title belt high overhead as the fans shower him with boos... and garbage. The giant stands over the motionless Vasquez, an image that will be burned into the minds of AWA fans for six weeks as we fade to black.]