Alan Ducard: Looks like X-Calibur decided to come to STRIFE, after all!

Jimmy Yates: Based on his comments earlier in the week, I wasn’t sure if he would be showing up in a front row seat, showing up in the ring, or showing up at all! Good to see X made up his mind!!

Bryan Harris: Ugh... let the gloating begin.

Letting a few moments go by, X-Calibur finally appears from behind the curtain with the LEGACY World Championship draped around his shoulder like the ultimate badge of honor. The arm that loco made mince meat out of during their Breaking Point match is in a tight fitting black sling. Focusing on the championship itself, Loco Martinez’s name has FINALLY been removed from the plating at the bottom of the title and been replaced with a single shimmering “X”. Stopping at the beginning of the entrance ramp, X-Calibur looks to his left and then to his right. As soon as he holds the LEGACY World Championship up in the air, fireworks explode above the LEGACY Jumbo Vision screen, around the stage area, and finally down the ramp before culminating in a crescendo of gold and black confetti down in the ringside area.

Bryan Harris: *sputtering confetti* GIVE ME A BREAK!!

Jimmy Yates: I can’t remember the last time someone got fireworks and confetti for winning a title!

Bryan Harris: I want to know why the “All-Star” James Win didn’t receive this kind of adulation after he won the Network title!!

Alan Ducard: Stop.

Making his way down the ring, X-Calibur bumps congratulatory fists with outstretching fans on the right side of the entrance way so as to not have anyone bump his injured arm. Waving runaway confetti out of his face and shoulder length dark brown hair, X-Calibur shakes his head at the overdone display that the LEGACY production team put together for him for once again becoming LEGACY World Champion. Reaching the ringside area, X-Calibur walks up the steps and halfway across the apron. Placing a foot between the middle and top rope, he holds the top rope with his good arm and looks out into the sea of cheering maniacs. Smirking, X-Calibur ducks underneath the top rope and climbs into the ring, immediately making his way to the furthermost turnbuckles. Ascending to the middle one, X-Calibur once again holds the LEGACY World Title up in the air for the fans, absorbing the electricity of the audience snapping together memories with their fancy camera phones and digital cameras.

Jimmy Yates: After that hellacious WAR he had with Loco Martinez at Glimmer of Hope... one has to wonder if he should even BE here right now.

Alan Ducard: I believe X-Calibur simply wants to have his “moment”, like anyone else who is able to do something as historic as winning the World Title.

Jimmy Yates: I can understand wanting to take-in the congratulations and what not, but considering all of the villains that are watching this in the back... you know his shoulder has a big red bulls-eye on it.

Bryan Harris: Serves him right, Jimbo. I really do hope Issac is watching right now. I’d LOVE to see him tear X apart limb from limb here..

Jimmy Yates: You’re just extra salty tonight, aren’t ya?

Bryan Harris: I just can’t stand this man. He’s a piece of crap. Why the fans cheer for this guy and not someone actually TALENTED I will NEVER understand.

After a few moments Metallica’s classic tune fades to a close and X-Calibur stands in the middle of the ring with the LEGACY World Title draped around his shoulder. Patting the title, X nods his head as fans all around the arena begin chanting, “X-CAL! X-CAL! X-CAL!”. The respect of this man for the hour of hell he endured to be crowned champion for a second time, is astounding.

Finally, X-Calibur motions for a microphone and one is promptly brought to him by the ring technicians surrounding the ring.

X-Calibur: Thanks for that, I think. I sure as HELL didn’t ask for that stupid f(beep)ing confetti, so whoever’s bright idea that was...

He laughs and shakes his fist towards the entrance ramp.

X-Calibur: Seriously though, thanks for that. I mean it.

The Champ paces for a few moments as the fans get loud once again, further congratulating THE man of LEGACY.

X-Calibur: I know I’ve done some things in the past couple of months that are... well, controversial seems to be the popular word these days. Some things that “good guys” in my position don’t normally do. I’ve lowered myself to the depths of a man that would steal candy from a baby if he knew he could get away with it. I have a lot to answer for when my career is all said and done with... and I will be judged accordingly. I’m not really proud of it, guys. But then again? I’m not really ashamed of it, either.

X pauses, letting the crowd take in what he has to say.

X-Calibur: I did what I had to do to get back what I wanted most, and that’s something hardly anybody, IF anybody, in that locker room can say they’ve ever been able to accomplish. Too often do we hear someone say, “I’ve been the FUTURE for years!! When am I gonna get a shot?!”, and never step up to the plate and do something about it. Well you know what? I did. I stepped up and grabbed my star... and when someone took it from me, I took it right the f(beep) back. That’s how I do. Instead of going with the grain and fading into obscurity, I went AGAINST it and cut myself a nice piece of history in this organization. That right there... that is MY legacy.

The audience isn’t quite sure what to make of this statement, but applaud X-Calibur nonetheless.

X-Calibur: For all of the people in LEGACY that have doubted me and questioned my ethics, I say this: as I look into this golden face plate... I know now that I am NOT sorry for taking EVERYTHING I had in the bank and putting it on the line for ONE match. I am NOT sorry for making some coward’s life miserable who had made a CAREER in LEGACY out of making other people’s lives miserable. I am NOT sorry to say... that I can beat ANYBODY that stands in my way, and let our FORMER World Champion be the example that I will do whatever it takes to DESTROY you... if you f(beep)ing cross me.

X-Calibur’s intensity elicits a strong round of applause from the capacity crowd as he looks dead into the camera. Every Loco Martinez out there had been put on notice.

X-Calibur: And if there’s ANYBODY out there who can’t accept that? You know where to find me. Which brings me to the reason I am here tonight, folks. At Glimmer of Hope...

Just then, without warning, the owner of the most famous green eyes in the business, Marcus Marion, has heard enough, as he makes his way down the aisle. Like it was a ritual, the fan's unleash their cold hatred at LEGACY's Original Villain. Looking very prim and proper (think Zack, the jerk boyfriend, from Wedding Crashers), Marion is seen with a pair of shorts, in tandem with a nice short-sleeved shirt. With a mic already in-hand, blondie goes off.

MARCUS MARION: How's it feel to play second banana, X? That title, so they say, SHOULD make you the most prized horse in the stable - the object of desire no matter where you go in this industry. Answer me this, if that is REALLY so, why is every eye on me? I walk into plain sight, not a single word spoken and I, really, have got Cleavage, Ohio in the palm of my hands.

Much of the audience shows the chip on their collective shoulders, booing more loudly at the words of Marion. He makes his way into the ring, but before X-Calibur can speak up, Marion continues.

MARCUS MARION: Hmm, let me get this straight, you are kicking sand at me for making fun of your name, but somehow in bizzaro LEGACY, it is perfectly fine for you to "compare" me to a guy who was in a boy band? Hmm, I smell hypocrisy. Even worse coming from a guy with the "S" on his chest, that is supposed to help old ladies across the street. That aside, I heard the bell, I answered it. The ONLY reason it won't be Marcus Marion vs. Other Guy at Destined for Greatness is because of James Win.

That excuse machine X spoke of, yeah, it just came into play, fellas.

MARCUS MARION: Had I known he would have turned out to be a complete wash, he would have NEVER been selected to my team. Nobody could have predicted that he would lay down like a railroad track for Moxley. He is his own man. HE screwed it all up. I am not my brother's keeper. So, please, spare me the "You didn't hold up your end of the bargain" charade.

X-Calibur holds his hand up, stopping Marion in his tracks.

X-Calibur: Nah. Actually, I WON’T spare you. Know why? ‘Cuuuuuzzzzzz... welllllllll, you... didn’t... win.

The crowd roars at his bluntness.

X-Calibur: All of that smugness, Marcus. All of that feigned confidence radiating off of your f(beep)ing bones in neon green, sayin’ how your victory in the Co-Op was a foregone conclusion... and YOU couldn’t get the job done... *adjusts title on shoulder*... on a night when I DID. That must eat you up inside, man. I know if I was the jaw-jacking jerk-off approaching YOU before MY match and I dropped the ball, I’d feel like a Titanic-sized asshole too. So you know something, man? At the end of the day, I’d rather have an “S” across my chest than an “L” across my forehead like you.

Pausing for a second, letting the audience bask in his clever retorts. Minor "X-Cal! X-Cal!" chants break out upon hearing this but X-Calibur continues, his demeanor steadfast.

X-Calibur: That’s what it all boils down to, son, no matter how hard you try and mask the facts. When a man throws down the gauntlet, he damn well better be sure he can make it to the joust. *squinting his eyes as if he couldn’t believe what he heard* Because I mean... James Win? REALLY?! Considering it’s a universally known fact that he “wins” as consistently as the Brooklyn Brawler, I’m not really so sure you should make HIM the scapegoat for YOUR failure.

X throws his hands up as if to say “no offense” with mock overtones.

X-Calibur: Just sayin’, dude.

The audience laughs collectively at this, as X-Calibur smirks right into his face. Marion, unamused, continues.

MARCUS MARION: Let's face facts, I've been back seven months. In that entire time I have had to grin and bare it while lesser individuals have played hot potato with title shots. Enough, I want my shot!

CROWD: DIE MARION DIE!

Marion, circling around the viperish and somewhat sardonic X, continues.

MARCUS MARION: I'm talking to you face-to-face, 2 Time Champ to 2 Time Champ. That's how you've billed it, correct? Only thing wrong with that sentence, X, is the simple fact that though you have that belt, you are nothing more than an asterisk. A placeholder. Historians will look back, and yeah, they'll call you a transition. Because everyone knows this place was built by MY hands. I made SOMETHING out of NOTHING in LEGACY. They won't remember the monkey(s) that got lucky once the hard work paid off.

More boos, he doesn't seem to be phased. Neither does X, though, as he arches back with mock laughter while holding his belly as if he just heard a real gutbuster from Mr. Marion.

X-Calibur: Is that right, Mr. Architect? Listen to you. You really BELIEVE your own bulls(beep), don’t you?

X pauses, shaking his head.

X-Calibur: Shame.

Marion, rolling his eyes, continues.

MARCUS MARION: You and me, STRIFE 54. That's right. I'm challenging you for that title. Now, I know once I exit the ring, and leave this arena, you'll be a sad panda. So, here is something to remember me by...

Marion winds back, leveling X in the head with the butt of the microphone, full force. The crowd gasps as he does this, watching as the force of the blow sends the LEGACY World Champion down hard on his bad shoulder. Bludgeoning X in the forehead causes the laceration that had been healing for a couple weeks now to open back up, spilling a little bit of blood down onto the canvas.

MARCUS MARION: OOh, that'll leave a mark. First, a bum arm. Now...this. Looks like you could use a friend. Here, boy, go treat yourself to a sundae. Dairy Queen was always good for cheering me up.

Marion, reaching into his pocket/wallet, throws out a dollar. It lands on the handicapped World Champ. Leaving the ring - to the total disgust of the fans - blondie delights in the drama he just caused.

X-Calibur sits up in the middle of the ring and checks his forehead where Marion smacked him with the microphone. Wincing at the re-opened laceration, X wipes a little bit of blood away from his face with his good hand. Looking down the aisle at Marcus Marion, X-Calibur grabs the dollar that had been thrown at him and holds it tightly in his bloody hand. Smearing a few specks that had accumulated on the piece of green, he takes one look at George Washington's crimson face... and crumples it.

Smith Cartwright: Come in...

The door opens and Smith Cartwright looks up. He smiles briefly as the person that knocked on the door approaches the desk. As he gets closer, his left hand comes across the desk and the camera pans up the tattoo wrapping around the extended arm, to show the profile of Cade Sydal, his mohawk spiked up in red and its natural pale blonde, a red and black Affliction shirt covering the rest of the dragon tattoo, as well as several other tattoos. Cade returns the smile as Smith shakes his hand.

Smith Cartwright: Have a seat, Cade. What can I do for you?

Cade does as he’s told, and sits down across the desk from Smith. He takes a deep breath, and nods his head slowly.

Cade Sydal: I...I really just had a question, man. I don’t wanna come in here and step on any toes. And I’m certainly grateful for the chance to be in the Hawkins Memorial Tournament. But...

Smith Cartwright: You wanna know why your match against Laura Seton is non-title?

Cade leans back a little in the chair and nods his head, before leaning forward and putting his elbows on his knees.

Cade Sydal: Yeah, basically. I mean, I’m a former Tao of Valor champion, and I’d definitely love to represent this company as that champion again.

Smith folds his hands in front of him on the desk and nods his head.

Smith Cartwright: That’s fair, Cade. Really, it is. The problem is, the new way the Tao of Valor Championship works is that every match fought for the title is a token match. And we don’t want the Hawkins Memorial Tournament to be littered with stipulation matches. The only title being defended in the tournament is the Network Championship, really.

Cade nods his head slowly, taking it all in.

Cade Sydal: That’s fine, man. So long as it isn’t something silly like a lack of confidence in your champion or somethin’ like that.

Cade starts to laugh a little, clearly kidding around. Smith Cartwright, however, sits up a little straighter and Cade stops laughing.

Cade Sydal: Wait...

Smith Cartwright: It’s not ju...it’s not that, it’s just that...ratings with women are way up on shows she’s a big part of, an...well, frankly, some of the front office guys think her win was a fluke, and they don’t want her exposed as a fraud or anything like that.

Cade shakes his head and pushes out of the chair. He looks across the desk at Smith.

Cade Sydal: Well, I guess I’ll be the first-hand judge on whether she’s worth all the hassle then, won’t I?

Cade turns to walk away then stops and turns back to Smith.

Cade Sydal: Pay close attention to the match. If she’s any good, you’ll see it tonight. I promise you that. It was nice seeing you again Smith. Take it easy.

Cade turns the rest of the way and walks back out of the office, leaving Smith to sit back in his chair and sigh, a hand pressed up against his forehead.

Alan Ducard: So far this match has been just hold after hold, trading between the current and former Tao of Valor Champions!

Jimmy Yates: And interestingly enough, Laura Seton has, so far, been a step ahead of Cade, keeping him from finding the opening to escape from this hold right now.

Cade suddenly rolls forward off his right shoulder, bringing him closer to the ropes as he pops up to his feet, he jumps to the ropes, springing his feet off the middle rope he backflips through to his feet and grabs Laura’s left wrist in the process, swinging under her arms he reverses into his own wristlock! Cade quickly twists through, grapevining her arm over her shoulder in an overhead wristlock, pressing down on it.

Alan Ducard: Cade Sydal’s athleticism is always an impressive thing to see live, folks, and he never ceases to amaze!

Bryan Harris: Sure, he’s good and all, but to be fair...he’s...well he’s wrestling a chick. And not in the fun, in the ssheets, way, but in the “let’s trade holds” way. How impressive can he be then?

Alan Ducard: I’d wager that most women watching this on television could give you a run for your money, Bryan.

Bryan Harris: Yeah, but I’d let them. That’s kind of kinky, and hot. Cade doesn’t know what to do with Laura, I do. I’d let her–

Jimmy Yates: That’s enough of that dude, ugh.

Meanwhile, Cade presses back, bridging Laura back to the top of her head! Laura rolls backward to her feet and quickly steps under Cade’s arm, pulling it behind him into a hammerlock! Cade reaches his right arm over her head to tr and reverse, but Laura ducks her head down and presses it into his shoulder blades! Cade drops his right arm to his side and bends forward, tring to reach through his legs to grab her ankle, Laura kicks his hand!

Bran Harris: Maybe Cade does know what to do with her. He just needs to get her in the same hold and–

Jimm Yates: Anyway! Laura is fighting off ever attempt at a reversal from Cade, and if I didn’t know an better, I’d say she studied some tapes or got advice when facing Cade. She has definitely come out tonight with every intention of proving a point!

Cade puts his right elbow back and then throws his right arm across his body, spinning to his left, spinning under her and his own arm, he spins a full circle and a half, stopping facing her he pulls her right into a Japanese arm drag! Cade nips up to his feet as Laura does the same. Both of them turn to face each other, Cade a step ahead as he rushes at her, Laura caytches him by the head and snaps him over with a headlock takeover!

Alan Ducard: Cade Sydal with an amazing counter to the hammerlock, somehow positioning himself to get a Japanese arm drag, but Laura Seton catches him in return with a textbook headlock takeover!

Jimmy Yates: There is nothing overly fancy about Laura’s methods, but she is absolutely keeping pace with Cade Sydal in the early goings of this game of human chess. The real question for this match is who’s going to blink first? Who’s going to make the one tiny mistake that will put them in a position to be put away, and will the other person be able to capitalize on it before they recover?

Cade claps his handsover Laura’s left shoulder, pushing the back of one hand and the palm of the other against Laura’s cheek! He pushes her back a little before reaching his right leg up and snapping it over her chin, putting her in a head scissors! Laura turns to her right quickly, putting Cade on his backside, she starts pushing her feet up under herself, looking to roll forward onto him.

Alan Ducard: Laura is searching for a way out, and I think she might find one if she can get enough momentum to roll forward here!

Bryan Harris: I’m not complaining about the view from right here. Her best side is facing us!

Laura starts to roll forward! Cade puts his forearms against her lower back and shoves her back down, he turns to his left, turning her back over onto her back, rolling her to her right, back to where she started! Laura doesn’t give up that easily though as she rolls to her right and keeps moving her feet, getting to Cade’s right, on her toes, she rolls forward now and pushes her hands against Cade’s leg, with a forward handspring off her head! The movement forces Cade to his chest, and he plants his fists on the canvas and shoves off his toes with the same front handspring and they turn to face each other! The fans clap loudly as both of them look ready to strike out at the other!

Jimmy Yates: It’s matches like this one that really makes me wish you people at home could see it all live! This is the reason you need to buy tickets to live events in your area!

Bryan Harris: I agree. Laura Seton should be used to sell tickets more often!

Laura slowly extends her left hand, while the fans in attendance continue to clap. Cade accepts the hand and quickly shakes it, both of them pull their hands back away from the other, not wanting the other to take advantage of the hand contact. Cade slowly puts his hands out, looking for a knuckle-lock, and Laura readily accepts the unspoken challenge! Cade steps beside her and sweeps her feet out from under her with his left leg! Cade drops to his knees, pressing his forearms into her’s, and his elbows into her shoulders, Laura struggles to keep her shoulders off the canvas. Cade pushes his feet back under himself and hops up, but Laura catches under his thighs with her feet and shoves him back up, popping him to the canvas on his feet! The momentum swings Laura off her back all the way up to land with her shins on Cade’s shoulders! Laura rolls forward over his shoulders with a sunset flip!

Jimmy Yates: Whoa! Where did that come from?!

ONE!

Cade rolls backward and hooks under her leg, he rolls her backward to her own feet, grabs her by the wrist, and sends her off the ropes.

Alan Ducard: Wherever that came from, Cade Sydal was not about to let it stay there, as the pace for this contest is drastically picking up now.

Laura rebounds off the ropes and Cade catches her for a tilt-a-whirl, but Laura kicks her legs through, breaking out of his grasp to land on his feet! Cade swings at her with a clothesline, and she ducks under it, rushing to the ropes! She rebounds off and Cade turns, hooking under her arm as she comes back for a hip toss, but Laura flips through onto her feet! Laura throws her knee into Cade’s abdomen and he lurches over! Laura places her leg over the back of Cade’s head and as he straightens up, she wraps her other leg around his head and snaps back with a hurricanrana!

Bryan Harris: That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Yeah baby!

Alan Ducard: What my colleague is trying to say is that was an impressive takeover from Laura Seton, ande Cade Sydal may be regretting his decision to quicken the pace moments ago!

Cade rolls off his shoulders and turns around as Laura rushes at him! She wraps him in a flying head scissors, but swings all the way through to land on her feet next to him, she grabs his left arm, swings her right foot over it and turns a full circle, before rolling over Cade’s back, rolling him into a Mahistrol Cradle!

ONE!

T–!

Cade rolls backward and Laurta rolls to her hands and knees trying to scramble to her feet, but Cade dives over her back and rolls through into an Oklahoma Roll!

ONE!

T–!

Laura kicks out hard and both scramble to their feet! Both turn to each other, and Laura catches Cade and rolls back quickly with a small package!

ONE!

TW–!

Cade kicks out hard and both turn to each other, Cade rolls around Laura’s hip, hooking her leg and rolling her back for a schoolboy!

ONE!

TW–!

Laura kicks out, but Cade keeps her leg hooked and pushes to his feet, pressing his left knee into Laura’s lower back with a half-crab! The fans are on their feet, applauding the exchange, as Cade pulls back harder, putting more strain on Laura’s back!

Bryan Harris: I approve of Cade Sydal bending Laura over his knee, I just wish it was me bending her over my knee the other way!

Jimmy Yates: And on that disturbing note, while we wait for the sexual harassment papers to come in...what an incredible exchange of pin attempts that have lead to Cade Sydal actually, and uncommonly, locking Laura Seton in a hold to slow the pace down!

Laura starts clawing her way toward the rope, and grabs the bottom rope. Cade releases immediately, and backs away from Laura, allowing her to get to her feet. The two start to circle the ring, and meet in the middle to lock-up once again, but Laura ducks low at the last second and sweeps Cade to the canvas by his ankle! Cade rolls to his belly to avoid being pinned quickly, but Laura grabs his left wrist and pulls his arm out into a Fujiwara armbar!

Alan Ducard: Laura Seton now the aggressor with the submission hold applied, and it seems like, to me at least, that the current Tao of Valor Champion is keeping up with one of her predecessor’s in the division she now reigns supreme in. They trade chain wrestling holds, Laura keeps pace. Cade picks up the pace, she keeps up. And now, he tries to take it to dangerous holds, and she’s right there with him!

Jimmy Yates: That’s a great observation, Alan! Unfortunately for Laura, while she may be willing to try and play Cade’s game all match, if she keeps this up she’ll be suckered right into a position he wants her to be in! Years of watching this guy everywhere he’s been, I assure you, he is seeing what she’s willing to do and what she’s not willing to do, and if this goes to striking, her face may very well end up getting kicked off!

Alan Ducard: Then she had better hope she can end this before it gets to that point.

Cade gets his right arm under himself and rolls forward, relieving the pressure, but Laura turns with him and keeps the arm locked, but swings her legs across Cade’s chest into a cross armbreaker! Cade quickly clasps his hands together, fighting to not allow her to get the hold locked on! Cade quickly turns toward Laura, stacking her on her shoulders!
ONE!

TW–!

Laura kicks out, releasing Cade’s arm! Both of them scramble to their feet, and Laura catches Cade with a quick arm drag, but Cade plants his hand down and cartwheels through!

Alan Ducard: Incredible maneuverability on the part of Cade Sydal!

Laura scrambles to her feet and turns right into Cade, who grabs her by the head and snaps her over with a snapmare! Laura pushes her hands off his shoulder and flips through onto her feet! She turns around and leaps onto Cade’s thighs, rolling back with a monkey flip, and Cade flips through onto his feet and continues running for the opposite corner! He runs up the turnbuckle pads as Laura gives chase, and Cade backflips to land on his feet behind Laura!

Bryan Harris: What in the hell?!

Laura turns around and Cade grabs her wrist and sends her right into the other corner! He follows closely behind her and as she turns, her back hits the turnbuckle pads, and Cade barrels into her with a running forearm to the face! Laura stumbles out of the corner and Cade ducks his head, he catches Laura around the waist and snaps back with a Northern Lights Suplex! And the bridge!

Alan Ducard: This could be the pinning predicament that puts Laura Seton away!

ONE!

TWO!

Laura kicks out by rolling to her side, right over Cade’s head, she pulls him up with her and snaps him over with a snap suplex before floating into a cover!

Bryan Harris: Laura Seton just matched Cade’s suplex with one of her own!

ONE!

TWO!

Cade has his hands on the side of Laura’s body closest to his waist and uses them to bridge up out from under her! Cade rushes to the ropes as Laura scrambles to her feet behind him, he hits the ropes and rebounds right into a dropkick from Laura! Laura scrambles to make the cover!

Jimmy Yates: Good grief! Laura Seton just dropkicked Cade Sydal right in the mouth!

ONE!

TWO!

T–!

Cade kicks out! Laura quickly grabs Cade by the wrist and pulls him to his feet. She whips him to the ropes, but Cade reverses the whip! Laura hooks her arms over the top of the rope ans Cade looks to be poised to swing a clothesline! Cade rushes at Laura instead, and Laura back drops Cade over the ropes, but he holds onto the top rope and lands with his feet on the apron!

Bryan Harris: Turn around, Laura!

Alan Ducard: These two are not backing down from one another! Each unspoken challenge is met, and countered with another challenge of wills!

Laura turns around, just as Cade’s right foot comes over the rope and snaps into the side of her head! Laura drops to the canvas and slowly starts getting to her feet, holding her jaw as Cade springboards to the top rope! Laura turns toward him, and Cade snaps through a spinning wheel kick!

OHHHHHHHHH!

Cade gets to his feet quickly and runs over to Laura on the canvas, and rolls her off her stomach, hooks both legs for the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THR–!

Laura kicks out!

Jimmy Yates: I thought that was it! That kick almost took Laura Seton’s head off, and has certainly changed the complexion of this match-up!

Alan Ducard: You are not kidding, Jimmy! Laura Seton has proven, time and time again though, that she is a survivor.

Cade pulls Laura to her feet and scoops her up, before slamming her back down in the center of the ring with a body slam. Cade looks down at Laura and then the ropes. He sprints to the ropes and rebounds off of them! He leaps into the air and turns through a running Shooting Star Press! Laura gets her knees up, right into Cade’s chest!

OHHHHH!

Cade pushes off of Laura’s knees, doubled over and clutching his ribs, as Laura slowly gets to her own feet. Cade turns toward Laura, who snaps her knee up into his ribs, and Cade turns over the knee, landing on his back on the canvas! Laura quickly runs to the ropes and springs to the middle rope, she springboards off and turns through a corkscrew senton right across Cade’s ribs!

Jimmy Yates: Laura just answered the aerial call with some of her own high flying moves!

Bryan Harris: That was amazing! She sure is flexible...good to know!

Laura reaches and grabs Cade’s knees, pulling them up as she covers!

ONE!

TWO!

TH–!

Cade kicks out! Laura quickly grabs Cade and sends him to the near corner and follows quickly and dives into his mid-section with her right shoulder to the ribs! He doubles over as she backs away from the corner, and Cade comes stumbling out! Laura snaps up onto Cade’s shoulders for a hurricanrana, this time going through his legs and holding his legs for the pin!

Alan Ducard: Laura Seton has Cade’s breathing restricted by the way he’s stacked, and this could be it!

ONE!

TWO!

Bryan Harris: ...I’d kill to be him right now...

THR–!

Cade kicks forward, stacking Laura on her shoulders!

ONE!

TWO!

Laura kicks out as Cade gets his feet under himself, but Cade holds both of Laura’s legs and pulls her up, right into position for a powerbomb! Cade pushes her legs off his shoulders and catches her head as her body goes horizontal, and spins through a sudden neckbreaker in mid-air!

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Cade lies on the canvas a moment, holding his ribs, as Laura instinctively cradles her neck with both arms! The fans continue to show their amazement at the move they just saw pulled off as a replay of the insanely dangerous powerbomb-into-a-neckbreaker is shown.

Alan Ducard: Cade Sydal with impeccable timing to pull off a move like that!

Jimmy Yates: Every time...and this sounds like hyperbole when you say it about anyone else...but every time you see this guy, you see SOMETHING you have never seen before in your life, and that was it tonight. Ho. Lee. Cow.

Cade turns and finally covers Laura, his breathing obviously labored, as he barely hooks under a knee.

ONE!

TWO!

THRE–!

LAURA KICKS OUT! Cade releases her knee and turns into a mount, quickly locking under both of her arms with a butterfly lock!

Jimmy Yates: Dragon’s Wings! Cade Sydal has Laura Seton locked in the submission hold he used to win several matches with as the Strong Style Dragon!

Bryan Harris: This isn’t good for Laura...but while she’s down there, maybe Cade will ask for some fav–

Alan Ducard: That’s enough Bryan. Seriously.

Laura struggles to get her legs out from under Cade, turning to her side to do so, she works her knees under herself! Laura pushes to her feet, as Cade does the same and keeps the lock applied, before Laura rushes him into a corner, driving her right shoulder into his ribs again as well! Cade immediately releases the hold, and Laura backs up, before driving her right shin across Cade’s chest!

Bryan Harris: Laura Seton is bringing that striking game you guys were talking about earlier to Cade Sydal’s ribs!

Jimmy Yates: That is an interesting point, as there has really been limited strikes in this match. If I were to watch it again, I’d bet I could count every strike up to this point on one hand!

Laura cradles her neck with her left arm, and then snaps her leg across Cade’s ribs again in the corner! A third kick connects with Cade’s ribs and he slumps down to sit on the bottom turnbuckle! Laura whips Cade across the ring to the other corner, but Cade drops to a knee and reverses the whip! Laura ducks under the arm and throws her foot back into Cade’s chest, doubling him over! Laura hits the ropes to his side and rushes back at him, she leaps, and drives a diving knee into the side of Cade’s face, dropping him to the canvas hard! Laura scrambles to make the cover!

Bryan Harris: Laura Seton just kneed Cade in the head!

Alan Ducard: You’re not kidding! If he kicks out of this, she might end up regretting bringing full-tilt striking into the mix though!

ONE!

TWO!

Bryan Harris: I don’t think that’s going to be a problem!

THREE!

NO! CADE KICKS OUT! Laura turns and slaps the canvas, her frustration showing now!

Jimmy Yates: If Laura doesn’t stay on Cade right now, and he can regroup himself and start unleashing his kicks, she’s going to be in a world of trouble! Right here, right now, is where she needs to show the front office that she is not a fluke, fly-by-night champion, and show that champion’s intensity!

Laura rubs her hands over her face beforte pulling Cade to his feet. She hooks Cade under an arm and leg, lifts him up, and drops him across her knee with a gutbuster! Laura runs to the ropes and rebounds, she throws her knee up at the side of Cade’s head again, but this time Cade straightens up! Laura lurches off balance and turns as he thrusts his right elbow up into her chin, driving her to the canvas! Laura gets to her feet slowly as Cade clutches his chest still. Laura turns around, and Cade snaps his right leg into Laura’s left thigh. His left foot quickly comes up and snaps across her right hip! His right leg shoots up and connects with her ribs! His left foot comes up into her shoulder! Cade throws his right foot up high, and Laura ducks under the leg!

Alan Ducard: Cade was going for the big knockout kick, and Laura luckily avoided it!

Bryan Harris: Or she smartly avoided it!

Alan Ducard: Good point!

Cade spins full circle, and Laura grabs Cade by the wrist and whips him into the ropes! Cade ducks under the arm and pulls Laura into a short-arm Yakuza Kick, driving his boot into her face! Laura hits the canvas and rolls out of the ring, holding her face!

Jimmy Yates: That was nasty and precisely where Cade wanted it! The intensity of this contest just jumped up another couple of notches, and these two don’t even hate each other! That says something about the competitive spirit of both individuals, and I, for one, am thrilled to be seeing THIS match on THIS night!

Cade points out of the ring at Laura on the floor. Cade starts clapping his hands, getting the crowd to clap along with him, he picks up the pace of the clapping as Laura slowly starts getting to her feet! Cade runs to the opposite ropes at a dead sprint, and rebounds even faster, he dives through the middle and bottom rope, head first! He drives his elbow into Laura’s face with an elbow suicida, and he lands on his feet! He slaps hands with guys in the front row as he comes up near the guardrail!

Bryan Harris: Cade just...he just broke her nose! There’s no way he didn’t break her nose with that!

Jimmy Yates: You might be right, Bryan!

Cade turns and pulls Laura to her feet, as the official’s count reaches four. Cade scoops Laura up, looking for a body slam on the floor, but Laura slides down his back and shoves him forward into the ring edge, driving his ribs into it! Laura rolls under the bottom rope, breaking the count, and back onto the apron as Cade starts picking himself up off the floor! Laura springboards to the middle rope and off with an Asai Moonsault, catching Cade and riding him to the floor!

Alan Ducard: Amazing high risk offense from the Tao of Valor Champion, and this match...this BATTLE still rages on!

Bryan Harris: Amazing isn’t the word I’d use, but it will do.

Laura turns and slaps hands with a few hands, mostly female hands, although a few guys do get their hands in the mix as well. Laura turns and grabs Cade, rolling him under the bottom rope she hops onto the appron. Cade starts pushing to his feet ans Laura clutches the top rope with both hands, her feet bouncing on the apron in anticipation!

Alan Ducard: We’re about to see something big from Laura Seton, and it’s obvious, she can feel the tidal wave of momentum swelling behind her!

Jimmy Yates: If she connects with whatever she has in mind, that might be all she needs to put Cade away!

Cade starts to turn toward her as Laura springboards to the top and off! She dives, feet first, at Cade with a springboard missile dropkick! Cade ducks under it! Laura crashes to the canvas! Cade pushes off his knee as Laura pushes off her chest, holding her own ribs she turns as Cade leaps up, he snaps his right foot across!

Bryan Harris: NINJAGUIRI!

Laura Seton ducks under it!

Jimmy Yates: Laura Seton had it scouted!

Cade kicks his legs in mid-air wildly, landing on his feet shakily, and Laura runs up beisde him and swings back with a side Russian leg sweep! Laura quickly floats into a cover, hooking both legs!

ONE!

TWO!

THR–!

Cade kicks out! Laura grabs Cade by the arm and pulls him to his feet! She sends him to the ropes, and swings for a clothesline when he rebounds! Cade ducks under the arm and grabs her waist quickly, pulling her into a waistlock!

Alan Ducard: Could we be seeing a German suplex from Cade Sydal?!

Cade starts to lift Laura up, but her leg grapevines with Cade’s, blocking! Laura drops to her knee to break the grip of his hands and swings around behind him into a waistlock of her own, she rolls back immediately, pulling Cade back!

Jimmy Yates: O’Connor Roll!

Laura rolls all the way up and bridges back, with her hands over Cade’s shoulders!

ONE!

TWO!

TH–!

Cade rolls backward, dropping Laurs onto her shoulders, he rolls all the way through and bridges back himself!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

The official signals for the bell as Laura Seton kicks out a hair too late! Cade collapses to the canvas beside her!

Alan Ducard: Cade reversed into an O’Connor Roll of his own, and that was just enough to get him the victory!

The fans rise to their feet, clapping loudly and cheering! All That Remains’ “It Dwells In Me” hits, and the fans continue to cheer, while Josephina Colbert raises the microphone to her lips for the official announcement!

Josephina Colbert: Here is your winner, and advancing to the second round of the Dave Hawkins Memorial Tournament! CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADE SYYYYYYYYYYYYYYDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!

Alan Ducard: A tough loss for Laura Seton to swallow, especially since its her first true loss ina great long while, but she is showing tremendous grace and dignity in the loss, and she should be commended for that!

Laura releases Cade’s hand and rolls out of the ring, starting up the ramp, while Cade slowly climbs a corner, holding his ribs with one hand he raises the other to celebrate with the fans in attendance!

Fergie - GLAMOROUS

Championships

Riches

Status

The following is brought to you by THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT

*Static*

Empty.

The scowl on his face says it all.

Still clad in that gold and burgundy suit.

He’s still the Elite One.

He still deserves to be Tao of Valor Champion, but he’s not.

Empty.

That sideshow act freak of nature had his belt.

That boring ball of estrogen had his gold, gold that she didn’t deserve, gold that she would disgrace and disparage.

If it weren’t for that full nelson he could have taken the b*****.

If it weren’t for that full nelson, he wouldn’t feel so …

Empty.

There was only one person to blame.

He sits on a leather couch in his private locker room in the depths of the arena, still guarded by security, still with Elena Pisk on hand, but for the now the camera was all his.

HOTN: David, it’s time you and I cut the crap – yeah, Baron, Devastation - no nicknames, no ring names– not right now. I sit here still as The Elite One. Still as The Highlight of the Night. I am still the future of this entire business. Yet, I sit here my waist naked – not because of any failing of my own, but because of you. You cost me the Tao of Valor Championship at Glimmer of Hope. Your insane jealousy of my potential, the bright future I have ahead of me, got the best of you. Instead of simply letting the man with the brightest potential in this company take the title he deserves, you took that title away from me and allowed a sideshow act to become champion. For all of the faults you might find with me – whether I’m too arrogant, whether I don’t have your sense of honor – was it really worth giving into your own insecurities and jealousy? Was allowing that pathetic little freak to have a title run really worth screwing me out of what we both know based on ability is rightfully mine?

Dawson’s voice is tinged with a-typical incredulity, perhaps in some ways coming to terms with how far he believes he pushed Devastation.

HOTN: Apparently it was worth it. Apparently this thing between me and you has gone beyond business, beyond just the desire to be a champion – to be a standard bearer for this industry. This thing between the two of us – now it’s personal – probably more personal than any feud in which you have been involved. I’ve pushed you further and in a different way – not just in the ring. I’m testing your character, your resolve, and what happened at Glimmer of Hope showed me just what kind of a man you really are. For all of your “honor” and your “doing things the right way” you are just as selfish, just as human and prone to bouts of jealousy and insecurity as the rest of that locker room . You can sink to a level more insidious than even I or these fans thought possible – and I like it.

Make no bones about it David, I LOATHE you. I DESPISE you for the fact that you cost me my belt. However, you’ve shown me that you can be more. You aren’t just a whipping boy like Moreno or a haughty little freak like Seton. Perhaps the Baron isn’t quite so boring after all.

Dawson smiles a broad wicked smile.

HOTN: Your technical skill is by far unmatched David, but your guile has been until now lurking underneath– I have you at a new level, and now more than ever I’m looking to take you down, not just for costing me the title, but for what it will to beat you now – now that anything goes.

Besides … I’d love a new painting for my mantle.

With that the camera pans over to a copy of the painting of Dawson standing triumphant over Devastation, hanging on the wall of the locker room, and the scene fades to black.

*Static*

Fergie - GLAMOROUS

Championships

Riches

Status

The preceding was brought to you by THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT

*Static*

The Von Bondies' hit is quickly drowned out with BOOS. Out steps Loco Martinez wearing a pair of blue jeans, and a tight, brown Pixies: Sellout t-shirt. He smiles at the reaction as he makes a b-line to the ring. He slides in quickly. He pops up and is tossed a microphone. He sits in the ring with a bandage on his head from being busted open at Glimmer of Hope. He also has a bit of a shiner that has faded in the time between shows... and may or may not have been concealed with coverup.

He pulls the mic to his face.

Loco Martinez: I know. I know. But, I'm not here to talk to you people.

Crowd: BOOOOOOOO

Loco Martinez: I'm here for one man... Herbert. J. Moxley.

Crowd roars at their nerd hero's mention. A "Mox-Ley" quickly starts up. Loco smirks and nods.

Loco Martinez: I know. I know... and I hope he heard that reaction, because I want him to come down to this ring. I have something for him.

Jimmy Yates: I don't like the sounds of that.

Bryan Harris: I do.

Loco Martinez: I'm not calling you out, Mox. I am just requesting your presence, is all.

The scene suddenly cuts to a backstage hallway. The chants of Mox-Ley, Mox-ley, Mox-ley” are heard in the background. The FX title around his waist. Suddenly the beautiful young Jen X stands in front of Herb, stopping him in his tracks with a look of Panic.

Jen X: H-Herb, where are you?? W-hat do you think you’re doing?

Moxley: Loco is calling for me. This is what we’ve been waiting for.

Her face seems to go paler than usual.

Jen X: No Herb, it’s a trap… It has to be…

She looks like she might cry.

Moxley: Babycakes calm down. It’ll be ok. Trust me.

She shake hers head

Jen X: N-No! You can’t go!! Please Herb. Listen to me, just this once… listen to me. If you’ve ever loved me… you won’t go…

Herb stops a moment. He sighs. The crowd is still chanting his name.

Moxley: We’ll talk later... Please… Please don’t be upset. I have to do this.

Herb makes off and Jen X is left standing there in shock. He leaves towards ringside.

Jen is alone, she seems like she might faint from worry.

Marcus Mirage, Osamu Hayashi, and Lucien Grey approach Jen X from behind.

Marcus: Lucien, the Cameras.

A frightened gasp from Jen is cut short. The scene cuts back to ringside.

"We're not gonna take it... "

Moxley heads to the ring as Twisted Sister blasts the arena. Jay hits the ring and slides in. He looks Loco in the eye, inspecting his long time friend for signs of the guy who he called a friend. After a few moments Moxley looks back and forth, occasionally checking over his shoulder expecting a sneak attack. Loco chuckles sensing this and attempts to put his long time friend at ease.

Loco Martinez: Easy, Jay... My boys aren't not coming. I. PROMISE. This isn't LIKE that.

He stands in silence for a moment.

Loco Martinez: I'm not entirely sure where to start... but... well... I've done some shitty things. *Crowd gives "no duh" cheer Loco nods knowingly* ... I've delved into the depths of depravity. I have taken short cuts. I have sold my soul for success. And while I've been successful I know the price its cost me. Stellar *Crowd pops at the ICON's mention* won't return my calls. I haven't talked to Stein *another loud cheer goes up for The Lights* in months... but you...

Loco pauses, emotionally.

Loco Martinez: You've been by my side. *Loco shrugs* -- I-I-I don't know why. I can't understand why... but you've always had faith in me. You've done everything you could. Mox... You truly have been a good friend... a BEST Friend. And I know I haven't. I know I've let you down. And I wanted to ask you if you'd forgive me?

Crowd lets out a gasp. Some boo, not wanting Mox to dot it. Some cheer wanting to see the two Sky High mates once again riding together. Moxley looks like he's about to jump into Loco's arms, but you can still tell he's wary. He's seen what this man before him is capable of.

Loco Martinez: I am not asking for you to forget, Mox. ALL I'm asking for is for you to take my hand in a gesture of good faith...

Loco extends his hand.

Alan Ducard: Is this really happening?

Jimmy Yates: Did the Breaking Point Match "Break" Loco?

Bryan Harris: God I hope not. I don't want to see these two twits week in and week out lightsaber dueling in every arena.

Loco keeps his hand extended for a few moments and looks down at it. Away from the mic, but its still picked up, we hear.

Loco Martinez: Go ahead, Jay... please... You've been the only one to stand by me. You've been there for me. Shake my hand... let me apologize.

Moxley tentatively pushes his hand forward, but his face is having an impossible time holding back his utter childlike joy. Herb looks Loco in the eyes for the first time in a long time. He smiles, a look of relief as he sees the sincerity in Loco's eyes, Herb extends his hand, welcoming his old friend, and even lets out a relieved laugh

Jimmy Yates: I can't believe it. Moxley's persistence has paid off!

Bryan Harris: *sighs heavily* ... dammit.

Loco smiles huge, and takes a deep breath like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders.

Loco Martinez: I'm... Sorry...

The crowd cheers this and Loco pulls Mox into a one handed man hug, never letting go of the handshake. Once Moxley pulls back we notice Loco STILL hasn't let go. The huge smile turns to a sneer.

Alan Ducard: Uh oh.

Loco Martinez: I. EVER. MET. YOU!!!!!!!!

Moxley's eyes widen with realization, but its far far too late. With a quick snap Moxley is pulled in and Loco puts every ounce of his energy into leaning back and kicking upwards. The force of the kick literally lifts Moxley off the mat. The crowd gasps in horror as Moxley falls to the mat in a heap.

Bryan Harris: LOCAPITATOR! LOCAPITATOR!

Jimmy Yates: That no good sunuva....

Loco quickly gets on top of Moxley and drives the mic squarely into his forehead, opening an inch long gash on Mox's forehead above his right eye. Loco's eyes glaze over as he smiles with glee seeing the blood cascade down Mox's face. He takes his right arm and violent drives his forearm down across the same area where the blood is flowing. Loco winds up and drives another violent forearm across Moxley's forehead, further busting him open. Loco looks down at him and shrieks...

Loco Martinez: ITS. *forearm shot* ALL! *forearm shot* YOUR *forearm SHOT* FAULT!!!!!!!! *A quick flurry of six forearms each one landing with a sickening "thwack"*

Alan Ducard: This is horrifying. Moxley is totally unconcious and can't defend himself!

Jimmy Yates: of all the dispicable things that man could do... he preyed on Moxley's friendship and BAITED him. What a no good dirty-

Bryan Harris: Brilliant thing to do!

Loco lands a few more shots, and the referee brigade along with EMT's and a stretcher are rolled out from the back. Loco gets up quickly chuckling to himself, and driving a vicious boot to the temple of Moxley, which sends Jay's glasses skidding off to the side. EMT and the referees hit the ring as Loco slowly backs away admiring his handiwork and basking in the venomous hatred the crowd is spewing in his direction. Loco walks to the glasses and holds his boots over top of them, hovering ever so slightly, before stomping down shattering the spectacles into a half dozen plastic shards. He turns to Moxley before leaving the ring and mouths, one more time "Its all your fault".

Bryan Harris: Yeah, they have both worn gold, but The Highlight of the Night should still be wearing gold! What happened at Glimmer of Hope was a travesty.

Jimmy Yates: I think most people here are thrilled that Laura Seton is now ToV Champion, or at the very least that Matthew Dawson is no longer wearing the gold.

Bryan Harris: Well what else would you expect from the common masses? They don’t want an Elite Champion who reminds them how just how inept they are – they want someone to whom they can relate – someone mediocre as Champion.

Jimmy Yates: Oh come on Bryan, you know there’s not a bit of truth to that.

Bryan Harris: Oh no Jimbo? We’ll just have to disagree on that one. However, there is no disagreeing that Matthew Dawson has a huge opportunity here with the Hawkins Tournament to take a huge step forward in his sure to be Hall of Fame career.

Alan Ducard: Both fighters have a huge opportunity here Bryan, and I’m sure Gryffin Anselm isn’t about to let this chance just slip through his grasp. Gryffin is going to bring his A-game to be sure, and I think this is going to be a great contest gents. Let’s roll that footage.

Jimmy Yates: I don’t think Gryffin has heard these kinds of cheers in quite some time.

Bryan Harris: It’s sad that it takes a match with The Elite One for the people to finally realize Gryffin’s greatness as well Jimbo.

Alan Ducard: Well this has been quite a match up thus far, but after Dawson missed on a moonsault, Gryffin has been in the driver’s seat, tossing Dawson around the ring, and taking more of a brawling approach to ground the athletic Highlight of the Night.

Gryffin pulls Dawson to his feet and drives an elbow into his head, knocking him back to the buckles. Gryffin then slams his shoulder repeatedly into Dawson’s midsection, Dawson’s eyes bulging on the impact. The Highlight of the Night only remains standing because he’s holding on to the top rope with his right arm. A kick from Gryffin breaks the hold, and Anselm hooks Dawson and takes him up into the air …

Alan Ducard: Anselm with the ELIMINATOR JACKHAMMER!

Jimmy Yates: He just splattered Dawson on the canvas!

Bryan Harris: Ugh! Things really aren’t looking good for The Highlight of the Night!

Alan Ducard: No they are not Bryan, and Anselm is looking for the pinfall here!

ONE

TWO

THRE-NO! Dawson manages to get the shoulder-up!

Jimmy Yates: That was a hec of a shot Dawson absorbed there, but Gryffin doesn’t look frustrated by his lack of success here, and he’s pulling Dawson up again …

Alan Ducard: MASSIVE short-arm clothesline! Gryffin with the quick pin!

ONE

TWO

THRE-NO! Again Dawson manages to avoid the three count.

Jimmy Yates: I thought Gryffin had him there!

Bryan Harris: Dawson is more resilient than these fans or even you or Ducard give him credit for Jimbo.

Gryffin brings Dawson back to a vertical base and scoops him up immediately brings him up into a gorilla press position. After pumping Dawson up in the air once, he drops Dawson quickly down on his shoulder going for the powerslam finish, but somehow, The Highlight of the Night manages to go down Anselm’s back, planting his knees into Gryffin’s back as he falls back, jarring Gryffin with a variant of a lungblower/backstabber!

Bryan Harris: What a reversal!

Alan Ducard: Agreed Bryan that was quite a reversal by Dawson, and this might be the opening he needs.

Dawson crawls away from Anselm, creating some space between himself and the larger fighter as Gryffin rolls up to his knees, still holding his back. Dawson uses the ropes to right himself, as Gryffin sees Dawson trying to get back to his feet and charges at him looking for the clothesline. However, Dawson grabs the rope and ropes, sending Anselm over the top rope, spilling out to the arena floor! The fans jeer Dawson’s tactics as he pops up with a smile with Gryffin down on the outside. Dawson turns to the jeering masses and points to his head, indicating just who was using his intellect on that exchange.

Jimmy Yates: What a cowardly move by The Highlight of the Night.

Bryan Harris: You say cowardice, I say intelligence.

Alan Ducard: Well whatever you call it gents, it has again bought Dawson some time to turn the tide. The Highlight of the Night now sizing up Gryffin on the outside, and he’s getting a running start …

Dawson using the length of the ring to get a running start before leaping up to the top rope, and using the rope propels himself high into the air coming down with a splash on to Anselm who has just regained his feet!

Alan Ducard: And there’s a HUGE splash down on Anselm to the outside! What a high risk, athletic maneuver from The Highlight of the Night.

Bryan Harris: You almost sound surprised Ducard. No one wants to give this guy credit. All they see is his “intelligence” at work and they ignore just how good of a fighter he really is.

Jimmy Yates: Well there is no denying he has Anselm down on the outside now – the question is how is Dawson going to capitalize?

After picking himself up, Dawson carefully brings Anselm back up to his feet, and slams him face first off the apron, which effectively stuns Gryffin, and leaves him open for attack. Dawson rocks him with a punch, kick, punch combination before hooking the arm.

Alan Ducard: The Highlight of the Night has him and there’s a suplex on the arena floor! He took the big man up and over successfully, and now he’s trying to get Gryffin back into the ring.

Bryan Harris: Why do that? He could leave Anselm out there for the count and move on? Come on Dawson, the easiest way is the best way!

Jimmy Yates: Maybe after the Pay-Per-View he’s looking to send a message Bry – the masses doub The Elite One.

Alan Ducard: Dawson has Anselm back inside the ring. Dawson now on the apron, using the ropes he slingshot’s himself over the top with the elbow drop on Gryffin! Dawson with the quick hook of the leg now and we have a pin!

ONE

TWO

THRE-NO! Gryffin gets the shoulder off the canvas, and The Highlight of the Night looks none too happy about it.

Bryan Harris: Would you be happy about it, Ducard?

Dawson slams the mat in frustration before pulling Gryffin back up to his feet.

Alan Ducard: Dawson lifts Gryffin up and there’s the inverted atomic drop … AND THE QUICK DDT, MIDDLE OF THE RING!

ONE

TWO

THRE-NO! Anselm kicks out and Dawson is livid. He thinks he had the pin and now he’s getting up into Travis Rollins’ face motioning “3”, and Rollins defiantly is flashing back “2” to Dawson, and he is not happy!

Bryan Harris: The official did a poor job there in my opinion, but Dawson is taking his focus off of Gryffin and that’s a HUGE mistake!

Alan Ducard: Most certainly Bryan, and here comes Anselm!

In the wake of the failed pin attempted, Anselm recovered, and catching Dawson unaware, delivers a huge right hand as Dawson turns that sends The Highlight of the Night off his feet. Anselm pulls him to his feet and tosses Dawson into the ropes with the Irish whip but with such force that The Highlight of the Night goes over the top rope, and it’s only his athleticism that keeps him on the apron instead of sprawling on the arena floor.

Alan Ducard: Anselm moving in now on Dawson who somehow managed to stay on the apron - Gryffin with Dawson by the head, and slams him head first into the ringpost! Now he hooks Dawson and suplexes him back into the inside! Gryffin with the pin!

ONE

TWO

THRE-NO!

Jimmy Yates: He kicked out! Even Gryffin looks a bit surprised by that, but Anselm is still in control! Gryffin now drops down with the knee to Dawson’s head, then another, and now an elbow drop to further weaken Dawson.

Alan Ducard: Anselm now pulling Dawson to his feet and he’s pulling him into the fireman’s carry – looking for a Death Valley Driver or the like! Dawson struggling though, and Dawson goes down the side! He hooks Anselm and there’s a Russian leg sweep! The Highlight of the Night reverses, and now he has Anselm up and there’s a belly to back suplex from Dawson!

Jimmy Yates: These guys are really going back and forth here in what is probably the closing stage of this contest. Gryffin’s strength and experience against Dawson’s youth and athleticism – and the fans are really loving it – in fact they are cheering on Anselm to turn the tide.

Alan Ducard: Anselm has found favor with the crowd here tonight, and now Dawson is pulling Anselm up and hooking him in the inverted facelock, but Gryffin drives him back into the ropes, and pushes Dawson off with the Irish whip! Dawson on the rebound, and Anselm with a HUGE RELEASE BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!

Jimmy Yates: He just sent Dawson 90 degrees off course and half-way back to the ropes! What a powerful reversal!

Bryan Harris: This is bad news for Dawson! Gryffin is stalking Dawson now and I think he’s going for it!

Alan Ducard: It could be time for the Devastator! Anselm has Dawson up, scoops him over the shoulder and … NO! Dawson has the rope! He’s hanging on for dear life! Gryffin rips Dawson from the ropes, but Dawson goes down behind Anselm, and … ROLL-UP!

Jimmy Yates: DAWSON HAS THE TIGHTS! ROLLINS DOESN’T SEE IT!

Alan Ducard: ONE

TWO

THREE!

Rollins signals for the bell as Dawson releases the hold, but quickly slides to the outside to avoid any potential retaliation from Anselm.

Josephina Colbert: Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner of the match … The Highlight of the Night, Matthew Dawson!

Bryan Harris: Stole it? The official didn’t see it, and so it’s legit – Dawson moves on in the Hawkins tournament!

RAGE: Congratulations to AoD – you did it.

At Glimmer of Hope you brought to an end the most historic, most dominating title reign this federation has ever seen. You did what you said you would do and you took the LEGACY World Tag Team Championships from us. Where countless others had failed, you succeeded. I don’t like how you did it. In fact, I hate you for what you did and how you did it. You took our belts by blinding my partner, threatening his very career and thereby jeopardizing the future of tag team wrestling in this business. Yet, you stand now as the LEGACY Tag Team Champions.

Congratulations.

His face is awash with intensity but his voice remains calm and direct.

RAGE: Now, however, I have a message for AoD, and a message for LEGACY. AoD - this isn’t over between us, not by a long shot. VENOM is healing. Trent is working on contracts with the front office. You see, when you get knocked down, you get right back up. So to AoD, you may have our gold for now, but we will meet again, and when we do we will repay you for Glimmer of Hope a thousand fold.

There is a twinkle in RAGE’s eye as he thinks of that day to come.

RAGE: For the rest of LEGACY, especially the rest of the current Tag Team Division. Domination still stakes a claim to the gold. We’re the former Champions; we will be Champions again; and we are the best this division has to offer. If you make the unfortunate choice to sandin our path to the gold, then you do so at your own risk. We don’t give a damn who challenges us. We will fight you, and we will beat you. You see LEGACY - where one title reign ends, another one can begin – and for Domination it will. It’s only a matter of time.

Our cameras now cut to the back where Avery George is indeed standing by, clad in a nice plaid three-piece suit with microphone in hand. He stands in front of a backdrop dotted with the LEGACY logo. To his left is Devastation, clad in his ring garb and just about ready for his opening match in the Hawkins Memorial Tournament later on tonight. He stands with his arms behind his back and his head down but he soon looks up as Avery begins to speak.

Avery George: Thank you very much Alan, I am pleased to be joined right now by a legend in this business and a man that later tonight will see action in the first round of the Hawkins Memorial Tournament, Devastation. Devastation, thanks for taking some time to talk to us tonight.

Devastation: Happy to do it Avery.

Intern Avery: Matthew Dawson, everyone knows the history between you two and we saw him earlier tonight with some harsh comments for you. One I want to get your comment on is the fact that he claims you are jealous of him. What do you have to say about that?

Devastation: First of all Avery, the fact that Matthew has the gall to suggest that I am jealous of him is ludicrous. I’m not jealous of his talent, that’s for sure. I’ve won titles in multiple companies and around the world. I’m world renowned as one of the best technical wrestlers of all time. I am a hall of famer, a legend. To suggest that I would be jealous of Matthew Dawson, who has won one title and has none of my accolades is asinine. He’s a pathetic disgusting human being and the only feeling I have toward him is pure unadulterated hatred.

Intern Avery: He talks of how this rivalry between the two of you has gotten deeply personal. Would you care to comment on that?

Devastation: Well he’s damn right it’s personal. What the hell did he think it would become when he drags my name through the mud like he has, treats me like he does, and disparages my dead father in an interview. You’re damned right it’s personal. He’s made it so. There will come a time when he’ll have to pay for that too.

Intern Avery: He mentioned stripping you of your honor and showing the world that you’re just as selfish and insecure as everybody else is. What do you have to say about that?

Devastation: Matthew Dawson doesn’t know the first thing about honor so I wouldn’t expect him to understand it. He didn’t take anything away from me. Yes, I am a human and I do get mad when people do what he has to me over these last few months. When people talk about my family and me like he does then I am going to get pretty pissed off. If he wants to call that being dishonorable, then let him but to me standing up for yourself and your family is about as honorable a thing as you can do.

Intern Avery: Finally Devastation, any final thoughts for the self-proclaimed highlight of the night before we send it back to ringside?

Devastation: Well let me just tell him that he can talk and talk all he wants to about me and that won’t change anything. That won’t change the man that I am and it won’t change the shell of a man that he is. At the end of the day, I can look myself in the mirror with pride and I know that our friend can’t do that. He is a parasite, the lowest form of life that there is on this planet. Soon enough there will come a time where we will lock up once and for all to settle this thing between us and when that time comes, he’s going to wish he’d never been born.

Intern Avery: All right, thank you for your time this evening Devastation and good luck tonight in your opening round match in the Hawkins Memorial Tournament.

Devastation: Thank you, Avery.

Alan Ducard: I can't remember a time in the past couple years when John Thomas was a fan favorite, but I would bet you that his actions involving Greyson Blade during the Co-Op Challenge have a lot to do with this reception.

Jimmy Yates: Don't sugar coat it, John Thomas SCREWED Greyson Blade out of a chance at becoming the Number One Contender to the World Title.

Wearing the same outfit as in his picture, John Thomas steps through the curtain, the spotlight shines down on him as "Hey Man Nice Shot" (remix) plays over the speakers. His white linen pants and matching shirt are a stark contrast to the darkness all around him. Not even taking off his sunglasses, John walks down the ramp alone, leaving all of his crew backstage, ignoring the fans who jeer at him from either side, some of them reaching out at him in vain.

Bryan Harris: How ungrateful these Clevelanders are. The Cavaliers? They choke in the Eastern Conference finals. The Indians? They choke in the playoffs. The Browns? Don't even get me started on them. These fans are so conditioned to failed expectations that they don't even realize that they have a living legend in the making in their midst! No wonder LeBron is going to be on a new team a year from now.

Jimmy Yates: Based on the big projections and high praise we've been hearing the past 6 years, I'd say "failed expectations" is about right - in regards to John Thomas!

After walking up the steel steps, John Thomas enters the ring by ducking under the top rope and is handed a microphone by the ring attendant in the far corner. Once he walks to the center of the ring, he takes off his sunglasses and tucks them into his collar as the
lights directly above the ring turn on.

John Thomas: Mr Production Guy, leave the lights above me on, but kill the lights everywhere else. I don't want to see the sad faces of these fans as you roll the video clips I've prepared for tonight.

The lights all around the arena - aside from in the ring - fade under, and the first clip begins to roll. The footage is from STRIFE 50, specifically the match between Greyson Blade and Loco Martinez. Near the end of the contest, John Thomas' involvement in helping Loco retain the belt is shown, and as the footage ends, the cameras go back to John.

John Thomas: That, folks, is the reason that Greyson Blade was gunning for me in the Co-Op Challenge. That's the reason that he came to the ring and the first thing he wanted to do was to eliminate me - a strategy that proved his downfall. My cause tonight is to explain that history was not on his side. Sure, Greyson Blade has held the LEGACY World Title before - back when the talent pool wasn't as deep as it is now - and his run with the No Limits Championship supposedly put him into running for "top LEGACY superstar of all time"... but at STRIFE 50, there was no way I was letting him become World Champion yet again. Truth be told, even with those accolades... he's a phony.

The booing starts up again, mildly.

Alan Ducard: He can't be serious...

John Thomas: Greyson Blade is a has-been who never was all that great to begin with who has vultured his way into the top position, preying off of cheap opportunities and lesser-competition to build up his name. Sure, he has a lot of support from his very vocal fans, but those people? They're just carry-overs from his days of slapping people around with weapons back in Outlaw-Land, but when you look at all the REAL competition Greyson Blade has faced in his career? He just falls short!

The booing intensifies.

John Thomas: You all have been DUPED into cheering for Greyson because it's the "popular" thing to do! Hate me all you want, but as I roll more video footage, you'll start to understand just how right I am!

With that the booing really picks up, but through the jeers, a voice booms over the PA system.

"There will be no more footage tonight John."

The fans perk up, hearing that familiar voice.

"The fans here have seen enough."

The cheers begin to replace the booing as the fans realize who is speaking.

"More importantly I've seen enough."

With those words, The Outlaw appears through the curtains dressed in an Demand Respect t-shirt and matching brown cargo pants, mic in hand. The Quicken Loans Arena breaks out into cheers with his arrival, but The Outlaw doesn't stop at the ramp as he heads to the ring quickly, and slides inside the ropes to face JT.

The Outlaw: After someone who has managed screw me out of a chance to become World Champion TWICE, you have a hell of a lot of balls to come out here run your mouth about my record and my competition. Since I came back from injury I have been working my way back to become World Champion, and I haven't back down yet from a challenge, and I've beaten some of the best to get where I am now, knocking on that door. I've beaten ToV Champions. Tag Team Champions. No Limits Champions. World Champions. Fighters like Crash, Cronos Diamante, Issac Entragian, and Marcus Marion. Now maybe you missed the ass-kicking I've done to re-establish why I belong in the main event - I mean is pretty hard to see what's going on around you while hiding behind Loco's skirt, but you picked to wrong guy to mess with John.

The Outlaw steps closer to John, sneering at the smaller fighter, and the crowd cheers.

The Outlaw: Twice now you've kept me from the World Title. Twice you've inserted yourself into my matches when you didn't belong there. You've obviously wanted my attention, and I'm here standing in this ring with you right now. If you've got something worthwhile to say to my face get to it, otherwise we can skip straight to the Killshot.

The crowd bursts into cheers when they hear Blade mention the idea of hitting JT with the Killshot. John rolls his eyes.

John Thomas: Oh I've got something worthwhile to say... something that these fans need to know about, and something that clearly you need to be reminded of.

Before John can continue, a "KILLSHOT!! KILLSHOT!! KILLSHOT!! KILLSHOT!!" chant starts up amongst the crowd, which gets a disgusted look from John, who then addresses the masses.

John Thomas: His shoulder can't take the impact, folks, don't set him up for failure.

The comment from John gets another chorus of boos from the crowd, and Greyson lifts his own mic.

The Outlaw: Don't test me, punk.

John's eyes snap right back on Greyson Blade.

John Thomas: "Punk"? Is that any way to address a guy who has OWNED you his ENTIRE career?

Stepping back, John addresses the crowd.

John Thomas: That's right, folks, and Outty, here, knows it to be true. Not ONCE has this guy *points a finger at Blade* YOUR HERO, THE GREAT AND MIGHTY OUTLAW...

Blade swats at John's hand, obviously getting annoyed, and John pulls it back.

John Thomas: ...Not once has he EVER beaten me! NOT ONCE!! Going back through to my victories over him back in SHOOT Project about 6 years ago, all the way through True Talent Wrestling, and now here in LEGACY, I've had his number, and I want him to publicly acknowledge it RIGHT HERE AND NOW!! All the times I've been called a "hack" or a "loser" and he's been called "LEGACY's figurehead", I want HIM to acknowledge that HE CAN'T BEAT ME!!

The crowd boos JT again and The Outlaw shakes his head as if to say "so that's the way it's going to be," and he looks to JT with his lips pursed.

The Outlaw: We've gone around the block a few times, sure, and you know what you're right I haven't beaten you in those times that we've faced, but you know what, I never back down from a challenge, especially from a jackass like you. You don't think I can beat you, then let's find out . right now.

With that The Outlaw fires off a huge right hand that staggers JT backwards. John attempts to respond with a shot of his own, but Greyson blocks and hammers him with another right hand before sending him off to the ropes, catching JT on the rebound with a HUGE Outlaw Drop! Blade bounces up and the crowd goes crazy, and Greyson begins slowly rotating his arm a bit, stretching out his shoulder while stalking John.

Alan Ducard: After that huge Outlaw Drop, it seems Greyson is now looking for the Killshot he was unable to hit John with back at Glimmer of Hope.

Jimmy Yates: And he's not grimmacing, so that shoulder must be healing up well.

Bryan Harris: Or he's doing a good job of hiding it.

Looking up as he starts to get back to his feet, JT sees that Greyson is waiting for him, and ditches the attempt to return to a vertical base and just dives sideways and bails underneath the bottom rope, exiting the ring.

Jimmy Yates: What a surprise, John Thomas doesn't want to continue the fight he started.

Bryan Harris: To be fair, John probably only came out here to fight, Jimbo. It's Blade who wants to fight!

After catching his bearings, John Thomas walks over to the time keeper's table and snatches Josephina's microphone from her and continues walking around the ring, headed for the side with the entrance ramp. The jeering of the capacity crowd doesn't deter him,
as he tries his best to ignore their reaction.

John Thomas: Yeah, nice try Blade, you can attack me all you want when there's not a match going on, and all the Outlaw Drops and Killshots in the world don't prove a damn thing! I still own you, and I'm going to get you into the ring and prove it!!

The booing intensifies significantly as John walks backwards up the ramp, glaring at Blade.

John Thomas: I'm better than you, Blade! I deserve to be LEGACY's figurehead, not you! I'm taking your spot! I'm taking your legacy! It's just a matter of time!!

Having heard enough, Greyson Blade rushes over and starts to exit the ring, but before he can even get out onto the apron, John Thomas turns and rushes off, headed backstage.

Alan Ducard: Hazard’s fists are so powerful. I can see why he’d be so proud to call them his “weapons of choice”.

Jimmy Yates: I agree, Alan.

Bryan Harris: That was a close-fisted shot if I’ve ever seen one. Why the referees never disqualify anybody on them anymore is beyond me.

Guiding Jones to his feet, Hazard knees him in the bread basket. Hooking him up for a suplex, Hazard slams back down to the canvas with lightning speed for a snap suplex. Staying on the attack, Hazard lifts Jones into a seated position and transitions over into a reverse chin-lock. Grabbing underneath Jones’ chin, he pulls his head back with the point of his knee digging into his back. With his free hand, Hazard SLAMS his forearm into the side of Jones’ face. Switching arms, Hazard SLAMS him again. Alternating, Hazard continues slamming Jones until Jones crumples over onto the mat. Slamming his forearm into Jones’ face on the mat, he holds him down with a very rough looking lateral cover.

Alan Ducard: Those forearms are VICIOUS!

Jimmy Yates: You see the way he’s scraping the bone of his forearms against Jones’ face? That’s a very skilled brawler right there, ladies and gentlemen.

Bryan Harris: Hazard looks so comfortable right now.

One!

Two!

Jones kicks out, rolling over onto his stomach.

Bryan Harris: I didn’t think he’d get him, but that was a close one nonetheless!

Hazard brings Jones to his feet, but the Ladies Man wraps his hands around Hazard’s head and drops to his knees for a jawbreaker. Hazard snaps back, reeling back into the ropes while holding his face. Jones is back up, and as Hazard wanders away from the ropes with his hands over his jaw, Jones jumps up and connects with a high-angled standing dropkick. Hazard goes down and the crowd applauds this maneuver by Tim Jones.

Alan Ducard: Excellent dropkick!

Jimmy Yates: Jones came out of NOWHERE with that! Such elevation from a standing position!

Bryan Harris: What’s he going for here?

Shifting the momentum his way, Jones turns his back to Hazard and places both of his hands on the top rope. Looking back at Hazard, he patiently awaits for him to get to his feet. Once he does, Jones springs to the middle rope and jumps off. Twisting in mid-air, Jones flies over Hazard and wraps his hands around his neck, connecting with a flipping neckbreaker with the springboard assist.

Alan Ducard: WOW! Bloody MARVELOUS high risk move by the Ladies Man!

Jimmy Yates: That could be all she wrote there. Jones needs to follow up with a cover here..

Bryan Harris: Hazard could be in trouble!!

Tim Jones rolls up a leg and puts his back to Hazard’s body, holding his leg for a deep cover..

One!!

Two!!

THR- Hazard kicks out

Jones shakes his head, disappointed that he wasn’t able to secure the pin on Hazard.

Bryan Harris: Mr. Jones looks like he just had the wind sucked from his sails.

Jimmy Yates: Frankly speaking, I don’t think there’s too many people out there who are expecting Tim Jones to defeat Hazard here. Hazard’s shown his amazing toughness against the unusual and sadistic Frank Garvin, and many believe he could be the next break-out star in LEGACY over the next year. But, if Jones can pull it off and advance to the second round? I think he’ll have bought a newfound respect from his LEGACY peers.

Alan Ducard: I agree with you, James. Very well said, partner. It’s been many, many months since we’ve Tim Jones in action, but from what we’ve seen here tonight it appears as though he hasn’t lost a step. In fact, it seems like he’s gained some.

Tim Jones gets Hazard to his feet and goes for an Irish whip. Hazard uses his superior height, weight, and strength to reverse and sends Jones into the ropes. Jones goes for a cross-body, but Hazard sees it coming and BAM, nails Jones in the face with an abrupt right cross that sends him down to the mat in an awkward heap.

Jimmy Yates: Holy CRAP!! What a PUNCH!!

Bryan Harris: My God... that was a punch Mike Tyson would be proud of. Excellent counter by the veteran brawler in Hazard.

Shaking his hand from the impact of Jones’ skull meeting his knuckles, Hazard looks down at Tim Jones. Shrugging, Hazard goes for the cover, hooking a limp leg for added measure.

One!!

Two!!

THR- Jones shoulders out just in time, and the crowd is surprised he was able to do it after the impact of Hazard’s punch.

Alan Ducard: Seriously. Jones might have had some teeth knocked out after that one. I mean, he ATE that punch with the full force of his body being suspended in mid-air. That was BRUTAL.

Lifting Jones up, Hazard holds him by his hand and BAM, nails him with another punch. Jones is on dream street and Hazard knows it. Throwing Jones into the turnbuckles, Hazard charges in with a STIFF clothesline. Holding Jones underneath his chin to keep him from falling to the mat, Hazard lifts Jones up and seats him on the top turnbuckle. Ascending to the middle turnbuckle, Hazard clasps his arms around Jones mid-section and THROWS Jones over his head with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex off the top turnbuckle.

Alan Ducard: Hazard with a top rope variation of the Hazardous Combo!

Jimmy Yates: Jones is in trouble here. If those punches weren’t enough, Jones landed halfway across the ring from that overhead belly-to-belly. Hazard is in firm control here.

Dropping down, Hazard once again slams a forearm onto Jones’ face very roughly, allowing Jacob Fudrucker to administer the count...

One!!

Two!!

THR- Jones kicks out again!!

Motioning to the crowd for something, Hazard brings Jones to his feet. Jones on spaghetti legs, hazard doubles him over. Running into the ropes opposite them. Hazard charges forward off the rebound and somersaults for his signature rolling swinging neckbreaker. Jones moves out of the way though and Hazard comes up empty.

Bryan Harris: He missed the Cannonball Neckbreaker!! Jones moved!!

Tim Jones taps his foot against the mat, signaling to the crowd.

Jimmy Yates: No way... could this be the SNAFU?

Hazard tries to get to his feet as fast as he can without realizing Tim Jones was waiting for the superkick.

Alan Ducard: SNAFU!!

Hazard grabs Jones’ foot, preventing the move from connecting, and in the same motion he throws Jones’ foot down to the mat and lifts him up for a standing back-body drop. Instead of pushing him off of his body though, Hazard DRIVES Jones’ head and spine down into the canvas.

He hooks a leg and Fudrucker is right there for the count.

ONE!!

TWO!!

THREE!!

Alan Ducard: He got him!!!

Josephina Colbert: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match... and ADVANCING to the SECOND ROUND... HAZARD!!

Alan Ducard: Tim Jones certainly brought his A-Game, but unfortunately for the newly sobered up Ladies Man, it just wasn’t enough.

Bryan Harris: Maybe next time he oughtta spike that root beer with a lil sum’sum.

Alan Ducard: Would you be serious?! Sobriety is nothing to joke about, Bryan... and I for one commend Tim Jones’ efforts in staying clean as WELL as nearly defeating a tough competitor in Hazard. If Tim Jones can stay focused and continue bringing his A-Game to fights like this... then Jones just might find himself some success here in LEGACY.

Jimmy Yates: You’ll notice the bandages all over Ethan’s body, a result of the VICIOUS Light Tube Log Cabin match at Glimmer of Hope.

Alan Ducard: You’ll also notice he doesn’t have a title.

The Cult Leader: Alright alright, cut the f(bleep)ing music.

Leers doesn’t have the usual anger and sarcasm in his tone, despite the language. He seems very calm.

Bryan Harris: That’s a calm man there. Leers calm is a scary thought.

The Cult Leader: So, I guess you all saw Crazyboy survive my f(bleep)ing match, huh?

The fans cheer loudly. Ethan just nods, smiling.

The Cult Leader: See, I got something I want to say to Crazyboy, but I need him out here. So, come on Tyrone, get your f(bleep)ing a(bleep) out here so I can tell you what I f(bleep)ing have to say.

After a couple moments, "Down and Out" By Tantric hits the PA as the crowd cheers, noticing the No Limits Champion, Tyrone "Crazy Boy" Smith come out from the backstage. He has bandages and stitches on him from the match at Glimmer of Hope, but that doesn't stop from him having a smile on his face, with the No Limits title strapped around his waist. He has a slight limp to him as he walks down the walkway. He stops at the entrance to the ring. He walks over to the other side of the ring, staring at Leers the entire time as he grabs a microphone from the announcers table and turns around, staring at his adversary.

Crazy Boy: Well, well, well. Look at who we have here. The "Cult Leader". You know, I had to disinfect this title several times to get the stench off of it, but that is a different story. So I noticed you want me out here. What do you want? Another chance at this title? You want to make another ridiculous gimmick? I'm DYING to know.

Ethan never loses the grin. He simply extends his hand to CB.

The Cult Leader: Congratulations champ.

Tyrone is taken back a little by Ethan's comment. He looks down at Ethan's hand, which is still extended. He has a little puzzled look on his face as he looks back up at the Cult Leader, who still has the grin on his face.

CB: That's it? No insensitive quirks? No spitting on me? Nothing? I'm a little disappointed, Ethan. But I must say, that you... at Glimmer of Hope... took me to a whole new level. There is noone, and I repeat NOONE, that has hurt me, maimed me.. or just flat out scared me senseless like you did.

CB takes Ethans hand and gives it a firm handshake. There is an incredibly tense environment, as everyone expects Ethan to do something horrible, but Ethan just shakes the hand and pulls back.

The Cult Leader: Now, we need to talk about something, CB. You, I’ll just be f(bleep)ing straight, this is real sh(bleep) here, k? You impressed me. I didn’t think you could handle it, mother f(bleep)er. I didn’t expect your ass to get up after I dropped you through that second f(bleep)ing cabin. The f(bleep)ing blood, the f(bleep)ing pain, the f(bleep)ing EVERYTHING…goddamn, boy, I didn’t think you had it in you.

And I was f(bleep)ing wrong. You proved me f(bleep)ing wrong. That’s why I’m going to give you a chance, Tyrone. I’m gonna give you something I wouldn’t f(bleep)ing give ANYONE. Out of respect.

Vacate the title. Just, look, you’re f(bleep)ing great, dude. Seriously, you’ll be a LEGACY World Heavyweight Champion someday?

But this sh(bleep)? No Limits sh(bleep)? This’ll kill you. Go take the Tao of Valor championship. Get a partner and go get tag gold. Hell, get yourself in the World Heavyweight Division. Dude, do something else. Because if you keep going, and you decide to represent the No F(Bleep)ing Limits Division?

Ethan gets right in Tyrone’s face.

The Cult Leader: I’m gonna have to make you f(bleep)ing suffer.

Tyrone stares right into the eyes of Ethan and just smiles, shaking his head slowly.

CB: I cannot do that, Ethan. I am not going to vacate this title. I actually do understand where you are coming from with this Ethan, but I plan to stick around a little longer. I want to be BEATEN for this title. Weather it be you or anyone else in the No Limits Division to beat me, I plan to not go down without a fight, even if it completely deteriorates my body to point where I have to retire, if this is all I have to show in Legacy, then at least I came out a fighting Champion.

Ethan smiles.

The Cult Leader: You have no idea what I’m talking about. But you will. You’ll see tonight. And next week. And the next week. You’ll wish you’d vacated. You’ll-

Just then the lights go out, Chris Turner appears behind Ethan Leers. He is holding a steel chair. He smashes the chair into the back, of Ethan and Ethan stumbles to the ring. Chris then swings again, this time connecting with Ethan's head. Turner then grabs him, and suplexes him out of the ring, Leers landing with a big thud to the outside of the ring. He snatches Crazy Boys Mic.

Chris Turner: I'm sorry to interupt Tyrone, but my god... That was annoying as F*CK to watch. I just took that asshole out with a steel chair, in about 20 seconds. Who the hell wants to see a p*ssy ass loser sit in this ring, yammering away giving you idle threats. I mean the f*cker couldn't even swear right! It's no the no f*cking limits division asswipe, it's the NO F*CK YOU IN THE ASS TILL YOU'RE B*TCH ASS MOTHER CRIES FOR HER B*STARD HUSBAND, WHO IS ALSO YOUR MOLESTIC FATHER, TO COME AND BEAT YOU WITH A PAINT STICK Limits...

He stands there silent for a moment.

Chris Turner: Whatever... The case in point is this. I took him out with three moves, and you are SOMEHOW, the No Limits Champion, therefore not only does he NOT belong in the same ring as you, but he doesn't belong in the same arena, block, city, state, country, or even continent while I'm at it. And Do I belong to be in here? That remains to be seen. Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that I am here to help you. You want to be a great No Limits Champion... I know how you can achieve that.

Crazy Boy stares at Turner, waiting to hear what Turner has to say.

Chris Turner: You to be a great Champion. I believe you just said want to be BEATEN! And as I can tell by your name, you want to be called Crazy. I can tell... You want to be taken seriously as a NO Limits champion! Well, heres a few things you need to do. Number one, grab a pen and sign a match, but of course it isn't against Ethan Leers. On that contract will be MY name. Christopher D. Turner... And then we have a match, and two things happen. One, I prove your not really crazy, that I am the crazy one... and two.. I beat you... To a bloody pulp, from 1 turnbuckle to the other, from one side of the arena, to china. Just like you want. And then I will take your title, and I will make a trophy case. And it will be an awesome one, because it will hold the no limits title, and you're dead body! How does that make you a great No Limits Champion? Because you never in Your LIFE lost as the champion. Only in Death. Its an idea! Think it over!

Turner Smirks, and then his music hits ("Angry Again" by Megadeth), and he starts to leave, but then turns around.

Chris Turner: And if Damien shows his ugly face trying to get a shot... Don't be nervous about rejecting his challenge. He gives you any trouble, and I'll gladly take care of him for you. After all.. Anything for our Champ.... Right?

His music continues and he exits leaving Crazy Boy in the ring to contemplate what was just said.

Unconventional Bravery

The camera fades in from a commercial break featuring the brand new Ghostbusters game (now available on the XBOX© 360 and PLAYSTATION© 3 consoles!) to the backstage interview area where the old, 72-year old LEGACY road agent, Preston Thompkins, is standing across from X-Calibur in front of the LEGACY watermark often seen in interviews conducted on STRIFE. Preston holds the microphone shakily in his wrinkly hand; the shaking an adverse effect from his body's age rather than the fear of this unpredictable man standing before him. X-Calibur’s face is a mess of dried blood and shoddy patchwork. His eye was swollen from where Marion clocked him with the microphone, already turning a purple-yellowish hue. The LEGACY World Title is held tightly across his shoulder as he paces back and forth, thinking about the events that have unfolded for the evening.

Preston Thompkins: We are standing here with the LEGACY World Champion. X, the world wants to know now. Are you going to face Marcus M-

Before Preston can even finish the sentence, a seething X-Calibur grabs the microphone.

X-Calibur: You want a shot, you little bitch?! Is that REALLY what you want?! HUH?!

X scratches at some of the dried blood surrounding the gash in his forehead, peeling away a layer like pancake batter. He whips his hand towards the cement, flinging fragments of his DNA onto the ground.

X-Calibur: We danced around this for a long f(beep)ing time, c(beep)sucker. You were on top, gradually falling backwards when I entered at the bottom, gradually pushing forward. It wasn’t long until I was on top and you were but a forgotten foot note in the LEGACY archives.

He paused, letting his words sink in to Marcus Marion who was SURE to be watching this.

X-Calibur: Then? You came back. Well you know what, kid? As much sh(beep) changes, sh(beep) stays the same... because not only I am STILL on TOP, but after you failed to win the Co-Op Challenge, you are STILL falling backwards! But now you want a shot anyway. Right? Right. Now you want to say f(beep) the balance of the land here and take your turn out of order. Well you know what? F(Beep) it. I've been there... so let’s do it. Just call me BK... and have it YOUR way.

Undeterred from conducting his interview and asking the questions he was no doubt told to ask, Preston grabs a microphone from someone standing by out of the camera’s view.

Preston Thompkins: So, it’s on then? You’re really going to defend your title against Marion, even with that hurt shoulder and all?

Shaking his head, he ripped the sling from his hurt arm and threw it to the ground. He gritted his teeth and rolled his shoulder a bit, grimacing through the pain. Making a tight fist with his bad arm, X-Calibur mustered up the strength to continue speaking.

X-Calibur: Yes. REALLY. This ain't but a thang, Preston. The world knows that X-Calibur doesn’t back down from anyone, even when there are times, like this one, when he should. The world knows this, and evidently... so does the proverbial gnat, Marcus Marion.

Preston stammers, unsure of what to really say after hearing X-Calibur make that announcement. X turns back to the camera. Blood from the re-opened wound caked his right eye-lid like a thick mascara.

X-Calibur: Marcus Marion says he built this place. Imagine that. This blonde-haired boy placing the building blocks to the foundation of this great institution that so many of us proudly call home. And maybe that’s true...

X pauses, looking back at Preston.

X-Calibur: But the fact is THIS. I’ve long since taken the leather reigns from the likes of him and led LEGACY away from the precipice and into the promised land. At STRIFE 54? I’m going to PROVE IT when our great architect kisses the golden ass of the Champion’s Champion. One way... or another.

His lip quivers with anger, despite the slight smile. His face crossbred with a hero’s benevolence and a villain’s malice. Throwing the microphone up, Preston manages to catch it as the World Champion walks off of the interview set out of the camera’s view.

Madison: *looking at the title* This is a pretty cool belt, and I like the token too. *looking to her sister* Come on, cheer up. I know this isn't a fun moment right now, losing in front of our brother and his family, but don't take this so hard. You've lost at stuff before.

Laura: *sighing* I know, but.....this is different. It's not the ideal start to a title reign.

Madison: I will say I'm surprised you aren't throwing a fit like you would have back in the day. I remember you coming home after some games and just losing it.

Laura: Heh—well, those first couple years at Winona State it seemed like we lost almost every game. I guess I learned how to deal with it. Anyways, I don't think I'm going to go out with Mitch and all them. You can—but I'm going back to the hotel to pack up.

Madison gives a grunt of frustration. Laura's been in this sulky state since she got backstage and now it's finally reached a breaking point with her sister. Madison lightly tosses the belt on to a nearby table.

Madison: You know, this f*ckin' sucks! I'm having a blast back here and it's awesome to see Mitch too, and you're totally raining on the parade. Your mood, even if you aren't ticked off, really sucks. You're bringing ME down. Is it depressing? Yeah, but you know what? Everyone loses. You didn't honestly think you could win every freaking match here, did you?

Laura raises her head to the sky and has a neck roll and we hear a slight crack, the gloom still in her eyes. She looks back at Madison and gives a breath but says nothing; knowing Maddie is right. No one can rattle off a massively long winning streak. Well, no one except that one bald guy in black tights in that one southern-based fed. At this point, a third figure comes into the screen, Justin Moreno.

Justin Moreno: Well, well, well... if it isn't WNBA star and current Tao of Valor champion Laura Seton! I should be honored to be in your presence! Sucks about you losing to Cade in the first round. But hey, look on the bright side! At least the office made the match non-title so that you wouldn't lose the belt to Cade in your first defense, but hey, at least you're still champ, am I right?

Madison gives him a dirty look and puts her hands on her hips.

Madison: Hey man, f*ck you! She just lost for the first time. Show some respect. I'm sure you felt pretty sh*tty after your first loss. Don't be a d*ck!

Laura: Madison, watch your mouth.

Justin: Uhh... huhh... let's see here... who's the only person in LEGACY to win the Tao of Valor Title twice and one of the very few to beat X-Calibur or Loco? ME!

Madison: *sarcastically* Well, bully for you.

Justin: Who probably only got the Tao of Valor belt by filing a sexual discrimination lawsuit? YOU! You rule, Laura. No really, you do. Now go back to the WNBA and leave the pro wrestling to the wrestlers, mm-kay?

Laura: Oh, right, and you're 'all that.' You're perfect. You're everything a wrestler is meant to be.

She rolls her eyes.

Justin: Damn straight. And it really irritates me to see people like you just getting into the business I have given my blood, sweat, and tears to just to make a quick buck to enhance your "basketball career", and I use THAT term loosely...

This seems to irritate Madison further.

Madison: A quick buck?? She's got more money than you ever will. It's not like she's a rookie either, regardless of how long she's been HERE. Sounds to me like you're aware she can become everything that you've become, but you're just in denial. After all, a woman being able to do what Justin Moreno has? Sounds like you feel like being compared to a woman is an insult, even if that person has proven HERself on numerous occasions.

Laura: Will you shut up already, Madison?

Justin: How about you run along and go buy a f*cking ticket instead of bitch at me about women's equality? I mean, get off the damn soap-box already! I don't have time for this... I have to get ready for MY match with Stephen Rawlings. In a slot called the MAIN. EVENT. Somewhere YOU'LL never be!

Madison: Can you believe the nerve of that guy?

Laura sighs, as if having enough of her sister's actions.

Laura: Maddie, he's hard a time of late. His family situation isn't going well at all. Give him a break. I'm sure he doesn't mean any of that—he's just under a ton of stress. Don't take all this to heart.

Alan Ducard: Where’s Cronos?!

Jimmy Yates: Word from the back is that he still hasn’t shown up. In all actuality, he might not even be in Cleveland right now. No one knows where he is.

Bryan Harris: Great. If Moxley wins by forfeit here, I’m going to riot.

Alan Ducard: Stop. After what Moxley went through earlier? I would LOVE for that to happen.

Bryan Harris: Yeah, you’re not biased or anything.

After about a minute, Jacob Fudrucker makes his way over to Josephina Colbert and whispers something only she can hear. Moments later, Fudrucker makes his way back to the ring and the crowd quiets down as Josephina is about to make an announcement.

Josephina Colbert: Ladies and gentlemen.... referee Jacob Fudrucker has just informed me that if Cronos Diamante does not show up by the count of ten, he will be counted out and lose the match by forfeit!

The crowd is split about this. Some booing the fact that the anticipated Network Title and First Round Hawkins Memorial Tournament Match will end without an actual match, and some cheering the fact that Herb Moxley will advance to the next round.

ONE!

Jimmy Yates: Looks like the count is on...

TWO!

Alan Ducard: It’s a shame Cronos didn’t show up for this match. I had him pegged as one of the competitors making it all the way to the finals, if not winning it.

THREE!

Bryan Harris: Unbelievable...

FOUR!

Jimmy Yates: Well he couldn’t have wanted to advance in this thing too much otherwise he would’ve shown up.

FIVE!

Alan Ducard: Who knows, maybe there was a family emergency or something.

SIX!

Bryan Harris: Maybe he got hooked on World of Warcraft. Heard that’s why Jerry Starr isn’t around anymore.

SEVEN!

Jimmy Yates: Yeah he’s not showing...

EIGHT!

Alan Ducard: Nope... what a shame..

NINE!

"On Another Day, C'mon! C'mon!"

Alan Ducard: What?!?! No way!!!

Bryan Harris: WHAT?! That’s... that’s Loco’s music!!! But why is he... ?!

Jimmy Yates: What is this?!

Fudrucker looks surprised by this sudden appearance and instinctively ceases the count. Appearing from behind the stage curtains is Loco Martinez, who, for some unexplained but no doubt diabolical reason, is in his wrestling gear. He beckons for a mic, and as it is brought to him he smirks knowingly. The crowd still sickened by Loco's heinous beatdown of the man who is standing valiantly, inside the ring, lets him hear it as the music is cut off quickly.

Loco Martinez: Hold it right there, REF. See? Apparently Mox's "scheduled" opponent is too busy off polishing his own “axe". So when I got here tonight, I was approached by Landon Savage... who came to his senses, and realized that THE Legacy Superstar should be in THE Hawkins Memorial Tournament. Which means, Mox? What I gave you earlier tonight? That first step in long hard road to hell I took you down? Is about to continue... right.... NOW!

Alan Ducard: He can’t be serious!

Bryan Harris: I think he is, Al!

Loco Martinez spikes the microphone down and RACES down the aisle. Before Josephina Colbert even has the chance to officially announce the match, Fudrucker shakes his head and, going against his better judgment, waves his hand three times signaling for the bell to ring. Loco slides into the ring.

Jimmy Yates: I can’t bel-

Before Jimmy can even finish his sentence, Loco stands up and.... WHAM!

Jimmy Yates: SUPER SWEET NINJA KICK!!!

Alan Ducard: LOCO IS DOWN!!! LOCO IS DOWN!!!

Bryan Harris: NO!!!!!

Instinctively, Moxley falls on top of Loco, hurting, for the cover. The crowd counts along LOUDLY...

ONE!

Bryan Harris: NO!!!!

TWO!

Alan Ducard: HE’S OUT! HE’S OUT!

THREE! NO! Loco kicks out!

Bryan Harris: WAY too close of a call there. That would’ve been EMBARASSING if Moxley was able to win like that.

Jimmy Yates: In my opinion, it would’ve been a delicious slice of justice served to Loco considering the attack from earlier.

Bryan Harris: Good thing no one cares about your opinion then, yes?

Jimmy Yates: (Ignoring Bryan’s comment.) This is ridiculous. How can Management allow Loco to capitalize on that horrible attack on Moxley, earlier?

Alan Ducard: It is not an ideal situation, but the Hawkins Schedule is a tight one... and if Loco got the spot earlier in the day? They decided to let him keep it despite his prior actions.

Bryan Harris: Honestly? I think his previous actions EARNED him this match. Management types always like a go getter slash self starter!

Jimmy Yates: You're such an ass.

Still on the mat, holding his head in pain, Mox rolls off of Loco. Fudrucker immediately checks on Moxley to see what the damage is, but Moxley insists that he’s fine. Waving Fudrucker away, Moxley crawls on his knees towards the ropes, pulling himself up using the middle rope as leverage. Loco meanwhile recovers from the crane kick and gets to his feet. Shaking the cobwebs away a little, a seething Loco looks on at Moxley with rage filled eyes, dilated with the flames of hatred.

Watching Moxley trying to get up, Loco runs towards him full speed ahead and extends his foot, face-wash kicking him on the ropes. Moxley collapses to the side as the SMACK echoes through out Cleveland. With a concerned look on his face, Fudrucker tries to check on him but is shoved away by Loco for his efforts.

Repeatedly, Loco lays the boots into Moxley’s head. Driving the point of his toe into the center of Moxley’s temple like it were a rubber kick ball, Loco continues doing this until Fudrucker literally pulls him away from Moxley. Loco takes this opportunity to remind the fans why they should hate him as he makes an obscene gesture by slapping his biceps and raising his fist.

Alan Ducard: Absolutely tasteless.

“NO! I’m FINE!”, Moxley shouts at Fudrucker as he once again checks to see if he’s okay. Using the ropes to pull himself to his feet, Moxley looks in Loco’s direction and motions for him to “bring it”.

Bryan Harris: Not a wise move, Mox. Not a wise move at ALL.

Smiling, Loco accepts this invitation without an ounce of hesitation and races towards Mox once again. Throwing a right, Mox actually blocks it and fires BACK with a left. Moxley throws another and Loco is actually reeling.

Alan Ducard: The nerd is still fighting! He REFUSES to stay down for this man!!

With Loco forced to back-step away from his opponent, Moxley gains some momentum by leaning into the ropes. Gaining some speed off the recoil, Moxley looks for a clothesline, but Loco nails a toe kick to the mid-section that doubles over the Network Champion. Grabbing him by the head, Loco SNAPS down with a DDT in what can only be described as excessive force.

Alan Ducard: NO!!!!!

Jimmy Yates: If he wasn’t already, Moxley is HURT.

Bryan Harris: That DDT was devastating... I love it!!

Moxley looks unconscious and Fudrucker sees this. He goes to check on him... he raises his hand like he’s going to ring the bell but Moxley grabs his pant leg, showing signs of life. Shaking his head, dazed and confused, Moxley begs Fudrucker to let the match continue.

Alan Ducard: For God sakes, Herb... just stay down!

Having enough of this sight, Loco races in towards Moxley and RIPS him to his feet by yanking on his head. Smiling evilly at the crowd, eliciting a shock wave of booing, Loco Martinez sets Moxley up for a vertical suplex. Lifting Moxley straight up into the air in a complete stalling vertical position, Loco SNAPS DOWN to the mat with a SICKENING brainbuster.

Alan Ducard: BLOODY EFFING HELL!!! STOP THIS!!!

As the crowd “OOOOOOOH”’s this sickening maneuver, Loco stands back upright and looks down at Moxley with that same sick smirk he’s had plastered on his face since he appeared at the entrance ramp. Fudrucker kneels down beside Moxley... who is completely unconscious. For the sake of his own health, Fudrucker calls for the bell.

Alan Ducard: I can’t believe this is happening...

Josephina Colbert: Ladies and gentlemen... the ref has ruled that Herb Moxley can no longer continue... so the winner of this match...

Jimmy Yates: No. He didn’t just...

Josephina Colbert:... and NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWW F/X NETWORK CHAMPION...

Bryan Harris: (With a gleeful smirk) ‘Fraid so.

The booing is amped up to an ear-splitting decibel as Loco Martinez slowly raises his hands high in the air with victory...

Josephina Colbert: ... LOCO.... MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARTIIIIIINEZZZZZ!!!!

Alan Ducard: This just makes me SICK. SICK, I tell you!! This is the second time tonight that Moxley has suffered at the hands of Loco... and this time, it’s cost him the Network Championship... AND advancing to the second round. What a complete TRAVESTY.

Bryan Harris: Oh poor Mox. Waaaah. He’s the one stupid enough to even AGREE to compete tonight. He had his out, Al. I bet they told him he didn’t HAVE to have his match tonight, but the idiot probably let his pride get the better of him and said YES. Looks like Herb, our infallible do-gooder, isn’t so infallible after all!

Jacob Fudrucker approaches Loco Martinez with the F/X Network Championship extended to him. Looking down at it with a disgusted look on his face, Loco puts his hands up as if it were contaminated. Shaking his head, Fudrucker insists that he take the championship he just won. After some persuasion, Loco finally grabs a hold of the leather with his middle dinger and thumb as if it were a piece of trash. Holding it out away from his body, Loco Martinez shakes his head with disgust, even going as far as holding his nose as if a putrid stench permeated his senses,,, but not before looking down at the still unconscious Herb Moxley with a wide smirk.

Jimmy Yates: What a son of a bitch this guy is.

Bryan Harris: Language, James!

Jimmy Yates: Oh language my ass! This guy is a piece of...

Alan Ducard: JAMES. What’s done is done... just get some HELP down here already... Mox could be seriously hurt. This is not good..

EMT’s begin pouring out from the sides of the entrance ramp as the Von Bondies begin blaring over the loud speaker. Loco Martinez, the NEW F/X Network Champion and second round participant of the Hawkins Memorial Tournament, simply saunters his way to back completely proud of what he’s accomplished.

Patrick Kidd: I know they aren't the black polishable dress shoes that came with the suit, but those damn things hurt my feet, never could stand them.

Carter Franklin: I think we can let it slide, at least they aren't wheels.

Patrick Kidd: That's the truth, I couldn't stand being in that damn chair, not being able to walk around on my own two feet.

Carter Franklin: I have to admit when I saw you a few months ago visiting the boys and you were in that chair there was something different about you. I saw the match and heard you would probably never walk again, it made me happy when I saw you walk down that hall last week, you seemed to have a little bit of your old self back.

Patrick Kidd: It's been a tough couple of years Carter, but I'm not one to take things lying down, or sitting for that matter. I've had to admit to myself I'm not what I once was, and unfortunately I never will be. When you saw me months ago, I was pitying myself.

Carter Franklin: We all face hardships in life, and sometime they get the better of us. It took a lot of courage to get out of that chair.

Patrick Kidd: It also took a lot of money, faith, family, and friends. I had just enough left over to get the restaurant going, and I could of stayed home and managed the restaurant, but I missed the road, the other wrestlers, the fans, and the business. I hope Jessica can handle it, this life isn't easy, but then again it's not the same as it was when i was in the ring those were different days.

Carter Franklin: Kidd, it's a different life going from being out there to back here.

Patrick Kidd: I know, my ring days are behind me Carter, but that doesn't mean my days in the business are. I'm just happy to be a part of the business again. Watching guys like Mox, Crazy boy, and Moreno remind me why I enjoy this business so much. You might say I see a little bit of me in them. Then getting to see my old friends like Cade, Greyson, Carver, and even Azraith still go out there makes it worth it.

Carter Franklin: Well we're happy to have you a part of the LEGACY backstage team, keep up the good work. Here's your next assignment, make sure the boys get their plane tickets for Pittsburgh.

Carter starts to walk away and then stops.

Carter Franklin: Good Luck, Kidd.

Carter walks away and Kidd looks at the envelopes with names written on them and heads off toward the locker rooms.

They turn to start going down the hallway, chatting amongst themselves, though their words can’t be heard, when Andrew Kelley spots them from the other side of the hallway and runs after them, the camera crew following closely behind.

Andrew Kelley: Kid Lightning! FLASH Dynamite!

The two turn, FLASH’s fists instantly ball up, as Kid Lightning puts his hands to FLASH’s chest, trying to calm the bigger man down. Andrew Kelley takes a step back, trying to ease out of FLASH’s tense gaze.

Andrew Kelley: A moment of your time, please.

FLASH lowers his hands, and Kid Lightning looks at Andrew, a little incredulously, in fact.

Kid Lightning: A moment? All you want is a moment, Drewsifer?

Andrew Kelley: Drewsifer? My name is A–

Kid Lightning holds his hand up.

Kid Lightning: I’m aware, bucko. What I’m not aware of is why you want only a moment of our time, when we are clearly...CLEARLY....the only reason to tune into STRIFE every week. I would think you’d want more than a mere moment of our time. And so, because we’re feeling generous, we’re going to offer you three...whole...moments. Now make it quick.

Andrew Kelley stares blankly at Kid Lightning, when FLASH’s voice growls out at him.

FLASH Dynamite: You heard him...speak. Quick. Now.

Andrew Kelley nods his head repeatedly.

Andrew Kelley: Yes, uhh. The question I had in mind was...what were you doing in Landon Savage’s office? Is something going on we should all be aware of?

Kid Lightning looks at FLASH Dynamite, and FLASH appears to roll his eyes back, as Kid Lightning gestures his hand at Andrew, then waves his hands at himself and FLASH. He continues this motion for a few seconds, while looking between FLASH and Andrew.

Kid Lightning: Should...does this guy...are you for real? This guy? He...you want to...really?

FLASH places his hand on the top of Kid Lightning’s head and turns it slowly so that Kid Lightning is facing Andrew Kelley directly. His hands slowly drop down to his sides.

FLASH Dynamite: Yes. This guy is for real. Go ahead, tell him.

Kid Lightning: Alright, I’ll tell you, Drew’d the Dude. Listen carefully, because we’re only going to say this once. We? FLASH Dynamite and Kid Lightning? That tag team tandem lovingly known as the Flying Avengers...are fresh off of an absolutely DOMINATING performance at the Glimmer of Hope Pre-Show. So...we spoke to Landon Savage to see if, maybe...just maybe...we could climb up to the very top of the tag team ladder that we so rightfully deserve to be at the top of...

FLASH Dynamite: That’s a little redundant....

Kid Lightning: Whatever! ANYWAY! Ole’ Lando agreed with us. He said we deserve to have the opportunity to face Agents of Destiny. So next STRIFE...we have ourselves a match.

Kid Lightning looks around slowly, and FLASH Dynamite sighs heavily.

FLASH Dynamite: At STRIFE 54, we will face Domination for the opportunity to take on the Agents of Destiny, for the LEGACY World Tag Team Championship.

Kid Lightning continues looking around.

Kid Lighting: Dude, don’t be so loud about that last part. Maybe if we’re lucky they won’t show up, and we’ll win by forfeit, if no one tells them about it and all...

FLASH rolls his eyes again and turns to walk away, and Kid Lightning follows behind him.

Kid Lightning: Seriously, those dudes are big!

Andrew Kelley turns to the camera, as seriously as he can.

Andrew Kelley: Well, I...I guess it’s back to you guys, Jimmy, Alan, and Bryan!

Alan Ducard: There is some bad blood that carried over between the two, and while we may not have all the details, it should certainly make this an interesting match between the two.

Bryan Harris: Assuming Jester “I Can’t Catch A Damn Break In A LEGACY Ring” Smiles can actually show us just why he was so hyped up when he came here. I mean, first he loses to Loco Martinez, and then he doesn’t win the Co-Op Challenge. How long is LEGACY just going to sit around and watch this man lose before they stop pushing him?

Alan Ducard: He was in the top five at the Co-Op Challenge, Bryan, and he was screwed out of his match with Loco Martinez. I mean, you can’t seriously be this blind.

Bryan Harris: You can’t seriously be this biased. And gay.

Jimmy Yates: Either wa-

Bryan Harris: And ugly.

Jimmy Yates: EITHER WAY, this is a chance for both men to really prove themselves in LEGACY. So here we go. Dave Hawkins Memorial Tournament, Jester Smiles vs. Thomas Manchester Black!

Bryan Harris: Look at this! I said it from the beginning of this match. Jester can’t hang, and Thomas Manchester Black has been manhandling him this entire match.

Jimmy Yates: Can’t disagree with results. TMB has been brawling and brutal so far, and since the bell started, roughly six minutes ago, it’s been all Thomas Manchester Black.

Jester gets to his feet and puts his fists up, circling. Thomas Manchester Black signals for a tie up, which Jester obliges. TMB manages to overpower Jester and turn the move into a headlock. TMB proceeds to drop punches into the head of Jester, which he transitions into a headlock takedown. He holds the side headlock on the ground and delivers more punches. Again Quatro begins his count, and at four, TMB releases the hold, but plants a FIRM boot in the ribs of Jester. Quatro again admonishes TMB, who doesn’t seem to care in the least.

Alan Ducard: Cheap shot by Black there.

Bryan Harris: Good strategy by Black there.

Jimmy Yates: And now he just waits for Jester to get back up.

Once Jester is up, TMB finds himself behind Jester. Black lunges forward, locking in a waist lock, which he turns into a belly to back suplex! Black holds on and stands up. He launches Jester overhead with a German Suplex, bridging for the pin! Quatro makes the count!

ONE!

TW-Jester gets the shoulder up, but Black rolls through, lifting Jester up. He spins Jester around and just slaps the taste out of Jester’s mouth, causing the crowd to boo loudly. With Jester daze, Black pulls Jester in and launches him across the ring with Spinning Leghook Belly to Belly Suplex!

Bryan Harris: Tarheel Suplex!

Black methodically stalks over to Jester and makes the pin, only going for the lateral press. Quatro pins.

ONE!

TWO!

Jester kickouts before Quatro can get to three.

Alan Ducard: Arrogance. That might have been a win if TMB had taken the time to hook the leg.

Bryan Harris: Shut up Alan. I love this kids attitude. He doesn’t care what you think, and he knows he’s got this match won either way.

Jimmy Yates: I’m not gonna count Jester completely out, but I have to admit, things don’t look good for the hero.

Bryan Harris: You mean the clown.

Again Black just stands up and stalks Jester, playfully nudging Jester with his foot. Jester is slow to get up, and TMB simply waits, staying directly behind Jester at all times. Once Jester is up, TMB lashes forward, locking Jester in a reverse facelock. TMB makes a finger gun and points it at Jester, signaling for the end.

Bryan Harris: Here comes the Violent Party. This one is OVER!

TMB goes for the spin, but Jester is actually able to slip out, which causes the fans to pop! Jester looks dizzy though, and TMB rushes forward, going for a high yakuza kick, but Jester ducks and sidesteps. Jester and TMB turn at the same time, and TMB is FLATTENED with a high spinning roundhouse kick!

Alan Ducard: Bloody ‘ell!

Jester goes down as well, looking exhausted. The image cuts to a split screen, one showing the real time match, the other a slow motion replay of the kick! You can see TMB’s head flatten against his shoulder as his neck bends awkwardly. The crowd, in real time, start a “THAT WAS AWESOME!” chant.

Jimmy Yates: I have to agree with the crowd. That was pretty awesome.

Bryan Harris: That just bought Jester time. TMB will be back up to destroy him in a second.

Jester is up shortly before TMB, but Jester is shaky on his feet and rests on the ropes. TMB, however, looks completely out of things, his eyes glazed over. TMB charges forward, throwing a sloppy haymaker that Jester is able to dodge. Jester lashes out with a very precise left jab that hits TMB right under his right eye. Jester launches a right that hits TMB in the jaw! Another left that catches TMB in the cheek! Jester chases TMB the length of the ring, launching punches! TMB tries to use the ropes for refuge, but Jester pulls him away with a Thai Clinch, launching knee after knee into the body of Black! Jester follows it up with some elbows in the clinch, followed by a transition to a front waist lock that turns into a belly to belly suplex! Jester pins!

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-TMB just gets the shoulder up.

Alan Ducard: Where did THIS come from!?

Jimmy Yates: Those strikes were frighteningly precise.

Jester stands up, taking TMB with him. TMB launches a quick punch, though, that just clips Jester’s groin. Jester falls back, clutching himself, and TMB reals back for a punch, but Jester is quick to snap off a lightning fast shuffle side kick!

Jimmy Yates: Virginia Side Kick and holy crap was that fast!

TMB doesn’t fall. Rather he simply stands, dazed and light on his feet. Jester grabs the nearest arm, floats back and locks on a chicken wing. With his free hand, Jester locks in a half nelson. He then looks at the crowd, screaming with cheers for the comeback, and yells out “BA-DUM CHING!” He then throws TMB back with the Half and Half Suplex!

Alan Ducard: RIMSHOT SUPLEX!

TMB lands on his neck, flips all the way over, lifts up to his knees, and then falls flat. Jester scrambles over and goes for the pin, hooking the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!

Jester Smiles is quickly off TMB and he LEAPS in the air with joy as the fans cheer wildly!

Josephina Colbert: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, advancing to the quarter finals of the Dave Hawkins Memorial Tournament…JESSSSTEEER SMIIIIIIIILES!!!!!!!!

Ross Quatro is not able to hold Jester’s arm up, as he is already out of the ring and in the front row, celebrating with a few fans who have on Jester Smiles merchandise! One of them, a young boy wearing a mardi gras mask, gives Jester his water bottle, which Jester happily drinks from!

Bryan Harris: He just stole that kids water!

Alan Ducard: An impressive come from behind victory for Jester Smiles here as he steals it away from a VERY game Thomas Manchester Black.

Black is on his knees and he glares a whole in Jester. Jester notices and points to his head in a motion of ‘too clever’, mouthing ‘I got you’.

Jimmy Yates: Black none to happy about this, but there is nothing he can do. Jester did, in fact, get him, and it will be Jester Smiles moving on to the next round of the Dave Hawkins Memorial Tournament.

Intern Avery: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m standing by with the winner of The Co Op Challenge, The Pale Rider in the flesh, ISSAC ENTRAGIAN!

As the camera pans backwards we see the cause of Avery’s distress, sitting on his custom-built throne of rusted metalwork. Entragian is dressed to the nines, wearing an ivory colored suit with black pinstripes. He sports a slim black tie, and perhaps his best fashion accessory is the voluptuous she-demon that sits on his knee, Elizabeth Gaunt, wearing a short white skirt and a white baby tee with the words “PALE IS THE RIDER” stricken across her ample bosom in black lettering.

In the background HIM’s cover of “Don’t Fear The Reaper” plays softly, adding an almost egotistical bit of ambience to this interview setting. Upon hearing his introduction, Entragian leans forward on the seat of his throne, using one hand to push a few locks of white hair behind his ear. Those green eyes, the eyes of a cold-blooded killer, fall directly on Avery, and at the same moment a grin of sharpened glee spreads across the albino’s face.

The Pale Rider: You’re sweating bullets Avery. It’s bad for your complexion. But hell, I suppose that’s the natural reaction for an average joe like yourself when sitting this close to the physical embodiment of GREATNESS.

Entragian jacks a thumb towards his own chest, his smile riding so high on his cheeks that it looks like it could very well tear the flesh at any moment.

Intern Avery: Ahem. W-W-Well I’d like to get your thoughts on a few subjects Issac, see if we can shed some light on one of the fastest rising LEGACY superstars in the company today.

The Pale Rider: By all means. Grill me, Intern. If I couldn’t take the heat I wouldn’t spend time in the kitchen. Ain’t that right Liz?

Entragian squeezes the side of Elizabeth’s ass cheek for emphasis, and Gaunt coos with delight, curling herself more tightly around her destructive machine of a man.

Intern Avery: Right. First things first, I would like to congratulate you on winning on The Co Op Challenge. It was a hard fought contest full of some of LEGACY’s best and brightest stars, and you came out on top. How do you feel about that victory?

The Pale Rider: Pretty f*cking good. But let’s be honest Avery, the conclusion of that match was never in question. I was the favorite from the start, you simply don’t bet against The Terror. That would be an extremely unwise investment, wouldn’t you agree?

Avery doesn’t bother answering honestly; he nods his head up and down quickly, like a bobble-head, obviously more concerned with saving his own skin and leaving this interview unscathed while keeping Issac’s twisted “reputation” in mind.

The Pale Rider: Of course you agree. That match was a talent smorgasbord, you had legends and young thoroughbreds of every shape and form, but once more I rise to the occasion when the taste of glory wets my lips. I just can’t get enough of it Avery; it has become my addiction, my drug. I inject myself with glory whenever possible, and I’ll ride that wave straight into the open arms of championship gold.

Intern Avery: You really dominated in that match, what was your strategy going into Glimmer of Hope?

The Pale Rider: Avery what you need to understand is that I’m like a wrecking ball; I rail through ANYTHING and ANYONE that happens to be standing in my way. It doesn’t matter who rounds out the ranks, if that person is between me and my aspirations, they will find themselves trampled underfoot with the underside of my boot heels stamped across their face. Sure there were some tough and wily dogs in that match, but those threats were an afterthought for me, the two thoughts that kept pulsing in my brain were “DESTROY/WIN”. They synced up together and created that mantra, and I allowed it to lead me to victory.

Intern Avery: Who were some of your biggest competitors in the match? Anyone really give you a run for your money?

Entragian rubs his chin, seeming to actually consider Avery’s question.

The Pale Rider: Well despite the fact that I railed through my opponents with obvious ease, there were a few who left lasting impressions with me. Blade was his old and sour self, always a threat. But you see who pinned his legendary ass, didn’t you? Marion was a constant annoyance, that blonde scumsucker tried so hard to get the job done, but he failed, as he was destined to fail. Carver & Smiles put up a decent scuffle, but nothing I wasn’t prepared for. And when it came down to Mox and I, final two, I found out that the nerd with the face that just screams “PUNCH ME” actually has a set of gonads on him. So yes, it was a hard fought war, but only one man walked away with the big V in his pocket. And you just happen to be talking to that dashing son of a bitch right now…

Intern Avery: I suppose the most important question is this Issac, where do you go from here? What are you plans at this juncture in your career?

The Pale Rider: Heh. That should be crystal clear Avery, even for a poorly educated toady like you. I am concerned solely with becoming The World Champion, and having earned the right of Number One Contendership, it’s only a matter of time before I ascend even higher into LEGACY’s upper pantheon. Rather it amounts to me picking the bones of a crippled piece of meat like X-Calibur, or delivering a humiliating defeat to The Blonde ( IF he wins his match at STRIFE 54 ), regardless of who the champion is come Destined for Greatness, I’ll do what I do best. I’ll f*cking win, and feed my appetite for glory with yet another tasty helping of victory.

Entragian leans forward, grinning wolfishly, his eyes burning like radioactive waste as he speaks in his very best “sincere” voice.

The Pale Rider: Oh, and Blondie? I’m sure you’re watching this; I just wanted to wish you good luck next week. Tear his other f*cking arm off if you can, hell, shove that severed arm up Eryk Van Warren’s “loose N ‘legendary” sphincter if the opportunity presents itself, might as well make an impression, right? There’s nothing I like better than someone doing my dirty work for me. I truly appreciate you being the pawn to my king.

Issac pauses, chuckling and wringing his hands together.

The Pale Rider: Chess really is such a delicious game, isn’t it Marcus?

At this point in the interview Entragian stands fully vertical, dwarfing the seated Avery George with his titanic frame. Issac carefully buttons up his suit coat, looking down on Avery with a purely toxic look in his eyes.

The Pale Rider: Now that I’ve fully expressed myself, the time has come for a little celebration and recuperation, and I’m a simple man Avery, I don’t ask for much. I plan on going back to my hotel suite, having a glass of red wine, and f*cking Miss Gaunt here until she bleeds. Anymore questions, Georgie Boy? Did you get your little scoop?

Avery’s jaw has fallen agape at this point, and it takes every fiber of his being just to close his own mouth. He attempts the word “Thanks” but all that his vocal cords produce is something like a muffled croaking noise. Entragian chuckles, ripping the mic from the lapel of his suit jacket and rudely throwing it into Avery’s face before taking Liz around the waist and sauntering out of frame.

Andrew Kelley: Diego, what are you doing?! I thought the EMT's took you off in an ambulance!

Diego de Cardenas: Those bitches tried, but my business wasn't through here tonight - not until I get my hands on that puta!!

Again Diego lunges forward and tries to grab at Adam Davis, but he's still held back. Unable to put up too much of a fight in his condition, Diego calms himself for a moment while Davis rolls his eyes.

Diego de Cardenas: What, you knew you couldn't beat me, so you had to jump me from behind right before our match, leave me bloodied, and get a free pass to the second round?

When Adam doesn't initially respond, Andrew Kelley looks at him, then looks back at Diego.

Andrew Kelley: Diego, as much as you might want to believe that Adam Davis is behind this attack, I can assure you that he wasn't.

Diego de Cardenas: MIERDA!! He's jealous that Hannah wants me back, he doesn't want to add on the embarrassment of losing to a non-gringo in the Hawkins, so he takes the bitch's way out of it instead of facing me like a man!

The interviewer shakes his head.

Andrew Kelley: Diego, you say this happened right before your match?

Diego de Cardenas: Damn right! I was about to leave the locker room, went back in to get something, and before I knew it - BAM! Cold steel on the back of the head, then I wake up with EMTs all around, cleanin' blood off my face!

The interviewer shakes his head, preparing to answer, but Davis' cold, unemotional retort cuts him off.

Adam Davis: Listen, Diego...I know the obvious choice to knock that lopsided head of yours in would be yours truly, and honestly? I am flattered, but the fact is. I never "need" someone to help me win matches and advance in the Hawkins..I could have just as easily given you the same outcome out in front of the fans. Besides, I have an alibi.

Kelley looks at Diego and solemnly nods to the fired up Latino. Adam cracks an amused smile.

Adam Davis: As much as it pains me to not be telling you I was too busy tapping Hannah from behind, with a handful of her hair and the taste of her mouth on my lips..I hit it and quit it. Fact is, I was back here preparing an interview with Kelley and working out the kinks in my next piece of merchandise.

Refusing to believe it, Diego starts walking, taking an arced path around to the other side of Adam Davis, the same people standing in his way. Adam barely moves, just keeping his eyes on Diego.

Diego de Cardenas: I'm still not convinced that you're free and clear on this one, Davis, and you can be damn sure that by the end of tonight, I'll find out who did this to me... and when I find out that you're somehow involved? You're going to spill as much blood as I did, gringo.

Taking a few more steps backwards, Diego distances himself from Adam Davis but keeps his eyes locked on. Reaching a point where another hallway meets up, Cardenas doesn't even notice the man who rushes in at him and levels him with a chairshot to the side of the head. Standing above Diego's lifeless body is a man who has yet to appear on LEGACY cameras before, and so a portion of the audience is silent because they don't know who he is, but the other portion of the audience is stunned to see him.

Ledge.

Ledge looks down at Diego, his head cocked slightly to the side and a smirk on his face.

Ledge: Sorry, Diego, baby... this gringo didn't feel like waiting all night for your manhunt. But look at it this way, you can always say that you were the first to experience the...Ledge-ACY.

Ledge chuckles as he and Davis leave Andrew Kelley to attend Diego's prone and bloody form.

Reaching back, J-Mo grabs Stephen by the head with one arm, pulls him in closer and then reaches back with his other arm and rakes the eyes, forcing Stephen to break the hold.

Bryan Harris: That's not exactly a legal tactic from Surfer Kid Fanboy!

When Moreno gets back up to a vertical base, he wastes no time and spins around and begins laying into Rawlings' face with rapid-fire forearm shots, each one rocking Stephen backwards towards the corner and exciting the fans even more.

Jimmy Yates: A flurry of offense from Justin...

With Stephen a few feet from the corner, Moreno hops up off the mat and connects with a standing double-leg dropkick to the chest that sends Rawlings back first into the corner turnbuckles with a huge jolt, sending him down into a seated position in the corner and exciting the fans even more.

Alan Ducard: An opening here for more offense, Moreno heads off into the opposite corner, pushes off the ropes for a little more momentum... CHARGES IN...

Jimmy Yates: FACE WASH KICK!!

The fans cheering him on, Justin grabs Stephen by the arm and lifts him up off the mat and puts Rawlings into a seated position up onto top rope. Grabbing Stephen by the head, Justin tucks his opponent in onto his shoulder and grabs underneath Rawlings' knees, trying to hoist him up off the top turnbuckle.

Bryan Harris: Don't tell me Justin Moreno is going for a muscle buster...

Jimmy Yates: Why not?! He and Rawlings are about the same size!

As Justin lifts Stephen up, Rawlings extends his legs upwards and over, blocking the attempt and sliding down to his feet directly behind Moreno. Quickly locking his arms with Justin's, Stephen uses the back-to-back positioning to his advantage and goes for a backslide...

ONE...

TWO...!

NO!!!

Alan Ducard: Moreno kicks out of the near-fall attempt, and it was quite the counter by Stephen Rawlings.

Justin Moreno, in a fit of frustration, gets to his feet first, and when Stephen has his legs planted on the ground, J-Mo sends a viscous leg kick into his thigh that echoes throughout the arena, getting some cheers from some of the fans who are enjoying Justin's intensity. A second leg kick on Rawlings excites even more of them, and Stephen winces in pain. When Justin goes for the kick a third time, Rawlings blocks it and uses a dragon screw legwhip to send Justin down to the mat.

Bryan Harris: Somebody goes to the well one time too often, and now Moreno's caught in an ankle lock!

Alan Ducard: You have to be impressed with the swiftness with which Rawlings hooked in that submission maneuver, and Justin Moreno is going to have to fight it quick or risk having to tap out.

Unable to reach with his arms to help pry himself free, J-Mo raises his free leg and does his best to hammer it downward, connecting with kicks to Stephen's shin. The third kick causes Stephen to wince, and he lets go of the submission attempt. Both men get back to their feet, showing some wear-and-tear on their legs from the respective attacks they've been enduring.

Jimmy Yates: Justin Moreno again the aggressor...

After connecting with a forearm shot that rocks Stephen back a bit, Justin goes for a haymaker but Rawlings blocks it, then immediately hooks elbows, grabs Moreno by the head and takes him flash down to the mat with a spinning neckbreaker.

Bryan Harris: That guy's got a counter for everything!

Taking Justin by the head, Rawlings controls Moreno's return to his feet, hooks him in and takes him down with a snap suplex. Not wasting any time, he again lifts Justin to his feet, this time taking Moreno by the head and dropping down into a small package.

ONE...

TWO...!

THR...NO!!!

Alan Ducard: Beautifully technical pinfall attempt by Rawlings, and you can tell just how badly he wants to win this match and get himself one step closer to his third straight Hawkins Memorial Tournament finals.

Returning to their feet, Rawlings immediately attempts an irish whip, but Justin reverses it and sends Stephen into the ropes, catching him with a flying leg lariat on the return, sending him right down to the mat. Diving in, Justin begins hammering down onto the side of Stephen's face with hammer-fists. When referee Klinton Porter sees Stephen Rawlings extend his leg, getting it underneath the bottom rope, he swiftly moves in and pushes Justin back, telling him that the fists have to stop.

Jimmy Yates: I don't think I've ever seen Moreno fight this intensely before!

Bryan Harris: I'm not his biggest fan in the world, but if he keeps up like this, I might start to look forward to more of his matches.

Stephen Rawlings works to get back to a vertical base, and Justin tries to get back in on the attack. Swinging in with a forearm shot, Justin's attempt is deflected, and Stephen drives his knee into Justin's ribs. Twisting his opponent around, Rawlings locks J-Mo into an abdominal stretch.

Alan Ducard: Another highly technical move by Stephen Rawlings, and if you mix this abdominal stretch with that knee to the ribs, Stephen Rawlings attacking the core muscles of Justin Moreno would make it increasingly difficult for Justin to maintain his balance here as the match continues.

Jimmy Yates: Justin's trying to wriggle free...

Trying not to lose the offensive position, Stephen brings Moreno back up to a vertical base, connects his arms by putting one around Justin's neck and the other up under the arm, Rawlings then hits a modified belly-to-back suplex, sending Moreno down onto the back of his shoulders and neck. Reaching over, Stephen hooks a leg and goes for a pinfall attempt.

ONE...

TWO...!

NO!!!

Alan Ducard: Moreno kicking out just in time!

Frustrated, Stephen Rawlings bangs his fist against the mat and then works his way back up to his feet, reaching down to help Justin get up quicker to start back on his offensive. Moreno drives a fist into Stephen's gut, spoiling his plans, then grabs him by the wrist and shoots him off into the ropes. On the return, Justin takes him down with a drop toe hold, then immediately rolls backwards and gets his feet underneath him, just long enough to spring forward and connect with a low drop kick to the head. Watching as Stephen rolls over onto his back, it's clear that he's in a lot of pain, so Justin rolls to the side and gets out onto the apron, using the ropes to get to his feet.

Jimmy Yates: We could be about to see a high risk move that J-Mo is known for!

Having just returned to his feet, Justin leaps up to the top rope, using it to spring him off towards the middle of the ring. He goes for a flying bodysplash... BUT NOBODY'S HOME!!!

Bryan Harris: Brilliant! Stephen Rawlings lures him in and then rolls away, great way to play possum!!

Alan Ducard: I wouldn't put it past him, but I don't know that Rawlings had the energy to move before that very last moment.

Sensing an opening, Stephen staggers to his feet and sends a soccer style kick to the ribs, then a stomp to the chest. He then makes a direct course for the corner, exiting out onto the apron.

Bryan Harris: Now let's see what a pro can do when using a high risk move at an opportune time.

Alan Ducard: He'll have to hurry, as Justin Moreno is returning to his feet.

With Justin standing dazed, Rawlings leaps off top rope, flying over his opponent and flipping himself over. He tries to pull, going for a sunset flip, but Justin slams his fist downwards into Stephen's face, then reaches back and quickly grabs one of Stephen's legs, holding Rawlings down on the mat.

Jimmy Yates: Pinfall attempt...!

With the crowd chanting along...

ONE!!!

Moreno lifts his leg, putting it onto the second rope...

TWO!!!

THR... NO!!!

"OOOOOHHH!!!"

The referee stops the count just before he would've said "Three" as he spots Moreno's foot on the middle rope. He immediately admonishes Justin, who gets to his feet and looks like he could almost punch Klinton Porter, but he refrains. Stephen Rawlings gets to his knees, unseen by either the referee or Moreno, comes up behind Justin and swiftly throws his fist upwards, connecting with a low blow before falling back down to the mat. As Justin doubles over, Klinton Porter checks to see what happened, and he's confused, as Stephen appears lifeless just behind Moreno. Reaching up with a seemingly lifeless hand, Stephen grabs Justin by the back of the shorts and pulls him down into a schoolboy roll-up, and Klinton Porter slides in to make the count.

ONE...

Rawlings pulls even harder on the back waistband for more leverage...

TWO...!

Jimmy Yates: Say it ain't so!!

THREE.

Klinton Porter looks to the time keeper and signals the final bell of the evening.