Anna C. Flowers
(EAW Intro plays)
(Camera opens to a view of Drake King’s face as he speaks.)
Drake King: All right gentlemen. Regardless of the situation, we’ve prepared for tonight. Phase one was their false sense of security. Phase two was stepping into the light. Tonight… tonight we begin phase three.
(Camera pans backwards to reveal that Drake is speaking on video chat on a cell phone held by Joshua Nicholls. Jake Smith and Jax Walker stand on either side of him. They’re in a locker room.)
Jake Smith: We gotcha, King. Operation: Showdown Takedown is in full effect.
Joshua Nicholls: That really the name we’re gonna go with?
Jake Smith: Do you have a better one?
Joshua Nicholls: Somehow, no I don’t. So I’m good with it.
Jax Walker: I’m not worried about some code name. Let’s keep things focused and show these guys what we’re made of.
Drake King: Jax has the right idea. You three execute tonight. Then after I come back next week, no one dares screw with us ever again.
(The four all share cocky grins)
Drake King: You know what you have to do. You know the plan. Get to it.
(Jax hangs up the phone and the three leave the locker room together.)
(“DNA” by Kendrick Lamar starts up as the Showdown intro plays for the broadcast before cutting in to the sold out Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The crowd is going wild and the camera pans over them where we see various signs such as “MALCOLM IS MY KING”, “CUT MARIOTA”, and “CHUDD WAS ROBBED” before planning to Eve and Deadprez at the commentary desk.)
Eve: HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME! I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER BECAUSE WE ARE FINALLY BACK ON SATURDAY NIGHT! THIS IS SATURDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN! WE HAVE ANOTHER JAM PACKED SHOW FOR YOU ALL TONIGHT INCLUDING A GUEST APPEARANCE FROM VOLTAGE’S OWN JACK RIPLEY!! MY NAME IS EVE AND IM JOINED AS ALWAYS BY THE MAN YOU ALL KNOW AND LOVE, DEADPREZ!
Deadprez: That’s right! And we will see at least one more man qualify for the Grand Rampage as Cody Marshall takes on Justiciar Eric, who I have to say I’ve been much more impressed with since he’s started showing a much more vicious side.
Eve: Vicious doesn’t begin to describe it with his initial attack on Shane Gates and the follow up we saw just the other day on Empire. But speaking of people who have been vicious, Hurricane Hawk has issued a challenge to the Round Table. They’ve run roughshod for a few weeks now and with Drake King suspended, can Jake Smith, Jax Walker, and Joshua Nicholls, can the Knights of the Round Table stand on their own? Damon Diesel will he seeking revenge for their attack last week, Jack Haze has his own history facing these men, and Terry Chambers can say the same as we will see him return tonight. It’s going to be a fascinating matchup and you have to wonder what Hurricane Hawk has in mind for it.
Deadprez: We have to wait and find out it seems. And like you said, Terry Chambers will be making his return tonight after a brutal beating at the hands of Cody Marshall at Under Siege. It’s good to see a guy like Terry get back at it once again and we expect to hear an address from him tonight.
(“Can’t Be Touched” by Roy Jones Jr. hits as Terry Chambers walks out to the cheering crowd.)
Deadprez: Or maybe right this second.
(Terry walks down to the ring with a microphone in hand, waving to some of the fans as he walks up and climbs into the ring. )
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, The Barbaric Carnivore… TERRY CHAMBERS!!!!
Crowd: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
(Terry grins as he looks around at the cheering fans.)
Terry Chambers: I’m not gonna lie. Still not used to that. You guys cheering for me like that. Ever since that whole shift with Solomon though you guys chose to support me. And while things haven’t always gone my way… I appreciate it. I really do.
Crowd: TERRY! TERRY! TERRY!
Terry Chambers: Haha. Thank you. Thank you all. But… that’s not what I need to talk about. I’ve been here four years. Four long ass years. And I can’t look around say I’ve had anything close to my due. Every time I get close to a championship, everything seems to go to shit for me. So then back at Under Siege I have to watch as four punks go and steal the Interwire Championship, a title I competed for only a couple of months ago. Now Drake may be suspended tonight with the title, but I can still take four years of pent up rage out on his sidekicks. Me, Damon, and Jack haven’t always been on the same page but there’s not a doubt in my mind that the three of us combined are much more than these so called “Knights”.
(Terry pauses for a moment as he looks around at the crowd. He adjusts the microphone in his hand and continues.)
Terry Chambers: Jax Walker was maybe the only thing more vanilla than Rex McAllister in this entire company so he jumped on the first chance he got to give his career some spice. The Revolution have already lost their one chance at the Unified Tag Team Championships after being nothing more than a middle of the road act that only has any relevance because they’re the only existing tag team on Showdown. And I don’t care what Drake King did to Solomon, he went and won his championship in the most pathetic way possible when he pulled these three cheap shot artists in to help him. The Round Table are nothing more than drift wood, four little fish who are lost in the sea of the main roster and cling to each other so they can extend their contract for a short burst because they know Mr. DEDEDE likes anything that pops even a minor rating. But soon as that burst ends, all of you will be wished well on your future endeavors and we will all watch with smiles as you four walk out the door into the remainder of your lives.
(The crowd begins to buzz as he speaks)
Terry Chambers: But that’s the future. My concern is tonight. My concern is teaching these miserable punks what happens when you fuck around and get too big for yourself. And I’ll make it my personal mission to wrap my arm around all three of their throats and—
(“Resistance” by Skillet hits to massive boos as Jax Walker steps out onto the stage, flipping a microphone in his hand.)
Jax Walker: Hey Terry. How’s it going? Feeling better, pal?
Terry Chambers: What the hell do you want right now? Your ass beating is scheduled for later.
Jax Walker: Look, Terry. I like you. I respect you. You’ve worked hard around here for your career. But you come out here and wanna tear us down for the waves we’ve made and you know deep down it’s not because you think we are a flash in the pan. Quite the opposite. It’s because you know that in a few short weeks we’ve made more waves than you’ve ever made in your entire four years here. So The Round Table has made a special tribute. The career retrospective of Terry Chambers. Available for pre-order tomorrow. Watch as chapter one shows Terry set the bar by coming in and being a remarkable beast in his rookie year. Then see chapter two show how Terry straddles the bar fighting to gain a major position and coming just short. Then see chapter three showing Terry banging his nuts on the bar before falling off entirely as we get up to present day where after all this time you’ve never lived up to the hype that followed you, marking you as a failure. It’s available for pre-order tomorrow, Terry, because after tonight there won’t be a chapter four.
(Terry is fuming inside the ring.)
Terry Chambers: You talk real big for a guy without his backup aroun—
(Joshua Nicholls smashes Terry from behind with a forearm to the back of the head as Jake Smith slides into the ring with a steel chair. Jax Walker runs down the ramp and slides into the ring.)
Eve: WAIT!! WHAT?!? WHERE DID THESE TWO COME FROM! THEY JUST APPEARED OUTTA NOWHERE!!
Deadprez: THEY MUST HAVE COME THROUGH THE CROWD!!
(Josh holds Terry in place as Jake cracks the chair over his skull.)
Jax Walker: Yeah. That’s the thing about us. We’re never that far behind each other.
(Jax tosses the microphone out of the ring and Josh and Jax begin to stomp Terry’s head in and Jake begins to smash the chair over his back.)
Deadprez: They’re just picking Terry apart now!
Eve: This just isn’t necessary!
(Jax begins to direct some traffic as he points down at Terry and talks to Jake and Josh.)
Eve: What are they doing now… they… Jake is positioning that chair underneath the head of Terry Chambers! Jake and Josh now holding Chambers over the chair…
Deadprez: JAX IS CLIMBING THE TURNBUCKLES! BIG MAN DOES NOT NORMALLY GO THAT HIGH! HE— HES GONNA JUMP!
(Jax leaps from the top turnbuckle for the jumping curb stomp, driving Terry’s head into the chair with a disgusting crack.)
Eve: They’ve just decimated Terry Chambers! And now they’re gonna—
(Crowd picks up as suddenly security rushes the ring, followed by Jack Haze and Damon Diesel, then by Hurricane Hawk with a microphone.)
Hurricane Hawk: DO NOT LET THEM GET AWAY!
(The Round Table immediately exit the ring and hop the barrier into the crowd as they run up to a fan exit.)
Hurricane Hawk: You three stay the hell where you are!
(The Round Table stand at the top of the fan stairs, looking back at the massacre and crowd of people around and inside the ring that they’ve left, grinning as they look at it.)
Hurricane Hawk: I know you boys like to run right out the door anytime you do something, but stick around. You’re match is still happening. By gawd almighty I swear it will.
(Damon and Jack stand in the ring calling for the group to come down, but the three stand at the top, all exchanging a glance.)
Jake Smith (off-mic): We’ll see you when the bell rings.
(The Round Table exit into the fan area as Hawk stands at the top of the stage, looking at the chaos around him.)
(Commercial for Sunday Night Voltage, featuring the King of Elite, Malcolm Jones, versus the New Breed Champion, Visual Prophet.)
(The camera opens to Gina Romano in the middle of the ring)
Gina Romano: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!!!
(“Ambitionz az a Ridah” by Tupac blares around the arena as TLA comes out with a Mcdonalds Happy Meal box, as he stands on the stage looking around little stubby hands desperately come out from the curtain but are quickly pulled back.)
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST, RESIDING IN THE POON PALACE, WEIGHING IN AT 210 POUNDS…LA PANTERA SEXUAL…T…L…A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: Well Eve they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and I think that’s what TLA is doing today.
Eve: In my opinion this is TLA’s biggest challenge to date, someone who can’t even move a inch, Chudd.
(TLA enters the ring and takes out a french fry and eats it as “Fat” by Weird Al hits to a standing ovation and Chudd slowly comes out on a forklift, he tries to flail his arms to get the happy meal box but he’s obviously too far.)
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING NEXT FROM LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS WEIGHING IN AT 450 POUNDS…CHUDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: :damn:
Eve: Chudd is going to squish him…
Deadprez: TLA always finds a way around these situations…
Eve: You sure?
(Chudd stomps one foot down on the apron, the ring shakes and TLA is thrown over the top rope and out of the ring. TLA quickly getting back into the ring and into the corner throwing fries at Chudd, the bell rings as Chudd leans forward to grab the fries.)
(DING DING DING!)
Deadprez: TLA QUICKLY RUNNING OVER…DROPKICK TO THE HEAD OF CHUDD-WAIT WHAT! HE’S STILL STANDING! Chudd looking to attack as he’s walking towards TLA, TLA taking a step back…CHUDD WITH A CLOTHESLINE-NO TLA SLIDING UNDER CHUDD, BUT CHUDD WITH A HIP ATTACK KNOCKING DOWN TLA. Looks like TLA is trying to avoid Chudd rolling out of the ring, oh lord he’s grabbing the Happy Meal box again. Chudd looking like he just saw Santa dashing out of the ring, ow, ow TLA moving on to the chicken nuggets making Chudd go on his knees and eat them off the floor, smart strategy from TLA.
Ref: HEY DON’T MAKE ME DISQUALIFY YOU!
TLA: I DIDN’T EVEN HIT HIM WITH IT!
Eve: TLA making a good point as the ref shrugs it off, TLA LOCKING IN A SLEEPER HOLD ON CHUDD! BUT- CHUDD JUST FALLING FLAT TO THE FLOOR, NO! HE’S CRUSHING TLA! TLA IS TRYING TO BREATHE FOR AIR, WHAT! TLA WITH ALL HIS STRENGTH, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE! CHUDD SLOWLY ROLLING OFF TLA, TLA running back into the ring, I think he’s gasping for air. Chudd is reaching up with his stubby little hands, OH- THE RING TILTS FORWARD AS CHUDD GRABS BOTH HANDS ON THE APRON TRYING TO GET UP! TLA ROLLING FORWARD CLOSELY TO CHUDD, HE’S CLIMBING THO! TLA IS GRASPING ONTO THE MAT…CHUDD IS UP! TLA RUNS TO THE ROPES, SUICIDE DIVE- NO CHUDD GRABS ONTO TLA, TLA LIFTED INTO THE AIR! YIKES HE’S THROWN OVER THE TOP ROPE AND BACK INTO THE RING!
Deadprez: I don’t think it’s just me but the ring slightly tilts as Chudd gets into the ring, hurts me even to watch. TLA RUNNING TO CHUDD…DROPKICK! BUT CHUDD IS STILL STANDING AS TLA RICOCHETS OFF HIS BELLY! Chudd finally getting into the ring leveling it to the ground, BUT TLA IS COMING BACK HE’S CIRCLING AROUND CHUDD! CHUDD IS TRYING TO TURN HIS HEAD AND MOVE AROUND BUT HE CAN’T CHECK UP TO TLA…TLA KICKING CHUDD DOWN TO ONE KNEE…TLA IS STRUGGLING…CROSSED PATHS! THE CROSS ARMBREAKER IS LOCKED IN ON CHUDD, HOW IS TLA MANAGING TO DO THIS I DON’T KNOW!
Eve: WAIT! THE REF NOTICED…CHUDD’S GOT HIS ARM ON THE ROPES! THE REF IS TRYING TO GET TLA TO LET GO, he lets go. TLA frustrated as he moves to the corner nearest Chudd, Chudd rolling around as the ring shakes…he’s getting up to a crawling position, TLA RUNNING OVER, DOUBLE KNEES TO THE BACK OF CHUDD’S HEAD! TLA bringing, or at least trying to get Chudd up…TLA WITH THE VERY MEXICAN UPPERCUT! BUT THAT’S ONLY STRAIGHTENING CHUDD UP- CHUDD’S GRABBED TLA AROUND THE NEXT, HE’S LIFTED HIM UP. TLA IS SLAMMED RIGHT INTO THE CORNER! TLA falling down quickly to the ground, oh god Chudd going to the middle rope, TLA COMING UP GRABBING CHUDD AROUND THE LEGS…BUT CHUDD LEAPS, TLA IS PUSHED DOWN, SITTING AROUND! TLA’S GOTTA BE DEAD! CHUDD STILL SITTING THERE THE REF GOING FOR THE PIN!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: TLA! TLA’S FOOT IS ON THE ROPES! THE REF IS TRYING TO PULL CHUDD OFF TLA, BUT HE CAN’T! TLA IS FLAILING AROUND…CHUDD FINALLY STANDS UP!
TLA: IT SMELLED LIKE AGUA BASUTA IN THERE!
Eve: Strong words by TLA to describe Chudd. TLA quickly rolling out of the ring, he’s circling around…HE’S COMING BACK IN FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDE, TLA MANEUVERING AROUND…CARTEL KICK! CHUDD STUMBLES BACK, DROPKICK BY TLA PUSHING CHUDD TO THE ROPES HOW THAT’S EVEN POSSIBLE I DON’T KNOW MYSELF! TLA RUNNING FORWARD…CHUDD THROWS HIM OVER. BUT TLA IS STILL HANGING ONTO THE APRON, TLA UP TO THE TOP! CHUDD GRABBING HIM, BUT TLA KICKING AWAY, HE JUMPS, CROSSBODY- CHUDD GRABS ON, BUT TLA! HE’S ELBOWING AWAY AT THE ABSOLUTE UNIT…CHUDD FALLS! TLA rolls off Chudd, up to the top rope again! BURNOUT!- WHAT! IT CONNECTS BUT TLA BOUNCES STRAIGHT OFF CHUDD! CHUDD GETS UP IN A SITTING POSITION AS TLA SCRAMBLES AROUND! TLA QUICKLY GETTING UP BUT, Chudd gets up faster?
Deadprez: Hey don’t make fun of him he’s doing the best he can, Chudd standing still as, I think TLA taking it as a insult- TLA WITH RAPID PUNCHES AND KICKS! BUT CHUDD IS STILL STANDING, HE’S NOT FEELING ANYTHING! TLA I think standing back here…CLOTHESLINE! NO CHUDD DOESN’T MOVE…ANOTHER ONE! CHUDD BARELY MOVING! TLA IS SHOCKED! Chudd walking up to him as TLA stands back in fear of getting squashed, TLA LIFTED UP AGAIN! TLA FLAILING AROUND CHUDD PUSHING HIM BACK INTO THE CORNER! Chudd letting go- BUT TLA FIGHTING BACK WITH A BARRAGE OF PUNCHES, CHUDD IS OVERWHELMED AS HE TRIES TO STUMBLE BACK…CHUDD GOES DOWN ON A KNEE, TLA JUMPING UP OFF THE KNEE- CHUDD! TLA WAS LOOKING FOR A HURRICANRANA BUT CHUDD HOLDING TLA UP INTO THE AIR! HE’S STANDING UP…TLA IS TRYING TO LOOSEN THE GRIP, PUNCH, PUNCH! OH KICK TO THE SIDE OF THE FACE! TLA…POORLY EXECUTED HURRICANRANA, BUT IT STILL CONNECTS ANYWAYS! TLA rolling to his feet, he’s going up to the top rope again?
Eve: At this point Dead it’s the only thing TLA can do to get Chudd down…BUT TLA JUMPING…420! SHOOTING STAR PRESS! TLA CONNECTS RIGHT ONTO THE BACK OF CHUDD! TLA LOOKING AROUND AS THE CROWD’S CHEERS DIE DOWN AND TURN INTO A FACE OF CONCERN!
Deadprez: WELL CHUDD IS EVERYONE’S FAVORITE EVE THEY SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ABSOLUTE UNIT!
Eve: CHUDD ISN’T MOVING A INCH AS TLA GOES BACK UP…BURNOUT! THE CORKSCREW 360 SENTON PROPERLY CONNECTS ON CHUDD! THE CROWD IS DEAD SILENT AS TLA CRAWLS OVER SLOWLY…HE’S, well at least trying to roll over Chudd, HE GETS HIM OVER WITH MIRACULOUS STRENGTH, PIN BY TLA!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(The crowd is in absolute shock as “Ambitionz az a Ridah” plays and TLA stumbles to the outside. The ref follows in pursuit and 3 men roll Chudd out of the ring, reluctantly. They revive him by dangling a Chicken Nugget over his head.)
Gina Romano: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN YOUR WINNER…CHUDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: Holy crap he did it, and in record time too! TLA with a lot of work has managed to defeat his biggest challenge yet next to the Chanclas, Chudd.
Eve: By the looks of it even TLA is shocked by the outcome, good job to both of them, but especially TLA, he did what most men couldn’t and beat EAW’s top athlete all by himself :goat~1
(Camera transitions to Hurricane Hawk in his office, sitting behind a desk. He shuffles through some papers before a man wearing a medical staff vest walks in the door.)
Hurricane Hawk: How is he?
Doctor: Sorry, sir. There’s no way Terry can compete tonight. He’s definitely concussed, to be honest he could have a brain bleed. I don’t want to risk transporting him so I’m gonna keep him under watch at the medical area until we get further signs.
Hurricane Hawk: Damn. Ok. So there’s nothing that can be done?
Doctor: Sorry. No way I’m clearing that man to get in the ring.
Hurricane Hawk: …You need to get back to the medics station. I’ll figure something out.
(The Doctor leaves and Hawk stares at the door before taking a deep breath. He stares at the office phone on his desk. He knows what his next play is. But he doesn’t want to do it. He resigns himself as he picks up the phone and dials a number. He places the phone receiver back on the hook as he activated the speaker phone.)
*RING* *RING* *RING*
(Phone rings through until a woman’s voice answers.)
???: Hello?
Hurricane Hawk: Kassidy. I was hoping I could speak to Ahren.
Kassidy Heart: Ugh. Why wouldn’t you call Ahren directly then?
Hurricane Hawk: Would he have answered?
Kassidy Heart: ……… That’s not the point. Anyway. What makes you assume I’m even with Ahren? You think we’re just joined at the hip?
Hurricane Hawk: Well I didn’t mean to presume. Are you with Ahren?
Kassidy Heart: ……… Yes.
Hurricane Hawk: May I speak to him?
Kassidy Heart: *sigh* Fine.
(The phone makes a few shuffling noises before the voice of Ahren Fournier picks up.)
Ahren Fournier: GOAT speaking.
Hurricane Hawk: Ahren. Hey. I think I may have a challenge for you. Are you anywhere near Nashville.
Ahren Fournier: Where I am is not your business. What’s this challenge?
Hurricane Hawk: Well Terry Chambers has been taken out of the six man tag against Jax, Jake, and Joshua of The Round Table. He was supposed to team with Jack Haze and Damon Diesel to bring them down tonight and I was hoping you might—
Ahren Fournier: No.
Hurricane Hawk: What?
Ahren Fournier: The Round Table is that little sex club that formed around Drake King, right? Drake King is the Interwire Champion. A full grade beneath myself as the EAW Champion at absolute minimum. And you think a match against his henchmen is worthy of my time? How low do you think I’m going to sink? I’m already the champion. The top man in this company. I’m rightfully paid as such. Unless you have something worth my time where I’m not in the line of fire like some kind of idiot where I’m going to just get attacked from behind by Drake then no thanks. I’m not a fool who puts himself in idiotic situations.
Hurricane Hawk: Well Drake is suspended. Didn’t you know that?
Ahren Fournier: Why would I have known or cared about that? I care about one name on that card and that name is “GOAT.” And you think even with the removal of the court jester that I’m going to dirty my boots to stand next to the man who’s head I just caved in and a man who would get his head caved in by the man who’s head I just caved in? You’re a fool, Hawk.
Hurricane Hawk: Well I’m trying to—
Ahren Fournier: Stop trying and start doing. Here’s a challenge for you, Mr. General Manager. Find me a goddamn challenge that’s worth my attention and then I’ll come back. Until then, you can just keep signing my Champion’s pay checks and making sure that direct deposit goes through like a good bitch.
Hurricane Hawk: Hold the fuck up—
Ahren Fournier: Baaaa baaaaa bye, mother fucker.
(The line cuts to static as Ahren has hung up, Hawk sits there in shock before taking his hands to massage his temples for a developing headache.)
(Commercial for Jelly Beans. They’re perfect because Jelly!)
(Camera opens to find SOSA Henderson standing with Cori Simmons.)
Cori Simmons: SOSA. It’s nice to see you again.
SOSA Henderson: Stop undressing me with your eyes, girl. It’s shameful. You know I got Serena.
Cori Simmons: But I wasn’t… you’re the one who…
(Cori bites her lower lip as she takes a deep breath through her nose.)
Cori Simmons: In just a couple of weeks you will be taking on the Visual Prophet at the Grand Rampage for the New Breed Championship. How are you feeling about that?
SOSA Henderson: I appreciate you changing it up and being professional.
Cori Simmons: :skip:
SOSA Henderson: Vizzy has held that title for a couple of months now and he’s done well with it. But let’s be real. He’s got that 85 pound twig of vanilla protecting him left and right, looking for every way she can to protect her pretty little boy toy from facing any actual challenges heads up. SOSA Henderson is a man who paid his dues, a man who has earned his spot not by being some rich white lady’s exotic acting bitch, but by being the best damn performer you’ve ever seen. So when I look at this match, I see a chance to show who is truly the best of this entire new crop of talent.
Cori Simmons: How are you preparing for Grand Rampage?
SOSA Henderson: I’m doing what I gotta do. Maybe I don’t respect how Viz is riding that MAGA bitch’s coattails but I’m not gonna pretend he can’t do anything in the ring. I’m gonna be in Memphis tomorrow to watch him going up against Malcolm Jones. I’m doing my homework.
Cori Simmons: Is there any particular strategy to an opponent like Visual Prophet?
SOSA Henderson: I’ve got the perfect strategy figured out, actually. You see—
???: Sorry, Cori. Could I borrow SOSA for a moment?
(Camera turns to show Hurricane Hawk walking up.)
Hurricane Hawk: Hey, SOSA, listen man. I’m in desperate need of a favor…
SOSA Henderson: Oh. YOU need a favor from ME? This oughta be good.
Hurricane Hawk: I really need someone to fill in for this six man tag match. There’s no way Terry can go. You’re not booked this week, think you’d be up for it?
SOSA Henderson: You want me to step into that Round Table match?
Hurricane Hawk: Yes. Please.
SOSA Henderson: Ha. Well. You know what, Hawk? I would definitely be up for the challenge. In fact, I probably owe you an indirect favor because it’s thanks to you that Serena and I got as close as we did.
Hurricane Hawk: That’s amazing! You’ll do it?
(SOSA places a hand on Hawk’s shoulder and smirks at him.)
SOSA Henderson: Me and Serena got close because she came and bailed me outta jail when you wanted to leave me to rot and miss Under Siege. So ask yourself. You really think I’m about to walk out into that match and bail you out?
Hurricane Hawk: I… Ummm…
(SOSA walks away leaving Hawk looking perplexed.)
Hurricane Hawk: Can I put you down as “thinking about it”?
(Commercial for Ski trips in the luscious snows of Alabama. Book them while they still don’t exist.)
(The camera opens to Gina Romano in the ring.)
Gina Romano: The following contest is for one fall… and it is a Grand Rampage Qualifier Match!!!
(“Architects” by Rise Against hits to boos from the crowd.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first from Jacksonville, Florida weighing in at 220 pounds he is “The One” JUSTICIARRRRRRRRRRRRRR ERRRRRRRRRRRIC!!!!
(Justiciar Eric comes out to the ring with a blank expression showing complete disinterest in the world around him.)
Eve: Wow Eric really looks into this match this week… I mean he coul-
Deadprez: I’m going to stop you right there Eve. I know I haven’t always been the biggest supporter of Justiciar Eric. But I have to admit I have been slowly growing more impressed with him recently. He could really be THE ONE!!!
Eve: … I think you might be as delusional as Eric is Dead! All I’ve seen from him is a new bad attitude and I don’t like it!!!
Deadprez: So naive Eve. You are certainly not THE ONE!!!
(“Lowlife” by Theory of a Deadman hits to cheers from the crowd.)
Gina Romano: And his opponent from Dallas, Texas weighing in at 305 pounds he is “The Blue Collar Brawler” COOOOOOOOOOOOODY MARRRRRRRRRRSHALL!!!!!
(Cody Marshall comes out to the ring staggering his way down the ramp holding a beer bottle. He finishes the bottle as he suddenly rushes the ring!!!)
Deadprez: Oh shit Cody Marshall is going after Justiciar Eric! His drunken rage is on full display here tonight! What a terrible role model for the kids!!!
Eve: I love it Dead! Cody is just being himself! He is so relatable!!!
(Cody Marshall is shown chasing Justiciar Eric around ringside with the beer bottle as the referee demands both men get back in the ring so he can start the match.)
Deadprez: It looks like Cody Marshall caught up! Eric watch out!!!
***CRACK***
Eve: NO! JUSTICIAR ERIC WITH A LEAD PIPE!!! ERIC JUST CRACKED CODY MARSHALL OVER THE HEAD WITH THAT LEAD PIPE! LOOK AT THE SICK SMILE ON JUSTICIAR ERIC’S FACE!!!
Deadprez: That’s the smile of a winner Eve!!! And now look at Justiciar Eric as he places Cody’s arm over the steel steps… and he brings the lead pipe down onto Cody’s arm! Cody screams out in pain as Eric continues to deliver shots to him with that lead pipe!!! Eric now guiding Cody into the ring… and one last shot with the lead pipe across Cody’s skull as he knocks him out causing Cody to fall and collapse into the ring! Cody Marshall absolutely destroyed here tonight by Justiciar Eric! I was right to believe in him!
Eve: Indeed Dead your faith in him was all he needed to reach the next level. But seriously Cody Marshall could be really injured here. The referee is checking on him and asking if he wants to continue. But I think Cody is completely out! The referee talking to the timekeeper now…
Deadprez: Wait Cody Marshall grabbed the referee’s hand! He says he wants to fight! Is he stupid? He should just call the match off… Justiciar Eric has already injured him too badly!
Eve: Cody Marshall a true fighter as the referee calls for the bell!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Deadprez: Justiciar Eric with a disgusted look on his face as he can’t believe Cody is going to compete in this match after his assault with the lead pipe! Eric rushes over to pin Cody!!!
Referee: ONEEEEE!!!!! TWOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: Cody Marshall kicks out! It’s going to take more than a few lead pipe shots to keep him down! Justiciar Eric is throwing a tantrum and pounding the mat in frustration. Eric mounts Cody and begins to throw shots at him! LEFT! RIGHT! LEFT! RIGHT! LEFT! RIGHT!!
Deadprez: NO! CODY CAUGHT THE HAND OF ERIC! CODY WITH THE OTHER HAND AS HE GRABS THE THROAT OF ERIC! CODY SITTING UP NOW AS HE GRABS ERIC BY THE THROAT EVEN TIGHTER… CHOKESLAM CONNECTS!!! CODY MARSHALL WITH A THUNDEROUS CHOKESLAM! THE COVER ON ERIC!!!
Referee: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: Kickout by Justiciar Eric! And Eric immediately with the thumb to the eye of Cody knocking him over. Eric drives his knee down hard into the skull of Cody! And again and again! A bloody wound is forming on the side of Cody’s bald and shiny head! That blood glimmering even more than his head usually does!
Deadprez: Oh you got jokes now Eve? But I’m a bad guy when I make them… Got it. I see how it is. Just as Justiciar Eric now sees how everything is!!! He is THE ONE and even if these fans don’t see it I do! Eric off the ropes… RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE SIDE OF CODY’S HEAD!
Eve: Cody has taken a lot of blows to the head. This along with his drunken state can’t be good for his brain cells. He may even have a concussion after this!!! Eric now looking out to the audience…
Justiciar Eric: I am THE ONE who will win the Grand Rampage!!!
Crowd:
Deadprez: Who are these Nashville hicks to doubt Justiciar Eric?!?!?
Eve: Well clearly they are not as impressed as you are Dead. The Grand Rampage is a big match and very unpredictable. Even the winner of the match usually accomplishes their task as much by luck as skill. It’s just arrogant for Eric to think he is guaranteed to win is all.
Deadprez: You are arrogant to think that he won’t Eve! You are a hater! Look at this majestic beast! Justiciar Eric now pulling the bloody Cody Marshall up to his feet! WAIT CODY FIGHTING BACK!!! CODY THROWING PUNCHES! NO! THIS WASN’T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN LIKE THIS! THIS WAS ERIC’S MOMENT!!! HAHAHAHA ERIC WITH ANOTHER THUMB TO THE EYE!! CODY YOU BIG DUMB BASTARD! ERIC KICKS CODY HARD IN THE GUT AND HOOKS HIS ARMS…
Eve: THE DESECRATION CONNECTS!!! THE COVER!!!
Referee: ONEEE!!! TWOOO!!!! THREEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Gina Romano: Here is your winner… JUSTICARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRIC!!!
(“Architects” by Rise Against hits to boos from the crowd.)
Deadprez: HE DID IT!!! JUSTICIAR ERIC HAS PROVEN HE IS THE ONE! JUSTICIAR ERIC HAS PROVEN THAT HE IS BETTER THAN JAKE SMITH!!!
Eve: … What does Jake Smith have to do with this match?
Deadprez: Everything Eve. Everything. Look at this… Justiciar Eric is truly THE ONE! He is even showing respect to Cody Marshall helping his opponent out of the ring!
Eve: Are you joking Dead? Justiciar Eric just hit Cody Marshall again in the back of the head with the lead pipe knocking him out as he left the ring! Cody is an unconscious mess out there on the floor! Somebody needs to check on him the human brain can only take so much punishment!!!
Deadprez: These fans are so disrespectful! Will Justiciar Eric win the Grand Rampage? I am a believer for sure now. He completely won me over with his skill, talent, bravery, and courage. HE IS THE ONE!!!
Eve: It is really cringe when you keep saying his nickname like that… It was cringe the first time… and it was cringe the fifth time…
(Eric grabs a microphone as medical staff come to cart Cody away.)
Justiciar Eric: You all thought I was going to quit. And to be perfectly honest, I nearly did walk away. None of you are worthy of the justice that I bring!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Deadprez: HOW DARE THEY BOO THIS MAN!
Eve: Yawn.
Justiciar Eric: But then I got the call. They begged me to return. They couldn’t handle seeing someone with my raw talent and sheer drawing power leave this roster! So an extra zero on my contract, private plane, and guaranteed title shots whenever I want them later, I returned. Do you know why I was offered these things? Why I was begged to return?
(Eric pauses and waits for an answer that doesn’t come.)
Justiciar Eric: BECAUSE I AM THE ONE! I AM THE ONE WHO IS DESTINED TO BEING THIS ENTIRE INDUSTRY TO THE NEXT LEVEL! I AM THE ONE WHO WILL SHOW YOU ALL WHAT TRUE WRESTLING IS! AND I AM THE ONE WHO WILL BRING THE AGE OF CHAOS!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Justiciar Eric: This is my world now. You all are just privileged enough to live in it.
(Eric drops the microphone and storms up the ramp.)
(Commercial for Law and Order featuring the enigmatic Provencal as the world’s greatest detective.)
(Camera opens to Hurricane Hawk pacing backstage on his cell phone.)
Hurricane Hawk: Pick up… pick up… MALCOLM! Hey, man! How’s it going?
(Phone chatter is heard.)
Hurricane Hawk: Great. Hey, I know you’re in Memphis right now for Voltage tomorrow, but Nashville is like a 30 minute flight from there. Any chance you can come up and do me a favor? I need a fill in on this match.
(Phone chatter is heard.)
Hurricane Hawk: Yes I know you don’t owe me a damn thing but—
(Phone chatter is heard.)
Hurricane Hawk: Visual Prophet is a good challenger. I’m aware. I know you’re focused on him but remember I wasn’t even fond of the idea of you going around to these other brands and—
(Phone chatter is heard.)
Hurricane Hawk: You are very angry right now…
(Phone chatter is heard.)
Hurricane Hawk: There is no need to drag my mother into this!
(Phone chatter is heard.)
Hurricane Hawk: Well that’s just hurtful.
(Phone chatter is heard.)
Hurricane Hawk: Well I just think— hello? Hello? Malcolm?
(Hawk looks briefly at his phone to see he’s been hung up on. He lets out an exasperated sigh as the scene fades.)
(The camera cuts to Gina Romano in the middle of the ring)
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen the following contest is SCHEDULED FOR…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(The familiar tune of “Buzzin’” by Mann plays to a standing ovation as MTV comes out as happy as ever.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first…residing in Beverly Hills, California, weighing in at 165 POUNDS…M…T…V!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: MTV coming fresh off a win last week has got to be confident right Eve?
Eve: Well he shouldn’t get too cocky as he’s got a tough debuting opponent tonight out for blood, Adam Graves.
(“Buzzin’” fades off as MTV gets to his corner and his replaced by “Engines of Hate” by Nevermore, Adam Graves comes out to the terrified looks of younger audience members in the crowd, he ignores the crowd as he walks to the ring.)
Gina Romano: AND HIS OPPONENT…RESIDING IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, WEIGHING IN AT 320 POUNDS…THE KODIAK KILLER…ADAM GRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: Wow that’s a big size difference there, Adam Graves isn’t someone to mess around with.
Eve: You’re right Dead he could scare the toughest of the tough out of their pants.
Deadprez: Even Chudd?
Eve: Yes…even Chudd.
(Adam Graves gets to the ring and is met by a offering of a handshake by MTV, he scoffs it off to the dismay on MTV’s face “Engines of Hate” fades away as each men start circling around each other.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Deadprez: This match is underway, both men lock up. MTV moves around, headlock, Adam turning around. Easily pushing MTV into the ropes, clean break- ADAM WITH A PUNCH TO MTV! Looks like MTV is shrugging it off, he’s starting to circle around Adam again, MTV coming forward, SPINEBUSTER-NO MTV KEEPS HIMSELF UP IN THE AIR, DDT! Adam falling flat to the ground, he’s quickly getting up to his feet, looks like MTV is running the ropes, CLOTHESLINE- NO GRAVES DUCKS UNDER, MTV SPINS 180 DEGREES, GERMAN SUPLEX TO MTV BY ADAM GRAVES! MTV is stumbling over to a corner as Adam runs over, MTV WITH A KICK TO THE FACE! Adam moves away, MTV jumping up, OH! ADAM GRAVES KEEPING HIM UP, HE WAS LOOKING FOR A HURRICANRANA, Adam lifting MTV up, JACKKNIFE POWERBOMB! MTV is looking up at the clouds as Adam Graves turns around and soaks in the many boos from the crowd. He’s bringing MTV up again, FOREARM, AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN,AGAIN! ADAM GRAVES IS NAILING MTV TO THE GROUND WITH THOSE FOREARM CLUBS, MTV falling fast to the ground, Adam with the pin!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: KICKOUT! MTV already feeling the effects with that close pin attempt made by Adam Graves. MTV sitting up as he looks around, looks like he doesn’t see Adam, BUT HE’S RIGHT BEHIND HIM! ADAM IS ATTACKING MTV WITH A REPERTOIRE OF PUNCHES! MTV falling back to the ground as Adam is still punching him down, the ref finally splitting both men up as MTV is grasping his head in absolute pain! Adam I think ready to finish the job as he’s bringing MTV up- MTV PUSHING ADAM GRAVES INTO THE CORNER, WHAT STRENGTH! SLAP, AGAIN, AGAIN, ANOTHER ONE, MTV standing back, off the middle rope, A BIG SLA, YO! MTV SLAPS ARE SUCCESSFUL, MTV’s face of anger is turning into a big smile as he waits for Adam to get up, kick to the gut by MTV…
MTV: IT’S MORPHIN’ TIME!
Deadprez: MTV hooking up the arms…
MTV: MASTODON!
Eve: DOUBLE ARM DDT, the Mastodon DDT connects, MTV going for the pin!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: WHAT! EARLY KICK OUT BY ADAM GRAVES! MTV is in shock, HEADLOCK, MTV IS PUNCHING ADAM GRAVES ON THE TOP OF THE HEAD! He lets go, Adam crawling to the bottom rope, MTV WITH A STOMP TO THE BACK OF ADAM GRAVES POUNDING HIM BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND! MTV hops over Adam and goes to the middle turnbuckle, FROG SPLASH-GRAVES PUT THE KNEES UP! Adam rolling over, GROUND AND POUND TO MTV! MTV pushing away Adam, CLOTHESLINE BY ADAM- NO MTV DUCKS UNDER, DROPKICK- NOBODY HOME! MTV GETTING QUICKLY BACK UP, CLOTHESLINE BY ADAM GRAVES, PIN!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: KICKOUT! ADAM PUSHING MTV BACK DOWN AGAIN, PIN! QUICK KICK OUT! Adam trying to catch MTV but he rolls out of the ring quickly, Adam follows going onto the apron, MTV JUMPS ON! IT’S A BACK AND FORTH- HOLY! ADAM GRAVES WITH A BELLY TO BELLY, RIGHT ONTO THE EDGE OF THE APRON! MTV IS SPRAWLED OUT ONTO THE FLOOR, Adam, sinister, he’s laughing. Ow, he’s putting his foot down on the head of MTV.
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: The crowd ain’t approving of Adam Graves’ tactics. OH I think I saw a water bottle thrown at him, oh that’s not good he’s arguing the fan-MTV GRABBING ADAM, THROWING HIM RIGHT ONTO THE EDGE OF THE APRON! MTV KEEPING HIM UP, rolling Graves back into the ring, he’s going up to the top rope, DIVING ELBOW DROP RIGHT TO THE HEART OF ADAM GRAVES! BUT MTV NOT FINISHED AS HE GOES UP TO THE TOP ROPE- BUT ADAM GRABBING HIM BY THE LEG, MTV IS TRYING TO LET HIM LOOSE, ANKLE LOCK BY ADAM GRAVES! ADAM PULLING HIM TO THE CENTER OF THE RING! HE’S TURNING HIMSELF AROUND, SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB!
Eve: ADAM’S GOT THE HOLD LOCKED TIGHT WILL MTV TAP, HE’S SCREAMING IN PAIN AS HE’S SLOWLY CRAWLING TO THE ROPES…ROPE BREAK! Adam not wasting any time, STOMP, ANOTHER ONE. Graves grabbing MTV by the neck, LIFTING HIM UP, MTV HAS NOWHERE TO RUN, ADAM IS LOOKING FOR THE REIGN IN BLOOD! BUT MTV SLIPS AWAY TO THE BACK OF ADAM, PUSHING ADAM TO THE CORNER MTV DIVING BACKFIRST INTO HIM! MOVING TO THE CENTER OF THE RING…
MTV: COWABUNGA!
Deadprez: MTV RUNNING FORWARD, SUPERKICK- NO ADAM…BACK SUPLEX BY ADAM GRAVES, MTV rolling up to his feet tho…DROPKICK! IT PUSHES ADAM BACK INTO THE CORNER, MTV moving to Adam, ADAM WITH A FOREARM! ADAM IS BACK TO THOSE FOREARM CLUBS AGAIN KNOCKING MTV DOWN, BUT MTV WITH A,LOU THESZ PRESS BEATING DOWN ADAM! GRAVES PUSHING MTV OFF HIM, MTV WITH A, FLOATOVER DDT, NO ADAM LIFTS MTV UP, BRIDGING PIN!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: KICKOUT! Adam coming up to his feet, I think he’s waiting for MTV to get back up, MTV turning around, SPINEBUSTER! HAMMER TIME CONNECTS ON MTV, PIN TO MTV!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: KICK OUT AGAIN! MTV DOESN’T KNOW WHEN TO GIVE UP AND I THINK ADAM GRAVES IS FRUSTRATED WITH THAT! Adam getting to his feet- OH HE’S SCRAPING THE BOTTOM OF HIM BOOT ON THE FACE OF MTV, the Ref ultimately pushing him away, I think I see little drops of blood on MTV’s face. MTV pushing the ref away, he’s wiping the blood off his face. Yikes, he’s met with a murderous smirk on Adam Graves’ face, THEY GO AFTER EACH OTHER. BACK AND FORTH, ADAM, MTV, ADAM, MTV. MTV WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT STAGGERING ADAM BACK. MTV WITH A, FAKE OUT SUPERKICK, BUT IT DOESN’T INTIMATE GRAVES’S, BICYCLE KICK TO MTV, SUPERKICK TO GRAVES, BICYCLE KICK, SUPERKICK, BICYCLE KICK, SUPERKICK…DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! BOTH MEN FALL EXHAUSTIVELY TO THE GROUND, BUT MTV LOOKING AROUND, HE’S CRAWLING OVER TO ADAM, PIN!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: CLOSE KICK OUT BY ADAM GRAVES! MTV is stunned, running over to the corner…Adam Graves up to a knee, MTV going to pick him up, NO ADAM THROWS HIM INTO THE CORNER. MTV HOPS TO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE, TOP TURNBUCKLE, SPRINGBOARDS OFF BACKFLIP, SIT OUT FACEBUSTER! AWWWWWW! HERE IT GOES CONNECTS! MTV ROLLS UP AND ONTO THE TOP ROPE, HE ISN’T PLAYING ANY GAMES TONIGHT, DOUBLE STOMP MOONSAULT, THE URKEL DANCE CONNECTS, MTV FALLS STRAIGHT INTO THE PIN!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: KICKOUT! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE, MTV THOUGHT THAT WAS IT, HE’S BEWILDERED! MTV is staring down at the ground as he looks around to the crowd, he’s getting up…ADAM GRAVES! WITH THE ROLLUP!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: KICKOUT! MTV QUICKLY GETS UP BUT IS FOLLOWED BY ADAM GRAVES…BOMBS AWAY, THE SIT OUT POWERBOMB BY ADAM GRAVES KNOCKS DOWN MTV, ADAM GRAVES WITH THE PIN, WILL THIS BE IT FOR MTV!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Engines Of Hate” plays again throughout to the arena as the cheers boil down to boos from the crowd as Adam Graves stands victorious, he crouched down and smears the blood of MTV across his face causing the boos to erupt.)
Gina Romano: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN YOUR WINNER…ADAM…GRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: Adam Graves has legit put the work to MTV, that’s all I have to say.
Eve: This is the start of Adam Graves rise to power, the next levels are always the hardest and he should know that.
(The camera fades to commercial break, the last shot is of Adam Graves leaving the ring and turning his head to the ring.)
(Commercial for Xander Payne Nutritional Systems. Get the Body of the Year working for you!)
(Camera finds Hurricane Hawk walking backstage, looking a bit frantic.)
Hurricane Hawk: I don’t wanna do it… I really don’t wanna do it…
(Suddenly a voice with a thick French accent cuts through the air.)
???: Bonsoir!!
(Provencal steps into frame with a big grin on his face and his litter of children behind him.)
Hurricane Hawk: Uhhh. Hey, Provencal. How’s things going?
Provencal: Magnifique!! The word is… you have a big opportunity that you need someone for! And I am here to fill the job!
(Hawk looks him up and down with reluctance in his face.)
Hurricane Hawk: You… you’re sure you aren’t too scared?
Provencal: Scared? Me? No no no! I can do any job you need!
Hurricane Hawk: Ok. Well. I need you to fill in for Terry Chambers against the Round Table in the six man tag tonight.
**THUD**
(Hawk looks at Provencal, who just passed out and fell to the floor. The children grab their father by the arms and drag his lifeless body away.)
Hurricane Hawk: I really don’t know what else I expected there.
(He pulls his cell phone out and dials a number.)
Hurricane Hawk: ………….Hey. It’s Hawk. Yeah. We don’t have any other options. Give Gina the stats to call out. This six man is happening one way or another.
(He hangs up the phone and leans against a wall while exhaling a long breath.)
(Commercial for Elite Coffee. Seriously. Drink more coffee.)
(Camera opens to a panning shot over the Bridgestone Arena as “Resistance” by Skillet hits to massive boos from the crowd. Jax Walker, Joshua Nicholls, and Jake Smith all walk out looking cocky as ever.)
Gina Romano: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is a six man tag team match and is scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Gina Romano: Introducing first, the team of Jax Walker, Joshua Nicholls, and Jake Smith… THE ROUND TABLE!!!
Eve: The Round Table already caused severe damage to the other half of this match when they took out Terry Chambers. You gotta wonder though who Hurricane Hawk will have filling in.
Deadprez: That’s assuming he even has anyone to fill in. Showdown has run wild with injuries and assaults lately, Hawk isn’t left with much of a roster to play with! One thing’s for sure though, anyone who does decide to step into that spot has to have some balls after everything we’ve seen this group do since they made themselves known at Under Siege.
(The Round Table come down the ramp and enter the ring before turning to face the ramp, standing as a united front as “You Only Live Once (instrumental)” by Suicide Silence hits and Damon Diesel marches down to the ring with a purpose.)
Gina Romano: And their opponents, Introducing first, making his way to the ring from Orlando, Florida, weighing in at 215 pounds… DAMON DIESEL!!!!
Eve: Damon Diesel not looking all too happy after the way he was beaten down by the Round Table last week. Gotta think he’s got revenge on his mind.
Deadprez: Without a doubt. Diesel isn’t a man who takes something like that lightly. He’s got some violence on the brain tonight.
(Diesel climbs into the ring and goes to step straight at Joshua Nicholls before seeing the other two standing there and thinking better of it as “Revolution” by the Beatles begins to play and Jack Haze steps out onto the stage.)
Gina Romano: And his tag team partners, first, making his way to the ring from Santa Monica, California, Weighing in at 211 pounds… JACK HAZE!!!
Eve: Jack Haze came back after painful loss at the hands of Ahren Fournier at Under Siege and last week started correcting the course with a win to qualify himself for this year’s Grand Rampage! You think we see The Enlightened get a rematch against Ahren at Pain for Pride?
Deadprez: Anything can happen in EAW. But first Jack has to get through tonight where he’s facing this three man unit from the Round Table while not even know who one of his partners is!
Eve: Very true. It’s a tall task. And you know Jax Walker will be gunning for him in particular after their exchange this week!
(Jack comes down and slides into the ring before posing for the crowd as the music fades. The five men in the ring look up to the stage as silence comes over the arena.)
Eve: Now is the moment of truth I’d guess.
(After a moment, “No Regrets” by Pusha T hits as Hurricane Hawk walks out in his slacks and button down shirt, having removed his blazer after the stressful night he’s had.)
Deadprez: Looks like Hawk wants to announce the participant himself.
Eve: Ummm… are you sure about that?
(Hawk begins to unbutton his shirt and walk towards the ring as the music continues. Reality sets in on the men in the ring.)
Gina Romano: And their partner, making his way to the ring from Jacksonville, Florida, weighing in at 225 pounds, he is the active Showdown General Manager and an EAW Hall of Famer… HURRICANE HAWK!!!!
(The crowd pops massively as Hawk finishes removing his shirt and approaches the ring.)
Deadprez: OHMYGAWD! EVE! WE ARE WITNESSING HURRICANE HAWK’S FIRST MATCH SINCE HE RETIRED AFTER PAIN FOR PRIDE!!! Eve?
Eve: HUH? What? Daddy Hawk… What?
Deadprez: Get a grip, girl.
Eve: I hope to…
(Hawk steps up into the ring and tells the referee to call for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Eve: Quick chats between each team and it looks like we are gonna start things off with Jack Haze and Jake Smith! Jack and Jake move to the center of the ring and Jack looks for a tie up— BUT A THUMB TO THE EYE FROM JAKE! Jake grabs Haze by the arm and spins him down now into a fujiwara armbar! He’s cranking back now on Jack’s shoulder! Taking the man with the amateur wrestling background down after using the thumb to the eye to his advantage! Trying to wear that shoulder down as he stares at Hawk and Damon with a cocky grin, sticking his tongue out at them now!
Deadprez: BUT JACK SLIPS THROUGH AND ROLLS HIS ARM OUT! He slides around to the back of Jake Smith where he gets a rear waist lock on the ground! Pulls him slowly up as they both now are to their feet— BACK BODY DROP! Jake almost bent in half on that landing! You’re not going to beat Jack on the ground this early! Jack grabs the head of Jake and flips forward, snapping the neck of Smith! Jake is rolling around on the mat in pain after that move!
Eve: The Round Table are shouting encouragement from their corner as Haze pulls Jake to his feet and hooks the tights. Snap suplex from Haze drives Jake back into the mat, Jake may need to tag out and gain his bearings, Jack Haze isn’t messing around in there! Jake pulls himself to his feet just as Jack takes his arm and whips him to the ropes…Jake leaps over Haze, Sunset Flip! The referee is in position, but Jack kicks out before the referee can count one! Jake rolls back and to his feet and meets Jack with an eyerake that he transitions into a Russian leg sweep! Jake pulls Jack to his feet and drags him to the Roundtable corner, tagging Jax in the process!
Deadprez: Jax and Jack this is the fight that has been brewing all week! Jax slaps Haze hard across the face, almost like he’s trying to slap the disrespect out of Haze. Jack takes exception, though and starts firing back with forearms, driving the larger man back toward the center of the ring! He tries to whip Jax to the ropes, but the much larger man reverses and catches Haze with a Samoan Drop! Haze comes off the ropes and drops a leg across the chest of Haze, but Jack moves at just the last minute, rolling to his feet, and hitting the ropes all in one motion before delivering a basement dropkick to Jax, flooring Walker!
Eve: Jax has been knocked a little loopy with that! Jack hits the ropes again and this times drops an elbow across the chest of Jax Walker! Haze pulls Walker to his feet and grabs the jaw of Jaw, moving close to his face…
Jack Haze (Off-mic): How do you like this, baby killer?
Eve: Strong words from Haze as he delivers a punch to the mouth of Jax! Walker stumbles back to the ropes and Jack quickly tags in Damon Diesel who enters and rushes forward to Jax but is met with a back elbow from the big man! As Damon stumbles back, Jax hits the ropes and rebounds with the Kitchen Sink, the knee strike catching Damon a little high and knocking him back solidly! Jax pulls Damon and drops him with a powerbomb, before picking him up and…throwing Damon into his corner?
Jax Walker (Off-mic): Get him outta here…
Eve: Look at this! Jax apparently doesn’t find Damon intimidating at all and demands that either Jack or Hawk enter the ring!
Crowd: WE WANT HAWK! WE WANT HAWK! WE WANT HAWK!
Eve: The crowd is making their desires known! They want to see the Hall of Famer enter the ring!
(Hurricane Hawk looks around dramatically, and reaches over the ropes, tagging Damon on the chest.)
Eve: HERE COMES DADDY!
Deadprez: Hawk comes into the ring on fire! He drops Jax with a blow to the head, then meets Jake with one as well as he enters the ring to intercept Hawk! Nicholls dodges the blow, but it hit with a dropkick, sending him out of the ring, and Hurricane Hawk has cleared the ring!
(The Roundtable regroup on the outside, doing a huddle as the fans cheer Hawk on.)
Crowd: THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!
Deadprez: Hurricane hits the far ropes, what does he have in mind here…SUICIDE DIVE! Hurricane Hawk flew, brother! The Roundtable are sent scattered to the mat, but Hawk quickly grabs Jax by the head and rolls him back into the ring! Hawk following up quickly, slides in the ring and meets Jax in the center of the ring, driving forearm shots to the jaw of the Dog of War! Jax fights back, though, hitting the hall of famer with body blows, trying to lessen the assault! Hawk grabs the back of Jax’s head and starts laying in those strikes, but look out! Jax grabs a handful of Hawk’s hair and drives his forehead forward with a vicious headbutt!
Eve: NOT THE FACE! Hawk stumbles back and tags in Jack! Haze comes runnin in, but Jax meets him with a big boot, flattening Haze! Quick tag from Jax to Josh, who enters the ring and lands a dropkick to Haze, knocking him back again into his corner, blind tag from Damon Diesel, and the Pain Machine comes running in, but Haze looks displeased, he obviously did not want to tag out! Damon, running forward, catches Josh with a back elbow, knocking him back! Diesel quickly hooks the tights off this and snap suplexes Nicholls! Off the ropes, Damon drops a leg across the neck of Nicholls, then heads to his turnbuckle, looking to take to the air!
Deadprez: As Damon climbs the turnbuckle Haze tags him quickly, diverting the attention of Diesel who gives his partner a sour look, dropping down from the turnbuckle annoyed. As Jack enters the ring, Damon is being directed by the referee to exit the ring…NO! Damon had other plans, and slaps Jack across the back of the head! Jack turns immediately and the two lock up as Josh tags in Jake! Smith watches as his opponents implode, Haze being tagged by Hurricane Hawk just as the two roll out of the ring in a brawl! Hawk is back in the ring as Jake smirks and moves forward. Hawk, quick on his feet, ducks the tie up attempt and meets Jake with a stiff chop across the chest! He then hits the ropes and rebounds with a spinning wheel kick, dropping Jake!
Eve: Hawk goes to pull him to his feet, but Jake thumbs the eye, and pulls Hawk forward, hanging hin across the bottom rope, his head and upper body out of the ring…THE MORTAR! The running driveby dropkick from Jax caught Hawk unaware, sending him back into the ring! Jake mostions to Josh who enters the ring as Jake sets Hawk up…DEATH BY KNEELING! The running knee smash/superkick combination has floored Hawk! Josh rolls out as Jake makes the pin!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!! TTTTWWWWWWOOOOO!!!!!! TTTTHHHHRRREEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
(DING DING DING!)
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen, your winners…The Roundtable!
(“Resistance” begins to play as the three celebrate in the ring.)
Eve: Hawk took matters in his own hands here tonight after the Roundtable tried to stack the odds in their favor, but it seemed like there was more than one problem with the team he formed and Hawk, despite putting on a valiant effort, just wasn’t ready for in ring action tonight…wait a minute!
(The Roundtable scoff at Hawk, who is still out in the ring, and grab him by the foot, dragging him toward the edge of the ring. Jack and Damon are still brawling on the outside, oblivious of what’s happening to the GM.)
Eve: What are they doing?! They’re dragging Hawk out of the ring! The Roundtable is taking things too far! Ladies and gentlemen, Hurricane Hawk, who is barely moving after the match, is being drug up the ramp by the Roundtable, what could this mean?
Deadprez: We’ll try to have some answers as soon as we come back from break but I’m not getting any word from the back on what’s happening!!
(Commercial for Dynasty featuring Charlie Marr and Jamie O’Hara.)
(Camera opens to Gina Romano inside the ring.)
Gina Romano: The following contest is your main event of the evening…..and it’s scheduled for ONE FALL….
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(‘A Story To Tell’ by Woe Is Me begins to play throughout the arena as Jack Ripley makes his way out to a mixed reaction as he pauses on the top of the entrance ramp. He surveys his surroundings from left to right taking in the crowd reaction only with a slight shrug as he starts making his way toward the ring.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first…..He hails from Las Vegas, Nevada….He weighs in at TWO HUNDRED AND TWO POUNDS…. He’s THE STRAIGHT SHOOTER….JAAAACCCKKK RIIIIPPPPLLLLEEEYYYY!!!!
Eve: We are back and hoping things are more settled backstage than they seemed a bit earlier. But focusing on what we have now, judging by this reaction, you can tell Jack Ripley is familiar to these parts, DP! If we go back through to the last nine months this man has made the rounds through each brand. From being a part of Showdown for two seasons straight going back spent most of that duration alongside David Davidson as the highly successful tag unit known as The High Rollerz, he managed to capture three tag team championships the most by far by one unit in this company’s illustrious history.
Deadprez: Yeah, but then he lost David and branched out on his own and eventually ended up winning the 24/7 battle royal to secure a contract that he eventually cashed in to win the Pure Championship as part of the Dynasty brand, but after plenty of misgivings and falling out of favor overall on Dynasty he was then traded to Voltage just a couple of months back where he’s starting to finally find his footing, as he is now the current number one contender for the National Elite Championship. That’s all great, he’s coming around. Good job, Jack, but let’s see if you can put it together against someone who’s got their head on a lot better than Charlie Marr!
(‘A Boogie’ by Odee as Chris Elite makes his way out from beyond the curtains to a loud raucous reception from the crowd. Big Mike slowly follows behind, but Chris puts a hand up in turning to Big Mike, he then tells Big Mike something and then gives him a soft few taps on the chest before they give each other dap and Big Mike heads to the back and Chris Elite makes his way down toward the ring.)
Gina Romano: And introducing his opponent…He hails from Brooklyn, New York….He weighs in at TWO HUNDRED AND TEN POUNDS….. He’s GAWD GIVEN GREATNESS…..CHHHRRRIIIISSSS ELLLLIIIITTTEEE!!!!
Eve: Chris Elite looking like he’s ready as he represents Showdown here tonight in this battle of the brands match!
Deadprez: That’s right, Eve! Chris once represented Voltage and they were great while they had him, but now we get Gawd Given Greatness every Saturday and that’s why Showdown continues to be the best of the brands out there and that’s also why Jack Ripley has got a long uphill battle if he wants to find his way on the winning side in this matchup, because of the extraordinary talent that is Chris Elite!
(Chris is shown in the ring holding up his arms parallel with his fists balled up in victory pose, before turning and removing his vest and throwing it off to the right at ringside.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Eve: I’m sure awoke to see this one, DP! Jack Ripley versus Chris Elite, I don’t think the building can handle this much testosterone let alone the ring, and both of these young competitors would love nothing more than to pick up a big win to boost their momentum as we close in on the eleventh installment of Grand Rampage! Both men approach the other at center ring, and you can tell already, this one is going to be very hotly contested as both men are talking to the other. Oh, and Chris Elite just shoved Jack Ripley back and Jack has definitely taken exception but he quickly retaliates by stepping forward and shoving Chris Elite backwards now! Chris merely smirks and nods his head as both men begin to circle the ring not taking a single eye off the other as the crowd buzzes! The early reactions these competitor are receiving is certainly telling to the kind of reputation that both of them carry, especially Showdown’s own, Gawd Given Greatness Chris Elite! And now both men now looking to find the early advantage as they finally lock up! Jack Ripley forces Chris Elite back and into the corner where both trying to jockey for position and then re-position against the ropes where Chris Elite finds the advantage and then takes down Jack with a side headlock takedown of Jack Ripley! But Jack quickly uses his upper body strength, grabbing Chris and rolling him on his back as he still had the headlock applied, but Chris quickly realizes his shoulders are on the canvas as the referee slides into position only for Chris to beat out any chance of a successful pinfall attempt from taking place as both men quickly make their way back up only for Jack to strike first with an arm drag that whips Chris Elite back down to the canvas! Chris hurries back to his feet and then he has to slide under the ropes at the last possible moment as he just barely dodged it! You’ll Float Too! That devastating superkick that’s put many down in the past, Chris Elite saw it coming, he anticipated it! As he looks up into the ring with his hands on his hips he stares at Jack Ripley who’s got a satisfied smile upon his face, gesturing to Chris with his thumb and index fingers just inches from each other letting Chris how close he was to putting Chris down! Chris then readies to re-enter the ring as the referee brings his count to four, and Chris Elite pulls himself up with the ropes as he looks toward Jack Ripley who allows Chris to re-enter the ring! You can just see the confidence oozing off both Jack and Chris right now as Chris Elite smirks at Jack! You can feel the electricity in this building right now, DP! It’s incredible!
Deadprez: Both men move in to lock up, and it’s Chris Elite that finds the advantage this time by transitioning into an twisting arm lock which is then transitioned into a hammerlock and Jack has to given in to this pressure Chris Elite is applying at the moment bringing Jack to his but Chris doesn’t let up! But Jack back up to his feet and he immediately reverses the momentum and transitions into a hammerlock of his own on Chris Elite! And then Chris Elite reverses back into the advantage with a hammerlock but quickly releases and then dropkicks Jack Ripley in the back and sends him into the ropes where he hangs on and now it’s Jack Ripley that slides out in just a nick of time avoiding…you guessed it? The Box Office Smash! Chris Elite’s version of the superkick, and now it’s Jack Ripley on the receiving end of the same treatment as the mind games continue between these two as Jack Ripley stares up at Chris Elite now while Chris Elite is tapping at his forehead with his index finger indicating that he’s already a step ahead! Jack paces the ring for a moment or so as the referee begins his count before Jack slides back in and ends the count. Jack is up on his knees having a nice smile at this, nodding his head with a hint of amusement too. Jack is now back up to his feet as he and Chris circle the ring! And now both lock up again! Headlock by Chris Elite but he’s quickly shoved off to the ropes and a high knee to follow by Chris Elite who had bounced off the ropes right into that high knee! Chris Elite is grabbed up with force by Jack Ripley is whipped to the ropes but Chris reverses and sends Jack to the ropes instead and the 44Bulldog by Chris Elite! The dropkick with theatrics as Jack bounces off the ropes and comes back but Chris was ready! Rolling Thunder DDT! Chris Elite plants Jack Ripley into the canvas! The cover by Chris Elite!
Referee: ONE!!!….TWO!!!….KICKOUT!!!
Eve: Chris looks over to the referee, perhaps surprised, but maybe nodding his head as if to say “good job” on the refs part to call it closely as he has since the start of the match! Chris is the first to get back to his feet and begins laying boots to the downed Jack Ripley! Chris drapes Jack Ripley on the second rope and then hurries to rebound off the ropes and comes back to a knee to the back of Jack Ripley who falls back! Chris Elite then hurries to the outside where he makes his way to the nearest turnbuckle to the right facing entrance ramp and ascends to the top as Jack Ripley is slowly regathering himself as he struggles back up to a vertical base. He finally turns around to see Chris Elite up top! ELITE CUTTER!!! OR A MODIFIED VERSION OF IT, BUT STILL!! WOW!!! And now both men are laid out for the mandatory ten count and the referee is doing just that, he’s up to three now….
Referee:….”four!”…”five!”….”six!”
Deadprez: Now both men are making their way back to their feet with support of the ropes! Jack Ripley is up first! And now Chris Elite! Chris Elite turns to an incoming Jack Ripley who sends a thunderous clothesline to Chris Elite that sends him over the top rope where he tumbles hard to the floor near the barricade nearby! Jack quickly looks to follow up as he makes his way to the outside where Chris Elite is still trying to recover, looking worse for wear! Jack Ripley takes a step or two back and then with a full head of steam comes running right at Chris! DAYLIGHT SLAYING TIME!! THAT RUNNING KNEE TO THE HEAD OF CHRIS ELITE AND JUST HEARD THE THUD FROM THE IMPACT OF THAT HARD KNEE TO HIS SKULL!! Chris Elite is all kinds of dizzy after that! Jack Ripley grabs up Chris Elite and takes him over near the ring now, while the referee is up to the count of five as Jack looks up at him for a moment and then the referee reaches six as Jack ignores the referee for a moment and decides to slam the head of Chris Elite into the ring apron! But no! Jack too much time and Chris recovered enough to block the attempt and instead slams the head of Jack Ripley into the ring apron! And again Chris Elite slams Jack’s head into the apron! The referee reaches the count of nine as Chris shoves Jack into the ring and then slides in beating the ten count! Chris grabs up Jack Ripley again but Jack fights through and out of the grasp of Chris Elite and then throws a forearm shiver at the head of Chris Elite! And another! Jack looking to build some momentum as he whips Chris Elite but Chris reverses the whip and Jack bounces off the ropes and comes back with spinning wheel kick that takes Chris Elite down to the canvas! Both men back up! Hurricanrana by Jack Ripley that takes Chris Elite back down followed by a flurry of fists to the downed Chris Elite who’s trying to cover up! And now Jack Ripley back up after taking the momentum back and he has a look of determination on his face but these fans of Showdown are giving him a mixed bag of cheers and boot because and rightfully so, being that Jack is from Voltage! These interbranded warfare’s tend to work this way more often than not!
Eve: Now Chris Elite trying to recover as Jack Ripley moves on in! Chris on his knees as Jack looks to grab him up but and now hard elbows sent to the midsection of Jack Ripley by Chris Elite! Chris still on his knees repositions himself and now strikes more blows to the midsection of Jack Ripley! Now Jack Ripley sends another forearm shot to the head of Chris Elite that staggers him back! Now with all his momentum Jack Spears Chris Elite into the nearest corner where he follows up immediately with repeated shoulder thrusts to the midsection of Chris Elite! Now Jack climbs up to the second turnbuckle and begins sending repeated closed fist punches to Chris as the referee has long reached his five count for being in the ropes but obviously doesn’t want to bring this match to a close like that! Jack takes a moment to taunt at the crowd but this allows Chris Elite to recover! Jack is wide eyed now as Chris Elite has Jack Ripley up! He may be looking for a…. he’s bringing Jack down! AND OUT OF NOWHERE! JACK RIPLEY WITH A TORNADO DDT ON CHRIS ELITE!!! JACK RIPLEY WITH THE COVER!
Referee: ONE!!!….TWO!!!…..KICKOUT!!!
Deadprez: Chris Elite kicks out but Jack Ripley seems unfazed as he stays on Chris Elite with a few elbow drops to the back of Chris as he tries to rise up each time! Now Jack taunts Chris!
Jack: Come on, Chris! Gawd Given Greatness! GET UP!
Deadprez: I’m not so sure taunting someone like Chris Elite is the best idea but Jack talks trash with the best of them so it’s not too much of a surprise! Jack moves in on Chris but Chris was anticipating it this time! Small package by Chris Elite!
Referee: ONE!!!!…..TWO!!!!…… KICKOUT!!!!
Eve: Both men back up but Chris Elite is the one to show the better reaction timing with a nice roundhouse kick that takes Jack Ripley back down to the canvas! Standing shooting star press and the cover by Chris!
Referee: ONE!!!!…..TWO!!!!….KICKOUT!!!!
Deadprez: And yet another kick out by Jack Ripley! But Chris Elite not done as he grabs Jack up by his hair and brings him over to the corner and looks to slam the face of Jack into the turnbuckle but Jack blocks the attempt by Chris Elite! Now Jack tries his hand doing the same but Chris Elite is the one to block the attempt this time! Now a couple of forearms by Chris to Jack Ripley! CLOTHESLINE BUT ITS DUCKED BY JACK! INVERTED NECKBREAKER BY JACK THAT TAKES CHRIS ELITE OFF HIS FEET AGAIN! RIPLEY WITH THE COVER!
Referee: ONE!!!!…..TWO!!!!…..KICKOUT!!!!
Eve: Both men taking turns with the momentum here, and now both are back to their feet and they’re trading blows back and forth at each other! Neither man able to take complete control here! Both men slugging it out dishing out even harder blows each time! But both won’t quit! Now a clothesline by Ripley misses as Chris Elite ducks under! German SUPLEX by Chris Elite! NO! Jack lands on his feet just outside on the ring apron! Now Chris Elite launches himself at Jack Ripley but Jack anticipated well on this occasion and sends the incoming Chris Elite over the top rope with a back body drop! OH MY GOD! INCOMING!!! CHRIS ELITE WAS JUST BACK DROPPED OVER THE TOP ROPE RIGHT ONTO AND THROUGH OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE DP!!! IT DIDN’T GIVE ALL THE WAY THOUGH ON THIS EXCHANGE THANKFULLY!
Deadprez: You spoke to soon Eve! Jack Ripley is climbing to the top turnbuckle! JACK! NO! DON’T DO IT! CHRIS ELITE IS PRETTY GROGGY GETTING UP OFF THAT ANNOUNCE TABLE!!! HE STILL DOESN’T SEE JACK RIPLEY! BUT HERE GOES RIPLEY SOURING ANYWAY!!! AIR RIPLEY!!! MOONSAULT OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE RIGHT ONTO CHRIS ELITE! AND THAT BROKE THE COUNT AND BOTH MEN ARE DOWN! What a risk the straight shooter just took there, Eve! The referee begins his count again but both men look out of it now! The crowd is loud right now as they are clearly into this one! Nobody is sitting right now! The referee up to the count of three!
Referee: FOUR!!!!…..FIVE!!!!….SIX!!!!
Eve: Both men starting to stir now but are in great danger of being counted out! Both are simultaneously crawling toward the ring where they both are up on their knees grabbing for the bottom rope! The referee at the count of eight now! Both slide in at the count of nine once again just beating the ten count! Both men on all fours as they look to recover just enough to get back on their feet! Chris Elite is closer to the ropes in his side and begins pulling himself up! Jack Ripley still on all fours but Elite is already setting up for his next attack! Jack is definitely in trouble here as Chris Elite is looking for the end to be here as it can’t come soon enough! Ripley is now in the perfect position and Chris takes off! WHO SHOT YA!! THAT PENALTY KICK HITS….NO! JACK RIPLEY MOVES JUST IN TIME AND CHRIS ELITE MISSES HIS MARK! JACK AVOIDED THE CONTACT THAT SURELY WOULD’VE BEEN THE END OF HIS NIGHT BY CLIMBING OUT ON THE APRON! AND A SLINGSHOT DDT BY JACK RIPLEY THAT PLANTS CHRIS ELITE INTO THE CANVAS!!! WHAT ATHLETICISM BEING PUT ON DISPLAY BY JACK RIPLEY! A COUPLE OF REALLY BIG SEQUENCES HAS REALLY SHOWN WHAT THIS MAN IS CAPABLE OF! THE COVER BY JACK RIPLEY!
Referee: ONE!!!….TWO!!!!…..THRE-KICKOUT!!!
Deadprez: And Chris Elite is still alive and an exasperated Jack Ripley looks on from a sitting position just shaking his head in a bit of disbelief! Jack Ripley is getting back up now ready to go as Chris Elite is slowly rising back up! Jack is urging Chris back to his feet! The crowd is buzzing, not sure they like what’s happening here! Ripley has the advantage, and he’s like a predator that’s ready to pounce on his prey! Chris Elite is up and turns around! Jack Ripley with a bicycle kick! NO! Misses it’s mark! Chris Elite able to avoid the contact! Elite comes back to capitalize on the error in timing with two closed to the head followed immediately by two hard kicks to the midsection and now the lariat by Chris Elite that takes Jack Ripley down! And Now Chris Elite working the crowd urging them to get louder as Chris is tuning up the band now, shades of one of the all time greats in our sport the Heart Break Boy! Jack Ripley is slowly staggering back to his feet! Jack Ripley turns around right into the Box Office Smash! NO! Jack Ripley caught the SUPERKICK attempt by Chris Elite! HE CAUGHT IT! JACK RIPLEY SPINS CHRIS TRANSITIONING HIM TO WHERE THEY ARE BACK TO BACK! JACK HAS LOCKED THE ARMS CHRIS FROM BEHIND! RIPPLE EFFECT! JACK RIPLEY CONNECTS WITH THE VERTEBREAKER!!! THAT’S IT FOLKS! GOODNIGHT!!! JACK RIPLEY DRAPES AN ARM OVER THE CHEST OF CHRIS ELITE!
Referee: ONE!!!….TWO!!!….THREE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘A Story To Tell’ by Woe Is Me starts up again as Jack Ripley immediately rolls out of the ring as Chris Elite is rolled to his side holding the back of his head.)
Gina Romano: Here is your winner by pinfall….JAAAACCCKKK RIIIIPPPPLLLLEEEYYYY!!!
Eve: You got to give it up to these two battle tested warriors, DP! They really went at each other back and forth right throughout the match, leaving everything they had in the ring! They may not like each other much, but it’s hard to disrespect the other in terms of what they bring to any match. As much as I personally would’ve loved seeing Showdown prevail in this brand vs brand battle, Jack Ripley is well deserving of this victory!
Deadprez: Yeah, Jack Ripley barely escapes in this one, Eve! Let’s tell it like it is! Yeah, Jack pulled out a lot of the necessary steps in this match, but Chris Elite is a top guy on Showdown and in this company for a reason. This was no easy win for Voltage, but yes I suppose I have to second you on that statement, Eve, Jack Ripley earned this one tonight and that’s why he’s going home to Voltage to eventually challenge for the National Elite Championship with a load of momentum!
(The shot picks up on Jack Ripley walking up the ramp, only briefly looking back toward the ring as Chris Elite is now sitting up in the corner still holding the back of his head wincing in pain as Jack then turns to leave.)
(Camera transitions to find a beaten and battered Hurricane Hawk tied to a computer chair back in his office. His head hangs as he’s barely conscious. Suddenly the door is kicked open by Jax Walker who walks over with a bottle of water and dumps it over Hawk’s head.)
Hurricane Hawk: *waking up suddenly through the water* Bah! Fuck! What’s— what’s going on?
Jax Walker: We’re ready for you, Hawk.
Hurricane Hawk: I used to think you were more honorable than this…
(Jax leans down and gets right in Hawk’s face.)
Jax Walker: My honor isn’t yours to question. But you’ve got guys running around on your roster saying that I killed babies during my service. Now I’m not here saying any of that garbage is true. But I’m gonna ask you, if that stuff were true… what do you think I’d be willing to do to you?
Hurricane Hawk: I’m the Showdown General Manager.
Jax Walker: And tonight you made yourself an active competitor. Not gonna lie, that really made things a lot easier on us tonight.
(Jax places a strip of duct tape over Hawk’s mouth before rolling the wheeled chair out into the hallway and down a corridor. They turn a corner and find the medical station. The doctors have all been beaten and thrown around the area. Cody Marshall’s unconscious body lies in the wreckage of a torn down tent. The examining tables are all broken except one where an unconscious Terry Chamber is held with his head dangling off by Joshua Nicholls. Jake Smith stands in front of them with a sick smile as he wraps razor wire around the end of a baseball bat.)
Jake Smith: Hey, Hawk. How’re things?
(Jax rips the duct tape from Hawk’s mouth.)
Hurricane Hawk: The Hell do you three think you’re doing back here?
Joshua Nicholls: Seems like you ask us questions like that a lot. You should really pay better attention.
(Jake finishes wrapping the razor wire around the bat and positions it over Terry’s head.)
Hurricane Hawk: Whoa whoa… what’re you planning on doing with that?
Jax Walker: Well, Hawk, we have a few… requests.
Hurricane Hawk: I don’t negotiate with assholes.
Jake Smith: Assholes? Hawk… I’m offended. We could all be friends if you were just a bit more open minded.
(Jake motions the bat as if he’s swinging it at Terry’s head.)
Hurricane Hawk: ….what do you want?
Jax Walker: Well, first and foremost… I want into the Grand Rampage. No bullshit qualifiers, no excuses for you to try and prevent it. I want in. And I want me and Drake King to have back to back numbers.
Hurricane Hawk: You know I can’t control the entry order! It’s supposed to be a random draw!
Jax Walker: I’m gonna just recommend that you find a way.
Joshua Nicholls: And that’s not everything. We know there’s rumors of a Tag Team Championship match at Grand Rampage. You’re going to put Jake and I into it. We’re going to take those championships one way or another. They’re practically made for us.
Hurricane Hawk: You got some nerve to ask for title shots right now…
Jake Smith: That’s not everything. There’s one more small, tiny, little request that we want to make.
(Jake waves the bat around Terry’s head again.)
Hurricane Hawk: What is it?
Jake Smith: You’re going to leave us alone, Hawk. This way you’ve been hunting us for months… trying to find ways to punish us or fire us despite us finding ways around it… it ends tonight. From here forward, the Round Table are immune.
Hurricane Hawk: What on God’s green earth makes you think I’m going to—
(Jake points the end of the razor wire wrapped bat into Hawk’s bare chest. He then uses his free hand to point into the camera.)
Jake Smith: And you’re going to look into that camera and say “As Showdown General Manager, I will see these requests met.”
Hurricane Hawk: And why would I do that? So you can have some legal bind to it?
(Jake then positions the bat at Terry’s head one more time before cocking it back likes he’s going to swing for the fences.)
Jax Walker: I don’t know, Hawk… why would you?
(Hawk looks between Terry and the camera for a moment before looking into the camera and speaking through a clenched jaw with his eyes closed in reluctance.)
Hurricane Hawk: As Showdown General Manager… I will see these requests met…
(Hawk then turns back to Jake.)
Hurricane Hawk: Ok. I said it. Now let Terry go. There’s no need for this.
(The three knights then look between each other feigning confusion.)
Joshua Nicholls: Well… Hawk… I don’t remember us ever saying Terry was part of the exchange.
Jax Walker: We just wanted to be respectful and ask you for these things man to man. It was never a threat of any kind.
(Jake’s sickening smile grows.)
Jake Smith: Yeah. These were just simple requests.
(He cocks the bat back over his shoulder again ready to swing.)
Jake Smith: Terry was always going to die.
**CRACK**
(Josh releases Terry and the big man’s body falls to the floor in front of Hawk, blood flowing from his skull with no medical personnel in the vicinity. The three knights walk off and leave Hawk there to stare at the lifeless body, his face white as a sheet at what he just saw. The camera fades as the blood from Terry’s head pools over onto Hawk’s shoes.)
(EAW Network Logo Buzzes.)
