Anna C. Flowers
(EAW Intro Plays)
(Camera opens to find Ahren Fournier and Kassidy Heart in a limousine. They wear matching fur coats as always and Ahren’s umbrella sits off to the side. Suddenly a cell phone begins to chirp.)
*RING RING*
*RING RING*
(Ahren pulls his phone out of his coat pocket and answers the call.)
Ahren Fournier: Go for the GOAT.
(Background chatter can be heard from the phone as Ahren looks over and grins at Kassidy.)
Ahren Fournier: I’m glad you saw things my way. I’ll be there shortly.
(Ahren hangs up the phone and chuckles.)
Kassidy Heart: And who was that?
Ahren Fournier: My way back
(Camera pulls out of the limousine, showing them pulling into the rear parking lot of the Guangzhou International Sports Arena as it fades out.)
(“DNA” by Kendrick Lamar plays as the Showdown intro plays for the broadcast before opening up inside of the arena in Guangzhou, China to the a sea of roaring fans as signs in an indeterminate Chinese dialect are seen as well as one that reads “Came for Cage”.)
SCREENBAR — SOLD OUT
(The Camera lingers on the fans for a moment before panning to the commentary desk with Eve and Deadprez.)
Eve: HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME! IT IS SATURDAY NIGHT AND THAT MEANS ITS TIME FOR EAW’S FLAGSHIP PROGRAM, SATURDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN!! I’M FORMER VIXEN’S CHAMPION EVE, AND IM JOINED AS EVER BY THE FORMER AWF CHAMPION, DEADPREZ!!
Deadprez: You reading off credentials now? I dig it.
Eve: And we are ready to bring you all another action packed episode as we are on the path to Pain for Pride XII! But to get there, the Showdown roster will have to survive Wrath of the Dragon in just two weeks time! We can expect to start seeing matches announced for the show soon as we know Hurricane Hawk will be looking to get the ball rolling here tonight!
Deadprez: And I have to mention that amidst some controversy, Showdown has had to say goodbye to—
???: EVERYONE JUST SHUT UP!!
(Camera cuts to the stage where Ronin is seen walking down with a microphone in his ring gear. He has a beaten down Provencal by the head as he walks.)
Eve: Are you serious? We’re still introducing the show, asshole…
Ronin: So I arrive in this company, probably the most dominant fight grid performance you’ve ever seen against Secret Service Sluttiana, take one of the most powerful recent signings in Adam Grace to his fucking limit, and the big match they have for me after seeing my talent is against Province-Man or whatever the fuck with his orphanage that follows him around?
(Ronin makes it to the end of the ramp and shoves Provencal into the apron before climbing up into the ring.)
Ronin: Well, I think its time I put you all on notice! I think it’s about damn time you all started paying attention! I’m not gonna sit around for much longer and take on nobodies! I DEMAND COMPETITION!
(The crowd boos as Ronin stands there grinning at their reactions.)
Ronin: Oh so you don’t like that? Well… why don’t I make an example of what happens when I’m not respected like the warrior that I am… GET A FUCKING REF OUT HERE NOW!
(Ronin rolls out of the ring and grabs Provencal by the head and shoulder, tossing him into the ring under the bottom rope before sliding in himself.)
Ronin: I SAID GET ME A GODDAMN REF!!
(A referee runs out from behind the curtain and makes his way down the ramp. Ronin tosses the microphone to the side as the referee enters the ring.)
Ronin (off mic): NOW RING THE DAMN BELL!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Eve: Well, I guess our opening match is—
Deadprez: RONIN SCOOPS PROVENCAL UP INTO AN ELECTRIC CHAIR! GONNA SET UP FOR JIONGU! THE ONE WINGED ANGEL!
Eve: Everyone keeps interruptin—
Deadprez: BUT PROVENCAL—
Eve: SLIPS DOWN BEHIND AND ROLLS HIM I TO A SMALL PACKAGE! LA PETIT PAQUET BY PROVENCAL!! See? Doesn’t feel good to be interrupted.
Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(Provencal lets go of the small package and rolls quickly out of the ring. He limps and celebrates his way back up the ring, creating distance between himself and Ronin.)
Gina Romano: Here is your winner… PROVENCAL!!!
(Ronin is losing his mind inside the ring, pounding and stomping the mat.)
Deadprez: Looks like Provencal and his kids may actually get to eat tonight!
Eve: Ronin came in talking big and bad but you can never take anyone for granted around Showdown or anywhere in EAW! This is what happens when guys come out and get a big head about themselves!
Deadprez: I can’t disagree more. You need to have an ego to be successful in this industry. But Ronin just let his get the better of him tonight.
(Camera fades as Ronin is seething in the ring and Provencal slides behind the curtain.)
(Commercial for Avengers: Endgame. Spoiler ban ends Monday.)
(Camera opens backstage to find Drake King meeting with Jax Walker, Jake Smith, and Joshua Nicholls at an ironically square table. Drake has the Interwire Championship on the table in front of him.)
Drake King: Last week was a setback. But even with Terry back it’ll be easily forgotten. We go out tonight and each of you gets a dominant win and we are back on top around here. Jake and Josh, Eric and Shane are already at each other’s throats, so just keep your heads about you and you’ll take that one easily. Jax, Cody is no laughing matter, but you can take him down. No worries. Whatever it takes, I don’t care what rules or bodies you break. We get it done.
Jax Walker: Terry coming back is an issue. That barbed wire bat shot should’ve done more damage.
Jake Smith: I hit him with everything I had. I have no idea how he’s come back this soon.
Drake King: We can’t go down that road. We are a unit. We stand together.
Jax Walker: You’re right. No. I’m not implying anything.
Joshua Nicholls: We have a statement to make.
Jake Smith: So lets go make it.
(Jake and Joshua both stand and walk off. Jax lingers for just a moment.)
Jax Walker: Whatever comes our way, we tear down the walls. No one survives us inside the ring. What do we do about Terry?
Drake King: let me worry about that for now. I’ll let you know.
(Jax nods and walks off. Drake takes a breath only to see Terry Chambers suddenly take a seat across from him.)
Terry Chambers: You’ll let him know? Let him know what exactly? That I’m about to take out everything him and that second rate tag team did to me on you? Or how there’s not a force on earth that can stop me?
Drake King: You should leave. If you know what’s best for you, you’d know that you don’t want to go through all that rehab again.
Terry Chambers: That so? I don’t see your back up around to keep you out of trouble.
Drake King: Don’t forget everything I’ve done with my own hands. Solomon gave you issues for how long? I ended him in one match. It wouldn’t take anything for me to send you straight to permanent care.
Terry Chambers: And it wouldn’t take anything for me to leave you with a crushed windpipe. So stalemate.
Drake King: I’m only asking one more time. What do you want?
Terry Chambers: Your little three butt sluts are the reason I was shelved for so long. But I don’t see them as the real threat. I’m here to bring you down. And I’m taking the Interwire Championship with me. I’m laying this out real simple. Accept my challenge, or get your ass beat into accepting it.
Drake King: you want me at Wrath of the Dragon? What makes you think you deserve a shot at my title?
Terry Chambers: Because I survived your bitches. Because I’ve been winning matches here longer than you’ve even been considered for this company. Because I’m going to make you pay for everything I went through. Because if you don’t accept the challenge then I’ll know you’re afraid of me. Pick your favorite reason.
(The two lock into a staring contest momentarily. Suddenly, Drake pulls his legs up and kicks the table directly into Terry. Terry falls back but is right up to his feet. He turns to throw a haymaker but Drake rushes in and hits him square in the face with the Interwire Championship. Terry falls to the floor and a trickle of blood flows down from his forehead. Drake drapes the championship over his shoulder and stands over Terry.)
Drake King: Challenge accepted.
(Drake walks off as Terry rolls over, trying to gather himself.)
(The camera cuts to Gina Romano in the ring.)
Gina Romano: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(“Architects” by Rise Against hits as half the crowd gets up and leaves the arena.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first from Jacksonville, Florida weighing in at 220 pounds he is “The One” JUSTICIAR ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIC!!!!!!!!!!
(Justiciar Eric makes his way to the ring dodging the trash being thrown by outraged members of the audience.)
Deadprez: Show some respect dammit! He is the One!!!
Eve: It is rare to see someone so hated as this man Justiciar Eric. The fans want him OUT! OUT! OUT!
Deadprez: These people will all be sorry when Justiciar Eric becomes the ONE and only ruler of EAW!!!
(“Open Letter” by the Amity Affliction hits to cheers from the crowd.)
Gina Romano: And his partner from Huntington Beach, California weighing in at 210 pounds he is “The Natural Born Killer” SHANE GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATES!!!
(Shane Gates makes his way to the ring as Justiciar Eric is shown looking on in disgust at the positive reaction received by his tag team partner.)
Eve: Looks like someone is a little jealous!
Deadprez: Please Eve. Justiciar Eric has nothing to be jealous of! He has it ALL!
Eve: Well does he have cohesion with his partner? These two hate each other. And I mean HATE!
Deadprez: Its no issue. Shane should feel honored to be teaming with Eric!
(“Give ‘Em Hell, Kid” by My Chemical Romance hits to boos from the crowd.)
Gina Romano: And their opponents… representing the Round Table… they are the team of Jake Smith and Joshua Nicholls… THE REVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVOLUTION!!!
(The Revolution comes out to massive boos. Justiciar Eric seems reassured by this.)
Eve: Jake Smith with a death glare on Justiciar Eric not taking his eyes off him as he comes down to the ring. Justiciar Eric sliding out of the ring as Jake charges him. What a coward!
Deadprez: Ummm it’s called being smart Eve? Jake Smith is clearly an uncontrollable savage! Wait until the match starts and then you can wrestle with Justiciar Eric within the rules. As it should be.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Eve: We are underway as Justiciar Eric is refusing to get in the ring to face off against Jake Smith. So I guess it will be Shane Gates stepping into the ring to start things off. The crowd on their feet cheering Shane on as Jake Smith continues to taunt Eric who is still pacing around outside the ring with an arrogant smirk on his face. Shane Gates shrugs as he hops into action to lock up with Jake Smith who follows in turn as they battle for position. Gates seems to take control as he pushes Jake across the ring… but Jake powers through with a hard Shoulder Block knocking Gates to the mat. Gates back up as Jake runs off the other side of the ropes… but Gates with a Flying Crossbody!!! But Jake grabs the ropes behind him and pulls himself out of the way causing Gates to crash and burn! Jake reaches down and pulls Gates back up to his feet he lifts him up above his head… Military Press Slam connects!!!
Deadprez: The cover! No wait it looks as if Jake Smith is backing up off the ropes. Running knee drop connects across the face of Shane Gates!!! Gates holding his face in pain as Jake makes the tag to Joshua Nicholls. Joshua into the ring now as he begins to stop away at Shane Gates on the ground. Jake grabs Shane by the head as he bashes him face first into the turnbuckle! But Shane stays on his feet! Now the back chops by Joshua into Shane on the turnbuckle as he lights his chest up! And a hard closed fist punch for good measure! Joshua with a Snapmare taking Gates down as he runs across the ropes… Dropkick connects!!! The cover by Joshua!!!
Referee: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: The kickout by Shane Gates! Joshua with a hard elbow strike to the head of Shane as he thinks about getting up. Wait Shane fighting back! Shane Gates throwing some shots at Joshua Nicholls!!! Nicholls thrown back into the corner as Gates is up. He charges in with a Spinning Elbow knocking the hell out of Joshua! Joshua staggers out of the corner as Shane comes off the ropes… Running Bulldog connects! Gates on fire here tonight as the crowd is behind him all the way!!!
Justiciar Eric: What the hell is this? Cheer for me instead!!!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Deadprez: Show some damn respect to THE ONE!!! Shane Gates with the momentum now as he comes off the ropes with a curbstomp to the back of Joshua Nicholls head!!! The cover!!!
Referee: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: Jake Smith in the ring to break up the count. Justiciar Eric appears to not care that his opponents are double teaming his partner as he just sits on the apron and shrugs while looking bored. Jake takes a few more cheap shots on Shane Gates before leaving the ring at the command of the referee. Both Joshua and Shane slowly rise back up to their feet as they trade punches. JOSHUA! SHANE! JOSHUA! SHANE! JOSHUA! SHANE! SHANE! SHANE!
Deadprez: It looks like Shane Gates has the advantage here as he is firing away at the face of Joshua Nicholls! Nicholls reeling as Gates fights him back against the ropes! Gates runs up the turnbuckle… Springboard Moonsault onto Nicholls connects! Nicholls throws him off and gets back up… but Gates kicks his leg!! He kicks the other! Nicholls struggling to maintain balance… Nicholls charges forward trying to catch Gates! But Gates rolls out of the way! Nicholls turns around… SUPERKICK CONNECTS!!! But it looks like Nicholls got his arm up as he took the superkick and managed to deflect most of the impact! Nicholls just punched Gates in the face as both men are down! The crowd cheering Gates on as he begins to crawl towards his corner!!! Nicholls crawling towards his! Which man will make it first! Both men with arms out stretched! Jake Smith begging for Joshua to make it to him! Gates has almost made it to his corner!! He leaps to make the tag!!!!
Justiciar Eric: NAH.
Eve: Justiciar Eric just jumped off the apron! Shane Gates missed the tag! And now Justiciar Eric is walking up the ramp! This crowd is enraged!
Deadprez: He is too good for them Eve! And he is too good for this match!
(The crowd is shown throwing trash at Justiciar Eric as he stands on the stage.)
Eve: Joshua Nicholls made the successful tag to Jake Smith! Smith enters the ring looking like a beast stalking its prey. The Revolution stalks their opponent as Smith climbs to the top rope… FORCED TO KNEEL CONNECTS!!! The neckbreaker and diving crossbody combination connects as Jake Smith covers Shane Gates!!!
Referee: ONE!!!! TWO!!!! THRRRRRRRRRRREEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Gina Romano: Here are your winners… THE REVOLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTION!!!
(“Give ‘Em Hell, Kid” by My Chemical Romance hits as The Revolution has their arms raised by the referee.)
Deadprez: WOOOOO THE REVOLUTION DEFEATED SHANE! I’M HAPPY ABOUT THIS!!!
Eve: Are you serious Dead? You were just celebrating Justiciar Eric earlier but you like The Revolution too?
Deadprez: I am a complex man Eve. I wouldn’t expect someone with your level of intelligence to understand. You see through Justiciar Eric’s actions The Revolution was able to prevail! This moment is all because of him!
Eve: Yeah I am sure that The Revolution would be down with giving all the credit for this victory to Justiciar Eric.
Deadprez: I know I would. Sad night for Shane. Guess he should have realized a man who calls himself The One would have issues with teamwork. Oh well maybe he will smarten up and find better partners next time!
Eve: Ugh… well I was impressed that Shane fought as well as he did in what was essentially a Handicap Match even if my partner isn’t. And my opinion is really all that matters.
(The Revolution make their exit as Eric re-emerges from behind the curtain with a microphone. Shane is seen leaning himself against the turnbuckles.)
Justiciar Eric: I’m sure you’re confused, Shane. But let me make this simple for you. I watched you in that match. It would’ve just been me carrying you. And when I get my glorious victory over Jake Smith, it will be a moment of triumph. But doing so with you weighing me down? No. And you expected that I would trust you after all we’ve been through recently? You couldn’t lace my fucking boots. So I’m leaving you behind. I’m moving on. I’m taking on bigger competition. And I’m going to get what I deserve. I’m going to take this company by storm whether you like it or not!
(The crowd boos Eric as he stands there looking very proud of himself.)
Justiciar Eric: You can all boo. I guess I have to get used to it. Because to me I really just hear you all telling me I’m doing the right thing. So I’m going to lay out a challenge. Whoever walks out as the New Breed Champion… I challenge you to a match! To show who truly is the greatest of the current crop of rookies! Don’t worry, your title isn’t my target. But when I beat you, there will be nothing remaining to prove that I shouldn’t be in the main event of Pain for Pride! AND THEN YOU WILL ALL SEE THAT I AM THE ONE!
(Eric soaks in the boos as the camera fades.)
(Commercial for Jose Cuervo. You’re probably drinking some tomorrow.)
(The camera opens back to Gina Romano in the middle of the empty ring)
Gina Romano: The following contest is scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(“Welcome Home” by Coheed and Cambria plays and is quickly met by boos as Jax Walker comes out. He gives a smirk before walking to the ring)
Gina Romano: Introducing first, from Berea, Kentucky weighing in at 265 POUNDS, JAX…WALKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: Jax is looking to bounce back along with the other members of the Round Table after what happened last week with Terry Chamber and the tag match last week.
Eve: Oh come on there’s no bouncing back from that. Getting help from two other people than losing is bad enough, oh well let’s just find out if he can just pull out the win today.
(Jax walks into the ring and completely ignores the crowd as he walks to his corner, he covers his ears in disgust as “Lowlife” by Theory of a Deadman plays to a mixed reaction as Cody Marshall comes out looking determined)
Gina Romano: And his opponent, from Dallas, Texas weighing in at 305 pounds, CODY…MARSHALL!!!!!!
Deadprez: That’s a new look I haven’t seen from Cody Marshall, he’s back with a vengeance and I don’t think he wants to lose his first match back here.
Eve: He wants to give a warning to Jack Haze and I think this might just be the man to beat to do so, Jax Walker.
(Cody Marshall walks to the steel steps, taking a fan’s beer along the way and drinking it all with one gulp and entering the ring. Both men stare each other down for a few seconds before the ref splits them apart and the match starts)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Deadprez: Here we go as- OH JAX RUNNING IMMEDIATELY AT CODY AND NAILING HIM WITH THE IED, THE BIG BOOT, WAIT! CODY IS STILL UP, Jax is moving back, OH BUT CODY GRABS HIM, SIDEWALK SLAM! Jax is wasting no time getting back to his feet, BIG BOOT- NO JAX GRABS CODY’S FOOT IN MID AIR, he’s put it down, LARIAT! Jax keeping up the pace running the ropes, Cody slides under, DISCUS HEEL ICK BY CODY MARSHALL! Cody keeping him up, throwing Jax into the corner, SNAKE EYES- NO JAX SLIDES OFF OF CODY, JAX PUSHING CODY INTO THE CORNER! Jax taking a step back…CLOTHESLINE! Jax keeping on Cody grabbing him…BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX! Jax going for the pin, but Cody kicks out before the count even starts! Jax bringing Cody up slowly…OH CODY WITH A GUT PUNCH MAKING JAX LEAN OVER! Cody’s got Jax in a fireman’s carry position, NO JAX SLIDES OFF- OH! Cody with a sickening back elbow to the face of Jax Walker. Cody turning around, ATOMIC DROP! Jax falling flat to the floor as, :wow: it seems Cody Marshall is yelling a lot of profanity at him. Cody it seems bringing Jax up- NO JAX, ROLLUP!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: KICKOUT! CODY UP, HE’S RUNNING- OH JAX WITH A KITCHEN SINK! Jax slowly falling back…ELBOW DROP! Cody clutching his chest as, oh Jax goes up to the top rope, HE LEAPS, MISSILE DROPKICK- NO CODY MOVES OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME! Cody running to the ropes, LEG DROP TO JAX WALKER! Cody not wasting anytime manhandling Jax Walker as he lifts Jax up…BODY SLAM! Back up again, OH FOREARM FROM JAX! Jax irish whipping Cody to the ropes, A RUNNING KNEE TO THE GUT OF CODY MARSHALL! Cody bending over as Jax pulls him in, POWERBOMB! Jax rolling up to his feet as Cody gets up, JAX WITH A KICK RIGHT TO THE TOP OF CODY’S HEAD! Jax Walker has had the advantage so far but let’s see if he can keep it up in order to keep Cody Marshall down for good. Jax grabbing Cody by the neck, BUT CODY PUSHES HIM AWAY, EUROPEAN UPPERCUT STUNNING JAX! BUT JAX WITH A ELBOW, CODY WITH A GUT KICK, Jax goes up…DROP SUPLEX! Jax in a sitting position, as Cody brings him up with two hands, up…WAIT, CODY WAS GOING FOR THAT ELEVATED POWERBOMB BUT JAX NAILS HIM ON THE HEAD, AGAIN, AGAIN! Cody finally drops him down, Cody aimless, CLOTHESLINE, NOBODY HOME! JAX DUCKS UNDER AND RUNS THE ROPES, JAX WITH A LARIAT SPINNING CODY EVERYWHERE! Jax not giving Cody an inch in this match as he grabs Cody Marshall around the neck and brings him up…OH! CODY WITH A PUNCH TO THE GUT FORCING JAX TO LET GO! Cody with a irish whip sending Jax into the corner, CLOTHESLINE TO JAX, but Cody keeping him in the corner. OH A GUT KICK SENDING JAX DOWN, CODY SHOVES HIS FOOT RIGHT INTO THE FACE OF JAX WALKER! The ref trying to split them apart, success- OH JAX PUSHING CODY RIGHT INTO THE REFEREE! Referee turned around, EYE RAKE! JAX WALKER RAKING THE EYES OF CODY MARSHALL AND THE REF DIDN’T SEE ANYTHING! JAX WITH A-
Deadprez: BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX! Cody is stunned as the ref continues his watch of the wrestlers, Jax nailing a kick to the back of Cody Marshall. Jax pushing Cody down, headlock applied…OH! Cody pushes him away, Jax getting up- JAX MET WITH A BIG BOOT BY CODY! Cody stomping away as Jax is defenseless! Jax finally getting some space as he rolls out of the ring, Cody following, OH JAX IS GRABBING CODY AROUND THE WAIST FROM THE OUTSIDE! HOLY SHIT, GERMAN SUPLEX FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR! JAX HAS NEARLY DECAPITATED CODY! JAX ROLLING CODY INTO THE RING, Jax coming in, he’s putting Cody on the bottom rope, oh lord. He’s leaving the ring from the opposite end…THE MOTAR! JAX DRIVES BY CODY AND NAILS HIM RIGHT ON THE SIDE OF HIS FACE! Jax getting into the ring and pulling Cody off the ropes, PIN ATTEMPT THIS CERTAINLY MUST BE IT!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: KICKOUT! BUT HOW DID CODY MARSHALL KICK OUT OF THAT?!?!?!?! JAX WALKER IS IN SHOCK TOO! Cody rolling to the ropes slowly, but Jax catching him, he’s grabbing him by the waist what is he doing, JAX LIFTING CODY UP BY THE WAIST, BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX- NO CODY STOPS HIM MID AIR WITH A ELBOW TO THE FACE BRINGING HIM BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND! Jax stumbles forward as Cody watches him from behind…JAX TURNING AROUND QUICKLY WITH A BACK ELBOW, BUT CODY RETURNS IT, CODY IRISH WHIP- NO JAX STANDS IN PLACE, CODY WITH A GUT KICK HOLDING THAT ARM OF JAX WALKER, SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE! Cody keeping the arm of Jax Walker held as he pulls Jax up for another, CLOTHESLINE- NO JAX DUCKS UNDER, KICK TO THE BACK OF THE KNEE OF CODY, Jax moving to the front, SNAP SUPLEX! Jax gaining some leverage here as he turns the tables on Cody. Jax getting Cody up, OH CODY MARSHALL QUICKLY LIFTING JAX UP INTO THE AIR, WELCOME TO HELL, ELEVATED POWERBOMB CONNECTS! Wait, he’s not going for the pin, I think he’s going for it again, JAX, SPEARING CODY BEFORE HE CAN LIFT HIM UP! BOTH MEN ARE DOWN!
Deadprez: Jax is trying to place his hand on Cody for the pin but Cody is grabbing the ropes now trying to get up. Jax is bringing his hand over, OH CODY STOMPS ON THE HAND OF JAX WALKER! Cody stomping away as Jax is being brutalized, OH! Cody scraping his boot against the head of Jax! Jax pushes away finally, Cody running the ropes, OH JAX WITH A DROP TOE HOLD! He lets it go, Cody Marshall is getting up, BUT IT’S TOO LATE JAX WITH THE IED SLAMMING CODY BACK TO THE RING MAT, THE BIG BOOT HAS KNOCKED OUT CODY! But Jax isn’t done yet, wow, Jax is going up to the top, no actually he’s going up to the middle rope, JAX LEAPS…ELBOW- NO CODY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY, Jax getting up clutching his elbow, DIVING SHOULDER BLOCK BY CODY MARSHALL! Cody going for the pin- WAIT JAX NAILING A PUNCH ON CODY FROM THE GROUND, Jax getting up BUT CODY WITH, ANOTHER DIVING SHOULDER BLOCK! Cody transitioning into grabbing the head of Jax Walker, OH A STIFF FOREARM TO THE HEAD! ANOTHER ONE, Cody is landing sickening forearms to the head of Jax Walker.
Eve: Jax will start bleeding fast if he can’t stop this. OH JAX LANDING A FOREARM BACK FROM THE GROUND! CODY WITH ANOTHER, JAX WITH ANOTHER! NOW THEY’RE GOING BACK AND FORTH ON THE GROUND, OH! JAX WITH A ELBOW RIGHT TO THE FOREHEAD OF CODY MARSHALL MAKING HIM FALL DOWN! Jax dragging himself to the ropes but Cody Marshall is getting up much faster than Jax can crawl, Cody managing to grab the leg of Jax, OH JAX KICKING CODY RIGHT IN THE FACE! Jax crawling up to his feet, Jax grabbing a kneeling Cody…
Jax Walker: KNEEL TO ME!
Deadprez: Strong words to Cody Marshall by Jax Walker. OH CODY SPITTING IN THE FACE OF JAX WALKER, JAX WITH A PUNCH- NO CODY GRABS JAX’S FIST PREVENTING IT FROM HITTING HIM, ELBOW BY CODY! Cody pushing Jax away as he gets to his feet, Jax coming towards Cody BUT HE MEETS A…DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! DEATH KNELL CONNECTS! Cody not wasting time, wait oh, he’s placed a foot on Jax, he’s telling the ref to count this as a pin, the ref starts his count!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: KICK OUT BY JAX! CODY IS IN SHOCK, Jax sits up, CODY KICKING JAX- NO! JAX GRABBING THE LEG OF CODY, JAX GETTING UP! OH JAX KICKING THE OTHER LEG OF CODY FORCING HIM DOWN, KNEE DROP LEGBREAKER! Jax holding onto the foot tho coming back up, ANOTHER ONE! Jax is aiming for the leg of Cody stomping it down till it’s no more. OH BUT CODY WITH THE OTHER FOOT KICKING JAX IN THE GUT, Jax going down, PUNCH TO THE SIDE OF CODY’S HEAD! Jax grabbing both legs and dragging Cody to the ropes…SLINGSHOT RIGHT INTO THE ROPES, CODY MARSHALL’S HEAD RICOCHETING TO THE GROUND! Jax mounting Cody for the ground and pound, OH BUT CODY PUSHES HIM OFF, Jax up, but CODY GRABBING JAX BY THE LEGS, HE PULLS HIM DOWN, CODY PUSHING JAX OUT OF THE RING! No, he can’t be doing this :lupe:
Deadprez: HE INDEED IS EVE CODY MARSHALL IS UP ON THE TOP ROPE! Jax up to his feet, CODY, DIVING ELBOW DROP BRINGING JAX DOWN! Cody pulling out all the stops to win, he must’ve learned acrobatics while he was gone too.
Eve: That was a horrible joke Dead-
Deadprez: Cody grabbing Jax and immediately rolling him into the ring, Cody is wasting no time.
Eve: Or I think he just wants to get him done, from what I hear everyone is stealing his beer backstage.
Deadprez: WHATEVER SHUT UP JEEZ. Jax is up but Cody is already cornering him in the corner, it looks like Jax is trying to talk it out with Cody- OH JAX GRABBING CODY BY THE HEAD, HE THROWS HIM IN THE CORNER, JAX KICKING HIM DOWN, Cody is sitting in the corner as Jax moves back to the opposite one, oh no, JAX RUNNING…BOOT TO THE FACE OF CODY MARSHALL, CODY FALLS DOWN TO THE GROUND QUICKLY AS JAX KEEPS HIS FOOT THERE. Jax bringing himself out waiting for Cody to get up, Cody in the corner again, Jax running…CLOTHESLINE- NO CODY DUCKS UNDER, CODY GRABBING JAX BY THE LEGS, OH HE THROWS HIM OVER HIS HEAD, NO BUT JAX LANDS ON THE APRON! Cody, MET WITH A PUNCH BY JAX WALKER, Jax nowhere to go but up as he climbs the turnbuckle, Jax is on the middle rope- OH CODY WITH A SHOULDER THRUST TO THE OUTSIDE PUSHING JAX OFF THE APRON AND DOWN TO THE FLOOR! Cody coming out, BUT JAX UP HE GRABS CODY, OH JAX THROWS CODY RIGHT INTO THE BARRICADE, the ref starting his count as the pressure mounts on both of these competitors.
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: Jax grabbing Cody, OH BUT CODY PUSHING JAX RIGHT ONTO THE EDGE OF THE APRON! Cody stumbles up but Jax falls on the ground limp.
Ref: TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: OH CODY THROWING JAX RIGHT INTO THE RING, the count stops as both wrestlers get up, Cody rolling into the ring, BUT JAX UP FIRST GRABBING CODY AROUND THE NECK AND BRINGING HIM UP…SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Oh but Cody rolling out of the ring again, Jax coming- NO CODY PURPOSELY COMES OUTSIDE TO SWEEP THE LEG OF JAX WALKER FROM THE OUTSIDE! Cody rolls back into the ring, Cody kicking him before running the ropes, BUT JAX IS UP, OH HE SLIDES UNDER CODY, OH BUT CODY HOLDS THE ROPES STOPPING HIM, OH JAX WAS GONNA GO FOR A DROPKICK BUT NOBODY WAS HOME! Jax is up again, but Cody nailing him with a punch to the face, Jax returns one back, oh lord, OH!
Deadprez: BOTH CODY MARSHALL AND JAX WALKER ARE GOING BACK AND FORTH, NONE OF THESE MEN ARE GIVING UP! CODY WITH A STIFF FOREARM PUSHING JAX BACK! JAX WITH ANOTHER ONE BACK, OH BUT A GUT KICK BY CODY, I THINK I SEE SOMETHING COMING…
Eve: Yeah Dead I agree, Cody is setting him up…RAPTUR—
Deadprez: JACK HAZE UP ON THE APRON! CODY DROPS JAX AND GOES AFTER HAZE! BUT HAZE DROPS OFF THE APRON AND CODY JUST MISSES HIM! CODY TURNS AROUND! M.O.A.B.!!! THE POP UP SIT OUT POWERBOMB FROM JAX WALKER PLANTS CODY INTO THE MAT! JAX MAKES THE COVER!
Ref: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Gina Romano: Here is your winner… JAX WALKER!!!
(“Welcome Home” picks back up as Jax slides out of the ring. He looks over at Haze with a look of disgust before making his way back up the ramp. The music fades and Haze grabs a microphone before sliding into the ring.)
Jack Haze: What’s up there, big guy? Comfy?
(Cody is barely conscious on the mat after the match with Jax.)
Jack Haze: You accused me of every crime imaginable last week. You blame me for all of your failures. You blame me for you not being in a title match at Under Siege. No matter how things played out, I did end up main eventing that show. Me. The one who follows the Enlightened path. The same path that I offered to show you. The same path you spat at. And then you have the gall to come out and attack me in the ring last week? As if I’m the reason you got put out for a while? I have worked my ass off since the day I got up to the main roster from Battleground! Not even you can deny that! From the very bottom to main event of a major show! No one has made a bigger mark than I have! NO ONE!
(Jack pauses, calming his breath as he stares down at Cody.)
Jack Haze: But you know there’s some things I’m just fed the fuck up with. So many of you decide you have any room to mock me or my philosophies when you don’t know the difference between Nietzsche and Nirvana! You mock me because of what I do in my spare time as if any of you have reached the spiritual level that I have! And most of all, I’m tired of always being the guy who everyone decides to attack backstage! We wrestle in this ring as a competition! But because of my pacifism, I’m the man who everyone thinks they can make a statement on by attacking me from behind or whatever. No more. I am a technical master, and I’m a fucking warrior in this industry. So everyone who has had this idea in their head can kiss my ass! You all saw what happened to Damon Diesel! Twice he came at me backstage! And how’d that end? With him, the so called wrestling machine, tapping out to me!
(Jack kneels down very close to Cody.)
Jack Haze: So I’ve had a word with Hawk. You wanna come back and try to run the game on me? You wanna keep this plate spinning between us? Well I’m done with it. So just understand, you made me do this. You’re a former Hardcore Champion, I’ve been in hellacious match after hellacious match lately. So at Wrath of the Dragon, this shot comes to an end. No disqualifications, falls count anywhere. You and me. One final time.
Eve: WHOA! JACK HAZE HAS LAID IT OUT FOR CODY MARSHALL! THESE TWO HOLD NO LOVE FOR EACH OTHER AND YOU HAVE TO THINK THAT MATCH WILL BE NOTHING BUT PURE VIOLENCE!
Deadprez: THESE TWO HAVE BEEN AT EACH OTHER’S THROATS OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS! AT WRATH OF THE DRAGON, JACK HAZE CLAIMS IT WILL ALL COME TO AN END!
(Cody is just rolling over and trying to get himself together as Haze slides out of the ring and walks up the ramp, keeping his eyes on Cody the whole time.)
(Commercial for Spotify. Could YOUR playlist hold the new Empire theme song?)
(Camera opens to show the commentary desk with Eve and Deadprez.)
Eve: Last week, Showdown officials along with General Manager, Hurricane Hawk, were notified of allegations against now former Showdown backstage interviewer, Cori Simmons.
Deadprez: Sexual harassment, inappropriate remarks, stalking one of the roster.
Eve: Ms. Simmons was immediately released from her EAW Contract and sent home. She will face punishment for her actions and will no longer tarnish the good name of Showdown.
Deadprez: Arms dealing, embezzlement, collusion.
Eve: But with that, we are now able to welcome Showdown’s newest backstage correspondent, Kyra Phillips.
Deadprez: Running a prostitution ring, grand larceny, suspected heroine addiction.
Eve: You’re still talking about Cori, right?
Deadprez: Of course. Bitch was fucked up in the head.
Eve: Well for the sake of legal ramifications, all these charges are simply alleged—
Deadprez: I think she did it.
Eve: Anyway… Kyra Phillips is backstage now and has a report for us.
(Camera fades and re-opens to show Kyra Phillips standing backstage with a microphone.)
Kyra Phillips: Hello everyone! I’m Kyra Phillips, and my guest at this time is a man who needs no introduction! Ladies and gentlemen, Chris Elite!
(Chris Elite and Big Mike step into frame.)
Chris Elite: Hey girl. Damn you look way better than that bitch who used to be back here.
Kyra Phillips: Well Chris, I have to wonder where your mind is. You and TLA got a big win last week in defeating the Round Table but that was coming off a hard loss at Grand Rampage. What are your thoughts heading into Wrath of the Dragon and looking on to Pain for Pride?
Chris Elite: That match at Grand Rampage… it was nothing short of hell on earth. Four guys who all wanted that win, it’s no shock it was as violent as it was. And sometimes the wrong guy comes out on top in those clusterfuck multi man matches. That’s the only reason Malcolm left with the title instead of me. One on one, we already know how that one goes. But for the time being, I’ve got someone who’s mouth I wanna shut. Just like how I punked out Mr. Fashion Nova when I used my Gawd Contract to prove who the better man really was after he ran around bragging about some bullshit win in a cage match off a technicality.
Kyra Phillips: You said you have someone already in your crosshairs. Mind shedding any light on who that is?
Chris Elite: Nah. Just know it’s someone who made the mistake of running their mouth this week. But besides that, I’ll keep the information to myself.
Kyra Phillips: And Mike, you’ve known Chris a long time. What do you see coming in the near future for your friend and employer?
Big Mike: Gold, baby. This man right here has been the face of this entire company in the past. And he’s gonna be there again. You bet on that shit. Malcolm, Theron, Noah… not one of them can crack what Big Bhris did with the World Heavyweight Championship after he took it off the great Jamie O’Hara. And once you see gold around his waist again, all that disrespect been coming out of everyone’s mouths is gonna stop real quick.
Kyra Phillips: Anything else you two would like to say here tonight?
Chris Elite: Oh I got something to say tonight. Just not right now.
(Chris grins at Kyra then to the camera before he and Big Mike wall off screen.)
(Commercial for cooking lessons featuring our professional chef, Big Tony.)
(Camera opens to find Gina Romano in the ring. The crowd then cheers as “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne just and Korey Gaines walks out onto the Showdown stage.)
Eve: And here is the high flyer from Voltage! The man who earned his shot at the New Breed Championship and was called out by the new champion last week! Korey looks focused and ready for the challenge here tonight!
Deadprez: I’m just glad EAW’s travel department made sure he got here. Could you imagine if each brand had different travel organizers and someone had a bias against him? We could’ve had a match fully advertised with the challenger not even showing up!
Eve: Well that’s why we have the level of checks and balances to keep this company organized.
(Korey climbs up into the ring and poses in the corner for the fans. His music is suddenly replaced by “Love SOSA” by Chief Keef as SOSA Henderson walks out onto the stage with the New Breed Championship around his waist. He looks out at the crowd giving him a massive mixed reaction.)
Eve: And here comes the Champion! The man who brought the New Breed Championship to Showdown!
Deadprez: SOSA Henderson has put this entire company on notice! He has already promised to break Jamie O’Hara’s championship record and be the greatest New Breed Champion ever. And he’s looking to start by defending it against the man he called out last week, Korey Gaines!
(SOSA climbs up into the ring and takes the championship off, holding it up high in the air as he steps up and gets in Gaines’s face. The referee separates the two and sends them to their corners.)
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for for one fall and it is for the EAW New Breed Championship!!!!!
Crowd: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Gina Romano: Introducing first, the challenger. From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, weighing in at 170 pounds… he is THE UNDERDOG DAREDEVIL…. KOOORRRREEEYYY GGGAAAAIIINNNNEEESSSS!!!!
(The crowd cheers as Korey stands tall on the turnbuckle.)
Gina Romano: And Introducing the Champion, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing in at 191 pounds… he is the EAW NEW BREED CHAMPION… BULLETPROOF SOSA HENDERSON!!
(SOSA holds the championship up high as he keeps his eyes focused on Korey. The referee then takes the title from him and holds it up for the camera before handing the belt out to the timekeeper.)
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Eve: And we are underway here with this New Breed Championship match! Korey Gaines looking to take advantage of this opportunity but he has a tall task going up against the champion here tonight! And he’s going right for it as he charges in! That devil may care attitude that has gotten Korey this far! He flies in and meets Henderson two thirds of the way across the ring and dives in for a lock up—. BUT IT DOESN’T PAY OFF BECAUSE SOSA USES KOREY’S MOMENTUM TO THRUST HIM BACK INTO THE CORNER AND NOW DRIVING HIS SHOULDER INTO KOREY’S STERNUM!
Deadprez: High risk high reward only works when you execute! And it didn’t pay off for Korey there! Henderson now unloading with punches to the face of Gaines as the referee now drags him away! But SOSA shoves his way past and rushes in! BUT GAINES STEPS OUT OF THE WAY AND HENDERSON COLLIDES WITH THE TURNBUCKLES! SOSA isn’t phased though and he turns to continue the assault— RIGHT INTO A JUMPING ROUNDHOUSE FROM GAINES! SOSA is stunned and Korey has created the room he needs to breathe and get his footing here in the early going!
Eve: Gaines looking to compose himself and get on offense! SOSA is trying to clear his head but Gaines now rushing over! He leaps up and spring boards back off of the second rope and flies back into a crossbody to take Henderson down! Korey staying on offense now as he mounts the champion and begins to rain down forearms into SOSA’s skull! Shot after shot coming down and Gaines looking to make his mark here tonight! Gaines now pops up and he runs to the corner! Grabs the ropes and slingshots himself up to the top rope! I think he’s looking for the 405! Very early in the match!
Deadprez: But SOSA rolls over to the far corner! Not quite enough damage done and SOSA isn’t gonna stay there and wait to get hit! Good ring awareness by the champion! Gaines hops down and moves quickly over to SOSA— WHO TRIPS KOREY WITH A TOE HOLD AND SENDS KOREY FACE FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! SOSA ROLLS UP AND DRAGS KOREY AWAY BY THE FEET BFORE LOCKING IN THE SHARPSHOOTER! GAINES IS BENT INTO A KNOT AND SOSA HAS IT IN TIGHT! KOREY IS GROANING IN PAIN! HES TRYING TO DRAG HIS WAY TO THE ROPES BUT HES VERY UNDERSIZED HERE IN THIS MATCH! KOREY IS SCRATCHING, CLAWING, SCRAPING TO MAKE HIS WAY TO THE ROPES! HES PULLING! DIGGING WITH EVERYTHING HE HAS! HE IS ALMOST THERE—
Eve: BUT SOSA MOVES HIS FEET AND WALKS KOREY BACK TO THE CENTER! KOREY IS HURTING AND HE HAS TO FIND A WAY TO EACAPE THIS HOLD OR HE WILL HAVE TO SUBMIT! KOREY IS CLUTCHING AT HIS HEAD AND HES LOOKING FOR HIS WAY OUT! HE HAS TO BE FEELING THAT BEND IN HIS SPINE! THE LONGER HE IS LOCKED IN THSI SHARPSHOOTER THE MORE DAMAGE IS DONE! HES PUSHING HIMSELF UP AND TRYING TO WALK HIMSELF TOWARDS THE ROPES! SOSA PULLING ON THAT HOLD AS HARD AS HE CAN AND MAKING IT TIGHT!
Deadprez: KOREY HAS HIS HAND UP! HE MAY TAP RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW! HES GONNA TAP! HES GONNA TAP!
Eve: NO! KOREY DIGS IN AND HE CLAWS HIS WAY FARTHER! SOSA LOOKS TO WALK HIM BACK TO THE CENTER AND THIS TIME KOREY USES THE LOOSENED HOLD TO SLIP HIS WAY THROUGH AND TWIST HIS WAY OUT! KOREY GAINES HAS ESCAPED THE SHARPSHOOTER!
Deadprez: But SOSA isn’t gonna keep off him for long! SOSA Henderson rushes in, oh but Korey taking the smart play and slides under the bottom rope! He’s clutching his back in serious pain and that sharpshooter definitely did a number on him!
Eve: BUT HENDERSON FOLLOWS NOW WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! BUT GAINES DIVES OUT OF THE WAY! SOSA JUST CRASHED STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND KOREY HAS A CHANCE TO GET BACK INTO IT HERE BUT HE HAS TO GET UP FIRST! HIS BACK IS STILL HURTING HIM AND HES STILL ON THE FLOOR! THE REFEREE IS STARTING THE COUNT!
Ref: ONE!
Deadprez: Both men are still down! Korey still gripping his back and I’m not convinced SOSA didn’t hit his head on the way down! The first one to his feet has the advantage in this championship match!
Ref: TWO!
Eve: Korey is trying to push himself to his feet now! He knows he has to take every opportunity that he gets! He wants to become the next New Breed Champion!
Ref: THREE!
Deadprez: Korey is up now but SOSA is already moving now too! Gaines May have taken too much time to recover! He walks over and grabs SOSA by the head! Pulling him to his feet! DDT! GAINES PLANTING SOSA’S HEAD INTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!
Ref: FOUR!
Eve: GAINES WITH A BIG MOVE THERE AND NOW HES DRAGGING HIMSELF BACK UP TO HIS FEET ONCE MORE! REACHING DOWN TO GRAB SOSA AGAIN!
Ref: FIVE!
Deadprez: KOREY PULLS SOSA UP AND ROLLS HIM INTO THE RING! Korey taking his time on the outside now as he pulls himself up to the apron! SOSA is moving but I don’t think he knows where he is right now!
Ref: SIX!
Eve: Korey only has a little bit left to get in the ring and break the count! He’s standing on the ring apron though! He’s setting up for something! SOSA is nearly to his feet!
Ref: SEVEN!
Deadprez: KOREY CONNECTS WITH THE SPRINGBOARD FOREARM TO THE CHAMPION! SOSA IS DROPPED TO THE MAT AND KOREY GAINES MAKES THE PIN!
Ref: ONEEEEEEEEEE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Eve: NO! SOSA KICKS OUT! HE GOT THE SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST SECOND! THAT DDT ON THE OUTSIDE MAY HAVE SCRAMBLED HIS BRAIN BUT HIS INSTINCT HAS KEPT HIM ALIVE! Korey is beside himself though! He thought he had the victory there! He clutches his back as he pulls himself up! He drags himself over to the corner and is going to drag himself up to the top! He’s struggling! But step by step he’s making his way to the top! He’s climbing and he’s finally made it! He looks out to see SOSA still recovering on the mat and lines himself up! KOREY TAKES OFF! OKLAHOMA TWISTER—
Deadprez: NO! KOREY JUST CRASHES DOWN TO THE MAT! HE TOOK OFF AND GOT A PARTIAL ROTATION BUT I THINK HIS BACK GAVE OUT ON HIM AND HE COULDN’T EXECUTE THE CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
Eve: He’s down on the mat and clutching at his back, right where that sharpshooter bent him up! He’s hurting! And now SOSA is recovered and climbing properly to his feet! He sees Korey down on the mat and the champion smells blood in the water! He calls for Korey to get up! Taunting him and demanding him to stand! Korey pulls himself to his knees and—
Deadprez: PAID IN FULL! SOSA HENDERSON WITH THE DOUBLE CURBSTOMP! HE PLANTS KOREY DOWN HARD INTO THE MAT! SOSA DROPS DOWN AND MAKES THE COVER!
Ref: ONEEEEEEEEEE!! TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Eve: HE DID IT! THE TITLE STAYS ON SHOWDOWN!
(SOSA stands to his feet as “Love SOSA” picks back up again and the referee brings him the championship. SOSA rips the title away from the referee and holds it high up in the air.)
Deadprez: Korey had some flurries, showed some heart, but you can’t hold a man like SOSA Henderson down! He’s a future top talent here in EAW and we have the privilege of seeing his genesis!
(Commercial for high end hair extensions featuring Kassidy Heart.)
(Camera opens to a panning shot of the fans inside the Guangzhou International Sports Arena as “No Regrets” by Pusha T hits and Hurricane Hawk walks out onto the stage with a smile on his face.)
Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, Showdown General Manager and EAW Hall of Famer… HURRICANE HAWK!!!
(The non-English speaking crowd cheers as Hawk waves at them before climbing into the ring. Gina hands him a microphone before exiting the ring herself.)
Hurricane Hawk: Hello! What a fantastic and exciting night we’ve had here on Showdown! We are well on our way into Wrath of the Dragon with a few matches already made by our roster members and I have personally confirmed. And I’m here to announce one more match that we can be excited to see. I’m sure everyone is familiar with the annual Cash in the Vault match at Pain for Pride?
(The crowd roars at the familiar words.)
Hurricane Hawk: The winner receives a briefcase which holds a contract guaranteeing them a World Championship opportunity at a time of their choosing! It has led many to the top Championship of their brand, including the reigning World Heavyweight Champion over on Voltage! So being in that match is a test of who is ready to take that next step, and we want only the very best representing Showdown! And that is why I am here to announce that we will be having our first Cash in the Vault qualifying match at Wrath of the Dragon! The exact list of participants is yet to be set, but when the dust settles, I’m confident that the winner will be someone worthy of representing Showdown in the eight person ladder match at Pain for Pride!
The participants will be determined by next week and the list will be made up of competitors who have proven themselves worthy, have managed to impress me in recent weeks, and manage to impress me next week before final decisions are made. So everyone be ready to give the fight of your lives! It could very well set you on a path to the very top of our industry in the coming months! It’s an opportunity that—
(“Pray For Em” by Meek Mill then hits and Hawk turns around, shocked. He looks to see the EAW Champion, Malcolm Jones, walking down the ramp with the title belt hanging around his neck.)
Deadprez: THE EAW CHAMPION IS HERE! MALCOLM JONES IS HERE AND LOOKS LIKE HE HAS SOMETHING TO SAY TO THE GENERAL MANAGER!
Eve: Well we’ve yet to learn what Malcolm’s match will be at Wrath of the Dragon, so maybe he’s out here to try and figure out what’s happening.
(Malcolm climbs up and into the ring, calling for the timekeeper to hand him a microphone.)
Malcolm Jones: Yeah… that’s all real nice Hawk. You out here trying to encourage your NEXT world champion. But there’s one big issue with that. You stand around ignoring the CURRENT world champion on your brand and the top guy in the whole damn company. You already plotting to toss me from where I stand? Sounds like a typical EAW fuckboy. Same shit since I was in fucking NEO. But it don’t make a difference. Because I’m never losing this belt.
(Malcolm takes the title from around his neck and holds it up high in the air.)
Malcolm Jones: I’m holding a fucking vice grip on this title until the day I retire. And you and the rest of the corporate dick eaters will have to create a new world championship to replace it. Because whether you and the board room like it or not, the champion of all of EAW will always be Malcolm Jones.
(MJ takes the title and places it over his shoulder, giving Hawk an expression that dares him to talk.)
Hurricane Hawk: Malcolm I told you forever ago that I saw all the potential in the world in you. And that I knew when we came in from REVOLT! that you were gonna succeed here. You have my congratulations on your big win, but this moment out here… it’s not about you.
Malcolm Jones: That’s why I’m out here to make it about me. You got all these matches going on at Wrath of the Dragon but you ain’t said a damn thing about the EAW Championship. I’m not out here to be some paper champion who never does anything. So if I’m not featured at the show, we’re gonna have some issues. And I handle my issues inside this ring…
(Malcolm takes a step towards Hawk, posturing over him. The crowd watches curiously but Hawk just shakes his head.)
Hurricane Hawk: Theres no issues between us, Malcolm. You need to take a breath. Of course you’re having a match at Wrath of the Dragon. The problem is I wanted to wait until I had all of the details finalized until I told you.
Malcolm Jones: So finalize it and tell me now. What’s the deal? Chris Elite gonna live up to the name SK and challenge me with his bitch contract? You giving a shot to Cage now that he back? TLA gonna step up and actually try to achieve something? Maybe you about to give another shot to Jack Haze?
(“Starboi” by The Weeknd suddenly hits as Ahren Fournier walks out with a microphone followed by Kassidy Heart.)
Ahren Fournier: Yes, Hawk. Go ahead and tell him.
(Malcolm stares at Ahren on the stage before turning back to Hawk.)
Malcolm Jones: Are you fucking with me?
Hurricane Hawk: Ahren… makes a compelling case.
Ahren Fournier: Listen up, bih. This is simple. You didn’t pin me for that title. You never could have. I’m not called the GOAT for nothing. So you have the unfortunate task of facing the very best in this entire company. And when I take my championship paychecks back, the world will see that the only true champion is time. I still don’t get why all of these disgusting people want to run around and spend so much time on this idiotic concept, but if these fucktards want to keep paying for tickets, then I’ll take their money.
Malcolm Jones: You really think you stand a damn chance? Out of literally everyone it could’ve been. The fashion fucker is who I get?
Kassidy Heart: Oh… Hawk… I do believe you’ve left a detail out of there.
Malcolm Jones: Bitch, ain’t no one asking you. Go back to Thursday night pillow fights.
Hurricane Hawk: She’s actually right Malcolm. You see we want this show to be big time. For the EAW Championship match to a real test of wills… and since you’re used to fighting against all odds and Ahren is a former Hardcore Champion…
Ahren Fournier: We’re gonna go at it inside of Hell in a Cell.
Deadprez: WHAT?
Eve: THATS AN AMAZING MATCH!
(The crowd goes wild at the announcement but Hawk looks annoyed.)
Hurricane Hawk: I was building to that but yes. Thank you for the anti-climax.
Ahren Fournier: The only person I care about climaxing is me… but you’re welcome all the same.
Malcolm Jones: Hell in a Cell? Are you serious?
Kassidy Heart: Sound too hard to you, Mr. “I’m Never Losing The Title To Anyone”?
(Malcolm stares a laser through Kassidy Heart.)
Malcolm Jones: Hell no. You want to meet me in a cell, I’ll walk in, kick your ass, then walk right out. Simple and clean. Make the match, Hawk.
(Malcolm takes his championship and walks to the ropes, staring right at Ahren and holding the belt up in the air. Ahren has a shit eating grin on his face as he stares right back, Kassidy standing confidently next to him.)
(Commercial for watch batteries. Don’t eat them. Seriously.)
Gina Romano: The following contest is your MAIN EVENT MATCH OF THE EVENING…and it’s scheduled for ONE FALL!!!…..
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(“Come As You Are” by Nirvana plays as Diamond Cage comes on out bobbing his head from side to side wearing his usual black leather jacket. He looks mad, intense, and full of malice but this just works the crowd up into a frenzy. Cage starts toward the ring.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first….He hails from Edmonton, Alberta Canada…He weighs in at TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY SEVEN POUNDS….HE’S ‘EXPLICIT CONTENT’……this is CAAAAAAGGGGEEEE!!!
Eve: Diamond Cage made his long awaited return at Grand Rampage just two weeks ago, where he put in a moderate showing as one of the returning elitists! He looked good! He looked re-invigorated! And then last week, Diamond Cage made his return to Showdown but it seemed something had changed, DP!
Deadprez: Well, Showdown General Manager, Hurricane Hawk, was in the ring where he had quite a bit to make note of for what the fans could expect as we get geared up and ready for our next supershow, Wrath of The Dragon. And then suddenly Diamond Cage’s music interrupts further announcements from Hawk, and proceeds to elicit the excitement from these fans in the process. But then just as abruptly as he arrived on the scene, he was gone like a storm passing through. A minimal one that did no damage, but still one that was enough to get everyone’s attention!
(‘Cliffs of Dover’ by Eric Johnson begins to play as Diamond Cage makes his way over into over to a corner turnbuckle, and soon Jack Haze makes his way out to the roar of the crowd in Guangzhou. Jack cracks a smile as he points toward the ring as he eyes Cage from a distance. Jack then gestures to the crowd in China to raise their volume, and with that they oblige to Haze’s wishes.)
Gina Romano: And introducing his opponent…he hails from San Diego, California…He weighs in at TWO HUNDRED AND ELEVEN POUNDS… HE’S THE ENLIGHTENED….JAAAACCCKKKK HAAAAZZZZEEEEE!!!
Eve: Jack Haze is here, DP, and he’s already got the crowd eating out of his hands as he eyes Cage from the top of the ramp! He laid out a big match earlier tonight where he announced that he would be facing Cody Marshall at Wrath of the Dragon. And you know if he can get this win tonight it would propel his momentum fantastically towards that match! This is going to be a good ole slobber knocker, I can feel it!
Deadprez: You have to wonder if Cody will get involved here tonight though. Jack has to be ready for that. He had a pretty decent outing last week, coming back to win against Damon Diesel! That no disqualification match was pretty intense! But even as anticipated as that match may have been for the fans, this week promises to top that from start to finish!
(Jack Haze enters the ring with a serious look as Cage paces back and forth at the opposite end just staring daggers at Haze. Next thing you know Haze is shown ready to go at Cage who was already coming at him.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Eve: And neither man wasting any time as they both begin to unload on each other with rapid fire fists back and forth they go! The crowd is already into this one man! Cage, this is his type of style, we all know that! That’s why he’s starting to get the advantage already! CAGE! CAGE! CAGE AGAIN! JACK HAZE IS COMPLETELY STAGGERED AND SHOOK HERE! CAGE WHIPS JACK HAZE TO THE ROPES BUT HAZE REVERSES! CAGE TO THE ROPES BUT INSTEAD OF REBOUNDING OFF THE ROPES CAGE HANGS ON! JACK HAZE ANTICIPATED CAGE COMING BACK AND IS TAKEN BY SURPRISE! ROPE HUNG LUNATIC LARIAT THAT ABSOLUTE TURNS JACK HAZE INSIDE OUT AS HE WAS RUNNING AT HIM! BAD MOVE BY JACK AND NOW HE’S ALREADY PAYING FOR IT AS CAGE HAS HAZE BACKING INTO THE CORNER! AND CAGE IS ABSOLUTELY UNLEASHING HERE STOMPING HOLY HIGH HELL OUT JACK HAZE! AND NOW CAGE FINALLY LETS UP AND BEGINS SHOUTING EXPLETIVES AT NOBODY IN PARTICULAR AS HE PACES AT THE CENTER OF THE RING AND THIS CROWD ROARS THEIR APPROVAL!
Deadprez: WHAT’D YOU SAY EVE!!?? I CAN BARELY HEAR YOU OR MYSELF RIGHT NOW! LISTEN TO THIS CROWD!!
Crowd:INNKNNNHHNKHNKLNGNYNGYFGUIDFHKJHEFNSNJFSLKHFSULKFHSKLFGSLFSKFLHFSKFHSKSLFHSKHFSHFSHKSFHSFHLSLSKHFSLKFSKHFKFHFKLHLFSHSFLSFHKFSKHN!!!
Deadprez: CLEARY SOMEONE FORGOT TO TELL JACK HAZE THAT HE’S IN THE RING WITH A COMPLETE MADMAN! A MENACE TO SOCIETY! ONE OF THE MOST VIOLENT EXTREMISTS FROM ANY ERA…AND YES, I SAID EXTREMISTS! JACK HAZE IS CLEARLY AN ELITIST AND OF NO COMPARISON TO A MAN WHO’S BEEN THROUGH SOME OF THE BLOODIEST FEUDS OF ALL TIME! JACK HAZE FINALLY BACK TO HIS FEET BUT IS STILL IN THAT CORNER AND CAGE COMING AT HIM IN AN ORTHODOX LIKE BOXER STANCE AND JACK HAZE TRYING TO BLOCK MORE RAPID FIRE CLOSED FISTS TO THE MIDSECTION AND FACE! CAGE YELLING WITH INTENSITY AS HIS ACCELERATOR HAS YET TO SLOW DOWN! AND JACK HAZE!….JACK IS GETTING THE HELL OUT OF DODGE AND THROUGH THE ROPES HE GOES TO ESCAPE TO THE FLOOR! WOW! THE CROWD DECIBEL LEVEL RIGHT NOW, EVE!
(Just then a decibel meter appears registering decibels: 123.7-122.1-121.7-124.2-123.3-122.8 before disappearing again.)
Eve: WHEN!!??? WHEN HAVE YOU EVER SEEN JACK HAZE ESCAPE TO THE OUTSIDE TO GET OUT OF A FIGHT!!?? HAZE HOLDING HIS JAW! WRITHING IN SOME PAIN, BUT CLEARLY MORE UPSET WITH HIMSELF AS HE SLAPS THE RING APRON! HE’S DISGUSTED WITH HIMSELF AS CAGE PACES THE RING LIKE A FEROCIOUS BLOODTHIRSTY DOBERMAN RIGHT NOW BEARING HIS TEETH! JACK HAZE HAS TO KNOW HE’S IN FOR A REAL FIGHT THIS TIME AROUND! Jack Haze slowly now, cautiously trying to get back in the ring as the referee is at the count of five! He’s using the ropes as leverage to pull himself up, still being cautious as he does keeping his eyes locked on Cage, not wanting to be taken by surprise again! Now Cage telling Jack, gesturing for him to get in the ring! Cage still at a distance as Jack Haze slowly and cautiously steps through the ropes never taking his eyes off Cage as he does! Now Jack Haze is in the ring and here comes Cage again but this time Jack was ready as he ducks the swinging forearm of Cage! Now Jack Haze has Cage in the corner and he begins giving Cage a dose of his own medicine with closed fists repeatedly at the head of Cage! Cage absorbing these blows though and trading shots with Jack Haze! HEADBUTT BY CAGE! JACK HAZE STAGGERS BACK! CAGE GOES FOR A HAND FULL OF HAIR OF JACK HAZE! JACK GRABS CAGE AROUND HIS HEAD WITH BOTH HANDS AND THEN DROPS TO HIS KNEES AND BRINGS CAGE WITH HIM! JAWBREAKER BY JACK HAZE WHICH SNAPS THE HEAD OF CAGE BACK AND NOW IT’S CAGE STAGGERING BACK! PINEAPPLE PUNCH BY JACK HAZE! THAT DISCUS PUNCH SENDS CAGE REELING INTO THE CORNER!
Deadprez: VIOLATOR! THE DIVING BICYCLE KNEE! CAGE IS BACK IN THE CORNER AGAIN! CORNER HIGH KICK TO THE HEAD OF CAGE WHICH KNOCKS CAGE TO THE ROPES! GERMAN SUPLEX BY JACK HAZE! BUT HAZE DOESN’T LET GO! ANOTHER GERMAN SUPLEX BY JACK HAZE! JACK STILL HAS CAGE! NO! BACK ELBOW BY CAGE TO THE JAW OF JACK HAZE! HAZE HOLDING HIS JAW! CAGE TURNS! CLOTHESLINE OVER THE TOP! BOTH COMPETITORS TOPPLE OVER THE ROPE AND ONTO THE FLOOR! BOTH MEN ARE LAID OUT FOR A MOMENT! AND THIS CROWD IS SO JACKED RIGHT NOW! I THINK WE’LL BE TRYING TO YELL OVER THE TOP OF THEM FOR THE DURATION OF THIS MATCH, EVE!
Eve: YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN, DP! Cage is the first one to sit up! The referee is already up to the count of four! The referee stops his count and hops out of the ring to the floor demanding that both men bring it back in the ring! He’s being awfully generous here no less, because Cage is standing now and he glares at the referee, trying to intimidate him but referee simply points to the ring! Cage returns the referee’s gesture with a smirk as grabs Jack Haze by his hair and then his tights and then whips him around once before releasing him! Cage just tossed Jack Haze into those steel steps! Jack’s head bounced off them with quite the thud there! Cage simply stalks toward Jack Haze now with nothing but bad intentions on his mind! Jack fights back though with shots to the midsection of Cage! It’s not having the desired effect that they would have if Jack wasn’t in such a beaten state as it is already! But it’s certainly enough to the point that Jack Haze now starts going for the face with those closed fists! This isn’t a wrestling match folks, this is an all out brawl!
Deadprez: Yeah, and the only way to know for sure is fact that there hasn’t anything close to a pinfall in this match! HEADBUTT BY JACK HAZE! THAT KNOCKS CAGE DOWN TO A KNEE! AND NOW A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT THAT TURNS CAGE AROUND AND NEARLY TRIPS HIM UP! NOW IT’S JACK HAZE’S TURN TO DISH SOME PUNISHMENT OUT AS HE GRABS CAGE AND WITH A RUNNING HEAD START TOSSES CAGE RIGHT INTO THE BARRICADE! THE REFEREE STILL NOT STOPPING THE MATCH! HE CONTINUES TO TRY HIS HAND AT GETTING BOTH MEN BACK IN THE RING! JACK HOWEVER SEEMS TO OBLIGE UNLIKE CAGE A MOMENT AGO AS HE NOW ROLLS CAGE INTO THE RING! CAGE TRYING TO RECOVER AS JACK HAZE IMMEDIATELY CLIMBS UP TO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! CAGE IS RISING NOW! MUSHROOM STOMP FROM THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! THAT LEAPING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP RIGHT TO THE HEART OF CAGE!!! AND JACK HAZE WITH THE COVER!
Referee: ONE!!!…..TWO!!!…..KICKOUT!!!!
Eve: AND CAGE KICKS OUT!! JACK HAZE PUT A LOT BEHIND THAT BUT IF ANYONE KNOWS CAGE BY NOW..THE CAREER HE’S HAD AND SOME OF THE MOST BRUTAL MATCHES HE’S NEARLY LOST HIS LIFE TO THEN YOU KNOW HE CAN SURVIVE THIS TYPE OF PUNISHMENT AND SHOULDN’T BE SURPRISED BY THIS TYPE OF NEVER
SAY DIE ATTITUDE! JACK KNOWS HE NEEDS TO DO MORE! Jack grabs Cage up now and whips him to the ropes and Jack tries to take Cage down with a shoulder tackle but both men just collide with the other! Cage shoves Jack Haze but Jack Haze retaliates! Cage comes back but Jack smartly takes Cage down with a drop toe hold! Jack Haze climbs on top of the back of Cage and immediately applies the camel clutch! Jack applying more pressure to the chin of Cage as he torques back on the neck from that position! Cage is being asked by the referee if he wants to give it up!
Cage: FUCK YOU! FUCK OUTTA HERE!
Deadprez: JACK HAZE HAS CAGE TRAPPED! JACK YELLING OUT WITH THE INTENSITY THAT’S BEEN WAITING TO BE UNLEASHED TONIGHT! BUT HE DOESN’T HAVE IT APPLIED ALL THE WAY! CAGE HAS ONE ARM FREED! HE’S TRYING TO PRY THE HANDS OF JACK HAZE FROM HIS CHIN AREA BUT TO NO AVAIL! CAGE TRIES TO INCH CLOSER TO THE ROPES BUT ONLY WITH MINIMAL SUCCESS! JACK HAZE TORQUES BACK EVEN MORE! CAGE THOUGH….CAGE BITES THE ARM OF JACK HAZE! AND THE REFEREE TRYING TO KEEP ORDER HERE AS HE GRABS CAGE OFF OF JACK’S ARM BY PULLING HIM BACK BUT THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE! JACK HAZE HAS RELEASED CAGE AND IS HOLDING HIS FOREARM AS HE ROLLS ON TO HIS BACK! CAGE ROLLS OVER AND EYES THE REFEREE WITH A CRAZED STARE WHILE STILL ON HIS KNEES! THE REFEREE WARNS CAGE JUST ONE MORE TIME AND HE’S THROWING THE MATCH OUT! CAGE IS A LUNATIC! HE’S DOESN’T CARE! CAGE FINALLY GETS UP AND THIS CROWD IS LOUD AGAIN! CAGE IS UP AND JACK HAZE IS STRUGGLING TO PULL HIMSELF UP USING THE ROPES! CAGE WHIPS JACK HAZE TO THE ROPES AND LOOKS FOR A BACK ELBOW STRIKE THAT MISSES! JACK HAZE DUCKS THE ATTEMPT BY CAGE AND NOW TURNS AND GRABS CAGE AND PULLS HIM-NO! CAGE FIGHTS OUT! DIAMOND CUTTER! THAT JUMPING CUTTER! JACK HAZE IS OUT I THINK! CAGE WASTES NO TIME! COVER BY CAGE!
Referee: ONE!!!….TWO!!!… KICKOUT!!!
Eve: Jack Haze kicked out, but he can’t continue to take this kind of punishment if he really wants to find a way out of this match with a win! Cage is now back up! And now repeated hammer smashes to the back of Jack Haze who is trying to rise back to some sort of base with hopes of getting back to his feet! Cage is relentless! Now he’s dropping those elbows to the back! Cage grabs Haze back up with force now! BUT LOOK AT HAZE FIGHT! JACK HAZE WITH REPEATED HARD RIGHTS THAT STAGGERS CAGE INTO THE ROPES! OH! CLOTHESLINE BY JACK HAZE OF CAGE AND BOTH MEN GO THE TOP ROPE WHERE THEY HIT THE FLOOR HARD! CAGE RIGHT IN FRONT OF US SLUMPS OVER ON OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE! JACK HAZE IS NOW GETTING BACK TO HIS FEET AS WELL SLOWLY BUT SURELY! THIS CROWD IS ELECTRIC RIGHT NOW! THEIR SO INTO THIS MATCH! THIS ATMOSPHERE IS PERFECT!
Deadprez: HAZE IS UP NOW! AND SO IS CAGE READY TO MEET HIM! NOW BOTH ARE TRADING RIGHTS AND LEFTS! FISTS ARE FLYING! WHO’S GOING TO GIVE IN FIRST!!?? IT LOOKS LIKE IT’S JACK HAZE! OH MY! CAGE JUST STAGGERED JACK HAZE BACK WITH THAT MASSIVE HEADBUTT! NOW CAGE SMASHES THE HEAD OF JACK HAZE INTO OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE! DID YOU SEE THE WAY HIS HEAD JUST BOUNCED OFF THE ANNOUNCE TABLE, EVE! AND HE DOES IT AGAIN! AND A AGAIN! NOW CAGE GOES TO WHIP JACK HAZE TOWARD THE NEARBY RING POST BUT JACK REVERSES THE WHIP AND SENDS CAGE TO IT INSTEAD! AND CAGE’S HEAD AND BODY JUST COLLIDED WITH THE RING POST! CAGE IS DOWN AND JACK HAZE FALLS TO HIS KNEES! HE’S NOT ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CAPITALIZE! HE’S GOTTA BE EXHAUSTED, AND THE REFEREE HAS LET THESE MEN FIGHT IT OUT! THERE WILL BE A WINNER IT LOOKS LIKE!
Eve: Jack Haze makes it back to a standing vertical base and he decides to slide back into the ring! But there was a struggle just to do that even! He’s on all fours at the moment! I think he understands he doesn’t have the advantage out there on the floor! He understands he can’t win the match out there! And now Cage is shown crawling back toward the ring! Cage pulls himself up to where he’s just outside the ropes! Jack Haze takes notice of this and is now slowly getting back to his feet! Cage is now standing on the apron! Haze comes at Cage with a hard elbow smash to the face of Cage! Cage tried to block it but it wasn’t enough to avoid that nice shot by Jack Haze! Haze sends another to the same spot of Cage’s head with even more force! OH MY GOODNESS! CAGE FALLS OFF THE APRON BUT NOT BEFORE GRABBING JACK HAZE BY THE BACK OF HIS HEAD AND DRAPING HIS NECK ON THAT TOP ROPE WHICH SENDS HIS MOMENTUM BACKWARDS WHERE HE LANDS ON THE CANVAS! HE CHOKING AFTER THAT ONE AS HE GRABS AT HIS NECK AND THROAT AREA! CAGE IS ALREADY BACK TO HIS FEET! AND NOW HE’S BACK ON THE APRON AGAIN! HE’S GOING TO THAT CORNER TURNBUCKLE AND HE BEGINS TO CLIMB TO THE TOP! HE COULD BE LOOKING FOR IT! HERE WE GO! DIVING HEADBUTT RIGHT TO THE HEART OF JACK HAZE! ANOTHER COVER BY CAGE!
Referee: ONE!!!…TWO!!!… THR-KICKOUT!!!
Deadprez: And this time Has barely kicking out just before the referee could slap his hand down on the canvas for the three count there! And Cage grabbing for the hair of-AND A SMALL PACKAGE BY JACK HAZE!
Referee: ONE!!!…TWO!!!… KICKOUT!!!
Eve: And Cage escapes! And both men getting back to their feet! A kick to the midsection by Haze but it’s blocked! Cage now trips up Haze! ANKLE LOCK BY CAGE! HAZE STRUGGLING BUT EVENTUALLY MAKES IT TO THE ROPES! HE AVOIDED THE WORST OF THAT! CAGE TRYING TO PULL HAZE BACK OUT TO THE CENTER OF THE RING! THE REFEREE IS UP TO FIVE WITH HIS MANDATORY COUNT! NOW CAGE GROWLS AT THE REFEREE WHICH MAKES HIM BACKPEDAL! CAGE INTIMIDATING THE REFEREE! CAGE TURNS BACK TO HAZE AND A BASEMENT DROPKICK BY HAZE TAKES CAGE DOWN TO A KNEE! AND A HAND STOMP BY HAZE FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER DROPKICK! THIS ONE TO THE FACE OF CAGE! BUT JACK HAZE IS NOT DONE AS HE GETS CAGE BACK TO HIS FEET! CORNER HIGH KICK TO THE HEAD OF CAGE! AND NOW MACHINE GUN CHOPS BY HAZE AND THIS CAPACITY CROWD HERE IN CHINA IS GOING ABSOLUTELY NUTS!
Deadprez: EUROPEAN UPPERCUT BY JACK HAZE! ANOTHER CORNER HIGH KICK TO THE HEAD OF CAGE! HAZE REBOUNDS OFF THE SECOND ROPE AS CAGE STAGGERS OUT OF THE CORNER! RUNNING SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY! THE REFEREE RIGHT THERE IN GOOD POSITION!
Referee: ONE!!!…TWO!!!.. KICKOUT!!!
Eve: Cage won’t stay down and Haze is trying not to slow down the pace! He has Cage back up to his feet! Haze whips Cage but Cage reverses and sends Haze to the ropes! Flying forearm smash by Haze! Now a kick to the midsection of Cage! ‘I’M JACK’S SMIRKING REVENGE’ the Bridging Tiger suplex by Haze to Cage! The leg is hooked and shoulders to the mat! Haze could have it here!
Referee: ONE!!!…TWO!!!… KICKOUT!!!
Deadprez: Haze is willing himself back up to his feet! He’s clenching his fists! LOOK AT THE INTENSITY IN HIS EYES! THE ENERGY THAT MUST BE COURSING THROUGH HIS BODY RIGHT NOW! CAGE IS BACK UP AND HE TURNS AROUND! SCOOP SLAM BY JACK HAZE THAT PLANTS CAGE IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! HAZE HURRIES TO THE OUTSIDE ON THE APRON! THIS MIGHT BE HIS CHANCE! HE’S EXHAUSTED! CAGE IS EXHAUSTED! THESE CHINESE FANS ARE ON THEIR FEET IN THE GUANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL SPORTS ARENA EVE! JACK HAZE GOES UP TOP! HE’S GOING FOR IT! UP IN SMOKE!!! THE DIVING ELBOW DROP CONNECTS!!! RIGHT INTO THE HEART OF CAGE!!! THE CROWD IS GOING NUTS!!! HAZE WITH THE COVER!!!
Referee: ONE!!!…TWO!!!…THREE!!!
Eve: AND THESE FANS ARE GOING NUTS RIGHT NOW! JACK HAZE IS CELEBRATING WITH HIS ARMS UP AND HIS FISTS CLENCHED IN VICTORY! THIS PLACE IS SO LOUD DP! THE REFEREE TRYING TO GET JACK’S ATTENTION! THE REFEREE SAYS IT’S NOT OVER! THE REFEREE COMMUNICATES WITH THE TIME KEEPER AND RING ANNOUNCER AND GESTURES TO ROPES! APPARENTLY CAGE GOT HIS FOOT ON THE ROPES BEFORE THREE! OUR INSTANT REPLAY IS COMING ON NOW! JACK HAZE THINKS IT OVER!
(The monitor is showing the replay of the three count taking place and showing Cage’s foot reaching the ropes just a fraction of a bottom rope before the referee’s hand slapped the mat, and even showing the referee noticing as it was happening but not being able to stop his momentum in time. All this is showing while the action in the ring never stops. Then we go back live.)
Deadprez: REPLAYS SHOW THAT CAGE GOT HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE AND ALL THE REFEREE IS DOING IS REPEATEDLY ASSURING JACK HAZE THAT CAGE PLACED HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE! HAZE HAS HIS HEAD IN ARMS! HE CAN’T BELIEVE IT! CAGE IS BACK ON HIS FEET NOW! JACK HAZE TURNS AROUND! MERCY RULE! THE STUNNER! NO!!! JACK HAZE BLOCKS IT! HAZE HAS CAGE OFF THE GROUND! HE’S GOT HIM! ACID DROP! THE LEAPING OLYMPIC SLAM! NO!!! CAGE ESCAPES!! CAGE LOCKS THE WRIST AND TRANSITIONS RIGHT INTO A DEVASTATING SHORT ARM LARIAT!!! MURDER.DEATH.KILL.!!!!! HAZE IS OUT!!! CAGE WITH THE COVER!!!
Referee: ONE!!!…TWO!!!….THREE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘Come As You Are’ by Nirvana comes over the speakers in the Guangzhou International Sports Arena as Cage gets back to his feet and refuses the referee’s acknowledgement.)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER BY PINFALL… CAAAAAAGGGGGEEEE!!!
Eve: What a match, DP! These fans sure got a treat here in our main event as we saw the young upstart Jack Haze almost, ALMOST do the unthinkable! He was that close to beating the Hall of Famer and former two time EAW Champion, Cage!
Deadprez: Close, Eve, but no cigar this time! Both men left it all in the ring and these fans here in China are obviously letting their feelings be known! Cage is a lunatic, no doubt about it. But he’s also a fighting warrior that showed tonight that he’s one of the hardest to kill in this business period. There’s certainly brighter days ahead for Jack Haze, but congratulations to that man. Your winner— WAIT!
Eve: THATS BIG MIKE! HE JUST SCOOPED CAGE FROM BEHIND AND SLAMMED HIM DOWN! AND HERE IS CHRIS ELITE! SLIDING INTO THE RING AND HE HAS A LOOK OF DETERMINATION ON HIS FACE! BIG MIKE IS PULLING CAGE BACK TO HIS FEET! BOX OFFICE SMASH! CHRIS ELITE WITH THE SUPERKICK STRAIGHT TO THE FACE OF CAGE!
(Chris demands a microphone from the ringside area and then stands over Cage’s body.)
Chris Elite: I told everyone that someone had been running their mouth. You come back in here, acting like you the shit. But your ass been gone a long damn time now. You ran off when you lost your title. Then you come back, got this whole strong silent type headass thing going on but you finally open your mouth to talk to Cocaine Cac over here and in the very first time you speak you gonna talk about me. Maybe some other folks was in there but your mistake was talking about Gawd Given Greatness.
(Chris pokes Cage with his foot.)
Chris Elite: See where that got you? Laid the fuck out. You don’t play that shit with me. And you wanna know why?
(Chris has a grin as he stands over Cage.)
Chris Elite: Because, bozo. “I’m from Brooklyn. So suck my dick.”
(Chris drops the microphone and rolls out of the ring. He begins to walk back up the ramp with Big Mike.)
Eve: Chris Elite with a big message here tonight! He doesn’t appreciate Cage talking down about him after just coming back! When Cage left, Chris Elite had barely gotten to Showdown only a few months earlier. Now that Cage has been gone, Chris is a staple of Saturday nights! And he’s not about to let Cage disrespect him like that!
Deadprez: That’s a ballsy move! Chris made his statement, but Cage is not the kind of guy to let that stand! Whatever is about to happen, it’s far from over!
Eve: I have to agree DP. But we are out of time! For Deadprez, I’m Eve! And we will see you next week for another exciting episode of Saturday Night Showdown!!!!
(Camera briefly shows Cage crawling to the ropes before fading on Chris standing at the top of the ramp, watching.)
(EAW Network Logo Buzzes.)
