(EAW’s Opening Video Plays)…
Narrator: The culture has shifted…
(A low rumbling can be heard)
(Suddenly a black and white still image of a bloodied, motionless Carlos Rosso pops into frame)
(Cut to black)
(Next a still image of Darkane holding up the Answers World Championship)
(Cut to black)
(We then get a split screen of two images. On the left side Maximus Grier and Sebastian Monroe, on the right, a manic Reginald Dampshaw III)
(“Tomorrow We Fight” by Tommee Profitt x Svrcina begins to play as images of elitists such as Shackleford, Cody Marshall, Maddox Ayres, The Dragon Slayers rapidly come across the screen)
Narrator: One last stop before Pain For Pride…
(We cut to black one last time before the Pain For Pride Festival pops into view)
(The camera fades into the arena as a barrage of red and white pyro begins to shoot up from the stage. The camera pans around the thousands of screaming fans in attendance before it settles in on the commentary area and we’re met by a smiling Stew-O and Talib Bari)
Stew: WELCOME… WELCOME ONE AND ALL TO DYNASTY: CULTURE CRISIS!! YOU KNOW THE DEAL, STEW-O AND TALIB BARI HERE TO CALL THE ACTION, THE FINAL MAJOR STOP BEFORE PAIN FOR PRIDE… and Bari, by the end of the night, things could be looking VERY different on the Dynasty brand.
Bari: That’s right, both of Dynasty’s championships are on the line tonight as Cody Marshall defends his Hardcore Championship against Maddox Ayres and in our main event, Carlos Rosso defends his Answers World Championship against Reginald Dampshaw III!
Stew: But that’s not it! A MAJOR non-title match with HUGE Pain For Pride implications will take place tonight, Darkane, the current #1 Contender for the Answers World Championship at Pain For Pride, by order of General Manager StarrStan puts his #1 Contendership on the line against Maximus Grier! Let’s get it on!
(The camera focuses in on the lovely Stephie Love who is standing in the middle of the ring with a mic in her hand.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL! And it is for… THE EAW NEW BREED CHAMPIONSHIP!
(Stephie stands to the side as ‘Rise Up’ by Saliva begins to blast throughout the speakers. Damon Diesel emerges from the back as the crowd erupts in cheers. He makes his way down to the ramp as he’s high-fiving fans and enters the ring. Damon climbs the top rope raising his hands up and pointing at random people in the crowd.)
Stew: Damon is known for being a wrestling junkie who is passionate about his craft. But will his passion be enough to knock the New Breed championship off of the shoulder of the current champ, The Revenant?
Talib: Guess we’ll find out in a couple of minutes…
(Damon hops off of the turnbuckle as he makes his way near Stephie. Damon’s theme song dies down as the lights dim. ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ by Metallica plays as The Revenant emerges, Bo Maro at his side, and the EAW New Breed Championship around his waist. He stands tall, basking in the crowd, before walking down to the ring with purpose, Bo right behind him.)
Talib: And here comes our New Breed champion who is ready to defend his title and KEEP his title with him at all costs.
Stew: The Revenant is making his way down the ring with determination in his eyes. His title is glistening in the eyes of Damon Diesel. The tension can be cut with a knife, folks.)
(The Revenant enters the ring as he immediately reaches behind and unfastens his New Breed title off of his waist. He grabs his title and shows it to the crowd and then steps towards Damon and shoves the title in his face.)
Stew: Oh come on. Looks like someone woke up in the cocky side of the bed this morning. :pacspit:
Talib: Stew, brother, you gotta’ understand that there’s a psychological aspect that you must take in order to psyche your opponent out. HEY, HEY REV! (Talib moves his headset to the side) NEXT TIME JUST DECK HIM!
(Revenant smirks as he walks back to his side of the ring. Stephie walks to the middle and begins to speak.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first the challenger… Hailing from Orlando, Florida… Weighing in at 202 lbs… He is the Underground Hero… DAMON DIEEEEEEEEEESEEEEEEEEEEEEL!!!!!!!!!
(Damon walks to the middle of the ring and poses as he stares at Rev dead in the eyes.)
Stephie Love: And the champion…
(The crowd boos)
Talib: :whoa: stop pls.
Stephie Love: Residing in Chicago, Illinois… Weighing in at 245 lbs… HE IS THE E. A. W NEW BREED CHAMPION… THEEEEEEEEEEEEE REVENAAAAAAAAAAAANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Rev smiles as he hands over his title to the referee. The ref hoists the title above his bald little head as he showcases the championship to the camera. The ref then hands the title over and signals for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew: And the match finally begins! Man, this Canadian crowd REALLY is behind Damon Diesel and I think the Revenant is not a fan of that fact!
Crowd: UNDERGROUND HERO! *clap clap clap clap clap*
Talib: :stopitslime: America’s hat really needs to chill right now.
Stew: Rev and Damon are circling one another in the ring as Rev quickly stops and observes the crowd. Rev rolls his eyes as he puts his focus back on Damon. Revenant whips his neck around, casually just circling the ring still, and Damon immediately sees this as a sign of disrespect as he darts toward Rev, but only to play right into the New Breed Champion’s game as Revenant connects an arm drag takedown on Damon Diesel! Revenant makes a mocking gesture ordering Damon Diesel to rise back up to his feet, but Diesel kips up instead, grabbing Revenant by the arm and Irish whipping him into the corner! Revenant hits back-first against the corner turnbuckles, and now Damon charges from one side of the ring to the other, trying to land an elbow strike to the face of his cornered opponent, but Revenant gets out of the way in the nick of time as Damon shoulder crash-lands against the turnbuckles! Damon shrieks in pain, and now Revenant seeks to capitalize as he applies a waist lock from behind Damon Diesel, trying to take him up for a German Suplex, but Diesel with an elbow to the face of Revenant forces the New Breed Champion off of him temporarily — and only temporarily as Rev immediately gathers himself and connects with a leveling clothesline to the back of Damon Diesel, just completely flooring him!
Talib: He really got his block knocked off by Rev just now. Rev is standing atop Damon Diesel, gesturing for him to get up, pouring salt in the would, and now Revenant grabs Damon Diesel by the hand, YANKING him back up to his feet! The Revenant then proceeds to grab Damon Diesel by the throat, is he gonna go for The Judge? Revenant takes Diesel up for that Judge chokeslam attempt, but as Diesel is up in the air, he manages to elude Revenant’s grip on his throat, getting back to a vertical base and now kicking The Revenant in the back of his leg! A wince of pain on the face of The Revenant as Damon Diesel connects with yet another kick to the back of Revenant’s calf, and now a standing headbutt from Diesel! Diesel’s now wrenching Revenant in, and he’s setting him for some sort of Powerbomb. DAMON DIESEL HOISTS THE REVENANT HIGH IN THE AIR, AND HE’S GOING TO GO FOR A SITOUT POWERBOMB — NO — DIESEL CHARGES FORWARD AND LAUNCHES REVENANT AT THE TURNBUCKLE LIKE A MISSILE AS HE CONNECTS WITH THAT BUCKLE BOMB! BUT REVENANT IS STILL ON HIS FEET EVEN THOUGH HE’S CLUTCHING HIS BACK! THE BUCKLE BOMB COULDN’T TAKE REVENANT DOWN AS DIESEL PROCEEDS TO ENSNARE REVENANT ONCE MORE, GETTING HIM IN PERFECT POSITION FOR A POWERBOMB AND HOISTING HIM HIGH ABOVE HIS SHOULDERS YET AGAIN — BUT THIS TIME THE REVENANT MANAGES TO GET A THUMB IN THE EYE OF DAMON DIESEL, OBSTRUCTING HIS VISION AND REGAINING A VERTICAL BASE! THE REVENANT CLUTCHES HIS BACK IN PAIN AFTER TAKING THAT FIRST BUCKLE BUMP, BUT NOW HE’S DARTING OFF THE ROPES AS DIESEL’S EYESIGHT REMAINS OBSCURED, AND A RUNNING LEG LARIAT BY THE REVENANT — BUT THE REVENANT’S WORK ISN’T DONE AS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT LEG LARIAT TAKES DAMON DIESEL DOWN, HE FORCES HIM BACK UP TO HIS FEET, GRIPPING HIM BY THE THROAT, PERCHING HIM HIGH ABOVE HIS HEAD — AND DOWN GOES DIESEL AS HE IS SLAMMED BACK-FIRST INTO THE MAT! THE JUDGE CONNECTS! THE REVENANT HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE PINFALL!
Ref: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!… TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!….
Stew: BUT A KICKOUT BY DAMON DIESEL! The Revenant is incensed as he gazes into the referee’s eyes in disbelief, indicating that he thought it was a three count! Revenant is taking his frustrations out on Damon Diesel now as he unloads with a slew of open-fist punches on Diesel, and you can hear the yelps of agony coming from the mouth of Diesel! The Revenant looks like a man possessed right now as he again tightly grips Damon Diesel by the throat, demonstrating his impressive strength to force him back up to his feet by the throat yet again, trying to hoist him high in the air and connect with The Judge, that Chokeslam, for a second time — but Damon Diesel is using what little energy he has to fend off The Revenant’s assault, elbowing Revenant in the side of the face before he’s able to lift Damon up again! Damon with a headbutt to The Revenant sends the champion staggering back, and now another headbutt sends him lurching back even further until he’s pinned up against the turnbuckles! Revenant is entering no man’s land as Diesel connects with a quick headbutt to the midsection as Revenant’s back is plastered against the turnbuckels in the corner. Damon then takes Revenant by the legs and forces him up to the second rope, but he’s not satisfied yet as he’s now carrying him to the top rope! AND DIESEL WITH A SLAP TO THE FACE OF REVENANT — BUT REVENANT RESPONDS BY GRIPPING THE THROAT OF DIESEL YET AGAIN, HE’S TAKING DIESEL UP TO THE TOP ROPE AS HE HAS BOTH HANDS AROUND DIESEL’S THROAT TO FORCE HIM THERE! THE REVENANT HAS TURNED THE TABLES ON DAMON DIESEL AS HE’S ABOUT TO CONNECT WITH THE JUDGE FROM THE TOP ROPE — BUT A WILD FOREARM THROWN BY DIESEL MIRACULOUSLY MANAGES TO CONNECT SMACK-DAB IN THE JAW OF THE REVENANT, AND HE’S TEETERING ON THE ROPES NOW AS CHALLENGER DAMON DIESEL HAS GAINED POSITION ON HIM! IS HE GOING TO GO FOR THE FRANKENSTEINER??? NO! IT LOOKED LIKE HE WAS FOR A MOMENT, BUT INSTEAD DIESEL OPTS TO WRENCH HIM IN, TAKING HIS ARM OVER THE HEAD OF THE REVENANT, AND NOW HE’S GOING TO GO FOR THAT AMAZING SUPERPLEX HE CALLS UNDERGROUND! UNDERGROUDN ON THE REVENANT, AND IT CONNECTS!
Talib: NO! THE REVENANT CONTORTED HIS BODY, DRAPING IT OVER DAMON DIESEL’S AND CONNECTING WITH THE CROSSBODY REVERSAL, HOOKING THE LEG OF DAMON DIESEL IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD IN THE PROCESS! FROM MANSIONS TO SLUMS FOR DAMON DIESEL, POOR GUY!
Ref: ONEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!…. TWOOOOOOOOOOO….
Stew: KICKOUT BY DAMON DIESEL! Another near-fall by The Revenant has him absolutely IRATE with the referee, but he should be irate with Damon Diesel! Diesel’s put his best foot forward tonight and has shown incredible effort. He’s kept The Revenant off balance! Rev is now yanking Damon Diesel up by the throat again, but you can start to see fatigue in The Revenant as he’s sucking wind right now! The Revenant has displayed his power arsenal in this match thus far, and can you blame him when you have physical gifts like he does? I certainly can’t! The Revenant is trying to take Diesel up again, but it seems like he doesn’t have the strength, Talib! The Revenant is physically spent and Diesel is now taking advantage, elbowing Revenant and taking him up in a fireman’s carry position — HE’S GONNA GO FOR THAT HEAD CUTTER, THE FIREMAN’S CARRY FACEBUSTER! — BUT REV IN THE NICK OF TIME ELBOWS DIESEL IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD, GETTING BACK TO A VERTICAL BASE AS HE’S BEHIND DAMON, NOW PUSHING HIM INTO THE ROPES AS DIESEL DARTS OFF THEM, BUT A FLYING FOREARM BY DIESEL — NO!!! REV CATCHES THE FOREARM OF DAMON DIESEL, REPOSITIONING DIESEL USING THAT ARM AND TAKING HIM HIGH UP IN THE AIR!
Talib: THE EXECUTIONER! THAT JACKHAMMER CONNECTS, COMPLETELY LAYING OUT DAMON DIESEL AS THE REVENANT DROPS INTO A LATERAL PRESS PIN, ALMOST COLLAPSING OVER DIESEL!
Ref: ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!…. TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!…. THRRRR–
THREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Metallica blares over the arena speakers as The Revenant is handed his New Breed Championship whilst simultaneously having his hand raised by the referee)
Stephie Love: The winner of this match by pinfall… AND STILLLL EAW NEW BREED CHAMPION…. THE REVENANTTTTTTT!!!!!
Talib: Well, Damon Diesel laid all of his chips on the table tonight, and The Revenant just took his stacks. It was a valiant effort by Diesel as he kept Revenant off balance in this match throughout, but in the end it was The Revenant’s will that prevailed over Diesel’s!
Stew: I can tell you this isn’t going to be the last rodeo for Damon Diesel. This is just the beginning. The guy has “star” written all over him and I think he showed signs of his potential tonight.
Talib: As for The Revenant, what else can you say about the guy? He came over here and he did his thing tonight at Culture Crisis. He exhibited exactly why he’s the New Breed Champion and he showcased why he’s one of the most promising young stars in EAW!
(The camera fades backstage to a door. As the camera pans up it’s revealed to be the office of General Manager StarrStan. Muffled voices can be heard from behind the door and after a few seconds StarrStan steps out from behind the door with…)
Stew: WHAT?!?!
Bari: SCOTT DIAMOND IS HERE!! ON DYANSTY!!
StarrStan: I must say Scott, I was surprised to learn that you wanted off of Showdown. I figured you still had unfinished business over there, especially considering what went down at Wrath of the Dragon. Don’t you want to find out who attacked you?
Diamond: Between you and me Starr… I only teamed with Cam to get my Hall of Fame ring back and well… as you can see… (Scott holds up his left hand)… I didn’t get it. She probably lost it. Whoever attacked me, I consider it a blessing in disguise because it got me out of a situation that I didn’t want to be in.
StarrStan: Well I’m certainly not gonna complain but uhh “between you and me”…
(Both men slowly turn towards the camera, looking right in the lens)
StarrStan: The whole world heard that.
…
(Scott Diamond shrugs)
Diamond: Listen, there’s a reason why I chose Dynasty over Voltage. I don’t want this to come out the wrong way, and unlike a lot of people here I do have respect for you Starr, you NEED me, desperately. After Hurricane Hawk’s recent injury, I’m the only Hall of Famer on your roster. I expect to be given the opportunities that a Hall of Famer gets.
StarrStan: I don’t do handouts. I’m sure you have dreams and aspirations of becoming the Answers World Champion, well you know what? So does the rest of the roster… if you want an opportunity like that, you’re gonna have to earn that opportunity. I’m not putting you at the front of the line just because you’re Scott Diamond. Reginald Dampshaw challenges for the championship tonight, and either Maximus Grier or Darkane challenges for the championship at Pain For Pride. Then? I don’t know maybe we’ll talk but it’s not a given you’re even gonna be on Dynasty after Pain For Pride. You’re one member of this roster, and you play by my rules.
(Scott Diamond gets up in the face of StarrStan but then takes a step back and smiles)
Diamond: Huh… well… respect gone.
(Diamond brushes past StarrStan as the camera fades back into the arena)
Stephie: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is a tag team match and is scheduled for one fall, and the winners will receive an opportunity to fight for the EAW Tag Team Championship!
(“Warriors” by Imagine Dragons hits as Mike Shaw and Sam Steele appear the top of the ramp and make their way to the ring)
Stephie: Introducing first, making their way to the ring, at a combined weight of 407 pounds… MIKE SHAW! SAM STEELE! THE DRAAAAAGOOOOOOONNN SLAAAAAYERRRRRRSSSS!!!!
Talib: These two have been demanding another shot at the tag titles for ages now! StarrStan puts one more obstacle in front of them, but if they win tonight, they can’t be denied anymore. Time to see what they are made of! My bet is they are money here tonight! They already hold a victory over Tyler Parker and Johnny Ventura!
(“If Ya Smell” by Adam Massure hits as Woogieman hits the ramp)
Stephie: And their opponents, introducing first, making his way to the ring from Jacksonville, Florida, weighing in at 260 pounds… THE WOOOOOOOOOOOGIIIIEEEEEEEMMMMMAAAAAANNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!
Stew: we are in for a real battle here tonight in Montreal! Woogieman is looking to stake his claim here in EAW and in his path, stands the Dragon Slayers. But he’s not making this fight alone.
(“Timebomb (Train, Train Intro)” by Blackfoot and Rancid hits as Shaker Jones enters, wearing a black hoodie with patches from various rock bands. He holds the Big Bhaker Bhampionship high above his head)
Stephie: and his partner, making his way to the ring from Inglis, Manitoba, Canada, weighing in at 250 pounds, he is The Punk Rock Country Boy… SHAAAAAKEERRRRR JOOOOOONNEEEESSS!!!!
Stew: What belt is—
Talib: It is the Big Bhaker Bhampionship and you will respect it! This man has had his ups and downs recently but he looks ready for a fight tonight in his home country! Things look to be on the upswing for Mr. Jones here as he teams with Woogie to earn a shot at the belts! Let’s get it going!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Stew: Shaw and Woogie will start the match. Shaw rushes in, looking to work quick to neutralize the size advantage. OH! Hard kicks to Woogies legs! You can hear them smacking with the contact! But wait— Woogie recovers and wraps his arms around Shaw! Big belly to belly suplex! Shaw lands and rolls over to his knees, analyzing the situation. WOOGIE TAUNTS SHAW! HE WANTS HIM TO BRING THE FIGHT MAN TO MAN!
Talib: Shaw looks to his partner, maybe wanting a strategic tag, keeping a rotation, but he’s in the wrong corner. He rushes Woogie again! Clothesline from Woogieman! Shaw is down again! He looks dazed! Woogie is immovable here tonight! Shaw climbing to his feet! Woogie approaches… LEAPING ROUNDHOUSE FROM SHAW!!!! Woogie staggers back! Shaw hits the ropes! Running dropkick to face! Woogie is down! Shaw signals something to Steele, who hops off the apron! What’s he doing?
Stew: I don’t know but I do know what Shaw is doing! He’s stomping now on Woogies knees! Trying to weaken the base of the larger man! Stomp after stomp! Trying to take his legs away! But no! Woogie grabs Shaw’s leg and throws him backwards! Shaw is down! Woogie is looking to his corner! He wants to tag Shaker in! He’s up to his knees! Jones is reaching! Woogie runs for the tag!
Talib: Oh! Steele yanks Shaker down just before Woogie can make the tag! Shaker’s face bounces off the apron! And Steel follows up with a step up enziguiri!! Shaker is down in the outside! Woogie is on his own! Dropkick from behind! Shaw caught Woogie not paying attention! Woogie bounces off the turnbuckles and— WHOA! SHAW JUST LIFTED WOOGIE ONTO HIS SHOULDERS! STEELE HAS CLIMBED TO THE TOP ROPE!
Stew: DRAGON DEVASTATION CONNECTS! Steele rolls out of the ring! Shaw hooks the legs! Could it be?!?
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!
Stew: And Woogie powers out! Still fight left in the man from Jacksonville! He’s trying to get back to his feet, Oh but there’s Shaw! He grabs ahold of Woogie’s head and starts thrusting knees into his skull! He drags Woogie to his own corner where Steele is waiting! Tag is made, Steele climbs to the top! Double axe handle to Woogieman while Shaw holds him in place!
Talib: Steele’s gonna drag Woogie into the middle of the ring! He wants to continue the punishment! I told you! The Dragon Slayers are money! He’s stomping the knees just like Shaw was! Wait… now he wants to pull Woogie to his feet! Steele hits the ropes! Big dropkick to the face!
Stew: No! Woogie ducks it and leaps into his corner! But Shaker is still waking up on the outside! Woogie turns around— OH MY! Vicious running knee in the corner! Woogie may need a good dentist after this! Steele grabs Woogie, Irish whip— NO! Woogie reverses the Irish whip and Steele rubs abdomen first into the turnbuckles! Woogie follows up! Left hand! Right hand! Left! Right! Left! Right! WOOGIE SHOWING FIRE HERE IN THE COLD CITY OF MONTREAL!!!!! He winds up and knocks Steele to the ground!
Talib: Shaker is back up! Both Woogie and Shaw realize! Shaw gets in the ring! It’s a foot race to Shaker Jones! WHOA!!! Woogie intercepts Shaw with a running bulldog!!! He pops to his feet and makes the tag while Shaw slides to the outside! The crowd is going wild for their fellow countryman! Shaker eyes Steele! Looking for payback for earlier! Grabs ahold! SIDEWINDER CONNECTS!!!
Stew: The gutwrench power bomb on the dazed Steele! Shaker goes for the cover!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!…
Stew: Kickout by Steele! That was pure instinct! I’m not sure Steele knows he’s in Canada! Shaker realizes this! He’s not wasting any time! DRAGON SLEEPER! Shaker locks in the Dragon Sleeper! He wants to make Steele submit! Steele is frantic! He’s woken up from his daze and he’s completely in Shaker’s grasp! Flailing around for an escape! Nowhere to go! He’s slowing down! His face is going purple! The ref needs to check—
Talib: Shaw with a kick to the back fo Shaker’s Head! Where the Hell did he come from?!? He may have just saved the match! Could you imagine the shame if the “Dragon Slayers” lost to a “Dragon Sleeper”? Steele is climbing to his feet! Shaw is back in the corner and wants the tag!! Steele stumbles and then runs for it! No! Shaker grabs him by the foot! He won’t let him make the tag! Steele looks back at Shaker… Shaker stares a burning hole right through—
Stew: Mule kick to Shaker’s jaw! Steele is free! He lunges and makes the tag! Here comes Shaw!! Shaw rushes and hits forearms to the face of Shaker! Is he trying for a knockout or something? Forearm! Forearm! Forearm! Shaker is down to a knee! AXE KICK TO THE BACK OF SHAKER’S NECK! HIS HEAD BOUNCES OFF THE MAT! HE MAY HAVE A CONCUSSION! PIN!!!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!…
Talib: No! Woogie pulled the ref out at the last instant!!! He just saved Shaker from taking the fall! Woogie needs to make the tag and get Shaker out of there! Shaker is coming to in the ring! But Shaw stays on the offensive! He mounts Shaker and clubs him with more forearm shots! Is that blood?!? Shaker may have a broken nose!! Get medical on standby!
Stew: What’s this? I think Shaker just got a taste of his own blood!! He just reached up and grabbed Shaw by the throat! He throws him off to the side! Shaw rolls off and to the outside! The ref starts the count!
ONE!
Shaw stumbles for a second and shakes the effects off.
TWO!
Shaker is trying to get to his feet in the ring.
THREE!
Shaw begins to run around the ring!
FOUR!
Shaker gets to his feet! He’s lurching for the tag!
FIVE!
Shaw slips back in the ring, breaking the count and hits his own running bulldog on Shaker!
Talib: If his nose wasn’t broken before, it certainly is now! Shaw reaches down to grab Shaker— OH! But he was too close to the corner! Woogie lands a shot from the apron! Shaw looks up at Woogie— NO! Shaker leans back and hits a big backwards elbow to Shaw’s face! Woogie caused the perfect distraction! Shaker lurches and makes the tag! Shaker rolls to the outside to rest while Woogie takes over!
Stew: What is Woogie doing?!? He’s climbing to the top rope? He wants to make a statement while Shaw is stumbling from the elbow shot! He’s primed and in position! WHAT IN THE HELL?!? STEELE JUST RAN THE TIGHT ROPE TO THE OTHER SIDE AND HIT AN ENZUIGURI ON WOOGIE! WOOGIE IS PERCHED ON THE TOP ROPE BUT OUT COLD!! Shaw has climbed to his feet! Sees Woogie! Steele pulls Woogie’s head down! WHOA! HE USES THE HIGH PERCH OF THE TURNBUCKLE TO LIFT THE LARGER WOOGIEMAN UP FOR THE VERTICAL SUPLEX!!!! KICK FROM SHAW! THE BRAINBUSTER! CHASING THE DRAGON HAS CONNECTED!!!! SHAW MAKES THE PIN!!!!!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!… Shaker climbs in the ring!!!! THRE— Shaker dives to break the pin!!!!
…………………
EEEEEEE!!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(“Warriors” by Imagine Dragons hits as Shaw rolls to the outside and celebrates with Steele!)
Stephie: Here are your winners by pinfall! And moving on to fight for the EAW Tag Team Titles! SHAW! STEELE! THE DRAAAAGOOOOONNNN SLAAAAYEEERRRSSS!!!
Stew: Shaker was so close but just too slow on breaking up the pin! What a match! What a night we have here at Culture Crisis! The Dragon Slayers are going on to fight for the tag titles! They’ve got their shot! Now it’s up to them to capitalize!
(Commercial break)
(Camera fades back into the ring as the artwork for “All Goes Wrong” by Chase & Status is shown on the screen)
Stew: Hey we wanna send a special thank you to Chase & Status for their song “All Goes Wrong” one of the OFFICIAL themes of Pain For Pride!
(A contract is seen hanging above the ring. Lots of ladders have been set up around the ring.)
(Kill Your Masters by Run The Jewels begins to play as Shackleford walks onto the ramp to a mixed reaction. He walks to the ring as he examines the ladders in the surrounding area.)
Stephie Love: The following contest is a Ladder Match. The winner will go on to Pain for Pride to participate in the Cash In The Vault Ladder match! Introducing first, from Fratton, Portsmouth, weighing 240 pounds…. SHACCCKLLLLEFORDDDD!
(“WINGS OF ICARUS” by Celldweller begins to play as Noah Reigner with Evelyn Ridley following close behind come out to the stage. He makes his way to the ring as he eyes the contract hanging above the ring while Evelyn hands to stand beside the announcers table.)
Stephie Love: Now introducing, from Seattle,Washington, weighing 184 pounds… NOOOAHHHHH REIGGGNNERRRR!
(“Young and Bitter” by Hot Tag Media plays as the crowd boos. Lucas Johnson walks out onto the stage and down to the ring with a determined expression.)
Stephie Love: From Atlanta, Georgia, weighing 205 pounds… LUCCASSSS JOHNNNSOONNNN!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Stew: This match is now underway. Ladders are all over the place and the contract is above the ring. Who will be the man to move on to Pain for Pride? Reigner begins to look around at his opponents… AND SHACKLEFORD AND JOHNSON BOTH COME AT HIM QUICKLY WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Noah got leveled just then! Johnson and Shackleford didn’t work together just then out of the goodness of their hearts.
Talib: That’s right. They got into quite the altercation on Dynasty and they just wanted Noah out of the way! Both men pick up where they left off on Dynasty and unload with a flurry of punches! Lucas knees him in the gut! Shackleford responds with a headbutt! Lucas responds with one of his own! He quickly grabs Shackleford and connects with a belly to belly suplex! He’s down and Lucas jumps on top of him and unloads with several rights and lefts as Shackleford desperately attempts to defend himself! He lands and elbow to the jaw on Johnson who rolls over!
Stew: Shackleford gets to his feet with haste! Johnson is on one knee! SHACKLEFORD TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A SHINING WIZARD! SHACKLEFORD STANDS TALL! HE TURNS AROUND… OH MY! A STEP UP ENZUIGIRI! NOAH REIGNER JUST TOOK HIM DOWN! Noah finally gets in control of this match! Lucas Johnson is returning to his feet in the corner and Noah charges and connects with a running drop kick! Johnson stumbles around and Noah takes him on with a running clothesline! Johnson tumbles to the outside right next to some of these ladders!
Talib: Shackleford comes up behind him and executes a waist lock! Noah begins rapidly elbowing him prompting him to release the hold! He now connects with several shoot kicks to the legs of Shackleford! He now hits several punches further staggering him! HE GRABS HIM AND ATTEMPTS THE HARD GOODBYE! SHACKLEFORD FENDS HIM OFF WITH SEVERAL KNEES TO THE MIDSECTION! He now knocks him down with a shoulder block! Shackleford climbs to the top rope!
Stew: Shackleford is preparing to leap! THE LEAP OF FAITH! A DIVING ELBOW DROP! IT’S NOT GOOD! NOAH ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Shackleford crashes into the mat and grabs his elbow in pain! Now out here at ringside in front of us stands Lucas Johnson! He is back on his feet and is grabbing a ladder! He picks it up and holds it horizontally. Noah Reiner sees this! He goes to the ropes… SPRING BOARD CROSSBODY! NOAH CRASHES INTO LUCAS JOHNSON AND THE LADDER HE WAS HOLDING! BOTH MEN GO DOWN! NOAH SACRIFICED HIS OWN WELL BEING RIGHT THERE!
Talib: That hurt both men as they lay here in front of us! Meanwhile, Shackleford is on the move! He grabs a ladder that was standing at the bottom of the ramp and introduces it into the ring! He quickly proceeds to set it up on the middle of the ring! Noah and Lucas both have struggled to their feet! Noah takes off into the ring and climbs to the other side of the ladder!
Stew: He scales the ladder as well! Shackleford reaches for the contract but Noah unleashes a flurry of punches onto him! Lucas Johnson now enters the ring! He grabs Shackleford and quickly pulls him down and onto his shoulders! JOHNSON HAS HIM AND CONNECTS WITH THE F5! SHACKLEFORD CRASHES INTO THE MAT! NOAH QUICKLY REACHES FOR THE CONTRACT BUT JOHNSON PUSHES THE LADDER OVER AND NOAH FALLS OFF CRASHING RIGHT INTO THE RING ROPES AND ROLLS OUT OF THE RING! THE LADDER FALLS OVER IN THE RING!
Talib: Lucas Johnson now just laid both of his competitors out! He’s still reeling from that cross body from Noah from earlier! Lucas now grabs the fallen ladder and begins to set it up once again in the middle of the ring! He gets it done and begins to climb it! Lucas is there as he reaches for it and grazes it! He climbs another rung! IS LUCAS JOHNSON GOING TO PAIN FOR PRIDE?! HE FIDDLES WITH THE CONTRACT…. DOES HE HAVE IT?! NO!!! THERE’S NOAH REIGNER WITH A STEEL CHAIR AND HE SLAMS LUCAS IN THE BACK WITH IT WITH HIS FULL FORCE! HE DESPERATELY SWINGS AGAIN! HE DOES IT ONE MORE TIME AS LUCAS FALLS OFF THE LADDER! NOAH NOW SWINGS THAT CHAIR RIGHT INTO THE SKULLS OF LUCAS JOHNSON!
Stew: Noah falls down as he tries to regain himself! THERE’S SHACKLEFORD! HE QUICKLY CLIMBS UP THE LADDER AFTER NOAH FALLS DOWN! HE’S THERE AT THE TOP! HE GRABS THE CONTRACT BUT GETS HIT IN THE BACK WITH THAT STEEL CHAIR! HE LOSES HIS HOLD AND SLIPS DOWN THE LADDER! HE STUMBLES AND LANDS ON HIS FEET! NOAH NOW SWINGS THAT CHAIR AT SHACKLEFORD BUT DUCKS! SHACKLEFORD NOW CHARGES AT NOAH AND CONNECTS WITH A CLOTHESLINE! BOTH MEN GO TUMBLING OVER THE TOP ROPE AS THEY LAND HERE IN FRONT OF OUR TABLE!
Talib: Complete carnage here at Culture Crisis! Noah and Shackleford begin to get to their feet! Shackleford hits a high knee right on Noah Reigner! He now grabs him and drops him jaw first right on our announce table! He follows that up by irish whipping him! NOAH REVERSES IT AND THROWS SHACKLEFORD INTO THE BARRICADE! Noah now grabs a nearby ladder! He has it and charges at Shackleford! HE RAMS HIM WITH IT AND IT FORCES SHACKLEFORD OVER THE BARRICADE INTO THE BELL KEEPER AREA!
Stew: Here comes Lucas Johnson with a steel chair! Noah Turns around and is hit with the chair right in the gut! He drops the ladder! NOW LUCAS PUSHES NOAH INTO THE BARRICADE AND CLOTHESLINES HIM OVER IT RIGHT WITH SHACKLEFORD! Lucas now jumps the barricade and grabs the ring bell! Noah is dazed and Lucas hits him with the ring bell! NOAH IS DOWN! JOHNSON TURNS TO DO THE SAME TO SHACKLEFORD! BUT SHACKLEFORD HITS A CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL! LUCAS DROPS THE BELL AND GOES DOWN!
Talib: Shackleford tries to head to the ring but falls over! These men have brutalized each other! He begins to leave the ring bell area to go towards the ring! But Noah is close behind! He grabs Shackleford from behind! HE CONNECTS WITH A BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX! HE NOW GRABS SHACKLEFORD AND ATTEMPTS THE ROGUE CUTTER: REDUX! CAN HE HIT THE ROLLING CUTTER! NO! SHACKLEFORD PUSHES HIM OFF AND KICKS HIM IN THE GUT! HE PULLS HIM IN AND UP! OH GOD! HE POWERBOMBS HIM RIGHT ONTO THAT LADDER THAT NOAH HAD EARLIER!
Stew: Shackleford isn’t done! He sees that Lucas is stirring! He grabs Noah and drags him to our table! He clears it off and slams Noah’s head right onto it! Shackleford throws Noah on to the top of our table now! We better get back fast!
Talib: I hear that! He now heads towards Lucas Johnson who was crawling out of the ring bell area! Shackleford approaches Johnson! HE GETS CLOCKED WITH THE RING BELL! LUCAS KNOCKS SHACKLEFORD SILLY! Lucas is now strongly determined! He breaks down another nearby ladder! He now walks over to out table where Noah is laying! He now slams that ladder right onto his body! He repeats the action! He now lays that ladder right on top of Noah!
Stew: Lucas now goes back to Shackleford and picks him up! He grabs him and slams him down on top of the ladder that is ontop of Noah Reigner! What the hell is Lucas Johnson doing?! He has Noah here on our table with a ladder on top of him and Shackleford onto of that ladder! Lucas now grabs a nearby ladder and drags it in front of our table! WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING! LUCAS JOHNSON NOW CLIMBS THE LADDER! HE GETS TO THE TOP OF IT AND LOOKS DOWN AT NOAH AND SHACKLEFORD WITH THAT LADDER INBETWEEN THEM AS THEY LAY ON TOP OF OUR ANNOUNCER TABLE! LUCAS DOES IT! HE LEAPS! MY GOD! A DIVING MOONSAULT OFF THE TOP OF THAT LADDER! HE CRASHES DOWN ON TOP OF SHACKLEFORD, NOAH, AND THAT LADDER AS THE TABLE BREAKS BENEATH THEM!
Talib: THIS CROWD JUST WENT WILD! JOHNSON JUST DID A MOONSAULT OFF THE TOP OF A LADDER ONTO NOAH AND SHACKLEFORD! NOAH WAS TRAPPED BETWEEN THE TABLE AND THE LADDER THAT WAS ON TOP OF HIM WHILE SHACKLEFORD GOT PINNED BETWEEN THAT LADDER AND JOHNSON WHO LANDED ON TOP OF HIM! I can’t believe what i just saw! The table is in pieces as all three men are laid out! Lucas Johnson risked it all and I have no idea how these men can get up from that!
Stew: All these men are motionless after that amazing move by Lucas Johnson! This what Pain for Pride means to these men! Finally, these men start to show signs of life! All three begin to desperately regain some sense of what’s going on! Lucas Johnson is the first up and he stumbles to the ring! He rolls in and slowly goes towards the ladder! He begins to climb it!
Talib: Shackleford and Noah Reigner slide into the ring right behind him! Shackleford clubs him on the back! Noah does the same! Johnson now kicks Noah while Shackleford upper cuts him! Shackleford grabs him and tosses him to the other side of the ring where he slides out on the apron! Johnson edges closer up the ladder as Shackleford grabs his foot! Johnson tries to kick him off but he climbs up as well right beside Johnson! BOTH MEN ARE ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE LADDER! JOHNSON RELENTLESSLY PUNCHES SHACKLEFORD TRYING TO KNOCK HIM OFF BUT HE GETS LEVEL WITH HIM! HE NOW THROWS SEVERAL PUNCHES OFF HIS OWN
Stew: Johnson grabs Shackleford and slams his face into the top of the ladder! Johnson now reaches for the contract! He grabs it! HE’S UNHOOKING IT… BUT SHACKLEFORD GRABS JOHNSON AND SLAMS HIM INTO THE LADDER! NOW SHACKLEFORD GRABS THE CONTACT! HE’S TRYING TO UNHOOK IT… DOES HE HAVE IT?! NO! JOHNSON GRABS THE CONTRACT TO! BOTH MEN ARE FIGHTING FOR IT! WHO HAS IT! BOTH MEN HAVE ONE HAND ON THE CONTRACT AND TRADE BLOWS ON TOP OF THE LADDER TRYING TO KEEP THEIR BALANCE!
Talib: YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! LOOK ON THE APRON! IT’S NOAH REIGNER! HE HAS A STEEL CHAIR IN HAND AS HE STRUGGLES TO HIS FEET! MEANWHILE JOHNSON STRONGLY TRIES TO JERK THE CONTRACT FROM THE GRASP OF SHACKLEFORD BUT HE PULLS TOO! THE THING MAY BREAK AT THIS RATE! WAIT?! WHAT’S HE DOING! NOAH REIGNER IS UP AND GRABS THE RING ROPES WHILE HOLDING ON TO THAT STEEL CHAIR! HE SPRING BOARDS… AND LANDS ON THE LADDER AND CLIMBS THE RUNGS UP! HE DID THAT TO GET THERE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE AS JOHNSON AND SHACKLEFORD FIGHT OVER THE CONTRACT!
Stew: THEY REALIZE THAT NOAH JUST LANDED ON THE LADDER! THEY’RE TIED UP BY HOLDING ONTO THAT CONTRACT AND ARE DEFENSELESS! NOAH STILL HAS THAT CHAIR IN HAND AS HE LANDED ON THE LADDER WITH IT! HE GRABS IT AND CONNECTS TO THE HEAD OF SHACKLEFORD! HE FALLS! NOAH SWINGS AGAIN RIGHT INTO THE HEAD OF LUCAS JOHNSON! LUCAS LOSES HIS HOLD ON THE CONTRACT AND FALLS TO THE RING BELOW! NOAH DROPS THE CHAIR AND GRABS THE CONTRACT! HE HAS IT! HE UNHOOKS IT! NOAH REIGNER IS GOING TO PAIN FOR PRIDE!
Talib: NOAH REIGNER HAS WON!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Stephie Love: Here is your winner…. NOOOAAHHHHHH REIIIIGNNNERRRR!
( “WINGS OF ICARUS” by Celldweller begins to play as the crowd goes crazy for the end of the match. Noah Reigner holds the contract in his hands as he looks at it. He then holds it up in the air. He slowly descends from the ladder. He stumbles down to his feet. Lucas Johnson and Shackleford roll out of the ring as the disappointment dawns on their faces. Noah Reigner continues to celebrate.)
Talib: What an insane match! From that diving moonsault off the top of the ladder by Lucas Johnson to Noah Reigner springboard onto the ladder with a chair in his hand to win the match!
Stew: After all that happened here, Noah Reigner managed to pull of the victory and his going to Pain for Pride where he will participate in the Cash In The Vault Ladder Match!
(The camera fades backstage to Max A. Million shown smiling with a microphone in his hand)
Max: Joining me at this time… the man who in just mere moments will challenge for the Hardcore Championship, Maddox Ayres!
(Maddox Ayres steps into the frame with a grin on his face)
Max: Maddox I have to ask you, what have these last few weeks been like? Starting at the Grand Rampage where you had just an incredible, incredible performance in the Grand Rampage match. Since then you’ve been on an absolute tear… what’s been going through your head?
Ayres: You know… fans appreciate talent. At the end of the day, no matter how charismatic you are, how big or strong you are… what matters is talent, your ability in the ring and Max I’m glad you said it so I don’t have to… this past month, NOBODY and I mean NOBODY has shown off their ability more than I have.
Ayres: And that’s not me being arrogant or cocky, it’s the flat out truth. I’ve defeated former World Champions and Hall of Famers, I’ve put on the best performances on the entire roster and StarrStan was able to notice that, which is why tonight I’m put in the position of fighting for the Hardcore Championship.
Max: This is your first major opportunity at a singles championship in EAW, do you have any jitters?
Ayres: Honestly, no. Cody Marshall doesn’t scare me. I’ve fought men badder than him, I’ve beaten men badder than him. I know he has a mission to become the greatest Hardcore Champion, I know he wants to make the Hardcore Championship the greatest title in all of EAW… for that I have to respect him… but… why not me? Why can’t I do those things? Why can’t Maddox Ayres make the Hardcore Championship the most prestigious championship in EAW?
Max: I… don’t know…
Ayres: Exactly, because there is no reason. And that’s what separates Cody Marshall and I. His intentions may be good but they’re also selfish. Cody Marshall only has himself in mind, HE wants all of the glory. Well Cody I’m sorry, but your reign… it ends tonight.
(Ayres smiles and walks off down the hallway)
(The camera fades into the ring where we meet Stephie Love standing with a microphone in hand.)
Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the EAW HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!
“My Demons” by Starset plays over the speakers and the crowd goes wild for Maddox Ayres as he emerges from the back as the camera zooms up to his face when he comes to a stop at the top of the ramp.
(Maddox up close the camera): I WILL PREVAIL!
Stephie Love: Introducing first, the challenger, From Orlando, Florida weighing in at 6’3″ 220 pounds, he is MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOXXXXXXXXXXXXX AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
Stew: Maddox Ayres is hoping this time will be successful in obtaining the Hardcore Championship, he’s been in some hellacious battles and knows what it takes to win a championship!
Talib: He sure does, but Cody Marshall is no small feat, Maddox has his work cut out for him.
“California Love” by 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre hits over the speakers and out comes Cody Marshall with the Hardcore Championship wrapped around his waist, he eyes Maddox Ayres down and continues towards the ring.
Stephie Love: Annnnnd his opponent, he is your current EAW Hardcore Champion…. from Hollywood, California…. weighing in at 6’8″ 305 pounds he is “A-List” COOOOOOODDDDDDDDDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY MAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRSSSSSSSSHHHHAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!
Stew: A 6’8″ weapon wielding hardcore giant with Hollywood credentials to boot? That’s enough for me. My money is on Cody until proven otherwise.
Talib: I agree, but Maddox has shown a lot of grit and perseverance throughout his EAW career so it’ll be interesting to see how this plays out!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew: The bell sounds and the Hardcore Championship is officially up for grabs! In comes Maddox like a house of fire with a barrage of fists and kicks in an attempt to knock Cody down to size but the A-Lister shoves him off with ease! What’s Cody doing? Is he reaching into his pocket? NO! He just took out his police baton from the holder attached to his belt, he spins it around like a propeller and points it at Maddox!
Cody: Now you just hold still, while I shove this up your ass!
Talib: Did he just say..?
Stew: I don’t think Cody is channeling his inner DDD, Talib, get your mind out of the gutter! WHOA! Cody just swung that baton wildly at Maddox who baseball slides through his legs! Cody turns around and swings again but Maddox roundhouse kicks the baton right out of Cody’s hand! Maddox sprints towards Cody but he’s caught! AND DRIVEN DOWN WITH A THUNDEROUS SIDEWALK SLAM! Maddox holds his back and grimaces, meanwhile, Cody steps over the top rope, you can hear him screaming at nobody in particular, asking “Where’s my baton?!”
Talib: I think he’s given up though, he turns around and he lifts up the apron and rummages under the ring now! I swear this is one of my favorite parts of a hardcore match, it’s like a treasure hunt, you never know what you’re going to find!
Stew: Cody grabs one of those handheld mirrors from under the ring, probably from one of his Hollywood trailers, how the hell did it end up there?! He looks in the mirror for a brief moment, smiling proudly at his reflection.
Talib: A little face time for Cody Marshall as he rolls inside of the ring!
Stew: MADDOX IS UP! HE DASHES TOWARDS CODY, BUT HE SEES MADDOX COMING!
SMASH!!!!
Talib: OH CHRIST, CODY JUST SHATTERED THAT MIRROR OVER THE SKULL OF THE ONCOMING MADDOX! GLASS IS STILL BOUNCING ALL OVER THE RING! MADDOX IS ROLLING AROUND COVERING HIS FACE.. AND YEAH HE’S BLEEDING ALRIGHT, THAT DIDN’T TAKE LONG! This is not the start Maddox was looking for! Cody drops down and goes for the cover!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!… NO!!
Stew: MADDOX KICKS OUT!!!! Ugh, but the blood is just oozing from his forehead on down and it has soaked his hair.. gross! It looks like a damn crime scene out here! Which I guess Cody is no stranger to. Cody scoops Maddox up on his shoulders and runs towards the corner! SNAKE EYES! NO! MADDOX SLIPS OFF BEHIND CODY, JUMPS UP AND HOOKS HIS NECK FROM BEHIND! HE PLANTS CODY WITH A NECKBREAKER OUT FROM THE CORNER! Maddox wipes off the blood from his eyes and sprints towards the middle rope! He grabs the top rope briefly and launches himself onto Cody with a picture perfect springboard moonsault! He mounts Cody and starts to pummel away but Cody covers up until he manages to roll under the bottom rope. Maddox sees this and uses the top rope to propel himself to the outside onto Cody with a beautiful crossbody!
Talib: BUT CODY CATCHES HIM! HE TURNS AROUND AND OH JEEZ HE JUST DROVE MADDOX SPINE FIRST INTO THE RING POST! MADDOX DROPS TO HIS KNEES AND THEN FALLS FACE FIRST TO THE MAT! SPINES ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO MEET STEEL. Now Cody is coming over here.. I’m not sure what his plan is but he’s the champ for a reason!
Stew: He just took a sip of my water..
(Cody rips the headset off of Stew and shoves him into his chair.)
(Cody over the headset): Screw off Stew you little dick flap! Why isn’t there any beer out here?! Anyway, as you can see folks, your favorite Hollywood A-lister is beating the tar out of this walking talking shit smear, Maddox Ayres. So while I have a moment, tune in live this Monday at 8:00 PM eastern time for a brand-spankin’ new episode of Bad Cops! It featur–
Talib: MADDOX JUST TACKLED CODY! IT’S A MESS HERE! STEW OR SHOULD I SAY CODY HAS LOST HIS HEADSET.. I’M ON MY OWN FOR THE TIME BEING. Meanwhile, Maddox is driving right hands into the shiny dome of Cody Marshall. Maddox backs off and tears the cover off of the announce table! Why us? Why do we always have to be victimized in these type of matches? Maddox takes a sip of Stew’s water and spits it in the face of Cody before slamming his head off of the announce desk! Cody’s head bounces straight up in the air! Maddox grabs a chair, pushing the timekeeper aside! He swings at Cody… WHAM! NO! CODY BLOCKS WITH HIS HANDS AND YANKS THE CHAIR FROM MADDOX’S GRASP!
Stew: Can you hear me? Is this thing on?!
Talib: Yes, you’re fine Stew! OH MAN! CODY JUST WENT FOR A HEADSHOT WITH THAT CHAIR BUT HE HIT THE RING POST INSTEAD AS MADDOX DUCKED! HE DROPS THE CHAIR AND WIGGLES HIS HANDS! NOW MADDOX IS UP ON THE ANNOUNCE TABLE, HE LEAPS AND DROPKICKS INTO THE BACK OF CODY WHICH SENDS HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE POST! CODY GOES DOWN TO A KNEE! Now Maddox is looking under the ring, he pulls out a stop sign, then a frying pan, a lead pipe, another chair… and a kitchen sink?!
Stew: OH BOY… HE FINALLY PULLS OUT WHAT HE WAS LOOKING FOR! A LADDER AND THAT’S A DECENT SIZED ONE AT THAT! HE LAYS IT OUT ON THE FLOOR! LOOK OUT! IN COMES CODY! THERE GOES CODY! DROP TOE HOLD ONTO THE LADDER!!! CODY IS LAYING ON TOP OF THE LADDER NOW AS MADDOX GRABS THE CHAIR THAT HE PULLED OUT FROM UNDER THE RING! HE WALKS BACK OVER TO CODY, HE RAISES HIS ARMS AND SWINGS FOR THE FENCES!
Talib: BUT CODY GOT HIS BOOT UP! IT WENT BACK INTO THE FACE OF MADDOX! CODY GETS UP OFF THE LADDER AND GRABS THE BLOODIED MADDOX, HE SLINGS HIM BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! Cody hammers in a few closed fists onto the open wound on Maddox’s head all while staining his own knuckles! Cody reaches into the crowd now?! What is he doing?! HE JUST GRABBED A FAN’S POUTINE DISH!!! A Canadian tradition as the crowd cheers in approval! Cody uses a fork and takes a bite! He then whips it into Maddox’s face! That must be piping hot too! Maddox is riving in pain!!! He’s trying to get the contents off of his face! The fries, the cheese curds, and the gravy must feel like boiling lava! Damn! Blood and poutine is one hell of a gnarly mix! Cody picks Maddox up from the floor and hoists him over his shoulder but Maddox slips off his shoulder and pushes him forward! Cody turns around…. SLINGBLADE ONTO THE LADDER BY MADDOX! FIRST OF ALL, HOW CAN HE SEE WITH ALL OF THAT MIX COVERING HIS FACE AND SECOND OF ALL I THINK A SPARE GRAVY COVERED FRY.. FUCK.. IT JUST LANDED ON MY LAP, I’LL NEVER GET THIS STAIN OUT!! BUT OH MY GOODNESS CODY’S HEAD JUST BOUNCED OFF OF THAT LADDER! A TRAIL OF BLOOD IS WEAVING ITS WAY DOWN THE BACK OF CODY’S HEAD! MADDOX WASTES NO TIME AND GRABS A HOLD OF CODY, HE DRAGS HIM TO THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE AND SLAMS HIM FACE FIRST OFF OF IT!
Stew: NO HE DOESN’T! CODY BLOCKED IT WITH HIS LONG REACH, NOW HE JUST SLAMMED MADDOX FACE FIRST INTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE AND HE THROWS MADDOX ONTO IT… HE’S JUST CLUBBING MADDOX ON THE CHEST NOW! THAT MUST FEEL LIKE GETTING CRUSHED BY A TREE LIMB! CODY TURNS AROUND AND PICKS UP THE LADDER OFF OF THE FLOOR… A BIG MAN WITH A BIG LADDER IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER! WHAT IS HE DOING?!
Talib: STEW LETS BACK OUT OF THE WAY HERE… HE’S SETTING UP THE LADDER ON OUR ANNOUNCE TABLE AND NOW HE’S ON TOP OF THE ANNOUNCE TABLE! I DON’T KNOW WHAT HE HAS IN MIND HERE STEW.. HE’S CLIMBING RUNG BY RUNG WITH HIS BACK TURNED TO MADDOX..
Stew: I DON’T THINK HE REALIZES MADDOX IS UP BECAUSE HIS BACK IS TURNED!!! I DON’T LIKE THIS TALIB, NOT ONE BIT, MADDOX IS CLIMBING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LADDER BUT HIS BACK IS TURNED TO CODY????? WHAT?? CODY TURNS AROUND TO CHECK AND SEE IF MADDOX IS STILL ON THE TABLE WHICH HE’S NOT.. TURN AROUND CODY!!! OHHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! OH MY FUCKING GODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Talib: AVVVVVVAAAAALANCHEEEEEEEEEE SHIRRRRRRRRRRRRANNNNNNUUUUIIIIIIII THROUGH THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE NEXT TO US OFF OF THE FUCKING LADDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MADDOX MUST HAVE BEEN TWENTY FEET PLUS IN THE AIR FLIPPING BACKWARDS WITH THAT SLICED BREAD LIKE MANUEVER!!!!!!!!!! MADDOX HOOKED THE NECK OF CODY AND PUSHED HIMSELF BACKWARD OFF OF THE SECOND HIGHEST STEP OF THE LADDER ON HIS SIDE! I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT IN MY LIFE… MADDOX HAS NO REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE WHETHER IT’S CODY OR HIS OWN!!!!!!!
Stew: SOMEBODY GET SOME HELP OUT HERE DAMNIT! The crowd has gone silent here… you could hear a pin drop. I don’t even want to look at the replay but if we have too…
(A replay shows Maddox landing stomach and knee first through the announce table and on top of Cody as well as the ladder falling wildly onto the floor beside them.)
Talib: I don’t know, I honestly think Maddox took the worst of that fall. The EMTs are rushing out here with a stretcher, this doesn’t look good.. I mean, I understand competing for a championship but this.. there has to be a line you draw somewhere.
(EMTs are shown handling Maddox carefully with a neck brace, a few fans are shown with shocked faces and wide eyes.)
EMTs: Lift him up on three, okay? Ready? One, two, three!
Stew: You never want to see this, ever. I’m at a loss for words Talib. Maddox is being rolled out on the stretcher now up the rampway, while other EMTs are tending to Cody, who has somehow sat up amidst all this chaos.
(An ambulance is seen backing into the arena as red lights flash brightly.)
Talib: Cody is standing. I don’t know how in the hell.. but he’s on his feet. Meanwhile, Maddox is being loaded into the ambulance.. so it’s safe to say Cody has retained, I just wish it was under better circumstances…
(Cody grabs his Hardcore Championship and raises it in the air as he speaks into the camera.)
Cody: I guess you could say that backfired on him didn’t it? Hahaha…. what the fuck..?!
(Cody looks up as the crowd cheers and points towards the entrance. Maddox stumbles out the back of the ambulance and manages to get to his feet, he rips his neckbrace off and throws it in the crowd.)
Stew: NO! NO FREAKIN’ WAY! HE SHOULD BE DEAD! HOW THE HELL..
Talib: I DON’T BELIEVE IT! I guess when there’s a will, there’s a way Stew.. the kid has the heart of a lion!
Stew: But he severely lacks brain power! HE’S PUTTING HIS CAREER IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY! MADDOX IS MAKING HIS WAY BACK DOWN THE RAMP ALBEIT GINGERLY! THE MONTREAL CROWD IS GOING NUTS! CODY IS IRATE, HE THOUGHT HE HAD THIS IN THE BAG! Maddox slides slowly into the ring, he balances himself against the ropes as they hold him up, but he’s motioning Cody to bring it on!
Cody: Boy, you just signed your death warrant!
Talib: Cody slides in with a steel chair, he’s going to end this once and for all! He barrels towards Maddox and slams him with the chair!
Stew: NO!!!!!! WAIT A MINUTE!!!! COMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAATOSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEE INTO THE CHAIR BY MADDOX! A JUMPING CORKSCREW ROUNDHOUSE KICK JUST SENT THAT CHAIR UP IN CODY’S FACE! DOWN GOES CODY!!!!! MADDOX SCRAMBLES AND DROPS ONTOP OF HIM FOR THE COVER!!!!!!!!!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!!… ANDDDDDDD….
Talib: SHOULDER UP! HE KICKED OUT! YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME, HOW DID HE GET A SHOULDER UP! MADDOX LOOKS INCREDULOUSLY AT THE REFEREE AND I DON’T BLAME HIM!
Stew: Maddox crawls over to the dented chair! He picks it up and stares at the chair for a few moments mouthing “I will prevail!” to himself! He turns around, while Cody is up on wobbly legs. He swings! BAM!!! HEADSHOT!!!!!!!!! the chair is wrapped around Cody’s head BUT CODY IS STILL STANDING SOMEHOW!!!!!!!! Maddox backs up, he’s going to end this right here!!!!!!!! COMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEE WAIT A SECOND!!!!! WHAT THE FUCK?!!
Talib: A POLICE TASER!!!! CODY MUST HAVE PULLED THAT OUT OF THE HOLSTER ATTACHED TO HIS BELT! HE JUST SHOT AND ZAPPED MADDOX IN THE RIBS WITH IT AS HE WENT FOR ANOTHER CORKSCREW ROUNDHOUSE KICK!!!!!!!! HOW MUCH PUNISHMENT CAN ONE MAN TAKE?! MADDOX IS CONVULSING FOR FUCK SAKES!!!! CODY RIPS THE CHAIR OFF OF HIS HEAD AND FOLDS IT UP!!! MADDOX IN A LAST DITCH EFFORT REACHES UP AND TUGS ON CODY’S PANTLEG. CODY KICKS HIM OFF AS HE RAISES THE CHAIR HIGH IN THE AIR!! NO DON’T DO IT!!! HE’S DOWN! JUST PIN HIM!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! GODDAMNIT!!!!!!! HE SLAMS THE CHAIR RIGHT ON THE SIDE OF MADDOX’S SKULL AGAINST THE RING!!!!!!!!!! ALMOST LIKE A CON-CHAIR-TO!!!!
Stew: Cody throws the chair down and rolls over Maddox.. the pin!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!… THREEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“California Love” by 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre replays over the speakers. Cody rises to his feet, calling for his Hardcore Championship and looking down at Maddox who is motionless in a pool of his own blood.)
Stephie Love: YOUR WINNER… AND STILL HARDCORE CHAMPION… CODDDDDDDDDDYYYYYYYYY MARRRRRRRRRRSHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!
Talib: Just a barbaric scene of events here no matter which way you slice it and you have to be concerned about the condition of Maddox Ayres, I mean you have to admire his heart but did this match shorten his career? I mean it had to…
Stew: I don’t want to jump to any conclusions, I just hope Maddox will be alright.
(The camera fades backstage to Michael Belfort)
Belfort: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Answers World Champion… Carlos Rosso!
(Carlos Rosso aggressively steps into the frame and grabs the microphone from Belfort, pushing him away)
Carlos: AYO… listen. I’m done playing the games. I’m done taking the high road. I’m finished with being doubted, I’m gonna silence everyone.
Carlos: People think that just because I don’t have possession of the championship that I’m not a real champion. They think I’m soft.
Carlos: That ends tonight.
Carlos: I show the world why I’m the greatest, the greatest champion, the greatest elitist, the greatest human being… NOBODY CAN TOUCH ME INSIDE OR OUT OF THAT RING! Carlos: I’M THE FRANCHISE!! Y’ALL FORGOT THAT DIDN’T YOU? WELL… Y’ALL GONNA REMEMBER TONIGHT AND NEVER FORGET AGAIN!!
Carlos: Dampshaw thinking he has any chance of beating me… it ends tonight. In fact… tonight… I beat Dampshaw in under a minute. Bank on it.
(Carlos shoves the microphone back into the chest of Michael Belfort and walks out of frame as the camera fades into the ring)
Stephie Love: The following contest scheduled for one fall is for the #1 Contendership to the EAW Answers World Championship!
(“No Limit” by G-Eazy feat. A$AP Rocky and Cardi B hits as the lights in the arena as the lights dim. Maximus Grier steps onto the stage. He removes his mask to take a long look at the crowd before confidently sauntering down the ramp)
Stephie Love: Approaching the ring first, from Sacramento, California… weighing in at 210 pounds… MAXXXXIIIIMMMMUSSSSS GRRRIIIIIIIIIEEEEERRRRRR!!
Stew: Stephie Love saying that this match is to determine the #1 Contender to the Answers World Championship, now I love you Stephie but I’m not entirely sure that’s accurate. Folks RIGHT NOW Darkane is the #1 Contender, but his contendership is on the line tonight. Should Darkane lose, Maximus Grier gets that spot at Pain For Pride!
Bari: Maximus Grier for those who don’t know him, certainly isn’t a pushover. The inaugural Revolt Pro! Welterweight Champion… he’s a very capable in-ring performer and tonight he has the opportunity of a lifetime!
(“Born Too Late” by Saint Vitus hits as Darkane steps onto the stage. He has the Answers World Championship belt strapped around his waist. He stares down at it as he walks down the aisle, never taking his eyes off of it until he steps into the ring)
Stephie Love: And from New Orleans, Louisiana… weighing in at 239 pounds… DARRRRKKKKKKKAAANNNNEEEEEEE!!
Bari: Darkane is NOT the Answers World Champion but he is in possession of Carlos Rosso’s Answers World Championship belt and I gotta say Stew, bringing it out here tonight with him… that’s a ballsy move. Almost as if he’s inviting Carlos Rosso to come and get it!
Stew: Darkane a master of mindgames and I’m sure this is one of them. He exits the ring and places the Answers World Championship belt down near the timekeeper before rolling back in… the referee calls for the bell!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew: Here we go… and man Bari I’ll tell ya, for the stakes in this match… neither of these men seem the least bit flustered! Darkane in his corner, reserved as ever. Maximus Grier in the opposite corner, pacing, but a confident pace… they step into the ring where… WE GET A LOCK UP!! Darkane with the size advantage but Maximus with an extensive amateur background… HE’S ABLE TO TACKLE DARKANE DOWN INTO THE CANVAS AND APPLY A HEADLOCK!! GRIER DIGGING HIS BOOTS INTO THE CANVAS FOR LEVERAGE BUT DARKANE ABLE TO SHIFT HIS BODY INTO A SITTING POSITION, NOW ONTO A KNEE… SENDING AN ELBOW INTO THE MID-SECTION OF MAXIMUS… NOW A SECOND ELBOW, CREATING DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO… BOTH MEN TO THEIR FEET AND WE GET A SECOND LOCK UP… BUT DARKANE THIS TIME ISN’T PLAYING AROUND… EASILY OVERPOWERING GRIER AND PUSHING HIM INTO THE CORNER!!
Bari: The referee trying to separate the two here as Darkane has his hand under the chin of Maximus, pushing it up as his spine prods the corner… AND NOW DARKANE WITH A CHEAP SHOT, A RIGHT HAND RIGHT TO THE JAW OF GRIER BEFORE HE BACKS AWAY… BUT THAT SEEMS TO HAVE SET GRIER OFF!! HE EXPLODES OUT OF THE CORNER… LEAPING ONTO DARKANE, TAKING HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS AND CLUBBING INTO HIM WITH RIGHT HANDS AND FOREARMS… DARKANE HAS TO SCRAMBLE, TRYING TO PULL HIMSELF UNDER THE ROPES… THAT’LL FORCE A BREAK WHICH IT DOES!! GRIER GETS OFF DARKANE BUT NOW DARKANE FINDS HIMSELF IN A PREDICAMENT, ONE THAT HE DEFINITELY DIDN’T EXPECT!!
Stew: Darkane pulls himself to his feet on the apron, staring down a PRIME and READY Maximus Grier… AND NOW DARKANE STEPS OFF THE APRON AND PLOPS HIS FEET DOWN ON THE OUTSIDE, BAITING GRIER TO COME JOIN HIM!! GRIER IS GONNA TAKE HIM UP ON HIS OFFER BUT GRIER SMARTLY ROLLS OUT OF THE FAR SIDE OF THE RING… GRIER AND DARKANE BOTH MAKING THEIR WAY TO THE RAMP SIDE OF THE RING AND THEY MEET EACH OTHER, DARKANE FIRST WITH A RIGHT… NO BLOCKED!! A BLOCKED RIGHT HAND AND GRIER SENDS A KICK INTO THE RIBS… NOW GRABBING DARKANE BY HIS BACK AND THROWING HIM INTO THE BARRICADE, DARKANE FLIPPING AND LANDING SPINE FIRST!! GRIER QUICKLY GETTING DARKANE BACK INTO THE RING, ROLLING HIM INTO THE MIDDLE AND HOOKING THE LEG… THE FIRST PINFALL ATTEMPT OF THE MATCH!!
ONEEE!!… TW– DARKANE WITH THE SHOULDER UP!!
Bari: Darkane making it back to his feet but Grier is gonna aid him the rest of the way… hooking Darkane’s arm over his head… LIFTING HIM UP LOOKING FOR A SUPLEX BUT DARKANE IS ABLE TO SHIFT HIS WEIGHT AND LAND BEHIND GRIER… OH AND NOW LOOK OUT… DARKANE GOING FOR THE GRAVE DIGGER!! GRIER HOWEVER ABLE TO SLIP OUT OF IT… HE LEAPS OFF HIS FEET AND DELIVERS AN ENZIGURI TO DARKANE’S HEAD WHO STUMBLES BACK AND DROPS TO THE CANVAS… MAXIMUS GRIER SCRAMBLES BACK INTO THE CORNER, NEEDING TO CATCH HIS BREATH… HE ALMOST GOT CAUGHT THERE!! Darkane however once again beginning to stir which means Grier must regain his wits and make a move quick… HE CHARGES TOWARDS DARKANE BUT HE’S CAUGHT!! CAUGHT AND PLANTED ONTO THE PINE WITH A SPINEBUSTER… A SICK SOUND THAT REVERBERATES AROUND THE ENTIRE ARENA!!
Stew: Grier rolls over onto his side wincing in pain, that spinebuster certainly doing its job, taking Grier out of commission, at least for the time being! Darkane grabbing a fist full of Maximus’ hair as he pulls him up to his feet… HE THROWS HIM OVER HIM OVER HIS SHOULDERS AND BACK DOWN WITH A SCOOP POWERSLAM!! SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE AND THE TIDE HAS EMPHATICALLY TURNED IN THE FAVOR OF DARKANE HERE, HE IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THIS MATCH!! Maximus Grier pulls himself to the edge of the ring, plopping himself onto the floor as he attempts to make it back to his feet… BUT HE MAY NOT BE SAFE THERE!! DARKANE WINDING UP… HE COMES SPRINTING… AND NOW DIVING THROUGH THE ROPES, CRASHING RIGHT INTO MAXIMUS GRIER WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!! SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE FEAT FOR SOMEONE LIKE DARKANE!!… HE THROWS MAXIMUS GRIER BACK INTO THE RING, NOW GRIER TRYING TO CRAWL OUT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RING, BUT DARKANE COMES RUNNING AGAIN OFF THE ROPES… AND A SHINING WIZARD!! A KNEE SMACKING RIGHT INTO THE MUSH OF MAXIMUS GRIER!! DARKANE INTO THE OVER!!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!… NO!! NOT ENOUGH!!
Bari: An impressive flurry of offense delivered by Darkane and an equally impressive kick out from Grier! You know though Stew, that’s the thing. A lot’s been made about Darkane’s actions as of late BUT THERE’S NO DENYING THAT THE ABILITY IS THERE!! He’s more than capable of fighting at Pain For Pride for the Answers World Championship. Grier attempting to make it back to his feet here as Darkane sits up and begins doing the same… Darkane is first up… but Grier isn’t far behind… THEY MEET IN THE CENTER AND GRIER THROWS A RIGHT HAND, WOW… DARKANE IS ROCKED… GRIER COMES WITH ANOTHER ONE!!… HE’S BEGINNING TO BUILD SOME MOMENTUM, HE HAS DARKANE STAGGERED… DARKANE SWINGS WITH A CLOTHESLINE BUT IT’S EVADED BY MAXIMUS GRIER… WHO NOW GRABS THE ARM, BRINGING DARKANE DOWN TO THE CANVAS AND TRYING TO APPLY THE HOSTILE TAKEOVER!! MAXIMUS GRIER LOOKING TO LOCK IN THE HOSTILE TAKEOVER AND SEND HIMSELF TO PAIN FOR PRIDE… HE’S GOT IT!!
Stew: THE HOSTILE TAKEOVER, THAT MODIFIED CROSSFACE CHICKENWING, MAXIMUS GRIER HAS IT APPLIED TO DARKANE HERE WHO FINDS HIMSELF IN A WORLD OF TROUBLE!! TRYING TO REACH OUT HIS ARMS TO THE ROPES, TRYING TO GET A HOLD OF THEM BUT IT’S NO USE!! AND FOLKS… THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT HOLD TO GET OUT OF, GRIER HAS DARKANE ON HIS BACK… FOR DARKANE TO MAKE ANY KIND OF PROGRESS HE FIRST NEEDS TO FIND A WAY TO FLIP ONTO HIS STOMACH AND SOMEHOW MAKE IT SO THAT GRIER CAN’T FLIP BACK OVER ONTO THE BACK!! DARKANE IS IN PANICKING, HE’S IN FULL PANIC MODE… POSSIBLY WATCHING HIS PAIN FOR PRIDE HOPES FADE WITH EACH PASSING SECOND!!
Talib Bari: WAIT… IT LOOKS LIKE DARKANE HAS A PLAN… TO ROLL HIMSELF ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE ROPES… WHATEVER WORKS RIGHT?! DARKANE PUSHES HIS FEET OFF THE MAT AS HE DOES A ROLL ONTO HIS STOMACH, AND NOW ONTO HIS BACK… HE DOES A SECOND ONE, NOW ABOUT TWO ARM LENGTH’S AWAY… ONE MORE ROLL SHOULD DO THE TRICK… BUT GRIER PUTS A STOP TO IT!! HE DOUBLES DOWN… ROLLING DARKANE THE OTHER WAY, ONTO HIS STOMACH… KEEPING THE HOLD APPLIED AND NOW DIGGING HIS KNEES INTO THE BACK OF DARKANE!!
Stew: EVEN IF DARKANE DOESN’T SUCCUMB TO THIS SUBMISSION, YOU HAVE TO WONDER HOW HE’S GONNA BE COMING OUT OF IT!! NO DOUBT IT’S DOING A LOT OF DAMAGE!! DARKANE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING HERE, AND HE KNOWS IT!! HE BRINGS HIS KNEE FORWARD, TRYING TO GET INTO A CRAWLING POSITION… BUT IT’S DIFFICULT HAVING THE ENTIRE BODY WEIGHT OF MAXIMUS GRIER ON HIS BACK… HE LETS OUT A SCREAM… ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A CRAWLING POSITION… AND NOW HE’S TRYING TO PUSH HIS FEET FORWARD, LOOKING TO MAKE IT BACK TO A VERTICAL BASE… AND MY GOD, I CAN’T BELIEVE IT BUT HE’S DOING IT!! DARKANE IS MANAGING TO MAKE IT BACK TO HIS FEET!!
Bari: GRIER STILL HAS THE HOLD APPLIED AND HAS NO INTENTION OF LETTING GO… DARKANE IS BACK TO HIS FEET, INCREDIBLE!! BUT HE STILL HAS MAXIMUS GRIER ACROSS HIS BACK AND NO USE OF HIS ARMS!! OH BUT LOOK!! HE’S RUSHING FORWARD, HEADING STRAIGHT FOR THE CORNER… HE’S GONNA TORPEDO GRIER SKULL FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!! AND BOOM!! GRIER’S HEAD CONNECTS WITH THE PADDING, BUT FOLKS BELIEVE ME, WITH THE SPEED THAT DARKANE WAS ABLE TO REACH, THAT PADDING DOESN’T HELP MUCH!! DARKANE’S HEAD MISSES JUST UNDER THE TURNBUCKLE… GRIER’S NOW LIFELESS BODY ROLLS OFF OF DARKANE AND PLOPS ONTO THE MAT!! DARKANE DRAGS GRIER BY THE ARM INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING AND HOOKS THE LEG!!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!… ANDDD NO!! A KICK OUT FROM GRIER, GRIER STAYS IN IT!!
Stew: Darkane rolls over… AND LOOK, ON HIS FACE… I THINK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I JUST SAW A HINT OF DESPERATION ON DARKANE’S FACE!! THE USUAL STONE FACED EXPRESSION HAS BEEN CRACKED!! DARKANE WAS IN THAT SUBMISSION HOLD FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE EVER, HE’S WEARY AND WEAK… HE COLLAPSES BACK DOWN INTO THE CANVAS… AND THEN MAXIMUS GRIER, WHO STILL HAS YET TO MOVE SINCE THE KICK OUT, HAVING HIS HEAD RAMMED RIGHT INTO THE TURNBUCKLE AT A RUNNING SPEED… BOTH MEN ARE DOWN AND THE REFEREE IS GOING TO BEGIN TO COUNT!!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WHAT IF NEITHER OF THESE MEN ARE ABLE TO MAKE IT BACK TO THEIR FEET?! WHAT HAPPENS THEN?! WHO GOES ONTO PAIN FOR PRIDE TO FIGHT FOR THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP?!
FOUR!
DARKANE BEGINNING TO STIR!
FIVE!
GRIER SHOWING LIFE, LIFTING HIS HEAD OFF THE CANVAS!
SIX!
DARKANE ALMOST THERE!
SEVEN!
GRIER CRAWLING OVER TO THE ROPES, USING THEM TO PULL HIMSELF UP!
EIGHT!
AND THEY’RE BOTH UP!!
Bari: DARKANE RUSHES TOWARDS GRIER… BUT GRIER WITH A DROP TOE HOLD!!… AND GRIER IS TRYING TO LOCK IN THE SUBMISSION AGAIN, BUT DARKANE SWINGS AROUND WITH HIS RIGHT HAND AND CLOBBERS GRIER IN THE FACE WITH IT… DARKANE CLAMBERS HIS WAY BACK UP TO HIS FEET… BUT OH MY GOD!! GRIER… FROM BEHIND!!… THE ACID TEST!! THAT KNEE!! OH MY!! DARKANE IS DOWN, MAXIMUS ROLLS HIM OVER, INTO THE CORNER… THIS IS IT, MAXIMUS GRIER IS MOVING ONTO PAIN FOR PRIDE!!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!… FOOT ON THE ROPE!! DARKANE GETS HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE AND THE REFEREE NOTICED IT, THIS ONE WILL CONTINUE!!
Stew: AND MAXIMUS CAN’T BELIEVE IT!! HE THREW HIS TWO BEST SHOTS AT DARKANE, THAT NEVER ENDING SUBMISSION AND THE ACID TEST WHICH WON HIM THE REVOLT! WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP EARLIER THIS YEAR… AND IT STILL HASN’T BEEN ENOUGH TO PUT DARKANE AWAY!! HE PULLS DARKANE INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING AND GOES FOR THE PIN AGAIN, HOOKING BOTH LEGS!!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!… NO!! DARKANE BARELY LIFTS HIS SHOULDER OFF THE MAT!!
Bari: Grier gets up heaving as he begins to walk around the ring. Darkane attempting to make it back up… OH AND LOOK AT GRIER!! HE’S PULLING HIS KNEE PAD DOWN… THE GAMEPLAN OF MAXIMUS GRIER IS CRYSTAL CLEAR HERE!! HE’S GOING FOR A SECOND ACID TEST, A SECOND KNEE TO THE BACK OF THE SKULL, THIS TIME WITH AN EXPOSED KNEE!!… HE’S STALKING DARKANE FROM BEHIND… DARKANE IS UP AND HERE COMES GRIER… BUT IT’S… IT’S DUCKED!! I THINK I SAW DARKANE LOOK UP AT THE TITANTRON AT THE LAST SECOND, AND THAT LET HIM KNOW THAT GRIER WAS BEHIND HIM, HE… NOW GRABS GRIER… GRAVE DIGGER!!… NO!! GRIER ABLE TO SLIDE OUT OF IT AGAIN, THIS TIME INTO A ROLLUP!!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!… NO!! DARKANE STILL MANAGES TO KICK OUT!!
Stew: BOTH MEN ARE DOWN AGAIN BUT THERE WON’T BE A COUNT THIS TIME AS THEY START TO STIR… GRIER IS THE FIRST ONE UP… DARKANE SECOND… THEY MEET IN THE CENTER OF THE RING AND BEGIN TO EXCHANGE BLOWS!! DARKANE GOES FOR A RIGHT HAND BUT GRIER QUICKER ON THE DRAW… AN UPPERCUT!! DARKANE ONCE AGAIN IS STAGGERED, AT RISK OF FALLING OFF HIS FEET… GRIER COMES RUSHING TOWARDS HIM… BUT DARKANE GETS HIS KNEE UP AND IT CATCHES GRIER… THE KNEE DAZES GRIER… DARKANE RECOLLECTS HIMSELF AND… NOW HE COMES CHARGING, DEVIL MAY CRY!! DARKANE CONNECTS WITH THE DEVIL MAY CRY!! HE FLIPS GRIER OVER AND COVERS!!
ONEEE!!… TWOOO!!… THREEE!! DARKANE IS GOING TO PAIN FOR PRIDE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Born Too Late” begins to play as Darkane lays motionless for a while. After a few seconds he rolls out of the ring, grabs the Answers World Championship belt and holds it up high in the air as he starts making his way up the ramp)
Stephie Love: Your winner… DARRRRKKKKANNNNNNEEEEEEE!!
Stew: HE DID IT!! DARKANE HAS RETAINED HIS PAIN FOR PRIDE SPOT, DARKANE WILL MEET THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION AT THE SHOW OF SHOWS IN FIVE WEEKS!!
Bari: You know I said it earlier Stew but it’s worth repeating… Darkane just showed an incredible amount of resiliency in this match. Maximus Grier threw everything, quite literally everything he had at Darkane but it wasn’t enough. You can hate him all you want, he’s a vile human being sure… BUT YOU CAN NEVER DENY HIS ABILITY AND BECAUSE OF THAT ABILITY HE’S GOING TO PAIN FOR PRIDE!!
(The camera fades back into the ring)
Stephie Love: Ladies and Gentlemen the following contest scheduled for one fall… IS FOR THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!
(“Jerusalem” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer hits as Reginald Dampshaw III approaches the stage. He keeps his eyes locked on the ring as he walks down the ramp, looking confident)
Stew: UNQUESTIONABLY the biggest match of this man’s career! Reginald Dampshaw III has made an enemy out of General Manager StarrStan. Dampshaw was contractually owed a championship match and tonight he finds himself fighting for the biggest prize of them all… and an opportunity at main eventing Pain For Pride.
Bari: And I’ll tell you what Stew, for someone with such a huge opportunity in front of them, Dampshaw appears to be a confident man. And he’s taking on a VERY game Carlos Rosso as we heard earlier tonight, making the declaration that he’s going to defeat Dampshaw in under a minute!
(“Rainmaker” (Dominion 2017 Mix) by Yonosuke Kitamura hits as Carlos Rosso sprints down the ramp, making a B-line for the ring)
Stew: OH AND HERE COMES CARLOS ROSSO… SLIDING INTO THE RING AND TACKLING REGINALD DAMPSHAW DOWN TO THE CANVAS… NOT EVEN ANY TIME FOR INTRODUCTIONS, HERE WE GO!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bari: START THE CLOCK!!
Stew: CARLOS ROSSO IS MOUNTED ON TOP OF REGINALD DAMPSHAW AND HE’S POUNDING INTO HIM WITH RIGHTS, LEFTS, FOREARMS… CARLOS ROSSO HAS WEEKS AND WEEKS OF PENT UP RAGE AND ANGER AND HE’S UNLEASHING IT ALL RIGHT HERE AND NOW IN THIS ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH… AN ONSLAUGHT, A RELENTLESS ONSLAUGHT… DAMPSHAW ISN’T EVEN BLOCKING ANY OF THESE ANYMORE, HE MAY BE UNCONSCIOUS!! CARLOS ROSSO CONTINUES TO HAMMER INTO HIM… BLOOD, WE HAVE BLOOD!! DAMPSHAW HAS BEEN BUSTED OPEN AND NOW BLOOD BEGINS POURING OUT OF HIS HEAD, THIS HAS GOTTEN REAL BAD, REAL FAST… AND… THE REFEREE, WHAT’S THE REFEREE DOING?! HE’S PULLING ROSSO OFF OF DAMPSHAW BUT ROSSO REFUSES, HE CONTINUES TO POUND AWAY, THE FACE OF REGINALD DAMPSHAW IS UNRECOGNIZABLE RIGHT NOW!! AND… WHAT?!?! THE REFEREE CALLS FOR THE BELL?!?!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bari: HE DID IT, HE ACTUALLY DID IT!!
(The referee rolls out of the ring and approaches Stephie Love and begins whispering in her ear)
Stephie Love: Ladies and Gentlemen, the referee has declared that Reginald Dampshaw III can’t continue… THEREFORE YOUR WINNER AND STILL THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION… CARRRLOOOSSSS ROOOSSSOOO!!
Stew: CARLOS ROSSO STAYS TRUE TO HIS WORD AND MAKES AN EMPHATIC STATEMENT HERE TONIGHT, RETAINING THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND DEFEATING REGINALD DAMPSHAW IN UNDER A MINUTE!! WOW… I CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT I’VE JUST WITNESSED!!
(Carlos Rosso runs up to the turnbuckle and begins celebrating)
Bari: BUT… STEW!! STEW!! BRUH… LOOK!! IT’S DARKANE!! DARKANE IS PERCHED BEHIND CARLOS ROSSO, AND HE HAS THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BELT IN HIS HANDS… LOOKING TO STRIKE CARLOS ROSSO WITH IT!!… CARLOS HOPS DOWN AND TURNS AROUND… DARKANE RUSHES AT HIM WITH THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP… AND IT CONNECTS!! CRASHING OFF THE SKULL OF THE CHAMPION!! DARKANE HAS GOTTEN THE BETTER OF THE CHAMPION AGAIN AND HE’S NOT FINISHED!!
Stew: Darkane sets himself up in the corner… waiting for Carlos Rosso to get back to his feet, Carlos still rocked from the shot with the title but he’s slowly getting there… CARLOS IS UP AND DARKANE RUSHES TOWARDS HIM… LOOKING FOR DEVIL MAY CRY… BUT ROSSO WITH A BACKFIST!! A BACKFIST THAT CATCHES DARKANE, STAGGERING HIM!! CARLOS NOW GRABBING A HOLD OF DARKANE’S ARM AND PULLS HIM IN… CONNECTING WITH THE SOUTHERN LARIAT!!
Stew: AND NOW CARLOS ROSSO WALKS OVER TO THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, PICKING IT UP AND EXHALING HARD… IT’S FINALLY BACK WHERE IT BELONGS!! DARKANE IS MAKING IT BACK TO HIS FEET… CARLOS GRIPS THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP… AND HE RUNS WITH IT… CRACKING IT OFF THE BACK OF DARKANE’S SKULL WHO COLLAPSES BACK DOWN TO THE CANVAS!!
Bari: OH THAT MUST’VE FELT SO GOOD!! SO EUPHORIC!! CARLOS ROSSO TAKES THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND STRAPS IT AROUND HIS WAIST AS HE EXITS THE RING!!
Stew: FOLKS… THE MAIN EVENT OF PAIN FOR PRIDE IS SET!! CARLOS ROSSO, DARKANE, THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!! WHAT A MATCH THAT’S GOING TO BE!! THANK YOU FOR JOINING US EVERYBODY, FOR TALIB BARI I’M STEW-O SIGNING OFF… WE’LL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!
(The camera shows Carlos Rosso celebrating at the top of the ramp, unstrapping the Answers World Championship and kissing the main plate before the camera fades to black)