Untitled Document

[The scene cuts to the backstage area. We find "The Urufu" Red Wolf, peering through the curtain towards the ring and the sold out crowd that surrounds it.]

Are you beginning to feel the heat yet, Michael Sloan? Can you feel the energy in this building tonight? Have you heard this sold out Australian crowd?

They cheer for their heroes more now than they ever have at the Australian Open!

It is louder than the opening of the Formula One season, and these fans thirst for more violence now than they do during the Aussie Rules Football Games!

Soon enough, you'll feel the heat in their stares, Sloan. Moments from now, WWA history will be written. You will no longer be the champion of an Alliance you have so frequently turned your back against. Once again, these fans will have a champion to cheer for, and the members of the Alliance will have a champion that they can respect.

[Fueled by emotion, Red Wolf grabs the lens of the camera, pulling it closer to his face.]

Remember my name Sloan, because the last thing you hear these fans chanting as you drift out of consciousness in the middle of that ring will be...

[Lifeless, battered, and bloody husks of humanity lay in all directions as bomblast shake the very foundation beneath your feet.]

[Dismemberment is overshadowed only by the grim mask of the Dark Rider, sweeping forth across the battlefield to claim the fallen. Fire blends into the blood red sky, as the crimson essence of life rains down upon these brave soldiers.]

[The sun sets over the battlefield, leaving the grizzled visions of wartime in the forefront of your mind.]

[We fade into the backstage area, to a corridor in the locker room wing of the arena, lined with a multitude of doors -- most of them shut against interruption from outside, each one bearing a sign with a wrestler or team's name.]

[A lone young woman with black pigtails, in crimson ring attire, is skulking down the hall at a half-crouch, like a member of a covert-ops team. Misty Xiao glances to and fro warily, scanning for watchers; seeing none, she flattens herself against the wall and sidles up to one particular door -- the one marked "ULFRIC", with a note beneath warning camera crews to keep their distance. Misty cracks a mischievous grin.]

[She reaches into her waistband and plucks out a small plastic sac filled with red fluid, popping it in her mouth. Then she spins away from the wall, faces the locker room door, and gives it a loud knock.]

[Inside the locker room, Ulfric sits, staring at a photo of his son. He glared at the door, but the knocking continued, and with a growl he got to his feet. He was half ready for the ring, in just his blue jeans and boots, his shirt off and revealing a collage of tattoos and scars. He yanked the door open, the anger at the interruption apparent in his eyes.]

[And the moment Misty sees the whites of those eyes, she gives Ulfric a big ol' faceful of red mist!]

[Ulfric throws an arm up to block his face, having experienced not only Misty's red mist but that of one of his training partners. Immediately he takes a swipe at the stuff, brushing off what he can. Misty spits out the used sac and pumps her fist victoriously at a successful 'hit'.]

[Ulfric looks at Misty, annoyed at first, but then, upon seeing the look of glee on her face, his expression darkens and he glares at her. The downright evil look on his red-stained face jolts Misty out of her celebration.]

[Whirling on her heel, Misty yelps and bolts down the hall at near-Mach speed. Ulfric hurls a water bottle at her, misses and takes off in pursuit, stepping on the water bottle and nearly falling. He does manage to get his balance, with the help of a member of the tech crew, who is not quite as lucky, as Ulfric all but runs him over in his haste to try and get at Misty.]

[Massive fireworks explode in unison, sending the darkened arena into a flurry of cheers. Fans of all ages, sizes, shapes and accents line the seats -- as not a single one has been left unoccupied. Waving foam fingers and holding signs high into the air, a veritable mosh pit breaks out... as each person attempts to snag their fifteen minutes of fame... merely lending a look of riotous insanity to the setting as a whole.]

[Dizzyingly, the camera spins about... keeping tabs on the multiple bursts of pyro from seemingly all angles -- while spinning around to show off the packed seats. As it twirls about, a few signs become noticeable in the dim light...]

"U-Roo-Poo!"
"We Want a Trout Slap!"
"Ulfric /Erik = The MAIN Event!"
"Sloan for President!"
"Wendy needs a Titty-Twister!"
"I made love to Penguin!"
"Az - Kick the Beckett!"
"Archer, shoot an arrow through my heart!"

[...and finally, the camera comes to rest upon the smiling faces... er... face, of Alicia Lockheart. Beside her, is Frank Longely Jnr - with his head in his hands, shaking it slightly.]

[Frank snaps to life, whipping his head upwards quickly... already carrying a hollow, yet warm, smile.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "Welcome, one and all, to INTERNATIONAL WARS! Melbourne has been in a flurry of excitement over these past few days, as some of the world's BIGGEST Superstars have assembled here -- and are preparing, as we speak, to do battle!"

Alicia Lockheart - "...And we've got some classics in the making, tonight! ALL of the WORLD Titles are on the line, as Wendy Briese prepares to take on Joey Tesauro and Misty Xiao."

Frank Longely Jnr - "The LAST EVER Double Crown Title match will happen between Azrael and Ryan Beckett -- where we'll find out which of those Superstars are going to retire the prized belt."

Alicia Lockheart - "Jonathan Cross will put his International Title on the line, against "Twister" Terrance Thompson in a matchup that has been in the making for months!"

Frank Longely Jnr - "The Forces of Nature will be attempting to fend off Manifest Destiny, and avoid the embarrassment of a brutal trout slap!"

Frank Longely Jnr - "Perhaps not, who knows? Finally, Mike Sloan will be defending the biggest prize in the sport, against a very tough challenger -- "The Urufu", Red Wolf."

Alicia Lockheart - "...and that doesn't even mention the Terror Dome, Archer versus Diablo, or any of the other spectacular matches this evening!"

Frank Longely Jnr - "For now, let's cut to the back... as we've received word that Malik Johnson has a few things to say about his opponent, Hurricane Matt McClain!"

~Malik~ Man I could give a damn about what a win would do for me in the WWA. I only want to end McClain's career right now.

I don't want to be a puppet for somebody to pull my strings and tell me when and where I can fight. If I was a WWA champ, I would fight every week in a different region. That's what a champion is. These bitches they have now ain't about crap.

That's why McClain wants to win so bad tonight. I've got other plans in store for him. He'll be lucky if he can stand after our match, because I plan on breaking his whole damn body.

Frank Longely Jnr - "Maybe he's just here to watch the action, and it's about to start!"

Ring announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, this is the opening contest for the WWA’s International Wars PPV! Introducing first, from the BWA, he hails from parts unknown, he is “The Immortal One”, this is DIABLO!

(The lights cut out from the arena and come back up in dark blues, as the introduction to "Immortal" by Adema starts to play over the PA system. The BayouTron displays a hovering blue pentagram, floating around with the beat of the intro. Suddenly, Mark Chavez's voice rips through the arena.)

(Explosions rip through the arena, as flame and red pyro shoot in every direction, startling every fan in attendance. The guitars and drums pulsate and shake the walls of the arena, as the BayouTron displays images of Diablo executing his devastating Killing Fields finisher on various superstars, past and present, of the WWA.)

(A massive figure is seen at the entryway, a figure belonging only to The Immortal One himself. Diablo walks out to the ring, tugging a chain behind him. The chain comes into full view, and we see that it's attached to a collar, which is tied around the neck of none other then the WWA Cruiserweight Champion herself....)

Frank Longely Jnr: What are you laughing about? This is horrible! She's barely alive!

(Wendy stumbles down the aisleway, her ring attire tattered and torn [though preserving her dignity, or what's left of it]. Her normally gorgeous, flowing red hair is matted in dirt, blood, grime, and whatever other substance she was exposed to in those dank and dark dungeons. Her youthful glow now reduced to a sickly pale, her perfect physique reduced to weakness. Diablo gives the chain a hard tug as Wendy lurches forward, stumbling and nearly falling flat on her face.)

Alicia Lockheart: I know...that last tug had to have given her whiplash at least...

Alicia Lockheart: Lightly?? Whiplash is pretty serious man, people get sued over that shit...

(Diablo practically drags the semi-conscious woman over to the guard rail, and yanks her hard in his direction, letting her crash ribs-first into the steel pipes. Wendy slumps to the ground as Diablo wraps the chain around a steel post, produces a padlock, and promptly locks her into place.)

Ring Announcer: And his opponent…from the CCW, Weighing in at 227 pounds and hailing from Nova Scotia, Canada. He is a former WWA National Heavyweight and World Cruiserweight Champion. He is Rune ARCHER!!!!!!

[As "The Wicker Man" by Iron Maiden begins to rock the arena, the ACW fans rise to their feet as they know that the arrival of the former National Champion is at hand.]

    #Hand of fate is moving and the finger points to you
    He knocks you to your feet and so what are you gonna do
    Your tongue has frozen now you've got something to say
    The piper at the gates of dawn is calling you his way#

[After the crowd absorbs the first four lines, Rune Archer bursts out of the entranceway, as energetic as ever, pumping his fist in the air, feeding off the hot crowd. He is clad in his "Rune Archer: Pride of a Nation" t-shirt. He looks ahead to the ring with an ever-so-slight smirk on his face.]

    #You watch the world exploding every single night
    Dancing in the sun a newborn in the light
    Say goodbye to gravity and say goodbye to death
    Hello to eternity and live for every breath#

[Rune gets up on the apron, smile still on his face. He looks around the jam-packed arena, then quickly steps inside the ring, walking over to the far ropes. He gets up on the second rope, and pumps his fist in the air, sending flashbulbs all over the arena into a frenzy.]

    #Your time will come,
    your time will come
    Your time will come,
    your time will come#

Frank Longely Jnr: There is the bell and this match is underway. The massive giant Diablo towers over the former Cruiswerweight Champion and National Champion, as Diablo starts to smirk at the size of Archer.

Alicia Lockheart: Archer striming first with a series of lefts and rights, but they have no effect on the monster known as Victor Mandrake!

[Diablo reaches down and grabs the on coming fist of Archer , and bends it back, sending pain through out the arm of Rune, and he drop[s to his knees, allowing Diablo to apply more pressure. Rune looking for any way out, sends a right to the side of the big mans head, striking his temple, causing a ringing to echo through out his head.

Diablo regaining his focus, stands Rune up and sends him into the ropes with an irish whip and sends him right back down with a big boot to the face.]

Alicia Lockheart: Looks like the monster from the BWA has busted open Run with that boot to the mouth, His lip is split and the blood is just pouring down the front of his face.

Frank Longely Jnr: Looks like the big man likes what he sees and looks like he wants to end this quick, as he’s lifting Run up for what looks to be a powerbomb.

[Diablo lifts him up into the air as he gets ready to bring his body crashing against the mat, but all of a sudden, Archer starts to rock the big man with rights, trying to knock him down. Archer starts to rock the massive frame of Diablo and he goes crashing to the mat as Rune rides him down, keeping the rights pounding away at his face.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Archer mounting some type of offense against the 7’4” monster Diablo, could he do the impossiable?

[Archer lets up on his attack, and starts to boast to the crowd, witch allows Diablo to sit up and get back to his vertical stance all the while Archer is playing to the fans here in Melbourne. Diablo picks Rune up and whips him into the corner and charges in at him with a full head of steam, crushing Rune between his big frame and the turn buckle. Coming out of the corner, you can see the smirk has returned to his face as Rune falls to the mat, damn close a broken man.]

Alicia Lockheart: He’s picking up the lifeless body of Rune! What else could he do to this young man?

Frank Longely Jnr: Diablo throwing Archer into the ropes, and a massive clothesline nearly takes his head clean off!

Frank Longely Jnr: He's definitely the most inhumane creature I've ever seen. Look at Wendy for chrissake! She's still so out of it!

Frank Longely Jnr: Look in the ring! Diablo's lifting up Archer again! He hoists him up on his shoulders!

Alicia Lockheart: Twister and the ref arguing back and forth, and wait a minute, Wendy's climbing into the ring!

Alicia Lockheart: Diablo's just standing there though! Look at that sick grin on his face! There's something seriously wrong with that man!

Frank Longely Jnr: WENDY JUST TOOK THE CHAIN AND WHIPPED DIABLO ACROSS THE FACE!!!

Alicia Lockheart: He's busted wide open and completely unconscious! This is unbelievable!

Frank Longely Jnr: Wendy getting back out of the ring, as Archer crawls over to Diablo and drapes an arm over his chest!

[We cut to the hallway where Erik Cross is seen raiding the candy machine and he seems agitated as he is kicking at the machine and swearing under his breath.]

[From around the corner a member of staff event sees Erik just as Erik spots him. Erik steps in his path and puts a hand on his chest to impede him.]

Staff Event Guy: No, the guy from the candy company has the only key for stocking it.

[Erik now really upset curses under his breath and tries to restrain himself, but with failure and grabs the guy by the collar and slams him up against the wall.]

Erik: I have to have Reeses Pieces before my match! If I lose my match because of it I am going to come back here and find you.

[The beleaguered crew member starts to sweat a little under Erik's malicious gaze. Then a voice wafts down the hall, becoming steadily louder.]

[Erik turns his head to look -- just in time to see Misty Xiao rocketing toward him with furiously pumping legs, and a look of sheer terror on her face. She blasts by Erik fast enough to cause a draft that flutters his hair, still screaming.]

[In hot pursuit, blowing through, or over anything and everyone in his path, comes Ulfric, with a murderous look in his eyes and a broom handle in one hand which he pitches at Misty, again missing. This time it strikes the wall inches from a catering table and those milling around it.]

[Then as quickly as they appeared, hunter and prey veer around a corner and out of sight, Misty's cries and sounds of objects hurled by Ulfric still audible in the distance.]

[Erik hurls him into the candy machine and much to his surprise the packet of Reeses Pieces falls into the receiving tray. He looks back and forth from the chase to the Reeses Pieces a couple of times.]

[Erik runs off in pursuit of the terrified Misty and the angry Ulfric, who is now swatting at her with a metal folding chair snatched from against the wall.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "This doesn't look good for the former Cruiserweight Champion..."

(We cut backstage, where Wendy and Terrence are standing, fresh after making the Great escape from Diablo. Both Birdz are panting, and hugging each other.)

Terrence Thompson- Well, that went better than expected.

(Wendy hugs her boyfriend again, this time giving him a short kiss on the cheek.)

Wendy Briese- I knew Diablo was lying. I knew that you were going to somehow… some way come and try to break me out. Though what took you so long?

(Terrence shrugs)

Terrence Thompson- Sorry. Couldn’t find the place.

(Wendy laughs, and hugs her boyfriend again, before sighing)

Wendy Briese- I don’t know what got into me out there, though… I…

(Twister shushes his girlfriend with another squeeze)

Terrence Thompson- Don’t worry about that… you know as well as I that Diablo deserved what was coming to him.

(Wendy sighs.)

Wendy Briese- I suppose you’re right. Even so, Terrence… I can’t thank you enough for finally coming to my aid. But…

Terrence Thompson- But what?

Wendy Briese- Don’t you think that was a bit too easy, Terry? How Diablo just left me out there for you to rescue me?

(Terrence thinks for a second, before shrugging)

Terrence Thompson- I wouldn’t worry about it. C’mon… you have to be starving.

Wendy Briese- You have no idea.

(Terrence turns to head towards the Birdz’ locker room, but stops, as if he doesn’t want to ask Wendy the next question.)

Terrence Thompson- I’m not going to be able to talk you out of competing tonight, am I?

(Wendy looks almost offended)

Wendy Briese- Of course not! That’s MY title on the line, and I’m not giving it up without a fight.

(Terrence nods)

Terrence Thompson- I figured as much… anyways, Dan brought you your spare ring gear… just in case. Lets go. And we should get you something you eat before you compete… you look hungry.

(Wendy nods, and follows Terrence through the halls)

RING ANNOUNCER: The following match is one on one match with a twenty minute time limit. First coming to the ring at this time. Weighing in at 215 lbs, and hailing from Detroit, Michigan. Representing SWF and the current SWF Heavyweight Champion. He is.... "RUTHLESS" WALLY RENFIELD!!!!

[The whole arena goes pitch black and the crowd grows silent. "Welcome To My Nightmare" by Alice Cooper begins to play through the audio systems.]

Welcome to my nightmare
I think you're gonna like it
I think you're gonna feel,
you belong...

[A single red spotlight and a single green spot light begin shining just at the top of the entranceway.]

We sweat and laugh and scream here
Cuz life is just a dream here
you're gonna feel at home,
cuz you belong...
Welcome to my nightmare...
whoa oh oh oh

[The entranceway become completely illuminated by a string of white lights dancing wildly as the pace of the song picks up. Renfield emerges from the backstage area wearing a t-shirt that says "THE REAL F'N PUSSY RYAN MATTHEWS CAN LICK MY BALLS!!!".]

Welcome to my breakdown...
I hope I didn't scare you
that's just the way we are...
when we come down...

[Renfield begins to walk down to the ring the ring and the red and green spotlights follow him. He hops onto the ring apron and steps inside, making his way to the center of the ring.]

We like to laugh and scream here...
Cuz life is just a dreeeeeeaaaam...here...
You know inside you feel...
right at home...here...
Welcome to my nightmare...
Yeah...welcome to my nightmare...
yeahhhh... Welcome to my...

[A blaze of fireworks begin blasting, starting at the beginning of the entranceway and making its way down towards the ring. The whole display is topped off with shower of sparks emerging from the four ring posts. 2 of which are red and 2 of which are green opposite of each other. Finally, all the lights in the arena turn back on.]

RING ANNOUNCER: And his opponent. Weighing in at 240 lbs, and hailing from Cleveland, Ohio. He is RYAN MATTHEWS!!!!

[As those words are spoken in the voice of Ryan Matthews, they scroll across the screen near the entrance in blood red letters. After they have passed, the opening chords of “I Disappear” by Metallica begins to play over the loudspeakers inside the arena. When the first verse begins, Ryan Matthews parts the curtain and walks out into a chorus of boos, almost drowning out the music. He smiles and shakes his head. He is dressed in a pair of black cargo pants, black boots, and a basketball jersey which is black with white numerals with silver trim, on the front of the jersey are the letters STFU and on the front and back are the number 30. His hands are taped as are his wrists in the style that Muay Thai fighters use and the tape goes all the way up to mid-forearm. He carries with him to the ring in his right hand one of his most prized possessions, an ivory handled Dragon's Head Katana, and as we watch him walk we can see his grip on the sword tense, as he carries it with his hand around the scabbard. When Matthews gets to the ring, he walks over to the near turnbuckle and places his sword on the mat before sliding it a short distance into the ring, then sliding after it himself. He comes up on one knee, then grabs the sword around the scabbard once again and turns the sword so that it is vertical to the mat, as though he were resting on it while kneeling. He stays in this position as the music fades out...]

[Before the match begins, Matthews turns the sword parallel to the mat, then gently hands it to the ringside attendant, never taking his eyes off his opponent. He comes out of the kneeling position and rubs his hands together before faking a spit into each of them and rubbing them together more, waiting for the match to begin...]

[Matthews quickly runs towards Renfield. Catching him off guard and backs him into the corner and starts hitting him with lefts and rights. Renfield slumps to the ground as Matthews lets off and backs away. Matthews is soaking up the fans cheers for him as he runs in at Renfield and dropkicks him in the face. Matthews quickly up to his feet picks up Renfield and throws him with force into the opposite turnbuckle Renfield hits it and staggers out and then slams into the mat.]

[Matthews slowly walks over to Renfield and goes to pick him up, Renfield low blows Matthews and then hooks him and drops him to the mat with a DDT. Renfield with the cover.]

[Both men quickly get back to standing position. Matthews quickly charges towards Renfield, but Wally counters with a drop toehold that makes Matthews lands throat first on the second rope. Renfield quickly rolls outside and begins pulling on Matthews' head, choking him on the ropes. Renfield breaks the hold on the referee’s count of four and quickly slides back into the ring.]

[Renfield trying to keep this match fast paced to wear down Matthews whips Matthews at the ropes and hits him with a diving body press. Renfield slowly walks over to the turnbuckle and pulls himself up and points at Matthews and jumps off. Trying to nail his Remy Deluxe, his patented top rope diving elbow drop. Matthews moves out of the way at the last second and Renfield goes slamming into the mat elbow first.]

LONGLEY JR.: Yeah Wally Renfield tried to finish the match off with the high risk move, but in the end. It backfired on him.

[Matthews Irish whips Renfield to the far side, and then catches him coming off the far ropes with an arm drag before twisting himself in one fluid motion and attempting to sink in a Kimura Arm Lock.]

[Renfield, seeing what Matthews is trying, rolls away from the pressure and manages to wrench his arm free before Matthews can lock the hold in.]

[Matthews stays in a kneeling position, looking up at Renfield, who has backed into a corner, shaking his arm. Matthews smiles, and then shakes his head, knowing he almost had it locked in. He backs away, clapping his hands in a show of semi-respect.]

[Both men go and tie up with each other again. This time Matthews gets the advantage and Irish whips Renfield into the ropes. Renfield springs off the ropes, and takes Matthews down with a back elbow smash. Renfield then follows up by grabbing both of his Matthews's legs, and begins to stomp Matthews in the groin. Rather than letting go, however, Renfield looks from side to side and stomps Matthews in the groin three more times for good measure.]

[The referee is quick to scold Renfield for his blatant rule violations, which allows Matthew time to recover and get back to standing position. While Renfield and the referee are still arguing, Matthews sneaks up behind Wally and locks him in a full nelson. In one clean motion, Wally gets spiked into the mat by huge release dragon suplex. Matthews goes for the pin.]

[Both men get back up to their feet. Renfield whips Matthews into the ropes and charges at him. Both men extend their arms and connect perfect Double Clothesline. Slowly, both men pull themselves to their feet using the ropes. As they both reach their knees, they begin exchanging lefts and rights.]

Frank Longely Jnr.: This match is cut and dry down the middle. Neither man is giving an inch without taking one in return.

[Finally reaching their feet, they lock up. Renfield begins leaning himself over the top rope, holding onto Matthews hair at the same time.]

ALICIA LOCKHEART: It looks like Renfield is trying to flip himself over the top rope, and take Matthews with him!

[Renfield hangs there momentarily, feet suspended off the ground by the top rope. The ref moves in closely to encourage both men to take it to then center of the ring. With one thrust of momentum, Renfield finally takes himself over the top rope, and in turn, takes Matthews with him by his hair. Both men hit the side of the ring hard and tumble lifelessly to the outside floor.]

Frank Longely Jnr.: They looked like rag dolls when their backs bent backwards falling to the outside!

[With both men still lying motionless on the concrete floor, fireworks begin to blare at the entrance way. "In My Darkest Hour" by Megadeth begins to blast throughout the arena and the current BWA Liberty Bell Champion emerges from the backstage area.]

Frank Longely Jnr.: It's Goliath! It's Goliath! Renfield and Ryan Matthews both got involved with his match at the Pre-show and it looks like he's here for revenge!

[Goliath jogs down next to the ring where Ryan Matthews and "Ruthless" Wally Renfield both lay broken. Goliath gestures to the crowd, before picking Renfield up by his hair. He clocks back his right hand and clenches it into a fist, but before he can strike, a slender hand taps him on the shoulder.]

ALICIA LOCKHEART: It's Amy Levesque! It's the link between these two men and their ill-fated love triangle!

Frank Longely Jnr.: She won't let Goliath attack Renfield. She's trying to reason with him. I guess, even though she's back with Goliath, she still has feelings for Renfield.

ALICIA LOCKHEART: Well, it looks like Renfield has some feelings too, as he is starting to get back to his feet.

[Slowly getting back to his feet, while Goliath is distracted by Amy Levesque, Renfield reaches into the audience and grabs a steel folding chair. Amy points behind Goliath, but before he can react, Renfield has already cracked him in the back of the head with the chair. Goliath falls like a ton of bricks and Renfield turns his attention to Amy.]

Frank Longely Jnr.: Uh oh, Amy looks absolutely terrified! There's no telling what type of damage Renny can do to her.

[Amy slowly backs away from Renfield, position the fallen Goliath between the two. She fuddles around in her purse for a moment before her hand emerges with a can of mace, threatening Renfield with it.]

[As Amy is waving the can at Renfield, Goliath gets back to his knees and looks at Amy. Amy turns the mace on Goliath, blinding him.]

Frank Longely Jnr.: Amy Levesque just mace Goliath! What's going on here? I don't understand!

[As Goliath rolls around on the floor, Amy and Renfield embrace in a long hug and then, right in front of Goliath, they engage in a deep French kiss Goliath attempts a swipe at the couple, but Amy once again unleashes a cloud of mace into his eyes.]

ALICIA LOCKHEART: I'll tell you what happened. Amy Levesque has just stabbed Goliath in the back AGAIN! The Suicidal Giant is back to square one.

[Roughly 10 feet away, Ryan Matthews is finally pulling himself back to his feet. Renfield, noticing this, takes him down with one swift swing of the chair. Matthews falls hard to the floor, now bleeding from his forehead. To top it off, Amy walks over to Matthews, and just like Goliath, she sprays him directly in the eyes. The referee calls for the bell.]

ALICIA LOCKHEART: She's deadly with that stuff! Do you think she was ever a cop?

Frank Longely Jnr.: I have no clue, but one thing I know for sure. Wally Renfield has just been disqualified for his actions outside the ring.

[Renfield just realizing the referee disqualified him for his chair shot. Begins to repeatedly beat both Goliath and Matthews back and forth with chair shot after chair shot. Until a group of officials come down to ringside and tell him to leave. Renfield and Amy relish in the carnage they delivered then lock in one more long kiss before heading back to ring.]

[A few moments later, Ulfric angrily retraces his steps, a scowl on his face. An unsuspecting tech crew member slams into him, with a tray full of soft drinks, and Ulfric grabs the man and hurls him across the hall, taking out a table of said drinks. He kicks the spilled and fallen cans out of his path as he makes his way back to his locker room, streaks of red mist still evident on his face.]

[Ulfric stops near the candy machines, noting the shattered glass and the body sized hole that caused it. He spots the Reeses Pieces as well, and pockets them, as well as several Snickers bars and a king sized Kit Kat before continuing on his way.]

[Erik walks down another hallway somewhere in the arena and stops before a broom closet door. He leans against the wall and folds his arms across his chest. Casting a wicked glare at a couple people that walk past, then when the coast is clear he cracks a grin.]

[He raps on the door a couple times. A tiny peep comes from within, like a cry being stifled just a little too late. Still grinning, Erik grabs the door and whips it open, pulling Misty out and almost causing her to fall.]

Erik: He's gone now. Tell me something, Misty. Ulfric has a red face and I doubt very much that bastard blushes. What gives?

[Wrenching free of his grasp, Misty darts back behind the broom closet door, pigtails flying like a pair of comets. She peeks out with one wide-open eye, looking nervously to either side.]

[Erik grabs Misty again and this time so she can't get away. He forces her up against the wall and grabs her face bending her head so that her eyes meet his gaze.]

[Frowning slightly in irritation, Misty shrugs his hand away. She keeps a leery watch on the end of the hall.]

Misty: All I did was try to blind him with mist. I didn't think he'd go all gorilla 'n stuff on me! Jeez!

[Erik lowers his head and casts his black eyes to Misty's paranoid glances from one end of the hall to the other.]

Erik: Hello, we are talking about Ulfric here. Of course he would go ballistic when someone tries to blind him. Why did you do it? What do you have to gain by pulling such a dangerous stunt?

[Misty flashes a merry little grin, banishing for a moment the anxious look on her face.]

[Erik's face begins to darken and he leans in to Misty sniffing hard as if taking in her scent like a wild animal.]

[He looks at her with dark eyes that seem to spiral as the light hits them. Erik points down the hallway.]

[Misty stares at him a long moment, the grin frozen on her face, as if half-expecting Erik to drop the pretense and chuckle at his own act. But he doesn't. Misty's face crumbles, her shoulders droop. Crestfallen, she averts her eyes to the side.]

[Abruptly she drives the point of her boot right into his shin, making him yell and hop up and down in shock and pain. Misty turns and runs off without a second glance.]

[Erik grits his teeth and stomps his foot on the floor as if to stomp the pain away, then without warning slams his fist through the wall.]

[Backstage in the locker room of the Angels of Misery we see two of the four members inside. We pan to the right and we see the WWA International Champion, Jonathan Cross polishing his title and to the left of him, we see Matt McClain adjusting his white paten books and starts to tape his wrist.

A knock rings through out the room, which turns both the heads of Cross and McClain as Cross answers the knock.]

[In walks a WWA Camera crew, and following behind them, is the president of talents and part time announcer/interviewer for the BWA, Bryan Scoops.]

Scoops: I’m a little confused…I thought you said you would never join another stable after the MSS?

McClain: Ha! Don’t make me laugh, the MSS is NOTHING compared to us! I mean we are stronger then the MSS ever was. Tonight we are going to prove to the BWA, and the WWA, that we mean business. Tonight it starts with Malik Johnson.

Malik I told you, I’m going to beat you and end you in the center of the ring, Malik, tonight, it all starts with you. Now Scoops, beat it, I have things that I need to talk to Jonathan about.

Frank Longely Jnr - "...And that BWA Supergroup isn't anything to take lightly. Those four could become the Bayou's entrants for Summer Games!"

Alicia Lockheart - "Summer Games already, Frank? We've barely started International Wars!"

Frank Longely Jnr - "Well, we'de better keep it moving along then!"

- TERRORDOME MATCH: MALIK JOHNSON vs. "HURRICANE" MATT McCLAIN -

RA: The following match is the Terrordome Match. Introducing first, weighing in at 245 lbs. and hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana. He is MALIK JOHNSON!!!!!!

# I'm A THUG for the Dirty South
# Puttin' Pipe in yo girl's mouth
# You can't stop me
# You can't fade me
# But yo bitch just page me

[The entrance goes dark and smoke appears as "You Can't Stop Me" by Malik Johnson blast over the system. Out of the smoke we can see a dark figure standing]

# Back yo ass up
# Pass the muthaf#@Kin' cup
# While I'm rollin on chrome
# Busta ass punk better leave me alone
# Why
# Cause you can't stop me
# You can't fade me
# But yo bitch just paged me

[Johnson begins to make his way down the aisle as there are mixed reactions toward him. He's wearing all black and has his wrist and hands wrapped in black tape. He stops half way there and looks at the terror dome. He smiles and then begins C-Walking down to the ring.]

[The fans erupt in a chorus of cheers as Johnson has given them some of his old wit before his slides into the ring.]

[Malik walks around the dome and laughs as he points to the screen. The PEERLESS logo is displayed.]

RA: And his opponent. Weighing in at 230 lbs. and hailing from Houston, Texas. He is “Hurricane” Matt McCLAIN!!!!!

[The sound of waves crashing along with the sound of thunder and howling winds fill the arena. They are soon joined by the shrill of sirens echoing though out the building. As the sounds echo, the lights act as if they were streaks of lightning, lighting up the area with each burst. ]

#SHUT UP WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU…SHUT UP….SHUT UP…SHUT UP…SHUT UP WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU!

Soon the lights dim down, as a hush falls over the crowd leaving the arena in total darkness. With out warning, multi-colored lights start exploding through out the arena. With in a matter of seconds a massive explosion rips through out the entranceway leaving most of the fans breathless as a wall of fire reaches out to touch the top of the arena. As the smoke and fire start to clear out, the fans can see that McClain's Bayoutron video has come to life as his theme, a remix of One Step Closer, performed by Linkin Park, starts to rip though out the PA system! As soon as the fans hear McClain's theme, they break out into thunderous chants of HURRICANE! On his Bayoutron, a golden outline of a flame comes into sight as McClain silver cross slams into the flame as it sounds like steel hitting steel, and is quick to fade to blackness as his name is quick to fade in! Soon it starts to flash across the Bayoutron into all kinds of various different letter fonts and colors! Behind his name, there are clips of The Submission Specialist winning past titles, making opponents tap with his crippling Breaking Point, climbing to the top rope and hitting the high flying Point of No Return, and his newest submission move, The Perfect Storm, as well as his Natural Disaster as well as pulling off some of the most unbelievable moves ever seen!

#EVERYTHING YOU SAY TO ME, BRINGS ME ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO BREAK…

#I NEED A LITTLE ROOM TO BREAK, BECAUSE I'M ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO BREAK

#I FIND THE ANSWERS AREN'T SO CLEAR, I WISH I COULD FIND A WAY TO DISSAPPEAR…ALL THESE THOUGHTS THEY MAKE NO SENSE, I FOUND THIS IN INGRONCE, NOTHING SEEMS TO GO AWAY…OVER AND OVER AGAIN… JUST LIKE BEFORE!

He soon steps into the entranceway looking around the arena as a grin plays across his lips. As soon as the fans see him, they come unglued! He raises both arms high into the air as the crowd roars with approval! As he makes the slow walk to the ring, the multi-colored lights start to glisten off his skin. He's dressed in a pair of metallic blue tights. On his left leg of his tights in a metallic gold lettering, and outlined in black is his name "McCLAIN", and on his opposite leg, in the same metallic gold material and outlined in black is a modified cross surrounded in flames. You can see HURRICANE spelled out on the back of his tights. His white paten leather boots bare the same cross as his tights in a blue paten leather color. His wrist and forearms are taped up with the similar metallic colored tape. His hair has just been cut short again, with the longer front, and dyed a deep royal blue, almost black, along with wild streaks of gold running wild through the rest of his hair. His metallic black-framed Oakley's hide his cold ice blue eyes from the world! The shimmering ruby reflective lens shine with the exploding lights as they blink off and on suddenly as he makes his way closer to the ring.

#EVERYTHING YOU SAY TO ME, BRINGS ME ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO BREAK…

#I NEED A LITTLE ROOM TO BREAK, BECAUSE I'M ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO BREAK…

#EVERYTHING YOU SAY TO ME, BRINGS ME ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO…BREAK!

#SHUT UP WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU…SHUT UP….SHUT UP…SHUT UP…SHUT UP….I'M ABOUT TO BREAK!

#EVERYTHING YOU SAY TO ME, BRINGS ME ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO BREAK…

#I NEED A LITTLE ROOM TO BREAK, BECAUSE I'M ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO BREAK…

#I NEED A LITTLE ROOM TO BREAK, BECAUSE I'M ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO BREAK

As soon as he enters the ring, two spotlights bath him in a pale blue color, circle around the arena and then converge into the center of the ring where the man stands, as if he's frozen in place. His chiseled body, which is bathed in the pale blue light, is ridged. He soon breaks the still like stance by jerking up his arms high into the air. The roars of the fans give him a sudden massive rush like none other before! For a brief moment, he feels as if he's a God as the fans cheer uncontrollably! With his arms out stretched high into the air, flash bulbs all over the arena pop with a bright white light. It's almost an indescribable rush! To think that the fans would worship him as if he were a God is just an indescribable feeling, even if it's only for a brief moment! As the pyros go off behind him, the lights start to come back up as the fans start to go crazy yet once again!

#I NEED A LITTLE ROOM TO BREAK, BECAUSE I'M ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO BREAK…

#I NEED A LITTLE ROOM TO BREAK, BECAUSE I'M ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE AND I'M ABOUT TO…BREAK!

[Malik Johnson and Matt McClain circle each other in the ring as pyro starts to go off all around the very large cage as they look around keeping an eye on the other and the sparks jumping off of the cage.]

Alicia Lockheart -: Talk about a devilish, diabolical structure. Only Malik would think of something like this.

Frank Longely Jnr - I really don't like McClain 's chances in this match. There's so much electricity flowing through the cage, sparks are flying . Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Terrordome!!!!

[McClain and Malik finally lock up in the middle of the ring. Both men jockey for position but neither gives up any sort of advantage. Both men break apart and circle each other in the ring once again before locking up in a collar and elbow tie-up. McClain finally comes away with a side headlock. Malik quickly grabs McClain's hair but McClain tightens the pressure. Malik finally reverses it into an overhand wristlock. McClain tries to power out when Malik claims that McClain is pulling his hair. The ref checks on in it when Malik grabs McClain by the hair and pulls him into a side headlock of his own.]

[McClain connects with a couple of forearms to the ribs before reversing it into another overhead wristlock. Malik spins through it and whips McClain into the ropes. Malik goes for a right hand but McClain slides under Malik 's legs and pulls Malik into a double-leg takedown before burying a right hand into the nether regions of Malik as he rolls around in agonizing pain.]

[McClain gets to his feet and drops an elbow to the chest of Malik. McClain drops another elbow, and follows up with a fistdrop to the jaw. McClain continues to fire away with right hands to the face before he gets to his feet and brings Malik to his feet when he whips him into the ropes and brings him up and over with a high back drop.]

Frank Longely Jnr - Talk about being sent into a new time zone. Malik got some frequent flyer points on that trip.

[Malik grabs his groin and his lower back in pain when McClain picks him up and grabs a waistlock and violently drops him to the mat with a belly to back suplex. McClain follows up with a cover.]

Alicia Lockheart - Damn, McClain is starting things off quickly. He's going to make Malik very angry.

[McClain gets to his feet while Malik rolls to a vertical base. McClain regains the advantage with a side headlock. Malik tries to shoot McClain off but McClain holds on. McClain takes Malik down with a headlock takedown. Malik counters with a headscissors but McClain floats over for a cover.]

[Malik bridges up and spins McClain around and takes him down with a backslide.]

[McClain flips over and goes for a clothesline but Malik ducks underneath and throws McClain over the top rope to the floor below.]

[Malik rolls to the outside and picks up a stunned McClain and runs him face first into the cage. McClain falls to the floor as sparks fly into the air while Malik follows up with rapid-fire stomps to the chest. Malik drops to his knees and fires away with right hands to the face and follows up with a blatant choke. Malik releases the choke and throws McClain back into the ring and follows him in. Malik picks up McClain by the hair and whips him into the ropes and connects with a spinning clothesline as McClain falls down hard from the impact. Malik goes for the cover.]

[Malik starts looking around for something before he pulls McClain into position when he locks on an anklelock. The ref drops down to the mat and checks on McClain to see if he wants to give it up but McClain says no. Malik finally lets go of the anklelock and points to the cage as the fans continue to boo him.]

Alicia Lockheart: Like him or hate him, Malik is grounding the Hurricane on the mat with that Pit Bull.

[Malik picks up McClain and tries to throw him out but McClain counters with a japanese arm drag out of nowhere. Malik gets back to his feet and is met with a right hand to the midsection. Malik comes back with a right hand of his own, McClain fires back with a couple of right hands before grabbing the arm and taking it over with an arm wringer before taking him down to the mat with a side russian legsweep. McClain climbs up to the second turnbuckle before leaping off with a legdrop across the throat. McClain goes for the cover.]

[McClain gets to his feet and scoops Malik up and puts him down hard with a body slam. McClain hits the ropes and goes for a big elbow drop but Malik rolls away quickly. Malik pulls himself up and tries to get in a couple of breaths in while McClain gets to his feet. Malik connects with a boot to the midsection and pulls McClain up before drilling him to the mat with a jumping piledriver. McClain grabs his head and neck in agony.]

[Malik gets to his feet and waits for McClain to get up before hitting the ropes and takes him over with a springboard arm drag. Malik gets to his feet and hits the ropes when he knocks down McClain with a clothesline and goes into the ropes once again, McClain stays down then comes up and catches Malik with a powerslam and holds on for the cover.]

Frank Longely Jnr: The ring shook on that one, I don't even want to imagine what the hell that felt like!

[McClain with a figure four leglock on Johnson and Malik is screaming in pain. Johnson reaches in his tights and pulls out a pair of wire pliers and cracks down on McClain's toes.]

[Matt releases the hold, but Johnson holds on and delivers a kick to the groin. McClain down to his knees as Johnson nails him in the head with the wire pliers.]

Frank Longely Jnr: That shot was on target as McClain is bleeding from above his eye.

[McClain gets up and pummels away at Malik with vicious rights to the forehead. McClain throws Malik into the near corner and climbs up the turnbuckle to continue the punishment. McClain tries to take him out with a monkey flip but Malik grabs a waistlock and drops McClain face first into the top turnbuckle.]

[Malik shakes off the cobwebs and gets out of the ring and pulls McClain out to the apron. Malik climbs onto the apron before he jumps down and connects with a forearm to the throat. McClain grabs his throat when Malik continues to pummel away with the pliers to the forehead. Malik pulls McClain out of the ring and stands him up in front of the cage.]

[Malik takes aim and dropkicks McClain into the electrified cage while McClain convulses and tries to regain his balance as Malik delivers a kick to the midsection and follows up with a face driver to the floor. Malik climbs up to the apron before coming down with a stiff stomp to the head of McClain. Malik wipes the sweat off of his forehead and rolls McClain back into the ring. Malik goes under the ring and grabs a steel chair.]

Alicia Lockheart: Excuse me for the bad pun but Malik just took the wind out of McClain's sails.

[Malik rolls back into the ring and goes over to pick McClain up but McClain comes back with a quick shot to the ribs. Malik goes for a home run swing but McClain ducks and grabs Malik and takes him straight down to the mat with a DDT onto the chair. McClain grabs Malik and throws him into the near corner. McClain starts jawing away at Malik as he repeatedly smashes his head into the turnbuckle as Malik stumbles away bleeding from the forehead. Malik stumbles out of the corner while McClain charges out and drives Malik to the mat with a bulldog. McClain gets to his feet and climbs up the opposite corner and waits for Malik to get up before taking him down with a big flying clothesline. McClain goes for the cover.]

[Malik just barely kicks out when McClain picks up Malik and knocks him to the floor with a chair shot to the face. McClain rolls out of the ring and tries to run him along the cage but Malik is blocking it with everything that he's got. Malik finally counters with a low blow to McClain as both guys go down from the massive amount of electricity flowing through them.]

Alicia Lockheart: The ref is just standing there while they lay there electrocuted.

Frank Longely Jnr: The only thing the ref is there for is to count the pinfall or the submission in this match.

[McClain finally sits up as Malik is slowly getting to his feet. Malik throws McClain back into the ring and follows him in. Johnson coming off the ropes and nails McClain with a flying forearm. He undoes the turnbuckle padding and hoist McClain up and drops him face first on the expose turnbuckle.

Frank Longely Jnr: This one of the bloodiest matches I've seen in a long time. Thank YOU fellas.

[Johnson picks Matt back up drops him over the exposed area again, but between McClain's legs in the groin area.]

[McClain falls off of the turnbuckle onto the mat when Malik tosses McClain into the turnbuckles and connects with a back elbow. McClain winces as Malik does it again, but McClain sidesteps and comes back with a flurry of knife edge chops and right hands. McClain whips Malik into the ropes and goes for a clothesline but Malik ducks under. Malik hits the ropes but McClain takes him over with a back body drop but falls to a knee in pain. Malik gets right back to his feet again and goes after McClain with a clothesline but McClain ducks and lifts Malik up on his shoulders. McClain drops Malik face first with an inverted powerbomb onto the steel chair.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Both men look like hell but how are they still going especially after that shot.

[Both men continue to lay on the mat bleeding when McClain picks up Malik and nails him with a headbutt to the nose and follows it up by dropping Malik with a snapmare and fires away with right hands to the jaw before he locks in a reverse chinlock. The referee does the standard hand check, which Malik holds his arm up on the third attempt. Malik stands McClain up and slingshots him into the ropes. McClain ducks a clothesline attempt by Malik and comes back with a Lou Thesz press and fires away with numerous punches.]

[Malik rolls onto of McClain and comes back with a barrage of punches of his own leaving McClain stunned before he rolls to the outside. Malik looks for the door when McClain nails him with a baseball slide dropkick that sends Malik into the cage. Malik is stuck to the cage for a few seconds from the electricity as he falls to the floor and looks extremely dazed. The ref goes and checks Malik to see if he is still alive. McClain goes outside and shoves the ref to the side and stomps away at Malik who can not defend himself.]

Alicia Lockheart: Well we know that no one is going to stop this thing, so the question now is how much can these guys dish out and take???

[McClain wipes some of the sweat off of his face as he picks up Malik and rams his head into the steel post. McClain delivers another boot to the head before he grabs Malik by the ears. McClain lifts Malik onto his shoulders and rams him back first into the cage before he drops him onto the floor.]

[McClain walks around the ring while Malik is coughing up blood. Finally, McClain picks up Malik and throws him into the ring. McClain climbs up the turnbuckle and drives his knee into the stomach of Malik. McClain goes for the cover.]

[McClain can not believe his eyes as the ref holds up two fingers. McClain picks up Malik but Malik counters with a small package.]

[McClain kicks out and stomps away at Malik once again. McClain rolls out of the ring and grabs a table from under the ring and sets it up in the middle of the ring. McClain goes under the ring and grabs a ladder and sets it up in front of the corner. McClain goes over to Malik, who gives him a right hand to the midsection and follows up with another one. Malik ties up with McClain again with punches, but McClain comes out on top, dropping Malik with a solid right to the nose. Malik pops back up several times and gets knocked back down again. McClain drops him again and taunts Malik to get up, then drops him with a DDT when he does. Malik rolls to his feet, McClain runs through him with a big clothesline and Malik is down again]

Alicia Lockheart: I think we are seeing the utter destruction of two former friends.

McClain pulls Malik up and whips Malik Johnson into the ropes and catches him with a spinebuster. McClain drags Malik over to the table and places him on it. Malik is still bleeding from the mouth as McClain climbs up the turnbuckle onto the ladder. McClain flies off the ladder with a flying elbow drop that puts Malik through the table. McClain goes for the cover and hooks the leg.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Damn, and every time they climb to the turnbuckle they carve themselves up on the wires some more, what the hell are they thinking.

Alicia Lockheart: They are thinking about being the best Frank Longely Jnr, they are thinking about being the better man in the Bayou. What’s a little pain when you know that you are going to leave the other guy in a pool of blood.

[The ref is holding up two fingers again as he is telling McClain that Malik got his shoulder up. McClain moves the ladder over and hits the ropes and leaps off with an asai moonsault onto Malik. Malik is not moving as the ref is getting rid of the remnants of the destroyed table. McClain is screaming at Malik to get up but Malik is barely able to move. McClain picks Malik up by the hair. McClain irish whips Malik but whips him back in for a short arm clothesline. Malik stays down, McClain goes to the top turnbuckle. He goes for a legdrop, but Malik rolls away. Malik pops up and starts nailing McClain with rights and lefts. A bloodied Malik rolls beneath the bottom rope again and shoves in another table from under the table. Malik starts setting up the table in the ring as McClain attempts to scale the ladder. Malik chases him up the ladder now, catches him near the top and back body drops him off the ladder through the table. Malik gets into position and leaps off with a 450 splash onto McClain. Malik with the cover]

[Malik pulls McClain to his feet now and McClain is whipped into the ropes, McClain ducks under a clothesline attempt then hits a Lou Thesz press for a pin attempt. Malik kicks out instantly and McClain pulls him back to his feet and drives him back against the ropes with a series of knife edge chops. Malik staggers into the corner, McClain with another chop. Malik grabs McClain, tossing him into the corner, fires back with a pair of chops. McClain reaches up with a thumb to the eye, followed by a bulldog.]

McClain pulls Malik up and he sets him up for a tombstone piledriver but Malik is swinging his legs with all of his might. Malik reverses it and drops McClain with a tombstone of his own. Malik is somehow getting to his feet after all of the punishment he has taken. He drags McClain to the center of the ring. McClain tossed into the ropes, Malik tries for a hiptoss. McClain reverses, Malik rushes back in, McClain with a Japanese arm drag. Another arm drag, McClain catches Malik's leg for a dragon screw takedown. Malik back up, McClain takes him down with a snapmare and locks in a sleeper hold. Malik fights back up, throws McClain into the ropes. McClain with a shoulder knockdown, bounces back into the ropes. Malik rolls under, McClain comes back in with a flying lariat and Malik goes down!]

Frank Longely Jnr: That damn near took his head off and if it weren't for the cage we might have seen it fly into the second row.

McClain pulling Malik to his feet, low blow by Malik, followed by a double underhook piledriver and Malik climbs up to the top turnbuckle. Malik leaps off with a diving headbutt onto McClain as the fans are chanting (BWA!!!!!!! BWA!!!!!!!!! BWA!!!!!!!!) Both men are laid out in the center of the ring as they are bleeding all over. Malik throws an arm over McClain for a cover.]

[McClain gets his shoulder up in the nick of time as Malik crawls over towards the corner to get to his feet. Malik gets up as McClain makes his way to his feet. McClain turns around and catches a superkick in the face and goes down hard. Malik with the cover once again]

[The referee holding two fingers in the air as Malik slams his fist into the mat in frustration then grabs McClain by the hair and lets loose with a series of chops to the chest. McClain driven back into the corner. Malik lays a shoulder into McClain's midsection. Another one, but McClain sidesteps the third. McClain drags Malik back out and hits a backbreaker. Malik stays down, McClain with a cover.]

[McClain throws his arms in the air, and the crowd responds with cheers. McClain picks Malik up and puts him on the top turnbuckle. Malik fights back and tosses McClain off the bottom rope, but can't capitalize. McClain gets back up and hits a chop on Malik. He looks out into the crowd and changes his mind, reaching through Malik's left arm and grabbing the right wrist. McClain climbs to the top rope and flips Malik up into a powerbomb position. He spins 180 degrees with a sitdown powerbomb, then rolls into a pin. ]

[McClain reaching down to pull Malik up once again and Malik with the schoolboy one more time]

McClain and Malik both wearily getting to their feet, McClain with a clothesline attempt, Malik ducking underneath it nails McClain in the back with a dropkick and Malik is giving the signal that it's all over. Malik grabs McClain by the nose to get him to his feet. Malik goes for a gutwrench powerbomb but McClain lands on his feet and kicks Malik in the midsection before hitting the ropes and taking him down with a bulldog. McClain rolls out of the ring and pulls out a bag of some sort and throws it into the ring. McClain comes back into the ring and opens the bag. McClain drops hundreds of thumbtacks onto the mat before hooking Malik into the boston crab but Malik powers out and sends McClain back to the mat. Malik kip-ups and catches a charging McClain with a kick to the groin and drops him into the thumbtacks with a pedigree. Malik picks up a bloodied McClain and hooks him for a vertical suplex, but McClain counters and takes him up and over into a fireman's carry then down into a DVD on Malik, and then a kneedrop on him and the cover.]

[Malik staggers up and blocks a McClain fist, rallies with one of his own. Exchange again, Malik hits a clothesline. Malik into the ropes, McClain redirects Malik into the corner. He follows in with a big clothesline, and then tosses Malik onto the turnbuckle. McClain reaches in and hooks his arms, flipping him up and over for the Natural Disaster and makes the cover.]

Frank Longely Jnr: It's over!!!! He actually did it, Matt McClain survives the Terrordome!

[McClain is slumped in the corner after this grueling match up. Malik is seen under the ring pulling something out. As he crawls from underneath the ring, Johnson has a logging chain in his hands. He slides into the ring and swings that chain and nails McClain in the mid section.]

Alicia Lockheart: Malik Johnson has lost his damn mind. He could seriously injure McClain here.

Frank Longley Jnr: Yes.....Yes......I hate them both but I love to see stuff like this go down.

[Johnson bouncing off the far ropes and catches Matt with the chain across his neck as McClain was getting back to his feet. Malik kips up and lays the chain across the back of McClain. Johnson to the top rope.....]

Alicia Lockheart: Malik is climbing the cage and he looks down at McClain and leaps off with a frog splash and nails it.

Frank Longley Jnr: OH MY GOD....Malik Johnson may have injured himself, but I know McClain is down. Look at him....

[Johnson pulls himself to his feet and laughs as blood spills from both his and McClain's mouth. Refs and other wrestlers make it to the dome and pull both men out as the EMTs arrive.]

Frank Longley Jnr: And you can bet that when McClain gets out of the emergency ward, it's going to be on all over again...

...Coming Soon...

September, Two-Thousand Four.

Summer

Games.

Are you ready?

[Lightning-quick images of WWA Superstars fly by, lending recognizable images, but no distinct features.]

They are.

[A darkened room, presumably somewhere in the arena. Indistinct shapes are only dimly visible in the gloom, but front and center is a discernibly human figure, kneeling on the floor.]

[A tiny flame appears, etching away a small circle of darkness. The scant yellow light reveals Misty Xiao's face in stark monotones of gold and shadow -- her mouth turned down despondently, thin tear-streams trickling from the corners of her eyes. She sniffs back a running nose, staring down at the lighter in her clasped hands.]

Misty: No matter how hard I try, it all keeps coming out wrong... Now Ulfric wants to kill me, and Erik's mad at me...

[Seconds pass in silence, and with each moment her face changes: emotion draining from it like water from an upturned bottle, the glimmer of spirit in her eyes fading to a dull sheen, like unpolished glass.]

Alicia Lockheart - "Not at all, Frank. I wonder if she is planning to interfere in our upcoming match - against two people she just mentioned."

Frank Longely Jnr - "Right, let's get to ringside... for what might just be the showstealer of the night!"

[The lights begin to twitch and flicker and they take on the deepest shade of mushroom blue. Then within a few breathless moments "Mr. Self Destruct" by Nine Inch Nails begins to rumble out of the arena loud speakers.]

I am the voice inside your head
and I control you
I am the lover in your bed
and I control you
I am the sex that you provide
and I control you
I am the hate you try to hide
and I control you

[...Then the young child's voice is cut off by the sounds of the child gasping as if someone has wrapped their deadly hands around her throat. We hear the choking for a few seconds until the child screams out in horror, and Erik Cross steps out of the darkness with the scream.]

I speak religion's message clear
and I control you
I am denial, guilt and fear
and I control you
I am the prayer's of the naive
and I control you
I am the lie that you believe
and I control you

[Erik steps out onto the ramp to a shower of boos from this Melbourne, Australia crowd, with his head lowered and his long black hair streaked with white dangling down over his face. He slowly takes a few steps forward.]

Announcer: Introducing first! From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania... At a height of 6'1" and weighing 245 lbs... He is ERIK CROSS!

I take you where you want to go
I give you all you need to know
I drag you down, I use you up
Mr. Self Destruct

[As the music climaxes Erik rips his head back flipping his hair back, revealing his death-like face and cold black eyes staring out at a sold out crowd. The fans continue to boo Erik as the music stops and he begins his descent to the ring.]

Alicia Lockheart: And here comes the first contestant in what is probably THE most highly-anticipated match tonight, Frank! The buzz surrounding this bout has been absolutely overwhelming!

Frank Longley Jnr: Not for nothing, Alicia... For a long time, Ulfric's been the most twisted, screwed-up person in the WWA -- but in Erik Cross, Ulfy just might have a rival, because Erik is JUST as twisted and JUST as screwed up as he is!

Alicia Lockheart: That's the truth. Just looking at this man -- Erik Cross, former WWA National Champion -- and the way he carries himself, as if wrapping an air of malice around him like a cloak... Well, suffice it to say that he exudes danger in all senses of the word, and it's a hardy person indeed who'll stand up to someone like that.

Frank Longley Jnr: Right you are. Kind of makes you wonder what it is that a sweet girl like Misty Xiao finds so attractive about him. That's just weird.

Alicia Lockheart: I think she sees him as a friend... but I don't know if that's mutual, judging by the way he blew up at her backstage. I understand Erik is a proud man and would rather win this match on his own efforts, but Misty was only trying to help him -- and my God, am I actually defending Misty Xiao for trying to blind Ulfric?!

Frank Longley Jnr: Hey, you're right -- Erik Cross IS a proud man, and Xiao should've stayed out of his business. She had it coming.

Alicia Lockheart: In any case, Erik Cross is now sliding into the ring and going to his corner to await his opponent... staring toward the entranceway with a look I can't even describe. Whatever it is, it's scary, almost predatory -- not the sort of look you'd want directed at you.

[Smoke begins to pour down the entrance ramp as the heavy guitar laden opening rift of "Time does not heal" by Dark Angel blares from the house PA system. The lights dim, and as a blue glow emenates from somewhere deep inside the tunnel. For a moment the haunting cords give way to equally chilling words.]

"It's always darkest before it goes completely black
I'm older now so I should know, you can never look back
But the scars of childhood memories dominate my head
The inner pain I've vowed to keep until the day I'm dead"

"You can't see, the life I was forced to lead
What it's like to die daily
You can't feel, the thoughts I've learned to steal
Survivals my reality"

[A series of blue Pyro erupts in front of the entrance as Ulfric steps through the fog, his long blue/black hair hanging lose in his face, he is wearing a pair of frayed blue jeans, a black Dark Angel t-shirt, and motorcycle boots with "Lucifer" his black barbed wire wrapped baseball bat
strung over his left shoulder like a guitar. He wears a long gray duster that trails the ground behind him as he moves and his pale green eyes are full of focus and intensity.]

Announcer: Now coming down the ramp... Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana... At a height of 6'5" and weighing 260 lbs... He is "THE SILENT WARRIOR" -- ULFRIC!

"When I was young I lived in fear
The hands of doom forever drawing near
I wonder how I earned to perservere
As time advanced deceit was my life's truth
Spurred on by the peace I never knew"

[Ulfric pauses midway down the ramp and lets the duster fall. Further down the aisle he pauses again, this time to remove his t-shirt which he throws into the crowd before raising the bat in one hand and banging his head in time to the music. Finally he drops it and sprints the rest of the way to the ring, sliding in under the bottom and coming to stand in the center of the ring.]

[Once there Ulfric has eyes only for his opponent and they never leave him. Erik Cross meets his gaze with an unwavering stare of his own.]

Alicia Lockheart: Yikes. These two have been in the same ring for barely five seconds, and already you can feel the intensity building up between them. It's a volatile situation in there, Frank.

Frank Longley Jnr: That's putting it mildly. Both these men have traveled their own individual paths to get here -- Erik taking the path of darkness and evil, Ulfric walking the razor's edge between salvation and damnation. And the hardships and trials they've had to endure on the way to International Wars would make ANYBODY want to bash some heads open.

Alicia Lockheart: That's for sure. As different as they are in their own ways, they're also very similar in a lot of ways... and if opposites attract, then sameness most certainly REPELS.

Frank Longley Jnr: Not a bad analogy for this situation. [Pauses] ...Did I just use the word "analogy" on a wrestling show? Damn. Bring on the butt jokes.

[Ulfric doesn't move an inch from his spot in the center of the ring, continues to stare at Erik Cross, as if daring him to move him. Being the sort of man who makes it his mission to accept such dares with a grin on his face, Erik strides out of his corner and stands directly in front of Ulfric, never breaking eye contact.]

Frank Longley Jnr: It seems to be all about mind games here at the outset, Alicia -- who can psych out the other, break the other's focus?

Alicia Lockheart: This is a game that both these men excel at, Frank. But you have to think that Ulfric's experience will give him the edge in the long run -- he's done everything worth doing in the WWA, including winning Summer Games 4; won every title worth having, including the World Heavyweight Title; beaten everybody worth beating... and he's still in the sport. That's the sign of a man who's gotten pretty damn good at surviving.

Frank Longley Jnr: All that's true, yes... But let's not forget that Erik Cross hasn't been in the Alliance as long as Ulfy there, but he's already accomplished things that wrestlers who've been here for YEARS have yet to do. He's already held the WWA National Title, for crying out loud! And if he managed that in his first six months here, imagine what he'll do by the end of his first year. A victory over the mighty Ulfric would be one hell of a feather in his cap.

Alicia Lockheart: No doubt all those thoughts and more are running through the heads of both these men right now, as this staredown continues... Ulfric standing with the confident poise of a man who's seen every trick in the book; Erik with a posture of sheer, unflinching arrogance, showing every sign of thinking himself invulnerable...

[Slowly, never diverting his gaze, Ulfric tips his chin up a little, raises his hand, and taps the side of his jaw.]

Frank Longley Jnr: What, is he telling Erik to lay him out, and get this over with as soon as possible? Or is it just a show of audacity?

[Erik Cross scoffs, shaking his head almost in disbelief at this gesture from his opponent. He turns to glance out of the ring, listening to the attentive murmurs from the crowd.]

[Then Erik hauls back and nails Ulfric right in the side of the face. Ulfric's head snaps to the side, and he stumbles back a step from the blow.]

Frank Longley Jnr: The idiot should've known better than to let Cross have a clean shot.

[Erik puts on a smug look as Ulfric gingerly touches his jaw, running his tongue around the inside of his mouth to take inventory of his teeth. The Silent Warrior shoots Erik an indecipherable look.]

[Then Ulfric clenches his fist and clobbers Erik right back. Cross staggers off a step, his hand clapping to his jaw.]

[Erik Cross turns back to Ulfric and actually GRINS. Ulfric responds with a curt nod, almost in approval.]

Alicia Lockheart: A bit of a test of mettle between these two men... And I don't think they're disappointed with each other so far. If we're talking toughness, then you'd be hard pressed to find two more evenly-matched wrestlers.

Frank Longley Jnr: Pssh. Evenly-matched, my butt. Ulfric gets a whole lot of benefit of the doubt around here, but there's NO doubt at all about what Erik brings to the ring. Ulfy doesn't know what he's in for.

[As if on some unspoken cue, the two combatants move at the same time and fall into each other, each grasping roughly for some form of grapple. Erik goes for the arm, but is thwarted as Ulfric clamps his arm around Erik's head. Erik pushes out of the headlock and grabs Ulfric's wrist, giving it a sharp twist, turning the arm against the shoulder joint, before transitioning into a hammerlock.]

[But Ulfric is ready for this, and is already ducking his head and turning into the hold, and in a flash he has it reversed, wrenching the forearm hard against Erik's upper back. Erik reaches over his head with his free hand and grabs Ulfric's head, using it as a handhold as he kicks his legs up... and thrusts them down again, the momentum causing Ulfric to roll forward, over Erik's shoulder, in a modified snapmare. Immediately Erik goes for the arm again, twisting it back into a seated armwrench. Ulfric quickly powers up to his feet, but Erik increases the torque, making Ulfric double over. But then Ulfric lashes out with his free hand and snatches Erik by the near leg, pulling it out from under him with a grunt of effort. Erik is hopping precariously on one foot, momentarily off-balance, and Ulfric uses the moment to direct a sweeping kick at the back of Cross's other leg -- and Erik flops onto his back, releasing the arm hold.]

[This leaves Ulfric with Erik's foot in his grasp, and he quickly applies a standing anklelock, turning Erik's foot against the joint. But Cross kicks out with his free foot, connecting just below Ulf's knee. Ulfric tries to adjust his footing, but Erik kicks him again, and again, until Ulfric throws his own leg back to avoid being kicked again. Then Erik rolls into the direction of the torque being applied to his ankle -- onto his front side -- and pushes up with his hands at the same time as he thrusts his free foot back again in a mule kick, knocking Ulfric's grasp loose.]

[Swiftly Erik gets back to his feet, shaking one leg a little to ease the pain in it. Ulfric charges him with a lariat -- ducked by Erik, who spins around and goes for a lariat of his own to the back of Ulfric's head. With almost preternatural ring sense, Ulf ducks it blindly, and Erik continues to run into the ropes. He rebounds -- and runs SMACK into a STIFF Ulfric shoulder tackle that knocks Erik Cross flat.]

Alicia Lockheart: Good GOD! HARD impact right there, after that very impressive series of holds and counterholds!

Frank Longley Jnr: I'm shocked that a match like this is starting with technical wrestling. These guys oughta be swinging chairs.

Alicia Lockheart: Don't forget that Ulfric's in his "Silent Warrior" mindset -- he wants to approach this from a wrestling, not a brawling, standpoint. And Erik Cross is a proficient mat wrestler himself, from his years wrestling the amateur style in state schools... So is it that surprising that they'd want to test their own technical skills against each other?

[Ulfric steps back as Erik Cross quickly gets upright again. They come together in another rough grapple. Ulfric bends low, getting his arm between Erik's legs and tossing him over with a fireman's carry -- but Erik counters into an armdrag, taking Ulfric to the canvas.]

[Ulfric starts to get up again, and Erik charges with a lariat -- which Ulf counters into a Fujiwara armbar, but Erik braces himself with a foot to avoid being forced down to the canvas. He spins, grabs Ulfric's wrist and starts to reverse the hold, but Ulfric shoves him away.]

Alicia Lockheart: More reversals here, both men successfully finding ways out of each other's holds. Erik Cross not going far after Ulfric shoves him: he stops on a dime and charges back-- OH! And runs face-first into a big boot!

Alicia Lockheart: Ulfric putting an abrupt stop to that as Cross is knocked down once again. This time Ulfric isn't standing back to let his opponent recover; he stoops down and grabs Erik by that black hair, getting him off the mat. Ulfric scoops him up over one shoulder -- shoulderbreaker coming up!

[Landing on his feet, Erik immediately kicks at the back of Ulfric's knee, making that leg buckle. Then he grabs Ulfric's arm and drops him with a Fujiwara armbar of his own, putting the Silent Warrior facedown on the canvas. Erik stays on his feet, standing over Ulf as he torques the shoulder... And then, to add to the punishment, he places one foot on the back of Ulfric's head, grinding it under his heel with a sadistic grin.]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross taking control of Ulfric here, and you can tell he's enjoying this.

Frank Longley Jnr: Why wouldn't he? That's the big, bad dog of the WWA he's crushing under his foot.

[Cross wrenches harder on the arm, eliciting a grunt of pain from his opponent. Ulfric fights now, pushing up with his free hand and trying to get his knees under him. This change of position forces Erik to shift his footing -- and Ulfric manages to go up on one knee. Then, with a quick move, Ulfric thrashes out with both legs, scissoring the legs of Erik -- making him tumble forward to the mat.]

[He immediately bends Erik's leg, lacing his own leg around it, and reaches across to clasp his hands across Erik's face.]

[Suddenly finding himself being bent the wrong way, Erik claws at Ulfric's hands, trying to relieve the pressure. Ulfric responds by pulling harder on Cross's head, tightening his lock on the leg.]

Frank Longley Jnr: True, but I can't see Erik calling it quits anytime soon. Apparently the guy LIKES pain, so he's probably having the time of his life right now.

[The referee is hovering nearby, watching in case Erik gives any sign of submitting. But despite the increasing strain on his spine, and the weight of Ulfric across his body, Cross continues to fight: throwing elbows up and back, catching Ulfric in the ribs with hard shots. The blows make Ulfric's grasp falter -- and then Cross tears Ulf's hands away from his face, breaking the hold.]

Frank Longley Jnr: Ha! There you go. Not even the mighty Ulfric can keep Erik Cross down!

[Thrashing his body, Erik shifts the bulk of Ulfric's weight off of him -- and soon he drags himself clear, rolling to a safe distance before scrambling to his feet. Ulfric gets up as well, tracking his opponent with eyes narrowed with intensity.]

Alicia Lockheart: Ulfric knew he wasn't going to have an easy time dealing with the younger of the Cross brothers tonight, but I think he's now realizing just how right he was.

Frank Longley Jnr: Well, duh, Alicia. Erik Cross didn't come here to play around.

[Erik returns Ulfric's look with a less-than-pleasant one of his own, rubbing the back of his neck. Then he ducks his head and charges at Ulfric's midsection. Ulfric leans forward, anticipating the hit -- but Cross swerves him, spinning around and then going behind with a waistlock. Ulfric throws an elbow back -- ducked by Erik -- and Ulfric's momentum turns him facing his opponent.]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross avoiding the hit -- and brings his knee up, nailing Ulfric in the gut. Erik with a front facelock now... but Ulfric straightens up, throwing him over with a back body drop-- OH! Cross twisting in mid-throw, landing on his feet, with Ulfric caught in an inverted facelock!

[Ulfric is left sitting on the canvas, rubbing painfully at his lower back. Erik runs the opposite way, into the ropes, rebounds... and HURLS himself down, driving his shoulder RIGHT into the spine of Ulfric.]

Frank Longley Jnr: That's NOT gonna do wonders for Ulfy's posture, I'll tell you that!

Alicia Lockheart: That's for sure, Frank. With Ulfric still in that seated position, Erik grabs both of Ulf's arms, pulling them back and up -- and putting his foot right between the shoulderblades, giving himself ample leverage to try and yank those arms right out of joint.

Frank Longley Jnr: That's good strategy by Erik -- Ulfric's not going to be able to do much if his arms are rendered useless.

[Grimacing at the strain, Ulfric rocks forward while shifting his legs, trying to get them underneath him and stand up. Erik cranks harder on the arms, making Ulfric groan -- but Ulf manages to get halfway up. Then Cross quickly changes position: letting go of the arms, ducking his head under Ulfric's armpit and grabbing him in a waistlock--]

Alicia Lockheart: --And TAKES him down with a belly-to-back suplex! Good offensive move by Cross, who's up at once... and DROPS a knee across the head of Ulfric! Ulfric rolls to one side, clutching at his face, but Erik rolls him on his back again and makes the cover:

Alicia Lockheart: Kickout after one, and a strong kickout at that, Ulfric more or less SHOVING Cross off of him.

[As Ulfric starts to pick himself up, Erik is all over him. He grabs Ulfric's legs, yanks them out from under him, knocking the bigger man on his back. Erik tries to turn him over into a Boston Crab -- but Ulfric thrusts outward with his legs, pushing Erik away. Ulfric quickly stands up... only to be walloped in the face by a hard right hand from Erik Cross.]

Alicia Lockheart: Ulfric returns with a right hand of his own! Cross punches back -- Ulfric blocks, and boots him in the midsection, doubling him over. Ulfric steps back... charges forward and-- OH! Swinging neckbreaker takes Erik down!

[And instantly Ulfric slips over to Erik's legs, snatching one up, and scissoring it with his own legs. He throws himself down, wrenching hard on Erik's limb.]

Alicia Lockheart: Crucifix kneebar applied by Ulfric, on the same leg he'd applied an anklelock to earlier. In all likelihood he's looking to weaken Erik's vertical base, and take away the speed advantage Cross has over the larger Ulfric.

[Again the referee hangs by, as Ulfric uses his strong legs to try to hyperextend Cross's knee. Wearing a pained look, Erik hitches himself up on his palms, and starts hand-walking backward. It takes effort to move Ulfric's weight, but with a grunt he does it, inch by inch and foot by foot approaching the ropes. Ulfric tries to shuffle them back toward the middle of the ring, but Cross flings his arms back -- and grabs the bottom rope.]

Alicia Lockheart: The referee ordering Ulfric to do just that, and issuing a five-count... Ulfric releasing at the count of four.

[But he doesn't let Cross go free: he grabs him by the foot and drags him away from the ropes. Then he twists Erik's leg around and goes for a figure-four leglock -- but Erik puts his free foot against Ulf's backside and kicks him off. Cross pulls his knees to his chest and--]

Frank Longley Jnr: Kip up by Erik Cross! Amazing resilience; I told you, this guy has it all!

Alicia Lockheart: Yeah, but the damage has been done to his leg, as you can see by the way he stumbled just a little on landing. Ulfric moving in now -- Cross with a standing dropkick! But Ulf sidesteps it! He stoops down to pick up Cross again, locks on a front facelock... up in a vertical suplex!

Alicia Lockheart: Cross with a HARD kneelift to the midsection, and another, as Ulfric falters... OH! Erik CUTS him down with a RUTHLESS LARIAT!

[Cross is already running for the ropes as Ulfric picks himself up. He turns around just as Erik rebounds and launches himself through the air--]

Alicia Lockheart: CONNECTS with the cross-body press! Cross not going for the pin, though -- he stalks nearby as Ulfric gets up again. Ulfric with the bull charge -- DROP TOE HOLD by Cross, sending Ulfric sprawling throat-first into the second rope!

Alicia Lockheart: Cross runs to the opposite side of the ring -- runs back -- SLAMS his weight down on the angled back of Ulfric! My GOD, that must hurt!

[Erik proceeds to push his knee into the back of Ulfric's neck, crushing the man's larynx on the rope, and the referee issues a stern five-count -- Erik finally backing away at about 4.95. Then he goes right back, yanking Ulfric out of the ropes by the hair, and kicks him hard in the abdomen, folding the Silent Warrior over.]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross with a front facelock -- OOHH!! DRILLS him with a corkscrew implant DDT!

[Without waiting for his opponent to get up, Erik goes to the side of the ring and steps out onto the apron. As Ulfric starts to climb back to his feet, shaking the fog from his head, Cross grabs the top rope -- then vaults himself up onto it, and springboards off -- CONNECTING with a missile dropkick to the face of Ulfric!]

[Gaining a bit of confidence, Erik Cross twists his lips in a smirk as he hauls Ulfric off the mat. He whips him into the corner -- where Ulfric hits the turnbuckles hard. Then, shooting a smug look toward the fans, Erik charges in with a cartwheel--]

Alicia Lockheart: HANDSPRING ELBOW! NO! Ulfric countered with a mule kick -- RIGHT to the back of Erik's head! And Cross is down on his front, clutching at his neck in what must be HELLISH pain!

Alicia Lockheart: No kidding, Frank... Ulfric taking a moment to catch his breath as Erik slowly gets up, very gingerly kneading the muscles of his neck -- and Ulfric has him! Double chickenwing -- OOHH!! TIGER SUPLEX!! He holds the bridge:

Alicia Lockheart: Indeed, as Cross kicks out at two. But that's more damage to the neck, which is only going to get worse as the match goes on.

[Fighting to his feet, Erik Cross continues to hold his neck in considerable pain. He whirls around to face Ulfric -- only to have that very man clamp his arms around his head and under one arm and--]

Alicia Lockheart: HEAD AND ARM SUPLEX! AGAIN, dropping Cross RIGHT on his neck and shoulders! Cross rolling around on the mat, hurting in a BAD way, I guarantee!

Frank Longley Jnr: Yikes... Erik may have a high tolerance for pain, but you're right, he's feeling that.

[Cross struggling to get vertical, as Ulfric moves in again, reaching for some kind of grapple. Enraged, Erik Cross takes a wild swing at him -- but Ulfric catches his arm!]

Alicia Lockheart: Armbar takedown! LOCKS IN THE CRIPPLER CROSSFACE! Ulfric's going to end this one RIGHT NOW!

[Hands locked firmly over the face of Cross, Ulfric wrenches back hard, drawing a loud growl of rage and agony from his victim. But Erik is pushing against the mat with his free hand, getting one knee under him -- and with a desperate burst of strength, he rolls himself and Ulfric over, so that Ulfric is now on his back with Cross on top of him.]

Alicia Lockheart: And a kickout by Ulfric before the three! Boy, that just about backfired on Ulfric in a big way!

Frank Longley Jnr: HA! What do you say to that, Ulfy? Cross had your big move scouted!

Alicia Lockheart: That he did, Frank, and a good thing, too, because with the punishment already inflicted on his neck, THAT would've done him in!

[Cross half-crawls to the ropes, hanging an arm over them for support as he tries to haul himself upright. Ulfric closes in, reaching to grab him -- but Cross lashes out with a foot, kicking Ulfric away. Ulf approaches again, and again Erik kicks at him -- but this time Ulfric catches it, leaving Cross to hop up and down helplessly on one foot.]

Alicia Lockheart: Ulfric knocked practically head over heels by that shot! Cross may have bought himself some recovery time here!

[Cross hangs on the ropes a moment, catching his breath and blinking his eyes laboriously, trying to clear his head. Ulfric starts to rise, hand braced on his knee, shaking his head painfully. Spotting this, Erik glares and goes into action -- rushing behind Ulfric, crossing the man's arms in front of him and clasping them from behind--]

Frank Longley Jnr: DEVASTATING! Ulfric driven RIGHT on his head with that release straitjacket suplex!

Alicia Lockheart: Pure, unadulterated maliciousness behind that, Frank! Ulfric is down, forearms clamped around his neck in what has to be HORRENDOUS agony... And Cross is making his way to the corner!

[Seeming to regain his more of his faculties with every step he takes, Erik ascends to the top turnbuckle. He perches there a second -- as the fans begin to buzz -- measuring the distance to the supine form of Ulfric... and then he launches himself!]

Alicia Lockheart: That was a HELL of a high-risk move, and he got it! And there's the cover!

Alicia Lockheart: ...NO! Ulfric getting the shoulder up JUST in time! But the blood is indeed flowing from his nose, Frank!

Frank Longley Jnr: Cross sees it, too... and by the look on his face, that's EXACTLY the motivation he needed!

[Indeed, Erik Cross is now wearing an expression of pure bloodlust as he rises to his feet... and starts stomping mercilessly at the bloodied visage of Ulfric. Ulfric tries to cover up, but on succeeds in getting his hands and forearms stomped on as well. Finally Erik stoops down and grabs a handful of Ulf's hair, tugging him off the canvas. He takes the arm and wrenches it, using his arm hold to lead the groggy Ulfric over to a corner of the ring. Here, Cross steps up the turnbuckles until he's standing on the top rope. Still holding Ulfric's twisted arm, he takes a few nimble steps along the rope, like a tightrope walker -- then jumps off, catching Ulfric around the head with a headscissors, and flipping him almost across the ring with a WILD hurricanrana.]

Alicia Lockheart: WHAT agility by Erik Cross, and WHAT a move that just sent the Silent Warrior flying!

[Plainly becoming irritated, Erik Cross storms away and slips out onto the apron, peering at Ulfric with eyes narrowed to slits.]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross setting up for another springboard move here... Ulfric starting to pick himself up again -- Erik about to vault up onto the top rope! No! Ulfric throws himself toward that end of the ring, which puts him too close for Erik's assault to be effective.

[Erik Cross leans over the top rope, trying to grab at Ulfric... but Ulfric darts forward, grabs Cross by the head and snaps his neck down on the rope. Erik almost falls off the apron, but hooks an arm on the rope, saving himself; still, the move has stunned him, and he rubs at his throat, coughing. Breathing hard, blood dripping down the front of his face, Ulfric reaches over and hooks Erik's head in a front facelock.]

Alicia Lockheart: Ulfric looking to suplex Erik back into the ring -- but Erik blocks it! Cross now with the suplex! HE'S GONNA DROP HIM RIGHT TO THE FLOOR!

Alicia Lockheart: But Ulfric kicks his legs, grabbing frantically for the top rope -- and manages to land safely on the apron instead!

Alicia Lockheart: And now these two men are exchanging some STIFF AS HELL shots to the face, Frank... If they developed ANY kind of camaraderie when they met before I-Wars, there's no trace of it here! They're just trying to knock each other's HEADS off! And-- OOHH!! Erik ROCKING Ulfric with a back elbow to the chin... and a kick to the gut! Erik hooks up the arms--

Alicia Lockheart: UNBELIEVABLE! CORKSCREW FACEPLANT!! OFF THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!! ULFRIC'S FACE HAS TO BE *CRUSHED*!!

Alicia Lockheart: Erik Cross taking a heavy jarring from the execution of that move, but Ulfric UNDENIABLY getting the worst of it! Cross looking over at Ulfric... who is rolling slowly on the floor, face buried in his forearms! NOT out cold... but probably knocked SENSELESS!

[Shaking his head incredulously, Cross crawls into the ring under the bottom rope. He uses the ropes to help him get upright. Looking outside once more -- where Ulfric has worked himself up to all fours -- Erik dashes off in the opposite direction, rebounding off the far ropes.]

Alicia Lockheart: Ulfric is just POURING blood out there on the outside... but here comes Cross! SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP! SUICIDE DIVE!!

Alicia Lockheart: ERIK CROSS MISSED!! ULFRIC ROLLING OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND!! ERIK GOT NOTHING BUT FLOOR!!

[Cross is sprawled on the floor with limbs akimbo, like a rag doll thrown from a moving car, breathing in ragged gasps but otherwise not moving. Neither is Ulfric, who is laid out flat again -- as if the effort of dodging Cross's suicide dive took everything he had left. Surveying the human carnage from inside the ring, the referee begins a ring-out count.]

Alicia Lockheart: This thing could end right now, Frank. Neither of these men looks like they're going to be in any shape to continue. Ulfric has been turned into a bloody mess... and for all we know, Cross could've broken every bone in his body.

Frank Longley Jnr: If he'd HIT his move, I guarantee Cross would be pinning Ulfric in the ring right this moment. But damn that tenacious fool and his survival instincts.

Alicia Lockheart: Still, there's no denying the fact that Erik Cross has done some massive damage to Ulfric over the course of this match... Ulf wouldn't still be lying out there, unmoving, if that wasn't the case!

Frank Longley Jnr: Right you are, Alicia... Cross claimed all the way up to tonight's event that he had Ulfric's number, and I believed him, of course -- but anyone who doubted it will HAVE to change their opinion now.

[Amid a roar from the crowd that is best described as "utterly bonkers", Ulfric starts to stir again. He hitches himself up on one elbow, then on all fours, and begins to crawl toward the ring.]

[And then Erik Cross returns to the world of the living: half-rolling, half-crawling after Ulfric, while alternately clutching at his back, ribs and neck.]

Alicia Lockheart: This one's gonna come down to the wire! Ulfric now hauling himself up onto the apron... with Cross maybe two steps behind him!

Frank Longley Jnr: Cross now draping himself over the apron -- hauls himself inside the ring!

Alicia Lockheart: Both men JUST making it back before the referee reached the ten-count... not that they look any better for it. But Ulfric seems to have more of his faculties about him as he fights to his feet...

[Blinking bleary, unfocused eyes, he spots Cross trying to pick himself up off the canvas as well. Moving as if by instinct, Ulfric grabs him, puts him in a standing headscissors, and lifts him upside-down--]

Alicia Lockheart: Good GOD, what toughness by Erik Cross! Ulfric can hardly believe it!

[Clapping his hands to his face, Ulfric more or less flops backward on the mat, in a state of exhaustion. Cross rolls over once or twice, consciously or unconsciously putting some distance between the two men. This tableau remains motionless for a few long, tense seconds... until Ulfric ponderously struggles to kneel up, and then begins the arduous task of standing up.]

Alicia Lockheart: Ulfric does NOT look to be in a good way, Frank. He must have lost quite a lot of blood by this point, not to mention some of those NASTY impacts to the head he's taken. He could be a walking concussion right now.

Frank Longley Jnr: Seems likely, Alicia... but much as I hate to say it, HE'S the one who's moving around, while Cross is having trouble even picking himself up.

[Indeed, Erik Cross has worked himself up to all fours, but getting any farther seems to be beyond his powers. Meanwhile, Ulfric is stumbling over to him with purpose.]

Alicia Lockheart: Ulfric with a fistful of Erik's hair... dragging him bodily upright. And... OH MY GOD! LOCKS ON THE EMBRACE!! YOU CAN RING THE BELL RIGHT NOW, IT'S OVER!!

Alicia Lockheart: Cross put up one HELL of a fight, Frank, but Ulfric's about to draw the curtains on this match-- WHOA!!

Alicia Lockheart: Cross with a desperation move-- THREW himself forward into the corner, and drove Ulfric's face RIGHT into the top turnbuckle!! Ulfric's eyes rolling back in his head -- he releases the hold and flops backward to the mat! Cross could STILL pull this one off!

Alicia Lockheart: Cross once again dragging himself up to the top rope! He perches on the top, swaying dangerously but holding himself steady with hands on the rope... Peers down at Ulfric on the mat... AND THE JUMP!

Alicia Lockheart: PURGATORY!! HE LANDS THE CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! CROSS STAYS ON HIM FOR THE COVER!!

[Once again, the effort and the impact of the move leaves both men laying in the ring like corpses with heaving chests. Several seconds later, it's Cross who moves first -- but Ulfric stirs as well, though with hardly any energy to speak of.]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross now helping a more-dead-than-alive Ulfric to his feet, where he stands there in a state of catatonia... And Erik now taking deep breaths, filling his lungs for one more move. He charges into the ropes -- second-rope Asai moonsault! CATCHES ULFRIC IN THE DRAGON'S DESCENT!!

Frank Longley Jnr: That had to be pure instinct on his part, because the man's got NOTHING left!!

Alicia Lockheart: CROSS IS DOWN! THAT'S GONNA DO IT FOR HIM! ULFRIC TRYING TO MOVE OVER TO MAKE THE PIN...

[Ulfric kneels up to crawl over -- but he sways drunkenly, a hand going to his sweaty, bloody countenance, and then whatever final reserve of energy got him this far seems to run out completely. He collapses face-down on the canvas...]

[The ring has become a still-life image yet again, with two bodies laid out on the canvas, as the announcer makes the final call...]

[At this, the arena goes totally berserk: every fan rising to their feet to roar their raucous approval for the match they've just witnessed. The sound is deafening, and our intrepid broadcasters Alicia and Frank have to shout to be heard.]

Alicia Lockheart: It was DAMNED close, Frank! Ulfric got the pin -- but I don't know if he was even conscious for it! That's a testament to the fight Erik Cross brought to the ring tonight! Meanwhile, Cross DID get his shoulder up after the F-5, but a fraction of a second AFTER the three!

Frank Longley Jnr: I don't know if this can be called a conclusive finish... but my GOD was it a war!

[By this time Erik Cross has rolled out of the ring, and is leaning against the apron, rasping for breath. He begins to stalk away, toward the rampway -- holding his battered body with his arms, and snarling audibly in dissatisfaction. Fans reaching out to touch him as he passes get malevolent looks in return, and quickly flinch back.]

Alicia Lockheart: Well, Cross certainly isn't happy about the outcome of the match, though he should DEFINITELY be proud of the performance he gave tonight...

[In the ring, Ulfric is up on one knee, elbow leaned on it, sweeping the mix of blood and sweat from his face with his hand. Then he peers out of the ring after Cross with an unreadable expression.]

Frank Longley Jnr: And that man right there has to be impressed as well... Has to KNOW that on another day, if one more second had gone by, things could have turned out differently. But... there you have it. On THIS day, Ulfric pulled it off.

[We cut to the back to see Ryan Matthews walking out of the arena. He has his gear bag over his shoulder, and as he turns to the door to leave we see a set of headlights pull up outside the door. Matthews opens the door and calmly exits. The camera moves over to see out the door and for a moment we see a huge black van filling the frame of the picture, until the cameraman dives for cover and all we see is the ground]

[The camera is picked back up, and see Joey Tesauro, challenger for the World Cruiserweight title, jump out the back of the Twat Van, a gym bag on his shoulder. Apparently late, he goes running past the camera guy]

[Matthews hears the apology and recognizes the voice that seemed to come from the blur that just flew past him through the door. He looks at the van and recognizes it as well. He looks down at the ground for a moment, mentally trying
to put two and two together...when it finally clicks, he smirks slightly and shakes his head.]

[Halfway on his way to the locker room, Joey finally puts together who the other guy was that he passed at the gate before]

Frank Longely Jnr - "Earlier, we recieved some footage... a series of previously filmed segments including Jonesy Frost and Ashley Hyatt. We're not quite sure what to make of them... but here they are:"

[Still carrying his headphones, the Forces of Nature member stares towards the ground while standing beside his partner-in-crime. Before the devilish duo stands a large stone, bearing engraved words.]

Ashley Hyatt: "I still don't see what you like about that crap. It's terrible..."

[As if it were on cue, a tree branch sways mightily through the windless cemetary -- smacking Ashley Hyatt across the forehead, and sending him tumbling towards the ground.]

[Adding insult to injury, a rather large drop of white goo finds itself implanted into the forehead of the grounded warrior... splattering with a sickening sound. With a look of unadulterated horror, he sits up, peering towards his partner with panicked eyes.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "There's more to come later... perhaps it will be explained."

Frank Longely Jnr: Anyways... Coming up now folks we have a three-way dance between "The Angel" Azrael, Deke Rivers, and “Irish” Ryan Beckett.

Lockheart: Actually Frank, Deke Rivers missed his flight here so the match will officially be Azrael versus Beckett.

[The sounds of "Shamrocks and Shenanigans" by House of Pain fill the arena as the lights slowly dim. A subtle green hue invades the auditorium as Ryan Beckett emerges from the darkness, the OCW Texas Heritage title around his waist. He is wearing a pair of blue jeans and a wife-beater shirt. His red hair is pulled back and his green eyes peer out from his chiseled face]

Breaker, breaker, here comes the caper
Straight with the taper, the lyric skyscraper
Hit ya like a lyrical murderer
I know ya think I have, but yo
I never heard of ya
Just because you heard of me kid
Fuck around until you do the lifetime bid
I'll put you in the dirt, and leave your ass for dead
When it comes to tools, T's the sharpest in the shed
Cause I'm the 55 Cadillac king
It ain't no thing, my cargo ring
We'll bust you in the crib
I got the skill, you gots to chill
Cause I bring doom, I got the boom sha lock lock boom

[Beckett stares out upon the masses as the words "2004 Pacific Cup Champion, Former Double Crown Champion, Current OCW Texas Heritage Champion" scroll across the JumboTron above. Beckett drops his head, saying a quick prayer for his father, then pointing skyward. Beckett taps the belt across his waist twice as "House Of Pain" continues to explode across the arena.]

Boom Sha Lock Lock Boom
'All Right Now'
Boom Sha Lock Lock Boom
'A Little Louder'
Boom Sha Lock Lock Boom
'Everybody'
Boom Sha Lock Lock Boom
'All Right Now'

[The heavy guitars continue to play as the irrepressible sounds of 'Da House' echo throughout the arena. Beckett slowly makes his way to the ring and slides under the bottom rope. He paces one end of the ring to another as the music finally comes to a close.]

["Suffer" by Staind erupts from the PA system as Azrael walks from the back through a thick haze of blue tinted smoke, his eyes scanning the crowd, searching the faces of the people for their reactions.]

The more you see the more you do
The television’s feeding you
Write what you want to hear, anger and fear
because you suffer the hate you feel won’t go away
you’re all programmed to feel this way to live
another day within a world that loves to suffer

[Azrael is clad in blue and black full body wrestling gear with blue and black boots and a blue and black mask with his long white hair hanging halfway down his back, streaked with bright blue highlights. The blue and white strobe lights mixing with the thick blue and gray fog rolling down the ramp combine to form an illusion much like the ocean before a storm with Azrael blending right in. The flash of cameras as he walks down the aisle illuminate the bright blue eyes behind the mask, eyes which are focused and full of intensity as they lock upon the ring. For the few fans who reach out to him, Azrael moves closer to the sides, slapping hands with them as he continues on down to the ring. Azrael has the Double Crown title over his shoulder and he moves closer to a girl who reaches out to stroke the shiny surface. The child is wearing an “Angel” T-shit and Azrael reaches over the barricade, hands the kid the title, then picks her up and holds her high over his head while the child holds up the belt. More flashing bulbs go off all around Azrael as he turns around in the aisle so all sides can see before handing the little girl back to her mother, taking the belt, and proceeding down the aisle.]

And then I come to find everything’s O.K.
seen this all before but that was yesterday
try to walk right through the messes that I’ve made
Just let me enjoy the life here that I’ve made

[Once he gets down to the ring, Azrael, leaps up onto the ring apron and summersaults over the top rope to stand inside the ring, raises his arms in the air as he turns to each side of the ring to acknowledge the fans as the last notes of his music fade away]

Lockheart: And here we go folks. Just to remind you all, this was going to be a Last Blood Match, however, with only two opponents, it will now be a First Blood Match. First one to bleed will be the loser!

Frank Longely Jnr: Azrael coming off of the ropes top start things off and dropkicking the larger Beckett in the knee dropping him to the ground.

Lockheart: You would think that the smart money is on Beckett. If you go by the numbers he has the advantage here at almost a foot taller and about eight-five pounds heavier then Azrael.

Frank Longely Jnr: That may be true Alicia, but you know to never judge someone based on their size alone.

[Beckett gets back up from the dropkick to the knee and is moving in on Azrael. Azrael is already on the top rope and goes for an off the top pope body scissors body press]

Lockheart: It looks like Azrael is trying to go for a pin on that move, but a pin won’t help him out in this match.

Frank Longely Jnr: Too early in a match to try a pin or anything else for that matter. You have to wear a big guy like Beckett out first. He’s a fighter.

[Azrael grabs Beckett’s leg and twists it dragging Beckett to the mat with him]

[Both men back on their feet this time. Beckett grabs hold of Azrael and whips him into the corner. The force of the throw bounces Az off of the corner as Beckett follows through with a boot to the face. Azrael crumples to the ground as Beckett scales the ropes this time]

[Beckett jumps from the ropes aiming for the prone Angel. At the last minute Azrael moves out of the way as Beckett hits the mat knees first. He yelps out in pain]

Lockheart: That was a smart move by Azrael. He woulda been crushed if that had succeeded!

Frank Longely Jnr: Smart move perhaps, but perhaps it was just gut instinct kicking in.

[Beckett is on his back now as Azrael stands by his head facing towards Ryan’s legs. He crosses Beckett’s arms on his chest and then slides one of Ryan’s legs under his body and kneels down so Azrael is actually kneeling on the victim’s chest with his arms trapped between Azrael’s leg. Az then grabs both of Ryan’s legs and pulls them up and applies a standing figure four with their arms]

Frank Longely Jnr: Looks like Azrael knows when to take advantage here. The look on Beckett’s face is telling us that he is some pain here.

Lockheart: A standing figure four being applied by Azrael. He took the opportunity once Beckett hurt himself.

Frank Longely Jnr: It looks like Beckett is psychically trying to power out of this hold by Azrael. Using his shear size to break the hold.

[Beckett breaks the hold and tosses Azrael off of him. Beckett using the ropes now to pull himself to shaky feet. Azrael coming off the ropes again. Beckett bends down and flips him over the top rope]

Lockheart: Azrael just now trying to get up and get rid of some of those cobwebs.

[Beckett has Azrael in his grasp and sets him up for a pumphandle slam on the outside.]

Lockheart: It looks like Azrael is trying to get out of this move by Beckett has him!

Frank Longely Jnr: And Beckett just planted Azrael back into the mats at ringside! Azrael is not moving here folks.

[Beckett picks Azrael up again and tosses him over his shoulder. Ryan makes his way to the steel ring steps]

Frank Longely Jnr: It looks like Beckett wants to be the first one to cause Azrael to bleed.

[Beckett slams Azrael onto the steps back first. He then drops an elbow across the head of Azrael that was hanging off of the steps]

Lockheart: Looks like Beckett is holding his elbow. He must have forgotten about that mask that Azrael wears.

[Beckett looks over at Azrael with an angered look on his face. He walks back over and grabs a hold of that mask trying to rip it off. Azrael comes to and grabs onto Ryan’s arms trying to stop him.]

[Azrael does a vertical kick with his right leg hitting Beckett in the head. It dazes Beckett for a second, but he does not let go. Azrael kicks him in the head three more times in rapid succession before Beckett staggers backwards]

[Azrael double checks his mask before flipping onto his stomach and launching himself from the ropes straight into Beckett]

Frank Longely Jnr: Some sort of modified spear from the stairs there. That hit Beckett hard in the gut.

[Azreal back to his feet now and he slides back inside the ring. Ryan is getting back to his feet and making his way to the ring]

[Azrael runs against the opposite ropes and slides head first at Beckett under the bottom rope. He applies a front face lock as he swings his body off the apron, twists around Beckett and lands on his back, driving the Ryan's head into the floor]

[Beckett is down again but making attempts to get up. Azrael is to his feet first as Beckett finally makes it up to his. The Angel stalks Ryan. Beckett is a little dazed with his back to Azrael. He turns around to look for him but is met by a huge spear to the gut for his troubles. Ryan hits the arena floor again as Azrael is once again quick to his feet. He pulls Ryan up by his hair and begins pummeling the forehead of his weary opponent.]

Lockheart: Azrael is going for first blood right here and now. “Irish” Ryan Beckett is reeling but the Double Crown Champion is unrelenting.

[Azrael has resorted to forearm shivers to the head of Beckett and continues to pound away at the fleshy bump that has begun to protrude from the assault. Beckett makes an attempt to save his head and takes a big swing at Azrael sending him reeling backwards into the ring. Beckett shakes his head clearing away the fog and makes his way back inside the ring. He perches atop the ring post as he turns to motion towards the entrance way.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Beckett is looking worn out, but still with fight left in him!

[Beckett leaps and lands a Cross Body Block across the rising Azrael as the two men go sprawling to the floor. Beckett is the first one to make it towards his feet reaches inside his jeans pocket]

[From the back pocket he procures a pair of brass knuckles. From the entrance area a commotion from the fans can be heard.]

[McClain runs to the ring and buries Azrael with a Clothesline From Hell. Azrael appears to be out as McClain scoops up the smaller opponent. McClain has Azrael wrapped around a ring post, McClain on the inside of the ring with both arms of Azrael pulling tight against the post. For added measure McClain has anchored his feet into the shoulderplexes of Azrael. Beckett nods at McClain and begins to unlace the mask of Azrael.]

Lockheart: Beckett has alluded to this all week. He has made no secret he thinks that mask of Azrael's is an advantage and now he looks to be leveling the playing field.

[Beckett has the mask unlaced and begins to pulls the mask from Azrael’s face. Azrael is fighting for all he is worth but McClain has the cruiserweight locked down. Beckett pulls the mask from Azrael and the horror on McClain’s face says it all.]

Frank Longely Jnr: The mask is off! My God, the left side of Azrael’s face is hideous. We all knew that Azrael wore that mask to hide the burns he sustained in that horrid fire, but I don't think anybody expected this.

[McClain releases Azrael into the waiting arms of Beckett who scoops up the traumatized Azrael and drops him with a brutal Shoulder Breaker. Beckett now gets his first glimpse of Azrael and quickly rolls Azrael onto his stomach with his boot. McClain has begun his trek backstage, the whole time stealing glimpses of Azrael and his charred face.]

Lockheart: Without that mask, Azrael may be the first one to bleed here tonight!

[Beckett picks up the prone Angel and tosses him into the steal ring post. Azrael’s head bounces off of the metal as he falls limp to the floor]

Frank Longely Jnr: No movement from Azrael now, and still no blood. Must be a good thing that he is unconscious out there.

Lockheart: Remember folks, this is now a first blood match due to the fact that Deke Rivers missed his flight.

[Still disappointed in the lack of blood, Beckett picks Azrael up and tosses him inside the ring. Beckett leaves Azrael be for the moment and moves to a ring post and begins taking the pads off]

[Azrael begins to stir slightly as Beckett walks back over and picks him up. He grabs Azrael by the head and tries to ram him head first into the exposed turnbuckle.]

Frank Longely Jnr: WOW! Somehow Azrael has snapped back just in time and is trying to keep from getting his head torn open on that steel turnbuckle!

[Ryan tries once again to smash Azrael open but Azrael slides down out of the way. On his way down he kicks the legs out from underneath Beckett. Beckett lands head first onto the exposed turnbuckle]

[Beckett gets back up and grabs his forehead. He pulls away his hand and looks at it disbelieving as it is covered in blood. He falls to the ground still in disbelief]

Lockheart: Ladies and Gentlemen…you’re winner of this match and LAST EVER WWA Double Crown Champion…”The Angel” Azzzzrael!!!

[Azrael slides out of the ring quickly and scrounges around for his mask. He finds it and once again dons it before going back to get the belt]

[Azreal raises the belt in the air and turns slowly around in the ring so that the fans can see it while bowing just the slightest bit to all four sides of the arena before offering a hand to Beckett to shake. Beckett just stares at him in disbelief before ignoring the hand and rolling out of the ring. Azrael turns around to all four sides of the ring again before leaving the ring with one last bow at the fans before heading towards the back.

[Wolf is seen walking around the corner. He is wearing his S.W.A.T. boots, black pants, and a black t-shirt with his logo on the front of it. A backstage interviewer approaches him]

[Hearing his name called, Wolf stops and turns around. He sees the crew and smiles a devilish grin as his eyes light up]

[The interviewer is taken aback at the somewhat candid approach of Wolf. Judging from his recent actions, they thought he would be a little more hostile]

Interviewer: We were just wondering if you could give us your opinion on the upcoming Cruiserweight match.

Wolf: I’ll tell you what I think about that match…I think it’s gonna be great! Hehehe. Kakuma versus Wendy versus Tesauro versus Xiao…interesting. Hehehe. However, Wendy seems to be having problems of her own now doesn’t she? And I’ve faced both Kakuma and Tesauro before so I know what they can bring to the table. Misty Xiao seems to be in a recent slump, it’ll be interesting if her head is in the game.

Wolf: So I can have the sole pleasure of stripping the WWA World Cruiserweight title away from her! I should have been in this match! But since I wasn’t, I have to bide my time…but the wait will soon be over!

[With that he turns and walks away. The interviewer is left standing there with a puzzled look on her face]

Frank Longely Jnr - "But apparently, he's not the only one with something to say..."

[Cut to the WWA locker rooms, specifically the locker room set up for Joey Tesauro, who in only a few moments will challenge for the WWA World Cruiserweight title]

[We see him back in his locker room, alone, one foot up on his locker as he finishes, literally, lacing up his boots. In mid lacing, he hears a knock at the door, and looks up, not sure who it would be this close to his match]

Joey: Come in.

[In walks Eric Ramirez, Owner of the OCW.]

Ramirez: Mr. Tesauro, I am sorry for interrupting your pre-match ritual, but I was wondering if you have reached a decision on that lucrative offer my region has offered you for signing with OCW...

[Joey laughs a bit to himself]

Joey: Not much ritual before the match, I usually wait till after, in which case there's just alot of alcohol...

[Getting back to the point here]

Joey: Yeah I was going to try and give you a call after International Wars. Win or lose, I'm hoping the offer is still open.

Ramirez: Yeah either you will be a good addition to OCW line up... Because one thing for sure once you sign this paper. Odds are in OCW favor that by time International Wars are over. OCW will own WWA cruiserweight gold. Something Scott Logan or Eric Dane can't stop my company from reaching...

Joey: Well, just let me know when you want me to sign on the dotted lines.

[Eric reaches into his suit jacket, and pulls out an OCW contract.]

Ramirez: No better time than present.

[Joey shrugs, takes a pen, and signs across the dotted line. And then the other dotted line. And then the other. Why are there so many damn dotted lines on these things, you'd think they could just try to consolidate them into one, single, solitary line.]

[EVENTUALLY...Joey finishes signing]

[Ramirez takes the contract and extends his hand for Joey to shake it.]

Ramirez: Nice doing business with you... Now go out there and bring home the cruiserweight gold to OCW.

[Joey shakes his hand]

Joey: That's the idea. See you at work Mr. Ramirez, I won't disappoint.

[As it is really time to go, Joey takes his leave then, with any luck about to bring the Cruiserweight title back past to Sam Houston’s summer home]

Frank Longely Jnr - "That's Joey Tesauro -- former World Cruiserweight Champion! He just signed with OCW!"

Alicia Lockheart - "Frank, we all just watched the same thing. The people know what happened."

Alicia Lockheart - "Nevermind that... let's move on to the next match, the Cruiserweight Title match!"

Ring Announcer - "And his opponent... from Flushing, New York... weighing in at two hundred and seven pounds... Joey Tesauro!"

[Nothing there for a second, the lights shutting down in the arena. Insert the screams that always seem to happen when the lights go out, until we hear three words in a low, robotic voice]

[The stage explodes in blue fire, and then the lights are back on, the fans are cheering, the opening chords of “Show Me How To Live” By Audioslave are playing, and we are rolling]

#And with the early dawn
#Moving right along
#Couldn't buy a eye full of sleep
#And in the aching nights under satellites
#I was not received

#Built with stolen parts
#Telephone in my heart
#Someone get me a priest
#To put my mind to bed
#This ringing in my head
#Is this a cure or is this a disease?

[The sold out arena, filled to the rafters with crazy aussies is going insane for the Penguin man, now if only it was wendsday and we could get some of these chicks to take off their shirts, we could really get excited about something. As it is we just get to see Joey start to walk down to the ring]

[Joey’s, wearing the usual ring attire. Dark blue jeans, black boots, a black under-armor type shirt with an American flag on the sleeve. He’s ready to do a lot of moving.]

#And in the afterbirth
#On the quiet earth
#Let the stains remind you
#You thought you made a man
#You better think again
#Before my role defines you

[The chorus begins as Joey steps into the ring, vaulting over the top rope with a spring in his step, before running in to the opposite corner, fists raised to the crowd, the camera’s going wild]

[He hops back down, as the final bits of the song come on, Cornell shouting with ever more intensity]

[The song ends, the lights come back on, and Joey puts one more fist up for the crowd. Then crouches down in the ring, waiting for the match to begin]

[On the big screen appears an image of an iridescent angel in shimmering robes, drawn anime-style. With a flourish, the angel tips her face to the heavens and spreads her wings--]

[--And a single spotlight shines a white circle on the curtain at the top of the ramp. The spotlight fades, leaving only a column of white Chinese characters projected on the material. Then the beat kicks in hard, and the curtain parts, and revealed there is the mighty Syndicate of EVIL's "chosen one"...]

[Jets of glittering red pyro fire up all around the entranceway as Misty Xiao strides onto the stage. She's clad in a crimson, high-collared top with a monarch butterfly embroidered over the chest, matching crimson trunks, short black boots, black elbow- and kneepads, and red wrist tape. Her glossy black hair is tied in two bouncing pigtails.]

[Misty glances all about with a blank expression, her eyes glassy and dream-like, seemingly oblivious to the spectacle of her own grand entrance. After taking in the loud (if negative) reaction from the Australian fans for a moment, she jogs down the ramp...]

Ring Announcer: Now coming to the ring... Hailing from Hong Kong, China... Standing 5'7" and weighing 134 pounds... Representing the Syndicate of EVIL... She is "The Red Angel" MISTY XIAO!

[Misty flashes a robotic grin at the ringside fans, more out of habit than anything, still totally numb to their jeers and boos. Halfway down the aisle, Misty breaks into a full sprint and dives into the ring. She climbs to the top rope and raises her fist in the air, as cameras flash throughout the crowd.]

[Finally Misty jumps down from the turnbuckle. She stands in her corner and hops on the balls of her feet, limbering up.]

Ring Announcer: "And finally... from Indianapolis, Indiana... weighing in at one hundred and thirty pounds... your World Wrestling Alliance CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION... WENDY BRIESE!"

(The crowd leaps to their feet, cheering, as U2’s Elevation breaks in, and a volley of green pyros go off on stage)

#WHOOOOOOOO-HOOOO!#
#WHOOOOOOOO-HOOOOO-HOO!#
#WHOOOOOOOO-HOOOO!#
#WHOOOOOOOO-HOOOOO-HOO!#
#WHOOOOOOOO-HOOOO!#
#WHOOOOOOOO-HOOOOO-HOO!#
#WHOOOOOOOO-HOOOO!#

#Hi… higher than the sun#
#You shoot me from a gun#
#I need you to elevate me here#

(Wendy begins to make her way to the ring, high fiving fans all the way down on the left side)

#The corner of your lips#
#Is the orbit of your hips#
#Eclipse, you elevate my soul#

#I’ve got no self control#
#Been living like a mole now#
#Going down excavation#
#Higher, into the sky#
# You make me feel like I can fly#
#So high#
#Elevation!#

(Wendy walks to the middle of the ring, and gives her title to the referee. The ref takes it, and holds it up, while Wendy retreats to her corner, the music fading)

[Misty and Wendy immediately launch towards one another, falling to the mat and grappling with the intensity we've come to expect when the two of them clash. Joey wastes no time going after Kakuma, sending a wild boot to his gut before taking him down with a lightning-quick DDT. His instant assault stunned the SWF star, allowing Tesauro to pull him up -- and take him back down with a flurry of martial arts kicks.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "Joey Tesauro is looking strong tonight, seemingly having little trouble with Kakuma..."

Frank Longely Jnr - "...You do realize that you're drooling over a bird, right?"

[Misty seems to have gotten the better of Wendy, from the start -- laying into her with a multitude of forearm smashes, relentlessly. Xiao pauses for a moment, whipping Briese to the opposite corner, before charging after...]

[The Syndicate of EVIL member bounces off of the turnbuckle, as the Whirlybird takes the opportunity to roll up her stunned opponent with an inside cradle.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "It's been a long time since he's been the Cruiserweight Champion -- he's not about to let this opportunity slip past him. Especially not to Prud---erm--- Wendy Briese."

[Joey pulls Misty to her feet, sending a brutal low-kick to her leg... which she promptly grabs, howling in pain. Tesauro glances around the ring, before kicking the other leg -- with similar results. The Red Angel's face grows crimson, as she glares at Tesauro...]

[It's now Joey's turn to hop upon one foot, rubbing his shin painfully. Meanwhile, Kakuma starts to get to his feet - with a bit of help from the Cruiserweight Champion.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "Kakuma and Wendy are no strangers -- They've met two other times over this very belt... and neither time proved to be to Kakuma's advantage. Perhaps he can penetrate... *giggle*..."

[Kakuma attempts a clothesline but Wendy ducks underneath, catching a facecrusher as the SWF star turns around... as well as a flying Cross-body block as he rises... finished up nicely, with a victory roll.]

Alicia Lockheart - "Few women can maintain such grace while beating the hell out of men... It's a truly amazing art she has crafted..."

Frank Longely Jnr - "Well, she has to do something while she's not gettin' nailed by Terrance. Why not practice?"

[Misty and Tesauro continue to brawl, as Joey nails a DDT on Misty, holding on, and nailing another one. He bridges back up, before hitting a Jumping DDT... following it up with a springboard moonsault.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! JOEY TESAURO JUST GOT HUNG OUT TO DRY!"

Alicia Lockheart - "Kakuma and Wendy, with a double-team. Who could have seen that alliance coming?"

[...and as quickly as it started, it ended -- as Kakuma hefted Wendy upwards, and over, with a belly to belly suplex. Springboarding off of the ropes, he lands a guillotine leg drop, holding the position for a pin!]

Frank Longely Jnr - "Joey Tesauro just levelled Kakuma with a Shining Wizard sort of dropkick maneuver... I don't know what to call that!"

[Kakuma attempts to catch Misty off-guard, but she reverses his attempt at a german suplex -- leaping off of the ropes...]

Alicia Lockheart - Kakuma is staggered, as Tesauro and Xiao trade strikes in the middle of the ring... and Wendy Briese seemingly has something aerial in mind, as she rises to her feet, going to the corner, and is ascending to the top rope!

Frank Longley Jnr - Just like Briese to try this approach -- attacking her opponents when they're distracted!

[As Wendy tries to steady herself on the top rope, facing into the ring, Misty connects with a knee to the midsection of Joey Tesauro, and whirls about with a spinning backfist -- but misses, as Joey has the wherewithal to duck it, and uses her momentum to grab her by the arm and whip her toward the very corner Wendy is perched on. Misty hits the turnbuckles hard -- but the impact also knocks Wendy's feet out from under her, and the World Cruiserweight Champion finds herself abruptly, and painfully, crotched on the top rope.]

Frank Longley Jnr - Not as much as it's got to hurt Twister to watch this, seeing as Wendy has just lost her virginity to a turnbuckle!

[Joey starts to charge into the corner, but is waylaid by Kakuma, who lunges at him with a lariat, mowing him down. As Kakuma and Tesauro roll and scuffle on the canvas, Misty Xiao stumbles out of the corner holding her lower back. She turns around, spotting Wendy's predicament, and sinister opportunity seems to glimmer in her blank trance-like gaze. Misty immediately climbs up to the top with Wendy, slipping around behind her and ducking her head under Wendy's arm. She wraps her own arms around the waist of Wendy Briese and starts to haul her up--]

Alicia Lockheart - But she's facing the wrong way... OH NO! NOT TO THE OUTSIDE! SHE CAN'T! SHE--

Alicia Lockheart - MY GOD, THEY ARE DEAD! THEY ARE DEAD, FRANK! MISTY XIAO JUST BACK SUPLEXED WENDY BRIESE OFF THE TOP ROPE -- DOWN THROUGH THAT TABLE HERE AT RINGSIDE!

[The table? In SPLINTERS. Misty and Wendy? Sprawled awkwardly amid the wreckage like RAG DOLLS. Neither of them is moving. And the arena is going freakin' BALLISTIC.]

Alicia Lockheart - Xiao obviously had it in her mind to do some serious damage to Briese -- but that move was like a murder/suicide, because they BOTH took the brunt of the fall!

Alicia Lockheart - I doubt either of them is about to get up after that! I think... Jesus, Frank, I think we may need medical attention out here, because these women are in a BAD WAY.

[The referee slips out of the ring -- leaving Joey and Kakuma for the moment -- and crouches by the fallen bodies of Wendy Briese and
Misty Xiao, who look for all the world as if they're dead. With a grim shake of the head, he stands up, faces toward the entrance of the arena, and makes a distinct 'X' sign with his arms.]

Alicia Lockheart - There it is, the referee making what I think is the right decision, and calling for some help... Really, this is such an unfortunate turn of events for both these women, who've brought so much prestige to the World Cruiserweight division over the last while.

Frank Longley Jnr - I blame it on Wendy. If it wasn't for her, Misty would never have gone for such a reckless move.

[A small army of officials and medical crew are now running down the ramp, leading a pair of stretchers alongside them. Quickly making their way around the ring to the scene of the carnage, some of the EMTs carefully begin extricating the women from the shattered pieces of table, while others gingerly maneuver hard backboards underneath them. Through all of this, Wendy and Misty show only sparse signs of life. The crowd has gone into a sober hush, aware that something has gone tragically wrong.]

[Soon enough the women are loaded on the stretchers, with foam pads strapped around their heads to minimize movement of the neck, and the officials and EMTs start to wheel them around the ring toward the ramp. There's a smattering of applause, the fans showing due respect to the athletes being stretchered out of the match.]

Frank Longley Jnr - You're right. Misty almost certainly had this thing won, but now she won't get her chance to regain the World Cruiserweight Title.

Alicia Lockheart - That's true, but it's just as bad for Wendy, who IS the World Cruiserweight Champ, who isn't even going to be able to finish the match.

Alicia Lockheart -Anyway, folks, this match is NOT OVER YET, as Kakuma and Joey Tesauro ARE still fighting it out...

[In the center of the ring, no less, slamming their fists into one another like the valiant warriors we know them to be. Kakuma gains the advantage, with a simple arm bar... which Joey quickly reverses. Kakuma rolls out of it, sweeping Tesauro's legs out from underneath him before locking on a triangle hold.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "Fast and Furious action from the two real wrestlers in this match."

Alicia Lockheart - "Come on Frank, you know that you'de be crying like a little girl if you took a fall like Wendy and Misty did."

[Tesauro makes it to the ropes, breaking the hold -- only to find himself in a hammerlock from the SWF star, yet again. This time, Kakuma pumps it into a Northern Lights Suplex, bridging for the pin.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "Pinfall attempt! Both men are looking a bit worn out -- this could be it!"

Alicia Lockheart - "Kakuma's Single-arm Half Nelson Suplex! It really is True Beauty..."

Frank Longely Jnr - "More importantly, though, he usually uses that as a setup for his finisher!"

[Frustrated, Joey pulls his opponent towards the center of the ring -- nimbly climbing the turnbuckles, and leaping off...]

[Pulling Kakuma to his feet, Tesauro whips him into the corner... charging after with a bruising clothesline. Wasting little time, seemingly catching his second wind, Joey hefts Kakuma up the ropes with him... setting him up...]

Frank Longely Jnr - "Brutal doesn't even begin to describe it! After a failed True Grace, no less! That, is strategy!"

[Shaking his head angrily, Joey pulls Kakuma to his feet... driving him back to the mat with a double-underhook facedriver...]

Frank Longely Jnr - "That's the setup! Backdraft is coming! Joey Tesauro is going to be our new Cruiserweight Champion!"

Alicia Lockheart - "...How can you be so sure? Kakuma should be done for already!"

Frank Longely Jnr - "YES! He did it! Joey Tesauro is our NEW World Wrestling Alliance Cruiserweight Champion!"

Alicia Lockheart - "I bet the results would be different if Wendy and Misty were still around..."

Frank Longley Jnr - Regardless, what a great match! Joey Tesauro came out on top!

Alicia Lockheart - It was a good match. But it looks like they have to worry about Wolf now.

Alicia Lockheart - You heard what he said backstage. He wants that title and isn’t going to bide his time much longer!

[As if on cue, Wolf emerges from the entrance and starts a run down to the stage with a metal chair in hand]

[Wolf is seen standing over Joey, grinning sadistically as he looks over all the carnage he caused. The twisted and mangled metal chair lays cast off to the side. In his hand he grips the WWA World Cruiserweight Title]

Wolf: This is mine! This belongs to me! I should have been here! This should have been my match!

Frank Longley Jnr - Somebody needs to get down here and get Wolf out of the ring so we can continue!

Frank Longely Jnr - Well, we'll let security clean up that mess... what's next, Alicia?

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following bout is scheduled for one fall... and it is for the WWA International Championship! Introducing first...

<p>(A series of red, white, and blue explosions rip the stage, igniting some fuel in the entranceway, setting it ablaze, as the opening chords of Audioslave’s “Gasoline” begins to play)

#Houses haunted, I just wanna go for a ride#
#Out and on, before I set this room alight#
#Left alone forever and for crimes unclear.#
#Someone take me far from here#

(The crowd gives another mixed reaction as a shadowed figure appears in the flames, standing there, looking out at the crowd.)

<p>(The figure steps out of the flames, and its revealed that the person is none other than Terrence Thompson, wearing his helmet. The Mechanical Mayhem calmly walks down the ramp.)

Announcer: From Indianapolis, Indiana... Standing six feet and weighing 215 pounds... Accompanied to the ring by Dan Pollaski... He is one half of the WhirlyBirdz... TERRANCE "TWISTER" THOMPSON!

#New day only, another day in solitude#
#Houses honest, clearly more than I can bear#
#Drain me all before I set my world on fire#
#I am gone, the sun will never set tonight#

(Twister reaches the bottom of the ramp, before taking his gloves and helmet off. Behind him, the fire wall dies down, and out comes Pollaski.)

(Twister rolls into the ring, his suit now slightly charred, and he heads to his corner, the music fading)

Alicia Lockheart: Frank, this match is only the latest in a series of encounters between Twister Thompson and Jono Cross... Back at WWA Shockwave earlier this year, they were already battling it out for the now-retired WWA Double Crown! And since then they've both made some impressive strides -- both men attaining new levels of success in the Alliance in their respective journeys. And now... here they are again, this time with no less than the International Title on the line!

Frank Longley Jnr: Well, okay, yeah, Twister's done this or that since Shockwave...

Alicia Lockheart: This or that? He defeated Rayne to win the BWA Heavyweight Title! And he then went on to challenge Rayne again for the World Heavyweight Title, and made one hell of an accounting of himself! And only a week or so ago, Twister pinned the very man about to walk out here, in a non-title match in the BWA. So if you're about to wonder if Twister deserves to be on this stage, at this level... the answer is unequivocally YES!

Alicia Lockheart: Anyhow, as far as that young woman goes, you can SEE the relief on the face of Twister, who had to be worried sick about her all the way up to the beginning of tonight's event. But now that Wendy's out of Diablo's clutches, Mr. Thompson's mind is sure to be clear and focused on what just could be his hour of glory here.

Frank Longley Jnr: He'll HAVE to be clear and focused if he wants to make lightning strike twice...

[The arena slowly fades to darkness... as 'The Blood Brother's' "Every Breath is a Bomb" blasts over the loudspeakers. The angry blast of guitar and drums is drowned out only by the incessant screams of a rather unhappy singer...]

(fake fake flowers) (fake funeral) This room is a fluorescent tomb:
it's brazen bulbs mimic death's hyena croon.
He pulls on her wires, she jerks to attention,
she's animated again, she's talking to a hypodermic reflection.

[White blasts of fiery pyrotechnic blast from either side of the rampway, as the tron shows a large white Cross... followed by his name, in blood red - 'Jonathan Cross - The Future of the WWA'.]

We've watched it all from the window ledge...
the nurses offer their condolences...
tounges flapping, I can't make out your tone,
our hearts beat in slow motion.

[Yet another flash of white, and he appears... encircled in the remaining smoke from the bursts of light, gazing towards the ring. He gives a cocky half-smile towards the unknowing thousands in attendance...]

If we make it to the final scene...(fake flowers!)
show me the sapphire pit (fake tomb)
peel the candy crust off my body (fake flowers)
throw in the brittle skeleton...(fake tomb)

[He stands upon the entranceway - not even glancing towards the fans, as he makes his way to the ring... carrying his WWA International Title over his shoulder with confidence.]

Can you inject love's tender touch back into the gang bang?
Can you knit the stiletto back to the bloodstain?
Can you put the bite back the the beast you've broken, tied and tamed?
Can you crease the wrinkles back into the cracked and open brain?

Announcer: Now coming down the aisle! Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania... At a height of 6'8" and weighing 255 lbs... He is the reigning World Wrestling Alliance International Champion... JONATHAN CROSS!

[He starts his journey, down the ramp way... walking with a quick gait. He stares forward, burning a hole through nobody in particular with his glare...]

So doctor won't you pull the fucking plug? Won't you cut the cord?
Because you can't put the life back into this hospital ward.
She's gonna make it out ok... but she's shaking like a revolution...
and she stares at the fire all day... mumbling to herself..."

[He slides into the ring, under the bottom rope... leaping, with incredible agility for a large man, onto the second turnbuckle, and raising his World Wrestling Alliance International Title high into the air... as the crowd emits a massive roar...]

Every hole has a snake in it...
Every crotch is a siamese gun,
every ray of sunshine hides a cancerous chime,
every breath is a bomb.

Alicia Lockheart: And here's the champ, who had to defeat his own brother, Erik Cross, to win the belt he now wears around his waist. Which was no easy feat, I can tell you -- that battle left BOTH brothers as changed men.

Frank Longley Jnr: That it did, Alicia. But that's in the past, and this is now, and Jono is looking across the ring at a man who -- God knows how -- had his number recently... and could very well have it again tonight. I don't see it happening, though. That belt means too much to Cross for him to let it be pried from his grasp at the biggest WWA event of the summer.

Alicia Lockheart: Well, no doubt every fight these two men have had with each other must be rolling through their minds right now... Every defeat, every victory... And Jono may be leading Twister in terms of wins in their various encounters -- but what counts here is, who will be the better wrestler on THIS day?

[His eyes sparking with intensity, Jonathan Cross reluctantly relinquishes the International Title to the hands of the referee. The ref proceeds with the ceremony: showing the belt to Twister, to Cross, and then raising it above his head for the entire Australian crowd to see. This prompts a round of approving cheers.]

[Then the referee goes to the side of the ring and passes the belt carefully to an attendant at ringside. He gives a signal to the timekeeper...]

Alicia Lockheart: And we are off and running, Frank, as Cross and Twister slowly begin to circle each other... And right away, you HAVE to notice the difference in size between these two men. Cross practically towers over his challenger, having a full eight inches on Twister... But it's a lanky height, and Twister's lower center of gravity could well neutralize Cross's advantage in terms of leverage.

Frank Longley Jnr: So what you're saying is, Twister's about the right height to headbutt Cross in the jewels.

[Familiar as they are with each other's approach, Cross and Thompson only tarry a few moments before they lock up -- with Twister quickly slipping out of the grapple and moving behind Jono. Jono swings an elbow back at Twister's head, but Twister ducks it, and shoves Cross toward the ropes. Cross reverses it, whipping Twister against the ropes, and immediately thrusts out an elbow to catch the WhirlyBird on the rebound -- but Twister wisely hangs onto the top rope, halting his momentum. He steps up and hoofs Jono in the midsection, making the International Champion double over slightly, and starts laying into him with hard right hands to the face.]

[But Cross only tolerates two or three of these shots before he responds: grabbing Twister by the head, ramming his knee into the gut of the challenger once, twice. Taking a double handful of Twister's hair, Jono FLINGS him backward, making Thompson's head bounce off the canvas.]

[Cross brings Twister to his feet and ducks behind, lifting him up for a belly-to-back suplex... but Twister rolls out the back way, landing on his feet. Thompson swings a vicious kick at the back of Jono's knee, then a second, making Cross's stance falter for just a moment, Cross grimacing. Twister quickly laces his leg around Jono's and hooks him around the back of the head -- drops him with a Russian legsweep. Capitalizing, Twister again brings him to his feet and hooks the head...]

Alicia Lockheart: Twister pressing his advantage here, going for some kind of suplex...

Frank Longley Jnr: Doesn't get it done, though, as Jono fights back with knuckles to the kidneys! Whatta champ!

Alicia Lockheart: Twister's grasp loosens... And Cross CRACKS him with a headbutt. Cross with a front waistlock of his own -- HURLS Twister with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex!

[Jono is back on his feet almost immediately, while Twister has a bit of difficulty doing the same, as he picks himself with a hand clutching his back. Cross doesn't waste time: he moves in and double-underhooks the arms, heaving Twister up-- aaand DOWN with another suplex.]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross in control now, and he's taking his chance to go for the cover:

Alicia Lockheart: No such luck, Twister with a strong kickout. Too early in the match to expect to score a pinfall on someone like Thompson.

Alicia Lockheart: Anyway, Cross is not letting up on him, as he goes down on one knee and grabs hold of Twister's arm, giving it -- fittingly -- a twist, wrenching it against the shoulder joint...

[But Twister isn't content to sit there and be punished: grimacing against the pain, he gets his feet under him and starts to make his way upright. Cross keeps up the pressure as much as he can, but his leverage is weakening, and he's forced to stand up as well. Then, with a quick move, Twister spins through the armwrench and takes Cross over with a fireman's carry. But Jonathan maintains his hold on Twister's arm, yanking it towards him, and into a crucifix arm bar.]

Alicia Lockheart: Indeed, Cross not letting go of the hold, and Thompson ends up on his back again, with that arm being hyperextended.

[Twister smacks the canvas in some frustration, but he doesn't dwell on it long. He rolls in the direction of the submission hold -- toward Jono -- and gets his knees under him... and from this position he's able to use his own barred arm as a lever to roll Cross onto his shoulders!]

Frank Longley Jnr: No sirree, Cross kicking out forcefully and letting go of the hold rather than lose the match.

Alicia Lockheart: I said before that it was too early for a winning pinfall, but I think Twister just demonstrated that a fall really could come from nowhere. Especially when you take into account just how accomplished both these men are, and how much experience they bring to the ring.

Frank Longley Jnr: So it comes down to who'll make the first big mistake -- and I'm betting it'll be Mr. Briese there.

[Both men are back up in a flash, and Cross charges Twister with a lariat -- but Twister counters with a duck-under neckbreaker, taking Cross down. Jono rolls to his feet once again, irritation building in his face. He grabs at Twister, catching him in a front chancery, and tries to heave him off his feet... but Twister counters with a leg hooked around Jono's. Twister now wraps his arms around Cross's waist and, with a grunt of effort, goes for an overhead throw... but this time Jono kicks his legs to block it.]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross having none of that... and he CLUBS Twister in the small of the back with a forearm! Twister faltering -- OH! Jono with a spiking DDT in the middle of the ring!

Alicia Lockheart: Jono to his feet, and he backs into the ropes -- on the return and DROPS a big leg across the back of Thompson's neck! Cross rolls him over and makes the cover...

[Cross with a handful of Twister's hair, pulls him off the mat. He scoops up Twister -- CRACKS him across his knee with a backbreaker, leaving Twister gasping in pain as he drops to the canvas. Moving quickly to Thompson's legs, Cross hooks them up and turns his opponent over, bending Twister's back the wrong way.]

Alicia Lockheart: That it is, and a smart approach too, as this will definitely exacerbate the damage already done to Twister's back. Twister's face is a mask of pain here... his hands scratching at the mat, trying to find some way of relieving the pressure. But Cross has him locked tight, and you can SEE it in Jono's expression that he knows he has him.

[Leaning his weight farther back, Jonathan Cross applies even more pressure to the back of Terrence Thompson, who groans out loud... But refusing to say uncle just yet, Twister places his palms flat on the canvas, using all his strength to push himself up, while straining with all the force his leg muscles can muster. The effect is that Cross has to adjust his footing to maintain the hold -- but his leverage weakens enough that Twister is able to claw his way a few feet closer to the edge of the ring. He reaches out with a quavering hand--]

Alicia Lockheart: YES! Twister grabs the ropes! The referee ordering Cross to release the hold, and he does... but no sooner does he let go of the crab, than he drags Twister clear of the ropes by the leg -- and KICKS him square in the thigh!

[Cross quickly goes for a figure-four leglock -- but Twister plants the heel of his free boot in Jono's posterior, shoving him off. Twister uses the opportunity to get back to his feet... but Jono comes back almost immediately, slamming an elbow into his jaw, knocking him against the ropes. Cross takes him by the wrist and shoots him to the opposite side of the ring...]

Alicia Lockheart: Twister on the return and Cross is in position -- flips him up with a tilt-a-whirl-- NO! Twister counters -- INVERTED DDT! Jono didn't see THAT coming!

Alicia Lockheart: Cross getting up again, a tad disoriented... Twister pausing a second to shake out the cobwebs -- and then he's off! Jono turns around -- Thompson CAREENS into him with a running shoulder tackle, knocking the International Champion off his feet again! Man! Twister building some strong momentum here! And he stalks nearby as Jono scrambles to his feet... RIGHT in position to grab Cross's head aaand-- PLANT him with a Head-On Collision!

Alicia Lockheart: Kickout by Cross! Twister rising and backing off a few steps, measuring up Cross with a determined look on his face...

[Jonathan Cross is not quite as fast in getting up this time. Terrance sees his shot and takes it: he charges toward Cross, attempting a superkick -- but amazingly, Cross dodges, before rising quickly to catch the Whirlybird in a leg trap suplex.]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross's wrestling acumen showing through there... and a good thing for him, because Twister was mounting some strong offense just now!

[The counter move puts Twister down for a few moments, giving Cross that long to recover his bearings. Cross gets up first and goes over to Twister, hauling him roughly upright. He scoops Twister into the air, draping him over his shoulder...]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross going for a shoulderbreaker here... but no! Thompson pushing off, again slipping out of Jono's grasp and dropping to his feet behind him. Twister with a swift dropkick, connecting between Jono's shoulderblades, sending the champ into the ropes! Twister charges him--

Alicia Lockheart: Man, you could hear THAT one all the way around the arena! Cross clutching painfully at his chest... and Twister takes him by the arm, whips him to the other end of the ring -- reversed by Cross. Twister on the return -- with a lariat!

[With a quick motion, Jonathan Cross spins behind Thompson and locks him in a full nelson, before landing a dragon suplex. Rising to his feet, he switches arm positions, locking on a double chickenwing... before landing a Tiger Suplex. Rising to his feet once more, he pulls Terrance up with him - and lands a twisting Exploder Suplex, before making a pinfall attempt.]

Frank Longley Jnr: WHAT a combination of moves by Jonathan Cross! How Thompson survived that, I'll never know.

Alicia Lockheart: That's his well-known tenacity showing, Frank. But you're right, that had to take quite a bit out of the challenger... and Cross is working up some momentum of his own.

[Before Twister can recover, Cross drags him to his feet, sets him up in a standing headscissors. With a waistlock, Jono flips Twister up... and NAILS him with a bone-shuddering powerbomb!]

Frank Longley Jnr: Jono looking a bit perturbed at this point; you'd think Twister would have the good grace to just die already.

[Showing signs of impatience, Cross violently stomps the chest of Thompson once or twice, making the WhirlyBird roll up into a ball, grunting. Jono doesn't let up: he stoops down and pulls Twister to his feet, whips him into the ropes. Twister rebounds, and Cross ducks -- boosting him overhead with a Gorilla Press!]

Alicia Lockheart: Cross just THREW Thompson gut-first onto the top turnbuckle! Twister folded over it like a bath towel, in a LOT of pain!

Alicia Lockheart: Nothing but bad intentions behind THAT, Frank, as you can tell by the malicious grin on Jonathan Cross's face. And obviously there are more bad intentions on the way, because Cross is now climbing up that same corner, and positioning the beleaguered Twister Thompson for some kind of high-impact move...

[Indeed, Cross has shoved Thompson into a straddling posture on the top turnbuckle, facing out of the ring. Jono now ducks his head under Twister's arm, grabbing him around the waist.]

[The challenger now clamps his arm tight around the skull of Jonathan Cross in a side headlock, and he starts battering him with closed right hands. Cross tries to struggle out of it, but Twister smashes him with a NASTY shot to the bridge of the nose, making the bigger man falter. Immediately Twister stands up on the top, still clutching Jono's head, and kicks off with a twist, toward the ring!]

Alicia Lockheart: That's what the FANS are saying, too! Both men landed hard, but Jono Cross DEFINITELY got the worst of that! Twister crawls over, shoving Cross onto his back before making the cover:

Alicia Lockheart: OH! Cross gets the shoulder up before the count of three! It wasn't enough to put the champ away!

[Twister kneels up with a frown, sweeping a hand through his sweaty hair, before getting to his feet. Noticing Cross trying to rise as well, Twister quickly drops a leg across the man's face, putting him right down again. Then Thompson reaches down for two handfuls of Cross's hair, hauling him none-too-gently to his feet, and whips him across the ring -- RIGHT into the corner, where Cross smacks into the turnbuckles spine-first with a bang and a grunt of pain. No sooner does he hit, than Twister is on the move -- charging right for him!]

Alicia Lockheart: Here he comes -- SPEAR INTO THE CORNER! Cross had NOWHERE to go, there, and took the full impact of Twister's bullrush RIGHT in the torso! Thompson steps back as Jono stumbles wearily out of the corner... only to be caught in a front chancery by Twister! Aaand--

Alicia Lockheart: OH! FLATTENS Cross with the #38 Special! How's THAT for impressive offense by the challenger, Twister Thompson!

Alicia Lockheart: Cross doesn't look like he's going ANYWHERE for now, and Twister is now ascending to the top rope! The fans rising to their feet here, as Thompson gives the signal -- he says it's time to finish things off with the Black Flag!

[But Jonathan Cross evidently sees the aerial maneuver coming before Twister can take off, and he rolls out of range, fighting to his feet as best he can.]

Alicia Lockheart: Indeed it was, but Twister has a look on his face like, if he made the effort to get to the top rope, he's not going to see it wasted. Jono turns around to look for Thompson -- Twister FLIES! OOHH!! And DRILLS Cross in the kisser with one PICTURE-PERFECT MISSILE DROPKICK!

Alicia Lockheart: Jono's been fallen like a mighty redwood by that high-flying move, and Twister immediately drapes himself over Cross for the cover!

Alicia Lockheart: NO! Cross kicks out JUST in the nick of time. And Twister is starting to get frustrated here, as he KNOWS how much is riding on this match.

[Letting his anger drive him, Twister drags Jono off the mat and shoves him hard against the ropes, nailing him with a boot to the gut, and then BLISTERING the chest of Cross with a RESOUNDING knife-edge chop. Cross gasps out loud and clutches at the bright red welt already standing out against his skin. Twister knocks Cross's hand away -- and chops him AGAIN.]

Alicia Lockheart: Twister is just UNLOADING on Jono here, and that's really the only way to go, because Cross is as tough a competitor as any in the WWA... Oh, and Twister now backing off a few steps -- charges in with a LARIAT!

Frank Longley Jnr: NO! Cross saw it coming and lowered the shoulder -- sending Twister OVER the top rope and ALL the way to the floor! It's a thing of beauty!

Alicia Lockheart: I don't know about beauty -- Twister landed with a sickening thump, like a slab of meat being slapped against a hard surface...

[In the ring, Jono is just leaning against the ropes, trying to catch his breath. Down at ringside, Thompson is in rough shape after his fall, groaning and clutching at his ribs. Suddenly, as the camera focuses in on the agonized face of Twister, it catches fleeting movement in the front row. A figure is jumping over the guardrail.]

Alicia Lockheart: Wait a damn minute -- that's MATT McCLAIN! What's HE doing out there?

[Thompson is slowly picking himself up off the floor as McClain sneaks up behind. Shaking his head to clear it, Twister turns around -- and when he does, SMACK!]

Alicia Lockheart: SHOWSTOPPER! For a second time tonight, McClain's used that Superkick, but this time it could cost the challenger the WWA International title!

[Twister falls like a sack of potatoes, allowing McClain to walk on over and pick up the fallen Twister and throw him shoulder first--]

[--into the steel steps. Unbelievably, the referee is oblivious to all this; he's paying more attention to Jonathan Cross, who has recovered somewhat and is furiously wrenching at a turnbuckle pad at the other end of the ring, trying to rip it off the bolt.]

Frank Longley Jnr: That's it, Jono -- just keep the ref distracted while Matt does a number on ol' Twisty here! That's playing smart!

Alicia Lockheart: I don't think Cross is even aware that McClain's out here, and considering how proud Cross is, I don't know that he would appreciate anyone's help in this match anyway. But in any case, this needs to stop!

McClain: I’m the one TRUE Natural Disaster here in the WWA, you best damn well remember that son!

[This done, McClain slowly backs away from the ring, keeping a smirk on his face and an eye on the squared circle as he heads up the ramp.]

Alicia Lockheart: Well, thank goodness he's finally getting out of there... And Cross is so busy arguing with the referee that he's only JUST now realized that Twister is back in the ring. Taking over once again, he moves out of the corner and hauls Twister upright, hooking him up by the head. Lifts him UP... holding him upside down to really let him THINK about this one... and DOWN with a stalling suplex! Float over into the cover…

Alicia Lockheart: NO! Kick out on two, close for the Champion there! He very nearly cashed this match in after the interference of Matt McClain just now.

Alicia Lockheart: Yes, it is! It would've been a tainted win, nothing better. And exactly WHAT would motivate McClain to do that, anyway? That man's turning into something of a loose cannon, and I don't like it -- there are far too many of those around as it is. And what a travesty it would've been for Twister to lose this match because of that.

[Evidently sensing the tides turning in his favor, Jonathan Cross stares out across the sea of fans with a look of determination. Then he hauls the groggy Twister Thompson off the canvas and sets him up in a standing headscissors.]

Alicia Lockheart: Uh oh... this could be it! Cross setting him up for the Extinction right here! That will SURELY end things!

[But before Cross can execute the move, Twister kicks his feet to block any attempt -- and with all his might, he tosses Jono back and over with a back body drop! The effort makes Twister drop to his knees -- but Cross lands flat on his back.]

Frank Longley Jnr: Jesus, someone drive a stake through that guy's heart already!

Alicia Lockheart: Terrence Thompson STILL not ready to give up the fight! But he's not looking too fresh now, as he slowly stands up... and Cross is also rising to his feet, faster than the challenger is! Jono moving in on Twister as Twister turns around-- Cross with a stiff forearm to the face! Twister staggers back -- and returns with a brutal forearm smash of his own! They're just BLUDGEONING each other here, folks!

[Battered and bruised, Jonathan and Twister lay into one another with barrage after barrage of vicious forearms. Terrance gains the advantage, knocking Jonathan to the mat, before backing up...]

Alicia Lockheart: SPINNING EXTINCTION! He nailed ALL of it! I can't imagine the effect of the corkscrew motion on Terrance's neck!

Alicia Lockheart: Twister showing ASTOUNDING ring presence in getting his foot on the bottom rope -- which is about the only thing that saved him just now, because there was NO WAY he was kicking out of that!

Frank Longley Jnr: And Jonathan Cross is virtually throwing a FIT in there, and rightfully so! He SHOULD'VE won the match just now!

Alicia Lockheart: Be that as it may, Twister is STILL in this match... And Cross looks absolutely FURIOUS.

[Breathing hard and gritting his teeth, Cross grabs Twister's leg and bodily drags him over to the corner. Here he lifts the half-conscious Twister upright and leans him back-first against the turnbuckles, before stepping through the ropes and climbing to the second rope himself. Perched above the ring, Cross leans down and locks up Twister's head in an inverted facelock -- which instantly causes the crowd to rise to their feet.]

Alicia Lockheart: Oh, Frank -- here it comes! Jonathan Cross's piece de resistance -- the Enflamed Spiral!

Alicia Lockheart: WAIT! Twister struggling here -- he throws an elbow back, trying to knock Jono off his footing! Cross returning with a axhandle-like thump to Twister's exposed chest with his free hand! AND HERE IT COMES!

Alicia Lockheart: Twister countering by spinning into the move! He has Jono draped on his shoulder! Aaaand--

Alicia Lockheart: WHAT a counter to Cross's finishing move! Cross driven head-first into the canvas! But Twister is down too -- that might've taken everything he had left!

[Both men lie on the mat a few moments, their heaving chests the only movement in their battered frames. Then Twister rolls over, slowly, and drags himself to the corner recently vacated by Jonathan Cross. Rope by rope, Thompson pulls himself to his feet -- and then starts climbing to the top!]

Alicia Lockheart: AMAZING! Twister heading for the top floor! He could be looking for the kill shot here!

Alicia Lockheart: NOT FAR ENOUGH! TWISTER STILL NAILED HIM WITH THE 450 HEADBUTT! Cross folded up in the fetal position -- and Twister hooks the head and knee!

[In a state of near exhaustion, Twister looks up and out of the ring at the suddenly ROARING fans -- and seems almost in shock at what he's just done. But outside the ring, WhirlyBirdz manager Dan Pollaski is going absolutely bonkers.]

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen... your winner by pinfall... and NEW World Wrestling Alliance International Champion... TERRENCE "TWISTER" THOMPSON!!!

[Seemingly in a daze, Twister gets up, using the ropes for support. It all finally sinks in when the referee presents Twister with the International Title -- which he takes and jubilantly thrusts into the air with a triumphant grin. The fans cheer him on wildly.]

Alicia Lockheart: There you have it, Frank! Your NEW International Champion, and boy, did he earn it tonight! Even YOU have to admit that!

Frank Longley Jnr: Fine, fine. He earned it! That doesn't mean I have to like it...

Alicia Lockheart: Well, regardless of what YOU think, this is a HUGE moment for Twister Thompson... his title win tonight has vaulted him into the big leagues of the WWA, something that, in my mind, has been a long time in coming for this young man!

Frank Longley Jnr: How about a little respect for Jonathan Cross while you're at it, huh? THAT man made a FANTASTIC showing tonight as well.

Alicia Lockheart: NO doubt about that whatsoever! Cross was a hell of a champ, and he may have his day once again. But tonight -- THIS day -- belongs to that man right there: Terrence Thompson!

Frank Longely Jnr - Indeed, it does. And now, we'll waste a bit more of our viewers time with another segment by our soon-to-be-former-tag Champions... the Forces of Nature.

[The two boys appear to still be right where we'de left them... with Ashley furiously attempting to scrub any trace of bird droppings from his forehead. Appearances, however, can be decieving...]

Ashley Hyatt: "That's the fifth bird to take a crap on me! This is ridiculous!"

[Jonesy continued on his way, happily humming along to his INXS tape -- as the two boys made their way towards the exit of the cemetary. With wary eyes, Hyatt peered towards the sky... narrowly avoiding a tree in his path. It seemed that lady luck was with him no more... and the entire world was taking a collective dump on his head.]

[Jonesy's eye caught a flurry of motion, giving him just enough warning to narrowly dodge the flailing arms of his counterpart... sending him tumbling towards the grass with a less-than-graceful thump. With his eyes still towards the sky, Ashley chased after his nemesis... even though it soared a good twenty feet above his head.]

Ashley Hyatt: "I'm going to catch you... and then I'm going to crap on your HEAD! We'll see how you like it!"

Jonesy Frost: "It's the ghost of Michael Hutchence, man. He's getting his revenge..."

[With a burst of maniacal laughter, Ashley instantly dismisses the notion... narrowly dodging another barrage of dung, which sends him face-first into a low-hanging tree branch. Slowly, he begins to rise... rubbing his forehead vigorously, before pausing in contemplation.]

Alicia Lockhart- No, but please tell me its not going to involve you gloating about how there is absolutely no way in hell the Forces of Nature are going to be walking out of this one alive.

Alicia Lockhart- Oh, for Gods sakes, Frank. You always say that one wrestler or another has no chance of walking out the winner, and at least half the time, you’re wrong.

Frank Longley, Jr- Ah, but that also means that nearly half the time, I’m right! You know, it’s a glass half-empty glass half-full kind of thing.

Alicia Lockhart- The way you talk about some people, Frank, I don’t think ANYONE could ever possibly view you as an optimist.

Frank Longley, Jr- I’m an optimist. I think that its might take the Syndicate of Evil upwards of five minutes to regain their titles.

Alicia Lockhart- Ugh.. that’s not what I meant! Anyways, before I strangle you to death, lets go to the ring.

Jerry McHall- LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL, AND IT IS FOR THE WORLD WRESTLING ALLIANCE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS! INTRODUCING FIRST, BEING ACCOMPANIED TO THE RING BY ASH THE MAN-SOON AND THE SKIPPER, THE CHALLENGERS, FROM THE INDEPENDENT NATION OF DOOMSHAKALAKA, AT A COMBINED WEIGHT OF FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE POUNDS, THE TEAM OF SETH MAVERICK AND BRIGHAM SMITH: MANIFEST DESTINY!

[The hard, opening electric riffs from Blush's "Word From The Wise" blare through the hot Cancun air...]

[On the jumbotron appears a vast mountainous landscape. The view sweeps at enormous speed across rocky steppes, river valleys, and sheer cliffs, approaching a flat peak. Two figures, tiny at a distance but growing larger as the shot zooms in, stand with arms folded, surveying the world around them with the imperious air of conquerors.]

[Blue and white pyro explodes from the stage, and those same two figures stride out onto the ramp: Seth Maverick and "The Stormin' Mormon" Brigham Smith. Almost immediately, the fans are booing them relentlessly.]

[Maverick is tall and muscular, sporting a head of messy, shoulder-length black hair and an unshaven face. He wears black khaki pants with "MAVERICK" down the left leg in silver letters, black boots, and white tape on his fists. Smith -- smaller but lithe in appearance -- is clad in short blue-and-white tights, white pads and boots. He also wears a hooded vest that is blue in front, white in back with the initials "TSM" written in blue; the hood is pulled over his short unkempt brown hair. Tucked under his arm is a leather-bound edition of the Book of Mormon.]

[Behind them appears two men: one large and stocky, dressed in a crisp white ship captain's uniform, the other tall and lean, and dressed like a cowboy -- their Syndicate colleagues, The Skipper and Ash the Man-Soon. Together, the four men stride purposefully down the ramp...]

[Amid loud jeering, the foursome enters the ringside area. The Skipper and Ash remain on the floor, at ringside, while Smith and Maverick slide in under the bottom rope. Seth goes to his team's corner and leans listlessly against the turnbuckles. Meanwhile, Brigham stands in the center of the ring, accepts a microphone from the ring announcer, and addresses the crowd...]

Brigham Smith- Good evening, Brothers and Sisters. Tonight, I and my partner Seth are scheduled to compete for the WWA World Tag Team Titles -- titles we lost earlier this year, I'm sorry to say; but titles we very much want to get *back*. Our opponents tonight, the current champs, you all know as Jonesy Frost and Ashley Hyatt... but perhaps you know them better as the Forces of Nature.

Brigham Smith- Now, I'm not sure I can look too fondly on these two young men who so casually embrace the ways of "nature". For those things which come naturally -- actions and thoughts arising from "natural" instincts -- are not always what is *good* or *right*. This is described very powerfully in the Book of Mosiah, Chapter 16, Verses 1-5...

[He opens his Book of Mormon and looks down. Some distinct jeering from the crowd is audible, but there's no dampening Brigham Smith's spirit.]

Brigham Smith- "AND now, it came to pass that after Abinadi had spoken these words he stretched forth his hand and said: The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgments are just. And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not."

[His eyes and his voice fill with righteous indignation, as he's swept up in the drama of his story.]

Brigham Smith- "For they are carnal and devilish, and the devil has power over them; yea, even that old serpent that did beguile our first parents, which was the cause of their fall; which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal, sensual, devilish, knowing evil from good, subjecting themselves to the devil. Thus all mankind were lost; and behold, they would have been endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state. But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him..."

Brigham Smith- "...Therefore he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God."

Brigham Smith- So you see, Mr. Frost and Mr. Hyatt... While you're passing your time in devilish pursuits, as befitting your *basic* nature... you're neglecting those practices that could raise you *above* the carnal, toward life everlasting in the service of our Lord. Is your idle fun worth the sacrifice of your immortal soul? Think on that, and know that we're here tonight to deliver you... from evil. [Pauses, puts on a small grin] I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

[Ignoring the deluge of boos washing down on the ring, Smith hands the mic back to the dumbfounded ring announcer and goes to join Maverick in his corner.]

Alicia Lockhart- No, Frank, its not that! Its just they came to see wrestling, not hear a long drawn out sermon.

Frank Longley, Jr- But this is that man’s RELIGION, Alicia! They could show some respect.

Alicia Lockhart- Well, granted, it was probably not the most considerate course of action to boo Brigham, but given what he associates himself wi- Wait a second, Frank! Since when in the hell did you start being an advocate for religious freedom?

Frank Longley, Jr- I’ve always believed that a man should be entitled to believe what he believes, and that makes him no better or worse-

Jerry McHall- AND THEIR OPPONENTS, FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA, AT A COMBINED WEIGHT OF FOUR HUNDRED AND SIX POUNDS. THEY ARE THE CURRENT WORLD WRESTLING ALLIANCE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, AND THE BWA/SSW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, THE TEAM OF JONESY FROST AND ASHLEY HYATT… THE FORCES OF NATURE!

[The lights in the Rapides Parish Civic Center fade into blackness, as green spotlights dance about the crowd, followed shortly by a barrage of green strobe lights. "Learn to Fly" by The Foo Fighters blasts over the loudspeakers, as the two Canadian Youths of 'The Forces of Nature' head out onto the entranceway.]

Run and tell all of the angels
This could take all night
Think I need a devil to help me get things right
Hook me up a new revolution
Cause this one is a lie
We sat around laughing and watched the last one die

[Jonesy stops in awe at the sight before him, barely able to contain his excitement... as Hyatt elbows him in the ribs - motioning for him to head down the walkway. Under each arm, the two carry a rather thick amount of cardboard, for no apparent reason.]

I'm looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright

[The two boys dart off around either side of the ring, handing a piece of cardboard to anyone in the front row who will accept it. A wave of confusion works it's way through the front row, as questioning faces look at the cardboard handed to them... beforey Hyatt and Frost slide into the ring, and mount opposite turnbuckles.]

I'm looking for complication
Looking cause I'm tired of trying
Make my way back home when I learn to fly

[The two raise their arms valiently, before a frustrated look crosses their face. Frost points to a few people in the front row, motioning for them to hold their cardboard up... turning the row of the Rapides Parish Civic Center into the biggest fans the Forces of Nature have, to date.]

I think I'm done nursing the patience
I can wait one night
I'd give it all away if you give me one last try
We'll live happily ever trapped if you just save my life
Run and tell the angels that everything is alright...
Fly along with me, I can't quite make it alone
Try and make this life my own

[Newly energized by the flurry of laughter and morale, the boys heft their arms into the sky yet again... wearing massively goofy grins, before switching turnbuckles. The song slowly begins to fade, as the two drop down... and begin to warm up for the battle ahead of them. Both being able to contain their excitement, they soon stop... and begin to glance around the ring at the signs they had created earlier in the day.]

"Manifest Destiny = Assjerks!"
"Licorice owns!"
"FoN = STILL WWA World Tag Team Champions!"
"Frost-bitten!"
"BC, Represent!"
"You can run, but you can't Hyatt!"

[The referee heads over to their corner, patting down each of the boys. Frost first, and the ref is quite outraged to find a few items on each boy. Jonesy carries a can of "Stink-be-Gone" Air freshener, as well as a can of tuna. Ashley has a small "Cobra Commander" figurine, which has been painted purple -- an obvious play upon Syndicate of EVIL leader, Mr. PB. The Referee removes the items, before allowing the match to begin...]

Frank Longley, Jr- Yeah, but I forgot just how small those two midgets are. I mean, itll probably take a good couple minutes to get them to hold still long enough to kick their asses, and then, once THAT’s over with, another five minutes to do it thoroughly.

Alicia Lockhart- Frank, you amaze me sometimes with your stupidity, anyways, it looks like Maverick and Hyatt are stepping out onto the apron, and that will leave Smith and Frost to start us off!

Alicia Lockhart- Anyways, Smith and Frost slowly circling each other. And now they’re going to lock up, and get this match started!

Frank Longley, Jr- Its not often you see Brigham smith with a size advantage, but he definitely has one now!

Alicia Lockhart- Indeed, as a team, Manifest Destiny has a good eighty pounds on the World Tag Team champions.

Frank Longley, Jr- And Smith is taking advantage of it, he’s pushing Frost back into the turnbuckle!

Alicia Lockhart- But Frost manages to stick out a leg, and trip Brigham, and its Smith who goes head first into the turnbuckle!

Alicia Lockhart- What a way to start the match there. Frost now with the advantage, and he’s looking to use it. He immediately brings Smith to his feet, and sends him for the ride… hard into the opposite turnbuckle! Smith is already dazed, and this match is just underway!

Frank Longley, Jr- He’s not dazed… he’s just… okay, but he’s not THAT dazed!

Alicia Lockhart- Frost looks to be up to something here, he runs across the ring, looks like he’s going for a monkey toss… NO! He’s going for a rolling armbar instead!

Frank Longley, Jr- Interesting variation there… and now Frost has Smith in a submission hold!

Alicia Lockhart- Unfortunately for Frost, the roll out of the turnbuckle didn’t take them that far from the ropes, and Smith is easily able to grab them. Frost quickly getting to his feet, and he grabs Brigham, looking to force Smith to do like wise.

Frank Longley, Jr- But Smith elbows Jonsey in the stomach, and stops Frost’s early onslaught!

Alicia Lockhart- Frost stumbles back… its obvious Brigham surprised him, and Smith is running to the ropes! Frost tries to recover but... Jump swinging neckbreaker!

Alicia Lockhart- What the hell are you talking about, Frank? Brigham just hit one move…

Alicia Lockhart- Not good enough, and being that Smith isn’t even covering, I think he has to agree. Brigham’s lifting Frost to his feet, and throwing him into the ropes. Jonesy rebounds… sleeper hold!

Alicia Lockhart- Which Brigham quickly combos into another neckbreaker. And there’s the first cover of the match!

Frank Longley, Jr- But Frost kicks out. Oh well, we’re still well within that seven minutes.

Alicia Lockhart- Smith now dragging Frost over to his corner, and there’s the tag to Seth Maverick!

Frank Longley, Jr- Maverick is by far the biggest competitor in this match. Watch him throw Jonsey Frost around like a rag doll.

Alicia Lockhart- Actually, I think I’m going to have to settle for watching Maverick throw a couple of punches, which is what Seth is doing right now.

Frank Longley, Jr- Maverick is a hell of a brawler, something that he’s demonstrating all to well right now to poor Jonsey Frost.

Alicia Lockhart- Indeed, that had to have been five or six HARD blows to Jonesy’s temple, and Jonesy is in a bad- WHAT is so funny Frank?

Alicia Lockhart- Jesus… its like working with a four year old. Anyways, Frost is definitely hurting right now, and Maverick gives him one more for the road, decking him with that huge haymaker!

Alicia Lockhart- But Jonsey and Ashley didn’t win the tag team titles by going down that easily!

Frank Longley, Jr- Actually, from what I heard, that’s how they got the executives to give them their shot!

Alicia Lockhart- Oh, Jesus Frank, shut up! Anyways, Maverick is yanking Jonesy to his feet, and… Ooooh! A hard scoop slam, sending Frost down hard to the mat!

Alicia Lockhart- Maverick jerking Frost back to his feet again, and sending him hard into the turnbuckle! Maverick quickly moves in with a running elbow, before tagging in Brigham Smith!

Alicia Lockhart- You’re right… Seth is lifting up Frost… going for a suplex I’d assume.

Alicia Lockhart- Indeed… Frost was just PLASTERED by that sick leg drop from Brigham Smith!

Alicia Lockhart- The ref is yelling at Maverick to get the hell out of the ring, and Jonesy Frost does NOT look to be in much good shape.

Alicia Lockhart- Well, its not. But Ashley Hyatt didn’t seem to have faith that Frost was going to get his shoulder off the mat, because he ran in and broke up the pin.

Frank Longley, Jr- Well, you can’t blame Hyatt for being a bit concerned… Frost has been getting his ass kicked this entire match!

Alicia Lockhart- Indeed, as Jonsey has yet to tag out! Brigham lifting Frost to his feet yet again, and… BLUE THUNDER DRIVER!

Alicia Lockhart- For once, Frank, I might have to find myself agreeing with you.. Jonesy Frost got caught early, and the SoE has yet to let up on the pressure!

Alicia Lockhart- But Frost kicks out… but you have to start wondering, the Forces of Nature haven’t landed a move since the early going of this match, and at what point is the gas tank in Jonesy Frost going to run out?

Alicia Lockhart- Ah yes.. you and your seven minutes. Brigham lifting Frost back to his feet again… and with the moves he’s been taking, that neck has to be hurting. Short arm clothesli- NO! Frost ducked, and grabbed Smith’s arm… and he’s got him in an arm wrench!

Frank Longley, Jr- Complimenting it with a back hook kick, and down goes Brigham Smith!

Alicia Lockhart- Nice counter there by Jonesy Frost, but you can tell he’s in trouble.

Alicia Lockhart- Well, he knew enough to dive at his corner, and Ashley Hyatt has come into this match! Brigham’s to his feet, but back down he goes, courtesy of a Hyatt clothesline! Hyatt doesn’t even stop, he’s off the ropes… running baseball kick to the side of Smith’s head!

Frank Longley, Jr- Ashley Hyatt definitely trying to come into this match with authority!

Alicia Lockhart- Hyatt isn’t done yet! Brigham’s trying to get to his feet again… Running Savate kick, and now its Brigham Smith who’s in a bad way!

Frank Longley, Jr- Brigham’s trying to stagger back to his feet, but that idiot Ashley’s not going to let him!

Alicia Lockhart- Hyatt off the ropes again… Flying leg lariat, and Smith goes down again!

Frank Longley, Jr- Dammit ref! Stop this! Brigham can’t even crouch before Hyatt attacks him! Its not fair!

Alicia Lockhart- You weren’t complaining when the SoE was in control of this match. Brigham doesn’t even dare try and get up again, and he’s literally CRAWLING to his corner, trying to make the tag to Maverick!

Frank Longley, Jr- Yeah, its all well and good against the dimunitive Smith, lets see how Ashley Hyatt handles the much larger Seth Maverick!

Alicia Lockhart- Maverick into the ring like he was shot out of a cannon! He charges at Hyatt… OH MY GOD!

Frank Longley, Jr- What a clothesline from Seth Maverick! Ashley Hyatt went tumbling head over heels! Its all downhill from here!

Alicia Lockhart- Maverick hauling Hyatt to his feet. Maverick trying to take Hyatt’s head off with a Discus punch… but Hyatt ducked it! Maverick moves into grab him, but Hyatt swerves out of the way! Hyatt’s making sure he’s one step ahead of Seth Maverick!

Frank Longley, Jr- You can tell that Maverick’s starting to get frustrated. Hyatt is one hell of a slippery snake.

Alicia Lockhart- The only snake I know of is sitting next to me, Frank. Maverick’s going after Hyatt again, and, once again, Hyatt moves out of the way, this time throwing a kick at Mavericks gut!

Alicia Lockhart- Hyatt is running CIRCLES around both members of Manifest Destiny, and they have no idea how to stop him! And now Ashley Hyatt is going upstairs!

Alicia Lockhart- But Hyatt is firmly in control. Not only is he driving Manifest Destiny nuts, but he’s giving his partner some valuable time to recover!

Frank Longley, Jr- Hyatt is bringing Maverick back up.. come on.. counter this loser!

Alicia Lockhart- No dice, as a Hyatt DDT sends Maverick headfirst into the mat! Hyatt now going to the ropes… springboard OH COME ON NOW!

Alicia Lockhart- Oh, give me a break, Frank! As Hyatt went for a springboard elbow drop, Ash the Man-Soon reached through the ropes, and grabbed his ankles! Hyatt hit that mat head first, and he’s not moving. I can’t believe you would condone that!

Alicia Lockhart- Just because the ref didn’t see it doesn’t make it right, Frank!

Frank Longley, Jr- Yeah, well, apparently the ends justify the means, because Hyatts on the ground clutching his melon, and Maverick’s standing over him!

Alicia Lockhart- I would think that looming would be a more appropriate word there, because Maverick has bad intentions! Maverick jerking Hyatt to his feet, and sending him into the ropes!

Alicia Lockhart- Jump swinging DDT, and once again, Seth Maverick is sent to the canvas!

Alicia Lockhart- Manifest Destiny is starting to get a bit on the desperate side, it seems.

Frank Longley, Jr- Well, this idiot Ashley Hyatt is running around willy nilly, and its tough for those who want to have an actual WRESTLING match to play along, Alicia.

Alicia Lockhart- Anyways, Hyatt is hauling Maverick to his feet, looks to be going for a bulldog, but Maverick elbows him in the face to drive him away!

Frank Longley, Jr- Its not over yet, Alicia! Manifest Destiny is still very much in this!

Alicia Lockhart- I never said they weren’t, Frank! Hyatt tries moving in again, but OH! There’s a big elbow from Maverick, followed by a punch to the stomach!

Alicia Lockhart- Such is the way of wrestling, Frank. Anyways, it looks like Maverick’s got Hyatt right where he wants him… he’s lifting him up… hotshot! Ashley Hyatt just dropped neck first over the ring ropes, and… WHAT?

Alicia Lockhart- As Ashley Hyatt was slumped over the ropes, Brigham FLEW off, and connected with a flying leg drop, and both he and Hyatt go tumbling to the outside! Oh, that move took everything out of Hyatt, but it took a lot out of Smith too!

Frank Longley, Jr- Maverick is no dummy, though, he’s climbed to the outside, and he’s immediately rolling Hyatt back into the ring. A countout victory would do little to serve the interests of the Syndicate of Evil, because the Forces of Nature would still remain the champions!

Frank Longley, Jr- Oh, give me a break, Jonsey Frost in to make the save… this one should be over, dammit! Its not fair!

Alicia Lockhart- And I suppose Brigham Smith going all kamikaze on Ashley Hyatt while he’s not the legal man had “fairness” written all over it. Its part of tag team wrestling to break up the pins, Frank, and I believe I saw Frost get out of the ring immediately after breaking it up.

Alicia Lockhart- Anywho, Manifest Destiny, specifically Seth Maverick, still carrying the advantage, and Brigham Smith is just managing to climb back to ringside after that sick move. Maverick dragging Hyatt back to his feet, he’s bouncing him off the ropes… looks to be going for a back body drop!

Alicia Lockhart- Hyatt’s off the opposite ropes, but Mavericks quickly turning around to head Ashley off at the pass…

Alicia Lockhart- Both men completely leveled! Maverick’s down, and Hyatt’s down, and neither one is moving!

Frank Longley, Jr- The referee undertaking a ten count here… this isn’t good for Manifest Destiny!

Alicia Lockhart- Both men moving, which is good, because It would completely suck if the match ended like this!

Frank Longley, Jr- Neither man is up… but they’re both crawling to their corners… one tag, and this match continues!

Alicia Lockhart- And whoever tags first is going to have a huge advantage, especially if they can keep the other from tagging!

Alicia Lockhart- But so is Jonesy Frost, and being that Frost didn’t just nearly kill himself on a high-risk move three minutes ago, I’d say he’s the fresher man!

Frank Longley, Jr- Yeah, but remember, at the start of this match, Smith kicked Frost’s ass all over the arena.

Alicia Lockhart- Not this time, as Jonesy Frost is off like a cannon across the ring, and he LEVELS Brigham Smith with a clothesline! Brigham Smith tries to struggle up again… another clothesline!

Alicia Lockhart- Smith trying to get up again… but the third time is NOT a charm, as Brigham ducks the clothesline, and Jonesy meets nothing but air! Frost is off balance..

Frank Longley, Jr- STO! Brigham Smith just drove Jonesy Frost head first into the canvas!

Alicia Lockhart- What an impressive manuever, and Brigham is going for the cover!

Frank Longley, Jr- Kickout there by Frost, and the Forces of Nature continue to hold onto what isn’t rightfully theirs.

Alicia Lockhart- Smith trying to haul Frost up, and there’s a suplex, sending Frost down, he brings Frost up again, and there’s a whip into the Syndicate’s corner!

Frank Longley, Jr- But no! Frost reverses it, and Smith finds himself flying HARD into the Force’s corner! Smith is stumbling out, clutching his back in pain… but Frost is already on the move…

Alicia Lockhart- Springboard Shining Wizard… and the Stormin Mormon just had his Saliva of Righteousness kicked clean out of his mouth! Smith is down like a sack of potatoes, and there is the cover!

Alicia Lockhart- Frost immediately to his feet here, and he’s heading towards the corner. He tags in Hyatt, and the Forces of Nature now have a gigantic opportunity here!

Alicia Lockhart- Frost is hooking up Smith for a German Suplex… here it comes-

Frank Longley, Jr- Oh man! Hyatt with a reversed hurricanrana in the middle of the suplex!

Alicia Lockhart- They call that “Wind and Fire,” and for good reason. Brigham Smith just got BURNED! Hyatts got the pin, and this could be over! Frost is moving to block Maverick!

Alicia Lockhart- I don’t believe this! Ashley Hyatt HAD the pin on Brigham Smith, and Skipper reached in through the ropes and pulled him off! Unbelievable!

Alicia Lockhart- Oh, both members of the Forces of Nature are furious! They knew they had the win, and they have just been denied!

Frank Longley, Jr- Well, they better watch out… with their backs turned like that, Seth Maverick has a perfect opportunity!

Alicia Lockhart- And he takes it, giving both Frost and Hyatt a clothesline that I’m sure they’ll never forget!

Frank Longley, Jr- Look at this! Manifest Destiny has it all wrapped up here, and that idiot ref is forcing Seth Maverick out of the ring!

Alicia Lockhart- That’s because he’s not the legal man, Frank. Hyatt and Smith are… you can see now that the referee is rolling Jonsey Frost to the apron, since he obviously can’t be moving of his own accord right now!

Alicia Lockhart- Hyatt is trying to get to his feet… but Smith is already up! He’s moving in on Hyatt… Yakuza kick! But Hyatt Ducks! Smith is off balance, and Hyatt moves in…

Alicia Lockhart- BREATH OF THE WIND! Brigham Smith just LAID OUT by that awesome Tomikaze! Hyatt put everything he had into that, and he’s going for the cover!

Alicia Lockhart- Yet another near fall from the Forces of Nature… they got Brigham down and out, and now they’re looking to end it!

Frank Longley, Jr- But if Maverick can keep breaking it up, they can’t win, no matter how badly they maul Brigham Smith!

Alicia Lockhart- Hyatt picking Smith up again, there’s a whip into the turnbuckle! Hyatt’s charging in…. BRIGHAM MOVES! And Hyatt eats nothing but turnbuckle padding!

Alicia Lockhart- Maverick charging at Hyatt… CLOTHESLINE over the top rope, and Ashley Hyatt goes tumbling to the floor!

Alicia Lockhart- But its not… why did you even say that? Anyways, Maverick isn’t even going to bother climbing out of the ring… he’s directing traffic, and it looks like Skipper and Ash are going to roll him in instead, but not before landing a couple of blows of their own! This is ridiculous!

Frank Longley, Jr- What is? That Skipper looks DAMN good in that nautical attire?

Alicia Lockhart- Hyatt rolled into the ring, and Maverick’s picking him up! Hyatts on spaghetti legs… Inverted DDT, and down goes Ashley Hyatt!

Alicia Lockhart- Yeah, well, looks like Seth Maverick’s not completely satisfied with his handiwork, he’s bringing Hyatt back to his feet. Either Maverick thinks that he hasn’t done enough to keep Hyatt down, or he’s just punishing him. Knowing the Syndicate of Evil, he could be thinking either.

Frank Longley, Jr- THUNDER FIRE POWERBOMB! Now there’s the stuff of champions!

Alicia Lockhart- Hyatt just DEVASTATED by that move! And Maverick’s going for a cover!

Frank Longley, Jr- But Brigham runs right into a Jonesy Frost superkick! Smith is down, and Frost is stomping away at him!

Alicia Lockhart- All four men in the ring at once, now, and it looks like the referee might quickly be losing control of the situation! Maverick doesn’t seem to care that Jonesy’s taking the boots to his partner, he’s more concerned about putting Hyatt away, and for good this time!

Frank Longley, Jr- Again, Ashley Hyatt is roughly jerked to his feet, what an opportunity for Manifest Destiny! He’s got Hyatt up!

Alicia Lockhart- But Jonesy Frost makes a save with a dropkick to the back of Maverick’s knee! Frost is now shaking Hyatt, trying to get him to come to! It looks like the Forces of Nature might be up to something!

Alicia Lockhart- Brigham Smith somehow managing to sneak by Jonesy Frost and break that thing up, or else I’m afraid it would have been over! And now smith with a HUGE Yakuza kick to Ashley Hyatt! Jonesy Frost isn’t going to be taking that lying down though… he’s got Brigham, and he’s pounding away at him!

Frank Longley, Jr- But one forearm to the face from Smith, and he’s got Frost stumbling back!

Alicia Lockhart- Nice counter there by Smith, he’s now moving in… and whips Frost into the turnbuckle! Smith quickly moves in, and he throws a few more forearms to make sure Jonesy Frost is really out of this match! Now he’s setting him up!

Frank Longley, Jr- Hyatt’s down! Maverick’s down! No one’s there to stop him!

Alicia Lockhart- Looks like we’re about to see a massive superplex here! Smith’s got him… but Frost’s fighting it!

Alicia Lockhart- Frost’s elbowed out of the superplex… and now he has Brigham stunned on the turnbuckle… he’s got him… OH NO! TOP ROPE BULLDOG TO THE OUTSIDE!

Alicia Lockhart- MY GOD! MY GOD! As they were coming down… Brigham Smith’s head just SMACKED into the ring apron! Smith has to be dead! He absolutely positively has to be dead!

Frank Longley, Jr- But I don’t think Jonesy Frost is any better off! That’s a LONG way down!

Alicia Lockhart- They’re all down! All four men are down and out of this match! It’s a freaking train wreck!

Alicia Lockhart- What is it going to take to end this! And now Jonesy’s barely starting to stir on the other side, as Skipper and Ash are busy trying to wake Brigham up!

Frank Longley, Jr- Hyatt’s to his feet! So is Maverick though… but Hyatt’s ahead of him, and moving behind him!

Alicia Lockhart- WHIRLING DERVISH! Maverick is laid out by that Cobra Clutch DDT!

Alicia Lockhart- NO! Maverick somehow, someway, managed to get the shoulder up… but I don’t think he can do anything else!

Frank Longley, Jr- Hyatt back to his feet though… he’s trying to put this away once and for all!

Alicia Lockhart- He’s going to the turnbuckle… waitasec… HYATT TWISTER PRESS!

Alicia Lockhart- Seth Maverick rolled out of the way, and that split legged Phoenix Splash met nothing but canvas!

Frank Longley, Jr- Now Mavericks up! Hyatt’s down… Smith’s down… and Frost is still barely moving on the outside! Its all Seth’s to win!

Alicia Lockhart- And win it he’s going to try and do. Maverick reaching down.. he’s got Hyatt in a bad way… Backbreaker!

Alicia Lockhart- Hold on a sec, Frank, I’ve seen this before! Maverick has Hyatt… ANOTHER backbreaker!

Alicia Lockhart- Each one of these is successively doing more and more damage to Ashley Hyatt’s back… There’s another! And another! Someone stop this!

Frank Longley, Jr- Has a back breaker ever actually broken someone’s back before?

Alicia Lockhart- Finally, Maverick lets Hyatt go, after NINE consecutive backbreakers, and Hyatt is feeling the pain!

Frank Longley, Jr- Maverick’s lifting Hyatt up again, though… I think its time to end this!

Frank Longley, Jr- Hyatt’s neck is an ACCORDION after that piledriver! Cover him, Seth!

Alicia Lockhart- Maverick’s doing so, but LOOK! Jonesy Frost is up on the outside, and he’s sliding into the ring! I don’t see Brigham there to stop him! Break it up, Jonesy!

Alicia Lockhart- NO! NO! NO! REF! STOP THAT! Skipper grabbed Frost by his ankle as he slid into the ring! Frost is trying to kick him off… but to no avail!

Jerry McHall- HERE ARE YOUR WINNERS, AND NEEEEEEEW WORLD WRESTLING ALLIANCE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS… MANIFEST DESTINY!

Frank Longley, Jr- Theeeeeeeeeeey are the champions… again! And they’ll keep on fighting-

Alicia Lockhart- Drop it, Frank, your singing sucks! Folks, I have to apologize what just happened… that was completely uncalled for from the Syndicate of Evil.

Alicia Lockhart- THREE counts of blatant cheating from the Syndicate of Evil just completely screwed these kids over. You have to feel for Hyatt and Frost, because they did their damnedest in spite of it all, but in the end..

Frank Longley, Jr- The SYNDICATE REIGNS SUPREME! And look at Jonesy try and argue with the ref… how pathetic.

Alicia Lockhart- And Hyatt is now just starting to pick himself up off the mat… as is Smith on the outside. Well, by hook or by crook, the Syndicate of evil is the new champions. At least this spectacle is ov...OH JESUS, NOT AGAIN! THE SYNDICATE OF EVIL STORMS THE RING! Ashley Hyatt and Jonesy Frost caught COMPLETELY unawares as Ash the Man-Soon and the Skipper dive in under the bottom rope! And there's Misty Xiao running out from the back!

Frank Longley Jr- I admit it, I take pleasure in the misery of others! Is that so wrong?

(Fighting the laggard effects of exhaustion, Ashley Hyatt and Jonesy Frost swing back into action, trying to meet the Syndicate onslaught head-on. Both FoN youths charge Ash the Man-Soon, chopping him down with a double clothesline, to a burst of cheering... But as they wheel around to face the others, Hyatt gets nailed RIGHT in the mouth by a running Seth Maverick big boot!)

Frank Longley Jr- He's gonna want to brush his teeth after this... provided he has teeth LEFT...

(Momentarily stunned by the sight of the vicious kick that downed his partner, Jonesy Frost pauses by the ropes -- just long enough for Misty Xiao to reach the ring, leap up on the apron, and swing a high roundhouse kick over the top rope, nailing Frost in the back of the head. Jonesy staggers forward -- RIGHT as Brigham Smith rushes into him, almost BEHEADING the youth with a running calf kick!)

Frank Longley Jr- Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Alicia -- Queen of the Obvious.

(Frost and Hyatt, worn from their just-ended match and now additionally shaken by the sudden Syndicate ambush, slowly work themselves off the canvas... but immediately they're set upon by Ash, Skipper, and Misty Xiao, who drop legs and elbows and knees (oh my!) on them as if trying to squash large, squirming insects.)

(When the FoN are thoroughly squashed, Brigham and Seth drag Jonesy up by the arms, and whip him -- stumbling wearily -- into the corner. At a signal from Seth, Skipper pedals his feet a little and then takes off like a stampeding bear -- and SLAMS full-on into Frost, flattening him even more against the turnbuckles. Skipper moves aside, and Jonesy all but collapses... but he doesn't get all the way to the mat, as Seth has stepped in and scooped the youth up in his thick, muscular arms. Flipping Frost upside-down, Seth sets him up for what, unquestionably, is about to be a really nasty tombstone piledriver.)

(Even before Jonesy Frost's body flops to the mat, Brigham and Misty are already hauling Ashley Hyatt to his feet, about to repeat the same process. Each grasping an arm, they fling him toward the opposite corner, where Hyatt hits with a SHUDDERING impact that arches his back and leaves him hanging, by the armpits, from the top rope. Then, with a grin and a wink cast in Misty's direction, it's Ash the Man-Soon's turn to charge -- which he does, MIGHTILY crashing his tall, lanky form into Ashley Hyatt. When Ash backs out of the corner, Hyatt can't so much as take a step; he just drops to his backside, back against the bottom turnbuckle.)

Alicia Lockheart- This is just utterly heinous... Why do these people take such pleasure in torturing their opponents?

Alicia Lockheart- That's an asinine answer, but damn it, you're right-- and where is Brigham Smith going?

[Plainly enough, Brigham Smith is climbing through the ring ropes to stand on the apron just beside the post, on the opposite side of the ring from the corner in which a semi-conscious Ashley Hyatt sits with his head lolling. Taking a deep breath, Brigham grasps the top rope and crouches -- and then SPRINGS up with astonishing agility, getting his feet up on the top rope, and then launches himself off with a powerful leap--]

[--DRILLING Hyatt square in the face with a DEVASTATING springboard coast-to-coast dropkick!]

Alicia Lockheart- The Forces of Nature are both out cold here... I think it's fair to say that the Syndicate of EVIL has pretty much taken over this ring in THEIR true style! What ELSE can we expect from these... these VILLAINS?

Frank Longley Jr- You HAD to ask, didn't you? Well, here comes the merciless leader!

[Indeed: Mr. PB has appeared at the top of the stage, scanning the packed-solid crowd through two eye holes punched into his ubiquitous paper bag. A familiar briefcase is in his hand. A moment later, amid deafening jeers, he begins a quick march down the ramp to join his comrades in the ring.]

Alicia Lockheart- This has gone far enough already; would somebody PLEASE put a stop to this before it goes on any farther?

[With Manifest Destiny's challengers thoroughly subdued, the foursome of Skipper, Ash, Brigham and Seth haul Frost and Hyatt to opposite sides of the ring, trapping their arms in the ropes. Mr. PB walks up the ringsteps and ducks through the ropes, handing off the briefcase to the Skipper. Skipper fastidiously dusts off the top of the case, clicks the lock, and holds it open as PB pulls a pair of rubber gloves out of his pocket and pulls them on one at a time, tantalizingly, relishing the moment, exulting in the jeers that only intensify with every horrific second.]

Alicia Lockheart- No matter how many times I see this, it never fails to disgust me.

Frank Longley Jr- You'd have to be one jaded mofo not to get a kick out of this, haha.

[Finally, PB reaches into the case with both hands. And the fans emit a knowing, collective groan as he draws out -- yes, you guessed it -- a large, floppy, wet trout.]

Alicia Lockheart- OKAY! ENOUGH'S ENOUGH! WE NEED OFFICIALS IN HERE, STAT! THIS CANNOT HAPPEN -- NOT AT INTERNATIONAL WARS!

[Trout laid gingerly across both hands, PB strides to the center of the ring, and glances significantly at Jonesy Frost, then at Ashley Hyatt -- neither of whom have made much progress recovering their sensibilities yet. Then PB tips his head back and looks straight up toward the ceiling. On cue, a cable descends from the rafters. At the end of it is a hook.]

[When the cable has lowered to about shoulder-height, PB grabs the hook and carefully pierces it through the fleshy tail of the trout. Then he lets the whole thing dangle there, a few feet above the canvas, swaying gently. All six SoE members peer a moment at the tableau they've created here -- FoN waylaid and tied up, fish hanging mysteriously -- and seem to be satisfied. Then, as one, they flee the ring and make their way up the ramp.]

Frank Longley Jr- Well, it's not quite as straightforward as SLAPPING them with the trout would be, but I guess it's symbolic in its own way...

Alicia Lockheart- Indeed. A more thoughtful, less puerile Syndicate of EVIL, perhaps?

[A low, apprehensive buzz is emanating from the crowd, who -- for all that they hate the SoE -- expected a certain SOMETHING from this attack, are left feeling somewhat robbed by this underwhelming finish.]

[Only, the SoE don't leave the arena at this point. They congregate at the top of the stage and turn back toward the ring, each of them -- and probably PB, too, though there's no way to tell behind his paper bag -- wearing a wide, wily grin. PB peels off his gloves, tosses them off the ramp into the crowd (where a hole opens up immediately, letting the briny rubber items splat harmlessly to the floor) and shoves a hand in his pocket. From it, he produces what appears to be a remote control. He plucks at little nub of metal at the top of it, and pulls it out to reveal a ridiculously long antenna.]

[Ever the showman, PB holds the control up in the air for all to gaze upon with due confusion and head-scratching. Then he lowers it, and folds his hand, leaving only his index finger extended, and poises it dramatically over a button.]

[Which is as clear a picture of this appalling scene as you're likely to get. The ring -- Ashley and Jonesy in the ropes -- the ringside area -- the announcers sitting at the ringside table -- and every fan unlucky enough to have scored first, second, and third row seats... ALL of it is coated in a layer of chunky, smelly, pink and grey slime.]

[And up on the stage, well back from the piscine explosion, the Syndicate of EVIL gaze down at Ground Zero, celebrating their handiwork with pointed fingers and raucous laughter.]

Frank Longley Jr- [Small, trembling voice] I don't think I wanna play anymore...

Alicia Lockheart- YOU don't? What about the FORCES OF NATURE, who took that... Trout Blast... right in the FACE?! Those DAMNED Syndicate people! You want to know who just ruined International Wars, folks? Look no farther than RIGHT THERE, on the stage! Tonight will go down in INFAMY, mark my words!

Alicia Lockhart- This isn’t over… the Forces of Nature will be getting their revenge soon, Frank, that I know. But for tonight… there’s only one thing left… WORLD TITLE IS ON THE LINE… NEXT!

Frank Longely Jr - Next, is the final installment of the former... and that's emphasis on former... Tag Team Champions!

[Ashley and Jonesy continue their trek towards the exit... Frost still humming along to his INXS, while Ashley attempts to dodge any random pitfall in his path. He's gained a few more colors since we last saw him, mostly brown and black, but nearly every color imaginable can be found somewear upon his skin or attire.]

[Niether says a word, fiercly believing that they'de been graced by the ghost of a bad eighties musician... but as the camera pans back towards the cemetary -- the truth becomes obvious.]

[There, upon a nearby tree branch, stand two small squirrels... ghostly white in color, and somewhat translucent. With mischevious grins, they seem to cast a wave towards our heros, before proudly displaying their middle fingers in a rather confident manner.]

(We cut backstage, to the arena's medical room, where two makeshift cots have been set up. In each lies one of the two female participants in the recent Cruiserweight Championship match. Wendy Briese and Misty Xiao, both girls unconcsious from a slam through the table.)

(As if on cue, both girl's eyelids flutter open, seconds apart. Wendy instinctively groans, and clutches the back of her neck, which, after that table bump, and everything else she's gone through over the past week, is quite sore.)

(Wendy takes a look to her left, where, just a couple feet away, Misty Xiao is reacting to her regaining consciousness similarly. She tries to move, and immediately winces and yelps in pain, hugging her ribs.)

(Wendy looks around, hoping that maybe one of the medical workers had noticed that she had woken up. No one has, which means she can't ask for the outcome of the match. But she has a feeling she's not going to like hearing it anyways.)

(The sound of Wendy's voice makes Misty turn her head, whimpering slightly at the sting in her neck. She's surprised to discover she's no longer out by the ring, and just as surprised to find her rival lying nearby, in just as roughed-up a state as she is. This cheers her up in an impish kind of way, and Misty snickers out loud despite herself.)

Wendy: We walk into rings and fight guys twice our weight. Are you telling me THAT'S intelligent?

Misty: Heh, good point. (Sighs) Maybe we're both a little crazy in the head to do this for a living.

Misty: I didn't wanna admit it, but... I think you're actually a really good wrestler. Maybe that's why I hated you so much.

Wendy: Well, I've always known you were good. You never needed to hide behind cheating, you know.

Misty: (Looks away) I know... it's just that they expect a lot from me -- the Syndicate. It's hard to deal with sometimes. And when you know there's an easy way to get things done, well... (Trails off) ...You know what I mean?

Wendy: Then just wrestle for yourself. It wasn't right for them to abandon you over one match, anyways.

Wendy: Anyways, I tried this before, and you ran out on me, but since we're on equal terms now...

(Misty stares at it apprehensively, as if unsure what to make of the gesture. She glances up at the bruised and battered, but sincere, face of Wendy, and down at the proferred hand again. Then she reaches out painfully and clasps it, just for a moment.)

Misty: Yeah, you too. (Smirks) Let's, uh, let's not do this killing each other thing again for a while, though, okay?

Frank Longely Jnr - "Color Commentator, my dear. Without my own delectable brand of sass, it'd be merely black and white."

[Their silence is suddenly broken, as "Of Wolf and Man" blasts over the loudspeakers, signaling the start of the Main Event!]

OFF THROUGH THE NEW DAY'S MIST I RUN
OUT FROM THE NEW DAY'S MIST I HAVE COME
I HUNT
THEREFORE I AM
HARVEST THE LAND
TAKEN THE FALLEN LAMB

[A shadow amidst the smoke screen emerges into the light. It is the Urufu, Red Wolf. The video screen signals his presence with the terms URUFU and RED WOLF flashing briefly between video clips of the matches in his career.]

OFF THROUGH THE NEW DAY'S MIST I RUN
OUT FROM THE NEW DAY'S MIST I HAVE COME
WE SHIFT
PULSING WITH THE EARTH
COMPANY WE KEEP
ROAMING THE LAND WHILE YOU SLEEP

[Red Wolf takes a moment to stand there as the fans roar in approval. Without warning, Red Wolf tilts his head to the rafters and releases a loud wolf howl that is echoed back by the fans. In the same instant, two fire trails ignite and line the sides of the entrance ramp.]

BRIGHT IS THE MOON HIGH IN STARLIGHT
CHILL IN THE AIR COLD AS STEEL TONIGHT
WE SHIFT
CALL OF THE WILD
FEAR IN YOUR EYES
IT'S LATER THAN YOU REALIZED

[Red Wolf powers his way down to the ring, his 6'10", 280 pound body as confident as ever. Red strobe lights rattle the inside of the ring with light before becoming one solid red light source. Red Wolf marches up the stairs and steps over the top rope into the ring.]

I FEEL A CHANGE
BACK TO BETTER DAY
HAIR STANDS ON THE BACK OF MY NECK
IN WILDNESS IS THE PRESERVATION OF THE WORLD
SO SEEK THE WOLF IN THYSELF
SHAPE SHIFT NOSE TO THE WIND
SHAPE SHIFT FEELING I'VE BEEN
MOVE SHIFT ALL SENSES CLEAN
EARTH'S GIFT
BACK TO THE MEANING OF WOLF AND MAN

[ As the final bars of the song play, a plethora of flashbulbs light the arena with white light as fans from every angle take a picture of the Urufu. The chaos dies down, and Red Wolf leans against the ropes awaiting his opponent.]

[Sloan and Red Wolf are standing face to face jawing away while the ref goes over final instructions as the bell rings.]

[Both men circle each other in the ring before locking up in the middle of the ring. Both men are jockeying for position until Red Wolf gains an advantage and pushes Sloan back into the near corner.]

Alicia Lockheart: Time for Red Wolf to set the tone in this match from the start.

Frank Longely Jnr: The ref is asking for a clean break and Red Wolf gives him one.

Alicia Lockheart: He wants to win the belt with honor, can’t fault the man for that.

[They lock up again and Red Wolf grabs a side headlock and Sloan shoves Red Wolf into the ropes. Red Wolf comes off the ropes and knocks Sloan down with a shoulderblock. Red Wolf hits the ropes but Sloan goes underneath and catches Red Wolf with a clothesline. Red Wolf gets up quickly and catches another clothesline to the face and Red Wolf rolls to the outside as Sloan is waiting for him.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Sloan has to fight if he wants any chance to retain the World Heavyweight Title.

[The ref backs Sloan up so Red Wolf can step into the ring and just nods. Both men slowly circle each other in the ring, looking for an advantage. Red Wolf and Michael Sloan immediately lock up in another collar and elbow tie up in the middle of the ring. The Urufu turns the champion’s weight and gets behind him with a hammerlock.]

Alicia Lockheart: Not the start we were expecting to see but Red Wolf is trying to keep it to his style of combat.

[Red Wolf pushes Sloan hard into the ropes. Sloan bounces back only to be met with a stiff shoulderblock that floors Sloan as he looks momentarily stunned.]

[Red Wolf comes off of the ropes and drops a leg over the back of Sloan’s head.]

[Red Wolf pulls Sloan to his feet and locks on a side headlock but Sloan shoves Red Wolf into the ropes. Red Wolf comes off the ropes and knocks Sloan down with a huge shoulderblock. Sloan gets back to his feet and is right on Red Wolf with thunderous chops to the chest.]

[Sloan shoots Red Wolf into the ropes and nails him with a back elbow smash to the jaw. Sloan goes for a quick cover.]

[Red Wolf quickly kicks out when Sloan picks him up and shoots him into the far corner but Red Wolf stops his momentum and comes back with a short hooking clothesline that takes both men down.]

[Red Wolf gets to his feet and throws Sloan into the far corner and charges in but Sloan gets the foot up but Red Wolf slides out of the ring, ducking the foot and grabs both feet from under Sloan and brings him down. Red Wolf is looking to the crowd as the ref is trying to stop Red Wolf. Red Wolf decides instead to climb up to the top turnbuckle and leap down with an elbow drop to the back of the neck of Sloan.]

Alicia Lockheart: Red Wolf fooled everyone with that move and the champ looks like he is hurting.

[Red Wolf gets to his feet and stomps away at Sloan's skull and neck before picking him up and driving him down with a big bodyslam. Red Wolf hits the ropes and goes for a big splash but Sloan gets the knees up and Red Wolf goes down hard. Sloan slowly gets up and grabs a side headlock before he drives Red Wolf down to the mat with a bulldog. Sloan goes for the cover.]

[Red Wolf kicks out once again while Sloan yells at the ref about a slow count.]

Alicia Lockheart: But, like a true warrior, Red Wolf continues to fight in this match.

[Sloan nurses his neck before he grabs Red Wolf and places him on the top turnbuckle. Sloan gives him a quick shot to the jaw before climbing up to the second turnbuckle and takes Red Wolf down with a belly to belly superplex. Sloan hits the ropes and connects with a legdrop before going for the cover.]

[Sloan is standing on top of him yelling at Red Wolf before he picks him up and throws him into the near corner and delivers a chop to the chest. But Red Wolf returns with one of his own.]

Frank Longely Jnr: This action just goes to show that these two men are willing to put it all on the line for the title.

Alicia Lockheart: Well, if I was Red Wolf, I would get back to working on that neck.

[Red Wolf gets a quick knee lift into the midsection of Sloan and climbs up the turnbuckles and grabs Sloan. Red Wolf takes Sloan to the mat with a tornado DDT as Sloan bounces off the mat from the impact and quickly grabs his neck in agony. Red Wolf goes to the ring apron and plays to the crowd while he waits for Sloan to get up. Sloan gets up slowly and doesn't see Red Wolf as he turns around and Red Wolf catapults over with a lariat that takes Sloan down. Red Wolf goes for the cover and hooks the leg.]

[Sloan kicks out and Red Wolf quickly pulls Sloan up to his feet and takes Red Wolf down with a clothesline. Red Wolf slams the skull of Sloan into the turnbuckle. Red Wolf pummels away at Sloan with forearms to the face before climbing up to the top turnbuckle. Red Wolf balances himself on the ropes but Sloan catches Red Wolf in the midsection with a right hand but Red Wolf fires right back. Sloan pushes Red Wolf's legs apart as Red Wolf falls hard on the top turnbuckle. Sloan climbs up to the second turnbuckle and hooks Red Wolf for a superplex but Red Wolf is holding on for dear life but Sloan powers him up and takes Red Wolf over with a superplex.]

Alicia Lockheart: Doubtful. Red Wolf has proven to be double tough, especially in his battles in Burning Phoenix.

[Sloan continues to nurse the neck as he sits up and reaches for the ropes to get to his feet as Red Wolf slowly gets up as blood starts to flow from his mouth. Sloan pulls Red Wolf up to his feet and takes aim before connecting with a hard right hand to the mouth.]

Alicia Lockheart: And another hard right hand from the champion. The Urufu is reeling now!

[Michael Sloan takes Red Wolf by the hair and spits in his face before doubling him over with a kick to the gut.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Blatant disrespect by the Champion. He may be looking to end this right now!

[Sloan starts to stagger backwards toward Red Wolf. The Urufu locks on a Full Nelson and lifts the champion over his head.]

[Sloan screams out in pain as he lays on the mat and protects his injured neck when Red Wolf turns him over and goes for the cover and a hook of the leg.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Sloan is in immense pain but he is still fighting like a World Champion would.

[The Urufu and Sloan both work on getting back to their feet. The Urufu pulls himself up using the top rope while Michael Sloan slowly lifts himself up off of his knees.]

Alicia Lockheart: The challenger is up first.

[Red Wolf bounces off the ropes and races toward Sloan. The Urufu takes Sloan by the neck.]

Frank Longely Jnr: CANIS CUTTER! More punishment on that neck of Michael Sloan!!!

[Red Wolf holds onto Sloan’s neck as they hit the mat. The Urufu gets to his knees and situates Sloan so that they are back to back. Red Wolf locks his hands over Sloan’s chin, and starts wrenching Sloan’s body over his shoulders.]

Alicia Lockheart: Oh what a smart move by Red Wolf, isolating that injured neck of the champion!

[The referee checks to see if Sloan wants to quit only to hear a defiant “NO”. Red Wolf continues to apply the hold and takes a few deep breaths before powering himself up to his feet.]

Frank Longely Jnr: OH MY GOD! Look at this! He is essentially hanging Sloan! All of the champion’s weight is being supported by his neck!

Alicia Lockheart: And look at the awkward angle of his neck, Sloan is screaming in agony right here!

[Red Wolf finally releases the hold as Sloan drops to the mat. Red Wolf howls to the crowd and gets a great reaction. Red Wolf pulls Sloan to his feet and shoves him into the near corner and fires away with a chop that surprises Sloan. Red Wolf shoots Sloan into the ropes and goes for a clothesline but Sloan ducks underneath and connects with a flying forearm that sends Red Wolf to the outside. Sloan tries to shake loose the cobwebs when he rolls out of the ring and follows up with a right hand to the jaw while the fans are on their feet. Red Wolf falls back against the railing and comes back with a kick to the midsection and an european forearm of his own. Red Wolf grabs Sloan by the neck and slams him against the railing. Sloan stumbles away while Red Wolf stays on the attack.]

Alicia Lockheart: Looks like Sloan is about to find out what The Urufu is all about.

[Sloan finally turns around and ducks a right hand from Red Wolf and waist locks him into a backdrop suplex as Red Wolf hits the ground hard. Sloan gets up and grabs a nearby chair and waits for Red Wolf to move.]

Frank Longely Jnr: It looks like Sloan is about to play Bases Loaded on Red Wolf's skull.

[Red Wolf grabs his neck and pulls himself up with the ring apron when Sloan goes for the swing but the ref catches the chair and yanks it away from Sloan. The ref admonishes Sloan and yells for both of them to bring it back into the ring. Sloan turns Red Wolf around and unleashes a vicious knife edge chop to the chest of Red Wolf.]

[Sloan throws Red Wolf back into the ring and rolls in afterwards. Sloan picks up Red Wolf by the hair and nails him between the eyes with a headbutt before putting him into a hammerlock and slamming Red Wolf onto the mat with a northern lights suplex.]

Alicia Lockheart: As much as I can’t stand him, Sloan is going textbook on Red Wolf. That was a tremendous suplex from Sloan.

[Sloan just smirks at Red Wolf when he stomps away at that shoulder repeatedly before dropping a knee across the forehead of Red Wolf. Sloan slowly picks up Red Wolf and throws him over his shoulder and backs up into the corner before charging and dropping Red Wolf over his knee with a shoulderbreaker. Red Wolf grabs his shoulder while Sloan continues to pummel the shoulder with right hands.]

Alicia Lockheart: Sloan knows that Red Wolf can’t hit his vaunted Howl from Beyond with one bad arm. He is saving his skin and the title.

[Sloan grabs Red Wolf and takes him into the near corner and puts him into a standing headscissors. Sloan muscles him up for a powerbomb but Red Wolf lands on his feet and kicks Sloan in the midsection before running up the turnbuckle and taking Sloan down with a flying lariat. Red Wolf goes for the cover and hooks the leg.]

[Red Wolf checks his shoulder when he crawls towards the near corner while Sloan gets to his knees and shakes off the cobwebs. Sloan checks his mouth for blood before circling the ring while Red Wolf continues to nurse his injured shoulder. They go to lock up again. Sloan grabs onto the arm and twists it with an arm wringer. Red Wolf connects with a couple of forearm shots to the ribs before he shoots Sloan into the ropes but Red Wolf drops low as Sloan hits the ropes again and Red Wolf takes him down with a hip toss. Sloan comes back and Red Wolf takes him over another hip toss. Sloan backs up into a neutral corner. Red Wolf is daring Sloan to come out. Sloan catches Red Wolf by surprise with a rake of the eyes. Sloan hits the ropes but Red Wolf takes him over with a japanese arm drag. Red Wolf locks on an armbar and wrenches on the neck as Sloan is complaining to the ref about his hair being pulled. The ref asks Red Wolf but he says no. Sloan works his way to his feet and slings Red Wolf off. Red Wolf charges after Sloan but he counters with a big powerslam. Sloan grabs Red Wolf and throws him into the near corner.]

[Sloan connects with a stomp to the midsection and pummels away with numerous stomps before he irish-whips Red Wolf into the ropes and sends him up and over with a back body drop. Sloan goes for the cover.]

[Red Wolf quickly kicks out when Sloan grabs Red Wolf and throws him into the far corner and charges in with a clothesline to the chest. Sloan follows up with a vicious chop to the chest but Red Wolf comes back with a chop of his own. They trade chops to the chest until Sloan nails Red Wolf with a thumb in the eye. Sloan shoots Red Wolf into the ropes and goes for a clothesline but Red Wolf ducks under and takes him down with a reverse neckbreaker. Red Wolf hits the ropes once more and comes down with an elbow drop before going for the cover.]

Alicia Lockheart: Smart move by the challenger to do that. Make the champion expend more energy.

[Red Wolf pulls Sloan up by the hair and waves the ref away before picking him up and connecting with numerous forearms to the jaw before connecting with a boot to the midsection. Red Wolf backs up and charges in with a swinging neckbreaker that takes Sloan down to the mat hard as he grabs his neck again.]

[Red Wolf grabs Sloan by the hair but Sloan counters with a short right hand before taking him over with a belly to belly suplex. Sloan stretches Red Wolf's right arm out before hitting the ropes and coming down with a big kneedrop onto the shoulder of Red Wolf. Sloan goes for the cover.]

[Red Wolf gets the shoulder up while Sloan throws Red Wolf to the outside. The ref tries to back up Sloan while Red Wolf tries to get back up to his feet. Sloan launches himself over the top rope and lands on Red Wolf with a cross body block as both men hit the floor hard.]

[Sloan gets up to his feet and grabs Red Wolf by the arm and drives him into the ringpost shoulder first when Red Wolf drops to the ground again. Sloan just stomps away at the shoulder of Red Wolf before throwing him back into the ring before sliding back into the ring. Sloan grabs a hold of the arm and takes him up and over with an arm drag takeover before tying him up with a armbar.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Looks like Sloan is going to grind that shoulder into oblivion.

[Sloan continues to grind out the armbar while Red Wolf tries to get feeling back into the arm. Red Wolf finally gets back to his feet and delivers a skin-splitting chop and then nails him with a right hand to the jaw to break the hold. Red Wolf grabs a front facelock and hooks Sloan for a vertical suplex. Red Wolf holds him up for a few seconds before dropping him to the mat with a brainbuster. Red Wolf goes for the cover and hooks the leg.]

Frank Longely Jnr: That was a close one but Sloan is still going and probably without a neck.

[Sloan gets dragged up to his feet and dropped back to the mat with a belly to back suplex by Red Wolf. Sloan grabs his neck in pain again while Red Wolf goes for a camel clutch.]

[Sloan tries to fight out of the camel clutch while Red Wolf continues to nail him with forearm shots to the back of the neck until Sloan gets a hand to the ropes and the ref calls for the break. The ref gets in Red Wolf's face to break the hold and soon does.]

[Red Wolf grabs a hold of Sloan into a full nelson but Sloan counters with a back kick before turning around and dropping Red Wolf to the mat with a single-arm DDT leaving Red Wolf holding his shoulder in pain.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Both men looked to be spent after what has been an intense contest for the richest prize in the world.

[Sloan slowly rolls to his feet and hooks Red Wolf for a suplex before taking him and dropping him on the ropes before taking him over with a slingshot suplex. Sloan looks to the corner and climbs up to the top turnbuckle before flying off with a legdrop onto Red Wolf. Sloan makes the cover and hooks the leg.]

[Red Wolf breaks the count with a foot on the ropes. Sloan gets back to his feet and stands Red Wolf up before nailing him with another chop. Red Wolf falls back against the ropes when Sloan takes the arm into an arm wringer before whipping him into the ropes but Red Wolf reverses the whip and goes for a back body drop but Sloan hooks onto Red Wolf and drops him with a massive DDT. Both men are down on the mat as Red Wolf is reaching for the ropes and the fans are their feet cheering on the action. The ref looks over both guys and starts his count.]

[Red Wolf starts to crawl towards the near corner as Sloan tries to get back to his feet. Red Wolf comes out of the corner and takes a charging Sloan down with a spin wheel kick. Sloan quickly gets back up and goes for a right hand but Red Wolf blocks it and connects with a right of his own. Red Wolf whips Sloan into the ropes and takes him over with a back drop. Red Wolf buries a boot into Sloan's midsection and then whips him into the ropes and takes him up and over with a powerslam before he climbs up to the top turnbuckle. Red Wolf waits for Sloan to get back to his feet and leaps off with a flying clothesline onto Sloan]

Frank Longely Jnr: What a counter by Sloan while Red Wolf is on the mat screaming in pain.

[Sloan catches Red Wolf in mid-air and takes him down with the Crippler Crossface. Sloan locks it in tight while Red Wolf tries to fight out of it. The ref gets in Red Wolf’s face and asks him if he wants to give it up but Red Wolf comes back with a resounding “NO”.]

Alicia Lockheart: Red Wolf has come too far to quit now. He would rather break his arm than to quit right now.

[Sloan continues to maintain the hold when Red Wolf starts to fade. The ref lifts his arm and it falls to the mat.]

Frank Longely Jnr: That’s one. If it falls two more times, this thing is over and we can get a real challenger in there.

[The ref lifts the arm a second time and it crashes to the mat as the ref holds two fingers in the air. The ref lifts the arm for a third time and stops before it hits the mat.]

[Red Wolf starts kicking his feet as the fans get behind him. Red Wolf tries to move and slips the arm out of the grasp while Sloan maintains the crossface. Red Wolf gets to his feet and shoves Sloan into the ropes when they collide in the middle of the ring. With anger in their eyes, Red Wolf and Sloan go right after each other throwing rights and lefts in the middle of the ring. The ref tries to gain control of the match but is losing control quickly. Sloan buries the boot in the midsection before he whips Red Wolf into the ropes and catches him with a back elbow but Red Wolf looks unfazed.]

[Sloan lights up Red Wolf with a vicious chop to the chest as the crowd is on their feet. Sloan tries to pick up Red Wolf but Red Wolf counters with a headbutt. Sloan stumbles away while Red Wolf stalks him around the ring before connecting with a double ax-handle to the back of the neck. Red Wolf picks up Sloan by the hair and slams him against the top turnbuckle before taking him over with a snapmare before kicking him square between the shoulder blades.]

Alicia Lockheart: As he has proven many times in New England and Japan, you can never count The Urufu out.

[Sloan quickly gets back to his feet and connects with an european uppercut to the jaw. Red Wolf stumbles back a couple of steps before he catches a charging Sloan and throws him over the top rope to the outside. Red Wolf rolls to the outside and slams Sloan face first into the steel barricade. Sloan falls to one knee while Red Wolf pummels away with right hands to Sloan's forehead.]

Frank Longely Jnr: This just shows how much these two want that title around their own respected waists. Because Red Wolf is trying to bust Sloan open.

[Red Wolf throws Sloan back into the ring begins to stalk him when he climbs back into the ring. Red Wolf pulls Sloan up by the hair and whips him into the ropes. Red Wolf goes for a clothesline but Sloan comes back with a Lou Thesz Press on Red Wolf while he pummels away at Red Wolf with right hands to the jaw. Sloan gets up and hits the ropes and comes back with a fistdrop to the jaw of Red Wolf. Sloan goes for the cover and hooks the leg.]

Frank Longely Jnr: I think that Sloan just kicked into second gear with that barrage.

[Sloan picks up Red Wolf and tries to whip him into the corner but Red Wolf reverses it and sends Sloan shoulder first into the ringpost. Sloan tries to get to his feet while he holds his shoulder but he turns around to see Red Wolf stalk towards him. Sloan buries the knee to the midsection and takes Red Wolf down with a snap DDT. Sloan gets back to his feet and proceeds to stomp a proverbial mudhole into Red Wolf's skull.]

Alicia Lockheart: Sloan is trying to kill him in that ring. No man can take that much abuse.

[Sloan grabs Red Wolf by the arm and takes him down with a samoan drop but Red Wolf holds on and rolls Sloan over for a pinning combination.]

[Sloan kicks out as Red Wolf looks at the ref very angrily. Red Wolf makes it to his feet and climbs onto the ring apron while he waits for Sloan to get back up. And amazingly, Sloan is trying to get back up. Red Wolf leaps onto the top rope and catches Sloan with a front facelock into a tornado DDT. Sloan grabs his head and neck in pain while Red Wolf goes for the merciful cover.]

[Sloan just gets the shoulder up as Red Wolf is yelling at the ref about a slow count. Red Wolf picks up Sloan by the arm and takes it over with a twist before shooting Sloan into the corner but Sloan reverses it and sends Red Wolf into the ref. The ref hits the mat in a heap. Red Wolf turns around and just ducks a right hand from Sloan and grabs a waistlock before taking him down with a german suplex and hits the bridge. Red Wolf goes for the cover but there is no ref. Red Wolf releases the hold and slaps the mat waiting for a count but gets up as he sees the ref out of it and tries to wake him.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Red Wolf could have been World Heavyweight Champion right now but the ref is still groggy.

[Sloan crawls over to the ropes to get to his feet as Red Wolf revives the ref. Red Wolf turns around and catches a superkick from Sloan as he hits hard. Sloan climbs up to the top turnbuckle slowly as Red Wolf tries to get his bearings. Red Wolf turns around and just moves out of the way of a missile dropkick. Red Wolf picks Sloan up and catches him with a fist to the midsection. Red Wolf grabs Sloan and goes for another Canis Cutter but Sloan shoves him off and buries a boot to the midsection before hitting the ropes and connecting with a spinning neckbreaker and goes for the cover and hooks the leg.]

[Red Wolf barely gets the shoulder up while Sloan looks at the ref in amazement and disbelief. Sloan gets back to his feet and drags Red Wolf back up to his feet and throws him over his shoulder and backs up into the near corner before charging out for a powerslam but Red Wolf slides down his back and shoves Sloan chest first into the turnbuckle knocking the wind out of him before Red Wolf catches him in a back waistlock and takes him over with a german suplex and hangs on while Red Wolf brings him back up and takes him over with another german suplex before pulling him back up again but Sloan tries to connect with a back elbow but Red Wolf ducks under and and takes him over with a backdrop driver. Red Wolf falls on Sloan for the cover and hooks the leg.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Sloan once again gets the shoulder up and say what you want about this guy but Sloan is the real deal. He wants that victory. He wants that chance to walk out of here with the title.

[Red Wolf gets back to his feet and tries to catch his breath while Sloan is slow to get up. Sloan finally gets back up to his feet and nearly ducks the superkick from Red Wolf and connects with a dropkick to the chest of Red Wolf. Sloan grabs Red Wolf and whips him into the ropes but Red Wolf reverses it and sends Sloan into the ropes and goes for the backdrop but Sloan counters with an over the knee facebuster as Red Wolf hits the mat.]

Frank Longely Jnr: Well, Red Wolf was already butt-ugly but that sure as hell didn't help.

Alicia Lockheart: And when was the last time, you had women busting down your door, Casanova.

[Sloan gets up with a sick grin on his face when he gets a standing headscissors on Red Wolf and hoists him up but Red Wolf is fighting for his life and gets back to his feet and backdrops Sloan to the mat. Red Wolf picks up Sloan and and goes for a sidewalk slam but Sloan rolls through and locks Red Wolf into a victory roll.]

[Red Wolf barely gets out and catches Sloan coming up with a clothesline but Sloan hooks the arm and swings around and throws Red Wolf into a standing headscissors and hoists him up and lifts him up before dropping him with an elevated sit-out powerbomb. Sloan hooks both shoulders for the pin.]

Alicia Lockheart: NO!!!! Red Wolf just got the shoulder up at the last moment.

[Sloan slowly gets to his feet and whips Red Wolf into the far corner but Red Wolf reverses the whip and follows him with a massive vertical splash.]

[The Urufu screams in a primal fury as he delivers blow after blow into Sloan’s midsection.]

[The fans cheer wildly as the Urufu howls out to the crowd. Sloan slowly staggers out of the corner one hand clutching his neck, the other his ribs.]

Alicia Lockheart: Sloan is in a bad way right now. Urufu may be looking to finish things off!

[Red Wolf towers over the hunched Michael Sloan, and sets him up to the delight of the crowd.]

[Sloan is lifted high over the Urufu’s head before being jackknifed to the mat. As he hits the canvas, more blood spills from his mouth.]

Alicia Lockheart: OH MY GOD! WHAT IMPACT!!! SLOAN LOOKS TO BE BROKEN IN HALF!!!!

[Red Wolf slowly rises to his knees over the fallen champion. He stares down in disgust at the horrific sight of Sloan lying there bloody and broken until the ref hands him the WWA World Title. Momentarily, he cradles it in his arms like a small child before rising to his feet with what energy he has left over and enthusiastically howls to the crowd.]

Frank Longely Jnr - "WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!"

Alicia Lockheart - "...But we're out of time! Thanks so much for joining us here in Melbourne, Australia for International Wars 2004! Until next time, This is Alicia Lockheart and Frank Longely Jnr..."

CREDITS:
Archer/Diablo - Matt
Matthews/Reinfeld - Sean
McClain/Johnson - Tim
Ulfric/Cross - Ken
DC Title - Cameron
CW Title - Jimbo
INT Title - Ken
Tag Title - Dan
World Title - Blue