EPISODE # 2.1

ROGERS ARENA

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2011

The Progressive Wrestling Alliance returns to the airwaves for the first time in seven months with an extensive video package, set to Kidneythieves’ “Freeky People,” which takes us back through last August’s Everlasting Epic VI.

Through the video, we relive moments such as Evan Black capturing the International Championship from his former mentor Dexter P. Wellington; Scythe overcoming the odds to finally defeat Solomon, emerging victorious in the Iron Man thriller two falls to one; Vulture bringing himself to physically confront his wayward son Chris Duval en route to him and Jason Calysto capturing the Tag Team Championship from Duval and Jackie Baccaro; Jaguar earning his moment of glory in his hometown of Jacksonville, holding back the formidable challenge of Michael Grieco in a Falls Count Anywhere war; and Greg Tantalus defeating and making amends with Hollywood Mike Griffin, only for creative director Justin Schenck to pull out his ace in the hole, the monstrous German Markus Krieg, to prevent Tantalus from obtaining his full revenge.

We then end on clips from the electric triple threat main event, in which Dan Crowley climbed the mountaintop at long last, pinning Anthony Failla to win the PWA World Heavyweight Championship, with Showtime Damon Savage having to accept that his best was just not good enough on this night.

With that, the powerful opening chords of Ours’ “Live Again” play, ushering in the re-worked opening credits montage for PWA: The Rebirth. At its conclusion, we are taken inside Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where a breathtaking fireworks display ensues before a rabid capacity crowd of 20,000! With the cheering still carrying in full force, we are sent ringside to our commentators, Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham!

Troy: Hello everyone and welcome back to a second season of PWA: The Rebirth! I’m Victor Troy, along here with Randall Buckingham, and we are poised and ready to kick off what should be a tremendously unique and exciting season!

Buckingham: That’s right, Vic! Our fearless leader, creative director Justin Schenck, has boldly gone where no man would even dare to go: he has taken Season Two abroad! And I don’t just mean PART of it. I mean there is not one single date on the calendar that takes place within the United States!

Troy: Not to mention that we’re working with an expanded schedule as well! Tonight’s three-hour season premiere special is the exception, as our episodes this season have been shaved down to two hours from three last year, but we will run 10 consecutive weeks before presenting Symphony of Destruction live on pay-per-view, take a six-week break, and then return for 10 more original episodes and the Everlasting Epic VII pay-per-view extravaganza! 20 episodes, two pay-per-views, 63 countries, six continents… simply put, this is the most ambitious block of PWA programming that the company has ever produced!

Buckingham: Really, we could go on and on about how excited we are for this second season, but our ring announcer Lee Palmer is ready to roll, so let’s send it over to him!

In the ring, Lee Palmer brings microphone to mouth and begins speaking.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the PWA World Heavyweight Champion… DANNNN CRRRRROWWWWWWLEEEEEEEY!

With that, “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest thumps onto the speakers and the Vancouver crowd gives a thunderous ovation to the PWA Champion, who is walking the aisle on a televised broadcast as the company’s top dog for the first time, despite winning the title seven months ago. Crowley appears to be thoroughly pleased as he heads to the ring, wearing the belt proudly, slapping hands with fans as he enters. Finally, Crowley enters the ring, whipping the title belt off and holding it high, eliciting a stream of pyro as he does so. The champion then grabs a microphone and addresses his audience.

Crowley: Thank you! I’ve got to say, it feels damn good to be walking out here with this gorgeous championship belt right here. You know, I’ve had this thing in my possession for seven long months, but without the ability to come out before a great PWA crowd like this one here in Vancouver, and I started to wonder if maybe it was just some strange dream. But as I stand before all of you, I can tell you that I am without question living my dream right now.

The crowd cheers feverishly and Crowley appears genuinely humbled before quickly regaining his composure.

Crowley: Thank you. I appreciate the love and support, I really do. I couldn’t be where I am right now without it, and I truly mean that. But I’ve been in the PWA since the day it opened its doors, and I’ve seen more times than I can count this very dream turn into a nightmare for various people. The second you grow content with your accomplishments, someone else is right there to pick you apart and take this title from you. I’ve spent nine years as the hunter, but now, I am the hunted. But believe me, I am prepared. I am prepared for any challenge that comes my way, and I don’t plan on joining the long list of people who won this title, only to lose it in their first or second defense. I didn’t fight, scratch, and claw my way to the top to reign for one fleeting moment. Quite simply, this is a dream I don’t plan on waking from anytime soon. And you’re going to have to –

Suddenly, “No Country For Young Men” by Ice Cube hits the speakers, and the fans are momentarily confused before Showtime Damon Savage emerges from behind the curtain in street clothes. The Vancouver crowd gives Showtime, who looks virtually the same aside from the fact that his dreadlocks have grown seven months longer, a loud ovation as he approaches the PWA Champion. Crowley eyes Savage cautiously as the boxer-turned-wrestler grabs a microphone and heads into the ring. Showtime gets face-to-face with Crowley before beginning to speak.

Showtime: First things first, I just want to offer you my congratulations.

Savage offers his hand and Crowley shakes it, prompting a wave of cheers from the crowd.

Showtime: I know that’s about seven months overdue, but you’ll have to forgive me for being a little jealous and a little bitter. Everlasting Epic was the biggest match of both our lives. And for you, it was the crowning achievement in a great career. But on my end, I went into the most important match of my career, fought my ass off, left it all in the ring, and when all was said and done, not only did I not succeed, but I didn’t even get pinned to lose the match. I’ve had to live with that for the last seven months, replaying the match in my head over and over and over again. What could I have done differently? Couldn’t I have at least shaken off the cobwebs long enough to break up your pin of Failla? I heard it happening. I tried to get up. In my head I WAS getting up. My body didn’t listen.

But none of this is your problem. I know that. But I also know that there has GOT to be a part of Dan Crowley that wonders if he really can beat Showtime. We’ve wrestled each other one time. And on that one night, it was Showtime Damon Savage who had his hand raised in victory. Now Dan, I’m appealing to you not as a friend, but as a competitor. Will you grant me the first shot at your PWA World Heavyweight Championship?

The Vancouver crowd buzzes loudly with anticipation, until “Better Think Again” by Submersed lurks onto the speakers, signaling the arrival of former PWA Champion Anthony Failla. The fans greet Failla with a thunderous wave of jeers as he emerges from behind the curtain and stalks his way out to the ring. Failla grabs a microphone and enters the ring, staring down his two Everlasting Epic opponents.

Failla: First of all, Showtime, you need to recognize that you lost at Everlasting Epic, the same way I did. The fact that I got pinned and you didn’t means nothing. You were finished, courtesy of my Weapon of Mass Destruction, so don’t stand here and try to say you didn’t lose; you did. But unlike you, I have a mandatory rematch coming to me. Now Crowley, I do want to offer my congratulations to you. You went into Jacksonville last August and did exactly what you said you were going to do. You won the PWA Championship. But that was seven months ago. And for seven months, I’ve looked forward to this night, when I challenged you to a rematch. You may have beaten me in a triple threat match, but I KNOW you don’t have what it takes to pin me again in a one-on-one match. So Showtime, get back in line. I have a rematch coming to me, and I’m out here right now to exercise it.

Crowley: Is that a fact?

Before Failla has a chance to respond, “Reason to Hate Me” by Krayzie Bone blasts onto the speakers and PWA creative director Justin Schenck makes his first appearance of the new season, stepping out from behind the curtain, microphone in tow.

Schenck: Everybody hold on a minute here! Nobody schedules championship matches around here but the creative director! And last I checked, that person is me, Justin Schenck. Now first, let me tell all three of you that there will NOT be a PWA Championship match here tonight. In fact, there won’t be a PWA Championship match next week either. The first time that the PWA World Heavyweight Championship will be defended on television this season will be two weeks from tonight, in Rio de Janeiro. On that night, Dan Crowley will defend his gold against the winner of tonight’s main event, which will pit Showtime Damon Savage… against a man who proved himself truly deserving of a title opportunity with his stellar performance at Everlasting Epic… the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe!

Troy: Whoa!

Buckingham: That is an absolutely huge announcement! Showtime against Scythe tonight, title shot on the line!

Failla: Excuse me, Schenck?! What happened to my mandatory rematch?!

Schenck: Calm down, Failla, I’m getting to you. Now, whoever leaves Rio with the championship is going to have to get themselves ready, and fast. Because one week later, three weeks from tonight, when we’re live in Paris, the champion will have to meet the challenge of Anthony Failla, one-on-one.

Failla nods his head in approval, but Schenck is not finished speaking.

Schenck: But that’s not all I have for you, Failla. You were THE dominant player in this game last season. I think you’re entitled to more than just a championship rematch in three weeks. Next week, when we’re live in Monterrey, Mexico, I’m giving you another title shot. Since Jackie Baccaro and Chris Duval have waived their contractually offered rematch against Vulture and Jason Calysto for the Tag Team Championship, I’m awarding it to you and a partner of your choosing. Choose wisely! And to all you fans out there, welcome back to PWA: The Rebirth! We’ve got one hell of a season in store for you, so sit back and enjoy!

With that, “Reason to Hate Me” replays and Schenck exits, leaving Crowley, Showtime, and Failla eyeing each other in the ring.

Troy: What an unbelievable announcement! Let’s try to break down this timetable, Randall. So, tonight, we’ve got Showtime facing Scythe to determine the first televised challenger to Dan Crowley’s PWA Championship.

Buckingham: Then next week, Anthony Failla and a partner of his choosing will challenge Vulture and Jason Calysto for the Tag Team Championship.

Troy: Followed by two weeks from tonight, when the Showtime-Scythe winner challenges Crowley.

Buckingham: And then the winner of that will defend against Failla one week later, a match Failla could enter already holding one half of the Tag Team titles.

Troy: I think we’ve got it!

Buckingham: We do! And you know what else we have?

Troy: What’s that?

Buckingham: A commercial break! We’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from commercial, we see John Wolfe walking through the backstage area, complete with a new close-cropped haircut, a smug look on his face, and the defunct Progressive Championship belt. Wolfe continues walking through the back until he reaches his former tag team partner Paul Epton. The smugness on his face growing, Wolfe approaches the man he destroyed in singles competition at Everlasting Epic VI.

Wolfe: Paul Epton! Great to see you, mate. I wasn’t even sure you were going to have a job here anymore after what I did to you!

Epton: Save it, John. I don’t really need to hear this from you right now.

Wolfe: Oh trust me, Paul, you DO need to hear this from me. Because you’re a joke, and a midget like you has absolutely no place in the ring with a physical specimen like me. The best way I can sum it up is that I’m John Wolfe and you’re Paul Epton; I’m the Progressive Champion and you’re a bloody nobody.

Epton: You do realize that title has been defunct for close to five years.

Wolfe: Until tonight, Paul. Until tonight. You see, in just a few minutes, Justin Schenck is going to call me out to the ring for a ceremony to officially reinstate the Progressive Championship. And Paul, take a good look at this belt while you can. Because you will NEVER experience this through your own achievement. And as long as I’m champion, that much I can guarantee.

Wolfe then exits, leaving a perturbed Epton behind.

***

Back at ringside, “Dead Promises” by The Rasmus hits and the fans begin cheering loudly as Morgan Day emerges from behind the curtain! Morgan, now sporting bangs and a brand new costume – a black bodysuit with purple trim – is not entering alone. The cheers grow in volume as Lauren Tantalus, Keiko Ishida, and an unfamiliar face are at her side.

Troy: Alright folks, we’re ready for our first match of the new season! It’s going to be an eight-woman tag team match, and here’s your first team!

Buckingham: I see Morgan Day, Lauren Tantalus, and Keiko Ishida, but who is that fourth woman? I’ve never seen her before.

Troy: That would be Kemi Okoro, one of our newcomers here in Season Two. Kemi was an Olympic sprinter from Lagos, Nigeria, representing her country at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. She came to the United States in 2007 and began training for a career in professional wrestling. After an impressive run on the independent circuit, Justin Schenck caught wind of her and signed her to a contract this offseason. She is insanely fast, highly energetic, and is said to have a ton of potential. And by the way, Mr. Color Commentator, how come you don’t know anything about her? Her bio is already up on PWATheRebirth.com!

Buckingham: Troy, I am the voice of the people. If the people don’t know something, I don’t know something. I educate by being educated.

Troy: Oh lord.

Okoro, decked out in hot pink and yellow, plays to the crowd as she enters, receiving cheers for her debut appearance mostly due to the company she is keeping.

Once the foursome hits the ring, “Demons” by Aria hits and the fans begin booing loudly as the PWA Women’s Champion Zina emerges from behind the curtain. Alongside her are Alexis Duval, Dee Licious, and a woman that appears to be Jade, though a very different-looking Jade from the one we last saw.

Buckingham: Whoa! Is that Jade?! She looks HOT!

Troy: That is indeed, Jade. She’s got a new hairstyle, new ring attire, a toned-up physique, and she’s looking to get back on top here this season. I actually spoke to Jade earlier this evening and she told me she took a spot on Zina’s team tonight even though she doesn’t really see eye-to-eye with her or her teammates for one simple reason: Morgan Day’s team contains the three top contenders to the Women’s Championship. Jade reasons that if she can pin one of them tonight, it would vault her up the list of contenders.

Buckingham: Who cares about any of that, Troy? Jade is HOT! That is ALL that matters!

Jade, now with a new short haircut, a green top that covers just her chest and right arm and leaves her toned stomach exposed, and short purple shorts with green trim, wears a look of supreme determination as she walks to the ring alongside her three teammates. Finally, they reach the ring, and Zina elects to start the match. On the other side, Lauren Tantalus begs for another crack at the champion who defeated her at Everlasting Epic and her teammates grant it, prompting the bell to sound.

EIGHT-WOMAN TAG TEAM MATCH:
PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPION ZINA, ALEXIS DUVAL, DEE LICIOUS, AND JADE VS. MORGAN DAY, LAUREN TANTALUS, KEIKO ISHIDA, AND KEMI OKORO
Referee: Dan Martin
Lauren and Zina lock up in the ring and it is the champion who immediately establishes the advantage, violently shoving Lauren to the mat. Undaunted, Lauren gets back to her feet and locks up with Zina again, this time tying the champion in a side headlock. Zina is able to quickly fight her way out of it, shoving Lauren against the ropes and catching her in bearhug position as she returns. However, rather than slap her finisher on this early, Zina unleashes a vicious overhead belly-to-belly suplex, sending Lauren sailing across the ring and back into her corner! While there, Morgan Day reaches out and tags into the match.

Troy: Alright, here we go! It’s Zina and Morgan!

Buckingham: No, wait! I don’t think Zina is going to let Morgan get a hold of her that easily!

Morgan comes into the ring, beckoning Zina forward, desperate for a chance to avenge her championship loss nearly a year ago, but Zina instead smirks at Morgan and tags Morgan’s step-daughter Alexis Duval into the match.

Alexis enters the ring and immediately begins trash-talking Morgan, before attempting to unleash a ferocious slap on her. However, Morgan blocks it and begins tattooing Alexis with repeated forearms to the jaw! Morgan then whips Alexis into the ropes and nails her with a huge back body drop as she returns! Alexis gets up and Morgan wastes little time, nailing her with a thunderous roundhouse kick to the face! However, when Alexis falls back, she falls back right into her corner, allowing Jade to tag into the bout.

Jade enters and goes right at Morgan, aggressively pounding away on her. Morgan tries to battle back, but Jade counters, taking Morgan down and applying Jaded, her inverted STF submission hold! Morgan struggles in the move, but is eventually able to get to the ropes, forcing the hold to be broken.

As soon as she rises, Jade grabs her, looking for her Side Effect finisher, but Morgan elbows out of it and whips Jade into the corner. Then, Morgan charges after her, but Jade moves out of the way. However, in one fluid motion, Morgan leaps to the top rope and takes Jade down with a standing moonsault! Morgan covers… one, two, and Jade kicks out.

Back to their feet, Morgan looks to put Jade away with the Daybreak, but Jade elbows out of her grip before reaching out and tagging Dee into the match. Dee enters and takes advantage of the dazed Morgan, nailing her with several stiff forearm shots. She then Irish whips Morgan into the corner, but Keiko Ishida reaches out and tags Morgan’s back as she passes. As Morgan returns, Dee leapfrogs over her, but Morgan stops her own momentum on the opposite ropes. Then, when Dee turns around, she is nailed by Keiko with an inverted stomp facebuster, a move Keiko calls “Gyaku Girochin,” which means “inverse guillotine.”

As the fans cheer, Keiko begins stalking Dee, looking for her famed running STO finisher, which Ishida now refers to as “Oshimai,” Japanese for “the end.” However, while Keiko waits for Dee to rise, Kemi Okoro reaches out and tags herself in! Keiko is infuriated as Kemi climbs right up to the top rope and, when Dee rises, leaps off with a flying hurricanrana! Kemi then returns to the top and dives forward with a breathtaking senton bomb! Okoro connects with tremendous impact and hooks the leg! One, two, three!

Troy: And that does it! Kemi Okoro scores the victory for her team with a move she likes to call the Igbo Bomb! What a win for Kemi!

Buckingham: A big win indeed for Ms. Okoro, but check out the look on Keiko’s face! Lighten up, Keiko, your team won!

Amid the hearty cheering of the Vancouver crowd, “Baai” by Abdel Gadir Salim and Emmanuel Jal overtakes the speakers and Morgan and Lauren celebrate with Kemi on her maiden victory. However, Keiko remains, her back against the turnbuckle, glaring angrily at the newcomer who stole her spotlight.
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 6:07 – MORGAN DAY, LAUREN TANTALUS, KEIKO ISHIDA, AND KEMI OKORO

Troy: Folks, we’re about to head to break but don’t even think of changing that channel! SO much more to come here on the season premiere of PWA: The Rebirth!

Buckingham: That’s right, Troy! We know about our main event, where Showtime Damon Savage will take on Scythe for a shot at the PWA Championship, but what about what we HAVEN’T heard yet? For one, the International Championship will be on the line in a rematch from Everlasting Epic VI! Evan Black defends his title against the former champion, Dexter P. Wellington!

Troy: And that’s not all, folks! We have been told that Jaguar is in the building tonight and will be making some sort of huge announcement. What could that announcement be, Randall?

Buckingham: I have no idea, Vic, but it had better be good if he’s going to waste time on our season premiere!

Troy (sighing): In any event, folks, we have a LOT more to come tonight, so stick with us! We’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from commercial, we see backstage reporter Scott Cornelius rushing to catch up with Chris Duval, who is walking alone through the backstage area. Finally, Cornelius gets the attention of Duval, who appears less than thrilled to have been stopped.

Cornelius: Sorry to bother you, but Chris, I wanted to ask you about something Justin Schenck alluded to at the top of the hour. He mentioned in passing that you and Jackie Baccaro had waived the rematch you were contractually entitled to receive for the Tag Team Championship against Jason Calysto and your father Vulture. Can you let us in on why exactly you chose not to pursue the rematch?

Duval’s demeanor worsens at this question and now appears to be fuming.

Duval: It’s a waste of time. We done here?

Cornelius: Yeah, sure. Thanks for your time.

Duval turns to walk away but Cornelius suddenly calls out after him.

Cornelius: Wait! Mr. Duval! I’ve just realized I haven’t seen you two together all day. Is there some sort of rift?

At this, Duval stops in his tracks and turns back to Cornelius, intimidating him.

Duval: Go ask Baccaro.

With that, Duval storms off.

***

Back at ringside, “Reason to Hate Me” by Krayzie Bone is playing over the speakers and creative director Justin Schenck is standing in the ring.

Schenck: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m out here right now to officially bring a forgotten championship back into the fold. For four years, the Progressive Championship was a unique part of the PWA landscape, constantly evolving and consistently springboarding its holders to even greater heights. Tonight, the Progressive Championship returns to the PWA. Before I say another word, let’s bring out the final man to hold that title back in 2006… ladies and gentlemen, John Wolfe!

Skunk Anansie’s “Charlie Big Potato” then thumps onto the speakers, leading a thoroughly satisfied John Wolfe out to the ring. Wolfe enters and exuberantly shakes Schenck’s hand before posing with the belt. As the fans boo, Schenck begins to speak.

Schenck: Thanks for coming out here, John. Now, I have some news for you that you’re not going to like.

Wolfe looks at Schenck curiously.

Schenck: Now, I probably should have told you this before we went on the air, and shame on me for not doing so. But you have to understand what it means to be in my position and the importance of the element of surprise. You see, the reason I decided to reinstate the Progressive Championship for Season Two and to leave it on the sidelines last year was because I hadn’t yet figured out the next evolution of the championship. Now, I have. The Progressive Championship will be defended consistently throughout this season, but it will be contested solely amongst competitors who weigh no more than 220 pounds. I’m sorry, John, but your weight precludes you from defending this belt. From this point forward, the Progressive Championship is a cruiserweight title!

The fans cheer loudly, and Wolfe appears beside himself with rage in the ring!

Schenck: I’m sorry, John. I’m going to have to ask you to hand over the belt.

Wolfe stares Schenck down coldly before finally handing over the title reluctantly and walking out. The former Progressive Champion appears to be doing everything in his power to keep from lashing out in anger.

Schenck: Over the course of the season, we’ll be bringing in a number of cruiserweight talents to compete for this title, but the quest to become Progressive Champion begins tonight. During this night, you will see three qualifying matches take place, with the winners advancing to next week in Mexico, where they will compete in a triple threat match to crown the new champion. With that said, let’s bring out our first combatant!

Moments later, “Map of the Problematique” by Muse hits and Paul Epton begins making his way to the ring to a thunderous ovation!  Epton mockingly waves to Wolfe as he passes him in the aisle, which sends Wolfe off the deep end. Wolfe lunges for Epton as soon as he turns his back, but security quickly descends on the scene to remove Wolfe, who rabidly shouts back at his former tag team partner. Ignoring him, Epton enters the ring and poses for the supportive crowd as Schenck walks to the back and referee Tom Stevens jogs out to the ring.

Once Epton is in the ring, “#1 Stunna” by the Big Tymers hits and Don “The MVP” Capriglione makes his way to the ring, accompanied by his Synergy tag team partner The Omega. As Capriglione enters, we are briefly taken backstage, where John Wolfe is destroying the catering setup as security attempts to escort him back to his dressing room.

Back to ringside, Capriglione enters and gets in Epton’s face before the bell sounds to kick off the action.

Troy: Alright, here we go! What a turn of events! The Progressive Championship is back, but it is now a cruiserweight title!

Buckingham: And next week, we’re going to see a new champion crowned! It could be one of these two men!

Troy: That it could, though we have no idea who will be competing in the other two matches!

PWA PROGRESSIVE CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING MATCH:

PAUL EPTON VS. DON “THE MVP” CAPRIGLIONE
Referee: Tom Stevens
Capriglione continues trash-talking Epton, gesturing to him that the Progressive Championship will be his and that Epton is just a minor obstacle standing in his way. Epton challenges Capriglione to prove it, which prompts the MVP to pie-face the Londoner. Epton chuckles to himself, leaving the MVP confused before Epton darts at Capriglione, peppering him with furious forearm smashes to the jaw.

Capriglione tries desperately to get away from Epton, poking him in the eye to create a bit of separation. With that, Capriglione climbs to the top rope. However, Epton recovers just in time, rushing into the ropes, causing the MVP to lose his balance and fall crotch-first onto the top turnbuckle! While there, Epton grabs him, resting Capriglione’s chin on Epton’s right shoulder, before walking forward and extending Capriglione’s legs. Then, Epton slams Capriglione down with an Ace crusher, completing the Tower of London!

Troy: Tower of London! I think Capriglione is out!

Buckingham: C’mon, Omega! Do something!

Epton turns Capriglione over and goes for the cover… one, two, and The Omega pulls Epton out of the ring!

Buckingham: There we go!

Epton gets up on the outside and sees The Omega charging at him, but moves out of the way, sending Omega crashing into the steel steps! Then, Epton climbs up to the top rope and, finding Capriglione in prime position, leaps off with the shooting star press, connecting with thunderous authority! Epton hooks the leg… one, two, three!

Troy: And that does it! Paul Epton advances! What a victory!

Buckingham: Not a whole lot of Synergy for Capriglione and Omega here tonight! Impressive win for Paul Epton, but quite the underwhelming defeat for the MVP. C’mon Don! You have to do better than that!

As the fans cheer loudly, “Map of the Problematique” replays and Epton exits, leaving a stewing Synergy in his wake.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 2:39 – PAUL EPTON

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see the Hardcore Icon Kerry Cox sitting alone in the locker room, appearing to be in deep thought. Moments later, he is approached by the Human Highlight Jon Dulberg.

Dulberg: How’s it going, Kerry?

Cox: Oh, hey Jon. I didn’t hear you come in. How’ve you been?

Dulberg: Alright I guess. A little irritated I don’t have a match tonight, to be honest. But what else should I expect from Justin Schenck?

Cox: Nah, don’t talk like that, Jon. You make your own luck around here. Don’t blame Schenck for not having a match tonight; blame yourself.

Dulberg’s demeanor immediately changes.

Dulberg: I don’t exactly see your name on the card tonight either, Cox. How long are you gonna hang on around here anyway? Aren’t you like 70 years old now or something?

Cox chuckles, not offended in the least.

Cox: Look at you getting all defensive! I didn’t mean it as a personal affront. I just mean that instead of pulling a Greg Tantalus or a John Wolfe and spending the whole season whining about being slighted, go make yourself marketable in such a way that Schenck has no choice not only to book you, but to book  you in important matches that raise your profile.

Dulberg: How exactly am I supposed to do that? You know, Kerry, I’ve been around the PWA and CAW before that for longer than you have. I made my CAW debut in 1999. That’s 12 years, and in that time, the furthest I’ve gone is being the first International Champion here. And that was in 2002! I do the best I can, but let’s face it, I know how I’m valued by management. Do I think I have the talent to be a top guy around here? Absolutely. But the glass ceiling around here is pretty damn thick.

Cox: Are you joking? There’s a thick glass ceiling in the PWA? Jon, think about all the people over the years who have come out of nowhere to win the PWA title. Think about who holds the PWA Championship right now! Five years ago, did you ever think Speed Demon would be the PWA Champion? Well there he is, in the flesh, Dan Crowley, your World Heavyweight Champion. As a matter of fact, didn’t you BEAT him to become the first International Champion?

Dulberg: I did, but that was —

Cox: Jon, it doesn’t matter how long ago it was. That’s your hook. You want to break the glass ceiling? Freshen up your look. Get new music. New tights. A new finisher. But first and foremost, go out, challenge Dan Crowley to a non-title match, and wrestle the match of your life. You do those things, I guarantee you’ll find your profile raised in a huge way.

Dulberg appears skeptical.

Dulberg: I appreciate the advice, Kerry. I really do. But why are you doing this for me?

Cox: That’s a good question, and I’m not really sure there’s a good answer. I do know that I respect you and I think you have a lot more to offer this company than you’ve shown. At this point in my career, am I going to get back to the top of the mountain and become PWA Champion? Who knows, but it’s probably not likely. But, Jon, with a little work, I think you can get there. Think about what I said.

Cox gets up and pats Dulberg on the back before exiting, leaving the Human Highlight alone with his thoughts.

***

The camera shifts to another portion of the backstage area, where backstage reporter Traci Reed is joined by Michael Grieco and Dee Licious.

Traci: Michael Grieco, Dee Licious, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Michael, I understand you have something to say that you’ve wanted to get off your chest all night.

Grieco: That’s right, Traci. Ever since Everlasting Epic, I’ve been sitting home in Staten Island, wondering how in the hell I lost to that punk Jaguar. I just don’t understand it. What I do understand, though, is that Jag has some kind of special announcement to make tonight. I’m here to tell you definitively that I couldn’t care less what Jaguar’s announcement is going to be, and neither should any of you. Jaguar is a waste of time, just like tonight’s match between Showtime and Scythe to determine the first challenger to the PWA World Heavyweight Championship. You know why that’s a waste of time? Because Michael Grieco isn’t involved. Did I not prove to everyone last season that I belong in the main event? Did I not pin Jaguar twice last season? Does nothing besides Everlasting Epic count? Did Scythe win a single match last season before Everlasting Epic? Does Showtime really deserve another title shot?

Traci: Do you make statements or do you only ask rhetorical questions?

Dee: You’re gonna get cute now, huh? I’d keep my mouth shut if I were you, Barbie doll.

Grieco: Seriously, don’t ever interrupt me again.

There is an awkward silence before Grieco speaks again.

Grieco: I think my point has been made. Justin Schenck, you can ignore me if you want, but I’m not going away. And sooner than you think, the PWA Championship will be mine. It’s just a matter of time.

With that, Grieco and Dee walk off.

***

Back from break, Justin Schenck is in the ring alongside two unfamiliar masked competitors. To his right is a young-looking man sporting a red and gold mask that looks similar to that of retired Japanese star Ultimo Dragon. To Schenck’s left is a larger masked grappler, wearing a black, green, and white mask. Finally, Schenck begins speaking.

Schenck: Welcome back to The Rebirth, ladies and gentlemen! If you direct your attention to the ring, you will see two competitors that I trust you are not terribly familiar with. To my right, from Akihabara, Japan, a student of the famed Ultimo Dragon, I give you Asai Moon!

The fans give a respectful ovation to Moon.

Schenck: And to my left, we have the son of a lucha libre legend. Sporting the mask of his famous father, the legendary El Valiente, from Monterrey, Mexico, here is El Valiente Jr.!

Another respectful ovation is handed out by the Vancouver crowd.

Schenck: Now, given that we have a match between two men who are unknown to our audience, I thought it would be worth raising the stakes a bit. Wouldn’t you all agree?

Now, first of all, this is the second of three Progressive Championship qualifying matches that you will see tonight, so there is that. But, I don’t think that will suffice. No, we need something bigger.

With that, Schenck’s lips curl into a smile.

Schenck: Ah, yes. I’ve got it. Asai Moon, El Valiente Jr., you two are competing for more than just a shot at the Progressive Championship tonight. Tonight, you compete for your pride as well! Both of you wear the masks of your mentors, a symbol of honor and respect. Well, after tonight, there will only be one masked wrestler in the PWA. Because I’ve just made this contest a Mask vs. Mask match! Let’s get this match started, shall we?!

Schenck then exits as Moon and Valiente look around confused. Valiente protests more than Moon, who appears ready for combat.

Troy: I don’t believe this! Considering where both of these men come from, this is NOT a stipulation to be taken lightly! It doesn't seem very fair to me.

Buckingham:  You WOULD say that, Troy.  Mr. Schenck obviously doesn't want a lot of masks around here! It’s for the safety of the company.  Could you imagine the security risks of a bunch of unknown people running around?

Troy:  That's a little exaggerated, don't you think?  Nonetheless, this is what we've got for you, coming up right now!

PWA PROGRESSIVE CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING MATCH:

MASK VS. MASK MATCH:
ASAI MOON VS. EL VALIENTE JR.
Referee: Jose Soares
Moon takes the first opportunity to reach out his hand and Valiente Jr. obliges in a moment of respect.  With that, the referee signals for the bell, and the match gets underway with both men immediately running straight at their opponent.  El Valiente Jr. slides between Asai's legs before popping up and downing Asai with a swift dropkick to the back!

Buckingham: Impressive mobility by Valiente.

Troy: I think we're going to be seeing a lot of that in this division.

Valiente attempts to follow up the dropkick with a quick senton splash, but Asai rolls out of the way and, as Valiente sits up, nails him with a buzzsaw kick!  Moon picks up Valiente and grabs him in position for a stunner, but then flips himself up and over Valiente and brings him down with a crushing reverse DDT!

Troy:  That was an Asai DDT!  What an incredible move!

Asai goes for the cover, but Valiente JUST manages to get the shoulder up at two! Moon then scales the top rope and performs a picture-perfect moonsault, but Valiente rolls out of the way! 

After several moments, Valiente returns to a vertical base, picks up his downed opponent, and Irish whips him against the ropes, downing him with a tilt-a-whirl side-slam upon his return. Valiente covers… one, two, and Moon kicks out. Valiente seeks to further the advantage, lifting Moon off the mat, but as soon as he does so, Asai kicks him in the gut and gets him in a tiger driver position, but when Asai lifts up his opponent, Valiente turns it into a hurricanrana and lands it! He then picks Moon up, puts him in powerbomb position, and attempts his finisher!

Troy:  That's the setup for the sunset flip powerbomb! Valiente is going to try to end the match!

However, as Valiente pushes forward to flip, Moon grabs his ankles, forcing Valiente off with his own momentum! Moon delivers a quick neckbreaker and goes for a cover… one, two, and Valiente escapes.

When both men return to a vertical base, Moon staggers Valiente with a right hand, grabs him in Rock Bottom position, and does a complete backflip, slamming Valiente down back-first with the Flip Bottom!  Asai slowly gets to his feet, looking back at a barely-conscious Valiente, before signaling to the crowd and scaling the turnbuckles one more time.

Troy:  El Valiente Jr. may be out thanks to that Flip Bottom, but Asai Moon is going back to the top rope!

Buckingham: I don’t know about this, Troy! If you have the match in hand, just go for the cover! I think he’s making a mistake!

Asai then jumps off the top rope and pulls off not one, but two complete backflips, landing on Valiente and completing his Asai Double-Moonsault! He immediately hooks Valiente's leg and Hansen counts.... one, two, three!

Troy: And that’s it!  What an insane finish!

Buckingham:  Did he just do two flips in that moonsault?! I don’t believe it!

Troy:  Neither can I, Randall, and now El Valiente Jr. has to remove his mask!
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 5:03 – ASAI MOON

As the referee raises Asai Moon’s arm signifying his first win in the PWA, Valiente starts to recover on the ground.  He looks up, sees Moon's hand raised, and hears the sounds of “Merciless Cult” by Dir en Grey, Asai Moon’s theme music.  Valiente puts his hands to his face, feels his mask, and looks around the arena.

Buckingham:  I don't think Valiente is very happy right now!

Valiente rolls out of the ring and makes his way up the ramp.  Moon and the ref do not pursue him, but as he reaches the entrance, he is greeted by Justin Schenck, who carries a microphone.

Schenck:  Whoa, hold on there! You’re not getting off that easy. If you want your PWA career to see another day, it's time to remove the mask.

Valiente shakes his head, pleading with Schenck, who simply shakes his head no. El Valiente Jr. looks at his hands, which are furiously shaking.  He brings them up to the back of his head and unties the laces that hold it on.   He slowly removes the mask and looks at Schenck, facing away from the crowd.

Schenck:  Now, turn around and show my audience!

Valiente starts to turn, but before he reveals his face to the crowd, he turns back and bolts past Schenck backstage!

Schenck:  Stop that man!  Don't let him leave before you can get a camera on his face!

Troy:  Wow, what a development!

Buckingham:  What a disgrace!  You made a deal, now face the consequences like a man!

Troy:  I don't blame him for being ashamed.  That mask means everything to his family and his people.  Still, I can't believe he fled without upholding his end of the bargain. Nonetheless, Asai Moon is your winner, and he will be in action next week when a new Progressive Champion is crowned. Folks, stay with us, we’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break , we are taken outside Justin Schenck’s office, where we see the creative director talking to two beefy security guards.

Schenck: I don’t care what you have to do. Find El Valiente Jr. and bring him out to the ring. These people want to see him unmasked, and we’re going to make it happen.

Security Guard #1: But these people didn’t even know who this guy was before tonight. Are you sure they care that much?

Security Guard #2: And don’t you think he’s left the building by now if he really didn’t want to be seen?

Security Guard #1: And if he has only been masked all day, how are we supposed to even know what he looks like?

Schenck: JUST FIND HIM!

With that, the security guards quickly flee and Schenck enters his office. Mere moments later, John Wolfe opens the door and storms his way inside. Schenck is surprised and a little fearful to see him, but downplays it.

Schenck: John, what can I do for you?

Wolfe: What can you do for me?! You screwed me, Justin! It was a bloody bait-and-switch!

Schenck: I know. I apologize for that. It’s just an issue of ratings, John. You have to see it from my perspective.

Wolfe: With all due respect, I’m not overly concerned with your perspective right now.

Schenck: Fair enough. Look, John, I think you’re a good talent. I’m sorry that I had to humiliate you like that, especially bringing Paul Epton out right at that moment. Let me make it up to you. Go watch the Evan Black-Dexter Wellington International Championship match closely. Because next week, the winner defends that title against you.

Wolfe’s lips curl into a smile.

Wolfe: Now you’re speaking my language. You know what, Schenck? You might not be half bad.

The brawny Briton then turns and exits as the camera returns ringside.

***

Back in the arena, “Marriage of Figaro” by Mozart hits and Dexter P. Wellington begins making his way to the ring to an array of jeers from the capacity crowd. Wellington manages to appear disgusted by each and every individual inside the Rogers Arena as he makes his way to the ring.

Once Wellington settles himself inside, “Hero” by Nas featuring Keri Hilson hits and a blast of pyro precedes the entrance of the International Champion Evan Black, who enters to a loud ovation from the Vancouver crowd! Now wearing a warm-up jacket, Black completes his energetic entrance before setting foot in the ring and meeting the stare of his challenger and former mentor Wellington.

Troy: Alright, quite the interesting contest we have for you tonight! These two men kicked off Everlasting Epic VI with a war, and on that night, Black emerged victorious and won the championship. Tonight, it’s a whole new ballgame.

Buckingham: And a ballgame that Evan Black is destined to lose, if you ask me. Look at him out there. Pyro, entrance attire… the small amount of success is going to his head. And Dex Wellington is there to bash in that fat head of his.

Troy: I guess we’re about to find out. Let’s send it to Lee Palmer in the ring!

Palmer: Introducing first, the challenger, from Fairfield, Connecticut, weighing in at 227 pounds … DEXXXXXXXTERRRRRRR P. WELLLLLLLINGGGGGTONNNNNNNN!

And his opponent, from Westchester County, New York, weighing in at 225 pounds, he is the PWA International Champion … EVVVVVVVANNNNNNN BLLLLLLLAAAAACKKKKKKKKK!

With that, Hansen holds the title belt up high, just as he did at Everlasting Epic, before handing it to the ring attendant and signaling for the bell to be rung.

PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
EVAN BLACK (champion) VS. DEXTER P. WELLINGTON (challenger)
Referee: Matt Hansen
Black and Wellington go right at each other to open this encounter, and it is Wellington that establishes the immediate advantage, cinching a tight side headlock on the champion. However, Black is able to quickly fight out of it, backing Wellington in the ropes. He then shoves Wellington off the ropes and hits the mat as Wellington returns, prompting Dex to hop over him. Then, Wellington hits the opposite ropes and Black leapfrogs over him as he returns, before the champion hits the mat and takes Dex down with a monkey flip off the rebound!

Wellington angrily pops back to his feet, but Black is there, peppering him with repeated forearms. Black attempts to whip Wellington against the ropes again, but this time the challenger is able to reverse it, sending Black into the ropes instead. Wellington puts his head down, telegraphing a back body drop, but Black sees it coming and instead kicks Wellington in the face as he approaches! Wellington is startled and Black immediately seeks to take advantage, whipping him into the corner. Black then charges, but Wellington meets him with an elbow to the jaw as he does so. With the champion staggered, Wellington takes him down with a high knee.

Buckingham: That’s what I like to see! Wellington is absolutely dominating this paper champion!

Troy: Evan Black is still very much in this match, Randall! In fact, HE was dominating it until just a few moments ago!

Buckingham: Lies! I find that highly unlikely!

Troy: Were you not watching the match until Wellington went on the offensive?!

Buckingham: I may have been playing Sudoku.

With Black down, Wellington ties him in a front facelock and keeps the hold on tightly. Finally, Black fights his way back to a vertical base and begins powering his way out of the maneuver. Before he can fully escape, however, Wellington grabs a handful of hair, allowing him to regain the advantage and whip Black into the corner. Wellington then charges after him, but Black charges toward the challenger as well, allowing the champion to nail Dex with a shining wizard! The fans then get to their feet as Black scales the top rope and signals for Black’s Law!

Troy: Black’s Law! Black’s Law! This one is going to be history!

Black leaps forth with the move, but Wellington is able to get his knees up at the last second, crashing them into Black’s chest! Then, Wellington pops up and locks the champion in the Million Dollar Dream!

Buckingham: The Dream! The Dream! Wellington has it on! The rightful champion is about to take his title back!

Troy: Evan Black is in quite a predicament! He needs to get to the ropes and fast, or this one is going to be history!

Buckingham: C’mon Dex! You’re so close!

Wellington keeps the hold locked on tightly as Black searches for any avenue of escape. Finally, Black, still in the submission hold, runs at the corner, jumps up, kicks off the turnbuckle pad, and flips his way over Wellington’s shoulders and out of the Million Dollar Dream! Then, as a stunned Wellington turns around, Black clobbers him with a vicious superkick!

With the fans cheering thunderously, Wellington hits the mat like a ton of bricks, and Black is right there to slap on the Blackout, his anaconda vise submission finisher! Black applies the hold tightly, cinching it in with all his might, and Wellington appears to be out! Referee Matt Hansen raises Wellington’s arm three times, and each time, it quickly falls back down. When the arm hits mat for the third time, Hansen calls for the bell!

Troy: That’s it! It’s over! Evan Black is still the International Champion!

Buckingham: What a crock!

Troy: How exactly is this a crock?!

Buckingham: (sheepishly) Leave me alone.

The Vancouver crowd cheers loudly as Evan Black is handed the International Championship and his hand is raised in victory. With one successful defense behind him, Black retreats to the locker room to prepare himself for next week’s challenge: John Wolfe.
WINNER VIA SUBMISSION AT 7:15 AND STILL PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION – EVAN BLACK

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see Evan Black walking through the backstage area, his International Championship belt still in tow. Black receives congratulations from several PWA stars as he walks past them, including Paul Epton, Paul Dawkins, and Renegade. Then, Black suddenly finds himself face to face with GI Jew, who isn’t nearly as welcoming.

Jew: Well, look what we have here. If it isn’t our friendly neighborhood Jewish lawyer.

Black: Look, if you’ve got a problem with me, then let’s just stop dancing around it and —

Jew: Listen, Black, we both know that we have some unfinished business, and when the time is right, I’m taking you out. And guess what? The time is right two weeks from tonight. You see, I just came from Justin Schenck’s office and he granted me a match against you in two weeks. But, as I’m sure you know by now, you’re defending your International title next week against John Wolfe. So kid, do me a favor. Don’t lose your title next week. I’d prefer to get a prize when I end you in two weeks.

Black: And just what makes you so confident that you’re going to beat me? As I remember it, I beat YOU when we wrestled last season.

Jew: I suppose you’ll have a great chance of winning if you arrange for someone else to run in on your behalf again. But make no mistake about it. There is no chance that you will beat me straight up. If by some chance you do, then I had you all wrong. But believe me, I’m not even a little wrong about you.

Black: Well then I guess we’ll find out in two weeks.

Jew: See you around, kid.

Jew then backpedals away, neither man taking his eyes off the other.

***

The camera then shifts to another portion of the backstage area, where we see backstage reporter Scott Cornelius approaching a dressing room door that reads “Jackie Baccaro.” Cornelius finds the door ajar, and instructs the cameraman to try to get a shot inside. Once we get a view inside the dressing room, we can see Jackie Baccaro and Alexis Duval ardently making out. The camera remains fixated on this image for several moments before Alexis notices, gasps, and alerts Jackie. Baccaro then violently spins around and charges toward the door, prompting Cornelius and the camera man to flee. The sound of Baccaro slamming the door shut is heard clearly before we head to commercial break.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, the camera is focused on Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.

Troy: Alright folks, welcome back to PWA: The Rebirth. Before the break, we certainly came across one hell of an interesting tidbit.

Buckingham: That we did, Troy. Apparently, Jackie Baccaro and Alexis Duval are now an item, or at the very least, they are romantically involved in some way.

Troy: And that goes a long way in explaining the apparent rift that currently exists between Baccaro and Chris Duval.

Buckingham: But why exactly would that cause a rift, Troy? Baccaro mentored both of the Duvals and was extremely close to both of them. Why would the simple fact of Jackie getting involved with Alexis cause this rift? There HAS to be more to this story.

Troy: I think that’s a safe bet. But for now, let’s get to Lee Palmer in the ring!

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… Greg Tantalus!

With that, the fans begin cheering thunderously as “Hey You” by Simon Says invades the Rogers Arena and Greg Tantalus emerges from behind the curtain, in street clothes! Tantalus soaks in the adulation of the crowd as he makes his way down the aisle, before grabbing a microphone and entering the ring.

Tantalus: Well, first off, thanks for that warm ovation. It’s been a long offseason, and that really means a lot to me. But now, let’s get down to business. As you can imagine, I did NOT have a happy offseason. I went into Everlasting Epic last August with a real opportunity to gain revenge on Justin Schenck for all that he did to me. In case you people forgot, the man ruined my marriage -- which is now completely beyond fixing -- just to get me to re-sign with the PWA. Once I was here and found out about what he did, he committed himself to destroying everything around me to beat me into submission. He turned my best friend against me, put every obstacle imaginable in my path. But then, I started knocking off his lackeys one by one, until just Mike Griffin, my tag team partner, remained. Well, at Everlasting Epic, I beat Mike Griffin. That left Schenck and myself in that ring, with my vengeance just moments away, until this monstrous German mercenary, Markus Krieg, comes out from the back, and rips me limb from limb. Long story short, I’m denied my vengeance, the season ends, and I have to go home and continue to face the reality that Schenck left me with.

So then, the question becomes why return for Season Two? Obviously I have, or I wouldn’t be standing in front of you right now. And believe me, this was no easy decision. I’ve relived the events of Everlasting Epic over and over and over again throughout this offseason. And there were plenty of times that I said “screw it, I’m done.” But I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t let Schenck win. So what did I do? I took my case directly to the NOW Network, the PWA’s parent company. I negotiated with them and came up with a contract that I find extremely favorable. Listen to some of these clauses. No matter what, Justin Schenck cannot fine, suspend, or terminate either myself or anyone officially allied with me. That responsibility falls solely on the network. And guess what else? The network has put a checks-and-balances system in place that will make sure that Schenck cannot hold me down, or hold down anyone that is closely associated with me, in terms of title shots, pay-per-view appearances, and the like. You know what all this means, Schenck? It means that we’re on a level playing field now. It means that this season, you can’t constantly screw me around like you did last season. And it means that we’re going to finish what YOU started. So Schenck, get your ass out here right now!

The fans cheer thunderously at this demand, but are confused, then disappointed, when “Amazing” by Kanye West hits and Chase Stone, not Justin Schenck, appears from behind the curtain, microphone in hand.

Stone: Sorry to disappoint, Tantalus, but Mr. Schenck has absolutely no intention of wasting his time with you. I suggest you just shut your mouth and get your ass out of the ring before something bad happens to you.

Tantalus: Oh, is that so? How about instead of leaving, I stay right here and you bring your ass down to this ring and make me leave?

Stone: My pleasure.

Stone then drops his mic and charges down the aisle, right into the ring, where Tantalus meets him with a flurry of lefts and rights! Tantalus and Stone battle ferociously in the ring until “Reise, Reise” by Rammstein hits and a pall falls over the Vancouver crowd. Moments later, the monstrous Markus Krieg begins powerwalking his way down the aisle, finally entering the ring and assisting Stone in his battle against Tantalus.

Troy: Not again! This is going to be a repeat of Everlasting Epic!

The fans boo vociferously as Krieg and Stone pound away on Tantalus, and the situation appears bleak. However, moments later, “Parabola” by TOOL hits, and Hollywood Mike Griffin charges down the aisle with a steel chair! The crowd cheers ecstatically as Griffin hits the ring and swings the chair violently, prompting Krieg and Stone to exit! A staredown ensues before Griffin picks up a microphone.

Griffin: Surprised to see me, huh? Well, Greg isn’t the only one with contract news around here. Last year, when I signed on for the last few weeks of the season, Ari Greenstein, my agent, negotiated a couple of favorable clauses into my contract. One of those clauses: no outright termination of my deal automatically rolls it over into a one-year extension. So guess what? I’m back for Season Two! And that’s not all that’s back, gentlemen. Tell ‘em, Greg.

Tantalus: Stone, Krieg, you go back there and you tell Schenck that he isn’t dealing with Greg Tantalus anymore. Tell him he’s dealing with TFU!

With that, the fans cheer thunderously and “Vicarious” by TOOL blasts onto the speakers after a brief delay. The staredown between TFU and Schenck’s cronies persists as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see backstage reporter Traci Reed standing outside a dressing room marked “Solomon.” She knocks on the door repeatedly.

Traci: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to PWA: The Rebirth. I have been stationed outside Solomon’s dressing room door for some time now, and he is refusing to come out. We can confirm that Solomon is in the building, but he is said to be in an absolutely foul mood tonight prior to his first public appearance since his loss to Scythe at Everlasting Epic last year. Apparently, the Alaskan Monster shut himself in here hours ago and has yet to emerge. I will keep trying to obtain some sort of comment, but it isn’t looking good. Victor, Randall, back to you guys at ringside.

***

The camera returns to ringside, fixated on our commentators, as “Spitfire” by The Prodigy plays over the speakers.

Troy: Thanks, Traci.

Buckingham: What are you thanking her for? For endlessly pestering Solomon all day when he clearly doesn’t want to be approached? The only thing she’s accomplishing is signing her own death warrant. I certainly wouldn’t want to defy Solomon’s wishes in any way when he’s in one of these moods!

Troy: Well, in any event, we’re ready to go with our final Progressive Championship qualifying match. Let’s get to it.

In the ring, we see Dynamite Dean Nash in the ring, stretching out on the ring ropes. Then, “Control” by Earshot hits and Darrin Giles begins walking out to the ring to a mixture of boos and silence.

Troy: And here comes Darrin Giles. The last time we saw him, he was getting his ass handed to him by Scythe last season. Why is he even out here getting this opportunity?

Buckingham: I don’t think it’s any secret that Justin Schenck has a soft spot for Darrin Giles, his first discovery. I think at some point, though, Giles needs to cash in on one of these opportunities, or even Schenck himself won’t be able to justify keeping him around.

PWA PROGRESSIVE CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING MATCH:

DARRIN GILES VS. DEAN NASH
Referee: Dan Martin
Giles enters the ring and immediately begins pounding away on Nash as soon as the bell sounds. Giles beats on Nash with viciousness not seen from the man in years, rendering Nash nearly incapacitated. Nash gets to the ropes, forcing Giles to stop the assault briefly, but as soon as the referee creates separation, Giles charges in and upends Nash with a vicious kneelift.

Giles then drags Nash to the middle of the ring and locks him in a modified camel clutch, cinching in on it tightly. Nash, however, refuses to give in and fights his way out of the hold and back to a vertical base. Giles retains his grip in the form of a front facelock, but Nash utilizes a series of elbows to the midsection to break it. Nash then runs against the ropes and leaps toward Giles, attempting to nail him with a hurricanrana. However, Giles catches him and destroys him with a sit-out powerbomb! With Nash bordering on unconsciousness, Giles scales the turnbuckles and leaps off, drilling him with a big splash from the top, connecting with ferocious authority! Giles covers… one, two, three.

Troy: And there you have it! Impressive win for Darrin Giles!

Buckingham: I guess Giles realized how crucial this win was for him. That’s some renewed intensity we saw tonight, wouldn’t you say?

Troy: He was certainly impressive tonight, but how will he fare next week in a triple threat match against Paul Epton and Asai Moon with the Progressive Championship up for grabs? We’ll find out next week, but there’s still a lot to come tonight! Jaguar will make his anticipated announcement, and later on, Showtime Damon Savage takes on Scythe with a shot at Dan Crowley’s PWA Championship on the line! Stay with us!
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 2:29 – DARRIN GILES

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

We return from break inside the dressing room of Vulture and Morgan Day, where the husband and wife are conversing.

Vulture: Seriously though, you looked sharp out there tonight.

Morgan: Are you referring to my new haircut, my new costume, or my prowess in the ring?

Vulture: (laughing) Well, don’t get me wrong, your haircut is sexy and the costume is pretty damn hot too, but I was more referring to the match itself. You didn’t look rusty at all.

Morgan: Thanks. I need to be at the top of my game this season if I’m to have any chance of taking the Women’s Championship back from Zina.

Vulture: That chick is a beast.

Morgan: You’re telling me. I hate to say it, but Keiko Ishida was undefeated here for well over a year before I came in and toppled her, and Zina… she’s a tougher opponent than Keiko.

Vulture: Just stay focused. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. The win over Alexis at Everlasting Epic has to put you in pretty good standing as far as title contention goes.

Morgan: I’d hope so. Speaking of Alexis…

Vulture: Ugh, don’t even go there. I was watching too. Poor kid. Jackie’s really got a hold of her.

Morgan: Well, at least it seems he doesn’t have both of your kids wrapped around his finger.

Vulture: Yeah, well, I’ll believe it when I see it. They hosed me last year. I’m not falling for it again. But I’d be lying if I said that whole situation isn’t on my mind.

At this point, The Iceman Jason Calysto enters the room. He and Vulture enthusiastically slap hands and hug.

Vulture: Iceman! What can I do for ya, partner?

Calysto: Eh, not too much. Figured I’d come over here and see what you guys were up to. How’s it going, Morgan?

Morgan: I’m well, Jason. Yourself?

Calysto: Oh, I can’t complain. I’m back here in the PWA, doing what I love to do, and I hold one half of the Tag Team Championship. What’s not to love about that?

Vulture: I’ve got to admit, it is pretty surreal. Remember back in high school when we used to fantasize about being Tag Team Champions of a worldwide wrestling company? It may have taken almost 30 years to make it a reality, but here we are.

Calysto: (laughing) Hey, however long it took, we got there.

Suddenly, the door swings open and Anthony Failla walks in. Failla stares down the trio and the three stare back at him, everyone hesitant to make a move.

Vulture: What the hell do you want, Failla?

Failla: I was watching your little love-fest on the monitor right outside and I had to put a stop to it. Calysto, you’ve known Vulture a really long time. Well, guess what? I’ve known him longer. Long enough to know that you can’t trust a word he says about anything. Good thing for you, Iceman, is that you won’t have to be his partner for long. Because next week, my partner and I are coming in and taking those titles from you .

Calysto: Is that a fact?

Failla: Just wait til next week. I don’t have anything else to say. I just figured I might as well warn you that this all comes crashing down in seven days. Enjoy it while you can.

With that, Failla exits and the shot fades.

***

In another portion of the backstage area, we see Matthew Magellan and Briggs walking and talking. We join them mid-conversation.

Magellan: Who, Liz Rush? I told you she’d turn out to be dead weight. After I dropped her during the offseason, you were so convinced she’d try to get back at me once we got back to work, but I guess you were wrong, huh? Considering she was let go, I think we’re in the clear. Now, it’s just a matter of what Schenck wants from us.

Briggs: Well, we’re here. Let’s go find out.

With that, Magellan and Briggs enter Justin Schenck’s office. However, they are surprised to find Paul Dawkins and Renegade, the men they defeated at Everlasting Epic, inside when they enter.

Dawkins: What the hell are you two doing in here?

Magellan: I was about to ask the same damn thing.

Before they can argue any further, the door opens and the Synergy duo of The Omega and Don “The MVP” Capriglione enters. Once they enter the room, a full-scale, three-team argument breaks out, and persists until the door opens again and this time Justin Schenck himself enters, whistling loudly to get everyone’s attention.

Schenck: Alright, listen up! I know all of you dislike each other, and it’s that dislike that makes for a good, competitive tag team division. Now, the reason I called you all in here is to make a little announcement. As you might have heard, I am awarding the first Tag Team Title shot of the season to Anthony Failla and a partner of his choosing next week. However, after that match is finished, we are going to need number one contenders. So, next week, the six of you will be competing in a triple threat tag team match to decide who is next in line. Now, take it outside. Jaguar has a huge announcement coming up in just a few minutes, and I don’t want company.

With that, the teams exit and Schenck takes a seat at his desk and turns his monitor on.

Buckingham: Well folks, you heard the boss! Jaguar’s announcement is next! Stay with us!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, “My Avenue” by Lil Boosie explodes onto the speakers and the fans give a thunderous welcome to Jaguar, who emerges wearing street clothes. Jaguar heads down to the ring, slapping hands with the fans at ringside all the way down the aisle. Finally, Jaguar grabs a microphone and heads into the ring. When the cheering dies down, Jaguar begins speaking.

Jaguar: Thank you. I really appreciate it. You know, the love that you fans have shown me through the years, both here in Vancouver and all over the globe, is the main reason that I’ve stayed out here so long, doing what I love to do. But I think everyone ultimately reaches a point where they feel like they have nothing left to give. Let me give you guys a little history lesson. Almost five years ago, I defeated Jason Calysto at Everlasting Epic V and rode off into the sunset the final PWA World Heavyweight Champion. And for close to four years, I stayed retired and loved it. I met my soulmate, got married, and was thrilled at the prospect of living out my days in sunny Jacksonville, without a care in the world. And then, I get a phone call that the PWA will rise again, and it will rise again with a condensed season of episodes, culminating with Everlasting Epic VI, right in my backyard. That’s a pretty attractive package to lure someone out of retirement, don’t you think?

So I came back and defended the title I never lost until the day came that I did lose it. At that point, I had one goal in mind: to reclaim the gold and main event Everlasting Epic in Jacksonville, the ultimate way to cap off a career. And thanks to Michael Grieco, that didn’t happen. But you know what? I beat his ass all over EverBank Field at Everlasting Epic and got the experience of celebrating a huge victory in front of 70,000 of my closest friends. So as I sat at home for the last seven months, pondering my future, I honestly couldn’t think of one reason to keep at it. I don’t want to be one of those guys that hangs on too long. So what I’m trying to say… is I’m done.

The fans respond to this news with a smattering of boos, but Jaguar is quick to stop them.

Jaguar: Now I don’t want to hear none of that. This is a joyous occasion. I have accomplished more than I could have ever imagined in between these ropes. When I came to the PWA, all I wanted to do was hold that World Championship just once. Nine years later, I stand before you a five-time PWA Champion, more championship victories than any other man who has ever set foot in this company. I have no regrets, and nothing left to prove. I leave tonight with my head held high, proud as hell at everything I’ve accomplished. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for everything. I couldn’t have done it without ya.

With that, “My Avenue” replays and the Vancouver crowd gives a mammoth ovation to the PWA Hall of Famer as he basks in their adulation for the final time.

Troy: Wow! What a blockbuster announcement! Jaguar is hanging up his tights!

Buckingham: Vic, we speculated that this could be the nature of the announcement during the break, but it’s still pretty surreal that it is a reality.

Troy: It sure is. It’s hard to think of what the PWA will be like without Jaguar, but starting next week, we’re going to… my God, what is this?!

Suddenly, two brawny Caucasian males hop the barricade from the crowd and head into the ring, clobbering Jaguar down from behind! The two individuals do a vicious number on the Hall of Famer, stomping him into oblivion!

Troy: Who the hell are these guys?! Get them out of here!

Pounding away on the PWA legend is a burly, shaggy-haired individual who sports an eye patch over his right eye and numerous hideous scars on his exposed chest. Escaping the ring to grab a steel chair is a smaller, bald individual with a goatee. This man wears a tank top covering his chest, but has one noticeable thick scar on his bald head. He heads back into the ring and begins smacking Jaguar’s knee repeatedly with the chair.

The two men continue to work on Jaguar’s right knee, both with stomps and chair shots, while the fans boo emphatically.

Troy: This is horrifying! These men are ruining Jaguar’s moment! Someone put a stop to this, please!

At long last, Vulture and Jason Calysto rush down to the ring, riding a wave of cheers from the Vancouver crowd! Wielding their Tag Team Championship belts as weapons, Vulture and Calysto clear the ring of the unnamed assailants, who flee through the crowd.

With the attackers gone, Vulture and Calysto tend to Jaguar, calling for help from the back. With a hush having fallen over the crowd, we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we are ringside with Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.

Troy: Welcome back, folks. Randall, I just don’t know what to say about what we just saw out here.

Buckingham: Neither do I, Troy. Jaguar came out here to announce his retirement from the PWA, and these two men came from nowhere and essentially destroyed the PWA Hall of Famer. Do we have any idea who those men were?

Troy: I wish I could tell you, Randall. I’ve never seen them before in my life, I can tell you that much. Just a despicable, cowardly act from these two unidentified assailants. And kudos to Vulture and Jason Calysto for putting a stop to it, but I fear the damage has been done.

Buckingham: Agreed. Even if Jaguar intended to come back for revenge, I’m not sure how long his period of convalescence is going to have to be now.

Troy: Just a horrible turn of events. But folks, the show must go on. And with that, let’s send it backstage to Traci Reed, who is with the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe.

***

The camera shifts backstage, where Scott Cornelius is standing with Scythe.

Cornelius: Thanks, guys. Scythe, we’re just moments away. The last time we saw you, you were defeating Solomon in an epic, no pun intended, Iron Man match at Everlasting Epic. Tonight, you reap the fruits of your labor and compete with Showtime Damon Savage for a guaranteed shot at Dan Crowley’s PWA World Heavyweight Championship. What is on your mind right now, given everything that’s on the line?

Scythe: Victory, of course. Scott, last year, I put every fiber of my being into taking Solomon down and proving that I can defeat him. To be honest, if I would have failed at Everlasting Epic, I’m not sure I’d be standing here tonight. But now that I have defeated him, it is time to shift focus. I am the longest reigning PWA Champion in history, but to date, I have still held that title just once. I am now two victories away from changing that. Showtime Damon Savage, you are a worthy adversary and I look forward to doing battle in just a few minutes. But make no mistake about it. You’re standing in the path of a very sharp blade. And Showtime, this blade will cut… you… down!

With that, Scythe walks off, headed for the ring.

Troy: It’s Scythe and Showtime in a number one contendership battle, and it’s next!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “With You” by Linkin Park hits and the fans shower the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe with a tremendously warm ovation! Scythe returns the respect he receives from the Vancouver crowd as he heads to the ring before taking his place inside it, readying himself for battle.

As Scythe waits in the ring, “No Country For Young Men” by Ice Cube hits and the cheers remain static for Showtime Damon Savage! Savage makes his energetic entrance, exciting the Rogers Arena faithful, before entering the ring and standing toe-to-toe with the man that stands between him and a shot at Dan Crowley’s PWA Championship. As Scythe and Showtime stare each other down, the bell sounds, getting this contest underway.

Troy: Alright, it’s main event time! SO much at stake tonight, Randall!

Buckingham: You could say that. I would say that what we have here are two lame do-gooders doing battle for the chance to face another lame do-gooder. Wake me up when someone more interesting comes out here!

Troy: Randall, have I told you yet how happy I am to have you back out here with me this season?

NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP FOR THE PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:
SCYTHE VS. SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE
Referee: Tom Stevens
Savage and Scythe circle each other in the early goings before locking up in the center of the ring. Scythe establishes the early advantage, taking Showtime down with a hard, deep armdrag! When Savage returns to a vertical base, Scythe does the same, taking Showtime down again! Savage gets up a third time, but this time Scythe rushes over and clotheslines him up and over the top rope, down to the arena floor! The Modern-Day Samurai then plays to the crowd in the ring, which responds with a raucous cheer while a stewing Showtime collects himself on the outside.

Troy: Fast start for Scythe!

Buckingham: Well, Showtime is doing the right thing now, catching a breather on the outside. No reason to give Scythe an avenue to keep this momentum going.

Finally, Showtime re-enters the ring and engages Scythe in a lock-up again. This time, Savage obtains the advantage and begins peppering Scythe with repeated right-handed jabs that send the Modern-Day Samurai reeling. Savage sets up for a big knockout left blow, but Scythe sidesteps it, whips Savage into the corner, and begins stinging him with vicious knife-edge chops! Savage stumbles out of the corner and Scythe grabs him with an Irish whip, sending him against the opposite ropes and nailing him with a violent shining wizard as he returns! Scythe goes for the cover… one, two, and Showtime manages to get a shoulder up!

Scythe keeps the pressure mounted, whipping Savage against the ropes and downing him with an armdrag on the rebound! Scythe then keeps the arm locked, cinching in an armbar. Savage fights to get back to a vertical base, but Scythe has the move locked in well. Finally, Showtime gets back to a knee before using his fearsome fists to create separation. With Scythe dazed, Showtime whips him into the corner and rushes in with a body splash, before bulldogging the Modern-Day Samurai right out of the corner! Savage turns him over and covers… one, two, and Scythe kicks out!

Scythe is slow to his feet and Showtime looks to take advantage, stalking him as he attempts to pull himself back to his feet. Once Scythe is up, Showtime unleashes a knockout left hook, connecting with the Modern-Day Samurai’s jaw full-force, knocking him through the ropes and out of the ring!

Troy: Oh my! Scythe may be out, but he’s on the outside of the ring! Showtime is going to need to get him back inside to have a chance to end this thing!

Showtime is momentarily incapacitated before he realizes Scythe is on the outside. He then exits the ring, grabs Scythe, and rolls him back inside before re-entering himself. From there, Showtime covers, hooking the near leg… one, two, and Scythe gets his left leg on the bottom rope, forcing the count to be broken!

The fans cheer loudly and Showtime is beyond irritated. However, he waits behind Scythe, eagerly anticipating him getting back to his feet. Once Scythe finally does rise, Showtime grabs him in a cobra clutch, looking for It’s Showtime! Savage lifts Scythe for the move, but Scythe is able to reverse the momentum in mid-air, grabbing onto Savage’s arm and armdragging him off! Then, when Showtime pops back to his feet, Scythe destroys him out of nowhere with the Flying Dragon double-arm chokeslam! Savage hits the mat with thunderous impact, but Scythe also falls to the mat, unable to take advantage!

Troy: Scythe has Showtime down but can’t make the cover!

Buckingham: I think Scythe is still a bit loopy from that left hook!

Troy: Whoever makes it to their feet first is going to have a real advantage here!

Scythe and Showtime both struggle to reach a vertical base, doing everything in their power to do so. However, just when Scythe and Savage get to their feet, Michael Grieco rushes out from the back and double clotheslines the two of them back down to the mat! Referee Tom Stevens is reluctant to call the match, but when Grieco begins peppering both men with vicious stomps, Stevens has no choice. The bell sounds repeatedly as Grieco ignores it, doing a brutal number on both Showtime and Scythe.

Troy: This is ridiculous! What a travesty! Michael Grieco has just ruined this match!

Buckingham: Ruined it?! He saved it! Way to go, Grieco! That’s what champions are made of!
WINNER AT 7:26 – NO CONTEST

Grieco continues stomping away on both Showtime and Scythe until each man is able to recover ever so slightly. At that point, Scythe and Savage begin working together, nailing Grieco with stereo rights and lefts that stagger the Staten Island Strongman! Scythe and Showtime whip Grieco against the ropes and down him with a hard back body drop as he returns!

However, as the crowd cheers, Solomon rushes out from the back, making his first appearance of the season, and he makes sure no one forgets it, immediately downing Scythe with a vicious boot to the jaw! He then lifts Grieco up and hurls him all the way to the outside of the ring before picking up Showtime and absolutely destroying him with the Deep Freeze! The fans then boo loudly as “Hear Me” by Darkseed hits and the Alaskan Monster lets out a guttural yell and dares anyone to re-enter the ring.

Finally, the music is broken by Justin Schenck running out from behind the curtain, microphone in tow.

Schenck: Hold up, hold up! What the hell is going on here?! I sign a main event between Scythe and Showtime to determine a number one contender and this is what happens?! Michael Grieco, Solomon, I need you both to understand that this kind of behavior will NOT be tolerated going forward. I will NOT have matches of this magnitude interrupted. But after seeing what I’ve seen tonight, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed with the way both of you took matters into your own hands. And just this once, I’m going to reward you for what you did, for showing initiative. Since there was no clear winner of this bout, we’re going to do it over next week. Only this time, it’s going to be a fatal fourway match, pitting Scythe against Showtime Damon Savage against Michael Grieco against Solomon! And the winner of THAT match… and trust me, there WILL be a winner… will go on to meet Dan Crowley for the PWA Championship two weeks from tonight!

With that, Schenck returns to the back and Solomon nods his head in approval. The camera pans around to the carnage around the ring before focusing on the dominant Alaskan Monster in the center of the ring as we fade to black.

Troy: What an announcement! What a main event for next week!

Buckingham: And take a good look at that ring, Troy! Because the man you see standing alone in it right now is your next PWA Champion! Guaranteed!

Troy: You might be right, Randall! You just might be right! That’s all for tonight, folks! We’ll see you next week in Monterrey! Goodnight everybody!


-- END SHOW --


Pre-Show Dark Matches:
1. Paul Dawkins & Renegade def. Matthew Magellan & Briggs. Dawkins pinned Magellan with the MOAB at 6:21.
2. Saif Al Abbad def. Kris Anthony with the Dubai Dazzler at 4:16.

Post-Show Dark Match:
1. Six-Man Tag Team Match: PWA World Heavyweight Champion Dan Crowley, Scythe, & Showtime Damon Savage def. Solomon, Anthony Failla, & Michael Grieco. Crowley pinned Grieco with the Brutal Legend at 8:23.