PWA: The Rebirth

pwarebirth

EPISODE # 2.2
ARENA MONTERREY
MONTERREY, MEXICO
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2011


A video package airs, highlighting the events that closed last week’s broadcast, with Michael Grieco and Solomon interrupting the number one contender’s match between Showtime Damon Savage and Scythe, leading to creative director Justin Schenck scheduling a fatal fourway match between the four tonight, with a shot next week at Dan Crowley’s PWA World Heavyweight Championship up for grabs.

As the video concludes, “Live Again” by Ours hits and the opening credits roll. From there, we are taken inside Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico, where a stunning pyrotechnic display ensues and we are taken to our commentators, Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.

Troy: Hello everyone and welcome to PWA: The Rebirth! I’m Victor Troy, along here with Randall Buckingham, and we have a tremendous episode in store for you tonight!

Buckingham: And you can take that at face-value; we’d never lie! There are no Tony Schiavones at this announce table!

Troy: (stunned) Are you actually making a reference to mid-90s WRESTLING, as opposed to a random, out-of-place baseball reference?

Buckingham: Hey, I take my job seriously, Vic. I’ve left baseball behind. I’m here full-time in the PWA and I’m happy to be here! I’d have preferred not to have been saddled with a hack like you as a broadcast partner, but we can’t have everything can we?

Troy: Lord knows I tell myself that every night I come out here and sit next to you.

Buckingham: Enough of that, though, let’s tell them about the show!

Troy: Great idea. Folks, in our main event tonight, we’re going to see a fatal fourway match that pits Scythe, Showtime Damon Savage, Solomon, and Michael Grieco against one another with a shot at the PWA Championship up for grabs! Last week, we had Scythe and Showtime out here trying to decide number one contendership and Solomon and Grieco just couldn’t keep themselves away. Well, tonight, all four of them will be competing for that title shot and it should be an absolute war!

Buckingham: But beyond that, we have THREE championship matches we’re going to see tonight! Evan Black will put his International Championship on the line against the man I feel is destined to be the next champion tonight, big bad John Wolfe!

Troy: It will certainly be a great test for Evan Black, but how about the test that Vulture and Jason Calysto will be in for tonight?! The pair of Hall of Famers will defend their Tag Team Championship against former PWA Champion Anthony Failla and a partner of his choosing. How can the champs prepare for their challengers tonight when they don’t even know half of the team?!

Buckingham: Well, I think, simply, the likelihood of us seeing new Tag Team Champions tonight is extremely high. But the likelihood of a new champion can’t get any higher than in our Progressive Championship match, because we are guaranteed one! The vacant title will be decided tonight in a triple threat match that pits Paul Epton against Darrin Giles against Japanese newcomer Asai Moon!

Troy: And that’s just one of two triple threat matches we’ll see tonight! We’re also going to crown number one contenders to the Tag Team Championship later this evening, when Paul Dawkins and Renegade battle the teams of Matthew Magellan & Briggs and Synergy.

Buckingham: And as if all that wasn’t enough, we’ve been told that the PWA Champion Dan Crowley will be in action tonight, in a non-title bout against Jon Dulberg.

Troy: That should be a most interesting bout as well, a rematch from the first Everlasting Epic, during which Dulberg defeated Crowley to become the inaugural International Champion. Dulberg has taken Kerry Cox’s advice and requested this match, and now tonight he will wrestle his biggest match in about seven years.

Buckingham: It’s gonna be one hell of a show, and it starts right now! Take it away, Lee!

***

The camera shifts to ring announcer Lee Palmer, who is in the ring.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s opening contest is a triple threat match, scheduled for one fall, and it is for the PWA Progressive Championship!

The camera gets a tight shot of the Progressive Championship belt resting on the timekeeper’s table before “Merciless Cult” by Dir en Grey hits, signaling the arrival of exciting newcomer Asai Moon! The Mexican fans give Moon a loud ovation, familiar with his work in their country over the past several years. Moon responds in kind, showing his appreciation to the Monterrey crowd as he enters the ring.

Troy: What a response for Asai Moon!

Buckingham: I think his reputation precedes him in these parts, but he probably also picked up some new fans with his win last week over poor El Valiente Jr. I’m not even sure how Valiente is going to show his face in his home country tonight after going back on last week’s stipulation.

Troy: That’s right. Valiente should have been unmasked, but fled before holding up his end of the bargain. It’s not even clear if he’s still on the roster, in fact. Nevertheless, Asai Moon was the victor last week and could vault from rookie to champion in just seven days with a win here tonight.


As Moon readies himself for his first championship match in this company, nevermind his second overall PWA match, “Control” by Earshot hits and a chorus of boos rains down on Darrin Giles. The former Progressive Champion pays no attention to the crowd reaction, instead focusing himself on the task at hand.

Troy: Giles’ career has been a bit derailed over the past few years, but he has an opportunity tonight to get himself firmly back on track. Giles needs just one victory to become Progressive Champion, vaulting immediately from endangered species to prime-time player.

Buckingham: And for that very reason, Giles is my pick to win the gold. NO ONE is hungrier than Darrin Giles tonight. He knows his career virtually depends on this match. And I don’t think he’s going to fail.

Giles enters the ring and stares a hole through Moon before “Map of the Problematique” by Muse hits and the Mexican crowd shows love for Paul Epton, who enters energetically! Epton slaps hands with the fans at ringside as he approaches the ring, finally entering and eyeing his competition once there.

With all the principles in the squared circle, the bell sounds and Palmer begins his entrances.

Palmer: Introducing first, from Akihabara, Japan, weighing in at 174 pounds… ASAIIIIII MOOOOOON!

From Kingsbury, Nevada, weighing 217 pounds… DARRRRRINNNNN GIIIIIIIILLLLLLLES!

And, from London, England, weighing 185 pounds… PAULLLLLL EPPPPPTONNNNNN!

With that, Palmer exits the ring and the bell rings again, this time signaling the start of this championship match.

VACANT PWA PROGRESSIVE CHAMPIONSHIP:
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH:
PAUL EPTON VS. ASAI MOON VS. DARRIN GILES
Referee: Jose Soares

The three competitors size each other up as they leave their respective corners. As they each reach the center of the ring, Paul Epton throws a right hand at Giles. Stunned, Giles goes to throw a punch at Epton but is stopped when Asai lands a swift roundhouse kick to the back of his knee. This doesn't bring the sturdy cruiserweight to the ground, however, and he kicks Asai in the gut in return. Now, Epton stops Giles’ advance, throwing another right hand, stunning him. As Asai recovers from the kick, he and Epton see the opportunity and team up on Giles, punching him repeatedly! The two then grab Giles and Irish whip him against the ropes, but on the return, Giles drops them both with a double clothesline!

Troy: Nice effort there by Darrin Giles.

Buckingham: Like I said before, Giles knows what's on the line for this match. He's gonna be on top of his game.

Troy: All three of these men will. What better way to start out this season than to become the new Progressive Champion?


As Asai Moon gets up, he glances back at Epton while approaching Giles, who is now in the corner. Epton also reaches his feet, but instead of helping Moon take down Giles, Epton runs and delivers a bulldog to Moon, dropkicking Giles into the turnbuckle in the process!

Troy: What creativity by Epton! How will he follow it up?

Epton approaches Giles on the ground and goes for a cover… one, two, and Giles gets the shoulder up. Undaunted, Epton picks up Giles and delivers a quick DDT before attempting another cover… one, two, and Giles kicks out again. With Giles down, Epton climbs up to the top rope.

Buckingham: Epton's looking for a high-risk maneuver here, Troy! Will the risk pay off?

Epton flies off the top rope, looking for a moonsault, but at the last minute Giles rolls out of the way!

Troy: Epton hits the mat hard! And Giles is in control of this match!

Giles leaves Epton on the mat and turns to Moon as the Japanese upstart rises from the bulldog. Giles throws a punch, nailing Moon squarely in the jaw. He then Irish whips Moon off the ropes, but Moon slides under Giles legs’ upon return. Asai then gets up and bounces off the ropes, but is met with another Giles clothesline!

Buckingham: Another explosive clothesline by Giles, who is fighting like a super heavyweight here tonight.

Troy: Well, given his weight advantage over his two opponents, he virtually is in comparison.


Giles then turns his attention back to Epton, picking him up off the ground and delivering a swift snap suplex! With both opponents on the floor, Giles takes a brief moment to taunt the crowd, motioning that the title will be his. He then picks up Epton again and delivers another snap suplex, driving Epton into the mat.

Giles turns around, remembering Moon is still in this match, only to find the business end of an Asai roundhouse kick to the leg! Moon follows this up with a roundhouse to the other leg! Then another one! And another one! And finally finishes it off with a high spinning roundhouse to Giles’ face, which finally knocks the larger Giles to the mat! With Epton on the mat and Giles at his feet, Asai now takes a moment to play to the wildly supportive Mexican crowd, performing a perfect backflip in the center of the ring. Asai then picks up Giles, grabs him in stunner position and delivers the Asai DDT!

Troy: The Asai DDT! This match has got to be over!

Buckingham: I don't think so Troy, that little backflip taunt gave Epton enough time to recover. A rookie mistake if you ask me.

Asai goes for the cover...one, two, thr-NO! Epton gets there in time to break the cover, following this up by grabbing Moon and tossing him out of the ring! Epton lifts Giles, Irish whips him, and delivers a hard back body drop! Meanwhile, on the outside of the ring, Asai Moon is starting to recover, but as soon as he stands up, he is attacked by El Valiente Jr., who has rushed onto the arena floor from the audience!

Troy: What's going on here?!?! That's El Valiente Jr.! He's gonna cost Moon this match AND the title!

Buckingham: I like it! This guy pissed me off last week, Troy, by failing to honor the terms of his match. And we damn well better see him unmask tonight. But I have no problem with him coming out here and being proactive, attacking the man that caused his humiliation last week!

Troy: Are you serious? This is a despicable act! And there was no malice! Asai beat him clean, 1-2-3, right in the middle of the ring last week!

Buckingham: If you kill a man without malice, is it not murder?

Troy: How does that correlate to this scenario in any way?!


Back in the ring, Epton heads to the corner, looking to scale the turnbuckles, but Giles grabs his foot, dragging him down! Scrambling to his feet, Giles climbs to the top rope, hoping to take advantage of Epton's shock.

Troy: Giles is heading to the top! He must be looking for the big splash!

Buckingham: Giles is gonna do it, Troy! I can feel it!


As El Valiente Jr. picks up Asai Moon on the outside and drops him on the crowd barricade, Giles finishes getting to the top of the turnbuckle. However, Epton suddenly pops up and bounces off the rope, causing Giles to lose his balance and painfully crotch the top turnbuckle! Epton rolls back onto his feet, grabs Giles around the neck in the stunner position and jumps forward with Giles, stunning him from the ropes to the ground!

Troy: Epton just hit the Tower of London! Will that be enough?!


Epton rolls Giles over, grabs the leg and Referee Soares begins the count... one, two, Moon dives into the ring but Valiente drags him back out, three!

Buckingham: The match is over! Epton has won the Progressive Championship!


Troy: Moon wasn't able to shake Valiente in time and Paul Epton becomes PWA's first Progressive Champion in the Rebirth Era! But Randall, look at Valiente! He's running from the arena again!

Buckingham: Oh, come on! Stop running, Valiente! That mask HAS to come off!

Troy: Nonetheless, Paul Epton is your new Progressive Champion! Congratulations are in order!


As Epton is presented with the Progressive Championship belt, Valiente can be seen fleeing ringside up the ramp. Meanwhile, “Map of the Problematique” replays and Epton celebrates in the ring as we go to commercial break.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 9:47 AND NEW PROGRESSIVE CHAMPION – PAUL EPTON

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


Backstage, El Valiente Jr. is still running, but unfortunately runs straight into a security guard, who is standing with PWA creative director Justin Schenck.

Schenck: Back to the ring, Valiente. You and I have unfinished business.

The security guard, who is much bigger than El Valiente Jr., drags him back to the entrance ramp, following Schenck. The three then continue to the ring.

Troy: It looks like we've got a special guest coming to the ring. We all know what this is about. Schenck is going to make Valiente unmask.


Buckingham: How much more embarrassment can Valiente bring to his name and his country? He had to be dragged down to the ring? So much for the honor of the mask, right? I don’t think he’s been all that “valiente” over the past two weeks, if you know what I mean.

As the three get to ringside, Schenck enter the rings and the security guard throws Valiente in the ring before entering himself. In the background, we can see Asai Moon still at ringside.

Troy: It seems like Moon wants to get a good look at Valiente after what he cost him in the last match. Let's see what Mr. Schenck has to say.

Schenck: Last week, El Valiente Jr., you made your PWA debut, and whether you liked it or not, you took part in a mask vs. mask match. You lost that match. Now I understand your hesitation at taking off your mask, but that mask comes off tonight one way or another, or you might as well just stay here in Mexico. Your contract will be promptly terminated if it isn’t removed tonight. Now...TAKE OFF THAT MASK!


Valiente shakes his head and turns to leave, but is met with by the gaze of the security guard. Valiente begins to plead again with Schenck, who is visibly getting angered by his behavior.

Schenck: This is ridiculous. Take off the mask or you’re done in the PWA. It’s your choice.

Valiente gets down on his knees now, but before he can continue his begging, Asai Moon dives into the ring, runs up to Valiente, grabs him by the mask and starts ripping it off!

Troy: Thank God! Let’s get the mask off this crybaby and get him out of the ring!


Valiente continues to struggle as Moon finally gets the mask off of him. The camera gets a clear shot of El Valiente Jr.’s screaming, horrified face as the Mexican crowd cheers with delight. Finally, Valiente puts his hands over his face and escapes through the crowd, while Asai Moon celebrates with the mask in the ring. With that, “Merciless Cult” replays and Moon enjoys the ovation of the Mexican crowd as the shot fades.

***

The camera shifts to the backstage area, where backstage reporter Scott Cornelius is with the monstrous Markus Krieg.

Cornelius: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with Markus Krieg, the gargantuan German that annihilated Greg Tantalus at Everlasting Epic and attempted to give a repeat performance one week ago. Markus, can you tell us why you’ve chosen to target Greg Tantalus? What is your issue with him?

Krieg: My issue is not with Greg Tantalus. My issue is Tantalus’ issue with Mr. Schenck.

Cornelius: So is it safe to say you consider yourself a mercenary, doing the bidding of our creative director?

Krieg: I consider myself a loyal soldier. Mr. Schenck compensates me for my loyalty. In return, I make sure that his enemies are… eliminated. It’s a simple arrangement.

Cornelius: Now, I was told during the break that, in just a few minutes, Hollywood Mike Griffin will do battle with Chase Stone, another close ally of Justin Schenck. Is it safe to say you’ll be keeping a close eye on this one?

Krieg smirks at Cornelius.

Krieg: You could say that.

Moments later, Chase Stone approaches the two and addresses Krieg.

Stone: C’mon Markus, it’s time.

With that, Krieg continues smirking at Cornelius as he exits with Stone.

Cornelius: It looks like Mike Griffin is in for a real uphill battle tonight. And folks, don’t move a muscle, because that match is right after this!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “Amazing” by Kanye West hits the speakers and the fans begin booing as Chase Stone starts down the aisle alongside the monstrous Markus Krieg. Stone wears a look of supreme confidence on his face as he enters the ring, awaiting his opposition.

Moments later, “Parabola” by TOOL blasts onto the speakers and the Mexican crowd gives it up for Hollywood Mike Griffin, who is accompanied by Greg Tantalus. The collective members of TFU head down to the ring in tandem, ready for battle. Griffin rolls right into the ring and immediately takes the fight to Stone, prompting the bell to sound.

Troy: Alright, Griffin is wasting little time and this match is underway!

CHASE STONE VS. HOLLYWOOD MIKE GRIFFIN
Referee: Matt Hansen

Griffin unloads on Stone with a thunderous array of right hands, staggering Justin Schenck’s prized protégé. With Schenck reeling, Griffin whips him against the ropes and downs him with a hard back body drop!

As Stone gets to his feet, Griffin bounces off the ropes, looking for another attack, but when Griffin hits the ropes, Markus Krieg pulls the top rope down, causing Griffin to tumble over the top and to the outside!

Troy: C’mon, ref! That’s blatant cheating!

Buckingham: I think you need to grow thicker skin, Troy.

Krieg looks to take advantage of a prone Griffin on the outside, but Tantalus rushes over to that side of the ring, immediately smashing his body into Krieg’s, driving the German giant into the barricade! Tantalus and Krieg pound away on each other viciously as Stone rolls to the outside and tosses Griffin back into the ring.

Stone lifts Hollywood up, looking for his Fisherman Suplex. However, once Stone has Griffin in the air, Griffin slips out, shoves Stone against the ropes, and rolls him up into a pinning combination! One, two, and Stone powers out.

On the outside, Tantalus and Krieg have finally been separated, thanks to a number of officials who arrived from the backstage area. Both men have been returned to their neutral corners while their partners continue to do battle inside the ring.

Stone pops up to a vertical base, but Griffin slides behind him and nails him with not one, not two, but three rolling German suplexes! Griffin bridges the third into a pinning combination… one, two, and Stone gets the shoulder up.

Stone is slow to his feet, but when he does rise, Griffin charges at him. However, Stone is able to sidestep him and send Griffin sailing shoulder-first into the ringpost!

As the fans boo, Stone smugly turns to Tantalus on the outside and spits in his face!

Troy: Oh come on! That’s really professional!

Buckingham: Troy, when you have the talent of Chase Stone, you don’t need to be professional.

Furious, Tantalus jumps onto the apron and attempts to enter the ring, but referee Matt Hansen quickly attempts damage control, standing between Tantalus and Stone and trying to keep Tantalus on the outside.

However, amid the distraction, Krieg enters the ring, lifts Griffin up, pulls Hollywood’s arms behind his back and lifts him in a double chicken-wing. Then, with Griffin screaming in pain, Krieg drives him to the mat with a facebuster, completing the BlitzKrieg!

Then, as soon as Krieg exits the ring, Stone darts back to Griffin and covers him. The official follows, counting one, two, three. Stone wins.

Troy: You have got to be kidding me! Stone did it on purpose! He incited Tantalus to give Krieg an opening to cheat on his behalf! This isn’t fair!

Buckingham: Life isn’t fair, Troy. It’s survival of the fittest, and right now, Chase Stone and Markus Krieg appear to be way more fit than TFU.

The fans boo loudly as “Amazing” replays and Stone and Krieg quickly flee the scene. A furious Tantalus checks on Griffin in the ring, who is bordering on unconsciousness. Livid, Tantalus shouts obscenities at his tormentors as we head to break.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 5:29 – CHASE STONE

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


As we return, we hear “The Final Countdown” by the London Symphony Orchestra blaring over the speakers and see Matthew Magellan and Briggs entering the ring for this next matchup. Already in the ring are The Omega and Don “The MVP” Capriglione, the collective members of Synergy.

As the two teams trash-talk one another, “You Don’t Know” by Eminem and 50 Cent hits, signaling the arrival of Paul Dawkins and Renegade! The fan favorites make their energetic entrance and it is clear the Monterrey crowd is completely behind them tonight.

Troy: A lot on the line in this next match, Randall!

Buckingham: Of course. The winners will become number one contenders to the Tag Team Championship, although it is still unclear just who will be holding those belts at the end of this night.

Troy: That’s right. Later tonight, we will see Vulture and Jason Calysto defend the gold against Anthony Failla and a partner of his choosing, but whoever emerges from that match with the championship will have the winner of this next match to contend with afterwards.

Buckingham: And just to clarify, this match is a triple threat match, meaning the first team to score a pinfall or submission victory on any member of any other team will win the match for their team. So one team is guaranteed to lose the bout without being directly involved in the deciding fall.

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH:
PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE VS. SYNERGY VS. MATTHEW MAGELLAN & BRIGGS
Referee: Tom Stevens

The bell sounds to kick off this bout and The MVP and Renegade are in the ring to get us started. MVP goes for a lock-up but Renegade has other ideas, peppering him with repeated kicks to the mid-section, backing him up. With Capriglione off guard, Renegade whips him against the ropes and takes him down with a furious double-chop as he returns!

Having had enough, Capriglione reaches out and tags The Omega into the bout. However, Renegade is standing a little close to a corner and is unwittingly tagged out by Matthew Magellan. Magellan briefly taunts Renegade before entering the ring to square off with Omega.

The two lock up briefly, but when Omega shoves Magellan to the mat, the self-proclaimed Conquistador pops up and tags Briggs into the bout.

Troy: Here comes the imposing Briggs.

Buckingham: Quite the dilemma now for Steve Be… err, The Omega. Does he stay in there and lock up with the monstrous Briggs, or does he tag out to Dawkins or Renegade and create the possibility that this match could conclude while Synergy is tagged out?

Troy: It looks like he’s gonna stay in there and fight.

The Omega is tentative in locking up with Briggs, escaping before Briggs has a chance to shove him to the mat. Briggs then growls at Omega, who contemplates his next move.

However, before he has a chance to think too hard about it, Paul Dawkins reaches out and smacks Briggs in the back, tagging himself in!

Dawkins enters the ring and immediately takes the fight to The Omega, engaging in a vicious battle of fisticuffs. Dawkins develops the early advantage but makes a mistake, allowing Omega to drop him throat-first onto the top rope.

Omega then holds Dawkins in place and directs the MVP to leap off the top rope with a legdrop. Capriglione obliges, perching himself on the top, but as he leaps off, Dawkins kicks The Omega off and slips out of the way, causing Capriglione to sail down to the arena floor, landing awkwardly on his right leg, visibly bending it back in the wrong direction!

Troy: Oh my God! Did you see how Capriglione landed?!

Buckingham: That did NOT look good, Troy! Not at ALL!

Capriglione screams out in intense pain and Omega wears a horrified expression on his face, having seen what just happened. However, this distraction allows Dawkins to roll up Omega into a pinning combination! The referee counts… one, two, three! The three count is registered before Magellan or Briggs can break up the pin attempt and Paul Dawkins and Renegade are your winners!

Buckingham: Oh come on! This is ridiculous! This match should have been stopped! Dawkins and Renegade stole this one! They stole the number one contendership!

Troy: Whatever the case may be, I think it’s pretty apparent that the MVP is hurt pretty badly. Let’s get some help out here.

Dawkins and Renegade exit victoriously as “You Don’t Know” replays, at which point all the focus turns to the MVP. Medics approach the ring with a stretcher as we head to commercial break.
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 5:11 – PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


Back from commercial, Morgan Day is talking with women’s division newcomer Kemi Okoro as they walk through the backstage area. Morgan appears to be showing Kemi around as they see Lauren Tantalus and Jade engaged in conversation. Jade sees them and waves hello, prompting Morgan to lead Kemi to the pair.

Morgan: Jade, Lauren, nice to see you.

Jade: Hey Morgan.

Lauren: Hi.

Morgan: You girls remember Kemi from the tag match last week, right?

Jade: I generally remember people that pin me, yes. Nice to meet you officially.

Jade extends her hand and Kemi shakes it.

Kemi: Likewise.

Lauren: So Kemi, you were an Olympic sprinter, right?

Kemi nods in affirmation.

Lauren: So let me ask you then: why the switch to wrestling? You don’t really see too many people make that jump.

Kemi: That’s a good question. It wasn’t something I planned. I came to America shortly after the Games, saw my first show, and fell in love. I realized this was something I could do, started training, and never looked back.

Morgan: I think we’ve all got a similar story, don’t we? At some point, this business took hold of each and every one of us, changed the direction our lives were headed, and brought us here.

As Morgan speaks, Keiko Ishida walks into view, glaring at the newcomer Kemi as she addresses the group.

Keiko: What’s with the gathering?

Jade: Just welcoming Kemi into the fold.

Keiko now turns her full attention to Kemi.

Keiko: Well then, I guess I’d better join in. Welcome.

Keiko extends her hand to Kemi, who tentatively shakes it.

Keiko: Just know this, Okoro: what you did last week didn’t go unnoticed. You stole my thunder to make a name for yourself. I’ll let it slide this once. Do it again, and I guarantee you’ll regret ever leaving Nigeria.

The two share an uncomfortable stare before the Women’s Champion Zina smugly walks over.

Zina: How adorable. Five losers who will never beat me, all together. I hope you’re talking about leaving PWA, or making your own title to fight for, because none of you represent even the slightest threat to my championship, and you all know it.

Morgan: To be honest, I’m just surprised you are actually stringing coherent sentences together in English right now.

Zina: Funny. You do realize it’s been seven months since we last saw each other.

Morgan: Oh I know. I just didn’t realize you had the mental capacity to learn a language. But then again, you ARE superior to all of us in every way, right?

Suddenly, a man’s voice calls out from behind them. However, they are surprised to find that it isn’t coming from a person, but rather from a television monitor. The voice belongs to creative director Justin Schenck, whose image appears on the monitor.

Schenck: Ladies, ladies. I felt like I needed to put a stop to this thing before it escalated into violence, and thanks to these closed-circuit televisions, I don’t even need to leave my office to do so. Quite a plus. Anyway, Zina, you think you’re superior to all these ladies? Well, you’re going to get a chance to prove it, just like the rest of you will get a chance to prove her wrong. Next week, we’re going to have ourselves a seven-woman contendership battle royal featuring the five of you not named Zina, plus Alexis Duval and Dee Licious. The order of elimination in this battle royal will determine the new women’s division rankings, and the winner will be number one contender and challenge Zina for the gold two weeks from tonight. Good luck to all.

With that, Schenck’s image fades and the ladies chew on his announcement as we head back to ringside.


***

In the arena, “Charlie Big Potato” by Skunk Anansie hits and the fans immediately begin booing loudly as John Wolfe makes his way to the ring. Normally sporting a scowl, tonight Wolfe is smiling, excited about the opportunity he has in front of him.

As Wolfe settles himself in the ring, “Hero” by Nas featuring Keri Hilson invades the Monterrey Arena speakers and Evan Black emerges to a loud ovation!

Troy: Listen to this response for Evan Black!

Buckingham: This guy’s popularity is escalating at a ridiculous rate. Completely ridiculous, if you ask me. He was a lawyer and now he’s a wrestler? Who cares!

Troy: I think they cheer for him more for his charisma in the ring than for his former profession.

Buckingham: I don’t care what you say. It’s ridiculous.

Black enters the ring and hands the International Championship belt to referee Dan Martin, who holds it up for all to see as Lee Palmer begins his introductions.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, this next contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the PWA International Championship!

Introducing first, the challenger, from London, England, weighing 260 pounds… JOHNNNNN WOOOOLLLFFFFFE!

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


PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
EVAN BLACK (champion) VS. JOHN WOLFE (challenger)
Referee: Dan Martin

Before the bell can even ring, Wolfe lunges at Black and begins peppering him with a furious array of kicks and punches. The bell sounds and referee Martin attempts to restore order, but Wolfe ignores him, shoving Black into the corner and continuing his assault. Wolfe shouts at the official when he tries to step in, but this momentary distraction allows Black to clobber Wolfe with a hard forearm, backing him up!

Black now takes the advantage, staggering Wolfe with repeated forearms before whipping him against the ropes and flooring him with a hard roundhouse kick as he returns! Black covers… one, two, and Wolfe gets the shoulder up.

Looking to end the match early, Black immediately looks to lock on the Blackout, his anaconda vise submission finisher, but an aware Wolfe quickly scampers to the bottom rope to block him. Referee Martin stands between Wolfe and Black, giving Wolfe the opening to rise up and boot Black hard in the gut. With the champion doubled over, Wolfe grabs him and heaves him shoulder-first into the ringpost. As Black staggers backwards, Wolfe downs him with a hard back suplex. Wolfe covers… one, two, and Black kicks out.

Buckingham: I like this, Troy. Wolfe is in control. If he keeps this up, we’re going to have a new champion, and that would certainly be fantastic news.

Troy: I think it’s far too early to count Evan Black out here.

Black slowly reaches a vertical base but Wolfe nails him with a stiff knee in the gut as he does. He then whips Black against the ropes but Black counters with a flying forearm on the rebound. However, Wolfe is able to duck under the move, causing Black to collide with referee Dan Martin!

Troy: Oh my! Evan Black just inadvertently took out the official!

Buckingham: Take advantage, Wolfe! Now is your chance!


With the official down and out and the champion dazed, a sly smile appears on the face of the challenger. Wolfe exits the ring and pries the championship belt away from the timekeeper and re-enters the ring. There, he stands above Evan Black, waiting for him to get to his feet.

Troy: No! This isn’t right! John Wolfe is about to screw Evan Black out of the International Championship!

Buckingham: C’mon Wolfe! Knock his head off! End his reign! I can’t take Dan Crowley AND Evan Black as top singles champions! At least one of them has to go!

Black slowly makes his way to his feet as Wolfe waits with baited breath. However, before he has the chance to use the weapon, GI Jew storms out from the back, slides into the ring and, in one fell swoop, Gores Wolfe into oblivion! The force of The Gore sends the International belt flying to the outside of the ring and crushes Wolfe down with authority! As the fans cheer, Jew slides out of the ring and immediately begins walking to the backstage area.

Troy: I don’t believe it! GI Jew just came out here and evened the score!

Buckingham: What the hell are you doing, Jew?! That was totally uncalled for!

Black now gets to his feet and sees Wolfe out and the referee slowly rising. He then wears a look of extreme confusion as he sees GI Jew walking to the back. However, he shakes this off, climbing to the top rope and leaping off, nailing Wolfe with Black’s Law! Black hooks the leg just as the official comes to… one, two, three!

Buckingham: No! C’mon! This is ridiculous!

Troy: Wolfe was going to cheat Black out of the title! He got what was coming to him! And thankfully, Evan Black is still the International Champion!

Buckingham: Well, at least his reign ends next week. Retaining the title tonight means he defends against GI Jew in seven days. Which, now that I think about it, is exactly why Jew came down to help him tonight. In all the excitement, I didn’t put it together, but GI Jew was just protecting the investment. He has Evan Black next week, and if Black is the champion, then he gets a shot. So, Black, you escaped this week, but let’s see what happens in Rio de Janeiro in a week!

The fans cheer loudly as “Hero” replays over the speakers and Black has his hand raised in victory. Just then, GI Jew turns around to the ring, smirks at Black, and gestures around his waist, signaling that he wants the International title. Black, in turn, gestures at Jew to bring it on, and the two engage in a heated staredown as we head to commercial.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 6:18 AND STILL INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION – EVAN BLACK

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


As we return from break, we see images of the skyline of Dubai, United Arab Emirates as “Aksem” by Ahlam plays in the background. The camera zooms further and further until we see a grand, luxurious villa with a bright yellow Ferrari in the driveway. As we approach the front door, we see a bearded Arab man walking towards us. Decked out in traditional Dubai garb – wearing a guthra (headscarf) and an egal (black rope securing the headscarf) on his head, along with a long white cloak, known as a kandura.  The man approaches the camera and flashes a bright smile.

Man: Greetings! Welcome to Dubai! My name is Saif al Abbad, and all that you see here is mine. As a man with ties to the ruling family, I have enjoyed a life of great privilege. All that you see around you is proof of that. But I have never been one to believe that privilege and hard work do not go together. I could have chosen to do nothing with my life. But instead I dedicated myself to a craft – the craft of wrestling. And now that the great Progressive Wrestling Alliance has launched a cruiserweight division, the time is right for Saif al Abbad to make the journey.

Just then, a man riding a bicycle rides across Saif’s property, but loses his balance and falls, damaging his bike.

Saif: (to the camera) Excuse me.

Saif then walks over to the man, helps him up, and hands him the keys to his Ferrari. The man is extremely perplexed, but Saif insists. The man is now jubilant as he enters Saif’s car and drives it away. A smiling Saif then turns back to the camera.

Saif: Part of my responsibility as a man of privilege is to help those that are less fortunate. I believe in generosity and helping my fellow man. But PWA, be forewarned: when it comes to championships, I am greedy. Soon, you will see.

With that, Saif claps his hands and a red Ferrari pulls up in front of him. A man who appears to work for him exits the driver’s seat and hands him the keys. Saif enters, shuts the door, and speeds away as a graphic appears on the screen, reading “Saif al Abbad – Coming Soon.”

***

Back to live action, we are with our commentators, Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.

Troy: So Saif al Abbad is on his way to the PWA to compete in the cruiserweight division!

Buckingham: Did you see that?! He just gave that guy a Ferrari! What did he do to deserve that?!

Troy: Saif believes in spreading the wealth and being kind to his fellow man!

Buckingham: What a load of crap! That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!

Troy: Maybe when he comes out here, he’ll give you something, Randall!

Buckingham: Did I say it was stupid? I mean it’s wonderful! My favorite color is blue, Saif!

Troy: Oh brother.

Moments later, “Welcome Home” by Coheed and Cambria hits the speakers and the fans are momentarily confused before The Human Highlight Jon Dulberg steps out from behind the curtain, receiving a nice ovation from the Mexican crowd. In addition to the new music, Dulberg is also sporting a new, shorter haircut and is wearing new thigh-length sky blue tights with white trim.

Troy: Looks like Dulberg took Kerry Cox’s advice and changed up his presentation a little bit. New music, a freshened-up look, and a non-title bout here against the world champion.

Buckingham: He still looks like a loser to me.

Troy: You’re so inflammatory.

Buckingham: That’s why they pay me the big bucks. In all seriousness though, I’m not the biggest Dan Crowley fan in the world, but Jon Dulberg to me isn’t even close to being world title material. This match should be a joke.

Troy: Let’s give Dulberg the benefit of the doubt and see what he can do here.

As Dulberg settles himself in the ring, “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest hits and the Monterrey crowd gives a huge ovation to the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Dan Crowley, who wears a proud smile on his face as he starts down the aisle.

Shaking hands with the fans as he heads to the ring, Crowley turns serious when he enters the ring. He and Dulberg exchange a few words as Crowley hands the title belt to referee Jose Soares before the bell sounds.

Troy: These two have some history. Back in August of 2002, Dulberg defeated Crowley at the first Everlasting Epic to become the first International Champion. Since then, their careers haven’t exactly gone in the same direction. That win remains the biggest of Dulberg’s career, while Crowley has gone on to become world champion. Tonight, Dulberg has a chance to prove that he is capable of an ascent similar to Crowley’s.

Buckingham: I think saying Dulberg has a chance is really wishful thinking.


NON-TITLE MATCH:
PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DAN CROWLEY VS. JON DULBERG
Referee: Jose Soares

Crowley attempts to lock up with Dulberg to kick things off, but Dulberg uses Crowley’s momentum against him, taking the champion down with a sprawl and switching behind him, grabbing him in a waistlock. Crowley maneuvers himself back to a vertical base, but Dulberg keeps the waistlock on. Crowley, however, is able to execute a standing switch, moving behind Dulberg. With Dulberg now in the waistlock, he lunges towards the corner, leaping up and kicking off the turnbuckles, flipping over Crowley’s head. The two now face each other as the fans applaud.

Troy: Impressive escape!

Crowley and Dulberg now lock up, this time with Crowley cinching in a side headlock. Dulberg is able to shove his way out of it, sending Crowley into the ropes. As Crowley returns, Dulberg leapfrogs over him and hits the mat so that when Crowley comes back off the ropes, the Human Highlight is ready with a monkey flip!

With Crowley down, Dulberg climbs his way to the top rope, but the champion is able to rise before Dulberg can execute a move. However, when Crowley does get up, he walks right into a missile dropkick from the leaping Dulberg, who immediately covers… one, two, and Crowley kicks out.

Dulberg immediately locks in a front facelock, trying to keep the champion grounded. It doesn’t work for long, however, as Crowley wills himself back to a vertical base, before nailing Dulberg with several stiff elbows to the gut. Once enough separation is created, Crowley drops down and nails Dulberg with a huge uppercut, taking him right off his feet! Crowley covers… one, two, and Dulberg kicks out.

Crowley grabs Dulberg, attempting to lift him up, but once he does, Dulberg cuts Crowley’s legs out from under him and flips over him with a jackknife cover! One, two, and Crowley powers out.

Crowley pops up, but Dulberg is there again, this time with a small package! One, two, and Crowley kicks out again.

The champion gets up a third time, this time treated to a hurricanrana attempt by Dulberg. However, Crowley is able to block it and crush Dulberg with a thunderous powerbomb!

Buckingham: Thanks for coming, Dulberg!

Crowley covers… one, two, and Dulberg gets the shoulder up!

Troy: Wow! Dulberg is still in this thing!

Buckingham: Unreal.

Crowley appears surprised at the kickout, but nonetheless moves in for the kill. Positioning himself behind Dulberg, Crowley waits for the Human Highlight to rise, lifting him for the old Speed Demon finisher, the Demonizer! Crowley nails it with thunderous force!

Troy: He hit the Demonizer! I think that’s a direct throw to Dulberg beating Speed Demon at the first Everlasting Epic, with Crowley now attempting to win this match with his old school finisher!

Buckingham: After taking that powerbomb, I can’t imagine Dulberg has anything left here. This one is history.

Crowley goes for the cover, hooking the near leg… one, two thr-NO! Dulberg gets the far leg on the bottom rope, just in the nick of time!

Troy: I don’t believe it!

Neither does Crowley, who starts to grow frustrated. Now, the champion signals for the Brutal Legend, the move that won him the PWA Championship at Everlasting Epic VI.

Troy: Here we go! Brutal Legend! If he hits this, the match HAS to be over!

Buckingham: I can’t believe it’s not over YET!

Crowley slowly lifts Dulberg off the mat, but before he can do anything, Dulberg blasts Crowley with a diamond cutter out of absolutely nowhere! The fans are on their feet, but Dulberg collapses in exhaustion!

Troy: My God! Dulberg just blasted Crowley with a diamond cutter!

Buckingham: Not just a diamond cutter, Troy. That’s Dulberg’s new finisher, which he calls the Walk-Off! I didn’t figure it was worth mentioning, since I didn’t think there was any chance he’d hit it, but if he can make a cover here, he might stun the champion!

Unfortunately for Dulberg, Crowley’s offense has left him too damaged to make a quick cover. Finally, Dulberg reaches Crowley, rolls him over, and makes the cover… one, two, thr-NO! Crowley gets the shoulder up to the delight of the crowd!

Troy: And Crowley is still alive here!

Slowly, Dulberg and Crowley both reach their feet. Dulberg makes the first move, looking for another Walk-Off, but Crowley blocks it, sends Dulberg into the ropes, and tosses him into the air, catching him with a Samoan drop as he falls! Crowley covers… one, two, thr-NO! Dulberg gets the shoulder up!

Troy: This is insane! Dulberg just won’t die!

Having had enough by now, Crowley again signals for the Brutal Legend. This time, Dulberg is extremely labored in his movement and can barely get back to his feet. When he does, Crowley lifts him and crushes him down with his finisher to a roar from the Monterrey crowd! Crowley covers tightly, hooking both legs… one, two, three!

Troy: And that’s gonna do it! Dan Crowley defeats Jon Dulberg, but the champion had to work a LOT harder than I’m sure he figured he would to get this win!

Buckingham: Either that, or our champion is overrated!

Troy: How could you sit here and watch that match and the first thing that comes out of your mouth is overrated?!

Buckingham: I call it like I see it.

Troy: Well so do I, and that right there was an incredible performance by both our world champion and by Jon Dulberg, who I’m sure raised quite a few eyebrows tonight.

The fans cheer loudly as “Judas Rising” replays over the speakers and Crowley gets back to his feet. The referee hands him his championship belt, which he raises high amid the chorus of cheers.

Noticing Dulberg struggling to get up, Crowley walks over and extends his hand, helping the Human Highlight to his feet. Once standing, he then shakes Dulberg’s hand, which prompts a loud cheer from the crowd. Crowley then applauds Dulberg as he exits the ring, leaving Dulberg to soak in some cheers as we head to commercial.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 12:02 – DAN CROWLEY

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


Back from break, we see events that took place during the commercial. We are shown Jon Dulberg walking back through the curtain, clearly frustrated and exhausted. However, Dulberg is surprised when he receives a nice ovation from the wrestlers in the back, congratulating him on his performance. At the front of the line is Kerry Cox, who shakes Dulberg’s hand and pats him on the back.

Cox: Nice going, kiddo. You didn’t get the win, but you damn sure opened a lot of eyes tonight. This is EXACTLY what you needed to do. Nobody is forgetting the name Jon Dulberg anytime soon.

Voice: That’s more than we can say about the name Kerry Cox, isn’t it?

Dulberg and Cox turn around and see that the voice belongs to Dexter P. Wellington, who is approaching.

Dulberg: What do you want, Wellington?

Wellington: Nothing with you, Dulberg, don’t worry. Nice job out there tonight. My issue is with you, Cox. You lecherous, has-been sycophant. I see what you’re doing. You realize you’re finished in that ring, so you’re trying to latch onto someone else whose coattails you can ride back to relevance. Fortunately, Dulberg is too smart to fall for that. Isn’t that right?

Dulberg: You know what, Wellington? If I’m too smart for anything, it’s to buy into your ulterior motives for any reason. You lost whatever shred of credibility you had with the Evan Black fiasco last season. And as a matter of fact, I disagree with each and every thing you said.

Wellington: Even the fact that Cox is finished in that ring? Surely you can’t be so naïve.

Cox: You think I’m done, Wellington? Well how about next week, we step into that ring together and I show you just how much gas I’ve got left in my tank?

This challenge prompts Wellington to laugh vigorously.

Wellington: Let me get this straight, Cox. YOU are challenging ME to a match next week? Are you out of your mind?

Cox: I beat you last year, and I’ll beat you again this year. Unless of course you’re scared.

Wellington wears a look of endless amusement as he responds.

Wellington: No, no. I’m game. This ought to be a riot. See you next week, old man.

Cox stares down Wellington as he exits, before the camera shifts back to the ringside area.

 

***

At ringside, “F*ckin in the Bushes” by Oasis hits, and the fans begin cheering wildly at the arrival of The Iceman Jason Calysto! His Tag Team Championship belt in tow, Calysto enters the ring and stretches out on the ring ropes, ready for this title defense.

Moments later, “Falling From the Sky” by VAST hits and the cheers maintain their high volume as Vulture makes his entrance! The other half of the Tag Team Champions, Vulture wastes no time hitting the ring, shaking Calysto’s hand and readying himself for battle.

As the champions await their opposition, “Better Think Again” by Submersed hits and the cheers turn to loud jeers for Anthony Failla, who appears from behind the curtain with a microphone.

Failla: Cut the music! You know, I came here this season to win back the PWA Championship. That was my only goal. In two weeks, I’ll achieve that goal. But tonight, I have a shot at the Tag Team titles, and I figure I might as well win them. So I got myself a partner that knows a thing or two about winning Tag Team titles.

With that, “Hallelujah” by Bishop Lamont featuring Xzibit hits and the fans boo loudly as Jackie Baccaro enters, alongside Vulture’s daughter Alexis Duval.

Buckingham: Whoa! Failla landed Jackie Baccaro! I think the Tag Team Championship is in serious jeopardy, Troy!

Troy: It very well might be!

Vulture appears agitated at the arrival of Baccaro and his daughter. Failla notices that reaction and appears quite satisfied. Finally, the challengers enter the ring and Lee Palmer begins his introductions.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, this next contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the PWA Tag Team Championship!

Introducing first, the challengers, at a total combined weight of 545 pounds, the team of JACKIIIEEEEE BAAAACAAAARRROOOOO AND ANTHONYYYYYYY FAIIIIIIIIII-LLLLLLAAAAA!

And their opponents, at a total combined weight of 463 pounds, they are the PWA Tag Team Champions, the team of VULLLLLLTURRRRRREEEE AND THEEEEE IIIIICEMANNNNNN JAAAASONNNNNN CAAAAAALYSSSSSTOOOO!

PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
VULTURE & JASON CALYSTO (champions) VS. ANTHONY FAILLA & JACKIE BACCARO (challengers)
Referee: Matt Hansen

Vulture and Baccaro are in the ring to start the match off as the bell sounds, but Baccaro simply smirks and tags in Failla. Vulture is reactionless as Baccaro exits the ring and Failla steps inside.

Vulture and Failla jaw at each other for several moments before locking up in the ring, which goes less than ideally for Vulture. Failla shoves Vulture down to the mat aggressively, prompting Failla to tauntingly pose in his face.

In response, Vulture gets back to a vertical base and asks Failla for another lockup, which the most recent former PWA Champion is happy to oblige. This time, however, Vulture is able to tie Failla in a side headlock, which he cinches in tightly. Vulture clamps down on Failla’s head, but Failla is able to overpower him, downing him with a hard back suplex! Failla goes for the cover… one, two, and Vulture gets the shoulder up.

Troy: Vulture is having a tough time with Failla here.

Buckingham: Of course he is. Let’s not forget, these two wrestled in a number one contendership match last season, and it wasn’t even close. Failla obliterated him on his way to capturing the gold. These two know each other a long, long time, and maybe back in the day Vulture was superior to him, but I’d take the Failla of 2011 over today’s Vulture any day.

Vulture gets to his feet, but Failla grabs him and Irish whips him hard into Vulture’s own corner. Failla then charges at him, but Vulture is able to get his foot up at the last second, connecting hard with Failla’s jaw! As Failla staggers backwards, Vulture tags in The Iceman Jason Calysto to a roaring ovation!

Calysto immediately climbs to the top rope and waits for Failla to turn around. When he does, Calysto leaps off the top and takes Failla down with the Bottom Line flying clothesline! The Iceman goes for the cover… one, two, and Failla kicks out.

Failla gets back to a vertical base and begins slugging it out with the much smaller Calysto, who works to quicken the pace of the bout. Finally, Calysto is able to stagger Failla with a stiff enziguri. This gives Calysto the opening to hit the opposite ropes and throw a spinning heel kick in Failla’s direction! The kick lands, and Failla falls back, reaching out tagging in Baccaro as he hits the mat.

Baccaro rushes into the ring and charges right at Calysto, who ducks under a wild clothesline, steps behind Baccaro, and takes him down with a hard release German suplex! Calysto bridges into a pin attempt… one, two, and Baccaro gets the shoulder up.

Alexis shouts encouragement from the ringside area as Baccaro gets back to a vertical base, but Calysto whips him into the corner and tags in Vulture, who hits the ring and immediately begins peppering Baccaro with repeated kneelifts. Vulture then whips Baccaro against the ropes, but Baccaro sidesteps Vulture’s running knee on the rebound, hits the opposite ropes, and downs Vulture with a ferocious running forearm.

With Baccaro in control, he takes a moment to flex for the audience, which prompts an array of jeers. However, things get interesting when Chris Duval starts making his way down the aisle.

Troy: Oh my! Chris Duval is on his way out here! What could he want?

Buckingham: I don’t know, but it doesn’t look like Baccaro is happy to see him.

Baccaro shouts at Chris as he starts down the aisle, and Duval is not shy about shouting back. Seeing this, Alexis rushes over to her brother, standing between him and Baccaro, who is still in the ring, focusing all his attention on him. Seeing this, Vulture pops up and rolls up Baccaro, grabbing the tights for extra leverage! One, two, three!

Troy: That’s it! Vulture got him! Vulture and Calysto retain the titles!

Buckingham: Oh, come on! This is absurd! Vulture cheated! He had the damn tights!

Troy: I didn’t see that!

Buckingham: Are you kidding me?! You bitch and complain about every single perceived injustice that goes on here, and you just happened to miss one of the biggest fan favorites in this company clearly cheating his way to a win?! I give up!

The fans cheer wildly as “Falling From the Sky” replays and Vulture and Calysto celebrate their victory.
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 7:09 AND STILL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS – VULTURE & JASON CALYSTO

Baccaro is in not nearly as celebratory a mood as he pops right up and lunges at Chris, exiting the ring, but Alexis does her best to hold him back. Chris then backpedals up the ramp, a smirk on his face, taunting the livid Baccaro.

Meanwhile, Failla disgustedly hops off the apron and says something to Baccaro on his way out that incites him even further. Failla exits without paying Baccaro any attention, which is followed shortly thereafter by Baccaro violently yanking his arm away from Alexis and storming towards the back. Exasperated, Alexis follows.

The celebration continues in the ring, however, as the champions soak in the adulation of the Monterrey crowd. However, before they can celebrate too long, two large men hop the barricade and enter the ring, pummeling them from behind!

Troy: My God! Those are those same two men from last week! The guys who ruined Jaguar’s retirement speech!

Buckingham: An assault that was ultimately stopped by Vulture and Jason Calysto! And it looks like they’re back for revenge!

The two mystery men knock Vulture and Calysto to the mat and begin stomping them viciously. The assault continues for several moments before scores of officials hit the ring to break it up. Their point having been proven, the mystery men exit the ring and escape through the crowd, but not before stopping in the middle of the Monterrey crowd to raise their arms and smirk back at the ring.

Troy: Who the hell are these guys?!

Buckingham: I don’t know, Troy, but it looks like Vulture and Calysto should have thought twice about meddling in their affairs last week.

Troy: Yes, these courageous individuals who insist on jumping people from behind. Yet another morally repulsive development here on PWA television. We’ll be right back, folks.


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see backstage reporter Traci Reed rushing to catch up with creative director Justin Schenck, who is moving through the locker room. Schenck notices her and slows down, allowing her to approach him with questions.

Traci: Mr. Schenck, just a moment of your time, if I could.

Schenck: Sure Traci.

Traci: Just a few moments ago, these two mystery assailants, the same guys that took Jaguar out last week, we saw them do a vicious number on our Tag Team Champions Vulture and Jason Calysto. Can you tell us anything about these two men? Surely you must know.

Schenck: Of course I do, Traci. But I’m going to leave the introductions to them. Next week, the two men will go out to that ring and explain to the world who they are and why they are here. Who am I to spoil the surprise?

Traci: What about Jaguar?

Schenck: What about him?

Traci: Can you update us on his condition? His PWA status?

Schenck: Well, the last I heard, Jaguar was at home in Jacksonville, resting his knee and contemplating his future. As far as I know, though, Jaguar is retired, and I will consider him retired until I hear otherwise. But of course, in this business, you learn to never say never.

Traci: Alright Mr. Schenck, thank you for the time.

Schenck: You’re welcome.


***

The camera then shifts to split-screen shot that shows each of Solomon, Showtime Damon Savage, Scythe, and Michael Grieco (alongside Dee Licious) walking through the backstage halls en route to the ring for their number one contendership fatal fourway match.

Troy: Alright folks, stay right there! Scythe vs. Solomon vs. Showtime vs. Grieco in a fatal fourway is just moments away!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest thumps onto the speakers and the Mexico crowd gives another huge ovation to the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Dan Crowley!

Troy: Welcome back to PWA: The Rebirth, and Randall, it’s main event time!

Buckingham: That it is, but why the hell is Crowley coming out here?!

Troy: I guess you didn’t get the memo. Crowley is joining us for commentary for this one!

Buckingham: Joy.

Crowley makes a brief stop in the ring, playing to the crowd, before approaching the announce table and donning a headset.

Troy: Champ, welcome to the broadcast booth.

Crowley: Thanks, Vic. Good to see you. And Randall… I see you, too.

Buckingham: Funny. You know what, Crowley? Why don’t you leave the jokes to me out here?

Moments later, “Da Repercussions” by 50 Cent hits and Michael Grieco makes his way to the ring, accompanied by Dee Licious. The duo is practically booed out of the building, but doesn’t seem to mind the response one bit. Grieco appears focused and ready as he enters the ring, awaiting his opponents.

Next up, “No County For Young Men” by Ice Cube hits and the fans begin cheering thunderously for Showtime Damon Savage, who makes his exciting entrance to the joy of the Mexican crowd!

Troy: Here comes Showtime!

Crowley: Look at that look on Showtime’s face, guys. He wants this match, BADLY. I know Showtime pretty well, and I know that this man wants this championship in my possession just as badly as I wanted it. He’s my pick to win this match for that very reason.

Buckingham: Crowley vs. Showtime. What a boring championship match that would be.

Crowley: Excuse me, did you even see our one-on-one match from last season?

Buckingham: I wasn’t in the company yet.

Crowley: Exactly. It was a classic, and I was on the losing end of it. If we end up wrestling again, I’d expect another classic, but the opposite result.

Buckingham: Troy, is this guy delusional or what?

Troy: That’s enough out of you, Randall.

With Showtime in the ring, “With You” by Linkin Park hits and the cheers maintain their volume as the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe hits the squared circle! Scythe wastes no time entering the ring, sizing up his competition.

Then, moments later, the arena is filled with a sea of blue as “Hear Me” by Darkseed invades the speakers and the Alaskan Monster Solomon begins stalking his way to the ring. Solomon wears an ice cold expression on his face as he slowly heads down the aisle, leaving his three opponents to think some more about having to step into the ring with him. Finally, Solomon enters the ring and a staredown ensues.

Buckingham: So Crowley, you’re confident in your pick of Showtime given that this man is in the match?

Crowley: If this were an elimination bout, I’d be more reserved in that pick. But this is first fall wins. Showtime can win this match by pinning Scythe, or more likely, by pinning Grieco. In fact, that’s my exact prediction.

Buckingham: What kind of credibility do you have after struggling to beat Jon Dulberg tonight?

Crowley: That was one hell of a performance by Dulberg tonight. He showed me something. I was impressed.

Buckingham: Maybe it wasn’t him. Maybe you just stink.

Crowley: That’s why I’m the world champion, right? Because I stink?

Buckingham: Let’s just watch this match.


NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP FOR THE PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:
FATAL FOURWAY MATCH:

SOLOMON VS. SCYTHE VS. SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE VS. MICHAEL GRIECO
Referee: Tom Stevens

As soon as the bell sounds, the four men dart at each other, quickly devolving into two separate one-on-one slugfests. Solomon and Scythe reprise their rivalry, trading blows at a furious pace, while Showtime and Grieco revisit their less lauded feud, though with no less enthusiasm than their counterparts.

Scythe backs Solomon into a corner, where he proceeds to unload on him with a series of vicious knife-edge chops that bring the Mexican crowd to life.   Meanwhile, Showtime has Grieco corned, stinging him with repeated fists to the mid-section, wounding more than Grieco’s pride as Dee screams encouragement from the arena floor.

Scythe and Showtime notice they each have their opponent cornered, so they both Irish whip their adversaries into the center of the ring, causing a collision. As a dazed Solomon and Grieco stagger backwards, Scythe and Savage down them respectively with hard back suplexes! Then, as the crowd cheers, Scythe and Savage head to the middle of the ring to resume their battle from a week ago!

Troy: These fans want to see it and Scythe and Showtime are about to deliver!

Crowley: Well, they have Solomon and Grieco down. This would be the time.

The two fan favorites lock up, with Scythe ultimately obtaining the advantage, cinching a side headlock on his smaller opponent. However, Showtime is able to loosen the Modern-Day Samurai’s grip with a series of well-placed elbows to the midsection, allowing Showtime to shove Scythe against the ropes and nail him with a left hand to the gut as he returns. With Scythe doubled over, Savage rushes against the ropes and downs Scythe with a flipping neckbreaker as he returns! Savage covers… one, two, and Solomon breaks up the pin.

As Solomon slugs it out with Showtime, Grieco gets to his feet and immediately begins assisting the Alaskan Monster in this endeavor. When Scythe gets to his feet, Grieco clotheslines him up and over the top rope, dumping Scythe to the outside in order to continue the double-team on Savage. This beatdown continues for some time, before Solomon lets his guard down, turning his back to Grieco. Sensing the opening he was waiting for, Grieco chop blocks Solomon, cutting his right leg out from under him, sending the giant crumbling to the mat in pain.

With Solomon in a precarious position, Grieco doesn’t hesitate to take advantage, viciously stomping away on the injured appendage, trying to take the Alaskan Monster out of the match any way he can. In fact, Showtime gets to his feet and joins in, helping Grieco incapacitate Solomon.

Troy: This is crazy! Grieco and Showtime are working together!

Buckingham: Troy, how is it crazy that two guys are teaming up to take out the biggest dog in the fight? That seems to me like the sanest thing you could possibly do in an environment like this.

Crowley: I hate to say it, but I agree with Randall here. No disrespect to any of the other three awesome competitors, but Solomon is the biggest threat in that ring, and if you want to win this match, you need to find a way to keep him at bay.

With Solomon down, Showtime works over him with a series of stomps while Grieco locks in a figure-four leglock, putting Solomon through excruciating pain. However, Scythe sneaks back into the ring behind them, spins Showtime around, and absolutely destroys him with the Flying Dragon! Horrified, Grieco desperately tries to release Solomon from the hold while Scythe covers Showtime for the pin… one, two, thr-and Grieco breaks up the cover!

Troy: SO close to a Scythe victory!

Buckingham: I’m pretty sure Grieco’s heart just skipped a beat before he broke up that cover!

Scythe gets to a vertical base and the battle is on between the Grieco and the Modern-Day Samurai. For every clubbing blow Grieco dishes out, Scythe absorbs it and reddens the puffed-out chest of the Staten Island Strongman with a knife-edge chop. This back-and-forth continues until Grieco begins to win the battle, landing three hard rights in a row. Grieco takes this opportunity to whip Scythe against the ropes, but makes the mistake of putting his head down as Scythe approaches on the rebound, telegraphing his attempted back body drop. The Modern-Day Samurai doesn’t miss his cue, tying Grieco in a surprise small package as he approaches! One, two, and Grieco just barely escapes!

A flustered Grieco pops back to a vertical base, only for Scythe to leap up and down Grieco with a hurricanrana, hooking the leg into another pin attempt! One, two, and Grieco kicks out!

Grieco rises again, and again Scythe is there to tie him into a pinning combination! One, two, and Grieco narrowly gets his shoulder off the mat!

This time, Grieco realizes that discretion is the better part of valor and rolls out of the ring to safety, regrouping with Dee on the outside.

Meanwhile, in the ring, Scythe plays to the Mexican crowd briefly before bouncing off the ropes and launching himself through the middle rope and onto an unsuspecting Grieco, taking him out!

Troy: My God! What a suicide dive by Scythe!

Crowley: It was certainly impressive, Vic, but I have to wonder just what Scythe was thinking there. This is a fatal fourway match, and while he has taken out one of his opponents, he still has two more that are getting to their feet in the ring and he is incapable of preventing the match from ending for the time being.

Buckingham: So then you’re saying Scythe is an idiot?

Troy: I find it’s best to just ignore him when he gets like this.

Crowley: Noted.

Back in the ring, Showtime and Solomon each reach a vertical base and begin slugging it out slowly and deliberately. Solomon hobbles around with a noticeable limp as he pounds Showtime back to the corner before smashing him in the face with repeated forearm shots. Eventually, however, Showtime is able to duck under a forearm and slide out of harm’s way. When Solomon turns around to confront him, Showtime responds with a dropkick to the knee, flooring the Alaskan Monster. Meanwhile, on the outside, both Scythe and Grieco remain down, though Dee is hovering over Grieco, shouting at him to get up.

Solomon rests on one knee as he attempts to absorb the vicious lefts and rights being unloaded on him by Savage. Finally, sensing that Solomon is ripe for the picking, Showtime bounces off the opposite ropes, looking to clean Solomon’s clock with a running left hand to the jaw. However, just before Savage reaches him, the Alaskan Monster pops to his feet and nearly takes Showtime’s head off with a thunderous boot to the jaw!

Solomon falls back to a knee, taking another few moments to rest before getting back to his feet and signaling to the crowd for the Deep Freeze. Very deliberately, the Alaskan Monster pries Showtime off the mat, hoists him on his shoulders, and absolutely demolishes him with his finisher!

Troy: The Deep Freeze! Solomon hit the Deep Freeze! This match is about to be history!

Buckingham: Looks like you have a title defense against Solomon in your immediate future, Crowley!

Crowley: I don’t know about that just yet! Scythe is back in the ring!

Sure enough, the fans cheer wildly as Scythe gets back into the ring and back to a vertical base, he and Solomon staring each other down ardently. With Showtime still motionless on the mat, Solomon beckons Scythe forward. Finally, the Modern-Day Samurai gets a running start and nails Solomon with a cross-body that sends both of them tumbling over the top and to the outside!

As Scythe and Solomon lie on the arena floor, attempting to clear the cobwebs, we can see Michael Grieco stagger to his feet on the outside. Then, with no one to stop him, Grieco rolls back into the ring and collapses on top of the wounded Showtime! One, two, three!

Troy: What?! I don’t believe it! Michael Grieco has just stolen this victory!

Buckingham: I wouldn’t call it a theft at all, Troy! Grieco was in the right place at the right time and took advantage! Oh, and nice job on that prediction, Crowley! You had the right guys, but you had the result entirely backwards! Just like this company with you in the top spot!

Troy: Will you stop?!

Crowley: Just ignore him, Troy. He’s harmless.

The fans immediately shower Grieco with rampant jeers as “Da Repercussions:” replays and the Staten Island Strongman is announced the winner. Dee jubilantly rushes into the ring to celebrate, and the two immediately turn their attention to the champion Crowley at the broadcast booth.

Buckingham: It looks like Grieco has his eye on you!

Crowley: And he should. He may be the number one contender now, but next week, I’m gonna smack him around the ring and send him to the back of the line.

Crowley now rises and removes his headset as the staredown between him and Grieco continues.

Troy: Alright ladies and gentlemen, that’s all the time we have for you tonight. Enjoy your weekends and we’ll see you right back here one week from tonight, when Michael Grieco challenges Dan Crowley for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship! Goodnight everybody!
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 15:08 – MICHAEL GRIECO


-- END SHOW --



Pre-Show Dark Matches:
1. Saif Al Abbad def. Dean Nash with the Dubai Dazzler at 4:26. (Referee: Matt Hansen)
2. Chris Duval def. Kris Anthony with the Duval Driver at 3:02. (Referee: Tom Stevens)
3. Morgan Day & Kemi Okoro def. Alexis Duval & Dee Licious at 5:13. Morgan forced Dee to submit to the Sharpshooter. (Referee: Dan Martin)