EPISODE #3.1

US AIRWAYS CENTER
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012

Watch the video below for the show-opening video package and The Rebirth opening credits



***

As the camera pans around the arena, highlighting excited fans throughout the US Airways Center, ring announcer Lee Palmer enters the ring and begins to speak.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome PWA creative director JUSTINNNNNNN SCHENNNNNCK!

With that, “Bounce” by Bon Jovi hits the speakers and the creative director makes his way down the aisle to a cheer-filled reaction. Schenck wastes little time grabbing a microphone and entering the ring to address the crowd.

Schenck: First off, I’d like to welcome each and every one of you back for another season of PWA: The Rebirth!

The creative director pauses a moment, allowing the fans to cheer, before resuming his speech.

Schenck: Now, for the past few weeks, there have been a lot of rumors regarding the future of this series. I am here right now, before we officially kick this season off, to tell you all the truth. Without any more time spent beating around the bush, let me give it to you straight: the NOW Network has decided that this will be the final season of PWA: The Rebirth.

The Phoenix crowd boos raucously, and Schenck nods in agreement with his audience. After several moments, Schenck encourages the crowd to quiet down so that he can continue speaking.

Schenck: I know that isn’t the news you wanted to start this season off with, but in life, you can’t always get what you want; something I’ve had to learn very painfully this past offseason. I was given the news about six months ago and given a directive to keep it quiet. The network felt that if you all knew that there was no future beyond season three, you wouldn’t tune in. Well, to be blunt, I find that to be a load of horse shit.

You people have supported us for the last two seasons, seasons during which the narrative of the Progressive Wrestling Alliance has been forever altered. About three years ago, I set out on a mission to bring the PWA back from the dead, and not only did my mission succeed, but as an organization, we have thrived over the past two seasons. So then, if we were successful, if we were bringing in TV ratings, if we were bringing fans into arenas all over the globe, then why in the hell would the NOW Network want to cancel the series? The simple answer, people, is money. You have to understand, the network never wanted to produce new PWA programming in the first place. They have always felt that the real value of the company is its tape library, and that they can make a sufficient profit off the release of DVDs without the overhead of generating new content. When they finally green-lit The Rebirth, it was for one season and one season only. So the fact that we got three seasons out of them is really a huge victory.

Schenck pauses for a moment, considering what to say next. The fans react by starting a loud “P-W-A” chant, which elicits a smile from the creative director.

Schenck: I want you all to know that I did everything in my power to get them to reconsider. I argued my case all the way up to the board of directors, and they voted to stop the series after season three by one lousy vote. But you know what? It does us no good to focus on the things in life that we can’t control. The reality is, this is going to be the final season of PWA: The Rebirth, whether any of us like it or not. But if we’re going down, people, I promise you, we’re going down in a blaze of glory!

The Phoenix crowd cheers and Schenck is noticeably energized.

Schenck: We’re going to do everything in our power to make this the greatest, most compelling season in the history of PWA programming, and I will not rest until that’s the case. As creative director of this company, much of what happens between now and Everlasting Epic is within my control, and I will NOT squander this opportunity. Ladies and gentlemen, this will NOT be a lame-duck season. This will be, quite simply, a season you will NEVER forget. And that starts TONIGHT. Who wants to see a number one contender to the PWA World Heavyweight Championship decided in this ring?

The fans cheer loudly and Schenck smiles and nods.

Schenck: Well, you’re in luck, because tonight, we are going to have a triple threat match between three deserving individuals, and the winner of that bout will challenge Jason Calysto for the PWA title next week here on The Rebirth. And those individuals have something in common: they all starred in the Everlasting Epic gauntlet match and delivered a crushing defeat to SIN. I promised that succeeding in the gauntlet match would have its perks, and tonight I make good on that promise. So, later on this evening, you will see Dan Crowley -- the man who dealt Markus Krieg his first pinfall loss -- take on Chase Stone -- the man who scored back-to-back eliminations of SIN members when his team was against the ropes -- and Anthony Failla -- the man who returned early from injury to bail his team out in its time of need and win the gauntlet -- in a triple threat match for the number one contendership!

The fans loudly cheer this announcement.

Schenck: Now, I don’t want to exclude another man who impressed during the gauntlet match in a major way, and that’s Rich Revis. With his elimination of the International Champion John Wolfe, I saw no more appropriate reward than to name Revis the number one contender for the International title and award him a shot at the gold in the coming weeks, as was announced on The Rebirth’s official Twitter feed last month. And later tonight, I will provide Revis an opportunity to build some momentum, in a six-man tag team match. You will see the SIN team of John Wolfe, Chris Duval, and James Biamonte take on Rich Revis and two partners of his choosing. You will also see—

Suddenly, “Hear Me” by Darkseed thumps onto the speakers and the fans begin booing raucously as the Alaskan Monster Solomon stalks his way to the ring. The seven-foot behemoth grabs a microphone and steps into the ring, towering more than a foot over the creative director.

Solomon: You know, Schenck, I must be going deaf. I was sitting in the back, waiting for you to make an announcement regarding the next challenger for the PWA Championship, and I could have sworn you singled out Crowley, Failla, and your golden goose Chase Stone, without making a single mention of my absolute dominance at Everlasting Epic. In case you forgot, I put my CAREER on the line on the biggest stage this company has to offer, and I prevailed. I took the upstart Evan Black, a punk with more momentum going into EE than just about anyone, and I humbled him. I sent him to the back of the line. And now, because of the stipulation attached to our match, he is not entitled to a rematch. That means, Schenck, that the next logical step for me is reclaiming the PWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Schenck: I appreciate that, Solomon, but—

Solomon: But nothing. Can you honestly stand there and tell me I don’t deserve a shot at the title?

Schenck: Sure, you deserve a shot, but—

Solomon: But what? You’re only interested in rewarding people who helped you out at Everlasting Epic? I suggest you get over that, and get over it quickly. You hear me? You just announced to the world that this is the final season of The Rebirth. So since this is no longer long-term employment for me, I don’t have any qualms about doing something that gets me fired, if you catch my drift. I’m here for one reason and one reason only and that’s to be the last man to ever hold the PWA title. So what you’re going to do is add me to tonight’s main event, make it a fatal fourway match, and then after I win the championship from Jason Calysto, I’m going to hang onto it for the entire rest of the season. So Schenck, the question is, do you have a problem with my proposal, or am I going to have to get myself fired right here in the opening segment of the season?

Schenck is clearly livid about the threat, but collects his thoughts before responding.

Schenck: First of all, Solomon, I don’t appreciate you coming out here and trying to intimidate me into giving you a title shot. But, I can’t deny that you deserve one. So I’m going to look past everything you just said and judge this situation on merit. You have your match tonight. We’re now going to have a fatal fourway match between Dan Crowley, Chase Stone, Anthony Failla, and Solomon, and the winner will challenge Jason Calysto for the PWA Championship right next week on The Rebirth. But Solomon, I am going to warn you once and only once: don’t ever threaten me again. There are worse things I can do to you than fire you.

Solomon doesn’t respond to the creative director, instead smirking and exiting the ring as his music replays. Schenck stares back at him as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

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

Troy: Alright ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the final season premiere of PWA: The Rebirth. First off, it’s great to be back in your homes for another season, but as our creative director Justin Schenck detailed before the break, the NOW Network has opted not to renew this series for a fourth season, so this will be the final set of shows for this storied organization.

Buckingham: It’s no doubt a somber way to start this season off, but Mr. Schenck wasn’t lying when he said that we’re going to go out with a bang. We’ve got two nine-episode blocks of programming, each culminating in a major pay-per-view extravaganza. Like last season, we will see the chaotic Symphony of Destruction at midseason, and our series will culminate with the eighth and likely final installment of Everlasting Epic. And if I know Justin, there will be countless other surprises to make this season the most memorable of all.

Troy: I’ve got to say, I’ve come a long way in my opinion of Mr. Schenck. He has everyone in that locker room energized and determined to deliver a tremendously entertaining season to all you fans out there. I think he had some hiccups at the beginning of his tenure, and his behavior can be tremendously controversial, but the man has presided over two unbelievably entertaining seasons here in the PWA, as entertaining as any segment of PWA history. He’s an effective motivator and, dare I say, a great leader.

Buckingham: I don’t get you, Troy. I really don’t.

Troy: What do you mean?

Buckingham: If you’re finally going to start kissing the boss’ ass, why would you wait until you’re months away from being without a job here no matter what? You’d have gotten more out of it a year or two ago!

Troy: You’re gonna start already? We literally JUST sat down for the first time this year.

Buckingham: New season, same Buckingham. The fans wouldn’t want it any other way, trust me.

Troy: That remains to be seen, but folks, let’s now turn our attention to a rather serious situation involving one of the biggest stars in PWA history, that being SIN co-leader and the man who was defeated by Jason Calysto in his bid to become PWA Champion at Everlasting Epic, Vulture.

***

Footage now begins rolling on the Jumbotron, with a graphic on screen reading “Backstage: Everlasting Epic VII, immediately after going off the air.” The footage shows a defeated Vulture walking through the curtain. Morgan Day runs to embrace him and check on his physical condition. Moments later, the Duval Twins and International Champion John Wolfe arrive to check on the PWA Hall of Famer. However, seconds after their arrival, SIN co-leader Greg Tantalus arrives, a scowl on his face, flanked by SIN members James Biamonte and Markus Krieg. Tantalus immediately begins shouting at Vulture, chiding him for his loss. After a hostile few moments, Vulture, Morgan, the Duvals, and Wolfe walk away from the other members of the group. Our commentators talk over the video.

Troy: Alright, as you can see, Greg Tantalus and Vulture got into it immediately following the absolute war Vulture waged with Jason Calysto, a match, quite frankly, that Vulture should not be ashamed of in the least. You can see here that Vulture’s own cousin Biamonte has apparently sided with Tantalus in this apparent split, with Vulture’s wife, his twin children, and John Wolfe on his side, and Tantalus, Biamonte, and Krieg feeling he let the group down.

Buckingham: That situation was absolutely coming to a head, but just minutes after this, Vulture went into shock and had to be rushed to a London hospital.
 
Troy: It was a tremendously frightening situation. Randall and I were just making our way backstage at that point, and the tension level in the locker room was unbelievable. Thankfully, Vulture made a recovery, but his offseason was plagued by questions regarding his future.

Buckingham: I know that Vulture fought hard to keep the details of his condition secret, but news that he was considering retirement broke in early January. However, something changed after that, and Vulture began pursuing medical clearance to return to the ring for this season. From what I’ve heard, Vulture never wanted to retire at all; it was his wife and kids urging him not to risk his health.

Troy: Vulture persisted, going through a litany of tests and additional medical opinions before finally receiving medical clearance just days before the start of this season. And tonight, Vulture is back in the ring for the first time since Everlasting Epic, in a singles match against Evan Black. Randall, it’s easy to think that the winner of this match will be in line for perhaps the second shot at the PWA Championship this season, after tonight’s fatal fourway winner challenges Jason Calysto for the gold next week.

Buckingham: It’s a good thought, Troy. Evan Black, as much as it pains me to admit it, took Solomon to the absolute limit at Everlasting Epic, and if he can knock off Vulture tonight, the man who came within a hair of becoming PWA Champion at Wembley Stadium, then I think he deserves his opportunity. And if Vulture is able to defeat Evan Black, especially considering all he’s been through since EE, then another title shot should be in order.

Troy: But that’s almost beside the point, Randall. The real question here is whether or not Vulture is in any condition to actually compete.

Buckingham: It took a while, but the doctors DID clear him.

Troy: They did, but you’d have to imagine he’s taking some real long-term risks continuing on here. Not to mention the surgically-repaired neck that kept him out of the ring for all but one match over a six-year period—

Buckingham: If he’s willing to take the risk, who are you to tell him he shouldn’t?

Troy: Far be it from me to tell him what to do, but take a look at this footage from earlier tonight, when all of SIN reunited for the first time since Vulture’s medical clearance.

***

We are now taken to the backstage area, where we see Vulture taping his wrists, getting ready for his match against Evan Black. A graphic appears on the screen, reading “earlier tonight.” As Vulture continues his preparation, his wife Morgan Day appears at his side.

Morgan: I really wish you wouldn’t do this.

Vulture sighs and responds without turning around.

Vulture: I really wish we didn’t have to go through this again.

Morgan: You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You know that, right?

Vulture turns around, ready to respond, but his son Chris Duval enters the room before he can. Right behind Chris are twin sister Alexis and International Champion John Wolfe, who are holding hands.

Alexis: Any luck?

Morgan: Just give us a minute.

Vulture: Oh great. So none of you have faith in me?

Chris: Dad, it’s not that we don’t have faith in you.

Alexis: We’re just concerned. What happened at EE last year… it could have been way worse.

Morgan: None of us want to see that happen.

Wolfe: You’re a legend in this business, mate. Do you really need this?

Vulture is now growing extremely agitated.

Vulture: All of you, I appreciate your concern. I really do. But I came out of retirement a few years ago so that I could end my career on my own terms, something I wasn’t able to do the first time around. I didn’t come back to have someone else tell me when it was time to give it up again.

Morgan: That’s all well and good, but don’t you understand what you’re risking? If you won’t think about yourself, if you won’t think about any of us, think about our son at home. Think about him growing up without a father.

Vulture: (yelling) Do you think I need this right now?! Do you think I need more on my mind?! I HAVE to do this, ok?! I DO NEED to do this!

Morgan: Why?!

Voice: Because he just can’t face reality.

Everyone turns around to see that the voice belongs to Greg Tantalus, who has now entered the dressing room, flanked by James Biamonte and Markus Krieg.

Tantalus: Isn’t that right, V?

Vulture: If you just came here to antagonize me, I’m really not in the mood.

Tantalus: I’m just trying to help you out, help your family understand why you need to do this. Morgan, you need to realize that your husband will never change. This is the man you married, and he’s going to keep risking his health to compete as long as people doubt that he can. But Vulture, I know deep down that YOU don’t even believe in yourself. That’s why you agreed to my terms.

Chris: What is he talking about, Dad?

Vulture: (sighs) Tantalus and I had a conversation and agreed that, from this point forward, he will assume full leadership of SIN.

Morgan, the Duvals, and Wolfe cry out incredulously, demanding to know why Vulture relinquished his leadership stake in the group.

Tantalus: Why? Because Vulture is at least smart enough to realize that he isn’t physically capable of being an effective leader anymore. And to be frank, if he didn’t agree to this request, he’d have been banished from SIN, along with anyone who chose to stand with him.

Biamonte: Isn’t it obvious to you numbskulls? Tantalus is the only person who can lead this group back to greatness.

Chris: You’re siding with Tantalus over your own cousin?

Biamonte: Kid, if you really wanted to put your career first, you’d realize your old man is yesterday’s news. We’re not getting anywhere with a liability as our leader. No offense, V.

Vulture: Get the hell out of my damn dressing room. Now! All of you!

Tantalus smirks and ushers Krieg and Biamonte out the door.

Tantalus: Good luck tonight, V.

Once Tantalus departs, Morgan begins speaking again.

Morgan: How are you ok with this? How can you let that man take control of this group and not even tell us?!

Vulture: When I said everyone out of my dressing room, I meant EVERYONE.

Vulture then stares down his wife, kids, and Wolfe until they all exit the room.

***

Back at the commentary table, the camera is focused on Troy and Buckingham.

Troy: Pretty intense stuff. I still can’t believe that Vulture would sign over full leadership of SIN to Greg Tantalus.

Buckingham: He didn’t have much of a choice. He was set on coming back to the ring, and if he didn’t agree to this, he’d have to worry not just about competing, but about having made an enemy of Greg Tantalus.

Troy: Nonetheless, it doesn’t appear that Vulture’s family is too pleased about the developments.

Buckingham: Well, they’re going to have to get over it pretty quickly, because they’re all in action tonight.

Troy: That’s right. As Justin Schenck alluded to earlier, John Wolfe and Chris Duval will team up with James Biamonte to take on Rich Revis and two partners of his choosing later tonight. But also, the PWA Women’s Champion Morgan Day, who defeated Zina in an incredible TLC war at Everlasting Epic, will team with stepdaughter Alexis Duval to take on Kemi Okoro and Jade.

Buckingham: But before we get to any of that, we’re going to kick off the season three action with a Tag Team Championship match! The Hot Boy$ will defend the gold they won inside Hell in a Cell at Everlasting Epic against former champions Paul Dawkins and Renegade!

Troy: And folks, that match is coming up next! Stay with us!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #1 – PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
THE HOT BOY$ (champions) VS. PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE (challengers)
Referee: Jose Soares



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “Map of the Problematique” by Muse hits the speakers and the fans begin cheering as Paul Epton makes his way to the ring. Epton grabs a microphone and heads into the ring.

Epton: First of all, I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for helping to make the PWA such a great place to compete over the years, and let you know that I will do everything in my power to make season three extremely memorable.

The Phoenix crowd cheers Epton and he continues speaking.

Epton: Now, with that being said, I’d like to turn my attention back to how last season came to a close for me. In case you don’t recall, I teamed with Fenix Clarke in a match against Paul Dawkins and Renegade, only to have my supposed partner turn his back on me and feed me to the wolves. Given that Everlasting Epic was in my hometown of London, England, at Wembley Stadium, a place in which I’ve dreamed of competing my entire life, I’ve been more than a little pissed off for quite some time. So I see—

Before Epton can speak another word, “Betrayal” by Lita Ford hits the speakers and Emily Walker appears at the top of the ramp, flanked by Fenix Clarke.

Emily: Let me guess, Epton. Now that you’re done with your pathetic attempt at arse-kissing, you were about to call the two of us out to that ring. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint, but this is as far as we’re getting. Now, I’m sure you want answers as to why we left you in the lurch at Everlasting Epic. It’s quite simple really. I wanted to embarrass you in front of all your friends and family, to crush your dream, the same way that you humiliated me all those years ago. We could have been great together, Paul. But you blew it. And now I’ve upgraded to this explosive killing machine you see beside me.

Epton: So then why can’t you just move on with your life and stay the bloody hell away from me?

Emily: What fun would that be? But Paul, you may be under the misconception, after what was done at Everlasting Epic, that we’re finished now. Trust me, we are not. You will recall that last season, you were defeated by Fenix Clarke, forcing you to hire me as your business manager. Now, if you read the terms of that contract, you would know that you are beholden to me to do my bidding at your will. I know last season I said my objective in bringing you into the camp was so that you and Fenix could become Tag Team Champions. Well, given that we’re in our final season and time is short, I’ve changed my mind. Your new function here in the PWA will be to ensure that Fenix Clarke becomes Progressive Champion. And if you dare disobey me, I will have your PWA employment terminated and sue you for breach of contract.

Epton is seething in the ring but doesn’t speak a word.

Emily: Cat got your tongue, Paul? Pity. But it’s probably best you concentrate on the work that lies ahead rather than some pathetic attempt at a witty retort. In order to ensure that you’re at peak strength to secure the Progressive Championship for Fenix Clarke, I have prepared a challenge for you tonight. You will compete against a man that has been restless ever since the conclusion of last season. A man who has had his fill of being embarrassed and is out for blood. Paul Epton, prepare to battle Michael Grieco… right now. Cheers, love.

Emily smirks devilishly at Epton and ushers Clarke to the back as Epton glares back and prepares for his match.

Watch the video below for

MATCH #2 – PAUL EPTON VS. MICHAEL GRIECO
Referee: Tom Stevens



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see Rich Revis speaking with Saif al Abbad in the backstage area. As their conversation continues, Dexter P. Wellington walks over and interjects himself.

Wellington: Seriously, Revis? This is the best you can do?

Revis: Can I help you, Wellington?

Wellington: I’m assuming you’re out here trying to recruit partners for tonight’s six-man tag.

Saif (to Revis): Brilliant, isn’t he?

Wellington glares at Saif before continuing.

Wellington: Revis, why are you wasting your time with this ingrate?

Saif: Ingrate?

Wellington: Don’t make me get into this again, Saif. You have all the wealth you could possibly need, almost as much as me, yet you don’t appreciate and cherish that wealth. You give it away to the less fortunate. They’re less fortunate for a reason. It’s not your place to change that.

Saif: This again? Don’t you ever change your tune?

Revis: Are you two going to just argue amongst yourselves? I’ve still got two partners to find.

Wellington: Forget this loser, Revis. Pick me. My services are available… for the right price, of course. I can take you under my wing and guarantee that, with my guidance, you become International Champion.

Revis: Right. Help me the way you helped Evan Black two years ago? You remember, when you stabbed him in the back and took his title shot right out from under him.

Wellington: He did become International Champion eventually, didn’t he? My methods may be unconventional, but—

Revis: Yeah, I think I’m gonna pass. Saif, I’ll be in touch.

Revis then walks off, leaving Wellington annoyed. Saif then turns to Dex.

Saif: You look grumpy. Something to cheer you up.

Saif hands Wellington a gold coin and walks off, leaving the Connecticut-bred old-money multi-millionaire seething.

***

The camera shifts to a backstage dressing room, where Jade is getting ready to team with Kemi Okoro to face the SIN team of Women’s Champion Morgan Day and Alexis Duval. Jade is bent over, stretching out her legs, while Matthew Magellan sits on a bench behind her, eating a piece of coconut custard pie and admiring the view.

Magellan (with his mouth full): Can you move a little to the left, baby?

Jade stops stretching and turns around.

Jade: You know, I’m not putting on a show for you right now. And I thought we agreed no pie this season.

Magellan: We agreed we wouldn’t throw pie in people’s faces. I never said anything about not eating pie. I KNOW you know how much I love eating pie.

Jade smirks coyly at him, but then her expression changes to confusion.

Jade: Wait… are you being dirty or literal?

Magellan smiles at Jade before answering.

Magellan: Both.

He then exaggeratedly breaks off a piece of pie with his fork and shoves it into his mouth.

Jade shakes her head and begins laughing as Magellan puts down the plate and gets up. Jade walks toward the doorway but Magellan grabs her and the two make out.

Magellan: Good luck out there.

Jade smiles back at Magellan, who opens the door for her. Before Jade can walk out, they see Hollywood Mike Griffin enter from the parking lot, which is just outside their dressing room. Griffin is loudly talking on his cell phone and walks briskly past them.

Jade: He’s JUST getting here? Does he not realize how late it is?

Magellan: I didn’t even know he still worked here.

The camera then fades as we head to commercial.

Troy: It’s Morgan Day and Alexis Duval against Kemi Okoro and Jade, right after this!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #3 – SIN [PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPION MORGAN DAY & ALEXIS DUVAL] VS. KEMI OKORO & JADE
Referee: Tom Stevens



***

The camera shifts backstage, to the office of PWA creative director Justin Schenck, who is seated at his desk and conversing with Showtime Damon Savage. Showtime is noticeably irritated, so irritated that he isn’t even speaking in the third person.

Showtime: How you gonna do me like this, Justin? I was co-captain of your team in the gauntlet, and we won the damn match. Every single other guy on the damn team got something from you today.

Schenck: No offense, Damon, but every single other member of the team did something in that match to earn a reward. You were placed in the anchor position, and if I wouldn’t have been able to secure Anthony Failla’s early return, SIN would have won.

Showtime (raising his voice): I got hit in the face with a pair of knucks! The whole world saw it!

Schenck: Look Damon, am I chastising you for the loss? No. I haven’t said one negative word to you about it until now. I just don’t think you deserve a shot at the number one contendership right out of the gate based on your EE performance. I’m certainly not saying you’ll never get another title shot. You just won’t be earning one tonight.

Showtime: I can’t believe this. After everything I went through last season—

Suddenly, the door swings open and in barges Hollywood Mike Griffin, who cuts Savage off and begins speaking to Schenck.

Griffin: You wanted to see me, Justin?

Showtime: This guy. Mr. Absentee Partner. Thanks a lot for abandoning us at the last minute to go film your stupid movie. Which I saw the other night, by the way. It sucked, and so did you.

Griffin: That’s quite the sophisticated critique, Showtime. I’ll be sure to take it to heart. And anyway, Failla came back and you guys won the match, am I right? So what’s the problem?

Showtime: Listen, you punk-ass bitch—

Schenck: Damon, can you excuse us for a minute? I need to speak with Mr. Griffin.

Showtime (seething): For real?

Schenck: Please.

Showtime calmly walks toward the door, staring Griffin down as he does. He then winds up and plants his left fist right through the wall of Schenck’s office before exiting.

Griffin then takes a seat across from Schenck.

Griffin: Jeez, what’s that guy’s problem, right?

Schenck responds without looking up from his desk.

Schenck: Don’t make yourself comfortable, this will be brief.

Griffin: Uh… ok.

Schenck: You’re late, Mr. Griffin. Your tardiness will not be tolerated.

Griffin: Excuse me? Mr. Griffin? What’s this all about?

Schenck now looks up and stares directly at Griffin.

Schenck: You’re under contract to us for the entire season, and I intend to exercise every single one of my legal rights. If you’re late like this again, I’ll consider it a no-show and hold you in breach of contract. So if I were you, I’d focus on getting here on time every Tuesday night and winning back that locker room, because there are a bunch of guys back here that aren’t too pleased with the stunt you pulled last season.

Griffin: Justin, I—

Schenck: It’s Mr. Schenck, and this meeting is over.

Schenck then resumes his work and Griffin quietly exits the office as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see backstage reporter Traci Reed standing by with Dee Licious.

Traci: Welcome back to PWA: The Rebirth. I’m here with Dee Licious, who was conspicuous by her absence earlier tonight at ringside during Michael Grieco’s match with Paul Epton. Dee, can you tell us why you weren’t ringside for the bout?

Dee: It’s pretty simple, Traci. While Michael and I still are and always will be dear friends, we’ve mutually agreed to end our working relationship.

Traci: After all this time together, can I ask why?

Dee: I don’t think it’ll come as a shock to anyone when I say that neither of us want to be remembered for being pelted in the face with pies week after week. Especially with this being the last season of The Rebirth, Michael has his goals that he wants to achieve, and I have mine.

Traci: And those are?

Dee: I won’t speak for him, but personally, I’m re-dedicating myself to the women’s division and making one last run at the Women’s Championship. I obviously have the talent, and by the end of this season—

Before Dee can finish her sentence, she stops short, noticing that Keiko Ishida has walked into view. Keiko stares Dee down until Dee informs Traci that she’s done with this interview and walks off. Keiko then demands that Traci interview her.

Keiko: Last season, I wasted far too much time concerning myself with the insignificant speck known as Kemi Okoro. This season, there will be no distractions. I will once again reign as the dominant force in the PWA women’s division. And if Dee or anyone else gets in my way…

Keiko then trails off and slowly, methodically backpedals off screen. However, as soon as Traci takes her eyes off her, Ishida rushes back into view and crushes the helpless announcer with the Oshimai running STO, her brutal finisher! Keiko then callously looks back at the camera and smirks as the shot fades.

***

We are now taken elsewhere in the backstage area, where a concerned-looking backstage reporter Scott Cornelius is standing by. After listening to a message through his earpiece, Cornelius begins speaking.

Cornelius: Folks, I apologize for my lack of focus at the moment, as I am shocked and appalled by what we have just seen concerning Keiko Ishida and my broadcast colleague Traci Reed. I am being told that Keiko has fled the scene and that medical attention will arrive momentarily. Truly a disgusting and cowardly act by a once great champion. But folks, I have a job to do, and with that said, joining me at this time is one of the PWA’s fastest-rising stars, Evan Black.

Evan Black walks into view and the fans in the arena cheer loudly.

Cornelius: Evan, you are just moments away from stepping into the ring with SIN member Vulture, a PWA Hall of Famer and certainly one of the biggest obstacles of your career thus far. How will you overcome his tremendous experience advantage tonight?

Black: Well Scott, it’s certainly not going to be easy. Vulture is one of the greatest competitors to ever set foot in the PWA, there is no doubt about that. I know there are a lot of questions regarding whether or not Vulture is even fit to compete here this season, but I’m going into this match expecting the same Vulture that came ridiculously close to winning the PWA Championship from Jason Calysto at Everlasting Epic. And believe me, I can empathize – I certainly know a thing or two about coming up JUST short on the biggest night of the year. But I’m not going to dwell on my loss to Solomon at EE; I’m looking towards the future. And I know there isn’t much of a future, with this being the final season of The Rebirth. I’m well aware of that. But all that’s going to do is drive me to accomplish my goals faster. When I arrived here in the PWA, my goal was to one day be the PWA World Heavyweight Champion. Well, I have one season left to achieve that goal. Tonight, I kick off that final season by defeating Vulture and sending a message to Justin Schenck and to the entire PWA locker room – including you, Jason Calysto – that I am deserving of a shot at that title.

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

Cornelius: It’s Evan Black vs. Vulture, and it’s next!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #4 – VULTURE VS. EVAN BLACK
Referee: Matt Hansen



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see Rich Revis talking with Asai Moon in a backstage hallway. As the camera closes in on the pair, their conversation is interrupted by Hollywood Mike Griffin who, just as he did in Justin Schenck’s office earlier tonight, interjects himself mid-sentence and begins speaking.

Griffin: Hey Rich, long time, no see.

Revis: I’m kind of in the middle of something here, Griffin.

Griffin: Right, right, I heard you were looking for partners. I just came over to say you can count me in.

Revis: Thanks, but no thanks.

Griffin laughs nervously, before his expression turns serious.

Griffin: Are you telling me you’d rather team with this cartoon character than a two-time PWA Champion?

Revis: I haven’t made any decisions yet, other than that it’s not going to be you.

Griffin (shaking his head): What a fool.

Revis: A fool? I’m a fool because I don’t want to put my faith in a partner who is only out for himself and may or may not even show up when the bell rings?

Griffin: Ah. Still dwelling on EE. I’ll tell you what, Revis. Go out and get yourself a successful film career and tell me how high a priority some silly gauntlet match is for you.

Revis: The answer is no, Griffin. I suggest you leave.

Griffin and Revis stare each other down for several moments before Asai joins in, extending his arm and pointing in the direction of the exit. Griffin then scoffs and walks off camera as Revis and Moon continue their conversation.

***

The camera shifts back to ringside, where “Minas de Cobre” by Calexico hits and the PWA Progressive Champion Juan Pablo Alvarez begins making his way to the ring.

Buckingham: Finally! Here comes the best cruiserweight in the world!

Troy: Well, he does have the title.

Buckingham: You’re damn right he’s got the Progressive title. Everybody expected him to lose that title at Everlasting Epic. People were talking about Saif al Abbad winning the title, Asai Moon winning the title, even Dex Wellington regaining the title, but this man, Juan Pablo Alvarez, won the fatal fourway at EE and is STILL the kingpin of the cruiserweight division.

Alvarez swaggers down the aisle, the Progressive Championship belt secured tightly around his waist. He then grabs a microphone and heads into the ring as the fans boo.

Alvarez: You can boo me all you want, but that won’t change the fact that I’m still the Progressive Champion. None of you thought I could do it. You all thought I was heading into Everlasting Epic just to crown one of your heroes as the new champ. Well, where’s Saif now? Where’s Asai now? They’re at the back of the line. I am the greatest cruiserweight in the history of this company!

The fans boo louder.

Alvarez: Fine, boo. It doesn’t make a difference. I’ve beaten Matthew Magellan. I’ve beaten Paul Epton. I’ve beaten Saif al Abbad, Asai Moon, AND Dexter Wellington, all in one shot. I’ve gone to live events and retained my title against Fenix Clarke. I have beaten every single cruiserweight the PWA has to offer. You can wish it wasn’t true, but it is. There is not one cruiserweight in the back that I’ve never beaten, or that I can’t beat. Actually, you know what? Bring a referee out here. I am going to issue an open challenge to any cruiserweight in the back that I’ve never wrestled, and they can come out here and compete for my Progressive title, RIGHT NOW!

Referee Dan Martin rushes down to the ring.

Troy: Is he serious? An open challenge?

Buckingham: What an honorable, fighting champion this man is!

Troy: Who could even accept his challenge? He’s just ruled out the entire division!

Alvarez: Anyone? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Watch the video below for

MATCH #5 – PWA PROGRESSIVE CHAMPIONSHIP:
JUAN PABLO ALVAREZ (champion) VS. ??? (challenger)
Referee: Dan Martin



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #6 – SIN (PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION JOHN WOLFE, CHRIS DUVAL & JAMES BIAMONTE) VS. RICH REVIS & TWO PARTNERS OF HIS CHOOSING
Referee: Jose Soares



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “The Miracle” by Queen hits the speakers and the fans immediately explode into ferocious boos as The Miracle Mike Troha and his manager the Standard Sleaze Don Cerrone head down to the ring.

Troy: Oh great. I was hoping we’d get through the show without having to hear from either of these jokers.

Buckingham: You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Troy. The fact that these great men are gracing our presence tonight is nothing short of… wait for it… a miracle!

Troy: Ugh.

Cerrone grabs a microphone as the pair enters the ring. When the jeers wane, Cerrone begins speaking.

Cerrone: I hope all of you out there enjoyed the offseason, because neither of us did. Not after the way we were disrespected and stabbed in the back at Everlasting Epic.

Troha: For those of you whose memories are too feeble to remember, let me refresh them. At Everlasting Epic, the Sleaze and I put our faith in GI Jew, as we fought the good fight against Scythe, Jon Dulberg and Kerry Cox. Well, that faith proved to be blind faith because not only did Mr. Jew tag Donny here into the ring at his most vulnerable moment, but after basically handing the victory to Scythe, he decided, out of the clear blue sky, to Gore me right in the middle of this ring.

Cerrone: These acts were completely unprovoked and mean-spirited. Now, as far as the modern-day jackass goes, Scythe, we’re not done with you by a long shot. But before we turn our attention back to you, we’ve got unfinished business with GI Jew. You see, Jew, we’re not afraid of you. But we know you’re afraid of us. If you had the courage to walk down that aisle and face us, we’d stand here, slap you across that no-good face of yours, and—

Suddenly, “War is the Answer” by Five-Finger Death Punch hits the speakers and GI Jew rides his Chopper down the aisle to a sizeable ovation!

Troy: Ask and you shall receive!

Buckingham: They asked him to WALK down the aisle, not ride his Chopper!

Jew quickly parks the bike and slides into the ring, choosing to sucker punch Troha in the jaw before he can even speak a word! The fans cheer loudly as Jew unloads on The Miracle, but Cerrone thinks quick and dives down to the mat, latching onto Jew’s leg! Jew begins trying to kick him off, but thanks to the distraction, Troha is able to run and clobber Jew in the skull with a ferocious mafia kick! Jew goes down hard, and Troha and Cerrone take advantage of the opening, stomping away on Jew furiously as the fans boo.

Troy: Oh, come on! This is two-on-one!

Buckingham: I’m sure GI Jew wasn’t expecting anything different when he came out here.

The assault continues and the confidence on the faces of Troha and Cerrone grows, but suddenly that all changes as Scythe rushes down the aisle! The fans explode into thunderous cheers as the Modern-Day Samurai slides into the ring and immediately downs Troha with a double knife-edge chop! Troha then gets to his feet, only for Scythe to clothesline him over the top and to the outside!

With Scythe’s back turned, Cerrone clobbers him as hard as he can in the back, but Scythe barely flinches. Scythe turns around and grabs Cerrone, who is begging for mercy. He then lifts the Standard Sleaze over his head and tosses him to the outside, right onto a rising Troha! From there, “With You” by Linkin Park fills the speakers and Scythe celebrates with the Phoenix crowd!

Troy: I can’t believe it! Scythe ran out here and came to the aid of GI Jew!

Buckingham: I can’t imagine that was his motivation, Troy. He came out to foil the plans of Troha and Cerrone, which I think he would have done no matter who they were assaulting.

Troha and Cerrone quickly flee to the back as Scythe continues his celebration. However, GI Jew pops back to his feet, spins Scythe around, and shoves him, loudly declaring that he didn’t need any help. Scythe smirks at him and says “you’re welcome,” before exiting the ring and heading to the back, leaving Jew seething in the ring as we head to break.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, backstage reporter Scott Cornelius is standing by with the PWA World Heavyweight Champion The Iceman Jason Calysto.

Cornelius: Folks, welcome back to The Rebirth. We are just moments away from our fatal fourway main event, the winner of which will challenge this man, Jason Calysto, for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship right here next week. Iceman, what are your thoughts on this upcoming encounter?

Calysto: Well Scott, you’re talking about four supreme talents, all of whom would love nothing more than to take what I’ve got. But I’ve got to be honest. At this point, I’m feeling pretty invincible. Twice in the past few years I’ve tried to retire, and twice I’ve come back stronger than ever. The fact that I’m still at the top of my game at this point in my career defies logic, but I’ve been defying logic my whole career. People told me I was too small to ever be a world champion, and now I’ve held this title five times. My title defense at Everlasting Epic was one of the most grueling battles of my career, but I won it. I always win. And Scott, next week isn’t going to be any different. So it doesn’t matter to me if it’s Dan Crowley, if it’s Anthony Failla, if it’s Chase Stone, or even if it’s Solomon. Whoever finds themselves standing across the ring from me next week is going down, because the bottom line is when it’s time to shut up and wrestle, there’s just no one quite like The Iceman. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go find myself a monitor and scout my competition.

Calysto pats Cornelius on the back and exits.

Cornelius: The champion is confident, but let’s find out who his challenger will be! Vic, Randall, back to you!

***

Watch the video below for

MATCH #7, Part 1 – FATAL FOURWAY MATCH:
DAN CROWLEY VS. ANTHONY FAILLA VS. CHASE STONE VS. SOLOMON
Referee: Tom Stevens



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #7, Part 2 – FATAL FOURWAY MATCH:
DAN CROWLEY VS. ANTHONY FAILLA VS. CHASE STONE VS. SOLOMON
Referee: Tom Stevens




-- END SHOW --


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