EPISODE # 2.7
OLYMPIC STADIUM
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011
A video package airs, highlighting
events from last week’s broadcast, including Showtime Damon Savage earning a
PWA Championship match at the Symphony of Destruction pay-per-view and Anthony
Failla procuring a shot at Dan Crowley’s world title in a steel cage match
t0night. We also see footage of Markus Krieg turning his back on Chase Stone
and Justin Schenck, joining forces with Greg Tantalus and John Wolfe.
As the video concludes, “Live Again” by Ours hits and
the opening credits roll. From there, we are taken inside Olympic Stadium in
Moscow, Russia, where a stunning pyrotechnic display ensues and we focus on 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 are
live in Moscow, Russia!
Buckingham: We are most definitely in Zina Country, Troy, and while we’re here,
we’re going to see the world championship change hands inside a steel cage!
Troy: Well, whether or not the PWA Championship changes hands is still to be
determined, but if you look above the ring, you can see that steel cage hanging
ominously above our heads. We will indeed see the PWA World Heavyweight
Championship defended in that environment tonight as Dan Crowley puts the gold
up for grabs against Anthony Failla. The winner of tonight’s bout will carry
the gold into Symphony of Destruction and put it on the line against Showtime
Damon Savage.
Buckingham: The way I see it, we can’t lose. If Failla
wins, we get treated to Failla ripping that idiot Showtime limb from limb in
Tokyo, and if Crowley wins, I have a perfect spot to get my nap in during the
pay-per-view.
Troy: Randall’s ridiculous comments notwithstanding, either matchup for
Symphony of Destruction will be highly anticipated and sure to deliver. Thus
far, Dan Crowley has overcome every obstacle set before him since capturing the
PWA Championship at Everlasting Epic last year, but this might be his greatest
challenge to date.
Buckingham: To be perfectly honest, I have no idea how he beat Failla three
weeks ago. Lightning will NOT strike twice for Crowley here tonight, especially
in a steel cage.
Troy: Beyond that electric main event, we’re going to meet the first 15 men
entered into the Symphony of Destruction match. Those competitors will look to
establish some positive momentum tonight, as they compete in an
over-the-top-rope battle royal!
Buckingham: Battle royals are always fun, and tonight’s installment should be
no exception. I’m excited to see who steps up and makes a statement with the
Symphony of Destruction less than four weeks away.
Troy: Also tonight, Jaguar is in the building, and we’re going to hear from him
for the first time since March.
Buckingham: After his cowardly attack on Texas Justice
last week, he has some explaining to do.
Troy: Cowardly? Are you seriously going to call Jaguar cowardly for bringing
the fight to Texas Justice after they jumped him out of nowhere in our season
premiere?
Buckingham: We’re also going to hear from both Morgan Day and Lauren Tantalus
tonight as they each attempt to convince Justin Schenck why they deserve to
challenge Zina for the Women’s Championship at Symphony of Destruction. And I’m
sure the hometown hero Zina won’t be far away.
Troy: All that and much, much more tonight, folks! Let’s head right down to
ringside!
***
“The Final Countdown” by the London Symphony
Orchestra hits the arena and Matthew Magellan emerges from backstage, followed
shortly thereafter by his bodyguard Briggs. The fans fill the arena with a
chorus of boos.
Buckingham: We should point out that Matthew Magellan has
of course completed a successful workout plan, dropping the five pounds
necessary to officially join the cruiserweight division! Congratulations
Magellan!
Troy: I'm not always a huge fan of
Magellan but I've got to give credit where credit is due. He set his heart on
taking down Paul Epton and winning the Progressive Title, and so far he's shown
great determination in dropping the weight.
Buckingham: I'm surprised by you, Troy!
I figured you would try to put Magellan down or something.
Troy: Like I said, Randall, credit where
credit is due. We should celebrate hard work and determination.
Buckingham: I really admire his jog/hip swivel regimen. Very
innovative.
Troy: He certainly is a character, there is no denying that.
As Magellan and Briggs enter the ring, “Merciless Cult” by Dir en Grey
sounds through the arena and Asai Moon enters to a rousing positive reaction!
Troy:
Now speaking of hard work and determination, there is this fine young
man! Few other newcomers have impressed me as much as Asai Moon this season!
Buckingham: Really Troy? Sure, he's
flashy, but he's only got one televised victory under his belt so far! He's
full of rookie mistakes!
Troy: May I remind you that Moon came
damn close to capturing the Progressive Championship back in Monterrey but was
cost that match by Juan Pablo Alvarez?
Buckingham: Yeah, well I'll be impressed
when he wins another match and stops making excuses. In fact, I think I'm going
to be more impressed with Matthew Magellan's cruiserweight division debut!
Asai Moon enters the ring, the fans cheering. He jumps to the top rope to
show his appreciation, pointing to the crowd. But while he's up there, Magellan
takes this opportunity to run at Asai and deliver a dropkick that spills Moon
over the top rope and onto the floor! The Moscow fans boo this disrespect.
Buckingham: Another rookie mistake by
Asai Moon! Magellan is off to a great start!
Troy: Remember what I said about hard
work? I take it back.
MATTHEW MAGELLAN VS.
ASAI MOON
Referee: Tom Stevens
Magellan takes a moment in the ring to swivel
his hips, showing off his new, leaner frame. Then he scouts out Asai Moon as he
begins to get up on the outside of the ring.
Troy:
Moon might be in trouble here.
As Asai gets to his feet, Magellan charges the side of the ring and drops
to deliver a baseball slide to Moon's head! However, at the last second, Moon
slips to the right and grabs Magellan's legs and pulls down on them,
slingshotting Magellan's neck across the bottom rope!
Troy: A fortuitous counter by Moon!
Buckingham: Using the ropes to his
advantage! Maybe this kid is finally learning.
Moon follows this up by climbing up to the ring apron, springboarding up
and over the ropes, and hitting an elbow drop to Magellan's chest. Magellan
grabs his chest and rolls out of the ring, where Briggs now meets up with him.
Briggs helps Magellan stand as Asai uses the moment to perform a standing
backflip, rousing the fans from their seats. Magellan responds by taunting from
ringside, and as Moon walks forward to confront him, Magellan hops up to the
apron and brings Moon's neck down on the top rope, evening the score!
Buckingham: Some interesting mind games going on between
these two tonight! Magellan now has the upper hand again!
Magellan rolls back into the ring and as Asai turns around, he is met with
a dropkick! Magellan pops up and as Asai rises, Magellan downs his opponent
with a clothesline! He continues his run, bounces off the ropes again, but this
time when Moon rises, he hops over Magellan's clothesline and downs him with a
quick reverse DDT! He then lifts up Magellan, Irish
whips him, and drives the self-proclaimed Conquistador down with a crushing
spinebuster!
Troy:
What a surprisingly strong spinebuster from the cruiserweight
competitor! Can he follow it up?!
Moon then takes position at the head of his opponent and signals for his
running elbow drop! Moon runs towards the ropes, but gets tripped up by Briggs
as he reaches the side! Moon gets up and turns to Briggs, visibly upset at the
interruption. This distraction is all Magellan needs though, as he sneaks up
behind Moon, jumps up and grabs his head, crashing Moon's back onto the mat!
Buckingham: The Strait of Magellan! Matthew Magellan hit
his finisher and is on his way to his first cruiserweight victory!
Magellan covers up Asai and hooks the leg and referee Tom Stevens counts…
one, two, three!
Troy:
What a travesty! The young upstart was on his way to beating Magellan before
that damn Briggs interfered!
Buckingham: Magellan hit the Strait of
Magellan and pinned Moon right in the center of the ring! Fair and square!
Troy: How was that fair? Asai was
tripped up by Briggs, a man not even in this match!
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 5:24 – MATTHEW MAGELLAN
Suddenly, the jeers turn to cheers as
Paul Epton rushes down the aisle and into the ring!
Troy: It’s Paul Epton! The Progressive
Champion is here, and I’m sure he’s looking for some payback after Magellan’s
attack on him last week!
Epton rushes into the ring and shoulder-charges Magellan to the ground! He
then starts punching Magellan repeatedly, until Briggs comes in to tip the
scales in his favor.
Buckingham: And here comes Briggs! What was Epton
thinking coming out here? He’s toast!
Troy: Not if Asai Moon has anything to
say about it!
Moon chop blocks Briggs from behind, bringing the big man down to his knees,
where Moon meets him with a flurry of punches! Epton continues his assault on
Magellan before picking him up and sending him for the ride! However, on his return, Magellan ducks an
Epton clothesline and clobbers him with his own, downing the Progressive Champ!
Buckingham: And the tables have turned yet again!
At the same time, Briggs simply overpowers Moon, throwing him off of him.
Moon bounces off the ropes and attempts a cross body to bring down Magellan's
bodyguard again, but Briggs catches him in mid-air and absolutely crushes him
with a fallaway slam!
Troy:
Moon and Epton are hurting here folks! That was a devastating fallaway
slam to Moon, and it looks like Magellan is setting Epton up for the Strait of
Magellan!
Epton struggles to his feet, slowly rising. Magellan takes place behind
Epton, wringing his hands in anticipation. Just as Epton gets to his feet, Saif
al Abbad rushes through the crowd, hops up to the ring apron and downs Briggs
with a high springboard dropkick!
Hearing the impact, Magellan turns away from Epton right into a buzzsaw kick
from the rising Saif! The kick floors Magellan, and Saif turns to Epton and
motions for him to go to the top rope! Epton looks around, looking for approval
from the crowd, which responds with a wave of cheers as Epton heads to the top.
Epton signals to the crowd that it's time for the shooting star press, but
before he leaps, Briggs grabs Magellan and rolls him out of the ring!
Buckingham: What a save by Briggs!
Troy: What an assist by Saif al Abbad!
Saif helps up Moon and raises his and Epton’s arms as the three stare down
Briggs and Magellan, as Briggs helps his charge to the back.
Buckingham: What is Saif doing out here anyway? What
business does he have here?
Troy: Maybe he didn't want to see those
thugs take down young talent like Asai Moon, or our Progressive Champion? With
how generous Saif has shown himself to be, are you that surprised he would come
out to help someone?
Buckingham: But why help Paul Epton?
Saif made it pretty clear he wants the Progressive Championship too. Why help
the champion?
Troy: I don't claim to know his motives,
but he still made an impact. And, we'll get to see if he can continue that
impact, as I've just been informed that his match against Juan Pablo Alvarez is
next! We’ll be right back!
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
As we come back from commercial, Saif
al Abbad is still in the ring, with his theme, “Aksem” by Ahlam, just fading over
the speakers. Replacing it is “Minas de Cobre” by Calexico, and the fans fill
the arena with boos as Juan Pablo Alvarez makes his way to the ring.
Troy: This will be the first time we see
Alvarez enter the ring under his new name.
Buckingham: That's right Troy, and based
on what we saw last week, I don't think the change is what you would call
healthy.
Alvarez enters the ring and sneers at his benevolent opponent as the
referee signals for the bell.
SAIF AL ABBAD VS.
JUAN PABLO ALVAREZ
Referee: Matt Hansen
Alvarez wastes no time, walking right up
to Saif and backhanding him across the face. He follows this up with a kick to
the gut and a falling dropkick to the face.
Troy: Well Alvarez is bringing the fight
right to Saif tonight. I think he actually caught Saif off guard with that.
Buckingham: The rest of the wrestlers in the division have to learn to expect
the unexpected from Alvarez. He's not the most stable competitor, inside or out
of the ring.
Alvarez picks up Saif but as he gets to his knee, Saif punches Alvarez hard
in the gut, causing the crazed cruiserweight to stagger backwards. He then
bounces off the ropes and delivers a twisting roundhouse to Alvarez, flooring
him! Saif quickly pops up, hops on the opposite ropes and rebounds with a
moonsault! Alvarez grabs his torso in response as Saif hooks the leg… one, and
Alvarez kicks out.
Troy: Impressive return by Saif, quickly
shifting the momentum of this match.
Buckingham: Don't count Alvarez out yet though. He only got a one count on that
pin.
Saif backpedals from the pin and plays to the crowd as Alvarez gets up. The
crowd cheers on the generous superstar, but stops as Alvarez gets up and
charges Saif!
Buckingham: See? This is what I'm talking
about. Alvarez is back up and Saif's back is turned!
But before Alvarez can complete his charge, Saif suddenly turns and uses
his opponent’s momentum to send him against the ropes! Upon Alvarez's return,
Saif hops over the cruiserweight, all the while taunting him and playing to the
crowd like a matador would, much to the delight of the fans.
Alvarez bounces off the ropes again and Saif drops his head to deliver a back
body drop. Alvarez sees it coming though and backward somersaults over Saif's back, and as Saif rises, hops on his shoulders to
deliver a hurricanrana! The reversal-fest continues however, and Saif pushes
Alvarez off with his momentum, but as Alvarez lands, he ducks under a Saif
clothesline, only to deliver a swift low blow!
Troy: That's despicable! What a display
of technical prowess, ruined by a cheap shot!
Buckingham: What are you talking about, Troy? That was
perfect strategy by Alvarez! Saif was probably expecting some crazy flippy
move, so Alvarez switched it up!
Troy: (rolling his eyes) Is that the technical term?
Buckingham: Crazy flippy move? Yes, Troy, I believe it is.
Troy: (sighs)
Referee Matt Hansen warns Alvarez that anything else like that will get him
disqualified, but Alvarez pushes him out of the way and delivers a quick DDT to
Saif. Alvarez hooks the leg for the cover and the ref counts… one, two, thr-no!
Saif kicks out!
Alvarez argues with the ref, audibly shouting that the count was slow. Hansen
stands by his call, but takes a few steps back as Alvarez continues his
argument.
Troy: The referee seems a little uneasy
in the ring right now. Alvarez is really getting in his face.
Buckingham: The guy's crazed. What do you expect? Alvarez better snap out of it
though, because it looks like Saif is shaking out the cobwebs as we speak.
Saif does get up and, after clearing his head, spots his opportunity. Saif
dashes towards Alvarez, who is still caught up in an argument with the ref,
ducks past him, grabs his head, and pushes past the referee to the turnbuckle.
Saif then runs up the turnbuckle, flips over with Alvarez in tow, and slams his
head to the ground, completing his finisher!
Troy: Saif calls that the Dubai Dazzler!
Buckingham: Alvarez's crazed rant cost him the match!
Troy: Oh no! What is HE doing here?!
Buckingham: Wha—
Saif rolls out of his finisher and stands up, catching his breath, but what
caught Troy's attention is none other than Dexter P. Wellington rushing out
from the back and into the ring! Saif takes a step back from Alvarez, right
into Dex, who delivers his Million Dollar Legsweep to the unexpecting philanthropist!
Referee Matt Hansen has no choice but to call for the bell, disqualifying
Alvarez.
WINNER VIA DISQUALIFICATION AT 7:32 – SAIF AL ABBAD
Troy:
Wellington just cost Saif this match!
Buckingham: And it looks like he's planning on explaining himself as well!
Wellington rolls out of the ring and
grabs a mic from the announce area. He then comes back into the ring and sneers
at Saif, who by this point has crawled his way to the corner of the ring. Dex then begins speaking.
Wellington: I couldn't help but notice
that Matthew Magellan has decided to drop some weight in order to wrestle in
the new cruiserweight division to pursue the Progressive Championship. I
couldn't help but think to myself, “That’s a great idea!” I've fought some of
the best this company has to offer and I'm a two-time International Champion. But
I’m also a four-time Progressive Champion. When you think about it, that is MY
title. So if I were in this division, not only could I dominate these wafers
you call “cruiserweights” and take back my title, but I could destroy THIS fool
who likes to throw his money around and try to show up my wealth! It's perfect!
So Saif... get ready. You're winning the Progressive Championship over my dead
body.
Wellington then drops the mic and rolls out of the ring, leaving Alvarez on
the mat and Saif in the corner to contemplate this newest revelation.
***
The camera cuts to the parking lot,
where we see Greg Tantalus walking into the building alongside Markus Krieg,
John Wolfe and, perhaps more surprisingly, Jackie Baccaro and Alexis Duval.
Troy: Do you see this?! Tantalus has
apparently recruited Jackie Baccaro and Alexis Duval into his camp!
Buckingham: Things are really starting to get interesting now!
Troy: Folks, we’ll be right back!
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Inside Vulture's dressing room
backstage, Morgan Day and Vulture are seated on a leather couch, each with a
glass of champagne in their hand.
Vulture: Happy Anniversary, baby! Thank you for being my wife, my friend, and
the mother to our son. I love you.
Morgan: Here's to
many more years of happiness. I love you too, my dear.
The two exchange a passionate kiss and Vulture hands Morgan a small box topped
with a bow. Morgan begins to open it when there is a knock at the door.
Morgan: Come in.
Chris Duval enters the dressing room, a concerned and exasperated look on his
face. Morgan seems annoyed.
Vulture: What's up, kiddo?
Chris: What do you think?! I can't get through to Alexis. Time after time I
tell her that Jackie is no good for her, that she
needs to get out of that toxic relationship, and she keeps blowing me off.
Nothing I'm saying is getting through to her. I don't even know what else to
do. I could really use some advice.
Morgan: Should I be going?
Chris: No, please stay. I could use your help too.
Vulture: Yeah, I can't say I'm pleased that my daughter is dating that scumbag,
whether she and I have a relationship or not.
Morgan: Well Chris, love is often blind, and it's very hard to hear from
someone that the person they're with may not be right for them. It's going to
put a real strain on your relationship as siblings if you keep telling her she
needs to leave Jackie.
Vulture: ... Unless you can find proof.
Chris: What do you mean?
Vulture: Well, if you really feel strongly that he's using her,
you just need to find out why. Maybe he is. If you have cold, hard facts, then
you let Alexis know. It's gonna hurt her, but she won't be able to deny it
then.
Chris appears pensive, letting Vulture's words sink in. He nods his head,
then turns to exit the dressing room.
Chris: Thanks Morgan, Thanks Da… um, Vulture. I appreciate the help. Oh, and
Happy Anniversary. I heard from the other guys it was your special day. Later.
Vulture: See you around, kiddo.
***
The camera shifts to another portion of
the backstage area, where Evan Black is standing with backstage reporter Scott
Cornelius.
Cornelius: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here
with Evan Black, a man who was screwed out of the International Championship by
Solomon two weeks ago, and a man that would likely have been maimed by the
Alaskan Monster if not for an unlikely save from GI Jew. Evan, given everything
that happened to you two weeks ago, what is your state of mind here tonight?
Black: Well jeez, when you put it that way, I suppose
I should be pretty pissed off tonight, huh? And trust me, I am. Believe it or
not, I’ve got nothing bad to say about Chase Stone. Except of course that we
all know that I had him beat two weeks ago, and when I get my rematch, that
title is coming home. As for GI Jew, I really have no idea what possessed him
to come down there and stop Solomon’s attack on me and prevent a serious injury
from occurring. I’m certainly a bit battered and bruised still, but it would
have been a hell of a lot worse had GI Jew not been around. So he’s probably
going to hate me even more for saying this, but I need to thank him.
Now that brings me to Solomon, the man who cost me the International
Championship and obviously had designs on ending my career two weeks ago. Some
people are saying I had it coming, that I shouldn’t have poked that grizzly
bear in the eye. You know what I think? I think Solomon is just a bully that
has everyone in that locker room scared. Well you know what, Solomon? I’m not
afraid. You might have cost me my title and tried to take me out of the game,
but I’m still standing. And I’ll still be standing at the Symphony of
Destruction, when I outlast 29 other men and become number one contender to the
PWA Championship. But before we get there, we have a battle royal tonight. And
Solomon, in that battle royal, I won’t be hard to find.
With that, Black walks off.
***
Back at ringside, “Zerospace” by
Kidneythieves hits and Jade makes her way to the ring to a nice ovation. As
Jade settles herself in the ring, “The Stone Monkey” by Kazu Matsui overtakes
the speakers and the Amsterdam crowd begins booing as Keiko Ishida makes her
way to the ring. Ishida seems to actually relish the negative reaction as she
enters.
Troy: Interesting to hear the fans booing
Keiko again. It’s been years.
Buckingham: To me, Troy, this is the role in which
she’s most comfortable. Keiko Ishida is a killing machine, and has been since
the second she entered the PWA almost seven years ago. I think having the fans
in her corner made her soft, and now we should see a return to prominence for
perhaps the most dominant Women’s Champion in the company’s history.
KEIKO ISHIDA VS.
JADE
Referee: Jose Soares
As soon as the bell sounds to kick off
this matchup, Keiko charges in on Jade, bashing her in the small of the back
with a clubbing forearm. Keiko continues this onslaught, not allowing Jade to
even collect herself as she continually bludgeons her.
Keiko now allows Jade to get back to her feet, but only to whip her into the
corner and crush her with a thunderous clothesline. As Jade stumbles forward,
Keiko nails her with Gyaku Gorichin, her foot guillotine maneuver! Jade goes
out like a light, and Keiko goes for a cover… one, two, and Keiko willingly
pulls Jade up, smirking.
Troy: Oh come on, Keiko! You have this
match won! That’s enough!
Buckingham: No it’s not, Troy. She wants to send a message. And frankly, I
don’t blame her.
Keiko allows Jade to start getting to her feet as she gets in position for
Oshimai, her devastating running STO. However, before she can, Kemi Okoro
appears from behind the curtain and begins walking to the ring!
Buckingham: This isn’t fair! Somebody get
Kemi outta here!
Keiko immediately notices Kemi’s presence, which sends her into a rage. She
begins shouting at Kemi from the ring, but Okoro keeps steadily walking down the
aisle. Keiko sticks her head between the ropes, continuing to dare Okoro into
the ring, but Kemi’s pace remains steady. Then, when she reaches the ring, she
stays there, staring back at Ishida, not saying a word. Meanwhile, Jade gets to
her feet and rolls up the unsuspecting Keiko, hooking the tights for good
measure! One, two, three!
Buckingham: What?!
Troy: I don’t believe it! Jade has just pinned Keiko Ishida!
Buckingham: What an injustice!
The fans cheer loudly as Jade slips out of the ring and quickly
flees alongside Kemi. With “Zerospace” blaring over the speakers, Keiko
Ishida is frozen in fury before breaking into an assault on the ring ropes,
barely able to contain her rage. Keiko screams bloodcurdling death threats
addressed to Kemi as the shot fades.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 2:37 – JADE
***
We are now sent backstage, where Traci Reed is with
the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe.
Traci: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here
with Scythe, who many say was robbed of an opportunity to become PWA Champion
last week by the Standard Sleaze Don Cerrone of all
people. Scythe, do you blame Cerrone for your loss
last week, and if so, what do you plan to do about it?
Scythe: Well Traci, I try to never make excuses, but I don’t think I’m speaking
out of school when I say I feel very strongly that Don Cerrone
influenced the result of the fatal fourway match last
week, and I think it’s safe to say that his interference in the match led
directly to my defeat. As for what I’m going to do about it… there’s not a whole
lot I can do to a man who isn’t an employee of this company and isn’t scheduled
to appear on any future broadcasts. But I will say this: Don Cerrone, if you’re watching, consider
this a personal invitation to attend next week’s broadcast in Tel Aviv. If you
have the guts to show up, I’d be more than happy to settle this issue like men.
Now, enough about Don Cerrone.
I am entered into the Symphony of Destruction on May 21st and tonight, I
compete in a 15-man battle royal with 14 of the other 29 SOD entrants. And
Traci, I’m coming to that battle royal for one reason, and it’s the same reason
I’m coming to the SOD in Tokyo: to win.
With that, Scythe walks off and we head to commercial.
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Backstage, we see John Wolfe sitting in
Greg Tantalus' dressing room waiting for a meeting to begin. Alexis Duval walks
in the room.
Alexis: Oh, hi John. Nice
to see you again.
Wolfe: Trust me the pleasure is all mine, love. Where's your boy Jackie this
evening?
Alexis: Oh he'll be here soon. Listen, I didn't get a chance to tell you this the
last time we worked together, but I really admire your work. You did a great
job in that match a few weeks ago against Dawkins and Renegade.
Wolfe: Well thanks. I think I was inspired that night by a particularly lovely
woman that happened to be at ringside.
Alexis begins to blush. While the two continue to banter, Krieg, Tantalus,
and Baccaro walk into the room. Baccaro approaches Alexis, who thrusts her arms
around him as he plants a kiss on her lips. Tantalus boosts himself onto a bench
and the men in the room begin to huddle around him as he starts to talk.
Alexis, who is standing behind Baccaro, nudges him to move so she can see
what's going on.
Baccaro: There's nothin' to see here, baby. This is a grown-up conversation.
Alexis is visibly frustrated until she sees John Wolfe motioning to her
from the side. He chivalrously makes space for her in the huddle to see Tantalus
as he speaks.
Tantalus: Alright everyone, let's get something straight right off the bat.
If you're here tonight, it's because you are sick of the tyranny of Justin
Schenck. He brought me back into the PWA by strategically and systematically
destroying my life so that I had no choice than to get back into wrestling.
Once here, he set out to destroy me week after week, even going as far as to
pit my best friend against me. This season, I'm taking back control. As you
know, I re-negotiated my contract directly with the NOW Network, which means
that I'm not under Schenck's jurisdiction anymore. Furthermore, Schenck can't suspend, fire or hold down anyone who is allied with me.
Now that the ball is in my court, I'm seeking to destroy Schenck the way he
destroyed me. I've already stolen one of his greatest assets away from him.
Krieg, you were being held back by Justin Schenck. You were going to be nothing
more to him than a behemoth there to do his bidding. With me, the sky is the
limit for you. When you combine your size and talent with our support, you can
squash any opponent or capture any title you desire.
Wolfe, our creative director robbed you of your Progressive title, and he
screwed you out of the International title just so his crony Chase Stone could
ultimately win it. He made an embarrassment out of a talented, seasoned man like
yourself, and I am going to personally make sure that International title is
around your waist sooner rather than later.
Jackie, you are one of the most dominating men we have in this company, but
your rise through the ranks has certainly made you many enemies over the years,
your former mentor first and foremost. Given that Vulture has turned down my
offer to join us and is instead hanging around with Jason Calysto and Chris
Duval, you could use a few friends on your side and we’re thrilled to have you.
And Alexis, you've already shown so much talent, but with our help you could
skyrocket to the Women's Championship.
Together, if we support each other, we can not only get back at Schenck for all
the crap he's put us through, but pave very prominent paths for ourselves in
this company. And it starts tonight. Tonight, we have a pre-Symphony of
Destruction battle royal, and it’s time to send everyone a message about what’s
going to happen at the SOD. We WILL win this battle royal, at ANY cost.
Baccaro, Krieg, Wolfe, and Alexis cheer in agreement, seeming excited about
the prospect of working as a team as the camera fades from the scene.
***
We are taken backstage to Jason
Calysto's dressing room where we see The Iceman taping his wrists when Vulture enters
the room.
Calysto: Hey V, Happy Anniversary, man!
Vulture: Thanks bro. Seems like yesterday you were toasting us. Time really
does fly.
Calysto: Sure does. I gotta say, that was a really
great wedding. Class act all the way.
Vulture: Yeah, well your speech wasn't too shabby either. It was a real honor
to have you as my best man, Jay. You know having a kid really makes you take
stock in your life and the things that are important in it, and not to sound
cheesy, but I'm grateful that you've had my back all these years.
Calysto: Same here, man. We sure have been through a lot together. And I’ll
tell ya, that run as tag champs we just had, that was
the icing on the cake. Living out our childhood dream right there.
The two share a chuckle.
Vulture: Yeah, it was a lot of fun for
sure. But that’s what I came in here to talk to you about actually. It was
great while it lasted, but I think it's safe to say that we really don't need
to focus our attention on the tag belts anymore. I don’t know about you, but
Symphony of Destruction is right around the corner, and I think I have one more
run at the top in me. I’m gonna go for it. I may never get another chance.
Calysto: I hear ya, bro. I would love to have that
gold around my waist one more time, so I'll be going out there at SOD with
everything I've got.
Vulture: Ha well, I'm glad to here you'll be giving it your all but
unfortunately for you, I'll be the one walking away with the title shot at SOD.
Calysto: I guess we’ll see when we get to Tokyo. Listen, best of luck, may the
best man win.
Vulture: Likewise. And in this battle royal tonight, I think it’d be a great
statement heading into the SOD for one of us to walk away with the win. So just
know if it's getting rough out there, I'll have your back and I hope you'll
have mine. Let's make sure we are the final two in that ring tonight.
Calysto: You’ve got yourself a deal.
The two friends shake hands and hug. Vulture exits Calysto's
dressing room and we go to commercial break.
Troy: The 15-man Symphony of Destruction
preview battle royal is up next! We’ll be right back!
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Backstage, Traci Reed is seen interviewing The Omega.
Traci: Omega, you are coming off a loss last week to Paul Dawkins and Renegade
alongside Kris Anthony. This after the fact that your original partner, Don
"The MVP" Capriglione broke his leg earlier in the season. It seems
like you are just not having any luck so far in your tag team endeavors. What
are you going to do next?
Omega: Listen Traci, I'm well aware
that my record has been less than stellar this season, without you and your
poor reporting skills reminding me of the fact. Bottom line, Kris Anthony is a
loser and obviously doesn’t deserve to be a part of Synergy, a fact I'm happy
to have learned sooner rather than later. I'm currently in the process of
carefully screening some other candidates for the vacant position and trust me, the next person I choose WILL bring us back into the
running for the tag team titles.
Traci: Thanks, Omega. Now let's
head back to ringside.
***
Oasis’ “F*ckin’ in the Bushes” is blaring over the
arena speakers as we return to the ring with The Iceman Jason Calysto stepping
inside, ready for the battle royal. Upon examination of the ring, we can see
that Vulture, Chris Duval, Solomon, Scythe, Michael Grieco, Jon Dulberg, Chase
Stone, Evan Black, GI Jew, and Dexter P. Wellington are already inside.
Troy: Alright ladies and gentlemen,
welcome back to PWA: The Rebirth, where we have quite
the interesting 15-man battle royal for you right now. All 15 men that will be
competing tonight are entered into the Symphony of Destruction match on May
21st. So Randall, we already have half the field narrowed down for the big SOD
match.
Buckingham: We certainly do, and this is a great opportunity
to make a statement and pick up some momentum heading into the SOD.
Troy: Absolutely.
Moments later, “Hey You” by Simon Says hits the speakers and the fans
respond with jeers as Greg Tantalus, Markus Krieg, Jackie Baccaro, and John
Wolfe all emerge from behind the curtain in tandem.
Buckingham: Look at this show of
solidarity!
Troy: If these men work together tonight, I think it’s going to be difficult
for anyone else to get a fair shake.
15-MAN SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION PREVIEW BATTLE ROYAL:
Featuring:
Vulture, Jason Calysto, Chris Duval, Solomon, Scythe,
Michael Grieco, Jon Dulberg, PWA International Champion Chase Stone, Evan
Black, GI Jew, Dexter P. Wellington, Greg Tantalus, Markus Krieg, Jackie
Baccaro, and John Wolfe
Outside Referees: Jose Soares and Matt
Hansen
The bell sounds to kick off this battle
royal and the fans respond with loud cheers, welcoming the commotion. The
battle royal continues for no more than 30 seconds before Saif al Abbad emerges
from behind the curtain and rushes down the aisle, catching the attention of
Dexter Wellington. Wellington turns to the entryway, yelling at Saif, allowing
Evan Black the opening to approach Dex and superkick him over the top and to
the outside!
Buckingham: Oh, come on! Saif just
screwed Dex out of this battle royal!
Troy: A little payback for earlier tonight, perhaps!
Infuriated, Wellington pops back to his feet and charges at Saif, who meets
him head-on in the aisle! Wellington and Saif exchange furious blows before
officials run down from the back to break them up.
Back in the ring, Black and Solomon are now standing toe to toe, with Solomon
daring Black to make the first move. Black responds by bouncing off the ropes
and nailing Solomon with a dropkick that knocks the Alaskan Monster back
several steps! Then Black does it again, causing Solomon to wobble! Feeling the
momentum mounting, Black steps through the ropes and, from the apron,
springboards off the top, looking to clobber Solomon again! However, this time,
Solomon sticks his boot up and absolutely upends him with a boot to the jaw!
Solomon then pries Black off the mat, lifts him onto his shoulders and nails
him with the Deep Freeze over the top rope and down to the arena floor!
Buckingham: Thanks for coming, Evan
Black!
Troy: Give him credit, though, for willingly taking on the biggest dog in the
fight!
Buckingham: A loss is a loss, Troy, no matter how
valiantly you fight.
Solomon sneers at Black and snickers as the former International Champion
struggles to get back to his feet on the outside. However, the Alaskan Monster
is quickly turned around by GI Jew, who brings the fight to him aggressively!
As Solomon and Jew continue to do battle, Tantalus, Krieg, Baccaro, and Wolfe
approach them and work collectively to dump both men over the top rope and to
the arena floor! Scythe marches over and tries to get in on the battle, but he
is likewise eliminated by Tantalus’ men.
Troy: Greg Tantalus’ group is dominating
the ring! They just disposed of Solomon, GI Jew, AND Scythe!
Buckingham: I don’t know who will stop them, Troy! I really don’t!
On the other side of the ring, Michael Grieco has Jon Dulberg tied up in
the ropes. Grieco charges him, looking for the elimination, but Dulberg ducks
down and back body drops Grieco to the outside! Pissed at the elimination,
Grieco begins shouting at Dulberg, breaking his concentration. With this
opening, John Wolfe rushes across the ring and dumps Dulberg to the outside!
Troy: Dulberg is gone, and Tantalus’ crew
is no longer outnumbered!
Buckingham: It’s four-on-four! Tantalus, Baccaro, Krieg, and
Wolfe now have to contend with Vulture, Jason Calysto, Chris Duval, and Chase
Stone.
The ring splits in two, as Tantalus confers with his group, and the
remaining four discuss their own strategy. Stone is animated in expressing his
desire to go after Markus Krieg, and the others nod their heads. Suddenly, they
rush at Tantalus and his cohorts, each going after one man! Stone takes Krieg,
Duval goes after Baccaro, Calysto rushes Wolfe, and Vulture takes on Tantalus!
Troy: It’s mayhem in that ring!
Tantalus’ group gets off to a good start, as Baccaro quickly overpowers
Chris Duval and eliminates him. Baccaro openly laughs at Duval after scoring
the elimination, but Duval is anything but amused. He pops right back onto the
apron and grabs onto Baccaro, giving Vulture an opening to break away from
Tantalus and dump Baccaro to the outside!
Troy: It’s evened up again! Three on
three!
Meanwhile, with Tantalus now freed up, he lends some assistance to Markus
Krieg, and the two are able to dispose of Chase Stone, who is absolutely
infuriated to find himself on the outside. The referees, however, are able to
restrain him from going back inside and he is escorted to the back.
With Stone gone, Vulture and Calysto create some separation and huddle up,
realizing they have their work cut out for them to take down Tantalus, Krieg,
and Wolfe. Finally, they charge their opposition, battling them to the approval
of the Moscow crowd!
Calysto and Wolfe go at it, while Tantalus and Krieg ultimately double-team and
overpower Vulture. However, this scenario doesn’t last long, as Calysto is able
to duck under a Wolfe clothesline, stop short, and nail him with a mafia kick
that sends him tumbling over the top rope and to the outside!
Buckingham: We have our final four! It’s
Vulture, Calysto, Tantalus, and Krieg!
Calysto immediately rushes over to offer assistance to Vulture, but the
beating on Vulture was sufficient enough that both men are able to turn their
attention to Calysto. The Iceman battles valiantly against the onslaught of
Tantalus and Krieg, but he is ultimately overcome. Tantalus and Krieg use all
their force to toss Calysto over the top rope, eliminating him.
With Calysto gone, Vulture is left alone against a smirking Tantalus and Krieg.
Choosing to sit back and watch, Tantalus instructs Krieg to take Vulture out
and he does just that, beating him into oblivion, before lifting him up and
absolutely destroying him with the BlitzKrieg. Then, Krieg pries Vulture off
the mat and hurls him over the top to the outside as the fans boo loudly.
Troy: We’re down to just Tantalus and
Krieg! Now what’s gonna happen?!
Troy can barely get the words out of his mouth before Krieg willingly steps
over the top rope and hops down off the apron, eliminating himself to give the
win to Greg Tantalus. The fans shower Tantalus with boos as “Hey You” replays
and he is announced the winner.
Buckingham: Well, look at that! Greg
Tantalus has won this battle royal because his team stayed on the same page
throughout the contest! They made a statement tonight, and I wouldn’t want to
be going up against them at the Symphony of Destruction!
Troy: Greg Tantalus can talk all he wants about the PWA Championship not
meaning anything to him, but if tonight is any indication, Tantalus has to be
considered the odds-on favorite to win the Symphony of Destruction match and go
on to Everlasting Epic to compete for that very title.
Buckingham: It might not mean much to him personally, Troy, but I’m sure he
wouldn’t mind winning it just to see the look on Justin Schenck’s face when he
does.
Troy: You may be right. Folks, we’ll be right back so don’t move a muscle. Dan
Crowley and Anthony Failla for the PWA Championship inside a steel cage is still to come! But up next, we’re going to hear from
Jaguar! Stay tuned!
WINNER AT 11:47 – GREG TANTALUS
Eliminations: 1. Dexter Wellington – by
Black; 2. Evan Black – by Solomon; 3 & 4. Solomon and GI
Jew – by Tantalus, Krieg, Baccaro, and Wolfe; 5. Scythe
– by Tantalus, Krieg, Baccaro, and Wolfe; 6. Michael
Grieco – by Dulberg; 7. Jon Dulberg – by Wolfe; 8.
Chris Duval – by Baccaro; 9. Jackie
Baccaro – by Vulture; 10. Chase Stone – by Tantalus
and Krieg; 11. John Wolfe – by Calysto; 12. Jason Calysto by Tantalus and Krieg; 13. Vulture
by Krieg; 14. Krieg by himself.
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Backstage, we see Chase Stone storming
his way through the halls until he gets to Justin Schenck's door. Stone starts
pounding on the door furiously until Schenck finally opens it, a surprised look
on his face.
Schenck: Chase, my man, what can I do for you?
Stone: I've had it, Mr. Schenck. If
it isn't bad enough that Krieg betrayed me last week and aligned himself with
Tantalus and Wolfe, now they actively worked to throw me out of the battle royal.
And after everything WE did for Markus. You took him out of an impoverished
existence in Germany, gave him a job, and I taught him how to be way more in
that ring than just an imposing beast. And then he goes and turns his back on us
to do the dirty work for that piece of crap, Greg Tantalus?! I mean, can you
believe he just eliminated himself so Tantalus could win the battle royal?! Makes me sick. I thought Krieg was a force to be reckoned
with. You know what? I wanna take Krieg on. He deserves an ass kicking and it
deserves to come from me. I wanna defend the International Title at Symphony of
Destruction against Markus Krieg.
Schenck: Now Chase, I understand you're upset, and rightfully so, but you're
being a little irrational right now. If you want to take on Krieg I can
arrange that, but you won’t be putting your title on the line.
Stone: Why not?! You don't have faith in my abilities? I'm a bona fide athlete.
Krieg is nothing more than a bratwurst-eating freak of nature. I've got more
skill in my pinky finger than he has in his entire gigantic body. I'm not
afraid of him. And I WILL defeat him. Let me defend the title and prove I’m
just as much a fighting champion as the guy I won the gold from.
Schenck: Chase, listen, that’s great that you want to be a fighting champion,
but I can’t in good conscience book that match. It will be suicide for your
career. Why don't you just take the rest of the night to relax and think things
through, and in the morning —
Stone: NO! This match is getting made now, and you ARE gonna sign off on it.
I've been loyally by your side, doing anything you've asked of me for over a
year. I'm a true athlete, and you owe me this for all the times I've defended
you against Tantalus. You've already lost one loyal follower. Do you really
want to lose another? Then who's going to protect you?
Schenck is livid as he and Stone stare each other down in the middle of his
office. Slowly, Schenck's face turns to one of silent defeat, as he walks over
to his desk and slumps down in his chair.
Schenck: (sighing) Fine, Chase. You want Krieg? You got him. And you'll be
defending the title at Symphony of Destruction. Now get out of my office.
***
We are taken back to ringside when
"My Avenue" by Lil Boosie blares onto the speakers and the Moscow
crowd goes wild. We see Jaguar at the end of the runway, soaking in the cheers
from his adoring fans. The crowd begins to chant "JAGUAR! JAGUAR!" as
he makes his way to the squared circle, climbs the steel steps, and enters the
ring, microphone in hand.
Jaguar: Moscow! It is so good to finally be back!
The Moscow fans scream wildly and continue their chant.
Jaguar: The past few weeks have not been easy, lemme tell you. I was sitting
at home in Jacksonville, recuperating from my knee injury. And I know I said I
was gonna retire. But when those Texas Justice jackasses decided to make a
statement at my expense and ruin my retirement speech, I knew I wasn't going
out like that. After all the years I've spent in this company, all the
blood, sweat, and tears I've given to achieve everything I have, I wasn't going
to just let a couple of punks with a grudge force one of the most dominant men
this industry has ever seen out the door. Honestly though, I have to give some
credit to Maddox Tate and Pitbull. They actually made it to the PWA. I mean,
after the attack I had to really rack my brain ‘cause
I had forgotten about them completely. They were just two little pieces of crap
I wiped off the bottom of my boot on my rise to the top of this business. But,
it looks like these boys are all grown up now, and they wanna make me pay for
some injustice they feel I've dealt against them. Well boys, you got ol' Jag's
attention. And trust me, you will deal with the
consequences of your actions! You fools don't even realize the trouble you have
unleashed on yourselves.
But like I was saying, these guys are
not the true reason why I'm back. They just gave me the clarity of mind to
realize that I wanna leave this company on an even higher note than last year’s
Everlasting Epic. And I can't think of a better way to leave than the way I
went out five years ago... as World Heavyweight Champion! That's why in three
weeks I will be returning to action in the Symphony of Destruction match, which
I’m gonna win to punch my ticket to Everlasting Epic! So thanks, Texas Justice.
Thanks for giving me a new target to destroy, and thanks for reigniting that
fire that burns inside me, the fire that is gonna light my way to the PWA World
Heavyweight Championship!
Suddenly we see Maddox Tate and Pitbull run out from the back, enter the
ring, and start to repeatedly pepper Jaguar with hard lefts and rights! Jaguar
starts fighting back, delivering several hard rights of his own to the face of
Maddox Tate. With Tate stunned, Jaguar turns around and tackles Pitbull to the
mat, where he then continues to deliver punches to his head and face! Tate,
however, rolls out of the ring, climbs under the apron, and emerges with a
steel chair.
Troy: Uh oh! This is not looking good for Jaguar!
Buckingham: Finally, someone's gonna release the steam from this bag of hot
air!
Tate rolls into the ring with the chair, cocks it back, and delivers a
sickening smack to Jaguar's spine. Jaguar rolls off Pitbull and onto the mat,
writhing in pain. Tate and Pitbull then begin to repeatedly stomp Jaguar until
we see Paul Dawkins and Renegade run out from the back to come to Jaguar's aid!
While Renegade peppers Tate with punches, Dawkins charges Pitbull and takes him
down with the Scud Missile! Pitbull slowly rises and Dawkins grabs him to
deliver the MOAB, but at the last second Pitbull slips out. Both Tate and
Pitbull quickly roll out of the ring and start backpedaling towards the
backstage area. With enough distance between the two parties, a heated
staredown ensues.
Troy: Well, folks it looks like Jaguar has postponed his retirement to not
only deliver some "justice" of his own, but also to compete in the
Symphony of Destruction match for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship
at Everlasting Epic VII! A truly astonishing announcement and one I am greatly
looking forward to!
Buckingham: I’m looking forward to the prospect of Jaguar as champion again
about as much as I’m looking forward to an outbreak of the plague.
Troy: Oh brother. We’ll be right back.
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Back from break, “Reason to Hate Me” by Krayzie Bone is blaring over the
speakers while Justin Schenck, the PWA’s creative director, stands in the
middle of the ring.
Schenck:
Now I’m sure you all just saw what happened out here a few moments ago.
Dawkins and Renegade made it their business to interfere with the Texas Justice
beatdown that Jaguar was receiving. And I must say, it was a very impressive intervention. So impressive in
fact that it got me to thinking. Because Dawkins and Renegade feel that they
just can’t keep to themselves, I’ve decided to make it MY business to
intervene. Dawkins and Renegade will face Texas Justice at Symphony of
Destruction…for the Tag Team Championship!
Troy: Wow that is quite the
announcement! Dawkins and Renegade are going to get an opportunity to challenge
for tag team gold at Symphony of Destruction on May 21st!
Buckingham: Snooze-fest 2011! Texas Justice mopped the
floor with them four weeks ago, and Symphony of Destruction
will be no exception.
Troy: Are you
kidding me?! Dawkins and Renegade have to be one of the most electrifying tag
teams on this roster. In fact, just watching their entrance gets me excited for
the ultimately great performance they will put on. Take these two veterans and
pit them against the two most ruthless newcomers to the PWA, Maddox Tate and
Pitbull, and we are bound to have one hell of a match!
Buckingham: Well,
if you ask me this match is already signed, sealed, and delivered with Texas Justice
stamped all over that letter of pain! Just like when they met four weeks ago.
Troy: Your idiotic puns never cease to amaze me.
Buckingham:
Happy to be of service.
Schenck: Ladies
and Gentlemen, I still have yet another exciting announcement to make. In just
a moment I’m going to bring out two women that throughout the season thus far
have proven time and time again that they are deserving of a shot at the
Women’s Championship. They will each
plead their case for why they are deserving of the shot against Zina at
Symphony of Destruction.
With that announcement, “Free” by VAST hits the
speakers and we see Lauren Tantalus walking down the aisle, a chorus of cheers
ushering her into the ring to stand to the right of Justin Schenck. Moments later, “Dead Promises” by The Rasmus hits, and the crowd applauds loudly for Morgan Day as she
makes her way to the squared circle. Morgan enters the ring and stands to the
left of Schenck, who hands her the microphone.
Schenck: Alright
ladies, convince me. Morgan, let’s start with you. Why should you get the shot?
Morgan: Okay.
First of all —
Suddenly, “Demons” by Aria blasts onto the speakers
and the Moscow crowd erupts into thunderous cheers for their hometown heroine,
Zina!
Zina quickly stalks her way to the ring, jumps up
onto the apron, enters the ring, and rips the microphone out of Morgan’s hand
with authority.
Zina: Enough!
Why fight one, when I can destroy BOTH of you? Mr. Schenck, I have decided for
you. At Symphony of Destruction I will face both of these women in a Triangle
Elimination Match… and I will CRUSH them!
Zina then turns and addresses the crowd, making the
same announcement in her mother tongue. The crowd immediately explodes into
raucous cheers and starts chanting, “ZINA! ZINA!”
Morgan and Lauren look at each other and nod their
heads. They grab hands and run towards Zina at breakneck speed, looking to
clothesline the champion over the top rope. Zina, however, turns around just in
time to thwart their efforts, grabbing each woman by the waist and back body
dropping them onto the floor below! Morgan and Lauren rise with stunned looks
on their faces that slowly turn to deadpan stares. A staredown ensues between
Zina above and Morgan and Lauren below as we head to the announce table.
Troy: An incredible
announcement made by Zina just now in her hometown of Moscow, as she basically
just took it upon herself to challenge both Morgan Day and Lauren Tantalus to a
Triangle Elimination Match for the Women’s Championship at Symphony of
Destruction!
Buckingham: If
you ask, me Zina will run roughshod over both of these women in no time and
successfully retain the title.
Troy: Nobody
asked you.
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
When we return from commercial, we see a flyby of Citizens Bank Park in
Philadelphia. The last time the PWA was in this building was in 2006, two
months before going on hiatus for four years. As the flyby heads to the
back of the stadium, it starts to zoom in on a figure in the stands over the
bullpen. The cloudy sky makes it hard to distinguish who this man is. As
the clouds move, moonlight casts on the man, but it's so sporadic it's hard to
focus.
Shadowy Man: The last time. This is all I thought since being here.
When my head hit the ground. When
the EMTs came to stabilize me. The last time. It's
all I thought as I came to in the hospital, my neck in a brace, a doctor
looking over me. All I thought as the anesthesia washed over my body, preparing
for surgery. All I thought when the doctors told me I would never wrestle
again. The last time. It wasn't going to be the
last time I wrestled. I recovered. I woke up. I realized things about myself, what I lost… my accomplishments were for all the
wrong reasons. This time, I'm doing it for me. The return of the PWA is all
about rebirth. Now it's time for just... one... more.
As the man finishes, the clouds overhead finally move on, revealing
a fuller picture of the figure. He isn't immediately recognizable, but
there's something familiar about him. With that, the video fades out.
***
Backstage we see Scott Cornelius standing beside the PWA World Heavyweight
Champion Dan Crowley.
Cornelius: Dan, we are just moments away from the main event this evening,
where you will be defending your title against Anthony Failla in a steel cage
match. What are your thoughts on your opponent and does the steel cage venue
change your approach to him at all?
Crowley: Well Scott, as you know, this isn't the first time I'm going against
Anthony Failla. And it isn't the first time I've defended the title against him
either. I've been victorious in my previous encounters with him, so if you are
asking me if I'm scared to face him, the answer is no. Now I haven't ever faced
him in a steel cage, which can be a brutal match on its own, without a title on
the line. But I know that if I dig down deep and give it everything I have, I
will walk out with the title. You see, Anthony Failla may be large and
intimidating, but I know I can outsmart him. I'm going to use the steel cage to
my advantage and use it in ways Failla won't even be able to foresee.
Anthony Failla is seen shoving past Scott Cornelius to stand face to face
with the World Heavyweight Champion.
Failla: If you're so friggin' smart, Crowley, you'd save yourself a whole
lot of trouble and just leave that title on the steps outside the steel cage
for me to collect. Because trust me, your brain won't be functioning that well
when I'm slamming your head over and over again against the bars of that cage.
I'd enjoy that belt for these last few moments because once you step into that
cage with me, you won't be stepping out the champion... I will.
Failla and Crowley share a heated staredown as we head to commercial break.
Troy: It’s
Crowley and Failla in a steel cage for the PWA Championship, and it’s next! Stay
with us!
-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --
Back from break, “Better Think Again” by Submersed
hits the speakers and the fans begin booing loudly as Anthony Failla stalks his
way out to the ring.
Troy: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back
to PWA: The Rebirth, and it is time for our main
event! And not only is it main event time, but we have been joined at ringside
by a man that is EXTREMELY invested in the outcome of this match, Showtime
Damon Savage. Showtime, welcome to the announce position.
The camera shifts to the announce table, where we can see Showtime seated
with Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.
Showtime: Thank you, sir. Happy to be out here.
Buckingham: I’m glad one of us is happy.
Showtime: Seriously. Don’t start. I know your shtick and I’m not in the mood.
I’m out here scouting. One of these men will be standing between me and the PWA
World Heavyweight Championship in a little less than four weeks, and I want a front
row seat to see who it’s gonna be.
Failla enters the ring and focuses his eyes directly on Showtime, staring a
hole through him. Savage stares right back at him as the music breaks and
“Judas Rising” by Judas Priest hits. Moments later, thunderous pyro lights off
and Dan Crowley emerges to a thunderous ovation!
Troy: And here comes the champion! Here
comes Dan Crowley!
Buckingham: A man you might be facing at Symphony of Destruction, Showtime.
Showtime: Very true. Crowley’s my boy and all, but if I’ve gotta go through him
to get that gold he’s carrying around, he won’t know what hit him.
Buckingham: Well, I wouldn’t worry. I really can’t imagine Crowley finds a way
to get past Failla again tonight.
Crowley enters the ring to tremendous cheers from the Russian crowd and a round
of applause from Showtime, which Crowley acknowledges. He then locks eyes with
Failla as the cage begins to lower. The combatants move to the center of the
ring as referee Tom Stevens holds the belt high and hands it to ring announcer
Lee Palmer, who exits the ring before the cage fully lowers. Once it has descended,
Palmer begins the introductions.
Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, this next
contest, scheduled for one fall, is our main event, and it is for the PWA World
Heavyweight Championship!
Introducing first, the challenger, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 281
pounds… ANTHONYYYY FAIIII-LLLLAAAAA!
And his opponent, from Long Island, New York, weighing in at 235 pounds, he is
the PWA World Heavyweight Champion… DAAAAAN CRRRRROWWWWWLEEEYYYYY!
PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
STEEL CAGE MATCH:
DAN CROWLEY (champion) VS. ANTHONY FAILLA (challenger)
Referee: Tom Stevens
As the bell sounds to kick off this
championship battle, Crowley and Failla each look around at the cage, getting a
sense for their environment. Finally, they lock up, with Failla grabbing the
early advantage, shoving Crowley so hard that his back smacks off the cage.
Crowley winces in pain off the rebound and Failla takes the opportunity to lock
him in a bearhug, trying to heighten the effects.
Crowley fights through the pain, slugging Failla in the face repeatedly before
the challenger relinquishes his grip. Crowley begins peppering Failla with
knees to the face, stunning him long enough to down him with a furious bulldog!
Crowley goes for the immediate cover… one, two, and Failla gets the shoulder
up.
Troy: Crowley trying to put this one away
early!
Showtime: Wouldn’t you? That’s one mean cat he’s in the ring with right there. If
you have the opportunity to finish off Anthony Failla, you take it, no matter
the circumstance.
Buckingham: C’mon Savage. Was there really any chance Failla wasn’t kicking out
there?
Showtime: You never, ever know.
Crowley lifts Failla to a vertical base, but this time Failla is ready for
him, countering with a thunderous knee to the gut. Then, Failla grabs Crowley
and absolutely torpedoes him into the cage wall, causing a sickening sound upon
impact! Crowley staggers backwards and Failla grabs him on the rebound,
crushing him down with a thunderous back suplex. Failla covers… one, two, and
Crowley gets the shoulder up!
Failla keeps the pressure mounted after the kickout, unleashing a bevy of
stomps on the champion. With Crowley sufficiently immobilized, Failla climbs up
to the middle rope and leaps off with a legdrop, but Crowley moves out of the
way at the last moment, causing Failla to crash down hard!
Troy: Crowley moved! The champion has an
opening!
Buckingham: To do what? Crawl around?!
Crowley ultimately pulls himself back to a vertical base and begins
climbing up the cage to a raucous ovation. However, Failla soon rises and catches
Crowley trying to exit, bashing him in the back several times with clubbing
forearm blows before yanking him back into the ring, smashing him down to the
mat with authority. With Crowley grounded, Failla nails him with repeated knees
to the small of the back, causing the champion to scream out in pain.
Showtime: All I can say is that looks
pretty damn painful.
Buckingham: Get used to it, because that’s what you’re going to be experiencing
at Symphony of Destruction.
Showtime: I wouldn’t count out Crowley just yet, believe me.
Buckingham: There is no indication your opinion is worth anything.
Showtime: Like the fact that I’ve been in the ring with both of these guys,
including the main event of Everlasting Epic last year?
Buckingham: Yeah. Irrelevant. Because
you lost.
Troy: Sorry about this guy, Showtime. He’s an ass.
Showtime: Oh, don’t worry. I know.
With Crowley still in a vulnerable position, Failla lifts him up and whips
him hard into the cage, causing the champion to smash into the steel and fall
back down to the mat. The fans boo loudly, but Failla senses that the time has
come to end the match. Seeing that Crowley hasn’t moved much, Failla quietly
begins scaling the cage. However, before the challenger gets even halfway up,
Crowley pops back to his feet and puts Failla on his shoulders, crushing him
down with a thunderous electric chair drop! Crowley turns him over and hooks
the leg… one, two, and Failla gets the shoulder up!
Troy: So close!
Failla is slow to his feet and Crowley looks to take advantage of this,
starting his climb up the cage. The Russian crowd buzzes loudly as Crowley
starts his climb, alerting Failla to the severity of the situation. He pops
back to his feet and starts up after Crowley, stinging him with forearms to the
back. However, Crowley hangs in there and, in short order, turns the momentum
around, grabbing Failla by the head and repeatedly bashing his skull into the
cage! Then, in one fell swoop, Crowley grabs Failla’s arms and uses his
momentum to drive him down to the mat with the Touch of Evil double-arm DDT!
Troy: Touch of Evil off the side of the
cage! Crowley nailed it!
Showtime: This one is OVER!
Buckingham: I don’t know about that! I don’t think he got all of it!
Crowley, too, is incapacitated after impact and is very slow to make a
cover. Finally, Crowley is able to roll Failla over and drape his arm over his
chest… one, two, thr-NO! Failla gets the shoulder up!
The fans continue to buzz as Crowley ponders his next move. Finally, he reaches
the only logical conclusion, signaling to the crowd that it is time for the
Brutal Legend. At long length, Failla makes it to his feet, at which time
Crowley attempts his finisher… but Failla is able to counter with repeated
elbows to the jaw that break the champion’s grip. Then, Failla attempts to lift
Crowley for the Weapon of Mass Destruction, but lifts him too close to the
cage, so that Crowley can simply shift his weight, transfer it to the cage, and
begin climbing!
Troy: What a counter by Crowley! He’s on
his way out of here!
Buckingham: No way! Failla’s right there! Crowley’s not going anywhere!
Despite the initial shock of Crowley’s attempted escape, Failla quickly
collects himself and starts up the cage after the champion. About three
quarters of the way up the cage, Failla catches him, smashing Crowley
head-first into the cage several times. Then Failla attempts to grab him in
position for the Weapon of Mass Destruction, struggling with the angle.
Finally, he grabs him and unleashes an unconventional version of his finisher,
crushing both Crowley and himself down to the mat with ferocious authority!
Troy: My God! Did you see the way they
landed?! I don’t even know who got more of that!
Showtime: Crowley took that WMD pretty good, but Failla spun around in mid-air
and ended up driving himself face-first into the mat as well. It’s anyone’s
guess who will end up to their feet first!
Buckingham: C’mon, Failla!
The fans are on their feet, trying to rally Crowley back to a vertical base.
However, it is Failla that groggily makes it to his feet first, inching towards
the cage. Crowley is still motionless as Failla grabs onto the cage and begins
climbing. Finally, Crowley crawls towards the opposite side of the ring, facing
the commentators, and begins pulling himself up the cage. By the time Crowley
is up higher than the ringpost, Failla is lifting his leg over the cage on the
opposite side of the ring, poised to start his descent!
Buckingham: Failla’s gonna do it! Anthony
Failla is going to recapture the PWA Championship!
Troy: I think you’re right, Randall! I don’t think Crowley will be able to
catch up!
Failla has both legs over the top of the cage and is climbing down when
Crowley realizes the absolute desperation of the situation. He takes a deep
breath, realizing there is only one way he can keep his championship at this
point. Using every last bit of energy, Crowley grabs the top of the cage, jumps
up, and propels himself over it, hurdling 15 feet to the arena floor, crashing
himself right through the announce table! Across the ring, Failla looks on in
disbelief as the bell sounds!
Troy: My God! My God! I don’t believe it!
Dan Crowley has retained the PWA Championship, and he
did it by taking the term “suicide dive” to a whole other level!
Showtime: This dude is out of his damn mind!
Buckingham: Our table is absolutely destroyed, and so is Dan Crowley! But you
know what? I can never question this man’s desire again!
Incredulous on the other side of the ring, Anthony Failla doesn’t quite
believe what just happened until Lee Palmer announces Dan Crowley the winner
and still PWA Champion. As “Judas Rising” blares over the speakers and the
Moscow fans serenade Crowley with cheers, Failla walks over to the wreckage,
staring down at Crowley in disbelief and with a hint of admiration.
Showtime Damon Savage, Crowley’s Symphony of Destruction challenger, removes
his headset to stare down at the champion – who is now being attended to by
medics – wondering how he is going to take the championship from a man who is
willing to damn near kill himself to keep it. The camera then zooms in on
Crowley, who has barely stirred, but clutches the championship belt he has just
retained as his lips curl into a smile and we fade to black.
WINNER VIA ESCAPE AT 13:08 AND STILL PWA CHAMPION – DAN
CROWLEY
--
END SHOW --
Pre-Show Dark Matches:
1. Darrin Giles def. Dynamite Dean Nash with the top-rope
big splash at 3:41. (Referee: Matt Hansen)
2. Non-title Match: PWA Progressive Champion Paul Epton def. Kris Anthony with
the shooting star press at 3:12. (Referee: Jose Soares)
3. Paul Dawkins & Renegade def. Matthew Magellan & Briggs at 5:12. Dawkins
pinned Magellan after the MOAB. (Referee: Dan Martin)