PWA: The Rebirth

EPISODE 1.2 – TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010

PRUDENTIAL CENTER

NEWARK, NJ



 

A video package airs over the Jumbotron, highlighting events that took place on last week’s inaugural episode of PWA: The Rebirth, centering on Vulture’s victory over Solomon, Scythe, and GI Jew in a fatal fourway match, setting up tonight’s main event, which pits Vulture against PWA World Heavyweight Champion Jaguar with the gold on the line.

 

As the video concludes, “Live Again” by Ours blares over the speakers and the opening credits for PWA: The Rebirth roll. At their conclusion, we are sent inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where a stunning pyrotechnic display ensues! The fans cheer wildly as the cameras shift to our commentators, Victor Troy and The Iceman Jason Calysto.

Troy: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to PWA: The Rebirth! I’m Victor Troy, along here with the one and only Iceman, Jason Calysto, and we have a tremendous show for you here tonight, highlighted by an electric main event!

Calysto: That’s right, Vic! We are going to see the PWA World Heavyweight Championship on the line, as two of the PWA’s all-time greats get it on! It’s going to be a pair of Hall of Famers, Jaguar and Vulture, battling it out for the gold, right here tonight!

Troy: Not to mention some other great matches! Dexter P. Wellington will face off with the Hardcore Icon Kerry Cox, Lauren Tantalus will battle Keiko Ishida with the number one contendership for the Women’s Championship up for grabs, and Dan Crowley will battle the debuting Matthew Magellan!

Calysto: And that doesn’t even mention the big tag team match that was announced on PWATheRebirth.com this past Friday! We are going to see GI Jew team up with Anthony Failla to take on the awesome combination of the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe and the Alaskan Monster Solomon!

Troy: And of course, we have our opening contest, which is going to be something else! The team of Dynamite Dean Nash and Damien Fields is already in the ring, so let’s get to it! The vacant PWA Tag Team Championship is on the line, and it’s on the line in a four corners elimination match!

With that, “Stockholm Syndrome” by Muse hits the speakers and the British duo of Paul Epton and John Wolfe makes its way to the ring to a round of cheers. The two Englishmen revel in the adulation of the capacity crowd as they make their way into the ring and greet their opposition in Nash and Fields.

 

Moments later, “More Human Than Human” by White Zombie hits the speakers, and the fans greet the duo of The Omega Steve Beovich and The Human Highlight Jon Dulberg with boos. The two enter the ring with a swagger, looking determined to leave New Jersey tonight with tag team gold.

 

As they get settled, “You Don’t Know” by Eminem and 50 Cent hits, and the fans, who are momentarily confused by the music, quickly begin cheering loudly as Renegade and Paul Dawkins emerge and begin making their energetic entrance!

 

Troy: Well, there’s no longer any doubt as to who will have the backing of the fans here tonight! These people are here in support of Paul Dawkins and Renegade!

Calysto: They sure are, Vic! And they sure look ready to roll!

As Renegade and Dawkins settle themselves in the ring, attention is turned to Lee Palmer at ringside.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s opening contest is scheduled for three falls, and is a four corners elimination match for the PWA Tag Team Championship! In this match, two men from opposing teams will compete in the ring at all times, and participants may tag in any one of the other participants. When one man is pinned, made to submit, disqualified, or counted out, his entire team is eliminated. The last team standing will be crowned the NEW PWA Tag Team Champions!

Introducing first, at a total combined weight of 435 pounds, the team of Dynamite Dean Nash and Damien Fields!

Next, at a total combined weight of 445 pounds, the team of Paul Epton and John Wolfe!

Next, at a total combined weight of 463 pounds, the team of The Omega Steve Beovich and The Human Highlight Jon Dulberg!

And finally, at a total combined weight of 477 pounds, they are Renegade and Paul Dawkins!

The fans continue cheering as the bell sounds to kick off the championship bout.

VACANT PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:  
FOUR CORNERS ELIMINATION MATCH:
DYNAMITE DEAN NASH & DAMIEN FIELDS VS. PAUL EPTON & JOHN WOLFE VS. THE OMEGA STEVE BEOVICH & THE HUMAN HIGHLIGHT JON DULBERG VS. PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE

Referee: Jose Soares

When the ring clears, Dean Nash and Paul Epton are left inside it, and they begin this contest. The two light heavyweights lock up in the center of the ring, and Nash ties Epton up in a headlock. However, Epton quickly shoves Nash into the ropes and drops down to the mat, prompting Nash to hop over him as he returns. Nash hits the opposite ropes, and Epton quickly downs him with a dropkick!

 

Nash pops up, but immediately goes to the corner and tags in his partner Damien Fields. Fields charges at Epton and downs him with a hard shoulderblock. Epton gets back up, unfazed, and charges at Fields, but he is downed with a hard clothesline for his troubles. Fields then lifts Epton high up for a suplex, but wanders back into the corner of Renegade and Dawkins as he does so. Dawkins covertly tags the back of the elevated Epton, just before Fields crashes him down to the mat. Fields is blissfully unaware of the fact that Dawkins is now the legal man, at least until Dawkins enters the ring and drills Fields down with the thunderous rocker dropper that he calls the Scud Missile! Dawkins covers… one, two, three! Dean Nash has a look of horror on his face as the bell sounds one time, signaling the elimination.

Palmer: The team of Dean Nash and Damien Fields has been eliminated.

Troy: That came out of nowhere!

Calysto: That is the offense of Renegade and Dawkins, Vic. It can literally strike at a moment’s notice. But that was a great job by Dawkins right there, taking advantage of an opportunity.

Down to three teams, The Omega Steve Beovich enters the ring and immediately blindsides Dawkins. He hammers Dawkins with a number of punishing forearm shivers, before Dawkins reaches out and tags in big John Wolfe.

 

Beovich backpedals as Wolfe enters, not wanting to deal with him. Finally, Wolfe grabs him and downs him with a hard clothesline! Wolfe lifts Beovich off the mat and Irish whips him hard into the corner, before charging at him and crushing him with another clothesline! As Beovich staggers forward, Wolfe grabs him by the throat!

 

The fans cheer as Wolfe walks him over to the corner and tags in Epton, who heads to the top rope! However, Beovich nails Wolfe with a hard low blow that the referee, who is occupied trying to get Epton off the top rope, doesn’t see! Wolfe falls to the mat, just as Epton dives off with a cross body that downs Beovich… but his momentum rolls him on top of Epton! One, two, three!

Troy: And that’s it! Epton and Wolfe are outta here, and Beovich needed a low blow to Wolfe to get it done!

Calysto: However it happened, Vic, it happened, and now it’s going to be either Beovich and Dulberg or Dawkins and Renegade that leave here with the tag team titles!

Palmer: The team of Paul Epton and John Wolfe has been eliminated.

Beovich quickly makes a tag to Dulberg as Renegade enters the ring for the first time as well. Renegade comes at Dulberg with a flurry of kicks, but Dulberg is able to block them all, before downing Renegade with a dropkick of his own! Dulberg covers… one, two, and Renegade kicks out.

 

Dulberg then whips Renegade hard into the corner and charges at him, but Renegade sticks his elbow out and nails Dulberg with it as he approaches! Dulberg staggers forward, and Renegade downs him with a hard boot to the jaw!

 

Dulberg is slow to his feet, and Renegade is counting on that, bouncing off the ropes and nailing the Human Highlight with a devastating axe kick! With that, Renegade begins positioning himself for the Kick of Death, and the fans begin cheering loudly!

However, before Dulberg even gets to his feet, Beovich enters the ring and charges at Renegade… only to be speared to the mat by Paul Dawkins! Dawkins pounds away at Beovich, and the referee tries desperately to separate them!

 

Beovich slowly staggers to his feet, and Renegade is ready… only for a man to charge into the ring from the crowd and destroy Renegade with a thunderous spinebuster!

Troy: My God! Iceman, do you know who that is?!

Calysto: Don’t get too excited, Vic. That looks to me like it’s Don Capriglione.

Troy: It IS! That’s Don “The MVP” Capriglione, and he just made a major impact on this match!

Capriglione rolls Beovich onto Renegade and quickly rolls his way out of the ring. Referee Jose Soares turns around just in time to see this, and counts… one, two, Dawkins lunges at Beovich but Dulberg grabs onto him, three.

 

Troy: Oh no! We have new Tag Team Champions, and it is a travesty!

 

The fans begin booing loudly as “More Human Than Human” replays over the speakers, and Beovich and Dulberg join Capriglione in celebration in the ring. Renegade and Dawkins exit, with Dawkins shouting back at the new champions, knowing there was illicit behavior involved in their victory. Finally, the belts are handed to Beovich and Dulberg, and Capriglione raises their arms high. The MVP then takes the microphone and the music dies down.

Capriglione: For those of you who may not remember me, I am Don “The MVP” Capriglione, and we are Synergy. And now, we are YOUR PWA Tag Team Champions!

With that “More Human Than Human” restarts, and Synergy exits to a chorus of boos, with the Tag Team Championship in tow, as we head to break.
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 9:28 AND NEW PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS – SYNERGY


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


Back from break, “Footprints” by G-Unit blasts onto the speakers, and the fans give a warm, rousing ovation to Showtime Damon Savage, who makes his electric entrance wearing street clothes, heading to the ring. As he reaches the ringside area, Showtime grabs a microphone and enters the squared circle. The cheering dies down as Savage prepares to speak.

Showtime: I’m not scheduled to be out here now. In fact, I’m not even scheduled to be out here this whole damn show. One week after getting jobbed out of the International title, Justin Schenck doesn’t even have the sense to book me on the show. But that’s ok. I’m not out looking to cash in my rematch with Michael Grieco. That fool can have that belt. What I’m out here for tonight is to make a promise to each and every Showtime fan out there. The time has come for Showtime to move up in the ranks, and now that I don’t have the International title any longer, there is nothing holding me back. I am making a guarantee, right here, right now, that by the time this season comes to a close, Showtime will be your PWA World Heavyweight Champion!

The fans cheer loudly at this statement.

Troy: What a declaration by Showtime!

Calysto: That’s a mighty bold statement, Vic! Let’s see if Showtime has what it takes to back it up!

Moments later, “Da Repercussions” by 50 Cent thumps onto the speakers, and the new International Champion Michael Grieco makes his way to the ring alongside Dee Licious. The capacity crowd boos him upon his arrival. Grieco grabs a microphone as he enters, standing face to face with Showtime, a smirk on his face.

Grieco: So I really struck that much fear into you, huh?

Showtime: Grieco, please. Don’t flatter yourself.

Grieco: Well, how else should I read this, Showtime? I beat you to a pulp and take your title, and the next week, you come out here saying you’re not pursuing your rematch, and you’re going after the PWA Championship? Are you serious? Do you know who you are? You’re Showtime Damon Savage. You’re NOT world title material. I know that, all these fans know that, and deep down, I think you know that too. But you’d rather try and fail to become PWA Champion than get beaten by me again.

Dee then requests the microphone, and Grieco hands it to her.

Dee: And you can’t even be original! Didn’t Dan Crowley come out here and cut the SAME, EXACT promo last week?! What’s with all these guys who will never be world champion coming out here and saying they are after the belt? Seriously, if I were the winner of tonight’s Jaguar-Vulture match, and I saw guys like Showtime and Dan Crowley in my rear-view mirror, I’d be laughing myself to sleep every night.

Showtime: Well Dee, while I appreciate your input, I don’t think you’re much of an authority on the subject because you’re a complete afterthought in the women’s division, and the two title reigns you did have were absolute jokes. You know nothing about being a champion. And Grieco, as for you, you think I’m afraid of you? Why don’t I show you next week in Philly how not afraid of your punk ass Showtime really is?! You and me, next week, one-one-one, non-title match. What do you say?

Grieco: You want me next week, Showtime? I’d be glad to beat you half to death again in Philadelphia, and shut up each and every person who even implies that my title reign isn’t legitimate. You’re going down again next week, Showtime, and this time, your ass isn’t getting back up.

Showtime and Grieco stare each other down intensely, and the fans cheer.

Troy: It looks like we have an agreement!

Calysto: We do! Provided Justin Schenck is agreeable to signing the bout, we’re going to have Grieco and Showtime, one-on-one, in a non-title bout, right here next week!

Troy: Indeed we will! We’ll be right back!


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


Back from break, we see the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe conversing with the Alaskan Monster Solomon near the catering area, preparing for their upcoming tag team match against GI Jew and Anthony Failla. PWA newcomer Evan Black walks past them, but Scythe gets the idea to call him over. Black nervously approaches.

 

Scythe: Hey, kid.

Black: Hey, Scythe. Hey, Solomon. I’m Evan Black. It’s an honor to meet both of you guys, it really is.

Solomon: You can save all that. We really just wanted to welcome you to the PWA.

 

Black: Well thanks, I appreciate that.

Scythe: Hey, don’t you have some kind of interesting story about how you got here?

Black: Well yeah, actually. I started to tell the story on the show last week. I went to law school, passed the bar, became a lawyer, practiced for a few years, and then just realized I hated it, and that my true passion was wrestling. So I got trained, starting wrestling weekends, eventually quit my job, started doing this full time, and five years later, here I am.

Solomon: That’s a pretty interesting story. You see, Scythe? Look at his hair. It’s a little wild, a little crazy, but not all long and unruly. When are you going to cut your hair?

Scythe: (sigh) You know my hair is…

Solomon: Yeah, yeah, badge of honor, blah blah blah. You know you’re not really a samurai, right?

Scythe pauses, debating how to respond. Solomon then begins laughing.

Solomon: I’m just messing with you, man.

Scythe now eases up and cracks a smile.

Scythe: Don’t mess with a samurai’s hair!

After the two share a laugh, Solomon turns back to Black, who is laughing along with them. As soon as Solomon makes eye contact with Black, the newcomer stops laughing.

Solomon: Anyway, good luck to you, kid. I hope, for your sake, that we never cross paths out there.

Black laughs nervously, not sure if the Alaskan Monster is joking or not, but Solomon’s expression sheds no additional light on the situation. Suddenly, the scene is made even tenser as GI Jew walks into view. Scythe and Solomon stand up and take notice, but Jew is staring directly at Evan Black. As Black realizes, he turns, smiles, and extends his hand to the former PWA Champion, but Jew is not interested.

Jew: What makes you think I would shake your hand, punk?

Black: Why wouldn’t you? I’ve done you no wrong. We haven’t even met! I’m Evan Black, one of the…

Jew: I know who you are. And that’s why I won’t shake your hand. You’re the stereotypical Jewish lawyer. I HATE Jewish lawyers. You know why? They perpetuate the stereotype of the weak, whiny, complaining Jew, a stereotype I’ve been fighting my whole life. Our people need an example. They need more people like me. We don’t need one more sniveling, blood-sucking lawyer like you.

Black: Umm, clearly I’ve moved on from that. I’m here now. I’ve been a wrestler for five years, and I intend to keep wrestling until I’m too old to keep going, or my skills diminish to the point that I can’t get a job.

Jew: At which point you’ll return to practicing law, I take it.

Black: Well, I haven’t really thought that far…

Jew: Listen, Hebe. I have no interest in continuing this conversation with you. You are a disgrace to your people, namely the best of those people, me. I’m the baddest Hebe this side of Tel Aviv. And if you so much as look at me the wrong way, I’m gonna show you exactly why. You get one warning, and one warning only. Stay the hell away from me, and I might be merciful enough to not kill you. Now get the hell out of here. I need to talk to people that matter.

Black wants to stay and confront him, but one look at Scythe and Solomon shaking their heads and gesturing for him to leave prompts him to do otherwise. Black exits, and Jew turns his attention to Scythe and Solomon.

Scythe: A little harsh, don’t you think? He’s a good kid.

Jew: Did I ask your opinion, Scythe? No, I didn’t. So keep your mouth shut. I just wanted to tell the both of you that I hate you. And because I hate you, I’m going to end you both tonight.

Solomon: Big talk from a guy who got pinned last week. Scythe, did you get pinned?

Scythe: Nope. How about you, big man?

Solomon: Are you serious? No one pins me.

Jew: I don’t care what happened last week. Fatal fourways are confusing. Tonight, I have you both in a tag team match, and I just figured I’d give you a heads up so you can enjoy your final moments not in a wheelchair.

Scythe: How noble. By the way, where’s your partner?

Jew: Failla? Screw him. Who cares? We all know I’m gonna have to carry the team anyway. I haven’t seen him, but I won’t sweat it one bit if he doesn’t show. I hate him too. If he gets in my way, I’ll hurt him the same way I’m gonna hurt both of you. Just be warned. Tonight, I’m coming for blood.

 

Jew then storms away. After he’s gone, Scythe and Solomon look at each other and chuckle.

Solomon: What an angry little man.

Scythe: Yeah, but he can fight.

Solomon: That he can. Guess we’d better get back to our gameplan.


The camera then cuts back to the ring, where “Zerospace” by Kidneythieves is playing over the speakers and Jade is in the ring, stretching out on the ring ropes, awaiting her competition.

 

Moments later, “Demons” by Aria thumps onto the speakers, and the fans begin booing somewhat as PWA newcomer Zina begins making her journey down to the ring. Still dressed in the garb of a circus bear trainer, her former profession, Zina walks to the ring with authority, her eyes locked on Jade. She doesn’t take her eyes off her opponent for a moment as she steps into the ring.

 

Troy: Alright, we’re about to get another look at this Zina here, a woman who was extremely impressive last week in her dismantling of Liz Rush.

Calysto: She was, Vic, but this is a bit of a different story. No offense to Liz Rush, but Jade is a three-time Women’s Champion, not to mention the first-ever holder of that title. She has faced flash-in-the-pan newcomers, and she has faced legitimate up-and-coming dynamos, so this will be a real litmus test to see what exactly we have in this Zina. If she isn’t as good as she appeared to be last week, Jade will help us find that out real quick.

JADE VS. ZINA
Referee: Dan Martin
As soon as the bell sounds, Jade charges right at Zina, but one of the newest additions to the PWA women’s division greets her with a hard clothesline that floors her. Jade shakes off the cobwebs and gets back to a vertical base quickly, but Zina is standing right over her and tosses her against the ropes. When Jade returns, Zina destroys her with a thunderous powerslam.

 

Calysto: This is NOT the start Jade needed to get off to here. If last week was any indication, you simply cannot allow Zina to get any kind of momentum.

 

With Jade stunned on the mat, Zina stings her with hard, repeated elbow drops. She then lifts her up off the mat and whips her against the ropes again, but this time, Jade rebounds with a kneelift, which momentarily stuns Zina! The fans begin to cheer as Jade moves in with repeated elbows to the jaw, which have Zina teetering! Then, Jade climbs to the top rope, looking for a double axehandle… but Zina catches her in mid-air and begins squeezing the life out of her with a vicious bearhug!

Zina wrenches the hold in tightly, her normally calm demeanor traded in for a manic look in her eyes. Zina continues to violently shake Jade in the hold as she squeezes her tightly, putting tremendous pressure on the ribs of the former champion, until Jade can fight no longer. Jade taps out, and Zina is declared the winner.

Troy: And another impressive win for this Zina!

Calysto: This one truly was impressive, Vic. She had control of this bout from the onset, and just disposed of a very capable athlete. Zina could be the real deal, Vic. She really could.

Aria’s “Demons” is now replaying over the speakers, and Zina stands stoically in the ring. Referee Dan Martin succeeds in raising her hand in victory, before Zina exits the ring and heads for the back, leaving a fallen Jade in her wake.

WINNER VIA SUBMISSION AT 3:28 – ZINA


The camera then shifts backstage, where backstage reporter Scott Cornelius is standing by with Chase Stone, who wears a cocky smile on his face.

Cornelius: Ladies and gentlemen, I am here with one of the new faces here in the PWA, Chase Stone. Chase, last week, Justin Schenck essentially insinuated that you weren't yet ready to compete here in the PWA, after signing your contract particularly close to the start date for PWA: The Rebirth. Can you give us some more information on when exactly we can expect to see you in the ring?

Stone: First of all, Scott, I think you misinterpreted what Mr. Schenck meant. He didnt mean that I, Chase Stone, the single greatest athlete that this company has ever seen, was not ready to compete. Oh no. What he meant was that these people are just not ready to handle an athlete the caliber of a Chase Stone. Furthermore, all these wrestlers in the back, none of them are ready for Chase Stone either. The simple fact of the matter is that I will compete in that ring when I am good and ready to compete. I bet you'd all like to think that if young Chase Stone stepped inside a PWA ring today, he would get annihilated. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, but it's just not the case. I could go out there and dominate tonight if I desired.

Cornelius: So why don't you?

Stone: It's simple, Scott. Because I choose not to. Go look up my wrestling career at Penn State University. Do you know how many times I lost in my entire college career?

Cornelius: How many?

Stone: Twice. In four years of college. And do you know what happened to both of the guys that beat me? I pinned them both in the first period when I got another shot at them. So, to simplify this for you people, I beat every single person I faced my entire college wrestling career. I was an All-American. In high school, I went undefeated from sophomore year straight through graduation. Simply put, I have been built and bred to be a wrestler. Dominance is not a goal for me; it's a given. So to every wrestler backstage here tonight, consider this your stay of execution. Because when Chase Stone chooses to step into a PWA ring to compete for the first time, it will be the dawning of a new era of dominance in the PWA, one that won't end until I say it does. Mark my words.

With that, Stone walks off and we head to commercial.


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” hits the speakers as we return from break, and Dexter P. Wellington begins his walk to the ring for his first match of the season to a smattering of boos. He is wearing new baby blue trunks and has a sweater tied around his neck as he enters.

 

With Wellington securely in the ring, ready for competition, “War Machine” by KISS blares onto the speakers, and the fans begin cheering loudly for the Hardcore Icon Kerry Cox!

Cox emerges from behind the curtain to a loud roar, and plays to the crowd as he enters the squared circle. Once Cox stands in front of Wellington, ready to get the match started, we hear the opening strains of “Reason to Hate Me” by Krayzie Bone. Confused, Cox and Wellington look to the stage and see creative director Justin Schenck appear at the top of the ramp.

 

Schenck: Gentlemen, before you get going with this match, I wanted to make a couple of quick announcements. In two weeks, when we head to Chicago, the winner of this bout will be there, and he will be there to challenge Michael Grieco for the International Championship! Oh, and for those of you who were wondering, Grieco WILL face Showtime Damon Savage in a non-title match next week. But, the winner of this next bout challenges Grieco for the gold in two weeks’ time, so good luck to both of you!

The fans cheer that announcement loudly, and the eyes of both Cox and Wellington light up. Schenck then exits back behind the curtain as the bell sounds, getting this match underway.

Troy: What an added bonus for this bout!

Calysto: Sure is, Vic. We’ve now got ourselves a number one contender’s match for the International title!

DEXTER P. WELLINGTON VS. KERRY COX
Referee: Tom Stevens

Wellington and Cox waste no time locking up in the center of the ring, each looking to establish the early advantage. Cox is the one that succeeds in this endeavor, violently shoving Wellington to the mat to a throng of cheers from the New Jersey crowd! Wellington takes a minute to collect himself before getting back to his feet.

 

Wellington and Cox now circle each other, with Wellington obviously wary of getting into another lock-up with the Hardcore Icon. DPW instead shoots in on him, downing him with a double-leg takedown. Wellington uses this opening to lock in a front faceloock and cinch it in tightly. The fans, however, rally Cox to a knee, and their stomping and cheering grows louder and louder as he tries to reach a vertical base. However, once he appears close, Wellington changes course, turning his front facelock into a hard snap suplex! Wellington floats over for the cover… one, two, and Cox kicks out.

 

With Cox down, Wellington now shifts over to his legs, locking in a spinning toe hold to try and weaken his vertical base. Cox is in clear pain as Wellington cinches it in, and his prospects begin to grow weaker. However, Cox changes that in one instant as he reaches up and ties DPW into a small package! One, two, and Wellington narrowly escapes defeat!

 

Troy: So close!

Calysto: It was, but let’s remember that it was out of virtual desperation. Wellington is still firmly in control of this match.

Wellington sets out to prove exactly that as the two get to their feet, with Wellington charging right at him and downing him hard with a clothesline. He then lifts the Hardcore Icon back to his feet and whips him hard into the corner. Wellington charges after him, but Cox gets a boot up at the last moment, which goes directly into Wellington’s jaw! DPW turns around and stumbles forward, and Cox takes advantage of the opening, charging forward and drilling Wellington down hard with a bulldog! Cox goes for the immediate cover… one, two, and Wellington just gets a shoulder up!

 

Cox now goes to Wellington’s feet and lifts up DPW’s right leg, signaling for the figure-four leglock! The fans cheer wildly as Cox successfully applies the hold!

Troy: Figure-four! The Figure-four is locked on! Cox is gonna win this thing!

Calysto: Normally, I’d agree with you, Vic, but look how close Wellington is to the ropes!

Wellington is indeed close to the ropes, and after much struggling, he reaches them, forcing the hold to be broken. The fans boo this action, but cheer as Cox refuses to immediately break the hold! Knowing he has until the referee counts to five to break it, Cox milks it to the count of four before releasing. Referee Tom Stevens then admonishes Cox for not breaking the hold immediately, providing Wellington a few extra sections to recover. When Cox goes to lift Wellington up, he drills him with a hard European uppercut. Then, with Cox stunned, Wellington locks on his submission finisher, the Million Dollar Dream!

Troy: Oh no! Wellington has the Million Dollar Dream applied, and Cox has nowhere to go!

Calysto: This is seriously bad news for Kerry Cox, Vic!

Wellington applies the hold with all his might, looking for a submission, while Cox struggles in the maneuver violently, looking for any out he can get. Finally, as he gets reasonably close to a corner, he reaches out, but it is in vain. Then, in desperation, Cox kicks off the turnbuckle pads, launching himself backwards, crashing right onto Wellington, who is being pinned with his own hold! The referee counts… one, two, and Wellington releases the hold and kicks out just in the nick of time!

DPW is the first to his feet, and he stalks Cox as he slowly rises. Wellington charges at Cox, looking for a clothesline, but the Hardcore Icon ducks under it. Wellington turns around, only to be greeted by a boot to the stomach by Cox, followed by a sudden Coxsucker DDT! Cox covers… one, two, three!

Troy: And that does it! Kerry Cox has won this thing! He is the number one contender to the International Championship, and will challenge for the gold in two weeks!

Calysto: He sure will, but really, what a performance by both of these men!

The fans cheer thunderously as “War Machine” replays, and Cox celebrates in the ring. However, the celebration is cut off as Wellington eventually gets back to his feet. Wellington stands face to face with Cox, neither man saying a word. DPW then makes the first move, offering a handshake. Cox debates it, unsure of what to do, before finally accepting his hand. The two shake hands as “War Machine” hits again, and Wellington quietly walks to the back without incident as Cox continues his celebration and we head to break.

 

Troy: I’ve gotta say, Iceman. THAT was surprising.

Calysto: Is it possible that Wellington truly has turned over a new leaf? I guess time will tell.
 WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 8:44 – KERRY COX

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


As we return from break, we are taken backstage, where reporter Traci Reed is standing by with the Hardcore Icon Kerry Cox, who is out of breath as he recuperates from his impressive victory over Dexter P. Wellington moments ago.

Traci: Kerry! May I have a word?

Cox: Sure, Traci. What’s up?

Traci: First off, congratulations on earning the number one contendership to the International title.

Cox: Thank you.

Traci: As far as the match goes, has your opinion of Dexter Wellington changed at all following that match you just completed?

Cox: Well Traci, I’ve gotta say, the fact that he got up after I won and shook my hand like a man, that he fought that match with honor and integrity, didn’t try to cut corners, and just came at me like a competitor, that impressed me. That is not something that Dexter Wellington would have done three or four years ago. So I’m still a bit skeptical about him, but his sportsmanship tonight was impressive to me.

As Cox finishes speaking, the crowd begins booing as the PWA International Champion Michael Grieco and his manager Dee Licious walk into view. Grieco and Dee look at each other and scoff before looking back at Cox.

Grieco: Are you serious, Cox? You’re out here talking about sportsmanship? Whatever. Really, the biggest surprise to me is that you actually seem excited about the fact that you are the number one contender. All that means is that in two weeks, I get to bash your skull in. And unlike Dex Wellington, I WILL do whatever it takes to hold onto this title. Because I have the killer instinct that so many punks around here lack. And trust me. In two weeks, I’m gonna send you into retirement for what, the 35th time? The difference is, this time it’s gonna stick. Because after I’m done with you, you’re not gonna be able to walk.

Dee finds this last sentence amusing and laughs, which gets Grieco to break into a chuckle as well.

Cox: Is that so? Well, let me tell you something, Grieco. Next week, you’ve got Showtime in a match, and before you start thinking about coming out and trying to intimidate me, you’d better keep yourself focused on the guy you robbed for that title in the first place. Now, with that said, you’d better enjoy the next two weeks to the best of your ability, because when we get to Chicago, Grieco, I promise you, I am taking that precious title of yours home with me.

Grieco: I guess we’ll see about that.

Cox: I guess we will.

The two stare each other down intensely, and the camera cuts away to two-time PWA World Heavyweight Champion Vulture in his dressing room, taping his wrists. He wears a look of intensity on his face as he prepares himself for his title opportunity tonight against the reigning PWA Champion, his good friend Jaguar.

 

His wife, the PWA Women’s Champion Morgan Day, then walks over and puts a hand on Vulture’s shoulder, which startles him.

 

Morgan: It’s only me.

Vulture: I know, I was just getting in my zone, that’s all. You’ve been gone a while.

Morgan: Yeah, I was just getting the contract signed for next week, my first title defense of the new season.

Vulture: Sounds good. Good luck with that, by the way. I know all the wars you’ve had with Keiko in the past, and believe me, if it’s Lauren that you have to face, it’s not going to be a walk in the park.

Morgan: Oh, I know. But I’m ready for the challenge, whoever it is.

Vulture: Good.

Morgan: And I know you are too. I have great faith in you tonight. After what I saw last week, I take back my concern. Well, a large degree of my concern. I’ll always worry about your safety. But you were a champion out there last week. I was so proud of you. And tonight, you come back to this dressing room with the PWA Championship. I know you will.

Vulture smiles at her and then gives her a hug.

Vulture: You know, I really appreciate that you’ve gotten over your reservations at least enough to support me. You don’t have to agree with my decision, and I respect that. And believe me, I won’t do anything stupid. But it means a lot to me that you’ve been so supportive the past week. So thank you.

Morgan: You don’t have to thank me. I’m your wife. It’s part of the deal.

Vulture smiles at her, but his expression soon changes, as his mind has clearly traveled elsewhere.

Vulture: Are we on camera right now?

Morgan: Probably. The cameras are bloody everywhere.

Vulture: Do you think the audience is going to be bored by the fact that we’re not bickering with each other anymore and are pretty much at peace and on the same page?

Morgan laughs.

Morgan: I guess we’ll have to orchestrate some drama for them.

Moments later, there is a knock at their door. They look at each other with mock-ominous looks on their faces.

Vulture: How clairvoyant of you…

Vulture opens the door and sighs as the eager Duval Twins enter. Chris and Alexis have wide smiles as they walk past Vulture, who covertly looks at Morgan. His wife mouths to him to “be nice,” and Vulture puts on his best fake smile.

Vulture: What’s up, guys?

 

Chris: Not much, V, not much.

Vulture cringes at Duval’s use of his nickname, which is reserved for some of his closest confidantes.

 

Alexis: We were just hanging around backstage and figured we’d drop in.

Chris: We know you have a HUGE World Title match with Jaguar coming up later tonight. And good luck with that tonight, by the way, not that you’re gonna need it. We all know who the man is around here, and my sister and I are VERY much looking forward to watching Vulture climb back to the top of the PWA.

Vulture: Thanks.

Alexis: We were also wondering if you could maybe take a few minutes and give us that critique of our mixed tag team match last week.

Chris: I know this might not be the best time for you, but…

Vulture: It isn’t really, guys. I’m sorry, but I have this title match, and I really need to…

Morgan: Your effort was splendid. You worked very well together, and your moves were crisp. Alexis, I think you might want to make a better use of your aerial assault; I think it could be a real asset to you. And Chris, you have a good deal of power, but that isn’t where you’re going to make your name. You are extremely skilled technically, and I think you should play that up. I apologize for my husband’s lack of critique, but he IS challenging for the world championship in just a little bit. Do you guys maybe want to grab lunch with us before we have to get to the building next week in Philly? Say around 11? We could get some cheesesteaks or something.

Chris: Great! That sounds great.

Alexis: It really does. Thanks so much. And V, best of luck tonight. Bring that belt home!

Vulture: Thanks.

Morgan: Meet me outside, away from these cameras, I’ll get your contact info. Just give me a minute.

Chris: No problem. See you later, V!

Chris and Alexis leave. Morgan turns back to Vulture, who has an exasperated look on his face.

Vulture: Really?! Lunch?!

Morgan: Just be lucky I didn’t invite them out to celebrate with us after you beat Jaguar tonight. You know, it wouldn’t kill you to take some eager young kids under your wing.

Vulture: The last time I did that, I ended up having to come out of retirement to beat that eager young kid at Madison Square Garden.

Morgan: I don’t know. I have a good feeling about them. Just give them a chance.

Vulture: (sigh) Alright. I’ll trust you on this one.

Morgan: Thank you. Now I’ll let you get back. Focus, my love!

Vulture smiles at her and kisses her goodbye. Morgan then exits the room and Vulture resumes preparing for his title bout as we head to commercial.

 

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


Returning from commercial, “Better Think Again” by Submersed lurks onto the speakers at the Prudential Center, and Anthony Failla begins stalking his way to the ring to a rousing round of jeers.

 

Failla is stoic as he methodically makes his way down the aisle, barely addressing the capacity crowd as he does so. Finally, he steps into the ring and awaits the arrival of his partner.

 

Moments later, “Opium of the People” by Slipknot hits, and the boos continue as GI Jew rides his Chopper to ringside. Jew parks the bike outside of the ring and enters, engaging in a staredown with his partner Failla when he does so.

Troy: I don’t think there’s any love lost between these two, Iceman.

Calysto: Oh, I think that’s a safe bet, Vic. These two had their wars, and GI Jew even eliminated Failla from the PWA for some time. They may be partners tonight, but believe me, they couldn’t care less about each other’s well being.

As the staredown breaks, “With You” by Linkin Park hits, and fans explode for the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe, who emerges through a wall of smoke at the base of the stage!

Scythe plays to the crowd, before throwing his arms up and unleashing a burst of pyro. He then continues his march towards the ring, opting to stop right before entering, to wait for his tag team partner.

 

Moments later, “Hear Me” by Darkseed explodes onto the speakers, and the fans continue their outburst for the Alaskan Monster, Solomon! Two high bursts of pyro greet him on the stage, and Solomon continues his march to the ring. When he reaches Scythe, the two acknowledge each other and slide into the ring, immediately engaging their opponents in battle as the bell sounds!

ANTHONY FAILLA & GI JEW VS. SOLOMON & SCYTHE
Referee: Matt Hansen
Scythe goes after Failla, who kicks him as he slides into the ring, while Solomon goes right for his former tag team partner GI Jew. Scythe backs Failla into the ropes and clotheslines him over the top rope and out to the outside, the impact of which carries him to the outside as well!

 

Meanwhile, in the ring, Solomon and Jew go at it, with Solomon firmly in control early. Solomon whips Jew into the corner and charges at him, blasting him with a thunderous clothesline as he returns! Jew staggers forward, as both Failla and Scythe return to their respective corners, and Solomon lifts him up high over his head before heaving him down with a gorilla press slam! Solomon then takes the opportunity to play to the crowd, which is cheering him on, before tagging in Scythe, eliciting another ovation.

Scythe enters as Jew staggers to his feet, and the Modern-Day Samurai immediately greets him with a deep armdrag! As Jew gets himself back up, Scythe nails him with another! Then, as Jew gets up again, Scythe hits him with a dropkick which downs him hard! Scythe then raises his arms, which gets another round of cheers out of the crowd!

Troy: It looks like Scythe and Solomon have things firmly under control right now!

Calysto: It sure seems that way. Jew hasn’t been able to stop their momentum, and he’s going to need to if he wants to survive in this match.

Scythe moves in on Jew, who is on a knee, but as Scythe draws near, Jew grabs him and yanks him down, face-first into the turnbuckle pad. Scythe hits it hard and falls backwards. Using this opening, Jew gets to his feet and begins stomping him viciously. Finally, Scythe is able to get back to a vertical base, but Jew is ready for him, whipping him hard into the ropes and nailing him with a high back body drop as he returns. Jew then takes the opportunity to flip off the booing crowd. Moments later, his partner Failla asks for a tag, and Jew flips him off too. Failla opts not to react.

 

Jew grabs Scythe and lifts him up, nailing him with repeated knife-edge chops when he does so. However, Scythe comes out of nowhere with a hard clothesline, downing Jew again! Scythe then begins moving toward his corner, looking for a tag, and Jew now does the same. Scythe reaches the corner first and tags Solomon in, who stops Jew before he can reach the corner! Solomon grabs Jew and heaves him with a violent overhead belly-to-belly suplex! He covers… one, two, and Jew kicks out.

 

He then lifts him back up and effortlessly drills him with a crushing gutwrench powerbomb! With that, Solomon signals for the Deep Freeze!

Troy: He’s looking for it now! If he lands this move, this match should be history!

Calysto: This match could be over without Failla even being tagged into the bout!

Solomon lifts Jew onto his shoulders, preparing for the move, but Failla rushes in to stop it. However, Scythe also re-enters the ring and charges at Failla, but Failla is able to move out of the way, causing Scythe to collide with his partner at full speed! The collision causes Solomon to lose control of Jew, and fall down, with all of Jew’s weight crushing on top of him.

 

Failla now takes advantage, grabbing Jew and bringing him back to their corner, propping him up against the turnbuckles. He then exits the ring and slaps Jew on the back hard, tagging himself into the bout. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, Scythe exits the ring and reaches out, tagging a dazed Solomon’s shoulder.

 

Scythe charges at Failla, who greets Scythe with a thunderous clothesline that nearly takes his head off. He then waits for the Modern-Day Samurai to get to his feet, and when he does, he charges at him and destroys him with a furious running boot to the jaw! Scythe crumbles in a heap and Failla signals to the crowd that it is time to end the match.

 

However, before Failla gets a chance to do so, he notices Solomon stirring. As the Alaskan Monster gets to his feet, Failla charges at him and clotheslines him over the top rope and to the outside. He then turns his attention back to Scythe, who is slowly getting to his feet. When he does, Failla lifts him up in position and drills him down thunderously with the reverse Death Valley Driver he calls the Weapon of Mass Destruction!

 

Troy: My God! What thunderous impact!

Failla immediately turns Scythe over and covers… one, two, three.

 

Troy: And just like that, this match is history!

Calysto: This is pretty shocking, Vic. For the second straight week, Anthony Failla has decimated a former world champion, and it hasn’t taken him all that much time to do it.

Troy: Well, let’s keep in mind that, this week, Solomon and Scythe were firmly in control of this match until their little miscue, which opened the door for Failla slightly, and he effectively kicked it off its hinges.

The fans boo loudly as “Better Think Again” replays and Failla simply walks out of the ring and begins heading toward the backstage area. GI Jew, now on the outside of the ring, stares ahead at him, before simply walking off on his own.

 

Meanwhile, in the ring, Solomon enters, an annoyed look on his face. He stands over Scythe for a moment, contemplative, before helping him up. The fans cheer their defeated heroes as we head to break.

WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 9:39 – ANTHONY FAILLA & GI JEW

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


As we return, we see Traci Reed standing by with newcomer Matthew Magellan, who is focusing all of his attention on undressing the buxom blonde reporter with his eyes. Traci either doesn’t notice or pretends not to as she attempts to do her job.

Traci: Alright, I’m here with one of the PWA’s brand-new competitors, Matthew Magellan, who will make his in-ring debut here tonight against Dan Crowley. Matthew, do you think you have what it takes to defeat him?

Magellan doesn’t even hear the question, as he continues to stare seductively at Traci, who notices, blushes, and clears her throat.

Traci: Can you answer the question please?

After another long pause, Magellan’s face turns serious, and he turns to the camera.

Magellan: Dan Crowley. Dan Crowley. What a name. What a guy. You know, it’s good that you finally have a name that matches the boredom that you induce every time you step inside the ring. You run and hide from your past as Speed Demon, and you should. Speed Demon was a man that many people predicted great things for; International Champion, even PWA Champion. But Speed Demon was also a man that accomplished none of that. You come in here with a new name, a new look, a new attitude. And that’s all well and good. But I have to stop you when you get to the part where you say that you won’t be anyone’s stepping stone any longer. That is where you are wrong. You WILL be my stepping stone tonight, Dan Crowley. I will defeat you in front of all these people here tonight, and I will start my march to greatness. And you… well, you will be left staring at the lights, wondering what went wrong. They don’t call me the Conquistador for nothing. Whether it’s my prowess with the fairer sex…

Magellan turns to wink at Traci, who again blushes. He then continues speaking.

Magellan: Or my prowess in the ring, I am the Conquistador because whatever I want, I take. And tonight, I come seeking victory, and your pride. And I WILL take them both.

Magellan then walks off, and Traci is left behind, smiling briefly before composing herself.

 

The camera shifts to a different part of the backstage area, where we see Lauren Tantalus walking, heading towards the ring for her match with Keiko Ishida, a look of determination on her face. However, she stops in her place as she passes the dressing room of her brother, Greg Tantalus, and hears loud, repeated banging on the walls. Concerned, she opens the door and enters… only to find Greg repeatedly tossing a tennis ball at the wall, catching it, and repeating. He is wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and is watching South Park on his dressing room television. He also appears less than thrilled to see his sister, choosing to remain focused on the TV.

From the TV: (THWACK) Shut up Mimsyyyyy…

Greg: I can’t decide if this episode is really funny, or really annoying. Anyway, what the hell do you want?

Lauren: What are you doing?!

Greg: I was enjoying myself until you showed up.

Lauren: Listen, I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while now, and you never return my calls.

Greg: You can stop right there. I know everything you’re going to say. Yes, I’m getting divorced. Get over it. There’s nothing you can say or do to help me, just let it go. I don’t want people treating me any differently. If you really want to help me, then just act like everything is normal.

Lauren: It goes beyond that though, Greg. And anyway, what made you think I was coming here to support you in the divorce? You’re the one who cheated. But between that, and your complete lack of desire to compete, I’m worried about you. And really, more immediately, I’m worried about you competing here in the PWA when your head isn’t in it. I’ve worked my ass off to get back here, and I’m STILL worried about the risks. You went out there and got your clock cleaned by Anthony Failla last week, and tonight, you’re here like nothing happened, watching South Park and bouncing a friggin’ ball against the wall. You don’t seem to want a rematch, or have any goals that I’m aware of. If you’re just here collecting a paycheck, you really might want to consider not being here. Because you’re bound to get hurt, and badly.

Greg: Are you done?

Lauren: I suppose I am, yeah.

Greg: Well no disrespect… sis… but mind your friggin’ business. I appreciate the concern, but I didn’t ask for your help, and I don’t need it. I’m in a bad enough mood as it is, and now I just found out we’re in Philadelphia next week. I hate that goddamn cesspool. But good luck out there against Keiko. I know how much getting back to the top means to you, so knock ‘em dead out there. Go split that banana!

Greg Tantalus wildly laughs out loud at his own borderline racist joke, and Lauren disgustedly shakes her head at him.

Lauren: Same old Greg.

She turns and exits the room and continues on her path toward ringside, as Greg’s booming laughter can still be heard from down the hall.


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


As we return from break, “The Stone Monkey” by Kazu Matsui blares over the speakers, and Keiko Ishida begins making her way to the ring to a steady wave of cheers, and several blasts of pyro. She stoically walks down the aisle, before sliding into the ring, clearly ready for combat.

 

As Keiko patiently awaits her opposition, “Free” by VAST thumps onto the speakers, and the fans continue cheering, giving an equally loud ovation to Lauren Tantalus. Lauren’s arrival at the base of the stage prompts the eruption of another blast of pyro, after which Lauren begins slowly jogging to the ring. When she reaches it, she slides in, before throwing her arms into the air, prompting another rush of cheers.

 

Finally, Lauren heads to the center of the ring, and meets Keiko head-on as the bell sounds.

Troy: What a tremendous women’s bout this should be, folks!

Calysto: That’s right, Vic. We’ve got a battle of three-time former Women’s Champions here. And no woman has ever held that belt four times, so we’re guaranteed a chance at history next week, as the winner of this match will challenge Morgan Day for the gold!

KEIKO ISHIDA VS. LAUREN TANTALUS
Referee: Dan Martin
Lauren and Keiko are both hesitant to make the first move, as each of them understands that giving the other an opening could be the beginning of the end for their chances.

 

Finally, the two lock up, and Keiko is the one to establish the immediate advantage, spinning out of the lock-up, and flooring Lauren with a drop toe hold. With Lauren down, Keiko spins over Lauren’s back and locks her in a front facelock. She keeps this hold cinched in as Lauren tries to power her way back to her feet.

 

Ultimately, Lauren does so, and she begins nailing Keiko with repeated elbows to the gut. This gets Keiko to relinquish the hold, after which Lauren sends Keiko running into the opposite ropes. As Keiko bounces back at her, Lauren drops her head and downs Keiko hard with a back body drop! Lauren goes for the immediate cover… one, two, and Keiko kicks out powerfully.

Troy: Lauren obviously realizes the importance of this match, going for the pin as early as she did.

Calysto: Plus, kicking out of a pin attempt expends a bit of energy at the least, so it’s never a bad idea to try.

Keiko gets back to her feet in short order, and Lauren swings a right fist at her, but Keiko is able to block and shove her back. With that opening, Keiko unleashes a hard knife-edge chop on Lauren, followed by another, and then another. Keiko then whips Lauren into the ropes, and nails her with a hard double-arm knife-edge chop as she returns, which downs her!

Ishida takes this opportunity to attack Tantalus with a series of hard stomps, making sure it’s difficult for her to return to her feet. Once she gets even to her knees, Keiko moves right in, grabbing her and whipping her into the corner, which Lauren hits hard chest-first! Lauren falls back in pain, right into the arms of Keiko, who drills her down with a release German suplex! Like a cat, Keiko slides over and goes for the cover… one, two, and Lauren kicks out!

 

Though Lauren was able to escape, Keiko is undaunted. She begins stalking Lauren, hovering over her as she slowly makes her way back to her feet. Then, just as Lauren rises, Keiko charges at her, looking for her impressive and devastating Running STO finisher, the move that carried her to a reign as Women’s Champion that lasted more than a year, but before she can apply the move, Lauren slides down and applies a drop toe-hold, which sends Ishida’s head smacking into the bottom turnbuckle!

The fans cheer this development, and also cheer as Lauren now stalks Keiko, waiting patiently as she gets to her feet. When she does so, Lauren boots her in the stomach and hooks both of her arms, looking for her Tiger Driver finisher! However, after struggling violently, Keiko is able to apply a back body drop, flipping Lauren over onto the mat, and escaping the threat!

 

Now, with Lauren down, Keiko prepares for another attempt at the Running STO! However, this time, just before Keiko makes impact, Lauren ducks and slides out of the way! Keiko is livid, and moves in on Lauren, who boots her with a quick kick to the midsection and hooks her for a DDT! However, Keiko counters this into a northern lights suplex pinning combination! One, two, and Lauren just barely escapes!

Troy: What an exchange!

Calysto: This has been quite the back-and-forth affair!

As both rise to their feet, Keiko whips Lauren hard into the corner, and charges right after her. However, Lauren pulls herself up by the ropes and nails Keiko with a double boot to the jaw as she does so! Keiko turns around, stunned, and Lauren takes that opportunity to climb up to the top rope. However, seeing this as she turns back around, Keiko sprints towards the ropes and leaps directly onto the middle rope, greeting Lauren with a stiff forearm!

Troy: Things are getting pretty risky up there!

Calysto: Vic, this next move could swing the match one final time to a point one of these ladies will not be able to recover from!

Keiko succeeds in stunning Lauren, and looks to superplex her from the top rope, all the way back down into the ring. However, Lauren blocks it, and nails Keiko with a stiff punch to the jaw, dazing her! With the opening, Lauren underhooks both of Keiko’s arms and, as the fans rise to their feet, destroys her with a thunderous Tiger Driver off the top rope and down into the ring! Lauren keeps her tied in a pinning combination as they land… one, two, three!

Troy: And that does it! Lauren Tantalus has just defeated Keiko Ishida in a tremendously hard-fought match, and she is now the number one contender for the Women’s Championship!

Calysto: What a battle, Vic! What a battle!

The fans cheer wildly as a pumped Lauren Tantalus celebrates her impressive victory in the ring, with “Free” replaying loudly over the speakers. Suddenly, Lauren’s eyes become fixed on the entryway, where the PWA Women’s Champion Morgan Day is now standing.

 

Morgan and Lauren stare intently at one another, both knowing what they are in store for in one week’s time. Neither flinches, but the fans continue to cheer their now inevitable confrontation as we head to commercial.

Troy: It’s going to be Morgan Day and Lauren Tantalus, right here next week, for the first time ever!

Calysto: And the Women’s Championship is on the line! It’s going to be a fantastic contest, one I cannot WAIT to see!

WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 9:40 – LAUREN TANTALUS


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


Back from break, “The Final Countdown” by the London Symphony Orchestra plays over the speakers, and the self-proclaimed “Conquistador” Matthew Magellan begins making his way to the ring.

 

Magellan barely seems focused on competing as he slowly makes his way down the aisle, feeling compelled to stop and hit on virtually every attractive female he notices in the first few rows of the Prudential Center audience.

 

Magellan stretches out on the ring ropes as he finally makes his way inside, before “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest hits the speakers, and Dan Crowley emerges from behind the curtain. The fans cheer loudly as Crowley, now backed by a pyrotechnic display, begins making his way down the aisle, pointing at Magellan as he does so.

 

In the ring, Magellan laughs him off, but Crowley’s expression never changes. Crowley enters the ring and stands face-to-face with the brash newcomer, and the referee calls for the bell.

Troy: Alright, this should be interesting!

Calysto: I’d say so, Vic. Magellan is looking to make a name for himself, and Crowley is out to prove that he won’t be anyone’s stepping stone anymore. It should be quite intriguing to see how this plays out. But I’ve gotta go with Crowley, for the simple reason that I’ve never seen this Magellan work, and he doesn’t seem to be taking this situation very seriously.

Troy: Well, we’re about to find out!

DAN CROWLEY VS. MATTHEW MAGELLAN
Referee: Jose Soares
The bell sounds to kick things off, and Magellan catches Crowley off-guard, immediately rushing in and downing him with a hard clothesline! Magellan then pounds Crowley with furious stomps to the chest and midsection, prompting a large wave of jeers from the capacity crowd. Magellan smiles and shows off at the reaction briefly, before turning his attention back to the prone Crowley, who is now rising.

 

Magellan grabs Crowley and throws him into the ropes, nailing him with a hard back body drop as he returns. With Crowley down, Magellan uses the opportunity to go to the top rope. Once Crowley gets to his feet, he is greeted with a ferocious missile dropkick from the top! Magellan covers… one, two, and Crowley kicks out.

 

Undaunted, Magellan lifts Crowley off the mat and grabs him by the neck, turning around so that they are back to back, but Magellan has Crowley’s neck clutched. From there, he drills him down hard with a neckbreaker!

Calysto: Shades of Rick Rude right there! And I think he might have him!

Troy: Whether this is the end of the match or not, Magellan has been quite impressive tonight.

Calysto: I agree.

Magellan wastes no time in going for a cover… one, two, and Crowley manages to escape!

 

Signs of frustration are now starting to show on the face of the self-proclaimed Conquistador. Crowley slowly gets back to his feet, and when he does, Magellan whips him into the ropes and looks to nail him with a clothesline as he returns. However, Crowley ducks under, bounces off the opposite ropes, and floors Magellan with a jumping knee to the face!

 

The fans now cheer as Crowley takes control of the bout, nailing him with a combination of punches, before downing him with a hard roundhouse kick! With Magellan down, Crowley goes to the ring apron, before launching himself over the top rope and back into the ring with a springboard legdrop! Crowley covers… one, two, and Magellan kicks out.

 

Crowley now moves in on Magellan, lifting him up and tossing him against the ropes. As Magellan returns, Crowley tosses him up and catches him in position for a Samoan driver, downing him hard! Crowley immediately covers… one, two, and Magellan escapes!

Troy: Magellan is proving to be very difficult to put away here, Iceman.

Calysto: He is, but Dan Crowley has been QUITE impressive this last exchange.

 

With Magellan prone, Crowley moves to his feet and locks him in a Texas cloverleaf submission hold! Crowley wrenches back on the hold tightly, looking to make Magellan submit and end this bout. However, Magellan is able to crawl himself over to the ropes and grab them, prompting the referee to break the hold.

 

Crowley relinquishes the hold as Magellan slowly pulls himself back up to a vertical base. Crowley then goes to grab Magellan, but the Conquistador boots him in the stomach and drills him with an impressive swinging snap DDT that sends Crowley’s head crashing into the mat hard!

 

Rather than go for a cover, Magellan smirks and taunts the crowd, before moving Crowley away from the ropes. He then climbs up to the top rope and taunts again, before leaping off with an impressive flying elbow smash! However, at the last second, Crowley moves out of the way, and Magellan crashes down to the mat with authority!

 

The fans now again cheering, Crowley pops up as Magellan also rises, and when he does so, Crowley hits him with a knee to the face, followed by a hard suplex. He then floats over and lifts Magellan into suplex position again, before running his thumb across his throat and tossing him over his shoulder, before flipping him over so that Magellan’s chest is pointed towards the rafters.  Then, with one fell swoop, Crowley drops down to a seated position, drilling the Conquistador’s head hard into the canvas!

Calysto: He calls that move the Brutal Legend, Vic, and man, that was brutal!

Troy: It looks to be a variation of his old Demonizer finisher, and I guess you could say it was the most brutal Demonizer we’ve ever seen!

Calysto: And more importantly, I think this match is history!

Crowley turns Magellan over… one, two, three!

The bell sounds and the fans cheer loudly as “Judas Rising” replays over the speakers. Dan Crowley celebrates the win, but is reserved in his celebration, unsatisfied with just the one win as he has his hand raised in victory.

Troy: Well, I think more than anything here, Dan Crowley has made a statement that he will be NOBODY’S stepping stone this season here in the PWA.

 

Calysto: Absolutely, Vic, but let’s not also overlook Matthew Magellan’s performance here tonight. He may not have come away with the win, but he definitely opened some eyes.

 

Troy: Definitely some eye-opening performances by both participants tonight, but it is Dan Crowley who emerges victorious! Will Crowley accomplish his goal of becoming PWA Champion someday soon? Time will tell, but he’s off to a good start!
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 8:48 – DAN CROWLEY

The camera quickly shifts backstage, where backstage reporter Scott Cornelius is standing by with the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Jaguar, and his opponent tonight, Vulture. Champion and challenger are smirking at each other, but there is an obvious air of seriousness and determination underneath the exterior.

Cornelius: Gentlemen, in mere moments, you two will square off with the PWA Championship on the line, the first title defense of this new season. Jaguar, Vulture, you two have been friends, you’ve been enemies, you’ve teamed up together, and you’ve battled in that ring many, many times. What makes tonight different? What are your emotions going into this title bout?

Jaguar (to Vulture): You mind if I start?

Vulture: Take it away, champ.

Jaguar: Corny, the simple fact of the matter is that Vulture and myself, we know each other about as well as two dudes CAN know each other in that ring. You’re absolutely right. We’ve done this dance a thousand times, and we’ve teamed up so effectively that we’ve never lost a single match as a unit. But we’re not a unit tonight. No, tonight, we go out there, maybe for the last time, and tear the house down like only we can, and we do it for the richest prize this company has to offer.

Vulture: I couldn’t have said it any better myself, Jag. Except I do have to take issue with one thing.

Jaguar: What’s that?

Vulture: You said this might be for the last time. I think it’s pretty clear it WON’T be the last time. After all, you ARE going to need to exercise your rematch clause after I become a three-time PWA World Heavyweight Champion out there in a few minutes.

Jaguar: Oh, it’s like that?

Vulture: It’s like that.

The staredown between the two gets a bit less friendly, until they are met with an unexpected interruption. Anthony Failla walks into view and stands right in front of both of them. Jaguar and Vulture are each perplexed by his appearance, but say nothing, waiting for him to speak.

Failla: You two idiots can have your little back and forth banter all you want, but frankly I’m sick of hearing it. I’m here with a message. Whichever one of you leaves here tonight with the PWA Championship, you’d better be looking over your shoulder. Because Anthony Failla will be coming for you.

Jaguar and Vulture look at each other seriously, before bursting out into laughter.

Vulture: Seriously Failla, are you really trying to intimidate us?

Jaguar: Oh man, V, this is classic. The biggest underachiever in the history of the business is out here making threats to us, two of the most prolific PWA Champions of all time.

Vulture: I guess you never know where your next laugh is going to come from. Seriously, Anthony, thanks for the laugh. We really appreciate you lightening the mood.

Failla: Make jokes. Don’t take me seriously. It would be typical for the two of you. I’ve known you two for almost my entire life, and you’ve always thought you were better than me. Well, you’re not.

Vulture: Seriously, shut up! No one cares! We, as in Jaguar and myself, are about to tear the house down for the PWA Championship. You… are not. So just go home. Now gentlemen, if you excuse me, I have a championship to win.

Vulture exits, headed for the ring. Jaguar smirks.

Jaguar: Like hell, you do.

Jaguar also exits, leaving Failla alone with Cornelius. Failla looks at the reporter intimidatingly, before turning away and muttering to himself.

Failla: Big mistake.

Failla then walks off into the backstage area.

Troy: It’s Jaguar and Vulture for the PWA Championship, and it’s next!

Calysto: I can’t wait!


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


Back from commercial, the camera is focused on ring announcer Lee Palmer in the center of the ring.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for our main event!

As the fans cheer, “Falling From The Sky” by VAST explodes onto the speakers, and the fans begin cheering even louder. Moments later, Vulture emerges from behind the curtain out onto the stage, eliciting another thunderous wave of cheers from the capacity crowd at the Prudential Center by tossing his arms into the air, bringing on a huge burst of fiery pyro.

 

The two-time former PWA Champion looks focused and determined as he slowly makes his way to the ring, barely stopping to acknowledge his fan base in the crowd.

 

Calysto: Look at the concentration on the face of the challenger, Troy. I think he understands that this could easily be the last opportunity he ever receives to win the gold for a third time, so he needs to make it count.

Vulture steps into the ring and perches himself on the top rope, as V-shaped pyro blasts from the ringposts. The challenger now plays to the crowd momentarily, before re-focusing himself and retreating to his corner.

 

Moments later, “My Avenue” by Lil Boosie thumps onto the speakers, and the Prudential Center comes unglued for the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Jaguar!

Troy: And here comes the champion!

Calysto: And let me tell you, Vic – this man has no thoughts of losing his title tonight. We should have quite the battle on our hands!

At the base of the stage, Jaguar elicits his own burst of fiery pyro, and points at Vulture in the ring as he begins walking down the aisle. Vulture smirks back at him as he bounces around and stretches out in the squared circle. Meanwhile, Jaguar continues his march toward the ring, before entering and heading to his corner. The champion hands the belt to referee Tom Stevens, and the bell sounds again as Lee Palmer prepares to speak.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship!

 

Introducing first, the challenger, from Manhattan, New York, weighing in at 242 pounds, VULLLLLLLLLTURRRRRRRRRRE!

Vulture nods in acknowledgement to his fans, who cheer loudly.

Palmer: And his opponent, from Jacksonville, Florida, weighing in at 262 pounds, this… is the PWA World Heavyweight Champion. This…is… JAGGGGGGGGGUAAAAAAAAAR!

 

The fans continue cheering wildly as referee Stevens holds the belt high and this championship match gets underway!

 

PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:
JAGUAR (champion) VS. VULTURE (challenger)
Referee: Tom Stevens

As the bell sounds, the two friends slowly walk to the center of the ring, standing face to face. There are no smiles in the ring at the moment, as both men are completely focused on exiting this match with the PWA Championship. The two begin jawing back and forth, before finally locking up in the center of the ring to a loud ovation!

Troy: Here we go!

Calysto: This is going to be a treat!

Jaguar succeeds in the first lock-up, tying Vulture in a side headlock and cinching it in tightly. However, Vulture powers out of it, instead drilling Jaguar to the mat with a hard side suplex! Vulture goes for an immediate cover… one, and Jaguar kicks right out.

 

Jaguar pops right back up, but Vulture is there to greet him with stinging knife-edge chops! However, Jaguar counters right back, tattooing Vulture with knife-edge chops of his own! The two go back and forth with the chops repeatedly, until Vulture gains the advantage, nailing Jaguar with five consecutive chops, sufficiently staggering him. Then, Vulture grabs the champion and whips him into the turnbuckles, before charging in and bashing him with a hard clothesline! Jaguar staggers forward, and Vulture drills him down with a T-bone suplex! He again covers immediately… one, two, and Jaguar kicks out!

Calysto: Vulture has been extremely aggressive in the early-going here, Vic. It’s a great strategy with Jaguar, because you just can’t let the guy develop any momentum.

Vulture now lifts Jaguar to his feet and whips him against the ropes, looking for a clothesline, but Jaguar ducks under it, bounces off the opposite ropes, and drills Vulture down with a huge flying shoulder tackle! The fans cheer loudly, and as Vulture rises, Jaguar downs him again with a deep armdrag!

 

The challenger backpedals himself to the corner and pulls himself up slowly. Back in the center of the ring, the two lock up again, and this time Jaguar sends Vulture into the ropes. Jaguar looks for a back body drop as Vulture returns, but the challenger attempts his running knee to the face! However, Jaguar sidesteps it at the last second! Vulture stops short, only to turn around and charge the champion, who is also charging right at him! Both men attempt clotheslines, and both men connect, sending them both crashing down onto the mat in a heap!

Troy: Champion and challenger are down!

 

Calysto: I’ll tell you what, Vic; the man who gets to his feet first here is going to have a HUGE advantage, in my opinion!

 

Both men begin slowly staggering to their feet, each man looking for the one burst of offense that could give him a firm advantage. Once they both reach a vertical base, at largely the same exact time, Jaguar fires a hard right hand at Vulture, but the challenger is able to block it and nail the champion in the jaw with a right hand of his own! With Jaguar staggered, Vulture hits him with another stiff right, staggering him further!

 

Vulture then takes the opportunity to move in and send Jaguar against the ropes, looking to drill him with the Chill Factor spinebuster, but, on the rebound, Jaguar is able to counter it with a kneelift! Vulture is dazed, and Jaguar moves in, downing Vulture with a savate kick!

Troy: Vulture is down! Jaguar has an opportunity right here!

Calysto: He sure does, Vic! I know from experience, neither of these men really give their opponents more than a handful of small openings in the course of a match, but this could be one of them. Jaguar needs to capitalize if he wishes to retain his title!

With Vulture down, Jaguar takes the opportunity to stomp Vulture several times, before lifting him back to a vertical base. With that, Jaguar lifts his challenger up, and destroys him with the Mexican stretch buster he calls Version 1.0! Jaguar wastes no time in covering… one, two, and Vulture gets a shoulder up!

Troy: What a nearfall right there! I thought Jaguar had him!

Calysto: Especially because of the way that particular move can compress your spine! But Vulture is still in this thing!

 

Undaunted, Jaguar pulls Vulture closer to the corner, and signals to the top rope, eliciting a wave of cheers! The champion climbs up to the top rope and leaps forward with the Suga Splash, Jaguar’s modified frog splash! However, just before impact, Vulture moves out of the way, causing Jaguar to collide hard with the mat, chest-first!

 

Jaguar staggers up to a knee, but Vulture is right there to tie Jaguar into an Oklahoma roll pinning combination! The referee counts… one, two, thr-no! Jaguar kicks out! Jaguar gets to his feet, only for Vulture to now apply an inside cradle into a pinning position! One, two, and Jaguar kicks out again! When they both rise again, Vulture ties Jaguar into a small package, looking for the victory again! One, two, and Jaguar reverses the momentum, putting Vulture in a pinning predicament! One, two, and Vulture escapes!

Troy: What an exchange!

Calysto: These two men want to be champion so badly, Vic! It is so evident!

As both men reach their feet again, Jaguar lunges forward, nearly taking Vulture’s head off with a violent clothesline! Vulture goes down hard, and Jaguar takes more time trying to clear the cobwebs and get himself re-focused. Jaguar now gets back to his feet and moves in on Vulture, but the challenger grabs hold of Jaguar’s singlet and yanks him forward, sending him face-first into the turnbuckle! The champion staggers backward, and Vulture reaches up, tumbling Jaguar over into a sit-out powerbomb impact position for yet another pin attempt! One, two, and Jaguar scissors his legs together, both smacking against Vulture’s head to force the pin attempt to be broken!

 

Vulture is slow to his feet, and Jaguar is waiting for him to rise. He charges in on him, but Vulture sees him coming, countering with a violent Chill Factor spinebuster! The challenger nails the move with unprecedented impact, and immediately rolls into a pin attempt! One, two, thr-NO! The champion is still alive!

Troy: Unbelievable! Jaguar has kicked out of the Chill Factor, and this championship bout will continue on!

Calysto: I’m beginning to think that we’re going to need to see either the Carrjack or the Crimson Sunset for this match to end, and even then, I’m not sure that either of these guys will allow themselves to be pinned!

Undaunted, Vulture drags Jaguar to the center of the ring, signals to the crowd, lifts Jaguar’s legs, and ties him into the Sharpshooter!

 

Calysto: Or we could see a submission! Vulture has that Sharpshooter applied right in the center of the ring, and if Jaguar doesn’t get to those ropes quickly, we might be about to crown a new champion!

Vulture cinches in the hold tightly, reaching back for everything he has to try to prompt the champion to tap out. The anguish on Jaguar’s face is beyond evident, as the champion does everything in his power to inch closer and closer to the ropes. As tightly as Vulture has the hold applied, Jaguar refuses to die. Beads of sweat pour down the face of the champion as he begins crawling towards the ropes, carrying both his and Vulture’s weight to so. However, just before he reaches the ropes, Vulture slightly releases the hold, only to drag Jaguar back to the center of the ring and re-apply it!

Troy: My God! Jaguar is back in the middle of the ring with nowhere to go!

Calysto: Vic, I think this match is about to be history! How much longer can Jaguar hang on?!

Vulture has the hold tightly re-applied in the center of the ring, but it is not as tightly locked in as it had been earlier. This gives Jaguar an opening to use his arms to push himself up to gain some leverage, and then use his legs to kick Vulture off, breaking the hold!

 

The fans cheer wildly, and Vulture stews in frustration on the mat. Jaguar, meanwhile, tries to recover from the pain he just endured. Sensing an opportunity, Vulture moves in on the champion, but as soon as he gets close, Jaguar uses his legs to scissor the legs of the challenger, which drops Vulture to the mat and allows Jaguar to apply the STF!

Troy: STF! STF! Now Jaguar is the one who has Vulture in a precarious position!

Calysto: That’s right, Vic! The shoe is on the other foot now, and Jaguar has an opportunity to make Vulture tap out and end this thing!

Jaguar cinches the hold in tightly, and Vulture immediately realizes the trouble he could be in. He begins frantically dragging himself toward the ropes, and before long, he reaches the bottom rope, forcing the hold to be broken!

The referee separates the two, but Jaguar is waiting. As soon as Vulture gets to his feet, Jaguar drills him down hard with his Carrjack finishing maneuver, dropping the spinal-fused challenger on his head! However, due to sheer exhaustion, Jaguar drops to the mat as well!

Troy: Jaguar has got Vulture down, but he can’t capitalize!

Calysto: He does, Vic, and I’m not sure Vulture is going to be able to get up after that Carrjack! We’re going to see just how healthy Vulture is now, if Jaguar is even able to make a cover here!

After numerous precious seconds have ticked by, Jaguar finally crawls over to Vulture and rests an arm on his chest. One, two, thre-NO! Vulture just barely gets a shoulder up to prolong the match!

Troy: My God, I don’t believe it! Vulture is still alive!

Calysto: And that is solely because Jaguar wasn’t able to go for an immediate cover, Vic! If Jaguar gets a cover on Vulture immediately after impact, this match is toast!

Jaguar is very slow to his feet, but when he does rise, he slowly lifts Vulture up to the mat. However, Vulture turns Jaguar around and shoves him chest-first into the turnbuckle! With Jaguar staggered, Vulture grabs him and perches him on the top rope facing outward, before drilling him with the Spider Suplex, sending the champion tumbling back into the ring, while his own legs remain interlocked around the turnbuckle! Vulture then pulls himself up by his legs and perches himself on the top rope, before seemingly diving forth with the Fallen Angel frog splash, connecting with furious impact! Vulture collapses onto Jaguar for the cover! One, two, thre-NO! Jaguar just barely lifts a shoulder up!

Troy: I don’t believe this! Jaguar just kicked out of the Fallen Angel!

Calysto: Unbelievable! I’m not sure what has to be done to put this match away now!

There is clear frustration on Vulture’s face as he gets back to his feet, but he remains focused. He lifts Jaguar off the mat slowly, before underhooking his head, bending him backwards, and running his thumb across his throat, signaling for his Crimson Sunset reverse brainbuster finisher! However, just before Vulture lifts Jaguar to attempt the move, Anthony Failla rushes down the aisle, into the ring, and nearly takes Vulture’s head off with a vicious running boot to the face! As Vulture hits the mat in a heap, the referee has no choice but to call for the bell.

 

Troy: What the hell is this?!

Calysto: Oh come on! This is an absolute injustice, Vic! Not after all that Vulture and Jaguar gave these fans tonight!

Amid a chorus of raucous jeers, Failla lifts up Jaguar and vanquishes him with his reverse Death Valley Driver that he calls the Weapon of Mass Destruction. Jaguar is motionless on the mat, as is Vulture. Failla then exits the ring, and rips the PWA Championship belt away from the timekeeper before heading back into the ring. Vulture is beginning to stir, and Failla measures him for a shot to the skull with that belt, but Morgan Day rushes out to the ring, and stands in between them!

 

Morgan dares Failla to hit her with the belt, and Failla simply grabs her and shoves her down to the mat! This gives Vulture an opening to spear Failla down and begin pounding on him with lefts and rights! However, Failla is fresh and Vulture is not, making it easy for Failla to reverse the momentum and power him off. Failla then gets to his feet, and destroys Vulture with a violent clothesline!

 

This gives Chris and Alexis Duval an opportunity to rush the ring, but Failla sees them coming and cracks Chris in the face with the title belt as soon as he enters the ring! Alexis now stands face to face with Failla, and a look of fear overtakes her face. She tries to turn back, but Failla grabs her by the hair and launches her out of the ring!

 

Morgan is now up again, standing over Vulture, who is trying hard to get to his feet. Failla picks up the title belt, and Morgan screams at him to get away from them. Meanwhile, in the corner of his eye, Failla sees Jaguar slowly making his way to his feet. As soon as Jaguar reaches a vertical base, Failla changes course, charging at the champion and tattooing him in the face with the title belt, the impact of which sends Jaguar tumbling over the top rope and outside the ring!

 

Troy: This is an absolute outrage! Anthony Failla has completely decimated our world championship bout, along with both participants!

Calysto: Well, you can’t accuse him of not making a statement!
WINNER AT 23:15 – NO CONTEST; STILL PWA CHAMPION – JAGUAR


Failla looks at Vulture and Morgan again, but decides against going after them further. Instead, he exits the ring to grab a microphone before returning to it.

 

Failla: A lot of you are probably wondering why exactly I did this. I’ll tell you why. It’s because I CAN. And because I am much more deserving of being the PWA Champion than either of these two jokers, and with all the back and forth, it became clear to me that no matter who won, we were going to be subjected to a rematch. And if Vulture won, then forget it. Rematch clauses are already built in. So I took matters into my own hands, and proved to everyone, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am clearly better than both Jaguar AND Vulture.

 

Suddenly, “Reason to Hate Me” by Krayzie Bone thumps onto the speakers, and Justin Schenck appears at the top of the ramp.

Schenck: Listen Failla, I really can’t have you out here ruining my main events. But, by the same token, I appreciate that you’re trying to make a statement, so much so that I held security back from breaking up your display. And I was impressed, just like I was impressed earlier tonight when you scored the pin in your tag team match. Believe me, that didn’t go unnoticed. So I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. Next week, live in my backyard of Philadelphia, we’re going to have a match. It’s going to be Anthony Failla versus Vulture! And that’s not all. The winner of that match will be named the number one contender, and two weeks from tonight, that man will challenge Jaguar for the PWA Championship… inside a 15-foot-high steel cage!

 

Troy: My God! What an announcement!

Calysto: Well, it’s gonna be put up or shut up time for Anthony Failla next week, and I can’t wait to see what happens!

Failla smiles and nods in approval back at Schenck as “Reason to Hate Me” replays over the speakers. The camera shows us Jaguar on the outside of the ring, struggling to get back to his feet. Then, the shot cuts inside the ring to a rising Vulture, next to a clearly worried Morgan Day as the cameras fade to black.

-- END SHOW --