PWA: The Rebirth

EPISODE 1.3 – TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2010

WACHOVIA CENTER

PHILADELPHIA, PA

 


A video package airs over the Jumbotron, highlighting events that took place on last week’s episode of PWA: The Rebirth. The video focuses on the World Championship bout between Jaguar and Vulture, which ended in a no-contest after Anthony Failla interjected himself into the action and prevented a conclusive winner from being declared. This also led to creative director Justin Schenck announcing that, on tonight’s episode, Failla will face Vulture in a match to determine the number one contender to the title, with the winner moving on to challenge Jaguar for the gold inside a steel cage one week from tonight.

 

As the video concludes, “Live Again” by Ours blares over the speakers and the opening credits for PWA: The Rebirth hit. At their conclusion, we are sent inside the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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: Hello everyone, and welcome to PWA: The Rebirth! I am Victor Troy, along here with my broadcast partner, PWA Hall of Famer The Iceman Jason Calysto, and we are set for a tremendous night of action here in the City of Brotherly Love!

Calysto: That’s right, Vic! We have a tremendous show on tap tonight, including what should be a real battle between Vulture and Anthony Failla, with a shot at Jaguar’s PWA Championship next week inside a 15-foot-high steel cage on the line!

Troy: Not to mention a Women’s Championship match between champion Morgan Day and challenger Lauren Tantalus that has never happened before! We’re gonna make history tonight in the women’s division!

Calysto: I really can’t wait to see both of those matches, not to mention the non-title match between International Champion Michael Grieco and former champ Showtime Damon Savage, which is sure to be…

Suddenly, Calysto is cut off by the sounds of “Reason to Hate Me” by Krayzie Bone hitting the speakers, and the fans giving a decidedly mixed reaction to creative director Justin Schenck as he makes his way out onto the stage. However, the number of cheers grows rapidly when it becomes clear that Schenck is wearing a Philadelphia Phillies jersey. Schenck grabs a microphone and enters the ring.

Schenck: Good evening, Philadelphia! (fans cheer) I’ve gotta say, it feels GREAT to be back home tonight! (fans cheer loudly) It really is a treat getting to come back here tonight in front of my hometown crowd, and to come back as the guy running the show here in the PWA! Ever since the moment I set foot in the PWA, I knew I could run this show better than anyone else, and now, FINALLY, I have the opportunity to prove that. I proved it the last two weeks, I’m gonna keep on proving it every single week for the rest of this season, and I’m DAMN sure gonna prove it here tonight!

The fans are now decidedly behind Schenck, cheering on his every word.

Schenck: I see we have some celebrity guests here tonight as well!  Looks like my man Jimmy Rollins is out here in the first row! Welcome to the PWA, J-Roll!

The injured Phillies shortstop stands up and waves to the cheering crowd.

Schenck: This is awesome. Really, I just wanted to say that I’m stoked to be here tonight, and I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that each and every one of you guys leaves here with a smile, and leaves feeling like your money was well spent. Because in Philly, we like to get bang for our buck, and tonight, you’re going to get matches like Vulture against Anthony Failla, with the winner being named number one contender to the PWA Championship, and will challenge Jaguar for the gold inside a steel cage one week from tonight! You will get Morgan Day defending the Women’s Championship against Lauren Tantalus in their first-ever meeting! You will get hometown boys Renegade and Paul Dawkins challenging Synergy for the PWA Tag Team Championship! And you will get a non-title rematch between International Champion Michael Grieco and the man he won the belt from, Showtime Damon Savage! I’m excited for this show, you know that YOU’RE excited too, and I say we…

Schenck is then cut off by the strains of “My Avenue” by Lil Boosie, and the crowd goes wild for the PWA World Heavyweight Champion!

Troy: It’s Jaguar! Jaguar is coming out!

Calysto: I wonder what the champ wants!

Jaguar is all smiles as he makes his way to the ring, and Schenck looks more than a little annoyed by the interruption. The champion grabs a microphone and enters the ring, standing right next to the creative director.

Jaguar: Now Justin, my man, I can’t have you coming out here and soaking up all the Philly love for yourself. It ain’t goin’ down that way. All these people know that there are three cities I hold near and dear to my heart, and this is one of them. (thunderous cheers erupt) And I’ve gotta say, to each and every one of you folks out there, the champ feels great to be back in Philly! I went to Temple University here, won my first CAW Championship here, won my third PWA title here... lots of great memories.

Schenck: Is that why you came out here, Jaguar? To wax poetic about special moments you shared with this city years and years ago? Because if so, no one gives a damn, so you might as well pick yourself up and get the hell out of here.

Jaguar: First of all, you’d better watch how you talk to me or you’re gonna get popped in the mouth, regardless of what your title is in this company now. But to answer your question, no, that’s not why I’m out here. I’m out here tonight to make some new memories. Tonight, right here in Philly, I want…

Before the champion can even get the words out, “Footprints” by G-Unit hits and the fans cheer loudly as Showtime Damon Savage makes his way to the ring!

Troy: Showtime?! What does he want?

Calysto: I dunno, Vic, but it’s one interruption after the next tonight! No one can complete a thought!

Showtime grabs a microphone and joins Schenck and Jaguar in the ring.

Showtime: You know, Jag, I was just standing in the back listening to you talk about Philly memories, old and new, and I was thinking to myself, maybe tonight WOULD be a great night for a new memory. Last week, I said Showtime will be the PWA Champion before this season is over, and I think it’s time we find out just how close Showtime is. Maybe tonight would be a great night for Jaguar and Showtime to get it on, first time ever!

The fans cheer loudly at this challenge, and Schenck interjects.

Schenck: Well Showtime, it’s real nice of you to come out and make a challenge to the world champion, but in case you forgot, you’re booked tonight in a match with the INTERNATIONAL Champion Michael Grieco in a non-title bout. So, I hate to be a stickler, but…

Jaguar: Nah, you know what, Justin? This is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about. I came here tonight looking for something memorable, and I wasn’t quite sure what that was gonna be. But now, I’m thinking, Showtime, if you wanna bring it, let’s tear the roof off this damn building tonight!

Schenck: You people want it?!

The Wachovia Center erupts with cheers.

Schenck: Then fine. I’ll be damned if I’m gonna disappoint a Philly crowd. We’re calling an audible! Jaguar and Showtime, one-on-one, non-title, right here tonight!

The fans continue their loud cheering, but before anything else can happen, “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest hits, and the audience now keeps the noise coming for Dan Crowley! Crowley grabs a microphone and enters the ring.

Calysto: We’re gonna run out of mics at this rate!

The fans are solidly behind him, but Crowley is clearly annoyed as he begins speaking.

Crowley: So, let me get this straight. Showtime is getting a match with the world champion, just because he asked nicely on live television? If I knew getting the champ in the ring was as easy as interrupting his promo, I would have done that a long time ago. Showtime said he would be world champion before this season is out. Well, I didn’t put a timetable on it two weeks ago, but I also said that someday soon, I was going to be the champ, and I wasn’t going to rest until it happened. Do I need to put a timetable on mine, like he did? Fine. I’m going to be the champ before this season is out, too. So now let me have MY opportunity to show I can hang with the champ.

With that, “Da Repercussions” by 50 Cent hits and the International Champion Michael Grieco makes his way to the ring, dressed to compete, but without Dee Licious by his side. Grieco grabs a microphone enters the ring.

Grieco: This is just getting ridiculous now!

Calysto: I’ll say! How many interruptions are we gonna have here?!

Troy: I don’t think that’s what Grieco is referring to.

Grieco: What the hell is the point of having a match signed around here if the terms aren’t going to be honored? I signed a contract last week to wrestle Showtime in a non-title bout tonight, and now we’re just going to brush that away because suddenly we have to see Showtime against Jaguar? News flash: no one wants to see either of these guys compete! Look at what we have in this ring here. We have Jaguar, the most overrated champion of all time. We have Showtime, the most overrated PWA superstar of all time. Take a hint from me, Savage. This isn’t the Showtime Show. No one cares. And then we have Dan Crowley. Who the hell is Dan Crowley? Whoever he is, I’m damn sure he doesn’t belong in this ring.

Crowley: Oh is that so, Grieco? Since you don’t have anything to do tonight anymore, why don’t you meet me in the ring later on, and I’ll show you exactly who I am!

Grieco: That’s very nice of you, but I came here to have my match with Showtime, and I am not leaving here until I get it.

Schenck: Hold it right there. I just got an idea. Grieco, you’re right. You DID have a match set up with Showtime for tonight. However, things are always subject to change around here. Showtime, Crowley, you guys both made bold declarations that you would, sometime soon, break through the proverbial glass ceiling and become world champion. Well, tonight is your night to prove it. But to do it, you’re going to have to work together. Because later tonight, we’re going to have ourselves a tag team bout. It is going to be the team of Showtime Damon Savage and Dan Crowley taking on the unit of the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Jaguar and the PWA International Champion Michael Grieco!

With that, the fans begin cheering, and Schenck exits the ring. All four men remaining in the ring look at each other hesitantly, with none of them appearing to be especially happy with the news.

Troy: What a tag team match on tap for later tonight!

Calysto: It is! I’m not sure this is exactly what any of them had in mind, but it’s what we’re getting, right here in Philly!

Troy: But first, we’re going to take a commercial break! When we come back, newcomer Evan Black is in action! Stay with us!


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

We are serenaded by the sounds of “All or Nothin” by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers as we return from break, and Kris Anthony is standing in the ring, stretching out on the ropes.

 

Moments later, “Hero” by Nas featuring Keri Hilson hits, and the Philly crowd begins cheering for the exciting newcomer Evan Black, who charges to the ring with a purpose. Black takes his place across the ring from Anthony and the bell sounds.

 

EVAN BLACK VS. KRIS ANTHONY
Referee: Matt Hansen
Black charges at Anthony as soon as the match begins, immediately downing him with a hard flying clothesline! Anthony immediately gets himself back to a vertical base, but Black downs him with a hiptoss! Then, when Anthony rises again, Black drills him with a dropkick!

Troy: Evan Black is on fire right here!

Calysto: He sure has the momentum right now!

Anthony staggers up to his feet, but Black whips him against the ropes, and nails him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker as he returns! Black covers… one, two, and Anthony kicks out.

 

Anthony is slow to his feet, and Black takes that opportunity to head up the top rope! However, when Black leaps off with a missile dropkick, Anthony is able to move out of the way, sending Black crashing to the mat!

 

Anthony grabs Black by the hair and lifts him up, before drilling him down with a hard backbreaker. He then climbs up to the second rope and jumps off, looking for an elbow drop, but instead eats a boot to the jaw! The fans cheer as Anthony drops down to the canvas, and Evan Black springs up to his feet!

 

Black whips Anthony into the corner and then charges at him, springboarding himself off the middle rope, resulting in a dropkick that connects with Anthony’s jaw! Then, Black perches Anthony on the top rope and takes him down hard with a furious hurricanrana! Black covers… one, two, and Anthony kicks out!

Troy: So close!

Calysto: It was, but now I think he’s going for Black’s Law!

Indeed, Black climbs to the top rope, looking for the diving corkscrew body splash he calls Black’s Law. However, just before he leaps off, Anthony begins reaching his feet. So, instead, Black jumps off and drills Anthony down with a missile dropkick! Then, he applies the anaconda vise submission hold, cinching it in tightly, as the fans begin to cheer louder!

Troy: I’ve heard about this, Iceman! Black has apparently mastered this anaconda vise submission maneuver, and it’s an equally dangerous part of his arsenal, alongside Black’s Law!

Calysto: Yes, and I believe he calls this the Blackout, and that could be exactly what’s about to happen to Kris Anthony right now!

Black squeezes back even harder with the hold, trying desperately to force Anthony to tap out… and at long last he does! The Philadelphia crowd cheers loudly as the bell sounds and Evan Black is announced the winner by submission!

Troy: What an impressive win for young Evan Black!

Calysto: It sure was, Vic! It’s still early, but the kid is starting to turn some heads. A few more wins like this, and he could enter the International title picture as a dark horse candidate. Stranger things have happened.

 

Troy: Stranger things have happened, indeed! Folks, we’ll be right back!
WINNER VIA SUBMISSION AT 5:09 – EVAN BLACK

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from commercial, we see Showtime Damon Savage and Dan Crowley hanging out in the locker room. The two seem wary of one another.

Showtime: So what’s the strategy here tonight, Crowley? You’re the tag team specialist.

Crowley: I WAS the tag team specialist. The days of the Lost Souls are long gone, believe me. But we did our fair share of tangling with the Hot Boy$ back in the day, so I am pretty familiar with what Jaguar has to offer.

Showtime: You never beat him though, did you?

Crowley: Like you have?

Showtime: Never had the chance. Sure know I can beat Grieco, though.

Crowley: That wasn’t what happened two weeks ago. Really, all you’ve done this season so far is lose the International title, and then declare that you’re going to be world champion.

Showtime: And all you’ve done is say the same thing and beat a guy no one has ever heard of.

There is now a long, uncomfortable pause.

Crowley: Looks like we’ve both got a lot to prove tonight.

Showtime: Finally, we agree on something! You’re right, though. We can both be confident in our abilities, and confident in what we feel we can accomplish, but the situation we’re in tonight, we need each other.

Crowley: Exactly. If we both want to climb that ladder and get one step closer to even having opportunities to win the world title, we HAVE to win this match tonight, any way we can.

Showtime: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

With that, Showtime and Crowley shake hands and get to work.

***


The camera then shifts elsewhere in the backstage area, where Evan Black is receiving congratulations from Dynamite Dean Nash and Damien Fields following his victory over Kris Anthony. However, as they disperse, Black is approached by Dexter P. Wellington. Black is suspicious, but Wellington approaches with his hand extended.

Wellington: Evan Black, right? I’m Dex Wellington, but I’m sure you knew that already. I saw your match out there just now. Very impressive stuff. I wanted to come over and introduce myself. You have a lot of potential, kid.

Black: Thanks.

Wellington: In fact, I really think you could go far in this company. Very far. The sky’s the limit, really. And that’s mainly the reason why I’m here. I think I could bring out the best in you, and take you to heights you’ve only imagined.

Black is very suspicious.

Black: What’s the catch here? What’s in it for you?

Wellington: Well, like I said two weeks ago. I’m taking up a new career in philanthropy. But that goes beyond just handing out money to people. I have been looking for a young talent to take under my wing and lead straight to the top. And after spending the last few weeks scouting around, I really think you are that guy. You have all the tools, but you could use my veteran savvy to help get you better matches, and then win them when you get there. And I wouldn’t charge you a thing.

Suddenly, GI Jew walks over, brushing right past Wellington to get in Black’s face.

Jew: You wanna keep the noise down?! I can hear you from all the way down the hall!

Black: I’m just talking…

Jew: You’re talking back to me now?! Listen punk, I told you last week you had one shot to stay out of my way. Now you’re here blatantly disrespecting me. I don’t like you, and I knew I wouldn’t like you from the second you got here. But I tried to co-exist with you. Now you’re just making this impossible. All I know is you better get down on your hands and knees right now and apologize to me, or this isn’t going to end well.

Black has an incredulous look on his face.

Black: Look, I may be young, and I may be new around here, but this is ridiculous. I’m not gonna have you demean me like this. I don’t know why you have a hard-on for me, but I’d appreciate it if you just keep walking and let me finish my conversation.

Jew simply smiles at him and begins backpedaling away. Black is surprised that this situation appears to be reaching a peaceful resolution. However, as soon as Jew is out of sight and Black and Wellington resume their conversation, Jew rushes back and attacks Black from behind! However, Wellington immediately comes to Black’s aid and takes up the fight with Jew! Quickly, security descends upon the scene and works quickly to separate everyone. Through the confusion, Jew manages to shout at Wellington.

Jew: This doesn’t involve you, Richie Rich! Stay the hell out of it and mind your business!

Wellington: YOU’RE telling ME to mind MY business?! What a joke!

Jew: You got a problem, Wellington?! You wanna try saying that to me again next week in the ring?!

Wellington: You want it?! You got  it!

The security team works even harder to separate them, with Evan Black up and now lunging at Jew as well, as we head to commercial.

Troy: It sounds like we’re gonna have Dex Wellington and GI Jew going at it next week! But tonight, we’ve got Vulture and Anthony Failla in our main event, and Jaguar and Michael Grieco against Showtime Damon Savage and Dan Crowley still to come! But up next, the Duval Twins in action! Stay tuned!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “Control” by Earshot is blaring over the speakers, and Darrin Giles and Liz Rush are already in the ring, awaiting their competition.

 

Moments later, “No More Sorrow” by Linkin Park hits, and the fans begin cheering as Chris and Alexis Duval make their way to the ring. The Duvals enter and do a moderate amount of playing to the crowd before getting down to business. The women exit the ring as the bell sounds, and Chris and Giles prepare to start.

 

MIXED TAG TEAM MATCH:
THE DUVAL TWINS VS. DARRIN GILES & LIZ RUSH

Referee: Dan Martin

Duval and Giles go at it hard in the center of the ring, exchanging rights and lefts, before Chris succeeds in flooring Giles. He then moves in and cinches in a side headlock, trying to keep Giles grounded. Giles pulls himself back to a vertical base, but Chris grabs him and launches him into the corner, following him in with a hard splash. As Giles stumbles forward, Chris boots him in the stomach and downs him with a hard snap suplex. He floats over for the cover… one, two, and Giles kicks out.

 

Alexis is eager to enter the match, so her brother obliges, tagging her in. This prompts Giles to tag out to Liz Rush, and we have ourselves some women’s wrestling action.

 

Liz charges at Alexis, but Alexis hits the mat and Liz hops over her, bouncing off the opposite ropes. Then, on the rebound, Alexis downs her with a hard dropkick! Alexis for the cover… one, two, and Liz kicks out. Alexis then whips Liz against the ropes, but Liz counters, looking for a cross body… but Alexis has it scouted and dropkicks her prone stomach, knocking all the wind out of her! Alexis then lifts Liz up and drills her down with a Fisherman Buster, into a pinning combination! One, two, three!

Troy: Wow!

Calysto: Now THAT was an impressive win!

The fans cheer as “No More Sorrow” replays and Darrin Giles re-enters the ring, annoyed. An excited Chris and Alexis Duval exit, starting towards the backstage area, as Giles barely checks on Liz, who is clutching her stomach.

Calysto: I think Liz just totally lost control of that bout when she had the wind knocked out of her. She gave Alexis the opening, and she capitalized. I’ll tell you, I really like what I’ve seen from these Duvals so far.

Troy: I suppose time will tell! Folks, don’t go anywhere; we’ll be right back! Still to come, the PWA Champion Jaguar teams with the International Champion Michael Grieco to face Showtime Damon Savage; the first-ever meeting between Morgan Day and Lauren Tantalus, with the Women’s Championship up for grabs; plus, don’t forget, Vulture faces Anthony Failla for a shot at Jaguar’s PWA title next week inside a 15-foot steel cage. All that plus much more, still to come tonight!
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 3:13 – THE DUVAL TWINS

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --


As we return, we see Greg Tantalus sleeping on a chair in the locker room. A backstage attendant walks over and tries to wake him up. Tantalus is then jolted out of sleep and wakes up screaming. He is breathing heavily and turns to the attendant and seems relieved.

Tantalus: Oh man. That was one hell of a nightmare. I dreamt I was in Philadelphia.

Backstage Attendant: Um, you ARE in Philadelphia.

Tantalus: GOD DAMMIT!

Backstage Attendant: Also, the boss wants to see you.

Tantalus: SCHENCK?! UGH!

Tantalus gets out of his chair and walks out of the dressing room, heading towards Schenck’s office. Finally, he reaches it and enters, meeting both PWA creative director Justin Schenck and PWA newcomer Chase Stone. Tantalus glares at Stone, who glares back at him.

Schenck: Hi Greg. Take a seat.

Tantalus: What do you want?

Schenck: Look, it’s pretty clear that you don’t have any desire to be here. I know you’ve just been asleep in the back for a while. My message to you is that this isn’t going to fly. I know you need the money, and that your heart isn’t in this, but you’re still going to have to earn your keep here.

Tantalus: So what the hell do you want me to do?

Schenck: I’ve booked you in a match. And it’s next. I would suggest you wrestle an inspired contest out there. You will need to.

Tantalus stares at Schenck curiously. Stone smugly chimes in.

Stone: That’s enough of you, Tantalus. On your way.

Tantalus is poised to respond, but Schenck cuts him off.

Schenck: Don’t even think about it. Just head to the ring.

Furious, Tantalus storms out and heads to the ring as we take a commercial break.

 

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, “Live To Win” by Paul Stanley hits, and there is actually a round of boos for perennial fan favorite Greg Tantalus for his anti-Philadelphia comments moments ago, which are now being exacerbated by the fact that he is wearing a t-shirt that says “Phuck Philly” on his way to the ring. Tantalus walks to the ring in complete disgust of all the people he encounters, but when he reaches the section of ringside where Philadelphia Phillie Jimmy Rollins is seated, Tantalus gets especially disgusted. He enters the ring and immediately asks for a microphone.

Tantalus: I seriously cannot believe I have to wrestle in this God-forsaken city tonight.

The fans boo loudly.

Tantalus: You know, I didn’t always have a problem with this place. Your stupid baseball team ruined it for me, the last few years. You could call me a bitter Mets fan. And you’d be right. You could also call me a bitter Rockies fan, and you’d be right, too. I’ve been to this city a million times, but it’s assholes like you, Jimmy Rollins, that have ruined it for me, and made it a place I never want to visit again.

Rollins stands up in his seat, pointing at Tantalus, but his friends hold him back.


Tantalus: What, you wanna get brave, Rollins? Why don’t you concentrate on spending less time hanging out at PWA shows and more time actually playing baseball? Didn’t you just come off the DL and now you’re already back on it? What a joke!

The Wachovia Center crowd now chants for Rollins, who flips off Tantalus to the joy of the crowd. Tantalus simply smirks.

Tantalus: Typical. What else should I expect in Philly?  I hate this city because of all of you people. I’m sorry, but it doesn’t matter how many National League pennants you win, you will never be New York City. Your inferiority complex with my adopted hometown of New York City is frankly pathetic, just like all the people from this city I meet. You are the worst fans in the world, the most obnoxious, disgusting people in the world, and I’d pretty much rather be any place else on the planet right now. So, Justin, just send out my opponent so I can get on with this and get the hell out of here.

Moments later, Darkseed’s “Hear Me” blasts onto the speakers, and the fans begin cheering riotously as the Alaskan Monster Solomon makes his way to the ring!

Troy: Oh man! Justin Schenck has booked Greg Tantalus in a match against Solomon here tonight!

 

Calysto: And these fans here in Philadelphia are loving it!

The camera focuses on Rollins, who applauds Solomon’s arrival, before shifting to the Alaskan Monster, who stalks his way to the ring. Tantalus is clearly not pleased at this news, and immediately attacks Solomon as soon as he enters the ring, prompting the bell to sound.

GREG TANTALUS VS. SOLOMON
Referee: Jose Soares
Tantalus lets loose with a flurry of punches on the Alaskan Monster, before whipping him against the ropes. However, when Solomon rebounds, he nearly takes Tantalus’ head off with a ferocious boot to the face! Solomon then lifts Tantalus off the mat and crushes him down with a hard gorilla press slam.

 

Then, with Tantalus prone, Solomon signals for the Deep Freeze, sending the fans into a frenzy! Solomon lifts Tantalus into fireman’s carry position and points right at Rollins, who happily points back. Then, the Alaskan Monster destroys Tantalus with a vicious Deep Freeze, right in the center of the ring! Solomon covers… one, two, three!

Troy: Wow! What a decimation!

Calysto: Solomon has essentially just squashed Greg Tantalus right here in Philadelphia! I have to say, Vic, even though Solomon is, well, Solomon, I just did not expect to see quite such a one-sided match here tonight!

Troy: You’re right, Iceman. I know Tantalus is going through some personal turmoil right now in his life, and he really doesn’t want to be here, but he is going to have to change his attitude and fast, or he is going to get seriously hurt out there, if he’s not seriously hurt already.

Nonetheless, the Philadelphia faithful gleefully enjoy Tantalus’ demise for the evening, as “Hear Me” replays and Solomon exits victoriously. Tantalus begins to stir, in tremendous pain, as we head to commercial.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 0:47 – SOLOMON


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

We return from break in the backstage area, where the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Jaguar is standing across from the International Champion Michael Grieco, and his valet Dee Licious. No one speaks for several seconds after we pick up the scene, until Grieco finally breaks the ice.

Grieco: So are you gonna say anything, or are you just gonna continue to stand there staring at me?

Jaguar: I don’t really have anything to say to you. Or to you either, Dee. Let’s not beat around the bush here. I’ve known both of you for a long, LONG time. And for the most part, we’ve never gotten along. The two of you have had some MAJOR issues with my boy Romeo, and I haven’t forgotten about all of that. But tonight, we’re partners. Fine. I don’t trust you, and I’m sure you don’t trust me. So you do your thing, I’ll do mine. Just don’t screw me up. I didn’t come to Philly to lose tonight.

With that, Jaguar exits, headed for the ring.

Troy: It’s Jaguar and Michael Grieco against Showtime Damon Savage and Dan Crowley, and it’s next!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

When we return from break, “War Machine” by KISS is blaring over the speakers and the Hardcore Icon Kerry Cox has joined Victor Troy and Jason Calysto at the announce table.

Troy: Alright, welcome, Kerry Cox.

Cox: Thanks Vic, it’s great to be here.

Calysto: So what brings you here tonight, Kerry? A little scouting for your International title bout next week against Michael Grieco?

Cox: You know it, Jason. Just want to get a bit of a closer look at what I’m in for next week.

The fans’ cheers grow in magnitude as “Footprints” by G-Unit blares onto the speakers and Showtime Damon Savage begins making his way to the ring! Wearing his warm-up jacket, Showtime shadowboxes as he makes his way down the aisle, getting set for combat. He gets into ring and flips his hoodie down and thrusts his arms into the air, eliciting a wave of cheers from the crowd. He then retreats to his corner, awaiting his partner.

 

He isn’t waiting long, as “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest blares onto the speakers and Dan Crowley makes his entrance! Crowley walks through a burst of pyro and wears a look of determination as he heads towards the ring for this very important tag team bout. When Crowley enters the ring and stands face to face with Showtime, he wears a look of suspicion, the same look Showtime flashes back at him, but on this night, these men will have to work together.

 

As Showtime and Crowley break the ice and go over some last-minute strategy, the cheers turns to boos as “Da Repercussions” by 50 Cent hits the speakers and the PWA International Champion Michael Grieco appears from behind the curtain, alongside his manager Dee Licious.

 

Grieco takes a moment to admire himself and flex for the crowd — and for Dee, who is always full of admiration — before starting towards the ring. Grieco stops right outside it and removes the belt, holding it up and taunting Showtime with it, who does his best to ignore him.

 

Moments later, “My Avenue” by Lil Boosie hits and the Philly crowd goes berserk for the PWA World Heavyweight Champion! Jaguar appears from behind the curtain and throws his arms into the air, eliciting a huge burst of pyro. Jaguar wears a huge smile as he greets the Philadelphia faithful and starts towards the ring. He barely acknowledges Grieco and Dee as he walks past them, straight into the ring, to stand on the turnbuckles and play to the crowd some more. Finally, Grieco follows him into the ring, and both champions remove their belts. Grieco stares down his partner, but Jaguar pays him hardly any attention. Then, as the bell sounds, Grieco immediately attacks Showtime, not even giving Jaguar a choice as to whether or not he wanted to start the match.

Troy: That’s gotta be taken as a sign of disrespect, considering that Jaguar is the world champion. Am I right?

Calysto: No, you’re right. It’s just proper locker room etiquette. If you’re teaming with the champ, you let him decide who starts the match.

PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION JAGUAR & PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION MICHAEL GRIECO VS. SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE & DAN CROWLEY
Referee: Matt Hansen
Jaguar snickers to himself and shakes his head as he takes his place on the ramp, and the match begins with Grieco pounding away on Showtime. Grieco hits him with a thunderous boot to the gut, before whipping him hard against the ropes. As he returns, Grieco crushes him hard with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex.

 

Grieco then lifts him up and crushes him down hard with a backbreaker, holding him in that position for extra time to heighten the effect. Then, with Showtime down, Grieco grabs his right leg and wrenches it sideways, putting Savage in pain. Grieco follows that up with a series of hard kicks to the knee before taunting the fans again, which unleashes another wave of jeers.

 

Showtime is slow to his feet, but Grieco spends so much time taunting that Savage is able to get back up. When Grieco tries to accelerate this by lifting him, Showtime responds with a hard elbow to the jaw, followed by a series of hard left hands! Grieco is staggered, and Showtime unleashes one more hard left that floors him hard! Showtime then begins heading for the corner, as Grieco slowly starts towards Jaguar.

 

Showtime makes the tag to Crowley, who comes in on fire! Crowley prevents Grieco from reaching Jaguar, running at him and downing him with a high knee!

 

He then lifts Grieco up and flips him down hard with a double underhook suplex! Crowley covers… one, two, and Grieco escapes. Grieco gets up to his feet slowly, and when he does, Crowley grabs him in a wristlock, wrenching it in tightly. With Grieco in a prone position, Crowley attacks him with a series of muay thai kicks and punches that daze him severely! Grieco is now practically out on his feet, and Crowley grabs him and crushes him with a t-bone suplex!

Cox: The International Champion isn’t looking like too much of a champion right now.

Calysto: Either way, not someone you want to take lightly next week.

Cox: Oh believe me, I know that.


Crowley covers… one, two, and Jaguar comes in and makes the save! Crowley looks up at Jaguar who shakes his finger at him mockingly. This prompts Crowley to point at Jaguar, telling him that he wants him in the ring. The fans cheer this, and when Grieco is able to, he goes to the corner and tags in the champion!

 

Troy: Alright, here we go! Jaguar and Crowley!

Calysto: This should be interesting!

The two lock up, and it is Crowley that establishes the first advantage, whipping Jaguar against the ropes, and immediately tossing him up and catching him with a Samoan drop upon his return! Crowley covers… one, two, and Jaguar kicks out!

 

However, Jaguar is barely to his feet before he is downed by a running kneelift! Then, when he gets back up swinging, Crowley blocks the shot, grabs him in bearhug position, headbutts the champion, and then blasts him with a belly-to-belly suplex! Crowley covers… one, two, and Jaguar escapes!

 

Troy: Crowley is really taking it to the PWA Champion!

Calysto: Well Vic, Showtime and Crowley, these guys have something to prove. They have both come out and said that they will be PWA Champions sometime in the very near future, and this is a great opportunity for both of them to do something about it.

 

Crowley keeps the pressure on the champion, lifting Jaguar off the mat and whipping him into the corner. Crowley then charges at him, crashing into him with a hard, rising knee lift, before turning and nailing him with a running bulldog… however, right before leaving the corner, Showtime slaps Crowley on the back and tags himself in!

 

Cox: Looks like Showtime wants a little piece of the action!

Calysto: Of course he does. It doesn’t help him out much if it’s only Dan Crowley taking it to the champ.

Showtime enters past a slightly pissed Crowley, and immediately covers Jaguar… one, two, and Jaguar escapes. Showtime lifts Jaguar off the mat and whips him against the ropes, but he telegraphs it, and Jaguar kicks him in the chest as he returns, jolting Savage upright! Jaguar then whips Showtime against the ropes and downs him with a hard powerslam. The champion covers… one, two, and Savage escapes!

 

Jaguar then gets behind Showtime and yanks up to his feet by his long dreadlocks. Jaguar spins Showtime around, only for Savage to boot him in the stomach and hit the opposite ropes. When he comes back, however, Jaguar explodes on him with a thunderous clothesline!

 

Showtime gets to his feet, and Jaguar is right there waiting for him, booting him in the stomach and destroying him with the Mexican stretch buster he calls Version 1.0! Jaguar covers… one, two thr-NO! Showtime escapes!

Troy: Wow! That’s one of Jaguar’s trademark moves, and Showtime was able to kick out!

Cox: That’s a lot of resolve being shown there, for sure. He is going to need that kind of resolve if he wants to be world champion.

Calysto: I’ll second that.

With Showtime down, Jaguar makes his way up to the top rope, looking for the Suga Splash! However, as he leaps off for the move, Savage moves out of the way, and Jaguar crashes down onto the mat hard! As Jaguar stumbles back to his feet, Showtime is there waiting for him, and crushes him with It’s Showtime, his cobra clutch slam finisher! Showtime wastes no time making the cover… but Dee has jumped onto the apron to distract the official!

 

The distraction works, and referee Matt Hansen breaks the count to prevent Dee from entering. Annoyed, Showtime gets up and yanks Dee into the ring! The fans cheer loudly at this, which prompts Grieco to enter and spear Showtime down to the mat! When this happens, Crowley enters and begins going at Grieco! Now, the referee struggles mightily to regain control of a match that is rapidly spiraling into chaos!

 

Finally, the referee succeeds in clearing the ring of all persons that should not be inside it. However, when this happens, Jaguar violently tags Grieco into the match and has words with him, presumably about Dee’s interference. Grieco enters the ring and continues yelling at Jaguar, who yells back, while completely ignoring Showtime. Savage and Crowley look at each other and nod, before Showtime spins Grieco around and ties him in a small package for the pin! One, two, three!

Troy: That’s it! Showtime and Crowley have won this thing!

Calysto: What a victory!

Cox: Alright, let’s take note. Grieco can be emotional, and take his eyes off the ball when he becomes that way. Something to keep in mind for next week, don’t you think?

The fans cheer as “Footprints” replays over the speakers, and Showtime and Crowley quickly exit the ring, pumped up. The two make their exit to the back, satisfied with their victory, and eager to move on to their next challenges.

 

Meanwhile, in the ring, Grieco is furious, screaming at Jaguar, who is largely ignoring him. However, as soon as Jaguar turns his back on him, Grieco moves in for the attack, but Jaguar knew it was coming and turns around to block the shot! Jaguar and Grieco now erupt into a furious battle in the ring, pounding away on each other viciously, before Dee moves in and nails Jaguar with a low blow! Jaguar crumbles to the mat in a heap, and Grieco and Dee begin pummeling him with repeated kicks to the back and midsection.

 

However, this prompts Kerry Cox to drop his headset at ringside and storm into the ring! Cox tackles Grieco down to the mat and begins pounding away on him to a wave of cheers! Grieco slides out of the ring, as does Dee, and the two backpedal up the aisle as quickly as they can! The fans continue cheering as Cox helps Jaguar to his feet in the ring. Both of them beg Grieco to return to the ring as “My Avenue” replays over the speakers, but Grieco simply points back at Cox and Jaguar and then exits the ringside area.

Troy: What will happen next week when Kerry Cox challenges Michael Grieco for that International title?!

 

Calysto: And let’s not forget this fact: Jaguar will be defending the PWA Championship inside a steel cage next week against either Vulture or Anthony Failla, and he’ll be doing it coming off a loss in this tag team bout tonight! How is that going to effect him?

Troy: I guess we’ll find all this out next week! We’ll be right back!

WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 11:59 – SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE & DAN CROWLEY


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, we see a fat, disgusting man with greasy brown hair and a Fu Manchu mustache, wearing a mustard-stained yellow sweatshirt, smiling at an obviously uncomfortable Jade in the backstage area. The fat man is a little too close to the former Women’s Champion for comfort, and she is cringing as she tries to politely excuse herself from the conversation. Suddenly, Matthew Magellan walks onto the scene.

Magellan: Farley! Back off the beautiful young lady. I thought we agreed you’d stay in the locker room.

Jade: You know this guy?

Magellan: I’m really sorry about this. I told him to stay in the locker room. This is Farley, by the way. An old friend of mine from Wisconsin. Say hi, Farley.

Farley blushes and waves at Jade.

Jade: (to Magellan) You know, you really ought to teach him some manners. He just came over here, got right in my face, and smiled at me, until you came over. He had me, like, cornered. It was creepy.

Magellan: Yeah, he’s got a bit of a problem with women.

Jade: So what is he, visiting?

Magellan: I see this as a more permanent thing, actually. I need some protection around here, after the way I was screwed over last week against Dan Crowley.

Jade openly laughs in Magellan’s face.

Jade: Screwed over? You got pinned clean in the center of the ring last week, pal.

Magellan: That’s your opinion and you’re entitled to it. Actually, I’d like to hear all about your opinions later on tonight, if you catch my drift.

Jade scoffs and shakes her head.

Jade: I don’t think so, buddy. Look, your little conquistador bit might work on some of the more fawning, vapid types, but I’m not Traci Reed. All I see when I look at you is an arrogant, obnoxious ass who is obviously over-compensating for something.

Magellan: I assure you you’re wrong. About ALL of that. Care to find out later?

Jade: (sighing) Goodbye, Magellan.

Jade walks off, but the smirk remains on Magellan’s face as she does. Farley walks over smiling a goofy smile.

Farley: I guess you can’t get ANYONE you want.

Magellan: Give me three weeks, Farley. Three weeks and she’ll be all over me.

The camera then shifts to the office of creative director Justin Schenck, where Schenck is talking with new women’s division star Zina. Fellow new Schenck signee Chase Stone can be seen in the background.

Schenck: Zina, I’ve gotta tell you, I am impressed! You are making me look damn good!

Zina nods at him.

Schenck: You know, this is why I’m a great creative director of this company. I go out, and I find talent in the strangest places. Like a Russian circus.

Stone: Great job, Mr. Schenck.

Schenck: Thank you, Chase. You know, you were quite the find as well.

Zina: I am sorry to interrupt, but why am I here?

Schenck: Ah yes. My apologies. Zina, I called you in here because I have been so thoroughly impressed with the way you have decimated Liz Rush and Jade in back to back weeks that I wanted to know if you would be up for a much bigger challenge next week.

Zina: I am always ready for a challenge.

Schenck: That’s what I like to hear! Alright then. Zina, right here next week, you are going to face the biggest challenge of your short career. You are going to go one-on-one with… Keiko Ishida!

At this news, Zina’s lips curl into a smile.

Zina: I will not let you down.

Zina turns and exits the room, leaving a stoked Schenck in his office. He turns to Chase Stone.

Schenck: You see that chick, Chase? How bad ass is she?! She restrained a BEAR! THAT right there, is the next dominant force in the PWA women’s division. Count on it.

***

The camera then shifts back to Troy and Calysto at ringside.

Troy: Big news! Zina faces Keiko Ishida, right here next week!

Calysto: That should be something, but coming up right after the break, we’re going to see the PWA Women’s Championship on the line for the first time this season!

Troy: Indeed we will! It’s Morgan Day versus Lauren Tantalus for the first time ever, and it’s next! 


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “Free” by VAST hits the speakers, and the fans begin cheering as Lauren Tantalus makes her way to the ring. Lauren smiles at her fans, but is noticeably more serious in her demeanor as her pyro blasts off and she enters the ring, ready for action.

 

Moments later, “Dead Promises” by The Rasmus blasts onto the speakers, and the Philadelphia crowd cheers thunderously for the PWA Women’s Champion Morgan Day, who also wears a look of extreme focus as she emerges from behind the curtain.

 

Troy: Here comes Morgan Day, set for her first defense of this Women’s Championship since winning it from Magnifica on August 12, 2006!

Calysto: And she’s going from one legendary female performer to another here, as she now defends it against fellow three-time PWA Champion Lauren Tantalus, in their first meeting ever!

Morgan enters the ring and hands the title belt over to the official, who raises the belt high as Lee Palmer begins his introductions.

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

Introducing first, the challenger, from Denver, Colorado, weighing in at 120 pounds, LAUREN TANNNNNNNTALUS!

 

And her opponent, from Newcastle, England, weighing in at 140 pounds, the reigning PWA Women’s Champion, MORRRRRRRGANNNNNNNN DAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

With that, the bell sounds, officially getting this match started.

PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP:
MORGAN DAY (champion) VS. LAUREN TANTALUS (challenger)

Referee: Dan Martin
Morgan and Lauren circle each other to start the match off, each looking for an opening to land the first offensive maneuver. However, neither find said opening, and ultimately lock up instead.

 

Morgan gains the advantage from this, powering out of the lock up with kicks, which provide her with enough separation to toss Lauren against the ropes, and down her with a hiptoss as she rebounds. Lauren gets right back to her feet, but Morgan bodyslams her down to the mat. With Lauren down, Morgan then climbs to the second rope, and leaps off with a back elbow as Lauren rises, but it misses the mark! Lauren moves at the last instant, and Morgan goes crashing down.

 

Lauren then lifts Morgan up and tosses her against the ropes, hitting the opposite ones herself. However, both women go for clotheslines, and each connects with hard impact!

 

Troy: Morgan and Lauren are both down!

 

Calysto: I think Morgan got the worst of that, though, Vic!

 

Lauren and Morgan each get to their feet, and Lauren looks to take the advantage, rushing at Morgan for a clothesline. However, Morgan is able to duck under it and quickly turn around. When Lauren stops her own momentum and turns around, she is greeted with a ferocious muay thai kick to the jaw, which floors her! Morgan goes for the cover… one, two, and Lauren is just barely able to get the shoulder up!

Troy: I really thought she might have had her there, Iceman!

Calysto: And Lauren certainly would have had nothing to be ashamed of if she did go down to that kick, but there’s still life in her!

Morgan measures Lauren for another kick as Tantalus slowly makes her way back to her feet. However, just as Lauren gets up and Morgan unleashes the kick, Lauren quickly ducks under it and then, immediately after, ties Morgan up in an inside cradle! One, two, and Morgan kicks out!

Day shoots right up and shoves Lauren violently into the corner, before charging at her full speed. However, Lauren sees her coming and throws her legs up, wrapping them around Morgan’s neck, before tossing her down with a swinging hurricanrana! Lauren covers… one, two, and Morgan kicks out again!

 

Morgan gingerly gets to her feet, but Lauren is waiting for her, and boots her in the stomach before drilling her down with a DDT! Lauren covers… one, two, thr-NO! Morgan escapes again!

Troy: Lauren Tantalus was so close to becoming Women’s Champion right there!

Calysto: This is quite the flurry right now, Vic, but Lauren is at least one more big time move away from winning this one.

Troy: How about the Tiger Driver?!

Lauren signals for her finisher as Morgan staggers to a vertical base, booting her in the stomach and grabbing her in a double underhook, looking for the Tiger Driver. However, when Lauren lifts her up, Morgan springs her legs outward, locking them around Lauren’s neck! Morgan then pulls herself up, now perched on Lauren’s shoulders in powerbomb position, but she unloads on her with several quick rights, before taking her down with a quick hurricanrana, into a pinning combination! One, two, thr-NO! Lauren kicks out in the nick of time!

The fans are on their feet as Morgan gets to hers, waiting on Lauren to do the same. Once Lauren rises, Morgan kicks her in the stomach and lifts her up for her finishing maneuver, the Daybreak, but Lauren is able to regain her composure and return to the mat, before quickly back body dropping Morgan off of her!

 

With Morgan down, Lauren climbs up to the top rope and unleashes a flying dropkick… but Morgan sees her coming and grabs her legs on the way down, so that Lauren crashes down in perfect position for the Sharpshooter, which Morgan hurriedly applies! The fans are cheering loudly as Morgan cinches the brutal submission hold in tightly, and Lauren tries desperately to reach the ropes and force the hold to be broken!

Troy: I don’t know how long Lauren is going to be able to hang on here!

Calysto: Not much longer, I don’t think, Vic! Morgan is a master of this hold, and she’s got it on good! Lauren is just going to have to want this bad enough to get to those ropes! It’s the only chance she has!

With every last ounce of energy that she has, Lauren begins crawling, slowly but surely, inching her way to the final lifeline she has left, her only hope of salvation: the bottom rope. She gets into push-up position to give herself more leverage, and Morgan responds by simply reaching back even further. Left hand, right hand, left, right… Lauren uses all of her energy to edge closer and closer to the ropes. They’re just beyond her reach now… but she is fading. Each movement requires more energy than normal. Morgan senses that her prey is ready for the kill. She pulls back as hard as she possibly can, and Lauren lets out one last lunge for the ropes… and makes it!

Troy: She got the ropes! I don’t believe it! I thought for sure Lauren Tantalus was done for!

Calysto: She might as well be, Troy! Do you have any idea how much that Sharpshooter must have taken out of her! She’s a sitting duck now!

Lauren gets to her feet and is hobbling. And Morgan moves right in and kicks her leg out from under her. With Lauren down, crawling, trying to pull herself to the ropes, Morgan yanks her to the middle of the ring, looking for another Sharpshooter. However, at the last moment, Lauren reaches up and ties Morgan into a small package just as she looks to apply the submission hold! The referee counts… one, two, thre-NO! Morgan escapes!

 

Morgan springs right up and waits for Lauren to get to her feet. When she does, she lets loose with another muay thai kick, but Lauren ducks under it, boots Morgan in the stomach, and nails her with a second DDT! Lauren wants to make a cover, but can’t get there immediately! She finally covers… one, two, and Morgan kicks out!

 

Morgan is slow to her feet this time, and Lauren is more deliberate getting up. Lauren beats Morgan to her feet and boots her in the stomach, looking again for the Tiger Driver! However, this time, Morgan sweeps Lauren’s legs out from under her, and flips over into a bridge position, cradling her legs in a pin attempt! One, two, three!

Troy: I don’t believe it!

Calysto: What a match! What a hard-fought victory for Morgan Day!

Troy: You have to take your hat off to Lauren Tantalus here, though! She gave Morgan Day absolutely everything she could handle, and more!

Calysto: But on this night, Morgan Day is the better wrestler, and she leaves Philly STILL the Women’s Champion! Well done!

The fans explode as “Dead Promises” replays over the speakers, applauding the great effort by both participants. Morgan is far from exuberant in her celebration as she is given her title belt back. Lauren then hobbles back to her feet and stares right at Morgan. The music stops as Lauren moves towards her. However, after a few seconds of silence, Lauren extends her hand, and Morgan shakes it. Lauren then raises Morgan’s hand as “Dead Promises” replays and the former champion defers to the current one, exiting and leaving her the spotlight on this night.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 11:34 AND STILL PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPION – MORGAN DAY


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

When we return, we see Morgan Day, still the Women’s Champion, being given congratulations by producers in the back and some of the wrestlers, including Keiko Ishida, Jade, and Liz Rush. Then, Zina walks over, and the scene grows quiet. Zina goes right for Keiko and gets in her face.

Zina: Next week, I will destroy you. There is nothing you can do to stop it.

Keiko stares back at Zina indignantly. Zina then, however, turns to the champion.

Zina: And Morgan Day… after I dispose of her, I am coming for your title. Do NOT get comfortable.

Zina then storms off aggressively, Morgan and Keiko staring her down intensely as she does.

Morgan: Hey Keiko, do me a favor next week. Beat some respect into that woman.

Keiko: With pleasure.


***

The camera then shifts to the interview area backstage, where Traci Reed is with Renegade and Paul Dawkins.

Traci: Renegade, Paul Dawkins, you two are just moments away from your opportunity to reclaim the Tag Team Championship, after you feel Synergy cheated you out of those titles in the four corners elimination match one week ago. How will you approach this match tonight, knowing that they will have the MVP Don Capriglione on the outside, watching their backs?

Dawkins: Well Traci, it’s simple. Last week, Capriglione was a surprise. He came out of nowhere. There was no way to prepare for his involvement. Tonight, it’s a different story. Tonight, we know EXACTLY what we’re up against, and tonight, here in Philly, right in our backyards, we are going to have a successful homecoming. We are leaving here tonight two-time PWA Tag Team Champions, and that’s all there is to it.

Renegade: Ever since we both signed contracts to return to the PWA, we had May 25 circled on our calendars, the night we come back to Philadelphia. At that time, we didn’t expect that we’d be here teaming up, but in retrospect, I can’t think of a better homecoming than coming back to Philly and winning back our tag team titles. I hope y’all came here looking to see history made. Because, Philly, you’re about to see some.

With that, Dawkins and Renegade start towards the ring, and we take a commercial break.

Troy: It’s Renegade and Dawkins challenging Synergy for the PWA Tag Team Championship, and it’s next!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, “You Don’t Know” by Eminem and 50 Cent hits the speakers, and the arena comes unglued as hometown boys Renegade and Paul Dawkins make their way to the ring for their opportunity to regain the Tag Team Championship!

 

The two enter the ring with determination, clearly wanting badly to leave Philadelphia with the titles. As they settle themselves in the ring, “More Human Than Human” by White Zombie hits, and the fans begin booing loudly as the members of Synergy make their way down the aisle. The PWA Tag Team Champions The Omega Steve Beovich and the Human Highlight Jon Dulberg are flanked by the third member of their group, Don “The MVP” Capriglione, and they all wear the smugness of champions on their faces.

 

As the champions settle in the ring, “Reason to Hate Me” by Krayzie Bone hits the speakers, and PWA’s creative director Justin Schenck appears at the curtain.

Schenck: Before we get going with this championship match, I just wanted to inform all of you of a decision that has been made. Since I’m such a big fan of three-team groups such as the Fabulous Freebirds and Demolition, and how having three men holding two titles creates compelling storylines in the tag team division, I am hereby declaring that the unit of Synergy is allowed to defend those belts with any combination of two of them, so long as it is specified before the match who is competing. The champions have been informed of this fact, and they have informed me that, tonight, Don Capriglione and Steve Beovich will be defending those belts! Enjoy!

As everyone in the arena begins to process this announcement, we turn to ring announcer Lee Palmer.

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

Introducing first, the challengers, both hailing from the Philadelphia area, at a total combined weight of 477 pounds, they are RENNNNNEGAAAAAADE and PAULLLLLLLLL DAWK-INNNNNNS!

The fans cheer thunderously at this introduction.

Palmer: And their opponents, they are the PWA Tag Team Champions, SYNNNNNNNNERGYYYYYY! Represented tonight by… THE OMEGA STEEEEEEEEVE BEEEEEEEOVICH… and THE MVP, DONNNNNN CAPRIGLIOOOOOOONE!

The fans then boo loudly as the bell sounds to start this match.

Troy: This strikes me as inherently unfair, Iceman.

Calysto: Well, in a lot of ways it is, Vic. I mean, even Lee Palmer wasn’t prepared for that announcement. The champions weren’t announced with a total combined weight, because Palmer was not prepared with the combined weight of Beovich and Capriglione. And that’s just a very minor thing. But think about how much that is exacerbated when you’re Renegade and Dawkins, and you have been preparing to face Beovich and Dulberg, and now, all of a sudden, you are getting Capriglione instead of Dulberg, a guy you haven’t prepared for, and a guy who no one has seen wrestle for years. It’s a definite disadvantage.

Troy: And it goes beyond this week. The fact that any two of these guys can defend the belts on a given night is a little bit too vague to me. There has to be some period of notification for their opponents or this just does not seem right.

Calysto: Well, if Renegade and Dawkins win this match tonight, then we’ve got nothing to worry about, and it’s no longer an issue.

Troy: A very good point.

PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
SYNERGY [THE OMEGA STEVE BEOVICH & DON THE MVP CAPRIGLIONE] (champions) vs. RENEGADE & PAUL DAWKINS (challengers)

Referee: Jose Soares

Renegade starts the match off with Capriglione, guaranteeing a bit of a faster-paced opening. Capriglione rushes in, but Renegade immediately sidesteps him, sending him hard into the corner! Renegade charges in after him, but Capriglione turns and hits Renegade with a boot to the jaw. Once he has that distance, he jumps up and downs him with a hurricanrana. Capriglione covers… one, two, and Renegade powers out.

 

Capriglione lifts Renegade and whips him into the Synergy corner, where he begins working over him with stomps to the midsection. He then tags Beovich into the match, and the two double-team with stomps, before Capriglione exits the ring.

 

Beovich whips Renegade into the ropes and hits him with a hard belly-to-belly suplex as he returns. He then gets up and nails him with a series of elbows to the mid-section. The Omega then stomps to taunt the crowd, which is in no mood to see offense from the champions.

 

Troy: Beovich should spend more time focusing on his opponent than on taunting these fans.

Calysto: Especially in there with guys the caliber of Renegade and Dawkins.

 

Beovich continues to pound away on Renegade as Dulberg applauds from ringside and Capriglione taunts the crowd from the ring apron. Meanwhile, Dawkins is antsy to get into the match himself, but Renegade just can’t seem to reach his corner.

 

The Omega lifts Renegade up and hits him with a series of hard knife-edge chops, before whipping him against the ropes and downing him with a hard clothesline. He then applies a front facelock and cinches it in tightly, wrenching on the hold, looking to keep Renegade down. However, Renegade gets the crowd behind him and gets back to a vertical base, before nailing Beovich with a few hard elbows to the midsection and back suplexing out of it! Beovich and Renegade are both down, crawling to the corners!

 

Beovich reaches his corner first, tagging Capriglione into the fray. Then, just before the MVP can reach him, Renegade reaches out and tags in Dawkins!

Troy: And here comes Paul Dawkins!

Calysto: I wouldn’t want to be Capriglione right about now!

Dawkins comes in with a head of steam and blasts the MVP with a clothesline that nearly takes his head off! Beovich then charges back into the ring, but Dawkins nails him with a big boot that sends him flying out of the ring! Dawkins grabs Capriglione, but Dulberg jumps onto the apron! Dawkins turns his attention to him, but this leaves the MVP alone to sneak up behind Dawkins and nail him with a low blow that the referee misses!

Troy: See! Look at this! The official was occupied with Jon Dulberg and he misses that blatant low blow by Capriglione! C’mon, ref!

Renegade enters the ring, trying to get at Capriglione, but the referee holds him back. However, Beovich, who is now back to his feet, sneaks around to the other side of the ring and enters behind Renegade. The Omega turns him around, lifts him up, and charges with him into the corner, smashing Renegade into it hard! Renegade hits the mat, and Beovich signals for Capriglione to hold Dawkins down.

Troy: Is this it? Is he going for Extreme Precision?!

Calysto: Well, he’s headed to the top rope – it sure looks like it!

 

With Renegade still down in the corner, Capriglione holds Dawkins in place as Beovich climbs to the top. Dulberg points to Beovich from the outside, torturing the fans with what is about to happen. However, just as Beovich leaps off with his Extreme Precision frog splash, Dawkins swings his leg out and kicks Capriglione in the head, allowing him to roll out of the way, just as Beovich crashes down… onto Capriglione! Dawkins then springs up and clotheslines Beovich over the top rope and to the outside of the ring, right onto Dulberg!

 

Now, Capriglione – the legal man – slowly begins getting to his feet, just as Renegade begins to do the same! Dawkins whips Capriglione into the corner and charges at him, crushing him with a thunderous stinger splash! Then, as Capriglione staggers forward, Renegade clobbers him with the Kick of Death! Capriglione collapses in a heap, and Renegade propels himself out of the ring and onto Beovich and Dulberg… only Dulberg rolls out of the way at the last moment, though Renegade sufficiently takes out Beovich!

 

In the ring, Dawkins covers Capriglione, and the referee starts his count… one, two, and Dulberg yanks the referee out of the ring! Referee Jose Soares takes one look at Dulberg and angrily calls for the bell, prompting a wave of boos to rush over the Philly crowd hoping for a title change.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout, as a result of a disqualification, RENEGADE AND PAUL DAWKINS! However, in the PWA, titles cannot change hands on a disqualification. Therefore, STILL PWA Tag Team Champions, SYNERGY!

The fans continue to boo vigorously as Dulberg yanks Capriglione from the ring, grabs the belts, and meets Beovich on the ramp, who is already up and trying to get out of dodge. Meanwhile, Renegade makes it back into the ring, holding his head, as “You Don’t Know” hits. Renegade and Dawkins complain to the referee in the ring, but there is nothing he can do, just as there is nothing Renegade and Dawkins can do to hide their disappointment.

Calysto: Vic, the only thing you can do if you’re Renegade and Dawkins right now is look on the bright side. And the bright side to this is that, because they won this match via DQ, they have one hell of a case for getting themselves a rematch. Ultimately, it’s Justin Schenck’s call, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t get one. So they just need to re-tool, and get back at these guys. They definitely have the talent to be champs again.

Troy: Very good point. I guess we’ll see if these guys even want to stay together and give it another go, or if they may opt to move into singles careers now. I guess we’ll find out in the coming weeks. We’ll be right back, folks.
WINNERS VIA DISQUALIFICATON AT 8:18 – PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE; STILL PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS – SYNERGY

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, we see the Alaskan Monster Solomon in the men’s locker room, showered and fully dressed in a suit, ready to call it a night. Solomon has his luggage in his hand and appears to be on his way out of the arena. However, before he can exit the locker room, he encounters the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe, who is wearing street clothes. He seems confused.

Scythe: Where are you headed?

Solomon: Umm, I don’t know, Scythe. I guess the suitcase isn’t a dead giveaway.

Scythe: You’re leaving?

Solomon: It would appear that way.

Scythe: You’re not going to stay and watch Vulture and Failla? Don’t you care who is going to face Jaguar next week?

Solomon: You know what? Not really. Someone will win, and then that someone will get a shot next week. Then I’ll take notice. I’m not worried. I am going to get a title shot soon, and when I do, I will be the champ, and that’s not even arguable. Ask Greg Tantalus how dominant I was tonight. I disposed of him so quickly that it was barely worth a shower.

Scythe: You know, something has been bothering me all week. I feel like we allowed this to happen. I really do believe that if we hadn’t lost that match last week, Failla wouldn’t be in this spot. Maybe one of us would be.

Solomon: Yeah, well, you’re the one who got pinned. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself.

Scythe: You’re not going to hold yourself accountable at all?

Solomon: Look, Scythe, I don’t know what your problem is right now, but it sounds like it’s with me. And it’s probably not wise for you to have a problem with me. Because unlike Greg Tantalus, you’ve never beaten me.

Scythe: My problem is that I have a great desire to reach the top of the mountain again and reclaim the PWA Championship, and the last two weeks, I’ve felt myself slipping further away from it. Even tonight, you got the match against Greg Tantalus, and I thought “why not me?” It’s because there’s a pecking order around here, and right now, you’re ahead of me on it. But I know I can change that. I don’t necessarily have a problem with you, but I do think I want the title more than you. As is evidenced by your leaving here tonight. And I know I’ve never beaten you. But if you’re up for the challenge, I’d like another shot next week.

Solomon is pensive, before his lips curl into a slight smile.

Solomon: Trust me, Scythe. I am ALWAYS up for a challenge. I just don’t often receive them. You want a match next week? Fine. You’ve got it.

Solomon extends his hand to Scythe, who shakes it. Solomon then removes a pair of blue-tinted sunglasses and puts them on, before exiting the locker room.

Solomon: See you next week. Enjoy your match. And really, it doesn’t matter who wins. Because I’m going to destroy you next week, and after that, I’ll take out whoever is left standing with the title, and take back my rightful place at the very top of the food chain.

Scythe stares back at Solomon as he exits, ready for the challenge.

***

The camera then shifts to Vulture’s dressing room, where he is finishing up taping his wrists. The Women’s Champion Morgan Day can be seen in the background as he dons his warm-up jacket and puts his black sunglasses on. He breathes in deeply, composing himself. When he turns around, his wife greets him with a hug and a peck on the lips.

 

Morgan: I know you don’t need it, but good luck. Just be careful out there. Wrestle YOUR match. Don’t let him turn it into a power display, because you won’t win that. I don’t need to be telling you this, but I’ll do it anyway. Just come back to me in one piece, promise?

Vulture: I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. It’s only Anthony Failla. I’m really not too concerned about this. I’ve known this guy practically my whole life, and if there’s one thing you can count on, it’s for him to screw up a golden opportunity. We’ll be sitting down to dinner before you know it.

Suddenly, the Duval Twins, Chris and Alexis, barge into the room. Vulture, and even Morgan, appears visibly annoyed.

Chris: Just wanted to wish you good luck out there, V!

Vulture glares at the male Duval twin without cracking a smile.

Alexis: Yeah, go get ‘em!

Vulture ignores Alexis as well, turning to Morgan.

Vulture: I’ll see you in a little bit. Get rid of them by the time I get back.

Morgan smiles at Vulture and hugs him, and he turns to leave. He stares at the smiling Duvals on his way out, saying nothing to them, as he starts the march toward the ring.

Troy: We’re just moments away from our main event! Vulture and Anthony Failla go to battle, right after this!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, “Better Think Again” by Submersed hits the speakers and the fans begin booing loudly as the menacing Anthony Failla slowly begins making his way to the ring. Failla scowls at fans shouting obscenities at him, but otherwise keeps his eyes and mind focused on the ring. He enters the squared circle and prepares to make the most of his opportunity.

Moments later, “Falling From the Sky” by VAST explodes onto the speakers, and the fans erupt into thunderous cheers for Vulture! The two-time former PWA Champion emerges amid a sea of fiery red pyro, realizing that he is just one victory away from another shot to win that title a third time.

 

Vulture wastes little time getting to the ring, standing face to face with Failla, who is hardly intimidated by his presence. Vulture removes his jacket and sunglasses and moves to the center of the ring, as does Failla. Once they both reach the position, the official signals for the bell to get this match started.

Troy: And here we go!

Calysto: This is a huge opportunity for both athletes, Vic. Vulture was in the midst of an epic bout with Jaguar for the championship last week when Failla ruined it, and we know he wants that shot for himself. But with next week’s title bout being contested inside a steel cage, I think we’ve got a very good chance of seeing a clean winner.

Troy: What are your predictions for this match?

Calysto: Well, I think Failla is going to give Vulture a tremendous run for his money, and I think it’s going to be an exceptionally hard-fought battle, but I just don’t see Vulture losing this one. He’s back, he’s on a roll, and even though we’ve seen a different Anthony Failla out there these last two weeks, I just don’t see him overcoming Vulture. I see Vulture winning this bout, and then, I’ll even go out on a limb and say that next week, Vulture wins his third PWA title in that steel cage.

Troy: Bold prediction!

Calysto: Really, with the way Vulture’s been going the last two weeks, I don’t think it’s that bold a prediction at all.

VULTURE VS. ANTHONY FAILLA

Referee: Tom Stevens
As the bell sounds, Vulture and Failla go at each other hard, starting the match off with a flurry of lefts and rights! Failla and Vulture trade punches vigorously, holding nothing back in the early juncture of this bout, and the fans cheer loudly!

 

Failla develops the early advantage, staggering Vulture first with punches. As Vulture loses the ability to defend himself, Failla moves in and grabs him, before heaving him effortlessly across the ring with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex! Vulture hits the mat with a thud, and Failla moves in and begins stomping him furiously. Vulture tries hard to get to a vertical base, and Failla ultimately allows him, so that he can toss him into a corner and begin drilling him with repeated shoulder blocks to the midsection, each one damaging Vulture more and more.

 

With Vulture prone in the corner, Failla perches him onto the top rope, looking for a superplex. However, Vulture is able to block it and shoves Failla off the ropes and down to the mat! Then, as Failla rises, Vulture leaps off, connecting with a diving cross body pinning combination! One, two, and Failla powers out!

 

Failla gets back up rather quickly, but Vulture is ready for him, stinging him with repeated knife-edge chops to the chest! He whips Failla into the corner and charges at him, but Failla greets him with a boot to the jaw when he does! Failla then lifts Vulture up off the mat and drills him down hard with a sidewalk slam! Failla covers… one, two, and Vulture kicks out.

 

Troy: Failla is just in control of this thing, Iceman.

Calysto: Right now he is, but Vulture is capable of turning this match around at a moment’s notice.

Failla lifts Vulture off the mat over his head into gorilla press position, and bench-presses him twice before dropping him down chest-first on the mat. Vulture is doubled-over in pain, and Failla moves in, nailing him with repeated kicks to the midsection. He then pries Vulture off the mat and downs him hard with a snap suplex. Failla covers… one, two, and Vulture escapes.

 

Failla now ups the ante, rolling Vulture onto his stomach and mounting his back, wrenching his neck with a camel clutch submission hold! Vulture struggles in the maneuver, but Failla cinches it in tighter and tighter, cutting off Vulture’s air supply and bringing him to the brink of submission… until Vulture digs down into his reserve, mustering up one monumental gush of adrenaline to reach his feet, with Failla still applying the hold, before dropping backwards and crashing onto him!

 

Troy: Vulture has broken that camel clutch and now might have a second life here!

Calysto: He very well could, Vic, but he needs to beat Failla back to his feet!

 

Failla and Vulture both get to their feet at approximately the same time and immediately begin unleashing a deliberate exchange of haymakers on each other, neither man wanting to concede any ground to the other. Finally, it is Failla that establishes the advantage, and seeks to further that advantage, whipping the dazed Vulture against the ropes. However, as he rebounds, Vulture unleashes a furious mafia kick to the jaw that staggers his larger opponent!

 

With Failla momentarily stunned, Vulture seizes the opportunity, blasting Failla with a thunderous t-bone suplex! Vulture covers… one, two, no! Failla kicks out!

 

Vulture, however, is undaunted, and looks to keep the pressure on, hitting Failla with a series of hard knees to the shoulders, looking to weaken his strong upper body to prevent his ferocious power assault. Failla is ultimately able to reach a vertical base, but Vulture is ready for him, whipping him against the ropes, and drilling him furiously with the Chill Factor spinebuster as he returns! Vulture nails the move with tremendous impact and rolls immediately into a cover! One, two, thr-NO! Failla escapes!

 

Troy: Vulture is really throwing the kitchen sink at Failla, Iceman, but it doesn’t seem to be enough!

 

Calysto: Don’t panic yet, Vic. We haven’t seen Vulture’s best moves yet, and if I know his sequence as well as I think I do, he’s got the big man right where he wants him.

Vulture looks to the top rope, perhaps considering his Fallen Angel frog splash, but when he sees Failla begin to stir, he quickly rethinks this plan. Failla gets to his feet, and Vulture boots him in the stomach, before setting him up for the Crimson Sunset! Vulture underhooks Failla’s head and lifts him straight up in the air, but before he can crush him down to the mat, Failla manages to slip out of the move, and lands directly behind Vulture, shoving him hard into corner, chest-first! Vulture stumbles backwards, and Failla takes advantage, lifting him into position for his Weapon of Mass Destruction finisher! However, Vulture is able to counter this, interlocking his legs around Failla’s left arm, and pulling him down into a crucifix pinning combination! One, two, and Failla kicks out!

 

Troy: So close!

Failla and Vulture both get to their feet, but it is Vulture who grabs Failla, whipping him into the corner, and then charging at him, unleashing a thunderous running clothesline! Failla stumbles forward, and Vulture clotheslines him to the mat, leaving him prone. He then scales the ropes and signals for the Fallen Angel frog splash!  However, just as Vulture leaps off, attempting the move, Failla pops up and catches him! With Vulture in a precarious position, Failla drops him face-first onto a turnbuckle pad and charges the opposite ropes, bouncing off them. Vulture is dazed, and as soon as he turns around, Failla attempts to destroy him with a running boot to the face, but Vulture has the move scouted, and ducks under it! Failla stops short, and doesn’t notice that Vulture has hit the opposite ropes. As soon as Failla turns around, he is drilled with a furious knee to the face! Vulture covers… one, two, and Failla kicks out again!

 

Troy: What does Vulture have to do to put Failla away?!

Calysto: Probably actually land either the Crimson Sunset or the Fallen Angel, Vic!

Vulture opts for neither of those moves, however, and instead grabs Failla’s legs and pulls him back into the middle of the ring and signals for the Sharpshooter! The fans come to their feet as Vulture applies the hold, and Failla begins screaming in pain! However, Failla is able to use his superior strength to crawl across the ring and, just in the nick of time, reach the bottom rope, forcing the hold to be broken!

However, Vulture is now more confident than at any previous point in the match, feeling that he has Failla in jeopardy. He lifts Failla up and throws him chest-first into the turnbuckles. With Failla there, he lifts him up and perches him facing the audience on the top rope. With that, Vulture follows him up for the Spider Suplex, his official set-up to the Fallen Angel. Unfortunately for him, as he tosses Failla off the ropes with a back suplex, Failla grabs onto the ropes and is able to safely flip down onto his feet. Vulture has absolutely no awareness of this and pulls himself back to his perch on the top rope with his legs. However, as soon as he does so, Failla grabs him from behind, right into position for the Weapon of Mass Destruction. With Vulture still perched on the top rope, Failla grabs him and performs the finisher, sending Vulture crashing down hard from the elevated distance! Vulture appears motionless as Failla turns him over and covers… one, two, three!

Troy: I don’t believe it! Anthony Failla has just pinned Vulture cleanly in the middle of the ring, and he’s now earned the right to battle Jaguar for the PWA Championship inside a steel cage right here next week!

Calysto: This was an unbelievably impressive win, Vic! There’s not anything else I can even say about it! Failla has absolutely earned the right to challenge Jaguar for that title next week.

 

Vulture lies motionless in the ring as “Better Think Again” replays over the speakers. Failla looks down at Vulture and laughs to himself before turning and exiting the ring. As Failla makes his way back up the ramp, Morgan Day rushes right past him, scooting into the ring to check on her husband. Shortly after Morgan gets there, Vulture comes to, but appears tremendously dazed and groggy as we fade to black.

WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 14:16 – ANTHONY FAILLA

 

-- END SHOW --