We open with a video package airing over the Jumbotron, highlighting events that took place on last week’s program, focusing on Anthony Failla’s triumph over Vulture to earn himself a shot at Jaguar’s PWA World Heavyweight Championship 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 United Center in Chicago, Illinois, 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’m Victor Troy, along here with The Iceman Jason Calysto, and we’ve got a tremendous show for you here tonight in Chicago!

Calysto: We sure do! Camera man, get a shot of above that ring over there, because we’ve got ourselves a 15-foot-high steel cage hanging from the rafters that will descend later tonight for our main event. We’ve got the shockingly impressive Anthony Failla challenging the champion Jaguar inside that steel cage, and with the way Failla has stepped up his game since this season began, you really get the sense that anything can happen tonight.

Troy: Indeed, anything CAN happen, as is also true in the case of the one-on-one meeting scheduled tonight between Scythe and Solomon! Two highly-respected former PWA Champions doing battle here tonight as each of them attempt to move one step closer to regaining that coveted title.

Calysto: I’m really not sure who the fans are going to take to in that one, as both of them have large, loyal fan bases. It should be interesting!

Troy: Also tonight, we’re going to see GI Jew go one-on-one with Dexter P. Wellington, following Wellington standing up for Evan Black last week, who Jew seems to have it in for.

Calysto: Not to mention the big women’s division match tonight between perennial unstoppable force Keiko Ishida and our new immovable object Zina. This match should go a long way in determining whether or not Zina is already one of the top talents in that division, or if she’s not quite there just yet.

Troy: All that, plus MUCH more, including the International Championship up for grabs, right now! Let’s head to the ring and get this show off the ground!

Suddenly, “Da Repercussions” by 50 Cent hits the speakers, and the Chicago crowd immediately erupts into jeers as Michael Grieco begins making his way to the ring, accompanied by Dee Licious. The International Champion pays little attention to the unfriendly crowd as he starts down the aisle, prepared for what should be a grueling title defense. Finally, Grieco enters the ring and hands the title belt to Dee, allowing himself a little more posing time before his opponent makes his entrance.

Moments later, “War Machine” by KISS erupts onto the speakers, and the fans begin cheering thunderously for the Hardcore Icon Kerry Cox!

Troy: And here comes Kerry Cox!

Calysto: These fans are clearly behind the Hardcore Icon, Vic, trying to rally him to the International title, a title he has held on two previous occasions. Grieco, however, is one of only two men to hold that title three times, but if Cox can grab this win tonight, that group is going to have a new member.

Cox makes his way to the ring, wasting little time, as Grieco stares ahead at him. Once Cox is settled in the ring, Lee Palmer makes the introductions.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s opening contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the PWA International Championship!

Introducing first, the challenger, from East Meadow, New York, weighing in at 239 pounds, the Hardcore Icon, KERRRRRRRRY COXXXXX!

And, his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Dee Licious, from Staten Island, New York, weighing in at 251 pounds, the PWA International Champion, MICHAELLLLL GRIEEEE-COOOOOO!

With that, Cox and Grieco walk to the center of the ring, where referee Tom Stevens reads them instructions as the bell sounds.

PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
MICHAEL GRIECO (champion) VS. KERRY COX (challenger):
Referee: Tom Stevens
Cox and Grieco waste no time, immediately pounding away on each other with hard lefts and rights in the center of the ring. Despite the massive strength advantage, Grieco finds himself being outfought in the early going, with the scrappy two-time International Champion Cox winning the battle of fisticuffs. With Grieco a bit dazed, Cox makes the move to spear the champion to the mat and continue pounding away on him viciously, before getting off him and playing to the wildly cheering crowd!

Cox now moves in, looking to lift the International Champion off the mat, but Grieco fights back, nailing him with a hard elbow smash to the jaw. This provides Grieco an opening to whip Cox against the ropes and down him with a hard back body drop as he returns. With Cox down, Grieco goes on the offensive, attacking him with vicious stomps, which pleases Dee on the outside, who can be seen visibly applauding her charge’s efforts. Cox is slow to his feet, but Grieco only makes it worse for him, nailing him with a stiff kick to the ribs. Cox winces in clear pain, and Grieco takes this as a sign that he should do it again. He does, and the impact appears equally painful.

Cox is finally able to reach a vertical base, and Grieco uses this opportunity to whip the Hardcore Icon violently into the corner, charging in hard after him. However, Cox lifts himself up and nails Grieco with a double boot to the jaw as he charges! Grieco is spun around by the impact and then staggers forward, leaving Cox an opening to charge and down him with a hard bulldog! Cox turns the champion over, looking for a cover, but Dee jumps onto the apron, distracting the official!

Troy: C’mon, ref! Get Dee off the apron! Cox might have this won!

Calysto: It looks like Cox isn’t waiting around for the official!

Indeed, Cox breaks his own cover and grabs a hold of Dee on the apron! However, Grieco gets to his feet and sees this and charges at them… only for Cox to move out of the way at the last second, sending Grieco crashing into Dee, which knocks her off the apron to the vast approval of the crowd! Grieco looks horrified as he looks at his downed manager on the arena floor, but Cox takes advantage of the opportunity, rolling Grieco up in a small package! One, two, and Grieco just barely kicks out!

Troy: Close one!

Calysto: Cox needs to keep the pressure on now, Vic!

Grieco gets to his feet, and Cox immediately boots him in the stomach, looking for the Coxsucker DDT! However, before he is able to apply the maneuver, Grieco grabs hold of him and bulls him into the corner repeatedly, forcing him to break his grip. Grieco then grabs Cox in position for a suplex, but Cox slips out and rolls him into a pinning combination! One, two, and Grieco kicks out! Grieco gets up, only for Cox to now tie him into a crucifix pinning combination! One, two, and Grieco again kicks out!

Troy: Cox is really keeping Grieco off balance here!

Calysto: Who would have thought the much older Cox would be outpacing the champion?

When Grieco pops back up, Cox downs him with a hard clothesline! The Hardcore Icon then whips Grieco into the corner, before mounting the turnbuckles and blasting Grieco with 10 hard right hands to the face! However, after the final punch, Grieco grabs onto Cox and powerbombs him right out of the corner! Grieco then keeps the grip locked and powerbombs again! Then, he retains the grip to nail him with a third consecutive powerbomb! With Cox sufficiently decimated, Grieco covers… one, two, three.

Troy: And that’s gonna do it!

Calysto: Well, Cox sure made Grieco work for this one.

Troy: That’s an understatement. Cox pushed Grieco to the limit, but Michael Grieco dug down deep and overcame to retain the gold. But listen to these people. They don’t like this one bit.

The crowd continues to boo as “Da Repercussions” blares over the speakers and Grieco escapes the ring. Dee grabs the International title belt and hands it to Grieco as the two exit up the ramp briskly. The champion wears a look of relief on his face as he exits, staring back at the valiant Cox, who has barely stirred in the ring.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 7:38 AT STILL PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION – MICHAEL GRIECO

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from commercial, the fans inside the area cheer wildly at the sight of the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Jaguar on the Jumbotron, walking through the backstage area. However, Jaguar is stopped in his tracks as the International Champion Michael Grieco and Dee Licious approach him from the opposite direction, on their way back from the ring.

Grieco: Well, well. If it isn’t our precious champion. First off, thanks for costing me that tag match last week, PARTNER. Some champion you are. In fact, I think you might be the worst tag team partner I’ve ever had.

Jaguar: Is that so?

Grieco: You know it is.

Jaguar: Listen Grieco, I told you not to screw me up last week, and you screwed me up. I saw what you were up to, trying to get us an unfair advantage over two young bucks trying to take out the top two singles champions in this company. I appreciate what those cats are trying to accomplish, and I don’t take shortcuts in my matches, especially against guys who are trying to break through to the next level. I went into that match last week ready to prove that I am still deserving of my spot at the top of this company, a place you’ll never be. I can’t prove anything if you take shortcuts. So I’m glad you got yourself pinned last week. And if you don’t get outta my damn way now, that won’t be the worst thing to happen to you.

Grieco is not afraid and steps right to the world champion, and the two get nose to nose. Dee tries to separate them, but five officials suddenly descend on the scene and make sure Jaguar and Grieco don’t come to blows. Jaguar is slowly moved away from Grieco, and when he is, backstage reporter Scott Cornelius approaches.

Cornelius: Jaguar, a bit of an intense scene here with Michael Grieco notwithstanding, you will be defending your PWA Championship later tonight against Anthony Failla, who has been absolutely on fire thus far this season. Any comment on how you plan to approach him tonight?

Jaguar: Corny, this isn’t really a good time, so I’m gonna keep my answer short and sweet. Tonight, I’m gonna do to Failla what I usually do to him when we meet. I’m gonna win. It doesn’t matter if I pin him, make him submit, or climb out of that cage. My championship isn’t going anywhere tonight, and after I take Failla out, I might have to come back here and teach this punk Grieco some manners.

***

Jaguar then walks off, prompting the camera to jump us to the catering area, where we see Women’s Champion Morgan Day filling her plate. When she turns around, she finds herself face to face with Lauren Tantalus, the woman she successfully defended her title against one week ago. There is an awkward tension in the air at first, but it is diffused when Lauren smiles and begins speaking.

Lauren: Hey look, I just want to congratulate you on the win last week. It was a great match, and I’m disappointed I didn’t get the job done, but I do think you’re a great competitor, and I take no shame in losing to you.

Morgan: Thank you, Lauren. And likewise, you convinced me last week that you are every bit the champion that people like myself and Keiko are. I know some people have questioned the era in which you competed, where, aside from Allison Kelly at the beginning of your run, you faced no real competition. But after last week, I am convinced you are legitimate.

Lauren: Well thanks. And you know, Morgan, I hope that we can do it again someday soon. I know we’re both three-time champions, but I would really like to be the first person to hold that belt a fourth time. So I’m prepared to get back in line, but just know this: you’re going to see me in that ring again. And when you do, I’m leaving with your title.

Morgan: I’m going to have to disagree with your assessment. Respectfully, of course. But I do look forward to seeing you in the ring again.

Suddenly, PWA creative director Justin Schenck walks up to the two of them and puts his arms around both women. They look at him disgustedly as he speaks.

Schenck: Nice to see you, ladies! By the way, job well done last week! Seriously! Anyway, glad I ran into you… particularly you, Morgan. I wanted to let you know that you should be watching the Zina-Keiko match pretty closely. Because I’ve decided that next week, you’re going to defend the Women’s Championship against the winner! Good luck!

Schenck excitedly walks away as Morgan and Lauren stare after him. Morgan shows no visible reaction to the news, but disappointment can be read on Lauren’s as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, “The Final Countdown” by the London Symphony Orchestra hits, and “The Conquistador” Matthew Magellan starts down the aisle to a chorus of boos, accompanied by Farley. The rotund Wisconsinite accompanies Magellan to the ring, trying his best to look intimidating.

Farley grabs a microphone from the ringside area and enters the ring to hand it to Magellan.

Magellan: Before I get down to business tonight, I have a little something I want to show all of you. I got together with some of the guys in the back and put a little video together that I think you’ll all enjoy. This is a tribute to one of the stalwarts of the PWA women’s division, a truly amazing physical specimen, a lovely creature who has won that championship on three separate occasions, and who is a pillar of this great company. I give you my video tribute… to Jade!

A video package then airs over the Jumbotron highlighting the PWA career of Jade through the years. Of course, her highlight reel also contains her conversing with Matthew Magellan last week, and it concludes with a clip of Jade smiling warmly on an episode of PWA Frequency years ago, Photoshopped next to an image of a smiling Magellan.

The cameras quickly take us backstage, where Jade is seen watching on a television monitor, shaking her head and groaning. She appears to be neither amused nor impressed.

Back at ringside, Farley takes his place on the outside of the ring, and Magellan stretches out on the ropes.

Calysto: Somehow I don’t think Matthew Magellan’s pursuit of Jade is going as well as it seemed to go with Traci Reed.

Troy: I don’t believe so, and I also don’t believe that video will put him any closer to where he wants to be. But right now, he’d better just think about being in that ring, because his opponent could care less about his pursuit of Jade!

With that, “Map of the Problematique” by Muse hits, and Paul Epton begins making his way to the ring to a sizeable ovation, accompanied to the ring by his tag team partner, John Wolfe.

Epton darts into the ring, running down the second half of the aisle before sliding right in. Wolfe doesn’t even enter the ring, instead immediately taking his place on the outside. Epton stares down Magellan intently as the bell sounds.

MATTHEW MAGELLAN VS. PAUL EPTON
Referee: Dan Martin

Epton immediately tries to quicken the pace of the bout, darting right at Magellan and taking him down with a hard hurricanrana! When Magellan gets back to a vertical base, Epton takes him down with a hard armdrag, following that with a series of dropkicks, as Magellan keeps getting up, only to walk into more and more offense!

After the third dropkick, Epton takes his act to the top rope. Magellan is slow to his feet, and Epton looks to take advantage, diving off with a high cross body. However, Magellan sees it coming and instead leaps up and dropkicks Epton out of the sky! Magellan covers… one, two, and Epton is just able to get the shoulder up!

Now in control, Magellan whips Epton into the corner hard, following him in with a thunderous clothesline. When Epton staggers forward, Magellan nearly takes his head off with another hard clothesline! Magellan pulls him to the center of the ring for a cover, but gets only two. He then locks in a modified Indian deathlock, cinching in the hold tightly, looking for a submission. However, just when it appears that Epton can take no more, he reaches the ropes, prolonging the bout!

Troy: I’m not sure how much longer Epton would have been able to hang on, Iceman!

Calysto: Neither am I. That was essential right there.

Magellan, however, refuses to break the hold, and referee Dan Martin steps in to break it up. In the midst of this, the two become tangled up, so when Epton gets to his feet and dropkicks Magellan, the self-proclaimed Conquistador falls on top of the official!

Martin is down and dazed as Magellan slowly gets to his feet. As soon as he turns around, Epton charges at him and drills him with a shining wizard! With that, Epton climbs to the top rope, looking for his trademark shooting star press, but before he can do so, Farley begins making his way into the ring! However, Farley trips over the ropes and falls flat on his face! Epton laughs at Farley, and John Wolfe charges into the ring, grabbing Farley and hurling him out!

The fans cheer, and he signals back to Epton, who is still on the top rope. However, at that moment, Magellan springs up and shoves Wolfe into the ropes, which causes Epton to lose his balance and fall off the top! Epton crashes down to the mat just as Magellan dropkicks Wolfe out of the ring. Magellan then lifts Epton up and drops him hard with a complete shot, which he calls the Strait of Magellan!

With Epton down, and the referee starting to stir, Magellan opts not to go for the cover, but instead pulls Epton into position and climbs himself to the top rope. Then, Magellan leaps off and crashes down onto his opponent with a thunderous flying elbow smash! Magellan hooks the leg and covers just as the referee gets back into position… one, two, three.

Troy: And that does it for Paul Epton!

Calysto: The miscue with John Wolfe in the ring there is what cost him, Vic! He had this match firmly in control!

Troy: Nonetheless, it is Matthew Magellan that escapes with the win tonight.

The fans boo loudly as “The Final Countdown” replays and Magellan exits victoriously. Magellan can be seen scolding Farley as they walk back up the aisle while, in the ring, Wolfe is talking matters over with a clearly annoyed Paul Epton. The cameras cut back to a final shot of Magellan’s exit as we head to commercial.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 5:23 – MATTHEW MAGELLAN

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, we are taken into a private dressing room, where Vulture is hanging out with his wife, PWA Women’s Champ Morgan Day. They are both smiling as they converse.

Vulture: So who do you like in this Zina-Keiko match tonight?

Morgan: It doesn’t really matter to me, honestly.

Vulture: I’d have to think you’d prefer to face Keiko, no? At least you know you can beat her. The way Zina has looked so far, if she beats Keiko, considering all the trouble you’ve had with Keiko over the years, that would seem to make Zina a significant challenge.

Morgan (chuckling) Are you TRYING to make me nervous? Because it’s not going to work. I’m the champion for a reason. I think I proved that last week.

Vulture: Oh absolutely. You did a great job last week. You know what I thought of your match.

Morgan: Hey, by the way, what are YOUR thoughts on the Jaguar-Failla match later on?

Vulture: (frowning) Don’t go there.

Morgan: What?

Vulture: I should be in that match tonight.

Morgan: I don’t know, I seem to recall you getting dropped on your head pretty hard by Failla last week. Maybe you hit your head so hard that you don’t even remember that he beat you cleanly.

Vulture looks up, flabbergasted, to meet Morgan’s joking smile, which disarms him.

Vulture: Thanks a LOT. And anyway, I’m fine. The fact that I got dropped from the top rope ended up working in my favor, because I didn’t really hit my head; the impact was more around my chest. Still hit hard enough to just about KO me though.

Morgan: (smiling) You act like you haven’t already told me this story. I hope Alzheimer’s isn’t setting in already. That would be quite unfortunate for me.

Vulture laughs and shoves his wife playfully. She shoves him back, laughing, but Vulture’s smile in particular fades when Chris and Alexis Duval enter the room unannounced.

Chris: Pardon the interruption, but I’ve got BIG news.

Vulture: This BETTER be important.

Chris: I’ll say! So listen to this. I went to Justin Schenck asking for a favor, and he has delivered!

Vulture: What the hell are you talking about, kid?

Chris: I’ve got a shot at the Tag Team titles tonight!

Vulture and Morgan look at the ecstatic Duvals curiously, in disbelief.

Chris: I mean, we. Me and you! Tonight! Tag Team title match against Synergy!

Alexis: Isn’t it amazing?!

Morgan’s eyes are opened wide, and an irritated look is growing on Vulture’s face.

Vulture: YOU and ME. Tonight. Tag Team titles? Are you serious?

Chris: Can you believe it?!

Vulture: How the hell did you coax Schenck to give you a shot at the belts?! What have you accomplished?! And why the hell did you just ASSUME I would be your partner?!

Chris: Because! It’s what I’ve always dreamed of! Me and my hero, my mentor, out there as one, celebrating victoriously at the end of the night, holding the Tag Team belts high! It’s gonna happen, V! We are going to be Tag Team Champions, TONIGHT!

Vulture is pensive before he speaks. But when he opens his mouth, he is authoritative.

Vulture: No. It’s not happening.

The wind is completely sucked out of the Duvals. Their faces turn sorrowful. Angry, even.

Alexis: Why not?! What more do you want?!

Chris: Don’t listen to her. She’s getting a little emotional. But I understand the sentiment. I thought I was doing a good thing. I just went to the creative director’s office and pleaded with him to do this. You want to know how I got the shot? I sold it on the basis that it would be YOU in the match. That’s why he went for it. And selfishly, I know that if we win these belts, maybe you’ll stop being so damn surly around us, and be more inviting. Trust me, there is a reason why we are here, and why we so desperately want to be accepted by you. But I need to know that we aren’t a nuisance to you, that you legitimately want us around. And so far, I haven’t been getting that vibe.

Vulture: I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, but I never asked for this. I really didn’t.

Morgan glares at Vulture, making him feel guilty.

Vulture: But I guess you did go through all this trouble tonight. Look, kid, you’ve got one shot. I’ll do this match with you tonight. You show me what you’ve got. If this goes well tonight, we’ll take the two of you under our wings for real. I mean it. But if you let me down, then I want you to stop wasting our time. You got it? This is it. This is your one and only audition. Now go get ready.

The Duvals are both beaming as they nod thankfully at Vulture and exit. Vulture shows complete exasperation on his face as he turns back to Morgan. She puts her arm around him.

Morgan: Give them a chance.

Vulture: (sigh) I guess I have a match to get ready for.

With that, Vulture gets up, and we head to break.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, “Demons” by Aria blares onto the speakers, and the fans begin booing as Zina makes her way to the squared circle. Zina doesn’t bother with the crowd as she settles in the ring, stretching out on the ropes as she awaits her greatest challenge to date.

Moments later, “The Stone Monkey” by Kazu Matsui hits, and the Chicago crowd gives a warm welcome to three-time former PWA Women’s Champion Keiko Ishida, who walks to the ring with a purpose. Keiko steps inside and stands face-to-face with Zina as the bell sounds.

Troy: Alright, this should be tremendous!

Calysto: This is the true litmus test for Zina tonight. If she can hang with Keiko, it means she’s the real deal. If she can’t, well then she isn’t quite as far along s some people might think.

KEIKO ISHIDA VS. ZINA
Referee: Matt Hansen
Keiko and Zina stare each other down right in the center of the ring to kick things off, but before long, a melee ensues, with the two exchanging furious rights and lefts, each one more staggering than the next!

Zina gains the advantage in this, backing Keiko up against the ropes, where she unleashes a furious onslaught of chops to the chest. Zina then shoves Keiko into the corner and chokes her with her boot, cutting off her air supply, and leaving Keiko struggling to get free. Zina does ultimately relinquish the hold, only to down Keiko with a hard belly-to-belly suplex after she does so.

Zina unleashes an array of stomps on Keiko while the former champion remains prone, before lifting her up and nailing her with more chops. Zina then whips Keiko into the ropes, but as Keiko returns, she counters with a running, flying clothesline that takes Zina off her feet! Keiko covers… and Zina kicks out at one.

Troy: Kickout with authority by Zina!

Calysto: Normally people will wait until a two-count to kick out to conserve some energy, but it appears Zina has no interest in conserving energy right now.

Nonetheless, Keiko keeps the onslaught mounted, nailing Zina with an array of chops of her own! Keiko then whips Zina against the ropes, and nails her with a hard powerslam as she returns! Keiko goes for a cover, and this time gets a two-count, but that’s all she’s going to get.

Keeping the pressure on, Keiko whips Zina into the corner and perches her on the top rope, nailing her with a hard superplex! Zina tries to fight it, but is ultimately overcome, and goes crashing onto the mat with a fury as the superplex is completed!

Now, with Zina down and prone, Keiko begins stalking her as if she were prey. When Zina finally does reach a vertical base, Keiko charges at her, full speed ahead, looking for her famed Running STO finisher… but Zina has it scouted! Instead of nailing the move, Keiko is instead clobbered by a Zina bicycle kick that nails her right between the eyes and turns her lights out completely!

However, despite this, Zina still feels the need to lift the unconscious Keiko off the mat and tie her in a vicious bearhug! Zina wrenches on the hold viciously, her eyes looking crazed as she does so. The referee quickly realizes that Ishida is not conscious and calls for the bell, stopping the bout!

Troy: Wow! Zina has just defeated Keiko Ishida! You know, Iceman, I saw what Zina has been doing to her opponents for the past few weeks, but I just felt tonight was going to be different!

Calysto: Well, other than taking her a little longer to secure the victory, and having to deal with a little bit more offense thrown her way, this really wasn’t much different for Zina. For the third straight time, she has seen an established women’s division member standing across from her, and for the third straight time, she has torn them down and claimed victory.

Troy: But what about Keiko Ishida, Iceman? This is two major losses in a three-week span for a woman who once reigned as champion for close to an entire calendar year.

Calysto: It looks like Keiko might have just been replaced by a bigger, stronger, and deadlier foe in this Zina.

Troy: And don’t forget that now, Zina will be challenging Morgan Day for the Women’s Championship right here next week!

The fans boo loudly as “Demons” replays and Zina throws her arms up in victory, screaming out in Russian. While medical personnel attend to Keiko, who has not yet regained consciousness, the PWA Women’s Champion Morgan Day walks out onto the stage. Zina sees her and smiles a wicked smile in her direction, gesturing around her waist that she wants the belt. Morgan just stares back at her, stone-faced, and shakes her head “no.” The two then engage in a heated staredown as we head to commercial.

Calysto: This is going to be something else, Vic! Zina has torn through most of this women’s division, but now she has to contend with the champion!

Troy: Will Morgan Day be able to do what not even Keiko Ishida could here tonight? We’ll find out next week! Unbelievable! Folks, we’ll be right back! Stay with us!
WINNER VIA MATCH STOPPAGE AT 4:19 – ZINA

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we are taken into creative director Justin Schenck’s office. Schenck is seated at his desk, with newcomer Chase Stone milling about in the background, and both Showtime Damon Savage and Dan Crowley seated in front of him.

Schenck: Gentlemen, thank you for coming.

Both nod at him.

Schenck: First of all, I just want to commend you both for taking the bull by the horns here this season. You both talked a big game, but last week, you took a step towards walking the walk along with talking the talk. So the reason I have called you back here is that I have a proposition for you. I want to give you two the chance next week to earn a title opportunity.

The eyes of both Showtime and Crowley light up as Schenck speaks. However, before he can say another word, Renegade and Paul Dawkins enter the room. They are confused to see Savage and Crowley there, just as Savage and Crowley are confused to see them.

Renegade: You wanted to see us, Justin?

Schenck: Indeed I did. Look, I’ll just come right out with it. Showtime, Crowley, I enjoyed watching you team up last week. I thought you showed good chemistry. Next week, I want to have a match, pitting the two of you against Renegade and Paul Dawkins, with the winners receiving an opportunity to win the Tag Team Championship the following week. Now, I don’t have to ask your permission to book you in a match. I can schedule you for anything I want. But what I don’t want is two guys pursuing titles they have no desire to compete for. So I’m going to ask all four of you now. Are you in, or are you out?

Dawkins: Sign us up.

Renegade: Yeah, definitely. I know we hadn’t planned on doing full-time teaming this season, but this is becoming personal with Synergy. And I know they could lose those belts in a few minutes, but in our minds, we’ve been screwed out of the titles twice, and they deserve to be ours. So like my much-more succinct partner just said, we’re in.

Schenck: Great! So, Showtime, Crowley, are we good?

Savage and Crowley look at each other, neither man appearing to be too sure about the decision. Finally, Showtime begins to speak.

Showtime: Listen, I don’t care. I’ll take the match, and do whatever I’m asked to do. But would I be excited about this? Not really. When I see an opportunity to go for the PWA title, I’m gonna take it. But I’ll face any body, any place, any time.

Meanwhile, Crowley’s brow furrows and he begins speaking.

Crowley: You know what? I don’t think so. This is exactly the kind of thing I was worried about. Eight years ago, I came to the PWA alone, and within a month, I got roped into teaming with Reaper, for what was supposed to be a short-term deal. Next thing I know, we’re teaming together on and off for three years, and I failed to ever win a singles title. I’m not making the same mistake again. Sorry Showtime, but I’m out. I don’t ever back down from a challenge, and I have no problem wrestling this match, but I’m two wins away from being saddled in a tag team I don’t want to be in. So I’m going to have to decline.

Dawkins: Well, excuse us. You don’t want to be Tag Team Champions? That’s fine. Because we do. So Justin, if they don’t want to play ball, just give us the shot.

Schenck, however, simply turns to Stone and smiles. Stone chuckles when they make eye contact. Schenck then turns back to the four other wrestlers sitting in his office.

Schenck: I’m not handing anyone anything. In fact, Showtime, Crowley, I had a feeling you might say that. So, there’s one thing I neglected to mention. If you two defeat Renegade and Dawkins next week, and then go on to win the titles the following week, I will guarantee one of you one shot at the PWA World Heavyweight Championship this season. The person who scores the championship-winning pinfall would receive that honor. So, let me ask you again. Will you accept this match next week?

Showtime and Crowley now look at each other with confident smiles on their faces.

Crowley: You can count me in.

Showtime: Absolutely.

Schenck nods at them approvingly, but notices that Renegade and Dawkins appear discontent.

Schenck: Oh, Renegade, Dawkins… don’t worry. The same stipulation applies to the two of you.

Renegade and Dawkins appear both elated and wary of each other after the announcement. The four men all look around the room, eyeing their competition as the shot fades.

***

We then shift to ringside, where “With You” by Linkin Park blares onto the speakers, and the fans begin cheering thunderously as the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe makes his way to the ring!

Scythe wears a look of serious determination on his face as he enters the ring and stretches out on the ropes, ready for battle. Then, moments later, “Hear Me” by Darkseed thumps onto the speakers, and the cheers continue for the Alaskan Monster Solomon, who makes his way to the ring with the same determined look etched on his icy face.

Solomon enters the ring and stands toe-to-toe with Scythe, the two keeping their eyes locked on each other as the bell sounds.

Troy: Alright, this should be a tremendous contest!

Calysto: Absolutely. Any time you get two former world champions in there, going head-to-head, you’ve got the potential for some real excitement. Now add to that two guys who have had some amazing matches in the past, including an unbelievable 60-minute Iron Man match for the world championship about five and a half years ago, and you’ve got a recipe for a memorable matchup.

Troy: And you’d have to think that a win in this bout would put the winner firmly in the mix for a world title opportunity in the very near future.

SCYTHE VS. SOLOMON
Referee: Jose Soares
The two men continue to stare at each other, neither man seeming incredibly eager to make the first move. They ultimately opt to lock up, a move that works against Scythe, who is shoved violently to the mat by the Alaskan Monster to a round of cheers.

Scythe picks himself up as Solomon smirks at him. Undaunted, Scythe calls for another lockup. They lock up again, but this time, Solomon is able to grab the Modern-Day Samurai and tie him in a side headlock. However, Scythe succeeds in shoving Solomon off, into the ropes. As Solomon rebounds, Scythe hits the mat, and Solomon hops over him, hitting the opposite ropes. Scythe then springs up and attempts to leapfrog over the Alaskan Monster, but Solomon catches him and crashes him down thunderously with a spinebuster! The fans cheer, and Solomon raises his arms and growls, playing to them.

Troy: What a ferocious spinebuster!

Calysto: Vic, I’ve got to question the logic in Scythe trying to leapfrog over the seven foot Alaskan Monster. That’s a LONG way to travel, and obviously, it did not pay off.

Solomon peels Scythe off the mat, his confidence growing by leaps and bounds. He is growing arrogant even. Solomon grabs the Modern-Day Samurai and whips him violently into the corner, Scythe’s chest smashing hard against the turnbuckles. As Scythe staggers backwards, Solomon puts his hand over Scythe’s face and simply shoves him down to the mat. With Scythe down, Solomon drops as a hard elbow on his chest, but when he takes an excessively long time to do it a second time, Scythe is able to move out of the way!

Solomon is more angry than hurt at this point, and springs right back to his feet. However, as he does so, he finds Scythe waiting for him, ready with a deep armdrag! Solomon goes down hard, but when he springs back up, he meets the exact same fate! Solomon is furious now as he rises a third time, only to be dropkicked by the Modern-Day Samurai, the impact sending him tumbling over the top rope, all the way down to the arena floor! The fans cheer wildly, and as Solomon gets up, Scythe springboards himself over the top rope with a plancha, crashing into the Alaskan Monster on the outside, taking him out!

Troy: Unbelievable!

Calysto: Scythe is really approaching this match with reckless abandon, Vic! He is really going for it!

The fans are cheering loudly as Scythe and Solomon both get to their feet slowly, taking a long enough time to do so that the referee’s count is becoming an issue. Finally, Scythe gets himself back into the ring at the referee’s count of seven. Solomon, however, gets to his feet and rips a steel chair away from the ringside area and slides it into the ring.

When Solomon follows by entering the ring himself, referee Jose Soares admonishes him and grabs the chair, tossing it out of the ring. However, Solomon uses this opening to boot Scythe in a groin with a vicious low blow! The fans are surprised by the cheap shot, and moments later, with Scythe doubled over, Solomon grabs him, hurls him over his shoulders, and destroys him with the Deep Freeze! The referee turns around and Solomon covers… one, two, three!

Troy: I don’t believe this! Solomon has won this match, but he had to resort to a low blow!

Calysto: I’ve gotta say, Vic, I’m a bit surprised by this too. Solomon’s not a guy that really needs shortcuts at any point, but for some reason, he felt the need to take one here against Scythe. I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of this issue.

The fans give a mixed reaction to Solomon as “Hear Me” replays over the speakers and Solomon quickly exits the ring. Scythe writhes in pain on the mat inside the ring as Solomon makes his escape, not yet well enough to react to Solomon’s offense. The Alaskan Monster is without reaction he heads to the back with a controversial victory in hand.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 7:42 – SOLOMON

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, we see Dexter P. Wellington fixing his kneepads, preparing for his battle with GI Jew. As he does so, Evan Black approaches him.

Black: Hey.

Wellington: Hello Evan.

Black: Listen, I just wanted to wish you luck tonight. And I also wanted to thank you for coming to my aid last week with GI Jew… but I want you to know that I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.

Wellington: Believe me, I have no doubts about your ability to defend yourself. I did not step in because I didn’t think you could fight your own battles, I did it to help. Like I said last week, I am a philanthropist, and I did this for you. Look, we both know that sooner or later, you’re going to be in there with GI Jew. Consider tonight an opportunity to scout your opponent firsthand. I was going to come find you in a minute anyway; I would love for you to accompany me to the ring. Get a good look at him; I’ll get him to show you a good chunk of his arsenal. Because if you can beat GI Jew, believe me, your career will skyrocket quicker than you could ever imagine. So, will you join me?

Black thinks about it for a moment before answering.

Black: Sure. I’ll be there.

***

The two then shake hands, before we are sent back to ringside, where “Falling From the Sky” blares onto the speakers, and the fans begin cheering raucously. Vulture steps out from behind the curtain and elicits a burst of flaming pyro before beginning his walk to the ring. Three steps behind him is Chris Duval, who looks pumped up beyond belief to be sharing in Vulture’s entrance. Neither Morgan Day nor Alexis Duval joins the pair at ringside.

Troy: This should be quite the interesting match, wouldn’t you say, Iceman?

Calysto: I would think so. It’s really just an incredible opportunity for Chris Duval. The guy has been in the PWA for four weeks, and he’s already gotten himself a title opportunity by arranging this match. And I know Vulture seems to be more annoyed by his presence than anything else, but from what I’ve seen, this Duval kid can go, and if he brings it tonight, he and Vulture could very well leave here with the belts.

Troy: But what would that mean for Vulture’s world title aspirations?

Calysto: Well, just a few minutes ago, we just saw Justin Schenck meeting with Showtime, Dan Crowley, Renegade, and Paul Dawkins about this very topic. So I’d have to assume that if he’d allow it with them, he’d allow Vulture to pursue the title even with a tag team belt as well. I guess we’d have to wait and see.

As Vulture and Duval settle themselves in the ring, “More Human Than Human” by White Zombie hits, and the fans boo loudly as Synergy makes its way to the ring. The Human Highlight Jon Dulberg and The Omega Steve Beovich are the ones wearing the belts tonight as they head to the squared circle, with the MVP Don Capriglione doing some cheerleading. Once they are in the ring, Capriglione takes the belts and exits, and we turn our attention to ring announcer Lee Palmer.

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

Introducing first, the challengers, at a total combined weight of 477 pounds, the team of CHRIIIIIIIS DUUUUUUUUVALLLLLLLLLLLLLL, and VULLLLLLLLTURRRRRRRRRRE!

And their opponents, they are the PWA Tag Team Champions, representing Synergy, weighing in at 463 pounds, the team of THE HUMANNNNNNN HIIIIIIGHLIIIIIIIGHT JONNNNNNNN DULLLLLLLLBERGGGGGGGG and THE OOOOOOOMEGAAAAAAAAA STEEEEEEEEEEEVE BEEEEEEEEEEEEOVICHHHHHHHHHH!

Troy: Interesting choice for Synergy tonight.

Calysto: I think it was the ONLY choice to make, Vic. When you’re dealing with a superstar like Vulture, you have to go with your experience. Dulberg and Beovich have held multiple singles and tag team titles in this company, and they have both been around for a long, long time. Dulberg was here the day PWA opened up shop in August of 2002, and Beovich followed shortly thereafter. They are sending their two most experienced members out to battle tonight, and I’ve got to agree with the decision.

PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:

SYNERGY [THE HUMAN HIGHLIGHT JON DULBERG & THE OMEGA STEVE BEOVICH] (champions) VS. VULTURE & CHRIS DUVAL (challengers)
Referee: Dan Martin
The bell sounds to get this match started, and Steve Beovich elects to start the match for Synergy. Duval defaults to Vulture, and the two-time former PWA Champion locks up with Beovich to kick things off.

Beovich ties Vulture in a side headlock, but Vulture is quick to power out of it, shoving Beovich against the ropes. However, as he returns, Vulture drills him with a furious Chill Factor spinebuster, going for an immediate cover! One, two, and Beovich kicks out!

Troy: Wow! Vulture just pulled out a big move insanely early, but it almost worked out!

Calysto: It doesn’t seem like Vulture is looking to work overtime tonight!

Vulture immediately keeps the pressure mounted, attacking Beovich with a bevy of stomps. He lifts Beovich up and heaves him into the corner, stinging him with hard knife-edge chops that delight the crowd! Vulture then takes the opportunity to tag Duval into the fray, and can clearly be heard telling him to “make the most of this.” Vulture holds Beovich prone and Duval stings him with a boot to the gut. With Vulture now out of the ring, Duval grabs Beovich and nails him with a hard snap suplex, before floating over for a two count.

Duval then lifts Beovich up and whips him against the ropes, but telegraphs his attempted back body drop, which results in the Omega nailing him with a hard kick to the jaw. Duval springs up, and Beovich grabs him and downs him hard with a belly-to-belly suplex.

With Duval down, Beovich grabs his leg and tags in Dulberg, who immediately enters and hits Duval with consecutive legdrops, bruising him. Dulberg covers… and Duval kicks out at two. Dulberg now grabs him and hurls him into the corner, nailing him with repeated hard shoulderblocks to the midsection. Duval staggers out of the corner, but Dulberg drills him down again with a hard clothesline.

Dulberg continues to work over Duval furiously, stomping and battering him, not allowing him to draw any closer to Vulture and his corner. Dulberg tags Beovich back into the match, who continues the assault on the young Duval. Vulture is calling out for Duval to make a tag from his corner, but Duval is unable to make the journey and get the two-time PWA Champion into the bout. However, out of nowhere, when Beovich attempts to lift Duval for a suplex, Duval counters, blocking the suplex before turning it into a suplex of his own! Duval begins crawling to the corner, desperately trying to tag Vulture in, while Beovich also approaches his corner. However, on the outside, Don Capriglione sees Duval nearing Vulture, so he decides to take matters into his own hands. The MVP jumps onto the apron and distracts the official, preventing him from seeing Duval tag in Vulture!

Vulture enters the ring on fire, but when the referee turns around and notices him in there, he orders Vulture to leave. The fans boo mercilessly, but Vulture is forced to return to the corner. Then, Beovich tags in Dulberg, who promptly tosses Duval out of the ring. However, the referee catches sight of Capriglione going after Duval on the outside and promptly ejects him from ringside! The fans cheer wildly!

Troy: Finally! Some justice!

Calysto: Capriglione doesn’t look happy!

Troy: No, he doesn’t, but now Synergy is going to have to win this match two-on-two if they want to leave here with the championship intact!

Capriglione makes a scene on his way to the back, but ultimately comes to terms with the fact that he will no longer be able to help his partners from the outside. Meanwhile, Duval begins battling back on Dulberg, before blasting him with a jawbreaker out of nowhere! Again with an opportunity, Duval moves toward his corner. Dulberg tags Beovich back in, who charges at Duval, but just before he can reach him, Duval tags in Vulture!

Troy: There’s the tag! Vulture is back in!

Vulture downs Beovich with a hard right hand to a roar from the crowd! Then Dulberg enters, and Vulture promptly clotheslines him over the top rope and to the outside! Beovich then pops up and charges at Vulture, but Vulture sidesteps him, forcing Beovich to collide into referee Dan Martin, knocking him down! However, after this, Vulture grabs a prone Beovich in position for the Crimson Sunset… only for Jon Dulberg to enter the ring with a steel chair! Vulture releases Beovich, beckoning Dulberg forward… until Duval yanks the chair out of Dulberg’s hands! Dulberg turns around, and Duval swings it, despite Vulture’s protests! The chair is sent flying towards Dulberg’s head, but the Human Highlight ducks at the last moment, and the chair cracks Vulture in the skull! Vulture goes down in a heap and Duval looks horrified!

Troy: Oh no! Chris Duval just nailed Vulture by accident with that chair! Synergy is going to steal this one!

Calysto: This is not good, Vic!

Duval drops the chair and stands frozen, long enough for Dulberg to charge and clothesline him over the top rope. The Omega, meanwhile, scales the top rope and leaps off, nailing Vulture with his Extreme Precision frog splash! Beovich hooks the leg just as the referee returns to position… one, two, three.

Troy: That’s it! Synergy retains the gold!

Calysto: Somehow, I don’t think Vulture is going to be viewing Chris Duval in any more of a positive light after this one.

The fans boo loudly as “More Human Than Human” replays and the champions exit victoriously. Vulture begins to move slowly in the ring, still unaware of what happened, while Chris Duval sits on the arena floor, frustrated at what just took place. The boos of the Chicago faithful are still echoing throughout the United Center as we head to commercial.
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 9:40 AND STILL PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS – SYNERGY

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, we are taken to Vulture and Morgan Day’s dressing room, where an argument is ensuing between Vulture and the Duvals. Morgan appears to be trying to keep the peace.

Vulture: I don’t even want to hear it! There was NO NEED for you to try to use that chair! You heard me screaming DON’T! Didn’t you?!

Chris: I’m sorry, alright?! What more do you want me to say?! It’s one match! I thought things were going well until that point. I saw an opening for us to possibly wrap it up, so I took it. Was that so bad?!

Vulture: We lost as a direct result of that! So I’d say, YES, it IS that bad!

Morgan: Listen, just calm down! Tempers are flaring a little bit, which is to be expected…

Chris: Shut up, Morgan! We don’t need to hear you right now!

Enraged, Vulture walks over and backhands Chris across the mouth!

Vulture: Don’t you EVER talk back to my wife, you son of a bitch!

Now Alexis is furious, and she begins screaming at Vulture, while her brother holds her back. Even Morgan Day is losing her composure, screaming at Alexis that if she touches Vulture, the two of them will have a problem. Finally, Vulture shouts over everyone else.

Vulture: That’s it! I’m gonna have to ask you two to leave.

Chris: You’re right, V. We’ll just cool things off, and then next week, we can…

Vulture: There is no next week. We’re done. You’re not welcome in this dressing room anymore. Really, it’s questionable that you ever were. Just both of you, do us a favor and find someone else to leech onto.

The Duvals are first crushed, then angry.

Alexis: Big mistake.

Chris: You sure you want to do this, V?

Vulture: I’m sure. And stop calling me V. My friends call me V.

Chris can’t even speak, choked up with anger and sadness. He shakes his head repeatedly.

Chris: I should have known better. I should have just listened.

Alexis: I told you this was a waste of time.

Chris: You were right.

Chris then turns to Vulture and Morgan.

Chris: Well, thank you for your time. Trust me, things will be MUCH different next week.

With that, the Duvals exit. After they leave, Morgan continues to stew, while Vulture paces around the room. He finally punches a wall viciously to relieve stress, but only serves to hurt his hand. As he hops around in pain, Morgan just looks at him and sighs.

Morgan: You’re not going to win a fight with the bloody wall.

Vulture, however, does not respond, as he is too busy concentrating on his hand as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, “Opium of the People” blares onto the speakers, and the fans begin booing loudly as GI Jew rides his Chopper down to the ring. Jew could care less what the people think as he rides his way down, stopping only to yell at more vocal audience members as he parks his Chopper and enters the ring.

Moments later, “Marriage of Figaro” blares onto the speakers, and the fans actually give a decent ovation to Dexter P. Wellington, who is accompanied by Evan Black!

Troy: Would you listen to this?! I never thought I’d see the day where people would actually be cheering for Dex Wellington!

Calysto: It IS a rather incredible turn of events, but you’ve just got to roll with it! Maybe the guy really HAS changed!

Black takes his place on the outside as Wellington enters the ring, stretching out on the ring ropes while Jew stares a hole right through him.

DEXTER P. WELLINGTON VS. GI JEW
Referee: Matt Hansen
As soon as the bell sounds, Jew charges right at Wellington, looking for an immediate Gore to put this match away in seconds, but Wellington sees it coming and leapfrogs over it! Jew then turns around and charges at Wellington again, but this time Wellington counters into an armdrag! Then, when Jew gets back to his feet, Wellington downs him with a dropkick that sends GI Jew rolling to the outside! The fans cheer loudly as Dex Wellington plays to the crowd!

Troy: This is unbelievable! Wellington really has the crowd behind him, and it seems to be making the difference! He has the advantage in this match right now!

Calysto: He sure does, but it’s going to take a lot more than that for him to get past GI Jew with a win here tonight.

Jew glares angrily at Evan Black on the outside before re-entering the ring. Wellington tries to keep the momentum going, charging right at Jew, but now it is Jew’s turn to counter, as he sidesteps him and pushes all of Wellington’s momentum into the turnbuckles. With Wellington prone, Jew unleashes a series of kidney punches on Dexter, forcing him to cry out in pain with each passing one. Jew then downs him with a hard back suplex, before unleashing a series of stomps. With the match now firmly under control, Jew taunts the Chicago crowd, which responds with an avalanche of jeers.

Jew lifts Wellington up and whips him into the corner, following him in with a hard clothesline. Then, as Wellington staggers forward, Jew nails him with repeated headbutts, which damage both participants. However, Jew is able to regain his composure quicker, and follows it up by grabbing Wellington and drilling him with a hard shoulderbreaker! He covers… one, two, and Wellington escapes!

With Wellington down, Jew ties him in a front facelock, screaming at him to give up. When Wellington refuses, Jew responds by placing his fingers inside Wellington’s nostrils, attempting to rip his nose off! Finally, Wellington is able to turn the tables, reaching a vertical base. He nails Jew with repeated stiff elbows to the midsection, until finally he can get enough separation to bounce off the ropes and down Jew with a cross body block! He hooks the leg… one, two, and Jew kicks out!

Troy: Wellington is turning things around!

Calysto: It was looking bleak there for a while for him, but I think Wellington might have this one in control again!

Jew gets to his feet, and Wellington downs him with an immediate dropkick! Then Jew gets up again, and Wellington downs him with a dropkick again! The third time, Jew is much slower to his feet, and Wellington takes the opportunity to climb to the top rope! As soon as Jew gets up, Wellington leaps off the top and nails Jew in the head with a double axe handle, sending him down to the mat! Wellington covers… but Jew kicks out at two!

Wellington now gets himself in position as Jew gets to his feet, and when Jew does rise, Wellington hits him with a bridging German suplex for the pin! One, two, thr-NO! Jew escapes!

The fans are now on their feet as Wellington stalks Jew as he rises, before slapping on the Million Dollar Dream! However, Jew violently thrusts himself into the corner repeatedly, smashing Wellington’s back against the turnbuckles five times before Wellington is forced to release the hold! Then, out of nowhere, Jew bounces off the opposite ropes and explodes on Wellington, destroying him with a vicious Gore! Jew covers… one, two, three.

Troy: And that’s gonna do it for Dex Wellington!

Calysto: A valiant effort, though. He really gave it all he had, and gave GI Jew a real run for his money.

The fans boo loudly as “Opium of the People” replays over the speakers and GI Jew is declared the winner. However, despite the fact that the match is over, Jew opts to continue stomping away on Wellington, to the dismay of the crowd.

WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 7:34 – GI JEW

Fortunately, Evan Black decides that he has seen enough, and he storms into the ring to go after Jew! Jew and Black exchange fists in the ring, with the quicker Black running circles around the larger GI Jew! Finally, the two get some separation, and Jew charges at him, but Black is able to lowbridge him, pulling the top rope down so that Jew goes flying over the ropes!

Troy: Look at this!

Calysto: Evan Black has just embarrassed GI Jew!

Furious on the outside, Jew grabs a microphone.

Jew: That’s it! Evan Black, I’ve had enough of you! I want you in the ring, one-on-one, right here next week!

Black is handed a microphone by the referee.

Black: You want me next week, Jew? Fine! I accept!

Troy: Whoa! Listen to this!

Calysto: It’s going to be GI Jew against Evan Black, right here next week! That should be something!

The fans cheer the announcement loudly as we head to commercial, with Jew staring at Black from the outside, while Black remains in the ring, both staring at Jew and hovered over the fallen Wellington.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

 Back from break, we see Greg Tantalus in his dressing room, vigorously playing XBOX 360. He is especially enthused by the game, until his cell phone rings. He looks at the number on his phone, and his demeanor changes completely. Irritated, he answers the phone.

Tantalus: (into phone) What do you want? ….. What do you MEAN you’re in the front row?! ….. Listen, Theresa, I don’t have anything to ….. (Tantalus’ eyes now light up with rage as the voice on the other end speaks) ….. WHERE ARE YOU EXACTLY? ….. STAY WHERE YOU ARE!

Tantalus storms out of his dressing room and begins storming through the backstage area, heading towards the ring. He walks through the curtain without any entrance music and powerwalks his way down the aisle. Once he reaches the ringside area, he looks around in the crowd until he spots a blonde woman. He grabs her by the arm and escorts her over the barricade, telling security that it is alright. Holding the woman by the arm, Tantalus escorts her to the backstage area. The fans in the arena are perplexed.

Calysto: What the hell is going on here, Vic?

Troy: I have NO idea.

Tantalus and the woman disappear behind the curtain, but the camera follows them backstage.

Woman: Where are we going?!

Tantalus: Just shut up and come with me, Theresa!

Tantalus and the woman, Theresa, turn the corner in the hall, heading towards Justin Schenck’s office. Seeing what is happening on the monitor, Schenck and Chase Stone exit the office just as Tantalus starts down the hall. When they see him, Schenck runs in the opposite direction and Stone runs toward Tantalus. Theresa screams as Tantalus sidesteps Stone, tossing him to the ground, with his head hitting the floor! He then catches up to Schenck and grabs him by the throat, pinning him against a wall!

Tantalus: You miserable piece of crap! You set me up! You set me up to ruin my damn marriage! What kind of disgusting lowlife are you?!

Schenck (gasping): I didn’t do anything!

Theresa catches up to them.

Tantalus: Theresa! Tell me again what you just told me!

Theresa is sobbing.

Theresa: I’m sorry! He asked me to come on to you, just to see what you would do! Then one thing led to another and it was wonderful… but he wanted me to get in touch with your wife and let her know! He said if I did he’d give me a tryout for the women’s division, but then this bastard never called me back! You went back on your word, Justin!

Tantalus turns back to Schenck.

Tantalus: You still want to lie to me?! I’ll strangle you to death right here, you son of a bitch!

Suddenly, Chase Stone clocks Tantalus from behind on the back of the head with a fire extinguisher! Tantalus goes down in a heap. Theresa cries some more, but Chase turns to her and prepares to hit her with the extinguisher, and she runs off screaming. Just then, security finally arrives on the scene. Schenck frantically points down at Tantalus.

Schenck: Remove that man from the building, he assaulted me! Get him the hell out of here!

As security takes Tantalus away, Schenck shouts after him.

Schenck: It was for your own good, Tantalus! You’ll thank me someday!

Stone checks on Schenck, who is clutching his neck in pain.

Calysto: What the hell is going on around here?!

Troy: Well, if I’m following all this, it sounds like Justin Schenck might be directly responsible for Tantalus’ wife learning of his extramarital affair, and even responsible for him meeting his mistress in the first place! But why?!

Calysto: It doesn’t look like we’re gonna find out this week either! Tantalus has been removed from the building! This is insane!

Troy: It sure is! Folks, we’ll be right back with our main event! It’s Jaguar and Anthony Failla for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship, inside a steel cage! And it’s next! Don’t go anywhere!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, we see the steel cage lowering over the ring, and anticipation grows in the crowd. We then cut backstage, where Traci Reed is standing by with Anthony Failla.

Failla’s glare pierces through the camera as he focuses on it, not even turning his attention to Traci as she speaks.

Traci: Anthony Failla, we are just moments away from your opportunity to win the PWA Championship, here in Chicago of all places, your new place of residence since PWA’s closure. What is going through your mind right now?

There is a long pause, after which Failla begins to speak.

Failla: You know, I haven’t been very talkative since PWA returned, but I just want to say this. Yes, I moved to Chicago a few years back, and yes, I started an intense training program here that has led to the creation of the specimen you see before you. But don’t think I’m getting any warm, fuzzy feelings about challenging for the title here. The only home I have is in that ring, and until a couple of years ago, I don’t think I ever truly realized and came to terms with that. But after Everlasting Epic four years ago, after I was beaten by Romeo, a man whose talent is so inferior to mine, I sat down and told myself it would never happen again. I am the best wrestler in that locker room. I am a monster. And this new season, it’s called PWA: The Rebirth. Well, it’s my rebirth, too. People have called me an underachiever, and that’s fine. Because tonight, I achieve everything I’ve ever been destined to achieve. Tonight, I leave here the new PWA World Heavyweight Champion. And after I do, I will rule over the PWA, and every wrestler in that locker room will bow before me and they will know that I am the most dominant man in wrestling. But I’m tired of talking about it. It’s time to go do something about it.

***

Failla then walks off and the camera returns ringside, where we see that the steel cage has been completely lowered. Moments later, “Better Think Again” by Submersed hits, ushering Anthony Failla out from behind the curtain. The fans boo loudly as Failla stoically makes his way to the ring, paying no attention to the crowd in his new adopted hometown. Referee Jose Soares holds the cage door open for him, allowing him to enter. Soares is joined on the outside of the cage by Dan Martin, while senior referee Tom Stevens will handle pinfall and submission attempts inside the ring.

Troy: Anthony Failla has a tremendous opportunity here tonight, a shot to continue the tremendous roll that he’s been on thus far this season and walk away from the United Center with the PWA Championship.

Calysto: And you know what, Vic? He’s got a hell of a shot to get this done. This steel cage environment, in my view, favors the bigger, stronger Failla, a man who is agile enough to climb out of the cage if need be, and despite being bigger than the champion, I would also venture to guess that he can climb out of that cage faster than Jaguar.

Troy: A brief note on this cage match, folks. There are three ways to win this bout. One is to pin your opponent inside the cage, another is to make him submit. The third is to climb out of the cage. Escaping through the door is NOT an option. As soon as Jaguar enters, that door will be padlocked shut, forcing these two combatants to climb out if they wish to win the match in that way.

Calysto: And that adds a lot more strategy to the match, in my opinion. I’ve always felt that winning a cage match by walking out the door is a bit of a cop-out, so I’m glad to see that option eliminated. But also, you might be saying to yourself, “why would anyone try to climb out of the cage when it would take quite a bit longer than simply covering someone for three seconds?” And I understand why someone would think that, since it requires a wrestler to be down for only three seconds to be pinned, but for closer to 15 seconds for you to have a realistic shot of escaping. And the reason is this – if you’ve been wrestling long enough, you have an instinctual impulse to jolt your body and kick out when you hear the referee’s hand hitting the mat. If you are clinging to consciousness, but you hear that sound, you will try to kick out, even if you’re not terribly aware that you are doing so. But if your opponent is climbing out of that cage, the referee won’t be counting, and if you’re pretty out of it, you may not be aware until it’s too late.

Troy: Whereas when you have the option to escape through the door, you really just need someone to be knocked down for a few seconds and maybe mildly struggle to get up and panic slightly, and you can win.

Calysto: Exactly.

As Failla settles himself in the ring, “My Avenue” by Lil Boosie hits, and the fans begin cheering wildly as the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Jaguar emerges from behind the curtain! The champion thrusts his arms into the air, eliciting a burst of fiery pyro, before starting toward the ring. Failla stares a hole through him as he approaches the cage, focused on the task at hand. The referees allow Jaguar entry via the cage door, where he removes his entrance garb and hands the championship belt to Tom Stevens, the in-ring official. Stevens holds the belt high before handing it through the door to the outside referees. Once everything is removed from the ring, the door is closed and padlocked, before the bell sounds, and we are taken to ring announcer Lee Palmer on the outside.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a steel cage match, and it is for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship! This match can be won by pinfall, submission, or by climbing over the top of the cage, down to the arena floor, with both feet touching the ground.

Introducing first, the challenger, now residing in Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 281 pounds, ANTHONYYYYYYY FAIIILLLLLLLAAAAAAAAA!

Failla doesn’t react as the fans shower him with boos.

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

The fans cheer loudly as Jaguar throws an arm up in the air in acknowledgment, keeping his eyes locked on Failla the whole time. Then, Tom Stevens signals for the bell, kicking off this championship bout.

PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:
STEEL CAGE MATCH:
JAGUAR (champion) VS. ANTHONY FAILLA (challenger)
Referee: Tom Stevens
Outside Referees: Jose Soares, Dan Martin
Failla and Jaguar circle each other briefly, before Failla charges at Jaguar, looking for the early advantage, but the champion sidesteps him and uses Failla’s momentum against him, propelling him chest-first into the cage! This only serves to anger the challenger, who comes at Jaguar ferociously, swinging wild haymakers at him, but Jaguar is able to evade all of the offense, before sensing an opening and nailing Failla with a hard right of his own!

Nailing the one shot allows Jaguar to grab Failla and Irish whip him hard against the cage! Failla winces in pain as he bounces off it, but does so with enough momentum that Jaguar is able to down him with a hard back body drop on the rebound! Then, with Failla down, Jaguar makes a run for the cage, and begins climbing it!

Troy: A little early for this, don’t you think?

Calysto: It’s never too early, Vic. Failla will still have to expend energy to get him down, so there’s a purpose to it, even if it’s unlikely to succeed. But you never know. Could be a short night at the office for the champ.

Jaguar gets about halfway up the cage before Failla leaps up and pulls him down. Jaguar lands on his feet, and the two begin exchanging fisticuffs on the mat. Now Failla takes the advantage, shoving Jaguar into a corner and pounding away on him with repeated blows to the midsection. He then lets Jaguar out of the corner, only to grab him and slam him down viciously with a spinebuster! Jaguar hits the mat hard, and Failla now begins climbing the cage. The champion, however, doesn’t stay down long, grabbing Failla at about the halfway point and pulling him back down into the ring.

However, once he does so, Failla turns around and immediately boots the champion in the gut, before lifting him up in gorilla press slam position, and sending him crashing chest-first onto the mat. With Jaguar down and in pain, Failla unleashes a furious assault of stomps on the champion.

Troy: Failla is in firm control of this bout right now!

Calysto: He is, but it’s going to take a lot more than this to put Jaguar away, that’s for sure.

With Jaguar face-down on the mat, Failla takes the opportunity to hover over him and lock on a camel clutch! Failla locks the hold in with intensity, looking to squeeze the life out of the champion and prompt a submission. Jaguar, however, has no intention of submitting, and fights.

The fans stomp their feet in the arena, hoping to rally the champion out of the dangerous submission maneuver, but this only prompts Failla to attempt to strengthen his grip. However, Jaguar begins to feed off the energy of the Chicago crowd, and slowly begins pulling himself back to a vertical base. Failla refuses to relent, keeping the hold cinched in even as Jaguar begins to rise. Suddenly, Jaguar grabs hold of Failla’s legs and rises with him in his grasp, now standing with Failla piggy-backed. Then, Jaguar rushes backwards, slamming Failla back-first into the cage wall, over and over again, until Failla releases the grip! Jaguar then turns around, allowing Failla to stagger forward, but the champion responds with a kick to the gut and the Mexican stretch buster he calls Version 1.0, nailed with authority! Jaguar covers… one, two, and Failla just barely gets a shoulder up!

Troy: So close!

Calysto: It was, Vic, and I think Jaguar needs to capitalize on this and go in for the kill. He may have Failla on the ropes here.

However, Jaguar instead opts to begin scaling the cage, looking for the win! Failla is stirring on the mat, but Jaguar is able to climb up, little by little, drawing ever closer to the top of the cage. Failla is now rising to his feet, and has firmly reached his vertical base with Jaguar little more than halfway up the cage. Seeing this out of the corner of his eye, Jaguar aborts mission, springing himself off the cage, turning in mid-air, and drilling Failla with a furious flying clothesline! The fans cheer wildly as Jaguar covers… one, two, th-no, Failla gets the shoulder up!

With Failla down, Jaguar moves to the corner and pushes himself up to the top rope. Jaguar takes a long look at the top of the steel cage, pondering whether or not he has the time to climb out. He then takes a look at Failla, still lying on the mat. Suddenly, his mind is made up, and the champion leaps off the top rope, diving at Failla with the Suga Splash… but Failla rolls out of the way at the last moment, and Jaguar crashes onto the mat hard!

Failla is the first to his feet, and he grabs Jaguar by the neck and tights as he does so. Then, Failla uses the leverage to torpedo Jaguar head-first into the steel cage! With Jaguar prone, Failla grabs Jaguar’s head and begins bashing it against the cage repeatedly, before rubbing the champion’s head against it, scraping it against the rough fence of the cage. Failla turns around to taunt the crowd briefly, which responds with a flurry of jeers. When Jaguar turns around, it is apparent that he is cut open, blood streaming down the face of the champion.

Troy: This is not good. The champion is split open, and appears to be losing quite a bit of blood.

Calysto: Jaguar is going to need to get control of this match and put it away quickly with a cut like that, or it’s going to become a real problem here.

Jaguar staggers to Failla, who smirks and lifts him up in gorilla press slam position, before flipping that into a spinebuster in mid-air, smashing the champion down furiously in the ring, completing what used to be Failla’s finishing maneuver, the Almighty Sacrifice! Failla goes for the cover… one, two, thr-NO! Jaguar kicks out!

Troy: Wow! Jaguar has just kicked out of the Almighty Sacrifice, and Failla is livid!

Calysto: I’ve gotta imagine that Failla thought he had him there!

Indeed, Failla slams the mat in frustration and screams at referee Tom Stevens, questioning the speed of the count. Quickly, however, Failla turns his attention back to the match and, noticing that Jaguar has barely moved a muscle since the kickout, begins climbing the cage. However, as Failla moves his way up the cage, the champion begins to move, and, once he realizes where Failla is, pulls himself back to a vertical base in short order.

Jaguar rushes to the cage, climbing up after Failla, desperately trying to prevent him from climbing to the other side of the cage and descending. Failla is nearing the top of the cage as Jaguar reaches out and is just barely able to grab onto Failla’s boot, preventing him from swinging it over the top of the cage! Jaguar begins pulling Failla back down the cage, as Jaguar continues to climb up it, until they are both on the same level, just slightly above the ring ropes. Jaguar and Failla now begin exchanging punches, each holding onto the cage with one hand and swinging at each other with the other. Jaguar gets the better of this exchange, and when Failla is dazed, the champion grabs the challenger’s head and bashes it against the cage three times, causing Failla to lose his balance and crash down to the mat! The fans cheer wildly, until Jaguar, woozy from the blood loss, loses his balance and falls down to the mat as well!

Troy: Both men are down!

Calysto: This is really not looking good for Jaguar right now, Vic, despite that bit of offense! He is losing too much blood!

The fans stomp their feet, trying to rally Jaguar back up to a vertical base first, hoping that he has enough left in the tank to hold off Failla and escape the United Center with the championship intact. Jaguar does make it to his feet, but at the same time that Failla does. Jaguar swings a wild haymaker at the challenger, but Failla is able to duck under it, boot Jaguar in the stomach, and drill him with a thunderous DDT! Jaguar goes down hard, and Failla stands above Jaguar, daring him to get up. Once Jaguar rises, Failla lifts him, looking for his Weapon of Mass Destruction finisher! However, Jaguar slips out and nails the Carrjack out of absolutely nowhere! The Chicago crowd cheers thunderously, but Jaguar collapses in a heap after landing the move, unable to make the cover!

Calysto: C’mon, Jag! You’re so close! Roll over and make the cover! You’ve got this!

Troy: Failla is down and out, but Jaguar is unable to capitalize!

At long last, Jaguar is able to at least pull himself to his knees, noticing that Failla has not moved. Jaguar slowly begins crawling over to Failla before finally thrusting an arm across his chest after a good 30 seconds have passed since landing the move. The referee counts… one, two, thr-NO! Failla just barely gets a shoulder up, staying alive!

Jaguar’s entire face is drenched in blood, but the exasperation on his face is still visible. He attempts another cover, this time hooking the leg. One, two, and Failla kicks out again! Frustrated, Jaguar slowly gets to his feet and begins climbing the cage!

Troy: Failla is still motionless on the mat, and Jaguar is on his way up that cage! This could be it!

Calysto: I don’t know, Vic! Too much time has gone by since that Carrjack, and Jaguar has lost too much blood!

Jaguar slowly ascends the cage, taking an extremely long time to make it up there, but making it up nonetheless. However, Failla eventually clears the cobwebs and makes it to his feet, quickly descending on the champion. Jaguar is barely halfway up the cage when Failla reaches him, and is so disoriented from the blood loss that he doesn’t see Failla climb up a few steps behind him, grab him, and absolutely destroy him with a furious Weapon of Mass Destruction reverse Death Valley Driver off the side of the cage!

Jaguar crashes down to the mat with thunderous impact, and Failla immediately turns him over, hooking the leg tightly… one, two, three!

Troy: My God! My God! I don’t believe it! Anthony Failla has just pinned Jaguar! We have a new PWA Champion!

Calysto: Wow. I know Failla has been on a roll to kick off this season, but this is absolutely shocking to me. I knew Failla was capable, but all my experience with Jaguar, I kept waiting for him to somehow, some way, pull this one out. But take nothing away from Jaguar. He battled valiantly and lost a LOT of blood. I hope we can get him some medical attention now. But the big story here is that we indeed have a new PWA Champion, and his name is Anthony Failla.

Troy: And I think now that, if there are still any people out there that aren’t taking this man seriously, they had better sit up and take notice. An underachiever no more, Anthony Failla is the new PWA World Heavyweight Champion. Unbelievable!

The fans boo loudly as “Better Think Again” blares over the speakers and the cage is slowly raised up. When the cage comes up to suitable level, the PWA World Heavyweight Championship belt is brought into the ring and handed to Failla, whose hand is raised high as he lets out a guttural yell and hoists the gold. EMTs rush to ringside to attend to the former champion Jaguar, who has not yet regained consciousness. Failla climbs to the middle rope and faces the crowd, holding the belt high again for all to see as we fade to black with a split image of our conquering new champion and our fallen former kingpin.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 20:16 AND NEW PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION – ANTHONY FAILLA

-- END SHOW --