EPISODE 1.7 – TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2010
US AIRWAYS CENTER
PHOENIX, AZ

Upon their conclusion, we are taken inside the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona, where an amazing pyrotechnics display ensues! From there, we head to ringside and our commentators, Victor Troy and Jason Calysto.

Troy: Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of PWA: The Rebirth! I’m Victor Troy, along with PWA Hall of Famer The Iceman Jason Calysto, and we have another tremendous show lined up for you here tonight!

Calysto: Indeed we do, Vic! As you saw at the top of the broadcast, we’re going to have the two survivors of last week’s battle royal, Showtime Damon Savage and Dan Crowley, do battle in our main event tonight, and there is a TON at stake in that matchup. While the loser does still have the Seven Deadly Sins match in two weeks to fall back on, the winner will get to avoid that match altogether. On the same night eight guys are putting themselves through hell in the Seven Deadly Sins match for the right to challenge for the world title at Everlasting Epic VI, the winner of tonight’s bout will compete for that very title, one-on-one, in two weeks. And, if they win, they’d have only one mandatory rematch to get through on their road to defending the gold at the big show.

Troy: And on that note, folks, it was signed during this past week, Jaguar will exercise the return clause in his contract tonight and challenge Anthony Failla for the PWA Championship!

Calysto: That should be a tremendous rematch from their cage match three weeks ago, and it’s interesting that Jaguar chose to cash in on his rematch tonight. From what I’ve been told, Jaguar was given a choice by Justin Schenck during this past week: either take the rematch tonight, and should he lose, face Renegade in a Seven Deadly Sins qualifying match next week; or forego a one-on-one rematch, and accept a bye into the Seven Deadly Sins. Apparently, had Jaguar taken the bye, Renegade would have been added to the scheduled bout next week between Dexter Wellington and Paul Dawkins, and it would have become a triple threat. Because Jaguar chose the match with Failla tonight, if FAILLA loses the gold here, HE would get a bye into the Seven Deadly Sins as HIS mandatory rematch, and the triple threat would again be on. So, a lot at stake here.

Troy: Absolutely. Speaking of Seven Deadly Sins qualifying matches, we are going to see three of them here tonight. For one, the International Champion Michael Grieco is going to be squaring off with the dynamic Evan Black! Of course, the title will not be on the line, but this is a tremendous opportunity for the newcomer. Not only is a berth in the Seven Deadly Sins at stake, but a good showing could really elevate him in the ranks.

Calysto: It sure could. And I’ve also heard through the grapevine that Dex Wellington lobbied for Black to draw Grieco in the qualifying round, so take that for what it’s worth. I know it was supposed to be a random drawing, but if anyone around here has the cash to influence supposedly random results, it’s Wellington.

Troy: Also tonight, Vulture is going to one-on-one with another newcomer, Matthew Magellan.

Calysto: Well, not a great draw for Magellan at all, but if he wants an opportunity to turn people’s heads and get them to take notice, this is it. He will be in there with one of the most prolific champions in PWA history, and a good showing here would do wonders for his career.

Troy: And, finally, we are going to see Solomon head-to-head with John Wolfe, and folks, that match begins right now! Let’s head out to the ring!

***

Suddenly, “Hear Me” by Darkseed explodes onto the speakers, and the Phoenix crowd gives a largely positive reaction to the Alaskan Monster Solomon as he powers his way to the ring. Solomon steps over the ropes and heads into the squared circle, appearing to be in a foul mood as he stretches out on the ropes and awaits his opposition.

Moments later, “Charlie Big Potato” by Skunk Anansie hits and John Wolfe receives a respectable ovation from the fans. Wolfe doesn’t take his eyes off Solomon as he power walks his way down the aisle without the presence of his tag team partner Paul Epton. Wolfe heads into the ring and stands right up to the two-time world champion, the top of the tall Wolfe’s head only reaching the monstrous Alaskan’s nose. Referee Matt Hansen then calls for the bell, getting this matchup underway.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS QUALFIYING MATCH:
SOLOMON VS. JOHN WOLFE
Referee: Matt Hansen
Wolfe makes the first move, shoving Solomon, which only serves to bring a slight smile to the Alaskan Monster’s face. When Solomon lunges at Wolfe, however, Wolfe is able to grab his arm and drive him down to the mat in an armbar! Wolfe digs down and cinches in the hold with all the might he can muster, and Solomon screams out in pain! However, Solomon is ultimately able to use his brute strength to pull himself back up to a vertical base. Wolfe still has the armbar locked in, and when Solomon swings his other arm at Wolfe, the British star catches it and, restraining both of Solomon’s arms, drills him with repeated headbutts before downing him with a hard belly-to-belly suplex! Wolfe screams out, pumped, and the fans shower him with cheers!

Troy: What a tremendous fast start for the youngster from the U.K.!

Calysto: Vic, let’s not forget that John Wolfe had some singles success outside of his team with Paul Epton at the tail end of PWA’s run in 2006. He was a multi-time Progressive Champion, and was in fact the last man to hold that title. Wolfe knows what he’s doing in that ring, and I know Solomon only has three pinfall losses in his career, but Wolfe has the ability to give him a run for his money here.

Solomon has a look of surprise in his eyes as he slowly gets up from the mat, but that surprise quickly turns to aggravation as he gets up, charges at Wolfe, and is taken down with a hard hip toss! Solomon gets up and loudly demands Wolfe interlock fingers and engage him in a test of strength. Wolfe obliges, and Solomon responds by immediately booting Wolfe in the gut, and clubbing him with a thunderous right arm to the back. Wolfe winces in pain, and Solomon follows that up by grabbing him and sending him flying into the ringpost, shoulder first! Wolfe’s right shoulder smacks off the steel, and he screams out in pain. Solomon then immediately goes in for the kill, wrenching Wolfe’s shoulder and driving it down to the mat, hard. With that, Solomon lifts Wolfe up, and downs him with a hard shoulderbreaker, further weakening the area! Solomon covers… one, two, and Wolfe kicks out with the opposite shoulder.

Solomon follows this up with repeated stomps to the injured right shoulder, further weakening the area. He then drops down and locks Wolfe’s right arm in an armbar, stretching it out, putting more pressure on the shoulder. Wolfe is in terrible pain, and fights with every fiber of his being just to reach the ropes and force Solomon to break the hold.

Troy: Wolfe is really in trouble here, Iceman.

Calysto: I think that’s pretty safe to say, Vic. Solomon has isolated his attack on that right arm and shoulder, trying to take Wolfe’s chokeslam finisher away from him. So far, it seems to be working beautifully. Wolfe is going to have to find a way to keep Solomon off of him and avoid his offensive assault if he wants any chance of recovering in this bout.

Solomon breaks the hold and moves in on Wolfe, but Wolfe stings him with a boot to the midsection when he does! Wolfe then gets himself up and begins exchanging blows with Solomon, trying to reverse the advantage. However, Solomon hits that shoulder with a hard chop, prompting Wolfe to wince, and giving Solomon an opening to whip him against the ropes. Solomon attempts to catch him in a sidewalk slam as he returns, but Wolfe slips out, and drills Solomon with a boot to the jaw as he turns around! Solomon is dazed, and Wolfe uses the opening to back up several steps and charge forward, nailing him with a thunderous boot to the jaw, which floors the mighty Alaskan! Wolfe covers… one, two, and Solomon gets the shoulder up!

Troy: Wolfe is showing some life here!

Solomon springs up to his feet, catching Wolfe by surprise, and darts right at him, but Wolfe is able to catch him and drill him with a thunderous spinebuster! Then, with Solomon down, Wolfe signals for the chokeslam!

The Alaskan Monster slowly gets up, and Wolfe grabs him with his right hand by the throat, preparing for his finisher. However, before he can lift him, Solomon violently chops that injured right shoulder, causing Wolfe to break his grip! Solomon then lifts Wolfe for the Deep Freeze, and drills him to the mat with the move with furious impact! Solomon covers… one, two, three!

Calysto: Welcome to the Seven Deadly Sins match, Solomon!

Troy: A tremendous effort here by John Wolfe, but he came up just short!

Calysto: Solomon did tremendous damage to Wolfe’s shoulder there, Vic, and it weakened it just enough that he was able to escape that chokeslam. But, a real eye-opening effort for Wolfe here tonight.

The Phoenix crowd gives a sizeable ovation to Solomon as he exits the ring, victorious. He shows little emotion until he reaches the base of the stage, when he thrusts his arms up in the air and lets out a guttural yell, before gesturing around his waist that he will soon be the PWA Champion once again as we head to break.

WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 9:20 AND QUALIFIED FOR THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS MATCH – SOLOMON

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, John Wolfe is icing his shoulder in the dressing room, with a disgusted look on his face. The look doesn’t fade at all as his tag team partner Paul Epton enters the room and takes a seat next to him.

Epton: Tremendous effort out there.

Wolfe glares at him, but does not speak.

Epton: Seriously, you went out there with the biggest dog in the yard and you gave him all he could handle. I’m quite proud of you, mate.

Wolfe: Proud? What in the bloody hell is there to be proud of? I lost. I am a loser. I had my shot to enter the Seven Deadly Sins, and I blew it.

Epton: But you had to wrestle SOLOMON.

Wolfe: Who cares? I want to be the world champion. And that means beating people like Solomon along the way. And now my window is closed.

Epton: I’m sorry, mate. Well, look. There’s still the tag straps. I’ll talk to Schenck and get us a match next week. We still have seven weeks until the finale. I know we can win those belts by Everlasting Epic the latest.

Wolfe: Fine. Just leave me be for now. I need to be alone right now.

Epton: Very well. Don’t take this too hard, John. You really did fight a hell of a match.

Epton then exits the room and Wolfe sighs disgustedly.

***

The camera then shifts to Justin Schenck’s office, where the creative director is conversing with PWA head of security Jamal.

Schenck: This is really unacceptable, Jamal. Your team was assigned one task above all else last week, and that was to keep Greg Tantalus out of the building and away from me. And what happened? I’ll tell you what happened. He broke into my office while your team of idiots stood guard at the door. Then, when he escaped my setup in the ring later in the night, he somehow managed to not be found, despite your whole team on the case. And then, he makes it back out to ringside to interfere in a battle royal which he had no business interfering in. All this under your watch, Jamal. I’ve got to say, this isn’t your shining moment, pal.

Jamal: I’m sorry, Mr. Schenck. It won’t happen again.

Schenck: It better not. Tantalus is banned from the building again tonight. I don’t even want to so much as LOOK at him tonight, not even a picture. If he gets in here, you’re going to get more than a stern talking to.

Jamal: Understood.

Schenck gestures for Jamal to leave. After the head of security does so, Paul Dawkins and Renegade enter, looking angry.

Schenck: So, you two requested this meeting. What’s on your minds?

Renegade: What the hell was with preventing us from going out there and saving Greg Tantalus last week?

Dawkins: That was low. I know you want to take the guy out, but at least level the playing field a little.

Schenck laughs out loud at this comment.

Renegade: And then, all this nonsense with our Seven Deadly Sins qualifying matches next week. We may or may not be competing in a triple threat against each other? So we could go from competing for two spots to competing for one?

Dawkins: Why our matches? Is this some kind of punishment for last week?

Schenck: Well… yes, Paul, it is. I know you two have an issue with Synergy, and whatever you say about Greg Tantalus now, I know that you were out there for them, not for Tantalus. And as far as next week goes, the other two qualifying matches on the schedule are Scythe vs. Chris Duval, and Jackie Baccaro vs. Kerry Cox. And I’ll be frank, I’m very partial to both Baccaro and Duval, and I wanted them to have one-on-one shots. You two, I couldn’t really care less about. In fact, you’ve really been nothing but a bother to me since the season started. I expected a lot more from your team when I put you back together. All you’ve done, one way or another, is fail.

Dawkins: Listen, we know we’re better than Synergy. We know we can beat them and win the titles. We just need another opportunity.

Renegade: Except that now that they’re in your pocket, I’m sure we won’t be getting one of those any time soon.

Schenck: Don’t be so sure of that, Renegade. You see, I’ve been doing some thinking. And I’ve realized that as long as you have a problem with Synergy, and Synergy is working with me, then I’m going to have a problem with you. So here’s what we’re going to do. Tonight, you two are going to get your final shot at Synergy and the PWA Tag Team Championship. If you win, then you are the champs, and you can stay out of my business. But if you lose, then you must disband, never team again… and stay out of my business. So when we get to next week, should you find yourselves competing against one another in a triple threat, it may be as co-holders of the tag titles, or it may be as former partners. This is seriously your last chance, so don’t screw it up. Or do. I don’t care. As long as you get what I’m driving at: stay out of my damn business after tonight.

Dawkins and Renegade look at each other, pleased.

Dawkins: Thank you for the opportunity. We WON’T blow this chance.

They then turn around and exit the office as we head to break.

Troy: Wow! Dawkins and Renegade challenge Synergy for the Tag Team Championship tonight, and if they don’t win the belts, they must disband!

Calysto: A lot at stake for the challengers tonight!

Troy: I’ll say! Folks, we’ll be right back with another Seven Deadly Sins qualifying match!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see Evan Black and Dexter P. Wellington walking through the backstage area towards the curtain leading to the stage. Black appears both focused and nervous. Wellington senses the nervousness and puts his arm around him.

Wellington: You’re ready for this, Evan. You know that, right?

Black: Yeah. I mean, I think I am.

Wellington: Don’t think. That’s the biggest mistake you can make in a match like this, to overthink it. You are prepared. We’ve been studying tapes of Grieco all week. But you’re ready. That’s why I requested this opponent for you. A strong showing here, even in defeat, will elevate you in the rankings for an International title shot. But you can win this. You really can. Just remember what we’ve talked about this week, and don’t overthink the situation. It’s just another match. Just do what you do.

Black breathes deeply, composing myself.

Black: You’re right. Ok, I’m ready.

Wellington: Then your fans await.

They are now standing right at the curtain, at which point we hear “Hero” by Nas featuring Keri Hilson hit the speakers. Moments later, Evan Black bursts through the curtain, eliciting a huge ovation from the Phoenix crowd! Wellington follows closely behind as Black plays to the crowd, ready to engage in battle. Black enters the ring and composes himself, while Wellington shouts words of encouragement at him from the outside.

Then, “Da Repercussions” by 50 Cent hits and the fans begin booing thunderously as the International Champion Michael Grieco makes his way to the ring, accompanied as always by Dee Licious. Grieco hands the title belt to Dee and enters the ring, taunting Black as he does so. Black remains composed, even as Grieco gets in his face and continues trash talking him, poking him in the chest. Black then slaps Grieco’s finger away and nails him with a forearm to the jaw, prompting the bell to sound and this match to get underway!

SEVEN DEADLY SINS QUALIFYING MATCH:
NON-TITLE MATCH:
INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION MICHAEL GRIECO VS. EVAN BLACK
Referee: Tom Stevens
Grieco is dazed initially by the forearm shot, which is immediately followed by a series of other forearms! Black then whips Grieco off the ropes, hits the opposite ropes, and downs him with a flying forearm! The Phoenix crowd comes to its feet and Black pumps his fist and exclaims as Grieco rolls to the outside to collect himself.

Troy: What an impressive start by Evan Black!

Calysto: Yeah, but that’s all it is so far, Vic; a start.

Grieco milks the referee’s 10-count, composing himself with Dee on the outside. Seeing this, Black exits the ring and goes to attack Grieco, but the International Champion pulls Dee in front of him. However, Black grabs Dee, lifts her up, and moves her away from Grieco… only to be blindsided with a forearm to the back of the head as soon as he turns around!

Grieco stomps Black brutally on the outside, and Wellington jumps onto the ring apron, complaining to the official. Finally, Grieco rolls Black back into the ring and follows. Grieco now slows the pace of the match down, hitting the dynamic newcomer with a series of hard stomps and elbow drops. He then lifts Black up and whips him into the turnbuckle, before charging in and drilling him with a hard clothesline that sends Black flying up in the air and crashing down onto his back! Grieco pulls Black to the middle of the ring and places one foot on his chest while flexing, nonchalantly covering him. One, two, and Black gets the shoulder up.

Calysto: I’ll never understand the point of covering someone like that, especially after offense that isn’t terribly devastating. What is he hoping to achieve?

Troy: Intimidation, I suppose?

Calysto: That wouldn’t intimidate me; that would just make me angry.

Troy: Well, he’s not doing it to Jason Calysto.

Calysto: Good point.

Before Black can get to his feet, Grieco locks him in a rear naked choke, applying tremendous pressure. Black screams out in pain, but is able to ultimately reach the ropes, forcing Grieco to break. However, Grieco realizes that he is now in firm control of the match and looks to further his offensive advantage. He hits black with a crushing delayed vertical suplex and floats over into a cover… one, two, and Black just gets the shoulder up!

Black is slow to his feet, but when he does rise up, Grieco whips him against the ropes and drills him with a thunderous powerslam as he returns! Grieco goes for the cover… one, two, and Black kicks out again!

Now, Grieco moves in for the kill. He whips Black into the corner and perches him on the top rope. Black attempts to fight Grieco off, but the International Champion ultimately nails Black with a vicious superplex off the top! Wellington feels the impact on the outside and winces as Grieco crashes Black down to the mat thunderously! Grieco covers… one, two thr-NO! Black escapes again!

Troy: Evan Black is showing a hell of a lot of resolve here, Iceman!

Calysto: He is, but I’m not sure how much longer he’s going to be able to take this kind of abuse.

Meanwhile, Grieco signals for his triple powerbomb, and the fans boo, realizing that the end is near for Evan Black. However, when Grieco lifts Black for the first powerbomb, Black is somehow able to dig down deep and reverse it into a hurricanrana! The fans cheer loudly in relief, but Grieco springs right back up and charges at Black, who is able to lowbridge him, pulling down the top rope and sending Grieco tumbling to the outside!

Troy: Evan Black has life!

Calysto: He does, Vic, but he’s going to need to buy himself some time if he’s going to make a recovery!

Grieco appears angry on the outside, and pulls himself back into the ring. However, as soon as he does, Black ties him up in a small package! One, two, and Grieco kicks out!

Grieco pops right back up, but Black downs him with a high dropkick! Then, when Grieco rises again, Black downs him with a series of armdrags, before downing him again with a monkey flip! Dazed, Grieco rises once again, but Black whips him into the corner and charges in, nailing him with a spinning leg lariat! The fans are going nuts, and Dee jumps onto the ring apron, trying to get the official’s attention. However, Wellington goes over, yanks Dee down from the apron, and carries her to the back!

Troy: I love it! Dee is outta here!

Calysto: Now they can finish this match one-on-one!

Grieco staggers out of the corner as Black climbs to the top rope. As soon as Grieco turns around, Black drills him with a missile dropkick from the top, connecting with tremendous authority! Black covers… one, two, and Grieco just gets the shoulder up!

Now, Black signals for the Blackout, his anaconda vise submission finisher, and the Phoenix crowd cheers wildly! He attempts to slap on the hold, but Grieco struggles violently, trying desperately to prevent Black from applying the maneuver. Ultimately, Grieco is able to reach the ropes, forcing Black to abandon plans to use the hold.

Undaunted, Black is waiting for Grieco as he rises, drilling him with a shining wizard! Then, Black pulls Grieco over to the corner and climbs to the top rope, signaling for Black’s Law!

Troy: This is it! Black is gonna fly!

Calysto: If he hits this, Vic, I think Evan Black could be going to the Seven Deadly Sins match!

Once up top, Evan Black dives off with the diving corkscrew splash he calls Black’s Law, only for Grieco to move out of the way at the last instant! Then, as Black clutches his chest on the mat, an arrogant Grieco decides that he, too, can jump off the top rope, and begins climbing.

Calysto: What the hell is Grieco doing?! This isn’t his game.

Troy: I don’t think we’ve really seen Grieco go up to the top too many times in his career.

Calysto: Not that I can recall. And I certainly don’t think this is the best time for him to be leaving his comfort zone.

Grieco gets to the top rope and flexes, prompting the crowd to boo. Evan Black is slowly getting to his feet, and Grieco dares him to stand up. However, before he does, Black lunges at the ropes and bounces into them hard, causing Grieco to lose his balance and crotch himself on the top rope! Grieco winces in incredible pain, and Evan Black looks to take advantage!

He climbs to the second rope and attempts to hurricanrana Grieco off the top… but as Black gets full extension, Grieco grabs onto him, not allowing himself to be pulled down. He then yanks Black all the way back up, in powerbomb position, and violently powerbombs him off the top rope, crashing him down to the ring with sickening authority! Then, to add insult to injury, Grieco maintains his grip and lifts Black up for not one, but TWO more powerbombs! Black is completely motionless in the ring as Grieco collapses on top of him, hooking the leg… one, two, three.

Troy: Wow! An extremely hard-fought victory for the International Champion, but you HAVE to tip your hat to Evan Black! He gave Grieco everything he could handle, but it just wasn’t enough on this night!

Calysto: He really did throw everything he could at Grieco here, but he made one mistake that cost him dearly.

Troy: So Michael Grieco joins Solomon in the Seven Deadly Sins match in two weeks, which is shaping up to be a doozy!

Calysto: Indeed it is!

The fans boo loudly as “Da Repercussions” by 50 Cent hits and Michael Grieco immediately rolls out of the ring. Dee Licious storms down the aisle and helps the International Champion to the back. Grieco wears the face of a man who has just seen a ghost as he exits as quickly as he can. Meanwhile, Dex Wellington rejoins the ringside area to check on Evan Black, who has regained consciousness, but is barely stirring. Once Grieco is gone, the Phoenix crowd gives Black a loud ovation in the ring for his effort as we head to commercial.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 14:25 AND QUALIFIED FOR THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS MATCH – MICHAEL GRIECO

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see the three-man unit of Synergy, the holders of the PWA Tag Team Championship, conversing in the locker room. The Omega Steve Beovich and Don “The MVP” Capriglione have the belts draped over their shoulders and are standing side by side, talking to the Human Highlight Jon Dulberg.

Dulberg: I really don’t understand why it gets to be you two defending the belts again tonight. It was the two of you last week, too, even though you knew how much that match meant to me. Showtime ended my PWA career back in October 2005, guys. I missed Everlasting Epic V because of him. I know you weren’t here for it either, Don, but I’ve been here since day one, something neither of you have. You were here for the finale, Steve. But I wasn’t, because of Showtime. And you both denied me the chance to face him last week. And whatever, if that was the decision, fine. But again tonight?  I thought the point of having a three-man team was to spread the wealth, so that we could give our opponents different looks every time. This will be the third time that it’s you two defending, including the second time against Renegade and Dawkins.

Beovich: Seriously Jon, what is your problem lately? Last week, it was like you didn’t want to be out there when we beat down Greg Tantalus. Then you complained about being our lookout for the battle royal, a job which you totally failed at by the way. And now you’re complaining about not wrestling last week, not wrestling tonight. I understand your point about Showtime, but we do what’s best for Synergy, not what’s best for Jon Dulberg.

Dulberg: Well I DIDN’T want to be there last week when we were beating down Tantalus. I thought I told you that from the start. I don’t want to get involved with Justin Schenck. I don’t think that’s a good strategy for this group. And I think that as long as I’ve been around, I don’t need to be a lookout in a battle royal for people that I am largely responsible for even being in the PWA in the first place. And as far as tonight goes, you’re damn right I want to wrestle. I am not a part of Synergy to be cornerman for you two. So let me put it to you this way. I either wrestle tonight, or I walk. I don’t need Synergy as much as Synergy needs me.

Capriglione: You’re a big baby, you know that, Dulberg? Somebody get this guy a pacifier.

Beovich: No, you know what, Don? Give him what he wants. He wants to wrestle? Fine. Prove your worth to US. You say you wrestle tonight or you’re out of Synergy? Fine. I say you wrestle tonight, and if we lose the belts on account of you, then we’re KICKING you out of Synergy.

Dulberg: Fine by me.

Capriglione: Well I’m not giving up my spot in this match on account of baby Dulberg’s tantrum here.

Beovich: That’s fine. I’ll sit this one out. I’ll be watching from ringside, watching your every move. And you know what, Dulberg? You might want to follow Don’s lead out there.

Disgusted, Dulberg grabs the belt from Beovich’s shoulder and exits the room. The Omega hushes Capriglione before he can say anything and ushers him out the door as well.

***

The camera cuts to the catering area, where Morgan Day is finishing up an amiable conversation with Lauren Tantalus and making herself a small plate. She and Lauren then exit in opposite directions. As Morgan walks with her food, she is suddenly approached by Matthew Magellan and Farley. Magellan is especially confident as he closes in on her.

Magellan: Hey there, good lookin’. How you doin' tonight?

Morgan looks around, assuming that Magellan MUST be talking to someone other than her. When it becomes evident there is no one else around, she speaks.

Morgan: I’m sorry, are you really talking to me?

Magellan: What’s the matter, a guy can’t say hello? Can’t tell a beautiful woman that she’s beautiful?

Morgan: (laughing) Are you insane? You DO know that I’m married, right? And you DO know that my husband is VULTURE, right? The man who you’re going to be wrestling in, oh, I don’t know, five minutes?

Magellan: Listen, we both know that marriage is an overrated and outdated institution. And I’ve done my PWA research. Your husband doesn’t have the best track record with women. Though I do consider his taste in women to be a good road map. You know, I started with Jade. But now, I can end with the best. I can end with Morgan Day. Trust me, I can handle your husband. Just give yourself to me, and I promise you everything will be alright.

Magellan extends his hand to Morgan and she laughs. She gives Magellan her hand, and as soon as she does, she kicks him hard in the testicles! Magellan doubles over in pain and a furious look emerges on Morgan’s face.

Morgan: And that is NOTHING compared to what Vulture is about to do to you, you poor, pathetic little man!

Morgan storms off, and Farley continues to stand beside Magellan, reactionless, as we take a break.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

When we return, we are taken ringside, where “The Final Countdown” by the London Symphony Orchestra hits and Matthew Magellan begins making his way to the ring, accompanied by Farley. Magellan still appears to be hurting from Morgan Day’s kick before the break, though he is trying not to telegraph it as he heads into the ring. Farley takes his place on the outside quietly.

Troy: So, Iceman, how fatal an error did Matthew Magellan just make?

Calysto: Oh, this is definitely not good for him. I’d imagine Vulture has either seen or been notified about what happened by now, and this is not something he is going to take lightly. You don’t want to give a man like Vulture EXTRA motivation in a match. This night is going to get worse for Matthew Magellan.

Moments later, “Falling From The Sky” by VAST blares onto the speakers, and Vulture emerges from behind the curtain to a massive ovation! However, he is not interested in a long entrance tonight, immediately ripping off his warmup gear and sprinting into the ring! Magellan is ready for him, though, and immediately begins stomping him as Vulture enters, prompting the bell to sound.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS QUALIFYING MATCH:
VULTURE VS. MATTHEW MAGELLAN
Referee: Jose Soares
Magellan continues to stomp Vulture until Vulture slowly pulls himself back to a vertical base. Magellan then whips Vulture against the ropes, only for Vulture to drill him in the face with a violent running knee! Vulture then rips Magellan off the mat and whips him into the ropes, destroying him with the Chill Factor spinebuster upon his return!

Then, with Magellan dazed, Vulture lifts him up violently by the hair and begins screaming something inaudible in his face, though the words “wife” and “respect” can clearly be made out. He then gets Magellan into position and absolutely destroys him with the Crimson Sunset! Vulture turns him over and covers him effortlessly… one, two, three!

Troy: Well, that was quick!

Calysto: Like I said, Vic, you DON’T want to give this man extra incentive. Magellan found that out the hard way tonight.

Troy: Nonetheless, Vulture has now officially joined Solomon and Michael Grieco in the Seven Deadly Sins match! Congratulations to him!
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 1:15 AND QUALIFIED FOR THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS MATCH – VULTURE

As “Falling From The Sky” replays over the speakers, the fans cheer wildly and Vulture lifts Magellan up and hurls him out of the ring. He then takes the opportunity to shake his head at the fallen Magellan, only to be brutally attacked from behind by Jackie Baccaro and the Duval Twins!

Troy: Where the hell did they come from?!

All three of them begin putting the boots to Vulture viciously, prompting raucous boos from the Phoenix crowd, despite this being the hometown of the Duvals. However, before long, Scythe and Kerry Cox begin charging down the aisle to a huge ovation! Scythe goes right after Chris, while Cox begins slugging it out with Baccaro!

Calysto: Look at this! We’re getting some previews of next week’s Seven Deadly Sins qualifiers right here! Scythe will be taking on Chris Duval, and Cox will be taking on Baccaro, and we’re seeing them slug it out a week early!

Alexis tries to flee, but she is met halfway up the aisle by Morgan Day, who immediately engages her in battle! Morgan and Alexis exchange blows all the way up the aisle and to the back, while Scythe and Cox simultaneously clothesline Baccaro and Duval over the top and to the outside! The fans then cheer wildly as “With You” by Linkin Park hits, and Scythe and Cox stand tall, flanking Vulture, who is now daring his former protégé and illegitimate son to get back in the ring. Baccaro and Duval point back at the three with malice in their eyes as we head to break.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, we see a livid Matthew Magellan in the backstage area, accompanied by Farley, who is munching on a candy bar. Backstage reporter Scott Cornelius catches up to the pair.

Cornelius: Matthew Magellan, if you have a minute!

Magellan: What do you want?!

Cornelius: Between being rejected by Jade last week and then the incident tonight with Morgan Day and Vulture, things haven’t exactly been going smoothly for you the past few weeks. Why do you think that is?

Magellan: You know what? I’ve been wondering that myself. And I think I have the answer.

With that, Magellan blindsides Farley, and begins viciously brutalizing him! He knocks Farley to the ground, and begins stomping him viciously, kicking him in the face repeatedly! At long last, he stops and turns back to a horrified Cornelius.

Magellan: I would IMAGINE it has SOMETHING to do with this fat, disgusting woman repellent I have with me every week! Well, not anymore! Because you’re fired, Farley! You hear me?! Your fat ass is fired!

With that, Magellan takes the remainder of Farley’s candy bar and shoves it into his mouth.

Magellan: Here, eat it, you disgusting piece of crap!

Magellan then storms off, screaming inaudibly to himself all the way down the hall.

***

Back at ringside, “You Don’t Know” by Eminem and 50 Cent hits, and the fans begin cheering loudly for Renegade and Paul Dawkins, who make their energetic entrance! Behind that energy, however, the two appear to be taking this opportunity very seriously as they enter the squared circle and await the arrival of the champions.

Calysto: Think about this, Vic. This could be the very last time we see Renegade and Paul Dawkins in that ring together as a unit.

Troy: That is certainly a possibility. Of course, it’s also possible that this could be the last time we see them together without the Tag Team belts around their waists.

Calysto: Also true.

As Dawkins and Renegade wait patiently in the ring, “More Human Than Human” by White Zombie blares over the speakers, and Synergy begins making their way to the ring to a chorus of boos. The Omega Steve Beovich leads the way, with The Human Highlight Jon Dulberg and Don “The MVP” Capriglione following closely behind, wearing the Tag Team Championship belts. They enter the ring, handing Beovich the belts, who takes his place on the outside. Then, with everyone in the ring, we go to Lee Palmer for the introductions.

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

Introducing first, the challengers, at a total combined weight of 477 pounds, the team of RENNNNNNEGAAAAAAAAADE and PAULLLLLLLLLL DAWWWWWWWWWKINNNNNNNS!

And their opponents, representing the PWA Tag Team Champions, SYNNNNNERGY, at a total combined weight of 445 pounds, the team of THE HUMANNNNN HIIIIIIIIGHLIGHT JONNNNNN DULLLLLLLLLLLLBERG and DON “THE MVP” CAPRIGLIOOOOOOOONEEEEEEEE!

Troy: Alright, titles on the line, and so much more at stake than just that!

Calysto: Absolutely. What’s at stake in this match? Well, there’s the future of the Renegade and Dawkins team, there’s Jon Dulberg’s status as a member of Synergy. And oh yeah, there’s also a little thing called the Tag Team titles. Should be interesting!

PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
SYNERGY [THE HUMAN HIGHLIGHT JON DULBERG & DON “THE MVP” CAPRIGLIONE] (champions) VS. RENEGADE & PAUL DAWKINS (challengers)
Referee: Dan Martin
The bell sounds to kick this match off and Jon Dulberg insists on starting things off for Synergy. Capriglione doesn’t want to concede, but Beovich gestures to him that it’s alright. For the challengers, Renegade opts to start.

Dulberg and Renegade start at each other, Dulberg looking to nail some stiff body blows, while Renegade blocks them and attempts a series of martial arts kicks, which Dulberg is able to block. He catches Renegade’s leg and tries to sweep it out from under him, but Renegade jumps up, avoiding it. Then, Renegade uses his free leg to kick Dulberg in the head with an enziguri! Renegade covers… one, two, and Dulberg gets the shoulder up.

Renegade locks Dulberg in a side headlock, but Dulberg fights his way back to a vertical base. Dulberg then shoves Renegade off the ropes, telegraphing a backdrop as he returns, but Renegade leapfrogs over him, hits the opposite ropes, and downs him with a spinning savate kick as he returns! Dulberg slides back to his corner, and Capriglione angrily slaps him on the back, tagging himself into the match. Dulberg appears agitated as he exits the ring.

Troy: Quite the aggressive tag from Capriglione there.

Calysto: Yeah, I get the sense that Capriglione doesn’t really trust Dulberg to get the job done in this bout. Which is really interesting considering that Dulberg has had the much more accomplished PWA career.

Capriglione enters and immediately downs Renegade with a clothesline, before pounding him with an array of stomps. Renegade slowly gets back to a vertical base, and Capriglione whips him into the ropes when he does, nailing him with a clothesline upon his return. The MVP then goes up to the second rope and nails an elbow drop. He covers… one, two, and Renegade kicks out.

As Renegade attempts to get to his feet, Capriglione cinches in a side headlock tightly. However, Renegade is able to counter with a side suplex! With Capriglione down, Renegade begins fighting his way to the corner, looking to make a tag. However, before he can get there, Capriglione tags Dulberg back in, and the Human Highlight prevents Renegade from getting to his partner.

Dulberg works over Renegade, nailing him with a series of stomps and elbow drops. He then grabs Renegade as he rises and whips him into the corner. Dulberg then charges at him, but Renegade gets a boot up at the last minute, colliding with Dulberg’s face! Dulberg is dazed, and Renegade uses the opportunity to lunge over to the other side of the ring and tag in Paul Dawkins!

Capriglione is screaming for the tag, but Dulberg can’t make it to him before Dawkins grabs him! Dawkins whips Dulberg into the ropes and downs him with a high, hard back body drop! Dulberg then pops back up, only to be clotheslined down with authority! Dulberg is slow to his feet, but when he rises, Dawkins whips him into the ropes and smashes him with a furious Stinger Splash! Then, as Dulberg staggers forward, Dawkins drills him down with the Scud Missile rocker dropper!

Troy: Renegade and Dawkins are firmly in control right now!

Dawkins is about to go for a cover, but Capriglione tries to enter the ring. However, Dawkins sees him and charges over, knocking him off the apron! Meanwhile, Renegade re-enters the ring and drills the slowly rising Dulberg with the Kick of Death! He doesn’t get all of it, so Dulberg staggers around, nearly out on his feet, but he stumbles right into Dawkins, who boots him in the stomach and destroys him with the Mother of All Bombs to a roaring ovation!

Troy: Dawkins just nailed the MOAB! The Kick of Death from Renegade into the MOAB from Dawkins! We’re gonna have new champions!

Dawkins covers Dulberg… one, Capriglione enters to try to break up the pin but Renegade gets to him first, two, and Steve Beovich pulls the referee out of the ring! When Dan Martin shouts in Beovich’s face, The Omega punches him out! Then, Beovich grabs one of the title belts, enters the ring, and clocks Dawkins in the skull with it! Capriglione has Renegade restrained, and Beovich clobbers him with the belt as well!

Troy: This is absolutely disgusting!

Calysto: Vic, is the partnership of Renegade and Paul Dawkins really going to come to an end like this?

The fans are booing raucously, until Greg Tantalus comes storming through the crowd, wielding a lead pipe! He charges into the ring and takes out both Capriglione and Beovich with the pipe, clocking them both in the skull! Then, as Dulberg slowly gets to his feet, Tantalus boots him in the stomach and drills him with the Big O! He pulls Dawkins on top of Dulberg and exits the ring, but not before rolling the referee back inside! Finally, Justin Schenck appears on the stage, screaming for his security team to grab Tantalus. However, Tantalus is able to again slip away and escape through the sea of people!

Troy: Greg Tantalus has just ruined Synergy’s attempt to steal this match, and he has foiled Justin Schenck again!

Calysto: What took security so long to get out there, Vic?! Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to see what happened, but it sure took an awful long time to round up those guys and get them out to the ring!

Meanwhile, the referee slowly comes to and sees Dawkins on Dulberg and begins to count, with everyone in the US Airways Center counting along… one, two, three!

Troy: Yes! Yes! Renegade and Paul Dawkins have done it! We have new Tag Team Champions!

Calysto: Well Vic, they needed to either win the titles tonight or their team was finished, and they delivered! Congratulations to them; they deserve it!

Troy: Now, the only question is will they be competing against each other next week? We’ll find that out later tonight, depending on the result of our world championship match. But for now, let’s enjoy the celebration!

The fans are cheering thunderously as “You Don’t Know” replays and Renegade and Paul Dawkins are handed the Tag Team title belts that have eluded them thus far this season. Their celebration is jubilant, as they raise the belts high and interact with the Phoenix crowd. The fans continue cheering for the new champions all the way up the aisle until they are back behind the curtain.

WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 11:08 AND NEW PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS – RENEGADE AND PAUL DAWKINS

Meanwhile, in the ring, all of Synergy is now coming to. Beovich and Capriglione surround Dulberg, who tries to explain his case. Beovich seems understanding, but Capriglione sneaks up behind Dulberg and clobbers him down to the mat with a forearm! Then Beovich joins in, and the two stomp Dulberg into oblivion. The Omega lifts Dulberg up, allowing Capriglione to drill him down to the mat with a vicious spinebuster! Then, Beovich heads to the top rope and destroys him with the Extreme Precision frog splash!

Troy: Don Capriglione and Steve Beovich are just absolutely destroying Jon Dulberg!

Calysto: I think it’s safe to say that they haven’t rethought the stipulation placed on the match earlier tonight. It certainly appears that Jon Dulberg is a former member of Synergy.

Dulberg is down and out, and Synergy considers leaving the ring. However, Capriglione gestures something else to Beovich. The Omega smiles at the suggestion and then ushers the MVP to the outside. Capriglione grabs a chair and returns to the ring, wrapping the chair around Dulberg’s left ankle. Then, Capriglione bounces off the ropes, jumps into the air, and lands right down on the chair, jolting it upward into Dulberg’s trapped ankle! Dulberg screams out in pain, and now Synergy appears satisfied! They hold their arms in the air, eliciting thunderous boos, before yelling at Dulberg and exiting the ring.

Troy: What a despicable act! Dulberg’s ankle could be broken!

Calysto: This really was a complete decimation, Vic. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what the status of Dulberg’s ankle is, but if he broke it, that’s probably it for his season. But right now, he just needs some help out there.

Troy: That much is for sure. Folks, we’ll be right back.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from commercial, we see a pained Jon Dulberg being loaded into an ambulance in the parking lot. Then, as the ambulance pulls away, the camera shifts slightly, revealing creative director Justin Schenck angrily chewing out head of security Jamal in the same lot.

Schenck: Is your job really that difficult that you can’t prevent one man from getting inside a building?! Why do I bother employing your team and banning a guy from a building if the security detail can’t keep him out?!

Jamal: I’m sorry, Mr. Schenck. I really am. But do you think it is really wise for us to be standing out in the parking lot when we don’t know where Greg Tantalus is? You should stay inside, with the team.

Schenck doesn’t reply.

Jamal: Well, again, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.

Schenck: Oh you’re right about that. It won’t. I’m relieving you of your duties, effective immediately. That’s why I called you out here. See that car over there? Your bags are packed. Get it in it, and get out of my sight.

Jamal is clearly crushed, but no words manage to escape his lips. He instead just follows Schenck as he walks him to his car. However, when the car door is opened, Greg Tantalus comes bursting out of it! Tantalus blows right past Jamal and tackles Schenck to the ground! Jamal thinks about saving Schenck, but decides against it, instead getting into the car and leaving. Meanwhile, Tantalus begins strangling Schenck!

However, Tantalus’ plans are soon thwarted by remaining Synergy members The Omega Steve Beovich and Don “The MVP” Capriglione, along with Chase Stone. The three charge Tantalus, barreling him off the creative director, and proceed to brutalize Tantalus on the cold ground of the lot. Schenck composes himself and even gets a few free kicks on him as his three henchmen do a number on his arch nemesis. Then, Schenck tells them to lift and restrain Tantalus. Once he is eye-level, Schenck begins shouting in his face.

Schenck: You want to sneak attack me?! Huh?! You want to make my life miserable?! You think this is a game?! Well next week, Tantalus, the game is over! Next week, you’ve got yourself a street fight! A 3-on-1 handicapped street fight! Against Chase Stone, and Synergy! Good luck!

With that, the three spike Tantalus down to the ground and stomp him some more for good measure, before walking off with Schenck.

***

The camera then shifts to the backstage interview area, where backstage reporter Traci Reed is standing by with Jaguar.

Traci: I’m here with Jaguar, who tonight will exercise his mandatory rematch clause and challenge Anthony Failla for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship. Jag, what is going through your mind right now, and why did you decide to opt for this title match tonight, rather than forego a Seven Deadly Sins qualifying match?

Jaguar: Well Traci, to answer your first question, what’s going through my mind is that it’s gonna feel GREAT to become the first-ever SIX-time PWA Champion right here tonight. But as for why I chose this match tonight, think about it. Justin Schenck told me I wouldn’t be able to exercise the rematch clause after Seven Deadly Sins. Fine. So now I have two choices. Take it tonight, so that when I win the belt, I avoid Seven Deadly Sins altogether, and am just a couple of successful title defenses away from being back in the main event of Everlasting Epic, or waste the rematch on a free ride into Seven Deadly Sins. Now I know you’ve never competed in one of those, Traci, but Seven Deadly Sins is the most grueling match the PWA has to offer. And I’ve won the match before. But if I had my choice, I wouldn’t be in a position where I need to win another to get to the Everlasting Epic main event. Nothing means more to me right now than getting to the main event of that show in my hometown of Jacksonville. So to me, taking this rematch tonight, that seems to be the easiest road back there.

Traci: What if you don’t win tonight?

Jaguar: Well, that’s easy. If I don’t win tonight, then I’m gonna have to steamroll over Renegade next week, and then beat seven other dudes in Denver to get that shot. Put it this way, Traci. I’m gonna do what I have to do to get there. You can count on it. But I didn’t show up tonight to lose. Folks, if you feel like throwing down a bet tonight, put it on your boy Jaguar. Because when this night is over, I’m gonna need to start using BOTH my hands to count my PWA title reigns.

With that, Jaguar walks off.

Troy: That match is still to come, along with the one-on-one battle between Dan Crowley and Showtime Damon Savage, with a title shot in two weeks up for grabs! All that and more, after this!         

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see Scott Cornelius standing by with both the Women’s Champion Zina and the number one contender to that title, Keiko Ishida, in the backstage interview area.

Cornelius: One week from tonight, the PWA Women’s Championship will be up for grabs when the division’s newest dynamo, Zina, puts that gold on the line against the most dominant female in PWA’s history, Keiko Ishida. I am fortunate enough to have both of these ladies here with me right now for a face-to-face.

Keiko, you have had somewhat of a rough start to this season, at least by your standards. In fact, you and Zina met in the ring just three weeks ago and you were soundly defeated, so much so that you missed a week of action. Tell me why next week will be any different.

Keiko: Scott, I will be the first person to tell you that things so far have not gone as planned this season. And three weeks ago, that was the most embarrassing moment of my wrestling career. But I can tell you this: I have NEVER been more determined than I am right now. I WILL take back the Women’s Championship next week, and I WILL become the very first woman to ever hold that title on four separate occasions. After losing to Lauren Tantalus and Zina in back to back weeks, I swore to myself that, not only would I never let that happen again, but that I would do nothing else until both of those defeats were avenged. Last week, I beat Lauren Tantalus. Next week, I beat Zina and fulfill that promise to myself.

Cornelius: Zina, you have blitzed your way through every woman that has stood before you since arriving in the PWA. Surely, you are aware of Keiko Ishida’s track record in this company, but you have beaten her convincingly once before. Are you at all concerned that Keiko will dethrone you next week?

Zina: I have no reason for concern. I destroy everything, like tornado. Keiko Ishida, I will destroy you again. There is no hope for you. There will be no victory. I cannot be defeated. The great Keiko Ishida is no exception.

Zina and Keiko then begin to stare each other down ardently. Zina stare is etched in smugness, while Keiko appears to be restraining herself from attacking the champion.

Cornelius: Alright, thanks ladies. That’s right here next week, folks. Zina versus Keiko Ishida, Women’s Championship up for grabs!

***

The camera now cuts backstage to Showtime Damon Savage’s dressing room. Savage wears a stoic look on his face as he applies tape to his hands and wrists, until Dan Crowley walks into the room. The two get face to face, until Crowley breaks the silence.

Crowley: Big night.

Showtime: The biggest.

Crowley: You see they’re putting us on last? After the world title?

Showtime: Guess we’d better deliver.

Crowley: I have no doubt we will. So look, I just came to wish you luck.

Showtime: Thanks.

Crowley: In the Seven Deadly Sins, I mean. Because after I beat you tonight, I’m going on to win the PWA Championship when we get to Denver in two weeks. So I’ll be pulling for you in the Seven Deadly Sins, so that we can have ourselves a rematch in the main event of Everlasting Epic.

Showtime: Funny. I was about to say the same exact thing. Except I think you got it a little backwards.

Crowley: Did I?

Showtime: You did. You see because, SHOWTIME is winning this match tonight, and SHOWTIME is winning the championship in two weeks. Now, Crowley, if YOU can win Seven Deadly Sins in two weeks, then we’ll have our rematch on the big stage. But if you CAN’T, well then you’ll just be watching Showtime retain the PWA Championship in Jacksonville.

Crowley doesn’t respond. He instead manages to crack a smile. So does Showtime. Crowley instead extends his hand.

Crowley: Good luck tonight, Damon. May the best man win.

Savage reaches out and shakes his hand.

Showtime: Couldn’t have said it better myself, homey.

Troy: That match is still to come, but up next, the PWA Championship is on the line! Anthony Failla defends the gold against Jaguar in just a moment! Don’t go anywhere!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from commercial, the camera catches PWA World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Failla walking towards the ring. A scurrying Traci Reed catches up to him for some last-minute thoughts.

Traci: Anthony Failla! Any final thoughts before you head to the ring to defend your title against Jaguar?

Failla: You know what, Traci? All I have to say is this: Jaguar says he didn’t come here to lose? Well, neither did I. And considering that he wasn’t good enough to beat me three weeks ago, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say he can’t beat me tonight either. Jaguar, you want to main event Everlasting Epic so badly? You’d better get it out of your head. Because I’ll still be champion on August 14, and if I see you standing across from me, I’m going to turn your dream into a nightmare. So, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

With that, Failla walks off, headed to the ring.

***

Meanwhile, out at ringside, “My Avenue” by Lil Boosie thumps onto the speakers, and Jaguar begins making his entrance to a raucous ovation from the Phoenix crowd! Pumped up, Jaguar throws his arms in the air, eliciting the huge fireball that is a staple of his ring entrance, and he continues his journey to the ring, one he hopes will culminate in a reunion with his most prized possession.

Once inside, Jaguar isn’t made to wait long, as “Better Think Again” by Submersed promptly blares onto the speakers, and the fans begin heartily booing the arrival of the champion. Anthony Failla slowly stalks his way out to the ring, the PWA World Heavyweight Championship belt draped over his shoulder. Jaguar never takes his eyes off him as he makes his entrance, and Failla coolly stares back at his challenger. Failla then enters the ring and hands the belt over to referee Matt Hansen, who holds it high as Lee Palmer begins his introductions.

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

Introducing first, the challenger, from Jacksonville, Florida, weighing in at 262 pounds, this… is… JAGGGGGUARRRRRRRR!

And his opponent, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 281 pounds, he is the reigning PWA World Heavyweight Champion, ANTHONYYYYYYYYYY FAIIIIII-LLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAA!

PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:
ANTHONY FAILLA (champion) VS. JAGUAR (challenger)
Referee: Matt Hansen

The bell sounds and Jaguar immediately spears Failla down to the mat, pounding away on him with a flurry of lefts and rights that pump up the Phoenix crowd right from the get-go! Failla struggles to back away from the fiery challenger, eventually making his way to the ropes and kicking Jaguar off of him, creating some separation, which allows him to get back to a vertical base.

Once Failla is up, however, Jaguar doesn’t let up at all, moving in on the champion, stinging him with a series of jabs that momentarily stun the behemoth, allowing Jaguar to whip him against the ropes and down him with a high, hard back body drop as he returns! Failla pops right back to his feet, and Jaguar rushes in, clotheslining him down with authority! With Failla down, Jaguar immediately looks for the STF, which brings the fans to their feet, but Failla quickly scurries to the ropes and grabs them, forcing referee Matt Hansen to break the hold before Jaguar truly even had it applied.

Troy: Jaguar is on fire here in the early going!

Calysto: He sure is, Vic. He needs to keep this momentum going because, as we’ve seen plenty of this season, if you give Failla an inch, he takes a whole damn football field.

Jaguar keeps Failla’s right leg in his grasp after breaking up the STF attempt and tries to grab him back to the center of the ring, but Failla breaks free with two well-placed kicks to the midsection with his left foot. Jaguar doubles over, and Failla pops up and grabs Jaguar by the head, heaving him down to the mat hard.

Failla now stuns Jaguar with a series of hard stomps to the midsection. Jaguar attempts to cover up, but Failla simply shifts to a crushing elbow drop that winds the challenger. With Jaguar prone, Failla lifts him up and whips him into the corner. Failla hits the corner hard, but when Jaguar charges in, Failla gets a boot up and cracks him in the jaw! Jaguar is turned around by the force of the impact and staggers forward, allowing Failla the opportunity to gather his momentum and charge, bulldogging the challenger to the mat! Failla goes for a cover… one, two, and Jaguar gets a shoulder up.

Failla lifts Jaguar up, attempting to further his advantage, but Jaguar immediately counters with a boot to the stomach and attempts the Carrjack, his famed finisher! However, Failla slips out and violently clotheslines Jaguar to the mat! He then turns him around and locks him in a camel clutch submission!

Troy: It’s the camel clutch! This is Anthony Failla’s favorite submission hold, and he could get the challenger to tap out here!

Calysto: Jaguar certainly isn’t a man to give it up, especially with everything that’s on the line, but you never know! This is a devastating, devastating move, Vic!

Failla cinches the camel clutch in tightly, wrenching back on it with all his might, looking to put his challenger away. However, Jaguar stubbornly refuses to relent, fighting his way back first to one knee, then to two. He then digs down deep, grabs both of Failla’s legs and lifts him up, but Failla doesn’t break the hold, instead piggybacking Jaguar, with the chinlock still cinched in! However, Jaguar makes sure his grip around Failla is solid, and then lunges himself backwards, slamming Failla into the turnbuckles… only referee Matt Hansen is sandwiched behind Failla and catches the brunt of the champion’s force as he slams into the corner! Hansen crumbles to the mat, as do both Jaguar and Failla!

Troy: Everyone is down! Champion, challenger, and official are all incapacitated, and the PWA Championship hangs in the balance!

Calysto: Vic, it can’t possibly be overstated how CRUCIAL it is to be the first man to his feet right now!

Both Jaguar and Failla attempt to do just that, but Failla instead rolls out of the ring and to the arena floor. Jaguar continues to try to pull himself up to a vertical base, but before he can do that, Failla pries the championship belt away from the timekeeper and brings it into the ring!

Referee Matt Hansen begins to stir as Failla swings the belt at a rising Jaguar, only for Jaguar to duck under it, boot Failla in the stomach, and catch the belt as it falls! Jaguar then contemplates for a split second before smiling and cracking Failla in the face with the gold! He then hurls the belt out of the ring, climbs up to the top rope, signals around his waist and leaps forth, crushing Failla with the Suga Splash! Jaguar covers with ferocity, and Hansen crawls into position! One……… two…….. three!

Troy: Yes! Yes! Jaguar has done it! Jaguar has reclaimed the PWA Championship!

Calysto: This is unbelievable! Way to go, Jag!

The US Airways Center comes unglued as “My Avenue” replays and Jaguar’s arm is raised in victory! However, just as he is handed the championship belt, tosses it over his shoulder, and holds up six fingers, the International Champion Michael Grieco and Dee Licious emerge on the stage and frantically run out to the ring.

Jaguar doesn’t even notice them as he celebrates until they both enter the ring and begin pleading with Hansen to review the video tape. Jaguar protests, but Hansen requests the footage. When the footage airs, it can clearly be seen that Jaguar cracked Failla with the title belt. As soon as Hansen sees this, he angrily calls Lee Palmer over. Once the discussion is complete, Palmer begins speaking.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, after reviewing the videotape, referee Matt Hansen has reversed the decision! The winner of this bout, as a result of a disqualification, and STILL PWA World Heavyweight Champion… ANTHONYYYYYYYYYY FAIIIIII-LLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAA!

Boos rain down upon the ring as Jaguar goes ballistic in his protest. Meanwhile, Grieco and Dee scamper out of the ring, huge smiles on their faces, and escape to the back.

Calysto: This isn’t fair, Vic! Failla was the guy who brought the damn belt into the ring in the first place! And since when do we have instant replay around here?!

Troy: Well Iceman, I agree that it wasn’t exactly fair, but to address your other point, Justin Schenck DID add in the rule this season that indicates that if a formal protest of a referee’s decision is logged before the official has exited the ring, the official may review his decision via videotape at his discretion. So, Grieco did act within the rules by filing that protest within the allotted time frame. But this has to be heartbreaking for Jaguar. He had the belt in his hands, and now, he needs to beat Renegade next week just to get into Seven Deadly Sin, and have one last opportunity to even EARN a title shot. Such a shame.

Jaguar continues his protesting to the referee and doesn’t notice Failla get to his feet. The champion clubs Jaguar from behind and decimates him with the Weapon of Mass Destruction! Then, Failla takes back his belt and stands over Jaguar as “Better Think Again” replays over the speakers. The fans boo vociferously as Failla holds the belt high and we head to commercial.
WINNER VIA DISQUALIFICATION AT 8:32 AND STILL PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION – ANTHONY FAILLA

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, we see a graphic on the bottom of the screen reading “during commercial.” In the footage, Jaguar is angrily charging up the aisle and through the curtain, only to be ambushed from behind by Grieco as soon as he steps foot backstage! Grieco clubs him down and stomps on him furiously before turning him over and grabbing his face, screaming into it.

Grieco: You are NOT going to Everlasting Epic, you hear me Jaguar?! It’s not happening! You’re not leaving here tonight with the belt, and if you DO make it to Seven Deadly Sins, I’m gonna make it my personal mission to make sure you DON’T survive it!

Grieco then walks off, pleased with himself.

Back to live action, there is a loud buzzing going on inside the US Airways Center.

Troy: Alright folks, we’re back, and you just saw what happened during the break. Jaguar was taken out by Michael Grieco in what can only be described as a premeditated assault, and now, Jaguar must find a way to grab wins in back to back weeks to accomplish his dream of main eventing Everlasting Epic in his hometown of Jacksonville. But, the show must go on, and it’s time for us to crown a new number one contender!

Calysto: This should certainly be an exciting bout, Vic. We’re shown more and more evidence each week of how badly both Showtime and Dan Crowley want to be world champion. Tonight, they both have the opportunity to win a match and claim a guaranteed shot at the gold.

Troy: And you have to think that this is the best shot for both of them. The loser DOES get entered into the Seven Deadly Sins match, but you’d have to think winning a singles match against one person tonight is an easier path than going through seven people in a Seven Deadly Sins match.

Calysto: Sure, but neither scenario is impossible. These guys are both very talented, Vic. If they stay determined, they both have what it takes to be champion, in my opinion.

Troy: Well folks, the surrounding scene just got a little bit illuminated. Anthony Failla has retained the PWA Championship, albeit under controversial circumstances. That means that next week, the winners of matches between Jaguar and Renegade, Paul Dawkins and Dexter P. Wellington, Jackie Baccaro and Kerry Cox, and Chris Duval and Scythe will join Vulture, Solomon, Michael Grieco, and  the loser of this next bout as the participants in the Seven Deadly Sins bout two weeks from tonight. And the winner of this match between Crowley and Showtime will meet Failla for the world title on that same evening.

Calysto: Certainly a tremendous amount at stake tonight, and…

Suddenly, Calysto is cut off by the sounds of “Opium of the People” by Slipknot blaring onto the speakers. The fans boo raucously as GI Jew walks his way out to the ring, neglecting to ride out on his Chopper. He grabs a microphone and enters the squared circle.

Troy: Folks, GI Jew is obviously not scheduled to be out here right now. But he appears to have something to say.

Calysto: He always has something to say, doesn’t he?

Once the booing dies down to an audible level, GI Jew begins to speak.

Jew: Sorry to delay your stupid little main event, but what I have to say is important. I was going to wait until after the show, in the parking lot, for this, but I decided that now would be much better. So, Jason Calysto… I’m calling your punk ass out!

The fans cheer at the thought of Calysto stepping into the ring, but The Iceman manages only a smirk.

Jew: Don’t just sit there with that goofy smile on your face! Get in the ring and face me! You cost me my shot at the main event tonight, at Seven Deadly Sins in two weeks, and now I’m calling you out. What’s it gonna be, Calysto? You still have a spine underneath that PWA polo?

Troy appears concerned, but the fans begin cheering wildly as The Iceman drops his headset, grabs a microphone and heads to the ring. Jew invites him in and Calysto, who had been expecting a fight, seems perplexed.

Calysto: You know, I have to say, I’m a little surprised you didn’t try to jump me as soon as I stepped through those ropes.

Jew: Believe me. I wanted to. I still do. But I also don’t want you to have any excuses.

Calysto: Excuses for what?

Jew: I want your ass in a match, Calysto!

The fans cheer this and Calysto sighs.

Calysto: What part of “I’m retired” don’t you understand?

Jew: You can say whatever you want, Calysto, but you know you want this. You know deep down that you’re still a fierce competitor. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have reacted the way you did with me the past few weeks. You know that, at heart, you’re not a color commentator, and I know that you believe, in your heart of hearts, that you can still beat someone like me. Well, newsflash, Calysto: you can’t. But you need to find that out for yourself, don’t you? Listen, I don’t give a damn about you or your psyche, or why you do the things you do. But I do know this. In two weeks, I’m supposed to be wrestling in the Seven Deadly Sins match, if not competing in a world championship match. You’re the reason I’m not doing either. So in two weeks, I’m going to Denver, and I’m going there to fight Jason Calysto. I’ve already gotten clearance on this from Justin Schenck.  You just have to say yes.

Calysto: So, let me get this straight. You want to go one-on-one with The Iceman, right here in two weeks?

Jew: Well, I’d love to, but I’m not gonna get The Iceman. I’m gonna get a broken-down old man who knew he had nothing left and chose to hide behind a microphone rather than expose himself in the ring as a has-been who can’t keep up with a new generation of PWA stars in a business that has passed him by. I’m appealing to whatever pride as a man you have left to meet me in the ring in two weeks and take the beating that you’ve earned yourself by sticking your nose in my damn business.

Calysto: You want a match, GI Jew? You know what, you’ve GOT a match!

Troy: Whoa!

The Phoenix crowd cheers thunderously, but Calysto isn’t finished.

Calysto: And you want to know something? All of what you just said, that’s just wishful thinking on your part. You think I’m sitting out here, calling these matches because I can’t do it myself? I’m sitting out here calling these matches because it’s fun, and because I had nothing left to prove. And I don’t have anything to prove to you. I just want you to shut your damn mouth. All season, I’ve had to hear you run your mouth to guys like Scythe, Dex Wellington, Evan Black, even Solomon, and when you started running it to me, I just had enough of your crap. So this is what you want? Fine. GI Jew, in two weeks, it’s gonna be time to shut up and wrestle, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s 2002 or 2010, there’s STILL nobody better than The Iceman.

Jew stares back at Calysto and smiles at him. He nods his head at him and uncharacteristically backpedals out of the ring, mouthing to Calysto, “100 percent, Calysto. No excuses. Your ass is going down, and I don’t want to hear ONE excuse.”

The cheering of the crowd doesn’t die down even slightly as we head to break.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, we are shown Victor Troy and Jason Calysto at ringside.

Troy: Well folks, we were just treated to quite the interesting news out there! For those of you who might have missed it, the man sitting right next to me here, Jason Calysto, will step back into the ring two weeks from tonight in Denver to battle GI Jew! Iceman, what were you thinking accepting this match?

Calysto: What was I thinking? Vic, I was thinking that somebody needs to shut GI Jew up, and it might as well be me.

Troy: Are you sure that’s the wisest idea? Normally, GI Jew flies off the handle and is looking to attack his opponent, get an advantage, do whatever he has to do. But tonight, he was content to let you talk and accept the match. He kept saying he wanted you at 100 percent. Didn’t this strike you as a red flag? How confident must GI Jew be if he didn’t even ATTEMPT to jump you?

Calysto: He can be as confident as he wants to be, Vic, but just because I haven’t competed in a match since Everlasting Epic V doesn’t mean I’m not in top condition. The bottom line is I’m gonna go out there and do to GI Jew what I’ve been doing to people in PWA since day one. I’m gonna beat him. And that’s really all there is to it.

Suddenly, “Footprints” by G-Unit hits the speakers, and the Phoenix crowd begins cheering wildly for Showtime Damon Savage, who makes his pyro-filled entrance! The normally ebullient Savage is especially boisterous tonight, understanding exactly what is at stake. After a long, energetic entrance, Showtime takes his place in the ring and stretches out, awaiting the arrival of the one man who stands between him and a shot at the PWA title, his recent tag team partner.

Moments later, “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest thumps onto the speakers, and the frenetic cheering of the Phoenix crowd only continues to persist as Dan Crowley makes his own pyro-laden arrival! Crowley points at the crowd, thanking them for their support, but wears the same focused expression that has been a trademark of his during this season. Crowley enters the ring and poses on the turnbuckles, with Showtime respectfully allowing him to do so without any sort of underhanded attack. Crowley and Showtime lock eyes prior to this, and it is evident there is a level of respect between the two competitors. Finally, the music comes to a halt and both combatants move toward the center of the ring and referee Tom Stevens. As the decibel level of the music decreases, that of the crowd noise increases as we draw closer and closer to the opening bell.

Troy: Listen to this crowd! These fans are really getting behind the idea of one of these two men challenging for the world championship!

Calysto: Well Vic, Showtime and Crowley are two men with two passionate fan bases, and they have been making those fans proud this entire season. Tonight is a turning point for both of these men, however. The winner of this match will have that guaranteed shot in two weeks; the loser will have to survive Seven Deadly Sins to get his.

Troy: But, they WILL have Seven Deadly Sins. Folks, as we saw earlier tonight, Solomon, Michael Grieco, and Vulture have all qualified for that bout. So too will the loser of this match. And those four men will be joined next week by the winners of bouts between Renegade and Jaguar, Dexter P. Wellington and Paul Dawkins, Scythe and Chris Duval, and Jackie Baccaro and Kerry Cox. Then, two weeks from tonight, those eight men will have to endure the most grueling match that PWA has to offer, and the winner will challenge for the PWA title at Everlasting Epic VI on August 14. But the winner of this match here tonight gets to bypass all of that. He will challenge Anthony Failla for the gold in two weeks. So this is a monumentally huge night for both of these men.

Calysto: The biggest, Vic. A win here tonight would simply be the biggest in the career for either of these men.

Troy: Well, the wait is over! Let’s ring that bell and get this match underway!

NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP FOR THE PWA CHAMPIONSHIP:
SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE VS. DAN CROWLEY
Referee: Tom Stevens

The bell sounds to kick off this contest and Crowley and Showtime are tentative, circling each other, both men seemingly hesitant to make the first move. Finally, the two lock up, but neither are able to establish an advantage and shove each other off simultaneously. As they stand across from each other, dueling “let’s go Crowley” and “let’s go Showtime” chants fill the arena.

Troy: I think this crowd is pretty split in their support here.

Calysto: It sure sounds like it. It’s clear they both have their avid supporters, and whichever way this match ends up turning out, there are going to be plenty of people happy about the result.

Instead of locking up this time, Showtime lunges at Crowley, peppering him with right-handed jabs, all of which are blocked by Crowley. Then, Crowley launches offense of his own, attacking Savage with a series of muay thai punches and kicks, all of which are blocked by the boxing specialist.

Both men now back up a bit and circle each other some more, trying to figure out how they are going to break through with their respective offenses. Crowley looks for another kick, but this time Showtime catches his leg and begins swinging fists at Crowley’s chest while he has him prone! Crowley falls and Showtime falls on top of him, but Crowley is able to reverse it and get on top of Savage, peppering him with punches, which Showtime is able to block! Then Showtime reverses it back and attempts to pound away on Crowley, but Crowley blocks those as well!

Calysto: Neither of these men have been able to establish any sort of advantage here!

Showtime gets up, but Crowley immediately pops up, slips behind Savage, and rolls him up with a cradle! One, two, and Showtime kicks out! Savage gets up and Crowley swings a clothesline at him, but Showtime ducks under it and ties Crowley in a small package! One, two, and Crowley kicks out! Crowley gets up and ducks a Showtime clothesline, countering it into a backslide pinning combination! One, two, and Showtime escapes! He rolls through, grabs Crowley’s legs, and flips over him into another pinning combo! One, two, and Crowley counters it, flipping Showtime into a pin! One, two, and Showtime scissors his legs together onto Crowley’s head, prompting an escape! Both men then pop up and take fighting positions, eliciting a wave of cheers from the Phoenix crowd!

Troy: This is intense!

The two circle each other once again, and this time, Crowley shoots in for a double leg takedown. However, Showtime sprawls, showing off his wrestling skills, and spins around, grabbing him in a waistlock, Crowley gets to his feet and tries to break free, but Showtime moves his arms up, looking to grab Crowley in a cobra clutch, the first phase of his It’s Showtime cobra clutch bomb finisher! Crowley realizes this, and frantically backs Showtime into the corner, smashing him against the buckles and breaking the hold!

Showtime is momentarily dazed as he staggers forward, and Crowley uses the opportunity to nail him in the jaw with a spinning right hand to the face, nailing Savage with the back of his hand! Showtime is staggered, and Crowley grabs him, whipping him into the ropes. When Showtime returns, Crowley tosses him into the air and catches him with a furious Samoan drop! Crowley goes for the immediate cover… one, two, and Showtime escapes!

With Showtime still down, Crowley looks to try to further the advantage he has just gained, the first such real advantage either participant has had this entire bout. He switches over to Showtime’s legs and attempts to place him in a Texas cloverleaf. Showtime fights hard to not allow Crowley to apply the maneuver, but Crowley is determined. However, Showtime pulls down on Crowley’s neck and flips him over into a pinning combination! One, two, and Crowley rolls his way out of it, right back into position for the cloverleaf! Showtime fights the move again, but this time Crowley is able to apply it!

Troy: Crowley has the cloverleaf locked in!

Calysto: This is getting very dangerous for Showtime, Vic!

Showtime struggles mightily in the hold before composing himself and fighting as hard as he can to reach the ropes. However, just before he is able to, Crowley stands up and walks him back to the center of the ring! Crowley now cinches back on the hold as hard as he can, and Savage struggles to stay alive! He reaches down with everything he has, trying to kick Crowley off and break the hold, but Crowley seems to want to keep the hold applied just as badly as Showtime wants to break it! However, Showtime eventually succeeds, kicking Crowley off and freeing himself!

Savage struggles to pull himself back to a vertical base, and Crowley is right there to make sure he doesn’t build any momentum, grabbing him and drilling him down hard with a fall-forward sit-out facebuster! Showtime’s chest crashes onto the mat hard, and Crowley quickly turns him over, going for a cover… one, two, and Showtime kicks out!

Showtime is barely stirring after the move, and Crowley opts to take it to the outside! A “Crow-ley” chant booms throughout the US Airways Center as Crowley steps through the ropes and stands on the apron on the outside. He then propels himself off the top rope with a springboard legdrop… but Showtime rolls out of the way just in the nick of time!

Troy: Showtime just saved himself there!

Calysto: I would tend to agree, Vic! If Crowley hit that move, I think Showtime may have been toast!

Both men are slow to their feet, and reach them at roughly the same time. However, this Crowley miscue proves to be exactly what Showtime needs to claim the advantage for himself, as he begins stinging Crowley with repeated rights and lefts to the midsection, keeping him off balance! He then whips Crowley against the ropes, and floors him with a jumping side kick as he returns! Then, with Crowley down, Showtime climbs to the top rope and nails Crowley with a thunderous fist drop! Showtime covers… one, two, and Crowley kicks out!

Troy: Showtime is gathering some momentum here!

Calysto: He is, Vic! Crowley needs to gather himself and quick, or Showtime could really turn this match in his favor!

Crowley gets to his feet, and Showtime is waiting for him, booting him in the stomach and drilling him with a DDT! Savage covers again… one, two, and Crowley escapes! When Crowley gets to his feet once more, Showtime whips him into the corner and then drills him with a running clothesline immediately after impact! Then, as Crowley staggers forward, Showtime hits the ropes and downs Crowley thunderously with a running bulldog! Showtime turns him over and covers… one, two, and Crowley gets a shoulder up!

Savage then pulls Crowley’s legs up and begins peppering him with boots to the midsection. However, Crowley is able to reach up and tie Showtime into a small package! One, two, and Showtime kicks out! Then, as Crowley pops up, Showtime, from a kneeled position, springs up and levels Crowley in the jaw with a big left, the impact of which sends Crowley falling to the mat like a chopped-down tree, and sends Showtime through the ropes and falling to the outside of the ring due to his poor positioning when landing the impact blow!

Troy: My God! I think Crowley is out! Showtime nailed Crowley flush in the jaw with that left, and Crowley has not moved!

Calysto: But Showtime can’t take advantage! He’s fallen to the outside, and needs to get back in there quick!

Showtime is disoriented on the outside, but gets himself back up and rolls back into the ring before too much time has passed. He then covers Crowley about 45 seconds after initial impact, hooking the leg… one, two, thr-and Crowley just gets a shoulder up!

Troy: Wow! Crowley survives a Savage knockout punch, and this match will continue!

Calysto: I know it took Showtime a long time to make that cover, but that is still damn impressive!

Crowley is very slow to his feet, and Showtime is there waiting for him when he rises. Once Crowley is to a vertical base, Savage moves in, looking for It’s Showtime, but Crowley fights his way out of it with a stiff elbow to the jaw, before turning around and drilling him with a huge headbutt that drops Showtime to a knee! He then grabs Showtime and grabs him in ura-nage position, before dropping him across his knee with a violent backbreaker! Then, as Showtime staggers to his feet, Crowley grabs him in a double underhook and drives his face into the mat with a jumping double arm DDT!

Troy: What impact!

Calysto: Vic, he calls that move the Touch of Evil, and I think it just might take a touch of evil to put this match away!

Troy: Iceman, I think Crowley has this match won, if he can just make a cover!

The impact of Crowley crashing Showtime into the mat also impacted him, and caused him to roll further away from Savage. It takes Crowley several seconds to clear the cobwebs, but once he does, he is able to crawl over and make a cover, though he doesn’t have time to hook the leg. One, two, thr-NO! Showtime just barely nudges a shoulder up!

Troy: Wow!

Calysto: Showtime is still alive!

Frustrated, Crowley lifts Showtime up, and drills him with a knee to the face, before hitting him with a suplex. He then floats over, lifts him up again, and runs his thumb across his throat, signaling for the Brutal Legend, which prompts fervent cheers from the capacity crowd! However, when he lifts Savage for the maneuver, Showtime slips out, grabs Crowley in a cobra clutch, and drills him down thunderous with the It’s Showtime cobra clutch bomb! Everyone is standing in the arena, but Showtime is too exhausted to make a cover! Finally, after close to 20 seconds goes by, Showtime is able to drape an arm over Crowley’s chest! One, two, thr-NO! Crowley just gets the shoulder up!

Troy: I don’t believe it! Crowley has just kicked out of It’s Showtime!

Calysto: This is unbelievable!

Exhausted, both Crowley and Showtime slowly get themselves to a vertical base, each leaning on the other to pull himself up. The fans are split, with dueling “let’s go Crowley” and “let’s go Showtime” chants flooding the arena. Once they both reach their feet, Showtime cocks his fist and launches his deadly left hand at Crowley’s face! However, at the last moment, Crowley is able to duck under it, slide behind Savage, grab him in a half nelson, and destroy him with a suplex, folding Showtime up like an accordion! At long last, Crowley is able to slide over and make a cover… one, two, and Showtime gets a shoulder up!

Troy: What do these men have to do to put each other away?!

Calysto: It’s the determination, Vic! These two want nothing more than to be the world champion, and they both know that they may never get this close again. One victory is all that separates both of them from a shot at the gold!

With Showtime barely stirring, Crowley screams out “that’s it!” and begins lifting Savage up. Once in position, Crowley jolts Savage with a knee to the face, and then lifts and downs him with a hard, suplex. Maintaining the grip, Crowley floats over and lifts Showtime into suplex position again, before running his thumb across his throat, raising the decibel level in the arena.

Troy: Crowley is once again going for the Brutal Legend! He’s had this countered in this match already, but let’s see if he can nail it this time!

Calysto: Vic, if he hits it this late in the match, I’ve GOT to think that Showtime isn’t getting up!

Crowley lifts Showtime and tosses him over his shoulder, flipping him over so that Savage’s chest is facing the lights. Then, Crowley drops down, attempting to drive Showtime into the canvas, but Savage is able to slip out at the last second! Confused, Crowley turns around, only for Showtime to spin him back around, and grab him in position for another It’s Showtime!

Showtime lifts Crowley for the move, but Crowley is too close to the turnbuckles, and uses them as a springboard once in the air! Crowley is able to break out of the move, flip over Showtime, spin him around, and grabs him in position for another jumping double arm DDT! However, Showtime breaks his arms free, slips behind Crowley and rolls him up with a cradle! One, two, three!

Troy: That’s it! That’s it! I don’t believe it! Showtime Damon Savage is the number one contender for the PWA Championship!

Calysto: Vic, it must be said: what an INCREDIBLE display by both men! I can say confidently after seeing this match that both of these men deserve a shot at the world championship. We just saw two world class performers give us absolutely everything they had to offer tonight, and Showtime was just a hair better than Crowley on this night.

Troy: What a magical night for Damon Savage! Two weeks from tonight, he will meet Anthony Failla for the PWA Championship, while Dan Crowley must now enter the unforgiving Seven Deadly Sins match if he wants to have any shot of being PWA Champion this season!

Calysto: Well, at least he has that, Vic! His dream isn’t dead yet, but it is certainly on life support! However, Showtime Damon Savage’s dream is alive and well! He is one victory away from ascending to the top of the highest mountain! Congratulations, Showtime!

The roof comes off the US Airways Center as Showtime Damon Savage is announced the winner and “Footprints” blares onto the speakers. Pumped, but exhausted, Showtime pops up and uses the ropes for support as referee Tom Stevens raises his hand in victory. He keeps the arm raised and pumps it after the referee lets go, before pointing at the Phoenix crowd and pounding his chest.

Meanwhile, Dan Crowley hasn’t gotten himself up from the mat. He is still lying down, staring up at the lights, holding his head in disbelief. When Showtime turns around, he sees this, and walks over to Crowley. Savage extends his hand to Crowley, who is still lying on the mat. At first, Crowley resists, but then grabs the hand of Showtime, who helps him up, and then pulls him into a half hug. Crowley obliges, but the disappointment on his face is beyond evident. He then breaks the grip and exits the ring, heading to the back, while Savage remains in the ring, basking in the adulation of the crowd, and enjoying the finest moment of his career thus far as we fade to black.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 25:03 – SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE

-- END SHOW --