EPISODE 1.8 – TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2010
STAPLES CENTER
LOS ANGELES, CA

Upon their conclusion, we are taken inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, 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: We sure do, Vic! We are just one week away from the biggest episode of the season, and tonight, we are going to do a lot to help get us there!

Troy: Indeed we will, Iceman! Next week, we will see the return of the hellacious Seven Deadly Sins match, in which eight wrestlers will do battle over seven vicious falls, with seven different stipulations, with one man being eliminated in each successive fall until only one remains. Four men have already qualified for this match, the winner of which will challenge for the PWA Championship at Everlasting Epic VI on August 14. They are Vulture, Solomon, the International Champion Michael Grieco, and Dan Crowley. Tonight, the other four qualify! You will see Jackie Baccaro take on Kerry Cox! Scythe battles Chris Duval! Dexter P. Wellington faces off with one half of the new PWA Tag Team Champions, Paul Dawkins! And the other half, Renegade, will try to hold back the challenge of Jaguar!

Calysto: But of course, that’s not all, because tonight, the four men who had already qualified for the Seven Deadly Sins bout will be in six-man tag team action. Vulture and Dan Crowley will be on one side. Solomon and Michael Grieco will be on the other. And who are their partners? Well, it’s the reigning PWA World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Failla teaming with Solomon and Grieco, and teaming with Vulture and Crowley will be Failla’s world title challenge in one week’s time, Showtime Damon Savage!

Troy: That sounds like good, old-fashioned dysfunction right there! I have NO idea how that Failla-Grieco-Solomon team is going to co-exist, but we also don’t know how Vulture and Crowley are going to interact, considering they never really resolved their issues stemming back to the dissolution of the 2003 faction SIN, of which Vulture was the leader and Crowley was a mistreated member, nor do we know how Crowley and Showtime are going to get along now that Savage has secured himself a world title match, at Crowley’s expense no less, while Crowley is still battling. It should be an interesting main event tonight, that is for sure!

Calysto: And that’s not even mentioning some of the other tremendous matches we have in store! The Women’s Championship is on the line as Zina defends against Keiko Ishida!

Troy: And don’t forget Greg Tantalus essentially battling for his life, as he wages war with Chase Stone and Synergy in a 3-on-1 handicap match! When you consider what they did to Jon Dulberg last week, one of their own, can you imagine with Synergy, along with Stone, will try to do to Tantalus tonight?

Calysto: Well Vic, they put Dulberg on the shelf for at least a couple of weeks as result of last week’s attack, and I’d venture to guess they want to make sure Tantalus stays out quite a bit longer than that.

Troy: We’ve got all that and more tonight, folks, but let’s send you out to ringside for the first of four Seven Deadly Sins qualifiers!

***

With that, “My Avenue” by Lil Boosie explodes onto the speakers, and the Los Angeles crowd goes wild for the early arrival of five-time PWA World Heavyweight Champion Jaguar! The Jacksonville native makes his entrance, accompanied by his typical flaming burst of pyro, and starts down the aisle, headed for the ring. Upon reaching it, Jaguar stretches out on the ring ropes, a look of intense focus etched on his face.

Moments later, “Piggy Bank” by 50 Cent hits, and the fans continue their cheering, though at a somewhat lower decibel level, as Renegade, one half of the new PWA Tag Team Champions, makes his way down to the ring. Renegade slides into the ring and stands toe-to-toe with Jaguar as he hands his belt to referee Jose Soares. The official gives the belt to ring announcer Lee Palmer and signals for the bell to be rung to kick off this contest.

Troy: Alright, we’re gonna have FIVE official qualifiers for Seven Deadly Sins once this match is complete, and Jaguar has it all riding on this. If he is beaten by Renegade, his chances of main eventing Everlasting Epic are gone.

Calysto: That is true, but if he wins this match, he would need to just find a way to win Seven Deadly Sins next week and the main event slot is his. It’s not an easy thing to do by any means, winning the Seven Deadly Sins – hell, I’ve never even won the match – but Jaguar has done it once before, and as motivated as he is now, I think he could do it again if he gets there.

Troy: Let’s also not forget here that Renegade is one of a handful of wrestlers here in the PWA who Jaguar helped train and helped bring into this company in the first place. These two go back a long way, so that should produce an interesting dynamic here.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS QUALIFYING MATCH:
JAGUAR VS. PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPION RENEGADE
Referee: Jose Soares
Jaguar and Renegade circle each other briefly before Renegade tries to gain the advantage with a few quick kicks, each of which are blocked by Jaguar. When Renegade presses the issue and attempts another kick, Jaguar this time catches his leg, sweeps him to the mat, and looks to apply the STF! However, Renegade quickly scurries to the ropes to prevent it!

Troy: Renegade almost just got himself into big trouble right there!

Calysto: You have to keep your attack diversified against Jaguar, Vic. You can’t keep attempting the same thing over and over again with him and expect him to not adjust.

Jaguar breaks up the hold and then bends down, looking to lift Renegade up. However, Renegade grabs onto Jaguar’s shirt and pulls him through the ropes and down to the arena floor! Then, once Jaguar begins to climb to a vertical base on the outside, Renegade bounces off the ropes and propels himself over the opposite ropes, taking out Jaguar with a dazzling plancha!

The fans cheer the action heartily as the referee begins his count and Jaguar and Renegade each struggle to reach their feet again. They accomplish the task at roughly the same time, with Renegade able to clear the cobwebs the most, grabbing Jaguar and rolling him back into the ring. Renegade follows, going for an immediate cover… one, two, and Jaguar gets a shoulder up.

Renegade now applies a front facelock, looking to keep Jaguar off his feet for as long as he can. Jaguar ultimately feeds off the energy of the capacity Staples Center crowd, making his way back to a vertical base, before stinging Renegade with repeated elbows to the solar plexus, forcing the hold to be broken. Jaguar then whips Renegade against the ropes and slams him down with a hard powerslam as he returns! Jaguar covers… one, two, and Renegade gets a shoulder up!

As Renegade slowly makes his way back to his feet, Jaguar is ready and waiting for him and stings him with repeated knife-edge chops, keeping him off balance. He then whips him against the ropes, but as Renegade returns, he ducks under a clothesline and then stings Jaguar with a hard karate uppercut to the chin when he turns around! Jaguar is momentarily dazed and Renegade takes advantage of that, grabbing him and driving him down with a ferocious DDT! Renegade covers… one, two, and Jaguar kicks out!

Troy: Close one there!

Calysto: Yeah Vic, Renegade is certainly making a statement here tonight. He is hanging in there with Jaguar better than probably anyone thought he would so far. He actually has a shot to win this thing.

With Jaguar still down and dazed, Renegade climbs up to the top rope and begins beckoning Jaguar to get back to his feet. When Jaguar does rise, Renegade leaps off with a furious missile dropkick… and connects full force! Renegade immediately scoots over and hooks the leg, covering… one, two, and Jaguar escapes again!

Undaunted, Renegade gets into position and signals for the Kick of Death, which brings a number of fans to their feet! Jaguar slowly rises and Renegade is waiting for him. Once Jaguar is up, Renegade unleashes the kick, but Jaguar is able to duck under it and counter with a stinging back suplex!

The fans cheer loudly as Jaguar stalks behind Renegade, waiting for him to get to his feet. When he does, Jaguar boots him in the gut and nails him with Version 1.0, with crushing authority! Then, without hesitation, Jaguar climbs up to the top rope and signals for the Suga Splash, bringing the Los Angeles crowd to its feet!

However, before he can leap off, he notices the International Champion Michael Grieco rushing out to the ring! The referee cuts Grieco off before he can enter, but Jaguar decides he doesn’t want to take any chances, hopping off the top rope and shoving the official out of the way! Jaguar grabs Grieco, and the two grapple, but meanwhile, Renegade has gotten himself to his feet and gets into position for the Kick of Death!

Troy: Oh no!

Calysto: Look out, Jag!

The fans gasp as Renegade unleashes the maneuver, aimed for the back of Jaguar’s skull, but Jaguar senses it, and ducks down at the last moment, causing the kick to connect with Grieco’s chest, knocking him off the apron! Renegade then turns around and walks right into the Carrjack from Jaguar, who wastes no time covering, hooking the leg for leverage… one, two, three!

Troy: And that does it! Jaguar has advanced to the Seven Deadly Sins match!

Calysto: He sure had to earn this one though, Vic! But now, Jaguar is just one victory away from main eventing Everlasting Epic in his hometown of Jacksonville! Can he do it? Well, I think it’s less than wise to ever bet against this guy.

Troy: Tip your hat to Renegade tonight, though. He gave one hell of an effort, but it just wasn’t enough on this night.

Calysto: Well, Michael Grieco tried to make it enough, but fortunately for Jaguar, he was able to overcome.

The fans are cheering thunderously as “My Avenue” replays over the speakers, and Jaguar revels in his victory for just a moment before heading outside the ring and turning his attention to Grieco, the man who tried to cost him his spot in Seven Deadly Sins. Grieco is still doubled over from the errant Kick of Death, but when an angry Jaguar tries to lift him, Grieco grabs him and inside whips him ferociously into the steel ring steps! Jaguar winces in pain on the outside as Grieco scurries back to the locker room, still dazed, and we head to commercial.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 9:03 AND QUALIFIED FOR THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS MATCH – JAGUAR

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, we see backstage reporter Scott Cornelius scurrying to catch up to Jaguar, who has now officially qualified for next week’s Seven Deadly Sins bout. Jaguar, however, does not appear to be in a talking mood as he charges through the backstage area in hot pursuit.

Cornelius: Jaguar! Jag! Just a moment of your time please!

Jaguar slows down for just a moment and approaches Cornelius.

Jaguar: What is it, Corny? I’m kind of in a hurry here.

Cornelius: Just wanted to get your reaction to qualifying for the Seven Deadly Sins match and being one victory away from main eventing Everlasting Epic VI in your hometown of Jacksonville.

Jaguar: It’s obviously a great feeling to qualify, but there’s a lot of work to be done. And right now, before we get to next week, I’m thinking about one thing, and that’s making…

Suddenly, Jaguar is clubbed down from behind viciously by Michael Grieco!  Grieco stomps away on Jaguar thunderously, bludgeoning him violently. Quickly, referees descend upon the scene to restore order. Grieco only smiles as he is pulled off. He shouts back at Jaguar.

Grieco: It doesn’t matter what you do, Jag! You’re NOT going to main event Everlasting Epic! Mark my words! It’s not happening!

***

As Grieco is pulled away, the camera shifts to the locker room, where Evan Black and Dexter P. Wellington are watching the events that have just unfolded on their dressing room monitor.

Wellington: You know, you came damn close to beating that guy last week.

Black: I know. Just not close enough. I had that Seven Deadly Sins berth in my grasp and it just slipped away.

Wellington: Well, it certainly wasn’t all bad, Evan. I can promise you that.

Black: What do you mean?

Wellington: Well, during the week, I had a little chat with Justin Schenck regarding your performance last week. I made the case to him that you gave Grieco SUCH a tremendous run for his money that you deserve a shot at the International Championship. And he agreed with me. So Evan, you won’t be in the Seven Deadly Sins match next week, but get ready, because two weeks from tonight, you will be challenging Michael Grieco for the International Championship.

Black can barely contain his excitement.

Black: Are you serious?

Wellington: Well that would certainly be a cruel joke to play if I wasn’t, now wouldn’t it?

Black smiles at Wellington and extends his hand. Wellington shakes it.

Black: Thank you.

Wellington: Don’t mention it. You deserve the opportunity.

Black: I mean for everything. I really appreciate you doing what you have done for my career so far. I still don’t really know why you’re doing it, but I’m glad you are.

Wellington nods back at him in acknowledgment. Suddenly, one half of the PWA Tag Team Champions Paul Dawkins walks into their dressing room. He looks at Black and then glares at Wellington intently.

Wellington: Is there a problem?

Dawkins: Dexter Wellington. Of all people for me to draw tonight in the Seven Deadly Sins qualifier, it’s Dexter Wellington. The man who turned my girlfriend Liz Rush against me, the man who stole the International title from me. Basically, the man who ruined the final few months of my PWA career before the hiatus.

Wellington: Look Paul, I could apologize for all that, but you and I both know it’s not going to do the situation any good.

Dawkins: You’re right. Listen Wellington, I’m here to tell you two things. Number one, I don’t believe this little act here for one second. I don’t know what you’re plotting, but I believe you’re plotting something. And number two, I’m gonna kick your ass tonight to get into the Seven Deadly Sins, and I’m gonna love every second of it.

Wellington: Well Paul, you can think whatever you want to think. It makes no difference to me. But you’re wrong on both points. And when we get to the ring, I’m going to show you exactly how wrong you are.

Dawkins (staring at him intensely) Will you now?

Wellington (starting back with similar intensity) Yes.

Evan Black stands between them to prevent a fight from erupting before it’s supposed to, and Dawkins slowly backpedals out of the room.

***

The camera then shifts to ringside, where “Ride the Lightning” by Metallica is thumping over the speakers and Damien Fields is standing in the ring, ready for action. Moments later, “Opium of the People” by Slipknot hits, and the fans begin booing thunderously as GI Jew rides his Chopper down to ringside. He parks it just in front of the announce table and glares coldly at Jason Calysto as he walks to the stairs and enters the ring.

Troy: Did you see that look he just gave you? He’s in a foul mood tonight!

Calysto: Oh, I saw the look. I plan on slapping it off his face next week.

GI JEW VS. DAMIEN FIELDS
Referee: Matt Hansen
Once Jew enters, the bell sounds, and Fields charges right at him, stinging him with hard lefts and rights. Fields then downs Jew with a dropkick. As Jew starts to rise, Fields backs up and begins charging at him. However, Jew sees him coming and counters with a ferocious Gore! Then, for good measure, as Fields slowly gets back to his feet, Jew charges at him and destroys him with another Gore! Jew turns Fields over and pins him… one, two, three.

Troy: What an absolutely dominating win for GI Jew! He faces Jason Calysto next week, and he appears to be ready!

Calysto: He’d better be, Vic, because I’ll be more ready for him than he even realizes.

The fans boo as “Opium of the People” replays and GI Jew is announced the winner. He walks over to the side of the ring on the outside to get his Chopper and stops in front of Calysto, who stands up. The two shout back at each other, but don’t come to blows, before Jew gets on his Chopper and rides off, and Calysto sits back in his seat, content to play commentator for at least a little while longer.

WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 1:30 – GI JEW

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, “Black” by Sevendust hits, and the Los Angeles crowd gives a warm reception to one half of the PWA Tag Team Champions, Paul Dawkins, who charges to the ring with determination, understanding the opportunity that stands in front of him. Dawkins enters the ring and stretches out on the ropes, readying himself for battle.

Moments later, “Marriage of Figaro” by Mozart plays over the speakers, and the fans give a full-on positive reaction to Dexter P. Wellington as he makes his way to the ring.

Troy: You know, I see how his behavior has changed, and I like what he’s done with mentoring Evan Black, but every week I see Dex Wellington getting cheered more and more, it seems that much more surreal to me.

Calysto: Yeah, well he was one of the most hated guys around here for quite some time, but don’t forget, four years went by from the last time we saw him before the new season began. Four years is a long time. People are allowed to change. And it sure does look like Dex has turned over a new leaf, and the fans are praising him for it.

Troy: Well, Paul Dawkins certainly isn’t. The two of them have a hostile history, and Dawkins doesn’t appear to be about to forgive and forget. I bet, in his mind, he couldn’t have drawn a better opponent for a qualifying match.

Calysto: Well, he may have unresolved personal issues with the guy, but one thing he can’t do is allow himself to get emotional here. Wellington is a great mistake wrestler, in that he’s not flashy, but he’s one of the absolute best at capitalizing on another wrestler’s mistake. If you give Dex Wellington an opening, he’s not likely to miss it.

Wellington enters the ring and receives instructions from referee Dan Martin as the bell sounds to kick off this qualifying match.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS QUALIFYING MATCH:
DEXTER P. WELLINGTON VS. PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPION PAUL DAWKINS
Referee: Dan Martin
Dawkins immediately charges at Wellington when the bell sounds, nailing him with a stiff kneelift that raises him off ground. Dawkins presses that advantage, clobbering the two-time International Champion with a barrage of rights and lefts, dazing him. He then whips Wellington into the ropes and downs him with a huge back body drop! Then, as soon as Wellington rises, Dawkins charges at him and clotheslines him over the top rope and down to the outside!

Troy: What a fast start for Paul Dawkins right here!

Wellington attempts to regroup on the outside, but Dawkins follows, not allowing him a chance to breathe. Dawkins pounds him on the back on the outside and rolls him back inside the ring. Once he enters, Dawkins begins stomping away on Wellington furiously, with such vitriol that it begins to build sympathy for Wellington among the fans.

Wellington is slow to his feet, but once he is there, Dawkins grabs him and downs him with a hard snap suplex. Then, the interest of the fans is further piqued as Dawkins climbs up to the top rope. With Wellington prone, Dawkins leaps off, looking for a flying legdrop, but Wellington rolls out of the way at the last moment, causing Dawkins to crash onto the mat in seated position! The fans cheer as Wellington gets to his feet, bounces off the ropes, and nails the seated Dawkins with a dropkick to the face! Wellington covers… one, two, and Dawkins kicks out!

Calysto: One mistake might have been the only opening Wellington needed here, Vic!

Dawkins is back to his feet, and Wellington whips him against the ropes, but he telegraphs an attempted back body drop as Dawkins returns, allowing Dawkins to counter with a DDT! Dawkins covers… one, two, and Wellington escapes!

Wellington staggers up, and Dawkins whips him into the corner. He then backs up and charges, looking for the Stinger Splash, but Wellington moves out of the way at the last moment, causing Dawkins to crash chest-first in the buckles! Then, Wellington slides behind him and rolls him up in a small package! One, two, and Dawkins just barely slips out!

Dawkins then pops up to a vertical base, only for Wellington to grab him by the waist, run him into the ropes, and then use the momentum to tumble over him into a pinning combination! One, two, and Dawkins kicks out again!

Wellington pops up again, and charges at Dawkins, but this time Dawkins is ready, catching him with a ferocious powerslam! Dawkins covers… one, two, and Wellington gets a shoulder up!

Now, Dawkins whips Wellington into the corner again, and again attempts the running Stinger Splash. However, this time, the move connects, and the fans are cheering on Dawkins as Wellington stumbles out of the corner. Dawkins charges at him, looking for the rocker dropper he calls the Scud Missile, but Wellington sidesteps it and counters with a picture-perfect bridging German suplex pinning combination! One, two, thr-NO! Dawkins gets a shoulder up!

Troy: So close! I really thought Dex had him there!

Calysto: Either way, I think these guys are one big move away from ending this thing!

Wellington gets to his feet and signals for the Million Dollar Dream, which prompts a roar of cheers from the Los Angeles crowd that is now cheering just as loudly for Wellington as they are for Dawkins. When Dawkins rises, Wellington attempts to apply the maneuver, but Dawkins charges backward in desperation, squashing him into the corner. Dawkins then turns around, boots Wellington in the gut, and lifts him for the MOAB! However, Wellington slips out, landing behind Dawkins, and slaps on the Million Dollar Dream!

Troy: The Dream! Wellington has Dawkins in the Million Dollar Dream!

Calysto: I don’t know how Dawkins is surviving this!

Dawkins struggles mightily in the hold, scrambling to get out of it. However, he is nowhere near the ropes, and Wellington has the hold applied flawlessly. Not wanting to give Wellington the satisfaction of him tapping out, Dawkins simply struggles in the hold until he slips into unconsciousness. At that point, the referee raises his arm and lets it drop three times, before signaling for the bell, eliciting a roar of approval!

Troy: That’s it! Wellington has won this thing!

Calysto: What an impressive victory! Dex Wellington has joined the field for the Seven Deadly Sins match! Congratulations!

The fans cheer as “Marriage of Figaro” replays and Wellington’s hand is raised in victory. Paying no attention to Dawkins, Wellington slips out of the ring and exits to the back, obviously pumped up about what is clearly his greatest moment thus far in the new PWA season.
WINNER VIA SUBMISSION AT 8:21 AND QUALIFIED FOR THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS MATCH – DEXTER P. WELLINGTON

***

The camera shifts to the backstage area, where creative director Justin Schenck is standing in his office with Chase Stone and Synergy, now comprised solely of The Omega Steve Beovich and Don “The MVP” Capriglione.

Schenck: This is a huge night, gentlemen. This is the night we beat Greg Tantalus into oblivion, the night we make him realize that this is not a battle worth fighting. When you are done with him tonight, I want to see Tantalus crawling back to me, begging for my forgiveness. I want him to grovel, to swear to me that he’ll be the kind of representative for this company that he needs to be, to tell me that he understands why I did what I did and that he knows it was the best thing for him. So, to do that, I need the three of you to beat the holy hell out of him tonight.

Stone: Believe me, Mr. Schenck, that will NOT be a problem.

Beovich: Yeah. We’ll do what we did to that waste of time Jon Dulberg and take it to a whole other level.

Capriglione: He’ll wish he never crossed you when we’re done with him.

Schenck: Good. Because, gentlemen, if you accomplish this task for me tonight… well then, I’ll make sure each and every one of you is greatly compensated for your troubles.

Stone and Synergy all nod in approval, smiling fiendishly as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, a graphic appears on screen that reads “during the break.” We then see Matthew Magellan walking through the backstage area with a purpose, before finding the person he is looking for: Justin Schenck.

Magellan: Hey boss, you have a minute?

Schenck: Sure. What’s up?

Magellan: No, I meant on the format. You see, last week, I cut that fat tub of dead weight Farley when I realized that not only was it a bad idea to bring around woman repellent when I have certain missions I have to complete, but it was just not a great thought to have a guy watching my back who can’t even watch his own weight.

Schenck: Your point?

Magellan: I have a new bodyguard, and this guy is a beast. He’s also going to be my new tag team partner, if you’d be so gracious as to sign him to a contract. I asked if you have a minute because I want to wrestle a tag team match tonight, and with my new partner, this literally should only take a minute. And assuming you’re impressed, we can get the contract signed and get the ball rolling here.

Schenck: What makes you think I’m going to sign your partner?

Magellan: Trust me. You will. He’s no stranger. And you may have had your differences with him along the way, but I also know you appreciate his talent. Just let us show you.

Schenck: Hold on a minute.

Schenck pulls out the format sheet and studies it.

Schenck: You know what? Get your partner and wait for your cue. You’re going on next. I’ll find a team and send them out there.

Magellan: Thanks. I appreciate it.

Schenck: No problem. Just don’t let me down. I don’t like when people waste my time.

Magellan: Believe me. You won’t be disappointed.

***

Back to live action, “Stockholm Syndrome” by Muse is blaring over the speakers, and the team of Paul Epton and John Wolfe stands in the ring, awaiting their opposition.

Moments later, “The Final Countdown” by the London Symphony Orchestra hits, and Matthew Magellan emerges from behind the curtain to a chorus of loud boos. He has a microphone in hand, and begins speaking.

Magellan: Cut the music! I want you all to remember this day. June 29, 2010. This is the day that Matthew Magellan officially ceases to be known as a sideshow comedy character and starts being known as the newest force the be reckoned with in the PWA. Don’t get me wrong. I am still the same Matthew Magellan, the only Matthew Magellan I know how to be. But jokers the likes of Farley are no longer welcome in my presence. So, without any further adieu, I would like to introduce to you my brand new bodyguard and tag team partner… Briggs!

With that, “Trust” by Sevendust blasts onto the speakers, and gasps from the Staples Center crowd are audible as the seven-foot monster Briggs emerges from behind the curtain!

Troy: Oh my God! It’s Briggs! Briggs has returned to the PWA!

Calysto: This is a HUGE coup for Matthew Magellan, Vic! Briggs is one of the most fiercely dominating superstars we’ve ever seen come through the ranks in the PWA, a man who took Solomon to the limit on multiple occasions, who has eliminated him from the Symphony of Destruction. Simply put, Briggs is an absolute beast, and a Matthew Magellan with Briggs behind him is a much more dangerous Matthew Magellan.

Briggs and Magellan enter the ring and the bell sounds, the fans still buzzing over Briggs’ surprise return.

PAUL EPTON & JOHN WOLFE VS. MATTHEW MAGELLAN & BRIGGS
Referee: Jose Soares
Magellan elects to start the match with Paul Epton and locks up with him in the center of the ring. Magellan ties Epton up in a headlock, but Epton shoves him into the opposite ropes. Magellan leapfrogs over Epton as he returns, hits the opposite ropes, and then downs Epton with a thunderous forearm on the rebound.

Magellan then lifts Epton up and whips him hard into the corner, tagging in the monstrous Briggs. Magellan holds Epton, allowing Briggs a free shot with a hard, stiff knee to the gut. Briggs then grabs Epton and effortlessly hurls him across the ring and Magellan exits. John Wolfe appears irritated on the apron as Epton struggles mightily to pull himself back to a vertical base. Briggs helps him up and whips him against the ropes, crushing him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker as he returns! He then pries him up and destroys him with a sit-out powerbomb, into a pinning combination! Magellan rushes the ring to cut off Wolfe, but Wolfe doesn’t bother… one, two three.

Troy: And that’s gonna do it! What an impressive and dominating victory for the team of Magellan and Briggs!

Calysto: They sure seem like a force to be reckoned with, Vic, there’s no disputing that. These guys just absolutely decimated two-time tag champions Epton and Wolfe with such precision that Wolfe wasn’t even able to tag into the match! Make no mistake about it, folks, if Justin Schenck really does sign Briggs to a contract, this team is dangerous!

WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 2:42 – MATTHEW MAGELLAN & BRIGGS

As “The Final Countdown” blares over the speakers and Magellan and Briggs exit victoriously, Wolfe enters the ring and begins staring down his partner Epton as he struggles to reach his feet. Finally, Wolfe experiences some compassion and helps Epton up… only to grab him by the throat and destroy him with a ferocious chokeslam! The fans boo loudly as Wolfe screams down at an unconscious Epton that he is pathetic and exits, a scowl etched on his face.

Troy: What the hell was that?!

Calysto: It looks to me like John Wolfe just decided that he’s not a tag team wrestler anymore.

Troy: Dammit, what else is gonna happen tonight?! Stick with us, we’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, we see the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Failla getting himself ready for tonight’s six-man tag team main event. However, he is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of one of his partners tonight, the International Champion Michael Grieco, along with Dee Licious. The two former fierce rivals glare at each other with disdain before it is Dee that breaks the silence.

Dee: Listen Anthony, I know you guys haven’t seen eye to eye for a LONG time, and I know you probably don’t even want to hear from me, but I really think you guys need to put the past in the past and get on the same page, at least for tonight.

Neither Failla nor Grieco take their eyes off the other, and after a long silence, Failla is the first to speak.

Failla: First of all, Grieco, no one told you to interfere in my match last week. I didn’t need your help then, and I never will.

Grieco: Is that so? Seems to me like you would be a FORMER PWA Champion right now if I didn’t come out there and right the horrible injustice that was playing out. Look, you don’t have to thank me, and you don’t owe me anything. I did what I did last week for one reason and one reason only: Jaguar is NOT main eventing Everlasting Epic, and I will stop at nothing to make sure he doesn’t.

Failla: Look Grieco, you could tell me all you want about your reasoning, and you and Dee can come in here and try to make peace, but I’m not interested. Just because the fans don’t like either of us now doesn’t mean that we have to like each other. And you know you still hate me, just like I hate you. You just think there’s an advantage in getting on my good side right now. Well, guess what? Tonight, I have your back, because we’re teaming. But make no mistake about it, it’s not because all is forgiven and forgotten. You don’t have to worry about me tonight, but you will if you and your little girlfriend don’t get the hell out of here in the next 30 seconds.

Grieco puts his hands up and nods at Failla understandingly.

Grieco: Fair enough.

Grieco turns to leave, but Dee is clearly not satisfied.

Dee: You know Anthony, that was REALLY rude. I think you owe Michael an apology.

Failla slowly and menacingly shifts his glance to Dee.

Failla: Do you remember Cameiko, Dee?

Dee: Uhh, yeah.

Failla: So then you know I’m not above roughing up a woman.

Grieco now spins back around and gets in Failla’s face.

Grieco: You touch one hair on her head and I’ll…

Voice (interrupting): … back away. NOW!

The camera shifts to the origin of the voice, and we can see that Solomon has now entered the room. Dee freezes in place, and Grieco slowly backs away. Both Failla and Grieco stare back at Solomon. A scowl is on Failla’s face as he stands right up to the Alaskan Monster.

Solomon: I don’t care one bit about your little high school squabbles. What I care about tonight is making a statement just one week before Seven Deadly Sins, which I am going to win. And tonight, I think it’s important for everyone to realize that I’m going to win Seven Deadly Sins, if they haven’t already. So, I truly do not care if you love each other, hate each other, or are indifferent to each other. I just want you both at your best, because it is ESSENTIAL we make a statement tonight. But when next week comes, I’m going through seven other guys, including you, Grieco, and I’m putting myself in the main event of Everlasting Epic. And when I get there, the title is leaving with me, Failla, whether you’re still the champion or not.

Solomon then heads out of the room and walks off, leaving Failla, Grieco, and Dee all stewing.

***

Back at ringside, “More Human Than Human” by White Zombie thumps onto the speakers, and the Synergy duo of The Omega Steve Beovich and Don “The MVP” Capriglione makes its way to the ring amidst a chorus of rowdy jeers. Once they enter, the boos continue as “Fight On, State” by the Penn State Blue Band hits and Chase Stone makes his way down to the squared circle. Stone and Synergy greet each other in the ring as they await their opposition.

Moments later, “Live to Win” by Paul Stanley hits, and the fans begin cheering raucously, anticipating the arrival of Greg Tantalus! However, Tantalus isn’t immediately visible and the fans, along with Stone and Synergy, begin to wonder if Tantalus will make it out to the ring. Suddenly, however, we see Tantalus emerge from underneath the ring and charge inside, sneaking up on his opponents! He clobbers Stone and Capriglione from behind, and hurls Beovich out of the ring to a roaring ovation! The referee signals for the bell to be rung to officially kick off this contest as Tantalus mounts Stone and begins unloading on him with furious right hands to the face!

Troy: That’s one way to even the odds in a three-on-one handicapped situation!

Calysto: I think Tantalus realizes he is fighting a losing battle here and wants to at least take it to these guys as long as he can before the numbers game is just too much.

3-ON-1 HANDICAPPED MATCH:
CHASE STONE & SYNERGY VS. GREG TANTALUS
Referee: Matt Hansen
With the match now officially underway, referee Matt Hansen tries to remove Beovich and Capriglione from the ring so that the rules can be followed, which indicate that the Stone and Synergy team must tag in and out. However, they don’t seem interested in playing by the rules, shoving the official down to the mat, and clubbing Tantalus down from behind. Capriglione now exits the ring and grabs a chair while Beovich and Stone stomp away on Tantalus furiously. The referee rises just as Capriglione enters with the chair, prompting Hansen to signal for the bell and end this match via disqualification before it every really got off the ground. Capriglione then threatens Hansen with the chair, leading to Hansen scurrying to the back, not wanting to be a part of what was about to happen.

Troy: This is absolutely despicable!

Calysto: This could get really ugly for Tantalus, Vic! He doesn’t exactly have a thousand friends in the locker room, and it’s pretty apparent this is what the boss wants. I don’t know too many guys back there that are going to want to cross the boss and stick their necks out for Greg Tantalus.

WINNER VIA DISQUALIFICATION AT 0:52 – GREG TANTALUS

The fans are booing vociferously as Beovich and Stone continue to stomp Tantalus into oblivion, and Capriglione wraps the chair around his right ankle. Then, Beovich and Stone hold Tantalus down as Capriglione heads up to the top rope.

Troy: No! C’mon! Somebody has to stop this thing! They did this last week to Jon Dulberg, but they didn’t jump from the damn top rope! They might end Tantalus’ career here!

Just as Capriglione reaches the top, however, “Parabola” by TOOL shockingly blasts onto the speakers, and the Staples Center crowd goes absolutely insane as Hollywood Mike Griffin, Tantalus’ departed tag team partner and two-time PWA World Heavyweight Champion, scurries out to the ring, wielding a chair!

Troy: My God! My God! I don’t believe it! It’s Mike Griffin! Hollywood Mike Griffin is here!

Calysto: Wow! And he couldn’t have possibly had better timing!

Griffin darts inside the ring and immediately cracks The Omega in the skull with his weapon! Griffin swings the chair at Stone, but he slides out of the way, leaving Capriglione a clear shot at Tantalus. The MVP leaps off anyway, trying to accomplish the mission Justin Schenck assigned them, but Griffin swats him out of the air with the chair! Then, Tantalus gets back to his feet and grabs Chase Stone before he can exit the ring, lifting him in bearhug position! Tantalus and Griffin then nod and smile at each other, leading to Griffin whipping himself against the ropes and driving Stone out of Tantalus’ arms, completing the Hart Attack! The Los Angeles crowd is going absolutely nuts as “Live to Win” replays over the speakers, and Tantalus and Griffin embrace inside the ring!

Troy: I don’t believe it! TFU is reunited here tonight in Los Angeles! What a shocking turn of events!

Calysto: Absolutely, Vic! And I don’t think Tantalus could have possibly needed his former tag team partner any more than he just needed him there. What a moment!

Suddenly, security begins charging out to the ring, and Tantalus and Griffin know it is time to make their exit. They flee through the crowd before security can catch up to them, the Staples Center audience cheering them on the whole way as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, we see a graphic reading “during the break,” before seeing Greg Tantalus and Hollywood Mike Griffin trying to escape as quickly as possible through the main entrance of the building. However, before they can make it to the parking lot, they are stopped by Justin Schenck and a horde of event security and LAPD.

Schenck: Arrest that man for trespassing! He doesn’t work here! And security, throw Tantalus out of the damn building!

Security and the cops oblige, and Tantalus and Griffin don’t put up a fight, smiles on their faces.

Griffin (sarcastically): Really, Justin? You’re resorting to arresting me? After all we’ve been through?

Schenck: Shut up, Griffin. You ruined it. Your little pal here was finished. He was on the way to certain destruction and you came and screwed the whole damn thing up!

Tantalus: You can do whatever the hell you want, Schenck, but I’m gonna be back here next week, and if you try more stupid crap, Griffin will find a way into the building every week just like I always do. It’s never gonna stop.

Schenck glares at Griffin, looking for confirmation.

Griffin: He’s right, you know. I just got home from wrapping a film four days ago. I can be here every week for the rest of the season. You know how long it’s gonna take me to make bail? About a nanosecond. I’ll see you in Denver.

Griffin is now cuffed and security has hold of Tantalus. They begin taking them away, but Schenck stops them.

Schenck: Wait! I have a proposition for you two. I won’t have Hollywood here arrested if you two agree to my terms.

Tantalus: What terms?

Schenck: Next week, when we go to your miserable, stinking hometown, Tantalus, we will see TFU ride again! And TFU will battle, in a handicapped match, the team of Chase Stone and Synergy. Now, if you two win, I’ll put Griffin under contract for the rest of the season, I’ll stop banning the both of you from buildings, and I’ll let this be an even fight. We’ll settle this fairly. BUT, if you two LOSE, then Griffin, you agree to go away and not show up again for the rest of the season, and if you do, I sue you for every damn thing you’re worth. And Tantalus, if you two lose next week, then you drop this hostility you have towards me, and you be the model employee. You stop causing havoc in my life and if you get out of line again, I sue YOU for everything YOU’RE worth. So do we have a deal? It’s take that deal right now, or Griffin is heading off to jail.

Tantalus looks at Griffin, but Hollywood has already begun to answer.

Griffin: You’re damn right you have a deal! Do you think TFU is scared of Synergy and Chase Stone? Seriously? At Everlasting Epic V, Bryan Conroy thought he could get one over on us and keep us from winning the tag team titles. So what did we do? We beat Alpha Omega and Paul Epton & Kris Anthony in a triple threat match, then we beat the Rosedale Renegades, and then we beat Mike Troha and Bodycount to win those belts. We’re the greatest team that ever lived, and if you think three sorry losers will be enough to hold us down, you have a rude awakening in store for you next week. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we were on our way the hell out of here before we were interrupted. I have to show my buddy here around this great city of mine. Catch you next week.

Griffin then puts his arm around Tantalus and the two walk past Schenck and security and exit toward a stretch limousine about 50 feet away.

***

Back to live action inside the arena, “The Stone Money” by Kazu Matsui lurks onto the speakers and the fans begin cheering loudly for the arrival of Keiko Ishida! Keiko is the picture of focus and determination as she starts her way down the aisle, ready for the massive opportunity she has in store. Keiko enters the ring and runs off the ropes, stretching out before the arrival of her opposition.

Moments later, “Demons” by Aria begins booming throughout the Staples Center and the PWA Women’s Champion Zina makes her arrival. Zina stares a hole through Keiko as she powerwalks to the ring, oozing intimidation. Keiko, however, does not appear to be intimidated as Zina joins her in the ring. The champion hands the belt over to referee Tom Stevens as ring announcer Lee Palmer makes the introductions.

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

Introducing first, the challenger, from Tokyo, Japan, weighing in at 161 pounds… KEIIIIIIKOOOOO ISHHHHIIIIIIIIIDAAAAAAAAAA!

And her opponent, from Moscow, Russia, weighing in at 200 pounds, she is the reigning PWA Women’s Champion… ZIIIII-NAAAAAAA!

PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP:
ZINA (champion) VS. KEIKO ISHIDA (challenger)
Referee: Tom Stevens
The bell sounds to kick off this championship match and the two women slowly approach each other in the center of the ring. After a brief staredown, it is the challenger who makes the first move, stinging Zina with a forearm shiver to the jaw! When Zina backs up as result of the move, Keiko keeps the pressure mounted, nailing her with a number of repeated forearm shivers, dazing the champion! She then whips Zina against the ropes and drills her down with a hard clothesline as she returns! Keiko goes for the immediate cover… one, two, and Zina powers her way out with authority!

Troy: I think Keiko is going to need to do more than that to keep Zina down for a three-count!

Calysto: Of course, Vic, but that’s not why she went for a cover. You have to expend energy to kick out of a pin attempt. Especially in the early going, anything you can do to wear your opponent down even a little bit more will give you an advantage later on.

Keiko presses the advantage, attacking the Women’s Champion with a series of stomps. When Zina attempts to stand, Keiko locks on a side headlock and squeezes it tightly. However, Zina is able to counter, grabbing hold of Keiko and destroying her with a vicious side suplex! Keiko refuses to stay down, pulling herself back to her feet before she is fully recovered, but Zina is there to capitalize, clubbing her with repeated massive forearms to the head.

Keiko is on wobbly legs and Zina tries to end this match early, backing up and lunging at Keiko with the bicycle kick! However, Keiko sidesteps the maneuver, and rolls up an off-balance Zina with a crucifix pinning combination! One, two, and Zina kicks out!

Zina pops up, angry, and charges at Keiko, but Keiko catches her in a small package! One, two, and Zina kicks out again!

Now, Zina rises, angrier than ever. She charges at Keiko again, looking to take her head off, but Keiko ducks down and lowbridges her, causing Zina’s momentum to carry her over the top rope and send her tumbling to the outside! Then, as Zina gets to her feet, Keiko propels herself over the top rope and takes Zina out with a splash!

Troy: Keiko Ishida is really on a roll here, Iceman!

Calysto: She really is! I believe she has Zina on the ropes! This is really a complete 180 from the last time we saw Zina and Keiko in the ring together! Last time, Keiko was clearly dominated. Tonight, it seems like she learned something from that first encounter, because it’s night and day!

Keiko is slow to her feet on the outside, but Zina is even slower. Keiko grabs Zina and rolls her back into the ring before following her inside. Zina gets into a seated position and begins to back up, but Keiko keeps the pressure mounted, walking over to her and lifting her up by her hair. However, once she does so, Zina shoves her back violently. With Keiko momentarily dazed, Zina lets loose with the bicycle kick, but Keiko once again evades it, ducking under it and rolling out of the way! Then, Keiko boots Zina in the gut and drills her with a ferocious DDT! Keiko covers… one, two, and Zina gets the shoulder up!

The fans are now cheering loudly as Keiko gets into position for her famed Running STO finisher! Zina slowly makes her way to her feet, and when she has fully risen, Keiko charges forward, looking for the move. However, at the last moment, Zina reaches out and pulls referee Tom Stevens into harm’s way, causing Keiko to land the Running STO on the official with crushing authority!

Troy: Oh come on! Zina did that on purpose!

Calysto: Can’t get anything by you, can we, Vic?

The fans boo loudly as Keiko turns around, right into a bicycle kick from Zina, this time connecting square with Keiko’s jaw. Ishida crumbles to the mat in a heap, and Zina lets out a loud, frustrated roar to the crowd. She then exits the ring and violently rips her Women’s Championship belt away from the timekeeper, before blasting Keiko in the face with it as she rises! Meanwhile, referee Matt Hansen charges to ringside and calls for the bell, ending this match in disqualification.

WINNER VIA DISQUALIFICATION AT 7:32 – KEIKO ISHIDA; STILL PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPION – ZINA

Despite the decision, Zina hardly appears to be done with the barely conscious Ishida. Just as Zina begins to measure Keiko for another shot with the belt, PWA creative director Justin Schenck frantically scrambles out to the stage, microphone in tow.

Schenck: Wait! Hold on, Zina! That’s enough! I have an announcement to make here. We signed this Women’s Championship match with the intention of it reaching a satisfying conclusion. I don’t know about you folks, but I am NOT satisfied. Zina, I hate to do this to you, because I like you, but I am NOT in a good mood right now, and the result of this match isn’t making me any happier. So here’s what’s gonna happen. Next week, we’re going to have ourselves a four-on-four elimination match, and the two of you in that ring? You’re going to be partners. That’s right, Zina and Keiko Ishida will team up with Alexis Duval and Dee Licious, and they will take on the team of Morgan Day, Lauren Tantalus, Jade, and Liz Rush. But here’s where it gets interesting. We keep going until one whole team is eliminated, and then, all the survivors will compete against each other one week later in an elimination match for the Women’s Championship. That means, Zina, if your team loses, which will include you being eliminated, then the remaining women from the other team will battle for the title in two weeks. Also, of course, if there is a sole survivor, that women will be named Women’s Champion next week. Thank you.

Schenck then exits, as the fans in the area buzz. Zina stares back at the stage menacingly, and we can see Keiko being helped to the back. She violently shoves the officials trying to help her away as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, we see a graphic on the bottom of the screen reading, “during the break,” as we get a shot of Morgan Day and Lauren Tantalus standing in front of a backstage monitor together.

Lauren: So it looks like we’ve got ourselves an interesting little title match next week.

Morgan: It would appear that way.

Lauren: You know, as long as we can eliminate Zina somehow, and neither of us get pinned, we’ll be wrestling each other for the title again in two weeks.

Just then, Jade walks onto the scene.

Jade: Are you just so easily writing me off, that I won’t make it to the end? You might be the two members of our team to achieve great success most recently, but in my time, I was just as dominant as either of you were at your peaks.

Morgan: I don’t know about either of you, but my peak is right now.

Meanwhile, Liz Rush walks onto the scene.

Liz: If your peak is right now, then why did you lose to Zina, just like all the rest of us?

Morgan: Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were such an authority on the subject. Hey, if you’ve been Women’s Champion before, raise your hand.

Everyone but Liz raises their hand, which irritates her.

Liz: That’s gonna change next week. I’m gonna pin Zina and get my revenge, and then I’m gonna beat whichever of you survive with me the following week. Zina has ripped through everyone around here, but it’s gonna end next week.

Lauren: Hey, you know who Zina HASN’T beaten? That’s right, me.

Jade: She hasn’t faced you.

Lauren: Well, she will next week, and after she does, that statement will still be true.

Keiko Ishida now walks onto the scene, back from her match. Everyone stares at her before she begins to speak.

Keiko: I can hear you all arguing from down the hall. I’m here to tell you it doesn’t matter. My team is going to win, and when we do, I will take back the Women’s Championship. Whether I am sole survivor next week, or whether I have to win another match two weeks from tonight, the end result will be the same.

We can now see Dee Licious and Alexis Duval approaching the scene, separately, though they arrive at largely the same time.

Dee: Don’t let me miss out on the fun here. I haven’t gotten to wrestle a match all season, and now I have a shot to win the Women’s Championship for a third time. Opportunities like this don’t come around too often, and trust me ladies, I don’t plan to pass this one up.

Alexis now lets out a deep sigh.

Alexis: So, what do we have here? A bunch of ladies spouting off about how they are going to survive and ultimately become Women’s Champion? That’s really adorable when I think about it, but none of you have what I have: a championship pedigree. And Morgan, that must drive you in particular crazy. Even though your precious husband trained you well and helped turn you into the well-rounded athlete that you are, you will NEVER have his blood running through your veins the way I do.

Morgan: You don’t deserve his blood.

Alexis: No, you have it backwards, Morgan. He doesn’t deserve me. Just like he doesn’t deserve Chris. But he does deserve you. You deserve each other. And next week, I’ll take great joy in proving my superiority over you on my way to becoming a better Women’s Champion than you could ever be.

Just then, silence falls over the scene as the Women’s Champion Zina walks over. She stares at all seven women before shaking her head in disappointment.

Zina: You fools. This will not end happily. Only for Zina.

Zina then walks off, leaving the seven women staring back at her.

***

Back to live action at ringside, “No More Sorrow” by Linkin Park hits, and the fans begin to boo loudly as Chris Duval makes his way to the ring, accompanied by his sister Alexis. Duval’s expression reads smug optimism as he enters the ring and stretches out on the ring ropes, readying himself for the biggest challenge of his young career.

Moments later, “With You” by Linkin Park explodes onto the speakers and the fans likewise explode for the arrival of the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe! The longest-reigning PWA Champion in history starts down the aisle, soaking in the adulation of the capacity crowd, but remains focused on the task at hand, realizing that he is just two victories away from returning to the main event of Everlasting Epic, a place he hasn’t been in six years.

Scythe finally enters the ring and stares across at Duval, who is itching to get the match started, barely able to contain himself in his corner. Finally, referee Matt Hansen calls for the bell and this match gets off the ground.

Troy: A huge opportunity for both of these men, Iceman.

Calysto: Well, of course. All of these Seven Deadly Sins qualifiers are huge opportunities. But I might argue that this is a bigger opportunity for Chris Duval than it is for Scythe. Scythe is expected to be in the Seven Deadly Sins bout. If he doesn’t qualify, it would be a huge shocker. If Duval qualifies, then that is an absolutely huge stepping stone for him. So to me, if you’re Chris Duval, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. If you’re Scythe, the opposite is true.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS QUALIFYING MATCH:
SCYTHE VS. CHRIS DUVAL
Referee: Matt Hansen
As soon as the bell sounds, Duval charges right at Scythe, looking to obtain an immediate advantage, but Scythe sees it coming and takes him down with a huge, deep armdrag, which the crowd cheer loudly! Duval pops up, and Scythe downs him again with another armdrag, before doing it a third time when Duval rises again! Duval gets back to a vertical base yet again, but this time, Scythe charges and clotheslines him over the top rope and all the way to the outside!

Troy: What a fast start for Scythe!

Duval slams the mat in frustration on the outside, and Alexis rushes over to give him words of advice. However, Scythe is tired of waiting, and charges the ropes, nailing Duval with a baseball slide through the ropes, as Duval was standing a little too close to the ring apron! Chris is sent lunging backwards into the barricade, to the approval of this capacity Staples Center crowd!

Scythe plays to the boisterous crowd briefly in the ring, while Duval collects himself on the outside. Ultimately, Duval gets himself back into the ring and locks up with the Modern-Day Samurai. Duval establishes the advantage, securing Scythe in a side headlock. However, Scythe is able to battle his way out of it, nailing Duval with repeated elbows to the midsection. Once free, Scythe whips Duval against the ropes, then hits the floor as Duval bounces back, leaping over him. Then, as Duval returns, Scythe attempts a hurricanrana, but Duval catches him and powerbombs him down to the mat thunderously! Duval wastes no time in going for a cover… one, two, and Scythe just gets a shoulder up!

Sensing his opening, Duval begins viciously peppering Scythe with a series of violent stomps, not allowing him a chance to even breathe. With Scythe momentarily incapacitated, Duval locks in a dragon sleeper and clamps it on tightly! Scythe tries to rally support from the capacity crowd to fight his way out of the hold, but Duval does his best to keep it locked tighter and tighter as Scythe struggles in it more and more. Finally, Scythe is able to lunge repeated kicks at Duval’s head from seated position, the third one nailing Duval right between the eyes and causing him to release his grip! Once free, Scythe scoots over to a corner and pulls himself back to a vertical base.

Calysto: Vic, it looks like Scythe is getting a little more than he bargained for here from Chris Duval!

Once Scythe is up, Duval charges at him, but Scythe is ready for him and sticks up his right boot, which connects with Duval’s jaw! Duval is spun around by the force of the blow, which allows Scythe to charge at him and bulldog him to the mat furiously! Scythe turns him over and covers… one, two, and Duval kicks out!

With Duval down, Scythe clamps on a side leglock, applying the pressure as hard as he can. Alexis shouts encouragement from the outside, pounding on the mat. Chris fights through the move and eventually is able to make his way over to the ropes and grab them, forcing Scythe to break the hold. Then, when Scythe approaches, looking to lift Chris off the mat, Duval responds by jamming a thumb directly into his eye! As Scythe staggers backwards, Duval pops up and downs him with a hard clothesline!

The fans boo loudly as Duval takes control of the bout and maintains it, lifting Scythe up and whipping him violently into the corner, before rushing in and smashing him with a thunderous clothesline! As Scythe staggers forward, Duval boots him in the gut and stings him with a hard snap suplex, floating over for a cover… one, two, and Scythe gets the shoulder up!

Undaunted, Duval whips Scythe into the corner again, this time perching him on the top rope. Duval then climbs up after him, looking for a superplex. However, Scythe is able to block the maneuver and shove Duval off, sending him tumbling back to the mat! The fans are then on their feet as Scythe leaps off, looking for a flying cross body… but Duval leaps out of the way at the last moment, sending Scythe crashing chest-first into the mat! Duval wastes no time going for a cover… one, two, and Scythe is able to get a shoulder up!

Troy: Duval almost had him there!

Calysto: That was a great move capitalizing on Scythe’s error, Vic. Chris Duval is going to need to do plenty of that if he wants to win this match. But, he is certainly in better position to do that now than he was just a few moments ago.

As Scythe stumbles to his feet, Duval grabs him, lifts him up, and drills him down with a thunderous brain buster! Duval covers… one, two, and Scythe is just barely able to kick out!

With that, Duval signals that it is time for the match to be over. His sister Alexis cheers him on gleefully from the outside while all the rest of the fans inside the Staples Center respond with jeers. Duval lifts Scythe off the mat, getting him into position for the Duval Driver, the modified version of his father’s Crimson Sunset finisher, in which the opponent is driven forward, back-first, instead of backwards onto their head as in Vulture’s maneuver. Once Scythe is properly positioned, Duval lifts him for the move, but the Modern-Day Samurai slips out, turns Duval around, and nails him thunderously with the Flying Dragon!

Troy: Flying Dragon! Flying Dragon! Scythe nailed it!

Calysto: Now he just has to go for a cover and this match is history!

Before he can do so, however, Alexis Duval jumps onto the ring apron and begins distracting the referee. Scythe walks over and tries to get the referee’s attention, but Alexis only becomes more forceful in her distraction! Finally, referee Matt Hansen demands that Alexis vacate the ringside area, prompting a roar of approval! While Alexis loudly protests, Scythe pulls Duval over to the corner, and climbs to the top rope! Then, as flashbulbs go off throughout the area, Scythe leaps off and nails Duval square with the Diving Blade! Scythe covers… one, two, three!

Troy: Yes! That’s it! Scythe has won this match!

Calysto: And there’s another qualifier! Scythe is going to Seven Deadly Sins!

The fans cheer thunderously as “With You” replays and Scythe is announced the winner. However, before he has much of an opportunity to celebrate, Jackie Baccaro rushes down to ringside and clobbers Scythe down from behind!

Troy: What is the meaning of this?!

Calysto: I think it’s pretty obvious, Vic. Scythe is going to be made to pay for emerging victoriously here tonight.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 11:25 AND QUALIFIED FOR THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS MATCH – SCYTHE

Baccaro pounds on Scythe viciously to a chorus of boos, and the boos only pick up in volume as Chris Duval gets to his feet and joins in the beatdown. However, “War Machine” by KISS thumps onto the speakers, and the Hardcore Icon Kerry Cox flies down to the ring for the save!

Troy: It’s Kerry Cox! The man that will face Jackie Baccaro in just a few moments for the final spot in the Seven Deadly Sins match!

Calysto: It looks like Cox got tired of waiting!

Cox and Baccaro slug it out to a roar of approval while Scythe gets to his feet and clotheslines Duval out of the ring! Duval then flees as Scythe gives chase, with Baccaro and Cox continuing to battle in the ring! Then, referee Dan Martin begins charging down the aisle, headed for the ring!

Troy: Folks, I’m being told that we’re going to just ring the bell and get this qualifying match between Jackie Baccaro and Kerry Cox started right now! We’re going to take a quick commercial break, but when we return, we will join this bout in progress! Stay tuned!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

SEVEN DEADLY SINS QUALIFYING MATCH:
JACKIE BACCARO VS. KERRY COX
Referee: Dan Martin
As we return from break, we see Jackie Baccaro with the decided advantage, stomping away viciously on a prone Kerry Cox.

Troy: Alright folks, welcome back. When we went to break, we were just getting things started with this final Seven Deadly Sins qualifying bout, and in that time, Baccaro nearly took Cox’s head off with a violent running clothesline and ever since, he has been in complete control.

Calysto: He has, Vic, and that is something that should worry Kerry Cox fans tremendously. Baccaro is very much a momentum wrestler. When he gets on a roll, he becomes nearly impossible to defeat, kind of like the Juggernaut in a sense. Trust me, I’ve had my wars with Baccaro. But Cox is going to need to find a way to take control of this match and fast, because if he doesn’t, his chances of participating in the Seven Deadly Sins match could be over pretty soon.

Cox continues trying to fight his way back to a vertical base, but Baccaro stays on top of him, pounding away on him with repeated clubbing blows. Baccaro lifts Cox up and whips him into the corner, before charging in after him and nailing him with a huge, crushing clothesline, the impact of which lifts Cox off the mat and sends him crashing down. Baccaro then rips Cox off the mat and locks him in a strong side headlock, before clobbering him with clubbing shots to the small of the back. Cox then winces in pain as Baccaro locks him in a bearhug, attempting to literally squeeze the life out of him.

The Los Angeles crowd tries to rally Cox back into the match, choosing to root against the homegrown Baccaro. Cox rallies support from the PWA faithful, who are chanting his name, clapping, and stomping, trying to will one of their favorites out of potential devastation. The support seems to work, as Cox begins stinging Baccaro with repeated double-arm Mongolian chops, the third one of which causes Baccaro to break the hold! Cox then bounces himself off the ropes and takes Baccaro off his feet with a hard clothesline! Cox immediately goes for a cover… one, two, and Baccaro is able to escape!

Troy: Cox has really managed to shift the momentum here, Iceman!

Calysto: At least for now. But he needs to keep the pressure on here if he has any chance of winning this match!

Baccaro pops back up, but Cox is there to sting him with repeated lefts and rights, keeping him off balance. He then whips Baccaro into the corner and charges after him, drilling him with a hard shoulder to the midsection, followed up by several more in quick succession to the joy of the crowd! Baccaro then stumbles forward and Cox climbs up to the second rope, quickly leaping off and downing Baccaro with a ferocious bulldog! The Hardcore Icon turns Baccaro over and immediately covers… one, two, and Baccaro gets a shoulder up!

With Baccaro down, Cox grabs his right leg, prompting a wave of approval from the Staples Center crowd. He then slaps on the figure-four leglock as the cheers only grow in magnitude! Cox cinches the hold in tightly, trying with all his might to put Baccaro away and end this bout! However, Baccaro isn’t giving in easily and attempts to fight his way to the ropes. Cox digs down deep, trying to apply as much pressure as humanly possible, but Baccaro is slowly edging his way closer to the ropes. Finally, Baccaro reaches out, and is able to grab the bottom rope, forcing the hold to be broken.

Troy: Dammit, I thought he had him there!

Calysto: Not quite yet, Vic. But I think that, even though Cox didn’t get this match wrapped up right there, he is in great position. If he can keep this attack focused on Baccaro’s legs, he can take a lot of Baccaro’s explosiveness away from him. And if he does that, you really have to like Cox’s chances here.

Baccaro gets himself back up, but Cox immediately kicks his leg out from under him! He then lifts him up again, but this time, Baccaro fights out of it with stinging forearms. Baccaro whips Cox against the ropes, but as he returns, Baccaro sticks his head down, looking for a back body drop, but Cox grabs him in a front facelock and signals for his finisher!

Troy: He might have it, Iceman! Cox is setting up for the Coxsucker DDT!

Calysto: If he can land this, this match might very well be over!

Cox holds Baccaro in position for the Coxsucker DDT, but Baccaro manages to fight his way out of it, shoving him off. However, Cox uses his momentum to bounce off the ropes, and Baccaro swings a hard clothesline at him as he returns, but Cox is able to duck this clothesline and hit off the opposite ropes before lunging at Baccaro with a Thesz press and downing him! The fans cheer loudly as Baccaro slowly gets back to his feet, and Cox roars to the crowd. He grabs the rising Baccaro and whips him into the corner. However, Baccaro, in one fluid motion, leaps to the top rope, springboards off it, turning in mid-air and taking out Cox with a thunderous flying clothesline!

Troy: My God! What a maneuver by Jackie Baccaro!

Calysto: Baccaro just swung the advantage in this match back to his side of the ledger in one fell swoop! And quite an impressive swoop, if you ask me!

Cox is slow to his feet, but Baccaro is waiting for him when he does rise again, nearly taking his head off with a vicious running forearm to the head, which sends Cox flipping over in mid-air before crumbling to the mat! Then, to add the icing on the cake, Baccaro pries the limp Cox off the mat, screams out “Vulture, you’re next,” and destroys Cox with a dazzling Baccaro Bomb! Baccaro covers… one, two, three.

Troy: And that’s gonna do it!

Calysto: Looks like our field is set! Jackie Baccaro has qualified for Seven Deadly Sins!

The fans boo vociferously as “Hallelujah” by Bishop Lamont featuring Xzibit thumps onto the speakers and Jackie Baccaro is announced the winner. Baccaro exits to a chorus of boos, but with a confident smile etched on his face, as we head to break.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 11:08 AND QUALIFIED FOR THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS MATCH – JACKIE BACCARO

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, we see Vulture donning his jacket and sunglasses in his dressing room, in front of a mirror. He then turns around, where his wife Morgan Day is waiting for him.

Morgan: You ready?

Vulture: I’m ready.

Morgan: Knock ‘em dead out there.

Vulture then kisses his wife goodbye and exits the dressing room. He takes no more than five steps down the hall, however, before he is stopped in his tracks by Jackie Baccaro and the Duvals, who are all smiles.

Baccaro: Well, well, well. Look who we have here. Guess we’ll be seeing each other in the ring next week, huh V?

Vulture: Looks like we will.

Vulture notices Chris and Alexis nodding along and smiling and turns to them.

Vulture: Hey Chris, what are you so happy about? Didn’t you just lose to Scythe and lose your opportunity to get into the Seven Deadly Sins?

Chris: I did, but this is big picture. Jackie’s in, it’s his time. I’ll have my time.

Vulture: You don’t get opportunities unless you make them, son. No son of mine would be content to be a loser.

Chris’ expression immediately turns to anger. The Duvals lash out, trying to get at their father, but Baccaro restrains them.

Baccaro: No, no. Now’s not the time. (turning back to Vulture) You think you’re real funny, don’t you? You don’t have to worry about them, V. I’m jealous of them. They have better leadership than I ever had. Let’s face it. Chris and Alexis, they’re better off without you. They always have been. You’d have been a terrible father, because the only person you’ve EVER cared about is yourself. And your little baby at home is gonna find that out soon enough.

Vulture is now becoming enraged and whips his glasses off.

Baccaro: Oh, now you want to go? You sure you want to do this, V? Actually, you know what? Who cares what you want? I think you need to give me one good reason why we shouldn’t just drop your ass right now.

Suddenly, Dan Crowley and Showtime Damon Savage turn the corner and show up out of nowhere, standing on either side of Vulture. They begin walking towards Baccaro and the Duvals, and they back off.

Baccaro: Well played. But you know what, V? There’s gonna be nowhere to hide next week. You hear me? Nowhere to hide.

Baccaro and the Duvals walk off, and Vulture turns to Showtime and Crowley.

Vulture: Not bad on the timing, gentlemen. Not bad at all.

Showtime: You ready to do this?

Vulture: Oh, I’m ready.

Crowley: Good.

Showtime and Crowley attempt to exit, but Vulture stops them.

Vulture: One thing. Before we go out there, I just wanted to let you both know that I think you two are probably the best young talents that we have here in the PWA, and both of you would be tremendous champions for this company if you ever got the opportunity. And I mean that. And Dan, it’s probably meaningless to hear now, but for what it’s worth, I’m sorry for the role I played in holding you back after SIN dissolved. But none of that matters now. All that matters is that each of the three of us has something to prove heading into our matches next week. And just like our opponents, each of us is going out there tonight to make a statement. So dammit, let’s be the ones to make the statement!

Showtime and Crowley agree enthusiastically, and head towards the area with Vulture.

Troy: Folks, it’s Vulture, Crowley, and Showtime against Failla, Solomon, and Grieco in six-man tag team action, and it’s next! Stay with us!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return, “Da Repercussions” by 50 Cent thumps onto the speakers, and the fans begin booing loudly as the International Champion Michael Grieco begins making his way to the ring alongside Dee Licious.

Troy: Alright, it’s main event time! Big six-man tag team match coming up!

Calysto: It’s huge, Vic, and we manage to get a preview of both next week’s Seven Deadly Sins bout, with half of the competitors appearing in this bout, and next week’s PWA Championship match, with both champion and challenger competing here. It should be wild!

As Grieco settles himself in the ring, “Hear Me” by Darkseed fills the Staples Center and the Alaskan Monster Solomon is ushered to the ring by two icy blasts of pyro. Solomon stalks his way to the ring and enters it to a largely positive ovation and glares at Grieco in disapproval as he enters.

Moments later, “Better Think Again” by Submersed hits and the fans begin raucously booing the PWA World Heavyweight Champion. Anthony Failla slowly stalks his way to the ring and barely acknowledges his partners as he enters, also neglecting to acknowledge the critical crowd.

As the music dies down, anticipation is built to the arrival of the opposition. Then, the fans burst into thunderous cheers when “Footprints” by G-Unit explodes onto the speakers, and Showtime Damon Savage makes his energetic entrance!

Troy: Listen to this response for Showtime!

Calysto: I think the crowd can feel it, Vic! They think Showtime is going to be the next PWA Champion, and they are showering him with their support!

Troy: And this is a big test tonight, too! This will be the first time he mixes it up with the champion in any capacity, and I’m sure they’ll be in that ring together tonight. It’ll be like a mini scouting session for both competitors!

Calysto: For all six, Vic. Don’t forget, as I said before, the other participants in this match are all in the Seven Deadly Sins match next week, and it’s an opportunity for them to all mix it up before the big dance.

Showtime takes his place at the foot of the ring, choosing not to enter the ring and subject himself to a three-on-one assault. Then, “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest hits and the fans give a thunderous ovation to Dan Crowley! Crowley plays to the crowd as he heads to the ring and slaps hands with Showtime when he reaches them.

Then, after a brief pause, “Falling From the Sky” by VAST is cued and the Staples Center explodes for the arrival of Vulture! The two-time PWA, five-time CAW, and one-time FSW Champion makes his way to the ring to a thunderous ovation. Crowley and Showtime await the arrival of their partner, and when he reaches them, all three dart into the ring and immediately take it to their opposition, prompting the bell to sound!

Troy: Here we go!

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH:
PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION ANTHONY FAILLA, PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION MICHAEL GRIECO, AND SOLOMON VS. VULTURE, SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE, AND DAN CROWLEY
Referee: Tom Stevens
The fans cheer loudly as the action heats up right from the opening bell. Vulture goes right for Solomon, clotheslining him over the top with such force that both of them go plummeting to the outside! Crowley and Grieco also battle their way to the outside, leaving Showtime alone in the ring with the world champion! Showtime staggers Failla with a series of hard lefts and rights before whipping him against the ropes and downing him with a flying shoulder tackle as he returns! Showtime takes a moment to play to the crowd, which cheers him loudly!

Failla gets back to a vertical base but Showtime is there to greet him, whipping him into the corner and smashing him with a hard clothesline just after impact. Vulture then asks Showtime for a tag and Savage obliges, which prompts another wave of cheers from the Staples Center crowd!

Vulture enters and immediately begins pounding away on the midsection of the champion, the man who defeated him to earn his initial shot at the world title. When Failla staggers his way out of the corner, Vulture whips him against the ropes and hits the opposite ones himself, before drilling him with a running knee to the face as they meet! Vulture immediately goes for a cover… one, two, and Failla gets the shoulder up!

Troy: That was close! Vulture is NOT wasting any time here!

Calysto: He sure isn’t, Vic. Failla might actually be on the ropes here already, which is pretty unbelievable to me!

Failla gets up and Vulture attempts to whip him into the ropes again. However, Failla reverses it, sending Vulture into the ropes, where Grieco nails him with a quick knee to the spine! Vulture winces in pain as he stumbles away from the ropes, right into a ferocious Anthony Failla clothesline. With Vulture prone on the mat, Failla punishes him with thunderous stomps to the midsection and then drops a huge elbow on him before going for a cover. One, two, and Vulture is able to get a shoulder up.

Vulture slowly gets himself back to a vertical base, only for Failla to grab him and down him hard with a delayed vertical suplex. With Vulture down again, Failla tags Solomon into the match, who enters to a mixed ovation. Solomon yanks Vulture up by his surgically-repaired neck and whips him violently into the corner, before pounding him with huge knees to the midsection. He then blasts him with a vicious elbow to the jaw. As Vulture staggers forward, Solomon lifts him up in gorilla press position and presses him up and down several times before launching him backward, sending him crashing chest-first onto the mat. He then pries Vulture off the mat and whips him against the ropes, destroying him with a big boot to the jaw as he returns!

Troy: Solomon is just manhandling Vulture right now!

Calysto: He really is, Vic. Vulture needs to make a tag, and fast!

Solomon looks to continue to mount the offensive on Vulture, but notices Michael Grieco begging for the tag. Solomon obliges, and Grieco charges into the ring, going right to work on Vulture with frenzied rapid-fire stomps as he looks to make a statement. The International Champion locks Vulture in a front facelock, applying it tightly, and Vulture struggles to pull himself back to a vertical base. However, as soon as Vulture gets himself back to a knee, Grieco violently clubs him in the back with a forearm that sends Vulture back down to the mat. Grieco then lifts him up and whips him into the corner before perching him on the top rope. Then, as Dee cheers on from the outside, Grieco climbs up and attempts a superplex. Vulture attempts to fight out of it, but Grieco is ultimately able to get him up, and send him crashing down from the top! Grieco covers… one, two, thr-NO! Vulture gets the shoulder up!

The fans cheer loudly at the kickout, but Grieco remains undaunted, signaling for his triple powerbomb combination. Grieco grabs Vulture and gets him into position, but Vulture counters with a back body drop! Vulture then collapses to one knee, but Grieco pops up and waits for him. When Vulture rises, Grieco charges right at him, but Vulture catches him and drills him thunderously with the Chill Factor spinebuster! However, Vulture collapses back down to the mat, unable to make a cover, and the fans begin trying to carry him to his corner.

Troy: Grieco is down, and Vulture needs desperately to make the tag!

Calysto: They are closer to Vulture’s side of the ring, Vic, so they have a shot! But Vulture absolutely needs to make this tag before Grieco does and get a fresh guy in there!

Grieco begins stirring and trying to get to his feet. Meanwhile, Vulture crawls towards his corner, drawing ever closer. When Grieco is up, he looks at the distance between himself and his corner, and between himself and Vulture, and opts to try to stop Vulture from making the tag. He grabs Vulture and tries to pull him away, just as Vulture makes the tag to Dan Crowley!

Troy: The tag has been made! Here comes Crowley!

The Los Angeles crowd cheers raucously as Crowley enters the ring and begins pounding Grieco with a furious array of kicks and punches! He then whips Grieco against the ropes and, when he returns, heaves him up into the air and catches him into a Samoan drop! Crowley goes for the cover… one, two, and Solomon enters the ring to break up the pin. However, Showtime charges into the ring and dropkicks Solomon over the top rope and to the outside! Then, as Showtime exits, Crowley whips Grieco into the ropes again, only for Failla to make a blind tag as Grieco whips past him. Crowley puts his head down, back body dropping Grieco, but as soon as Crowley is back up and turns around, he has his head nearly taken off by a running double sledge from Failla!

Grieco rolls himself out of the ring and Failla goes to work on Crowley, locking him in a camel clutch. Failla cinches the hold in tightly, and Crowley fights hard not to give in to it. The fans try to rally Crowley to a vertical base and he feeds off that energy. Finally, Crowley drives himself up to a vertical base, though Failla still has a chinlock cinched in. Crowley elbows his way out of that, momentarily stunning Failla, before bouncing off the ropes and drilling him with a hard forearm to the jaw, which staggers Failla even further! Crowley then bounces off the ropes again, only this time, Failla catches him and destroys him with a thunderous powerslam! Failla covers… one, two, and Crowley gets a shoulder up!

Calysto: Vic, I know Crowley has been in control, but this is a potentially damaging situation right here. Failla has just cooled his momentum and taken the advantage back, and if he’s allowed to press that advantage, this could get ugly in a hurry.

Failla pries Crowley off the mat and whips him into Crowley’s own corner, rushing in and smashing him with a hard elbow. He then taunts both Vulture and Showtime before perching Crowley on the top rope. However, as he does this, Showtime makes a blind tag, tagging Crowley on the back. Failla climbs to the second rope and grabs Crowley in superplex position, but just as he does, Savage enters the ring and hops onto the ropes, balancing his left foot on the bottom turnbuckle and his right foot on the middle rope. Then, with the crowd on their feet, Showtime lifts Failla up and nails him with It’s Showtime, off the second rope, with a spiking assist from Crowley! Showtime covers, hooking both legs, and Crowley applies extra leverage… one, two, three!

Troy: Yes! Yes! I don’t believe it! Showtime Damon Savage has just pinned the world champion, one week before his first shot at the gold!

Calysto: Anthony Failla had better stand up and take notice! He has a serious challenge on his hands next week!

The Los Angeles crowd goes wild as “Footprints” replays and Vulture enters the ring to celebrate with Crowley and Showtime, raising both their hands. However, just after he does so, Jackie Baccaro rushes out to the ring and clubs Vulture down from behind, pounding him furiously! The fans boo, but Crowley and Showtime come to his aid, though they are thwarted as Michael Grieco and Solomon join in.

However, Jaguar then rushes out to the ring and spears Grieco to the mat, eliciting a thunderous roar of approval!

Troy: Jaguar! It’s Jaguar!

Calysto: Looks like he’s getting himself a little payback!

Meanwhile, Failla gets back to his feet and goes after Showtime, and the two of them brawl to the outside! Scythe now charges out to the ring to slug it out with Solomon, and Dexter P. Wellington is not far behind, charging down the ramp, looking to make a statement of his own! As soon as Wellington enters, Crowley cuts him off, and the two begin slugging it out!

Troy: Look at this sight in the ring right now! Dan Crowley and Dex Wellington! Vulture and Jackie Baccaro! Jaguar and Michael Grieco! Scythe and Solomon! The eight combatants in next week’s Seven Deadly Sins match are doing battle in the ring! On the outside, Anthony Failla and Showtime Damon Savage are going at it, one week away from their PWA Championship bout! It’s a crazy scene out here now, and it’ll be an even crazier one next week! Folks, we’ll see you next week for all that and more! You’re NOT going to want to miss the next show! Goodnight, everybody!
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 14:26 – VULTURE, SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE, AND DAN CROWLEY

-- END SHOW --