EPISODE 1.11 – TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2010
NEW ORLEANS ARENA
NEW ORLEANS, LA




An extensive video package airs, highlighting events that took place last week, first centering around the match between Solomon and Scythe, which ended in a double countout before the Alaskan Monster went on a vicious rampage, beating the Modern-Day Samurai to a pulp and disrespectfully shaving off several large clumps of Scythe’s hair.

 

We then focus on Chris and Alexis Duval falling out with Jackie Baccaro and then making an emotional plea to their father Vulture for his forgiveness and a fresh start. Then, after Baccaro defeated Vulture later in the broadcast, Chris seemingly comes to the ring to stop Baccaro from continuing the post-match assault, but it was in fact a setup; Baccaro and the Duvals had remained aligned all along. The beatdown continues until The Iceman Jason Calysto leaves the broadcast position to make the save for Vulture.

 

Finally, we are shown clips from the reveal that Anthony Failla, in fact, was the man behind the assault of Showtime Damon Savage the week prior, and that the two would get it on for the PWA Championship one week later in New Orleans.

 

From there, the opening credits for PWA: The Rebirth roll, after which we are sent inside the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana, where an impressive pyrotechnics display ensues! At its conclusion, we are sent to ringside to Victor Troy, who is seated with Jason Calysto and Randall Buckingham.

 

Troy: Hello everyone, and welcome to PWA: The Rebirth! I’m Victor Troy, along here with The Iceman Jason Calysto and Randall Buckingham, and tonight, Showtime Damon Savage FINALLY gets his shot at Anthony Failla and the World Heavyweight Championship!

Calysto: That’s right, Vic, and it’s a long time coming! Failla thought he wrangled out of this title defense when he attacked Showtime before their match two weeks ago, but tonight, there is no place to run and no place to hide. It’s Failla and Showtime, live, tonight!

Troy: Also, we’ve got Greg Tantalus going one-on-one with Don “The MVP” Capriglione, which is the first of three matches over three straight weeks that Tantalus is going to need to win in order to get Hollywood Mike Griffin at Everlasting Epic.

Calysto: And let’s not forget, if he gets Griffin at Everlasting Epic, he’ll just need to win that match to get Justin Schenck in the ring. We started off this season with Tantalus struggling to find motivation. Something tells me he has all the motivation he needs right now.

Buckingham: Guys, don’t forget about the Tag Team Championship match on tap tonight! Paul Dawkins and Renegade defend the gold against Matthew Magellan and Briggs, who defeated the champs last week to earn the shot. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it: we’re gonna see new champions tonight!

Troy: That remains to be seen, but what ALSO remains to be seen are two electric contests coming to you from the PWA women’s division! After losing the title six weeks ago, Morgan Day will get her first one-on-one opportunity to reclaim the title when she does battle with the champion, Zina! And, for the third and final time this season, Keiko Ishida battles Lauren Tantalus, with an Everlasting Epic shot at the Women’s Championship up for grabs!

Calysto: Both of those matches should be tremendous, Vic. Lauren and Keiko have split their first two meetings, but who will win the rubber match? I have NO idea! And considering that Morgan Day likely won’t have another startling, emotional revelation dropped on her moments before facing Zina this time, the champion should be facing the biggest test of her career. Can she retain the gold, or will Morgan Day be the first-ever four-time Women’s Champion? We’ll find out tonight!

Troy: Indeed we will! But before we get to that, we’re being told that we’re about to hear from the FORMER International Champion, Michael Grieco!

 

***

A split-second later, the opening tones of “Da Repercussions” by 50 Cent cue up and start bumping through the speakers of the New Orleans Arena, while the crowd showers Michael Grieco and his manager Dee Licious with vociferous jeers as they march towards the ring with a purpose.

Troy: Ladies and gentlemen, it was just one week ago in Atlanta where we saw Michael Grieco lose the International Championship to Dexter P. Wellington, and he has been incensed about it all week.

Buckingham: Maybe that’s what you saw. I was a witness to a robbery sitting here last week. I’ve even been thinking about filing a police report about it. Keep that between us though, Troy.  I hear they have a “no snitching” thing down here or something.

Troy: Did you really? (sighs) It’s gonna be a long night at this table, folks. Let’s head up to the ring and hear what the former champion has to say.

Grieco: Cut the damn music! (Crowd boos) No, you people can all shut the hell up! I got robbed out here last week, and I’m through with it! For the past several weeks, people have been asking me exactly what it is that I have against Jaguar. What is it about this guy that rubbed me the wrong way and made me do everything within my power to cost him the opportunity to main event the biggest show of his life in his hometown? Well —

Grieco doesn’t get to finish his statement as “My Avenue” by Lil’ Boosie Bad Azz, Lil’ Phat and Lil’ Trill bursts through the speakers and the Bayou crowd explodes for not only the song from their local boys, but also for the arrival of Jaguar, who appears at the top of the ramp wearing street clothes with a microphone in hand.

Troy: We are in Hot Boy Country here in the south, and this crowd is showing Jaguar that love tonight!

Jaguar: Pardon me, Mike… oh I’m sorry, I guess it’s Michael now, isn’t it? Anyway, I didn’t mean to interrupt you, but I think maybe I should be up close and personal to hear just what it is about me that’s been bugging you so much.

Grieco: You know what? I’m glad you’re out here, Jaguar, because you should hear this. The reason I can’t stand you is based on opportunity, or the lack thereof.

Troy: Opportunity?

Buckingham: Let him finish Troy. This is riveting already!


Grieco: Going all the way back to the beginning of PWA, I was always a peg underneath you. We both entered this company about the same time, and for whatever reason, you were in the ring with the Vultures and Jason Calystos of the world, while I was beating the crap out of jackasses like Loki and Tony Annetta. You get lucky and win a couple of title matches by the skin of your teeth, and where was I? I was dominating the likes of Romeo and Anthony Failla, both of whom are men who have pinned your
shoulders to the mat for the PWA Championship. I have beaten them and I knew I could beat you too.

Jaguar: Is that so?

Grieco: Oh it’s so. I just never had the opportunity handed to me the way others have.

Jaguar: Really, Grieco? Because I remember a few weeks ago, you got your chance and got pinned. And then, in Seven Deadly Sins, I’m pretty sure I remember you screaming like a bitch when you tapped out!

 

The crowd cheers this comment loudly.

 

Jaguar:  You know what? I’ve never really had an issue with you. When you were doing your thing with Romeo, I never got involved. You guys were able to handle your business like men, and it ended with him bouncing your head off the hardwood floor at Temple University like he was Chris Paul.

The fans cheer the mention of the local basketball star as Grieco fumes in the ring.

Jaguar: Actually man, we had a thing or two in common. We both hated Anthony Failla. How could we not? And you’re from Staten Island. I never had a problem with that either. Hell, my wife is from Garbage Point too, it’s not your fault. You never even had a chance. But Mike, I was alright with you until you happened to get in my way, and you’re telling me the reason you wanna take so much from me is because I got opportunities that I EARNED, and you DIDN’T?

Grieco: No, I earned it, Jag! I’ve earned everything I’ve done in this ring! You’re talking to the longest reigning PWA International Champion of all time! Nobody has held that title more times than me or longer than me! And had it not been for some ridiculous Elimination Chamber a few years ago, I’d be undefeated at Everlasting Epic just like you, and would not have been delayed on my quest to become the PWA World Heavyweight Champion like I deserve!

 

Jaguar: Sounds to me like jealousy is what this is about. True, you are the longest reigning International Champion we have seen. But you say you earned it? Somehow it was wrong for me to hit Failla with the belt but it’s ok for you to pop Showtime with brass knuckles to steal his title? You know what?  You talk all about opportunity, but brother, nothing is stopping you from taking it right here and right now!

The crowd cheers as Grieco snickers and brings the microphone back to his lips.

Grieco: I’d love that, but… no. (Crowd boos) No Jaguar, I don’t want to have to beat you here in a dump like the swamp known as New Orleans. I want you on the grandest stage of them all. You and me, one-on-one at Everlasting Epic in Jacksonville! Whaddya say?

Jaguar: Well, honestly, I’d say that’d be quite the step down for me. I don’t mean to brag, but for a guy who is undefeated at Everlasting Epic, an event where I have pinned Romeo, Jason Calysto, Vulture and Mike Griffin, you know, guys who have won world championships, what would a Michael Grieco look like on my resume, especially when I've beaten you in St. Louis a few weeks ago, Carrjacked you in Cleveland, and made you quit in Denver?

Buckingham: Some big man Jaguar is, he won't even fight him at Everlasting Epic!

Calysto: I don't think that’s it, Randall. You saw the look on Jaguar's face last week, we saw that brawl they had after the match; these guys hate each other. I think Jaguar is trying to bait him in here.

Grieco: You know what, Jag? That’s it! This is bigger than you costing me my title last week, this is about disrespect and I’m tired of it! I have beaten the same guys you have, and I’m sick and tired of not getting my due around here! You thought you punked me out in St. Louis? You threw me against a wall and then got some cheap, quick win, but I left standing that night. I've left standing every night I've had beef with you, and tonight will be no different. I’ll accept your challenge here tonight, and after I beat you, you’ll have no choice but to want to fight me at Everlasting Epic! I’ll beat you here in New Orleans and then destroy you in front of your family and friends in your miserable hometown!

Jaguar: (smirking) If you say so, Junior. You sound like a guy who lost a title or something, relax kid. You want me tonight, it’s on. I’ll see you in the ring. Be sure to bring your tapping shoes again this week!

Troy: Whoa! What a huge match made for tonight! Jaguar and Michael Grieco will go one-on-one, and I think Jaguar didn't want to wait until Everlasting Epic to get his hands on him!

Buckingham: I think Jaguar could be making a mistake by taking Grieco so lightly. He made some great points up there, and should be careful what he's asking for.

Troy: I can’t remember Grieco ever pinning Vulture, Calysto, or Solomon before like Jaguar has, but this has gotten very personal between these two men, and that should be a hot contest later tonight!

 

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, “Free” by VAST blasts onto the speakers and Lauren Tantalus makes her entrance amid a rousing round of cheers from the capacity crowd. Lauren appears to be all-business on this night, stepping into the ring and stretching out on the ropes.

 

Moments later, “The Stone Monkey” by Kazu Matsui hits and the fans continue their cheering for Keiko Ishida! Keiko likewise appears completely focused, and rolls into the ring ready for a war.

 

Troy: Alright, what a match this should be! The winner of this match is heading to Everlasting Epic to challenge for the Women’s Championship!

Buckingham: So much at stake.

 

KEIKO ISHIDA VS. LAUREN TANTALUS
Referee: Dan Martin

The bell sounds and Lauren and Keiko lock up in the center of the ring. Keiko establishes the immediate advantage, shoving Lauren to the mat to a throng of cheers. Lauren then pops up and calls for another lockup. This time, Lauren is able to Irish whip Keiko into the ropes, leapfrog over her as she returns, and catch her with a quick hurricanrana on the rebound!

 

Keiko pops back up to a vertical base and prepares to lock up with Lauren again, but the PWA Women’s Champion Zina suddenly darts down the aisle and into the ring before taking both women down with a vicious double clothesline!

Troy: Oh, come on! This is ridiculous!

Lauren is up first, and she immediately eats a bicycle kick from Zina when she does, as Zina connects with thunderous authority. Zina then measures Keiko for the same fate, but Ishida is able to dart out of the way of the kick, hit off the opposite ropes, and rebound with the Running STO! However, Zina sidesteps it and, as soon as Keiko turns around, she drills her in the face with the bicycle kick! Zina then lets out a guttural yell as she stands over both of her fallen potential challengers and “Demons” by Aria hits.

 

The camera shot briefly switches to Morgan Day watching these events play out on a backstage monitor in anticipation of her title match with Zina later tonight before switching back to ringside.

 

Buckingham: I guess this match is over!

Calysto: It certainly looks that way! Zina just came out here and decimated both potential Everlasting Epic challengers, and we now have no idea who will be getting that opportunity!

Troy: And it doesn’t appear we’re about to find out either! Folks, we’ll be right back

Zina continues her celebration in the ring before exiting shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, Keiko and Lauren struggle to get back to their feet, robbed of their opportunity, as we head to break.

WINNER AT 0:58 – NO CONTEST

 

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “No More Sorrow” by Linkin Park blasts onto the speakers, and the fans begin booing loudly as Chris Duval appears from behind the curtain and starts towards the ring, alone.

Troy: What the hell does this kid want?

Calysto: I don’t know, but I’m a little surprised to actually see him venturing out here all alone. He and his sister are damn near attached at the hip. In any event, he has some explaining to do after what he took part in last week.

Duval grabs a microphone and steps into the ring, readying himself to speak.

Duval: A lot of you are probably wondering why exactly I did what I did last week. All week long, people have been coming up to me, and coming up to Alexis, wanting to know how we could toy with our father’s emotions like that. They tell me that it wasn’t even necessary, that Vulture knew where we stood with him prior to last week, and that it wasn’t right that we played with his emotions like that, just to lead him into a trap. Well, we honestly do not give a damn what anyone thinks. Because the overwhelming majority of you have absolutely no idea what this is like for us. This is a completely foreign situation.

 Put yourself in our shoes. You grow up your whole life knowing that your father not only has absolutely no role in your life, but you grow up watching him on television. It’s like he’s right there, so close you could touch him, but to him, you’re nothing. To him, you’re just a nameless, faceless kid on the other side of the country. Our mother and stepfather, they weren’t rich people. They raised us the best they could. They don’t have a lot. We went to community college and we never complained about it. But don’t you think it bothered us knowing that our father is walking around with millions, and we can’t even go to a decent four-year university because we just don’t have the means? We tried to break into the wrestling business, and had to bust our asses doing it. Do you know how much easier it would have been if we had the support of somebody like Vulture? So you ask why did we do the things we did last week? It’s because we owe a hell of a lot more to Jackie Baccaro than we do to Vulture. Unlike my father, Jackie Baccaro was there for us when we needed him most. Jackie Baccaro took us under his wing and brought us to the next level. Jackie Baccaro is the reason we are here in the PWA.

Now I know a lot of you STILL can’t understand why we’re being so hard on Vulture. Why can’t you just forgive him? After all, he didn’t even know you existed until just a few weeks ago. Well, I say that’s a lie. If Vulture didn’t know we existed, then my mother is a liar, and I know for damn sure my mother is no liar. She explicitly told both me and my sister years ago that Vulture was very well aware of our existence and CHOSE to ignore us. Since I choose to believe my mother over a man I have no reason to believe, Vulture does NOT get the benefit of the doubt. We saw enough of the kind of man he really is in the first few weeks of this season, which was enough to confirm to me that this was a man capable of blatantly ignoring his own children, a man so vile–

With that, “Falling From the Sky” by VAST explodes onto the speakers, and Vulture begins making his way to the ring, microphone in tow!

 

Troy: It looks like Vulture has heard enough!

Calysto: There’s a certain sadness in his eyes, Vic. Knowing Vulture as well as I do, it’s obvious this situation is tearing him up inside more than he’s letting on. I can tell you quite confidently that Vulture had no idea he had children. He’s talked extensively with me about his great excitement about one day being a father, and I saw the pure joy in his eyes on the day Morgan gave birth. It was the joy of a first-time father, and that’s not something you can fake.

Vulture slides into the ring and stands face to face with his son.

Vulture: Listen, Chris… I know this must be hard for you. I really, deeply regret not being a part of your life, and not being a part of Alexis’. I’m not even mad at you for last week. I really just want resolution here. I want an opportunity to be the father that you’ve always deserved for me to be. You can believe me or you can not, but I truly had no idea you two existed. But it’s neither here nor there now. I understand you have some loyalty to Jackie Baccaro. And that’s fine. If you’re truly happy with where you are in your lives, then I thank Jackie for playing a part in getting you there. But you have to understand that Jackie Baccaro is hell bent on getting revenge on me for embarrassing him four years ago. This is not a man who is going to take an objective viewpoint towards me. We can take things slow, but I promise you, I will not let you down.

Duval: If you want to do something for me, if you want to make things right, there is one thing that you can give me. Something that I want more than anything in the world.

Vulture: Name it.

Duval: I want you, one-on-one, at Everlasting Epic.

Buckingham: Whoa!

Calysto: This isn’t good.

Vulture is taken aback and speechless for several moments. Finally, Vulture brings the microphone to his mouth and begins speaking.

Vulture: Chris… I… I don’t really know how to answer that.

Duval: Just say yes. You owe this to me. My whole life, I’ve lived in your shadow. Now that everyone knows who I am, I’m going to be endlessly compared to you. You want to start the healing process? Give me a chance to do the one thing I’ve wanted to do close to my whole life: kick your ass.

Vulture: I’m sorry, Chris. I can’t. I won’t fight my flesh and blood. I can’t do it.

Vulture tosses his microphone down and walks out on his son. Chris, for his part, becomes enraged.

Duval: You HAVE to, Vulture! You owe this to me! I NEED this!

Vulture continues walking, pretending to ignore him, though it is obvious he is affected by this.

Duval: Don’t walk away from me! Don’t you dare walk out on me the way you walked out of my life 21 years ago! You’re a coward, Vulture! You’re a goddamn coward!

Vulture then disappears behind the curtain, leaving an enraged Chris Duval in the ring as we head to break.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

As we return from break, we see the new PWA International Champion Dexter P. Wellington talking with Dynamite Dean Nash and Damien Fields in a backstage hallway. However, Wellington quickly excuses himself once Evan Black walks onto the scene.

Wellington: It’s good to see you, Evan.

 

Black: Likewise, Dex. And congratulations.

Wellington: You know, I’m really sorry the way everything turned out last week.

Black: No, trust me, you don’t have anything to be sorry about. It wasn’t your fault I got taken out before the match. If I couldn’t take the match, I’m just glad you were able to step up in my place and get the job done.

Wellington: I appreciate that. Really, I do. Have you talked to Schenck about this? Do we have any certainty that it was Grieco behind this?

Black: He said there’s no way to tell. Apparently the cameras didn’t really get a great shot of it.

Wellington: That really is such a shame. Though, I can’t imagine it wasn’t him. He does have a huge match coming up against Jaguar. Maybe some payback is in order.

Black: Actually Dex, when I was talking to the boss, we worked out something a whole hell of a lot better than blind revenge. And as a matter of fact, if it all works out, maybe I’ll be seeing you in the ring at Everlasting Epic.

Wellington looks at Black curiously.

Wellington: Oh yeah? Do tell.

Black: Well, obviously, I was pissed off that I was basically screwed out of my opportunity. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you’re the International Champion now, but this was going to be the crowning achievement in my career. This was my chance. So I expressed this to Justin Schenck, and he offered me a consolation. He said that Grieco had gone to him and told him he wasn’t interested in seeking a rematch for the title in the near future, because he’s hell bent on getting Jaguar at Everlasting Epic. So, Schenck said that if I promised not to seek revenge on Grieco and just let it go, he’d put me in a fatal fourway match next week against GI Jew, John Wolfe, and Kerry Cox, with the winner challenging you for the International title at Everlasting Epic. And obviously, I jumped on it. This is part of what being a smart competitor is all about, like you taught me. Don’t let personal grudges get in the way of opportunity. So, wish me luck. If I can get it done next week, we’ll get to tear the house down together in Jacksonville!

 

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

Wellington: Best of luck to you, my friend. There’s no one I’d rather defend this title against.

***

 

The camera then returns to ringside, where “#1 Stunna” by the Big Tymers is blaring over the sound system and Synergy member Don “The MVP” Capriglione is standing in the ring, ready for combat.

 

Troy: Alright, we’re just moments away from the start of what could be a HUGE opportunity for Greg Tantalus. Tantalus must defeat Don Capriglione tonight, then defeat Steve Beovich next week, and then defeat Chase Stone the week after that. If he can do this, he will compete against his former TFU tag team partner Hollywood Mike Griffin at Everlasting Epic, and if he wins THAT match, he will get his nemesis, PWA creative director Justin Schenck, in the ring immediately thereafter.

Calysto: Of course, we’ve learned that Mike Griffin is not here tonight. Apparently, Griffin, who is working on a per-show basis and is not under any sort of long-term contract, opted to skip tonight’s broadcast, feeling that Tantalus needed to get a little bit closer to actually making the match a reality before he’d bother to make the trip.

Buckingham: It sounds like a reasonable explanation to me.

Calysto: It sounds like typical Mike Griffin to me.

 

Moments later, “Live to Win” by Paul Stanley blares onto the speakers, and fans cheer wildly for Greg Tantalus! Capriglione anxiously awaits the arrival of his opponent, but Tantalus is nowhere to be found.

Buckingham: I think he chickened out, guys!

Capriglione laughs at the fact that Tantalus has not shown up, but Tantalus suddenly appears from the crowd, hopping over the barricade and sliding into the ring unbeknownst to the MVP!

 

GREG TANTALUS VS. DON “THE MVP” CAPRIGLIONE
Referee: Tom Stevens
With his music still blaring, Tantalus spins an unsuspecting Capriglione around, prompting Stevens to frantically call for the bell to start this match. Tantalus then boots the MVP in the gut and flawlessly drills him down with the Big O! Tantalus can see The Omega Steve Beovich and Chase Stone darting down the aisle towards him as he covers… one, two, three! The referee completes his count just in the nick of time!

Troy: Tantalus wins!

Buckingham: Yeah, it looks like he just won himself yet another three-on-one beatdown.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 0:09 – GREG TANTALUS

Tantalus’ music doesn’t even get a chance to replay as Beovich and Stone immediately swarm him, keeping him grounded and peppering him with furious stomps. Shortly thereafter, Capriglione is on his feet and assisting in the attack. However, moments later, another figure emerges through the crowd, this one carrying a steel chair!

 

Troy: My God! It’s… it’s… yes, it is! It’s Jon Dulberg!

Buckingham: Oh no!

Dulberg, chair in tow, storms into the ring and begins swinging it violently at Chase Stone and his former Synergy partners! All three men escape unscathed, darting to the backstage area as quickly as they can. Meanwhile, the fans in the arena cheer Jon Dulberg thunderously as he helps Greg Tantalus to his feet in the ring and “Live to Win” replays!

Troy: Unbelievable! Jon Dulberg is back, and he is looking for revenge!

Calysto: And it’s a damn good thing for Greg Tantalus that he was, Vic!

Troy: In any event, one victory down for Tantalus! Next week, he gets The Omega Steve Beovich to try to draw one step closer to Hollywood Mike Griffin and Justin Schenck!

Calysto: And now that Jon Dulberg is back, I’m sure he’s gonna be looking to get at Synergy too!

Troy: Who knows what will happen next week?! But there’s still a TON on tap tonight! Showtime Damon Savage challenges Anthony Failla for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship! Zina defends the Women’s Championship against Morgan Day! Paul Dawkins and Renegade defend the Tag Team Championship against Matthew Magellan and Briggs! All that and more, still to come tonight! But first, we need to take a commercial break! We’ll be right back!


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

A few quiet moments pass in the New Orleans Arena until the opening strains of Linkin Park's "With You" play through the speakers and the crowd gives a big ovation for the arrival of Scythe. Several seconds pass, confusing fans a bit until the former PWA Champion walks through the curtain dressed to compete, but with a very different look.

Buckingham: Looks like he decided to show up!

Troy: Of course he did! Scythe is probably the most honorable man in the PWA locker room, and he was stripped of his dignity out here by Solomon last week. Solomon brutally attacked him after what was supposed to be a grudge match, and he cut off Scythe's hair in a disgusting and premeditated assault.

Calysto: I've been in the ring with Scythe before, and there's no doubt that honor and dignity flows through the man's veins. He never cuts corners, never takes the low road, but what Solomon did to him last week was truly reprehensible and I can't wait to hear what Scythe has to say about it.


The normally fired-up Modern-Day Samurai makes a stoic walk to the ring, his hair now cut in a close cropped style as he grabs a microphone from ringside.

Scythe: What happened to me last week was truly a low point in my life. I have been on the same side as Solomon and I have been on the opposite side of Solomon many times in my career, and no matter which side I was on, whether we saw eye-to-eye or not, he had my respect. He had my respect... until last week, when he did this.

Scythe points to the Jumbotron, where the clip of Solomon attacking Scythe and taking a pair of clippers to his head is replayed to the disgust of everyone watching. After it ends, Scythe is shown seething in the ring amidst the booing of the crowd.

Scythe: Now Solomon, this time, you will hear me, and you will hear me good! I told you last week, if you wanted a war, you've got a war! And I'm here in New Orleans to fire my first salvo!

Troy: Scythe has come to New Orleans to get a piece of Solomon tonight!

Buckingham: A piece? He wants a chunk!

Scythe drops the microphone, awaiting Solomon's arrival, but is caught off guard when Earshot's "Control" takes over and Darrin Giles marches out from the back instead.

Troy: Darrin Giles?! What is he doing out here?!

Calysto: I know he had a tough loss to Chase Stone last week, but I don't think this is the best time for Mr. Giles to be out here, no matter what he wants to talk about.


Giles wastes no time in walking up the steps and climbing into the ring before being handed a microphone.

Giles: Pardon me Scythe, but now that I'm out here, maybe you can tell me how it feels.

Scythe: You have the nerve to ask me how it feels to have my hair cut?!

Giles: No, who cares about your hair? I'm asking what does it feel like to finally be the one who gets interrupted?!

Scythe: What are you talking about Giles?

Giles: I'll tell you. Last week, after I lost to that punk Chase Stone, Justin Schenck and I had a talk. And in this talk, I demanded another opportunity to get on track here, another chance to make the big splash that is literally synonymous with the name “Darrin Giles.” I requested the biggest, baddest dog in the yard, and I was granted a match with Solomon Saturday in Richmond. Problem was, before I could get the chance to beat him and make my name known again, you ran down there and attacked him, forcing the referee to throw the match out. But wait, Scythe, there's more. You did the same thing Sunday in Memphis, and then last night in Oklahoma City, you jumped him during our match, causing me to lose!  So if you won’t allow me to beat Solomon, I'm going to allow myself to beat you instead!

Troy: Has he lost his mind?! He wants to challenge Scythe, on this night?!

Calysto: This doesn't seem like a great idea to me. I know Giles is upset that he's lost some matches lately, but this doesn't seem like a move he should be making tonight.

Scythe: You want me tonight, Giles? Fine, get a ref down here and let's do it!

Buckingham: Looks like we will have an impromptu match right here and now!

Troy: And it looks like a ref will be coming down here. It's Scythe and Darrin Giles when we come back!


-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

After we return from the break, referee Jose Soares is in the ring and calls for the bell, getting the match underway.

Troy: And we're back, ladies and gentlemen, with Scythe squaring off with Darrin Giles here.

Buckingham: Giles laid down a challenge because he was upset that Scythe interrupted all three of his chances to beat Solomon at each of our live events this week. You guys might think he's crazy here, but I think it’s a good idea.

Calysto: How in the world could you think that? Have you ever seen Scythe this incensed before?

Buckingham: No, but I think Giles can use that against Scythe here. He never wrestles with his emotions out of check like this.


SCYTHE VS. DARRIN GILES
Referee: Jose Soares
The bell sounds and Giles charges towards Scythe, who meets him with a furious double hand chop to the chest! Giles goes down hard, clutching his chest before popping back up to take another stinging chop!

Giles scurries to the nearest corner, almost cowering as Scythe begins to stalk his way towards him. Scythe nears the corner and Giles meets him with a sharp kick to the midsection. He then reaches his feet quickly to give him a devious eye rake, leaving Scythe temporarily blinded as he tries to cover his corneas. Scythe turns his back to Giles, doubled over as he tries to regain his vision. Meanwhile, the high-flying Giles heads up to the top rope, looking for a high-impact move. He leaps off the turnbuckles and finds one, but Scythe sees him coming and grabs him with both hands around the neck in mid-air,
before spinning around and driving him into the mat with tremendous force to complete the Flying Dragon!

Troy: My God, what a Flying Dragon that was!

Calysto: Giles might be unconscious here!


Giles is motionless as Scythe holds the move into a cover for the one, two, and three count! "With You" replays and Scythe is announced as the winner as the crowd bursts into cheers!

Troy: So how smart does Giles look now, Randall?
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 2:32 – SCYTHE


Before Buckingham can counter, the mood quickly changes as Solomon's image appears on the Jumbotron. Scythe turns around and the music stops as the Alaskan Monster begins to speak.

Solomon: Great job, Scythe. Congratulations on getting such a big win tonight. I saw you out there asking for me earlier, and I'll have you know that I'd love nothing more than to be there tonight so I could finish what I started last week. But due to someone's psychotic behavior over the past few days and the supposed unrest in the locker room over your little haircut, Justin Schenck ordered me not to attend
the show tonight. Otherwise, I'd break you in half!

The crowd boos mercilessly as Scythe takes over.

Scythe: The fact that the boys in the back detest you for what you did has nothing to do with me. This isn't about them, Solomon. It is about you and me, and I plan to finish you!

Solomon: Is that so? And how will you do that, Scythe? Are you going to challenge me or something? I figure you are, but let me save you the trouble. Every time you and I have competed inside of a wrestling ring, or even out of it in a dank decrepit subway for example, the result has always been the same. I have dominated you in every form and fashion, just like I've dominated everyone in the back. So as far as
I'm concerned, I have proven my point and I am done with you, Scythe.

Scythe: Big man, you may think you are done with me, but that is far from the truth. But it’s interesting you say that, Solomon. It’s interesting that you say you want to be done with me, because I want to offer you the opportunity to do just that.

Solomon: What are you talking about?

Scythe:  I am talking about one more match. One more match to end this thing. I am challenging you to a match with me, one-on-one at Everlasting Epic, and if you beat me, I am out of your hair forever. You will never have to wrestle me again.

Troy: That's an interesting challenge from Scythe, considering the way Solomon humiliated him here last week.

Calysto: I don't think Scythe has a choice. If he wants Solomon to get in the ring with him again, he has to offer him something.

Buckingham: But will Solomon accept it?

Solomon: Never again, huh? I'm interested. But I know there is always a catch with you, Scythe. I know there's going to be something else about this, so get to it.

Scythe: You're right. But I doubt you will have a problem with my suggestion. I want you in a rematch. But I want that rematch to be… an Iron Man Match!

Troy: Whoa! Scythe and Solomon in another Iron Man Match?!

Solomon chuckles and shakes his head before speaking.

Solomon: When we met at Hellbent in 2004, I won the PWA Championship from you in a Falls Count Anywhere Iron Match in New York City. I beat and pummeled you like a rag doll all throughout that cesspool, and you have the nerve to challenge me to another Iron Man Match? You know what, Scythe? I accept. But, on two conditions. You must think I'm some kind of idiot, huh? I realize that Everlasting Epic this year is in Jacksonville, Florida. In August, and outdoors. I have no desire to chase you around in the heat while pummeling you again all over a different city. We can do the match, in the ring, where I would love to beat you again the most, but this time, you've got half the time do it. I don't have anything to gain by beating you around for 60 more minutes. Cut the time in half, and you've got a deal. I cannot wait to destroy you once and for all to finally rid you from my life, the way I rid you of that disgusting hair last week!

Scythe, realizing he is being goaded, uses his discipline to ignore the comment and remain focused.

Scythe: You'll have your chance in Jacksonville then. But come August 14th, I take my revenge from you for spitting in the face of my dignity by cutting my hair. At Everlasting Epic, Solomon, this blade will cut you down and leave you for dead!


"With You" replays, and both men stare at the opposing image with extreme intensity.

Troy: And it’s now official! Scythe will meet Solomon at Everlasting Epic, but in a 30-minute Iron Man Match! Whomever scores the most victories over a 30 minute period will be the victor!

Buckingham: I think it was brilliant of Solomon to change that request. It’s much easier to go 30 minutes than 60 in the heat.

Calysto: I may have to agree with Randall on this one. That was a classic match at Hellbent six years ago and I consider Scythe a friend, but he may have made a mistake here. If he couldn't beat Solomon once in 60 minutes, how can he manage to score more falls than Solomon in 30?

Troy: Only time will tell, and that’s a match I definitely cannot wait to see!

 

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, backstage reporter Scott Cornelius is standing by with the Hardcore Icon Kerry Cox.

 

Cornelius: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to PWA: The Rebirth. I’m here with Kerry Cox, and Kerry, we found out earlier tonight that you will be competing next week in a fatal fourway match against GI Jew, Evan Black, and John Wolfe, with the winner moving to Everlasting Epic VI to challenge Dexter P. Wellington for the International Championship. What are your thoughts on this huge matchup next week?

Cox: Well Scott, I’m obviously thinking that winning this match would be a huge deal. I’ve had my ups and downs since I came back to the PWA to participate in The Rebirth, but if I could close out this season with another reign as International Champion, then it would make everything worth it.

Cox then stops speaking when he notices GI Jew walking into view.

Cox: What’s the matter, Jew? Can’t find your own interview time?

Jew: Shut up, Cox. I’ll do whatever I want, whenever I want, and there’s not a damn person around here that can stop me. Especially you. You talk about how winning the International title would make everything right for you this season. I say too damn bad. You’re not winning next week; I am. There’s just too much motivation for me not to. I don’t really give a damn one way or the other about John Wolfe, but I hate Evan Black, and I hate your guts too. Then, if I win, I get Dexter Wellington, and I damn sure hate that rich piece of crap. So I’m gonna cut you a break. Tonight, I’m not gonna beat your ass. I’ll save the beating for next week.

With that, Jew turns and walks away, leaving Cox fuming. Cornelius doesn’t know quite what to say, but Cox does the talking for him.

Cox: Hey Jew!

GI Jew turns around, and as soon as he does, Cox tackles him to the ground and begins wailing away on him with his fists before numerous officials dart over to break them up!

***

 

Back from break, “Dead Promises” by The Rasmus explodes onto the speakers, and the fans begin cheering thunderously, welcoming Morgan Day to the ring!

 

Troy: Alright folks, the Women’s Championship is about to be defended in what should be a most interesting bout!

Calysto: That’s right, Vic. This will be Morgan Day’s first one-on-one opportunity to regain the Women’s Championship from Zina since losing the title six weeks ago on this program.

Troy: And you know Morgan is motivated to take back that title and become the first-ever four-time PWA Women’s Champion.

Calysto: Oh, believe me, I don’t question her motivation one bit, but simply put, Zina is a beast. I’m just not sure the woman is beatable. I guess we’ll find out momentarily.

 

Moments later, “Demons” by Aria blares onto the speakers, and the fans begin booing loudly as the PWA Women’s Champion Zina makes her entrance. Zina wastes little time heading to the ring, aggressively handing the belt to referee Dan Martin and getting face to face with her challenger. Zina and Morgan stare each other down intently as Martin raises the belt high and Lee Palmer begins the introductions.

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

Introducing first, the challenger, from Newcastle, England, weighing in at 140 pounds, MORRRRRRGANNNNNNNN DAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

And her opponent, from Moscow, Russia, weighing in at 200 pounds, she is the PWA Women’s Champion, ZIIIIIIIIIIIIINAAAAAAAAAAAA!

With that, the bell sounds, officially getting this championship match underway.

 

PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP:

ZINA (champion) VS. MORGAN DAY (challenger)
Referee: Dan Martin
As soon as the match begins, Morgan and Zina go right at each other, stinging one another with vicious rights and lefts, an exchange which Morgan gets the better of. Zina, accustomed to building an advantage in her matches right from the opening bell, is put on the defensive, an unfamiliar position for her.

 

Zina is stunned as Morgan nails her with repeated European uppercuts to the jaw, ultimately backing her up all the way into the corner. Then, Morgan moves in and stings Zina with several furious muay thai kicks to the midsection, before drilling her with a roundhouse kick to the face as she staggers out of the corner! Zina goes down to one knee and Morgan presses the advantage, looking for a shining wizard, which she nails with tremendous authority! Morgan goes for the immediate cover… one, two, and Zina kicks out!

Troy: Morgan Day is on fire right now!

Buckingham: That she is, but all it takes is one explosion from Zina and all the momentum is swung completely back in her direction. If Morgan makes one mistake, that could be all Zina needs.

With Zina down, Morgan nails her with several more stomps, before signaling to the New Orleans crowd that it is time for the Sharpshooter! The fans cheer this wildly, but Zina has other plans. She kicks Moran off her, sending her flying nearly halfway across the ring. Morgan pops right back up and charges at Zina, but Zina is waiting for her and levels her with a vicious clothesline.

 

Zina takes the opportunity to taunt the fans, who are not appreciative, while Morgan writhes on the mat. Zina then attempts to lift Morgan up, but Morgan reaches up and ties Zina in a small package! One, two, and Zina just barely gets a shoulder up!

Troy: So close!

Morgan and Zina pop up at the same time, and Morgan immediately looks for another roundhouse kick. However, Zina sees it coming and is able to duck under it and down Morgan with a hard gutwrench suplex as she turns around. She then lifts Morgan up and crunches her with a vicious backbreaker. Zina covers… one, two, and Morgan gets a shoulder up!

 

The fans are trying their best to rally around Morgan Day and lead her to victory. However, Zina appears to have had enough of this match, and positions herself for the bicycle kick. Morgan gets to her feet, and Zina unleashes it… but Morgan is able to sidestep the kick, boot Zina in the gut, and drill her with a furious Daybreak! The fans are beside themselves as Morgan covers… one, two, thr-NO! Zina kicks out of the Daybreak!

Troy: My God!

Calysto: I don’t believe it! I don’t believe it!

Buckingham: Can anyone beat this Zina?!

Morgan Day is in disbelief, but quickly shakes it off and slaps on the Sharpshooter! Zina, who was barely conscious after the Daybreak, is jolted into consciousness by extreme pain! She struggles mightily in the maneuver as Morgan reaches back with everything she has!

Calysto: I think she’s gonna tap, Vic! Zina is struggling to hang on!

Meanwhile, Alexis Duval rushes down from the back, grabs the Women’s Championship belt from the timekeeper and, behind the official’s back, cracks Morgan in the face with the title belt from the arena floor, through the ropes! Morgan crumbles to the mat in a heap, releasing the hold, and Alexis escapes before the referee notices a thing.

 

Zina then groggily makes it to her feet, as does Morgan, at which point Zina absolutely clobbers Morgan in the jaw with a bicycle kick! Zina covers… one, two, three.

Troy: No! Dammit! This isn’t right! Morgan Day has just been robbed!

Buckingham: How can you talk about Morgan Day at a time like this?! Zina has triumphed again!

Calysto: This is just a shame. What a tremendous match, and because of Alexis Duval, we’ll never know what actually would have happened.

The fans shower the ring with boos as “Demons” replays over the speakers and Zina exits victorious. However, the look of confidence that is normally etched on the champion’s face is not there, realizing she easily could have been defeated here tonight.

 

Meanwhile, Vulture rushes out from the back to check on his fallen wife as we head to commercial.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 7:22 AND STILL PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPION – ZINA

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

We return from break at ringside, where the cryptic opening strains of "My Avenue" by Baton Rouge's trio get the crowd hyped up and out of their seats. As the song kicks in, the arena comes unglued as Jaguar marches out through the curtain for the second time this evening. He throws his arms up, summoning a huge burst of flames from the stage as he starts his walk down the aisle.

Troy: As we saw earlier, this match stems from a challenge issued by Jaguar, in response to Michael Grieco challenging him for Everlasting Epic in Jacksonville.

Buckingham: I don't know why Jaguar declined it. He hates Grieco, and vice versa. Why wouldn't he want to tear him apart with a huge home field advantage at Everlasting Epic?

Troy: I think we forget sometimes that Jaguar is one of the most cerebral guys to ever lace 'em up. He has known Grieco for years, and knows he's a notorious hothead. I think he spun the situation around
on Grieco to get him in the ring tonight. In short, after being cost his shot to main event Everlasting Epic by Grieco, he doesn't want to wait until August 14th. He wants to settle this tonight.

As Jaguar enters the ring, he strips off his leather jacket, backwards hat, and shades, and awaits his opponent as 50 Cent's "Da Repercussions" beats through the speakers for the arrival of Michael Grieco. Grieco is flanked by Dee Licious as always, and there is no flexing tonight as he power walks to the ring.

Troy: Grieco isn't in his usual cocky mood tonight. Jaguar exposed and rebuffed a lot of his claims tonight, almost as though there was no substance to support Grieco challenging him. Grieco needs this win more than Jaguar to me.

Calysto: Given that Jaguar is the most prolific champion this company has seen, that may be true, but Grieco has never been a slouch in there. He is bigger, stronger, faster, and younger than Jaguar, and
those factors can never be ignored.

 

JAGUAR VS. MICHAEL GRIECO
Referee: Matt Hansen
Grieco climbs into the ring and the bell sounds. Both men are slightly tentative, neither wanting to make a mistake as they lock up hard with a collar-and-elbow tie up in the middle of the ring. Grieco has a
substantial power advantage and shows it as he backs Jaguar up into a corner. Referee Matt Hansen counts to demand a break, and Grieco gives it while trying to simultaneously give a break to Jaguar's nose with a sharp forearm shiver to the face.

 

Grieco follows up with another and then a hard knee to the gut. Jaguar slumps down into the corner and Grieco opens up on him, pounding away with hard punches and stomps until Hansen backs him off. The crowd wastes no time in shouting their displeasure.


Troy: Grieco has come out ultra aggressive tonight!

Buckingham: It probably wasn't smart of Jaguar to rile him up like he did earlier.


Grieco gives Jaguar time to get up, but once he does, he grabs him by the wrist and yanks him out of the corner in an Irish whip. Jaguar hits the adjacent turnbuckles with hard velocity and stumbles out into
a big powerslam by Grieco! He keeps it into a cover for one... two... and Jaguar kicks out with authority.

 

Grieco then scoops Jaguar up and hooks his arm over his head in an attempt for a vertical suplex. He powers Jaguar up in the air and holds him straight up for several seconds before plummeting him to the canvas with a delayed suplex. Grieco floats over for a cover and still comes up with the count of two.

The former International Champion gets Jaguar off the mat and slings him back to the ropes, looking for a back body drop, but Jaguar sees it coming and counters by nailing Grieco with a jumping elbow drop to the back of the head that sends him face-first to the canvas! Jaguar connects with a couple of stomps to the back and head and then mounts Grieco's back to drill him with several taped right hands to the cranium. Jaguar blasts Grieco with shots to the head and face, and even rakes his eyes until Hansen pulls him off as the crowd roars their approval!

Troy: And Jaguar gives it right back with his brand of aggression! This one is physical very early!

Calysto: These two guys really hate each other and it shows! They have taken so much from one another, titles and title shots, and they are out for blood now!

Jaguar nudges the official aside and goes to pull Grieco off the mat, but he is met with a sharp punch to the gut. Grieco then responds with an uppercut that backs Jaguar up into the ropes. Grieco senses an opportunity and charges at him, but the veteran from Florida drops down to his back and takes the top rope with him, effectively lowbridging Grieco as his momentum carries him soaring over the top rope and to the arena floor!

Already on his back, Jaguar opts to roll out of the ring and give chase, sending Dee scurrying as he grabs Grieco and throws him up against the security wall, before blasting him in the chest with a huge reverse knife-edge chop. Jaguar follows up with another until Grieco rakes him across the eyes and Irish whips him into the ring apron. Jaguar's back hits the edge of the ring and he crumbles to his knees before Grieco rolls him back into the ring.

Calysto: Now Grieco looks to be working over that back. He must be thinking about that powerbomb set!

Troy: He could be, and Jaguar's history of back issues is well documented.

Grieco does focus on the lower lumbar region, turning Jag onto his stomach and driving several stiff knees into it. He then grabs him below the chin and above the knee, before yanking backwards with extreme force in a painful bow and arrow submission hold! The crowd tries to rally behind Jaguar, who is wincing in pain as Grieco pulls!

Buckingham: Look at Michael Grieco's arms yanking Jaguar in two places. The veins are popping in his neck. I don't think he can break this!

Troy: Jaguar is holding on, but how much longer can he go?! Grieco is trying to break him in half!

Grieco leans over to trash talk the former PWA Champion, but Jaguar takes the opportunity to spike the point of his elbow into Grieco's face, causing him to break the hold! Both men get back to a vertical base and Grieco charges, but Jaguar drops him with a quick jumping leg lariat!

 

Grieco gets up and is downed by a clothesline before popping back up to walk into an inverted atomic drop. With the New Yorker temporarily incapacitated, Jaguar bounces off the ropes and comes from behind to drill his forehead and face into the mat, jamming Grieco's neck with a vicious bulldog!

Troy: Big running bulldog, and Jaguar is back in this match!

Buckingham: He should go for a cover here! Grieco is down and could be out!

Troy: And I think Jaguar passed on the cover attempt for something big, because he is heading up top!

After pulling Grieco towards the corner, Jaguar heads up to the top rope. With the crowd cheering, he leaps off for the Suga Splash, and connects with major impact! Jaguar clutches his chest to recover the air driven out of his body by the splash, but he manages to use his back against Grieco's chest for a cover. He hooks the leg and gets one... two... but not three, as Grieco gets his free leg barely onto the bottom rope! Hansen is forced to break the count and the crowd responds with huge jeers!

Troy: Grieco saved himself there, because Jaguar might have gotten the three-count if he was able to hook the leg from the normal lateral press position!

Buckingham: Tremendous ring awareness from Grieco there. That's like getting that clutch hit needed in the 8th inning, but does he have enough to hold him down in the 9th?!

Jaguar picks Grieco up off the mat slowly and kicks him in the gut to set up for the Carrjack. He gets him up, but Grieco lands on his feet behind Jaguar and pushes the Hot Boy hard into the turnbuckles. Jaguar hits the buckles chest-first and stumbles backwards into Grieco's clutches. The former International Champion grabs him around the waist and puts a spin on his patented belly-to-belly suplex by slamming Jaguar into the mat chest-first, driving the air out of him!

Troy: What a move from Grieco there! Never seen that before!

Calysto: And both men are breathing heavily here! Grieco needs to go for a cover!

The Staten Island strongman lumbers to his feet and grabs Jaguar off the mat. He gets him into position for his famed powerbomb, and then lifts Jag up and slams him down once, then twice, and struggles to get him up again. However, Grieco keeps his hands locked and pulls Jaguar off the mat before dropping him hard to the canvas with a third powerbomb! Grieco covers, hooking the leg… one, two, three!


Buckingham: And Grieco takes it! I told you Troy!

Troy: What a win for Michael Grieco! He has come into the Deep South here and defeated Jaguar in the middle of the ring!


“Da Repercussions” plays again and the crowd showers Grieco with boos as he is announced the victor. Grieco then shoves the referee aside and shouts to Dee, who reaches under the ring and grabs whatever she can find from the arena floor.

Troy: Now what the hell is going on here?!

Buckingham: I don't think he's done!

Calysto: The match is over, and now Dee is getting into the ring with a kendo stick! Grieco, you got your win, now call it a day and leave!

Buckingham: Oh no, Jaguar insulted him and hurt his pride earlier. Now Grieco wants to hurt him!

WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 13:15 – MICHAEL GRIECO

As Dee climbs into the ring, she tosses Grieco his infamous pair of brass knuckles, and he slips them onto his right hand as he waits for Jaguar to get up. As Jaguar reaches his feet with his back to Grieco, Dee swings the kendo stick at his side… but she doesn't expect Jaguar to clutch the stick, absorbing the shock to his ribs as he shoves her to the mat! Grieco swings the loaded right hand, but Jaguar feels it coming and ducks under the attempt! Grieco turns around to be met with a stiff boot to the gut, causing him to drop the knucks! Jaguar bends down to pick them up, but as he slides them onto his taped right hand, Grieco and Dee Licious are long gone, scurrying up the ramp! Jaguar will have none of it and demands the microphone from Lee Palmer.

Jaguar: (Panting) Grieco! You got your win. You beat me. It was a fair fight, and you won. But after you get it, you wanna bring weapons in here and don't even have the stones to do it yourself? You wanna put me out, huh?

 

Grieco nods yes and screams inaudibly.

Jaguar:  You know what? Fine. You've got your chance. You want me at Everlasting Epic? You've got it!

Troy: Whoa!

Jaguar: But this won't be any regular match. You've made this so personal… you wanna fight me, put me outta commission, and take food off my table in my hometown? You'll get your shot, Mikey. But since we can't trust you to not bring weapons to get your girl to do your dirty work for you, how about you take me on in a Falls Count Anywhere Street Fight?! (Crowd explodes with cheers)

Troy: Oh my!

Buckingham: That's insane!

Grieco: (Grabbing a mic) You're on! I just beat you right in the middle of the ring, Jaguar, and I'll do it again in front of 75,000 losers in your hometown too!

Jaguar: Then I'll see you August 14th. Let's hope you don't end up in the crowd staring any of those losers in face, because when we get to Everlasting Epic under that hot sun in Duval County, your ass belongs to us!


“My Avenue” then replays as Grieco raises his arms in victory and Jaguar stares him down from the ring.

Troy: Jaguar and Michael Grieco will do battle once again, but this time at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jag's backyard, in a Falls Counts Anywhere Street Fight! They can fight all over the city!

Calysto: And Grieco doesn't care, he just beat Jaguar and says he will do it again whether he fights one or 75,001! What a match that's gonna be!

Troy: You said it, Iceman!

 

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from commercial, backstage reporter Traci Reed is in the backstage interview area with John Wolfe.

Traci: Welcome back to The Rebirth, everyone. I’m here with John Wolfe, one of the top contenders to the International Championship. John, next week, you are competing against GI Jew, Kerry Cox, and Evan Black in a fatal fourway match to determine Dex Wellington’s Everlasting Epic challenger. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen you tear through the competition you’ve faced, but that competition has paled in comparison to the three men you do battle with next week. Do you feel you’re prepared for this level of competition?

Wolfe: Traci, love, don’t make me laugh. How soon we forget. When PWA closed its doors in 2006, I was in possession of gold. Not tag team gold, but in fact a singles title. The Progressive Championship. Then, somehow, I signed on to come back for The Rebirth and got absolutely screwed. My championship was the only title to be retired, and I was once again saddled with a joke of a tag team partner in Paul Epton. You ask if I’m prepared for this level of competition. Traci, I’ve been ready for this level of competition for years. It’s just about damn time somebody finally noticed. And next week, my three unsuspecting opponents are going to stand up and take notice as well, when I defeat them and punch my ticket to Everlasting Epic, where I will become the NEW International Champion.

Wolfe then glares intensely into the camera before walking off.

***


The shot then shifts to the Vulture and Morgan Day’s dressing room, where Vulture is tending to his wife, holding an ice pack against her head. Meanwhile, a medic is also in the room checking Morgan’s vitals, trying to ensure that she did not suffer a concussion as result of both the belt shot and the bicycle kick to the head. Vulture is clearly worried about his wife, staying close to her side, until Jackie Baccaro and the Duval Twins burst into the room. Vulture turns around, ready for a fight, but Baccaro puts his hands up.

Baccaro: Calm down, V. We’re not here for a fight.

Vulture: You might not be here for one, but you sure as hell found one if you’re not outta here in 15 seconds.

Alexis: Look, Vulture, this HAD to happen. Morgan, I’m sorry it had to be like that, but you are just a pawn. Vulture, you WILL face my brother at Everlasting Epic, or what happened to your precious wife is going to keep happening to all the people close to you.

Vulture: You think you’re going to threaten me into the match?! And what’s the deal, Chris? You have to come in here with your posse and let them do all the talking for you? Not man enough to ask me again to my face?

Chris: I said everything I had to say to you. You saw what just happened now. Your wife paid for your mistake. She isn’t the Women’s Champion, and she might have a concussion for all we know. Now will you wrestle me at Everlasting Epic, or are you a coward?

Vulture: I want all three of you to get this through your thick heads. I am NOT wrestling my son in a one-on-one match at Everlasting Epic.

 

Vulture then stands up and rips a lamp out of the wall.

Vulture: And unless you want this lamp careening towards your heads in a minute, you’ll get the hell out of my dressing room.

Chris is furious, but Baccaro urges him to listen to his father.

Baccaro: You haven’t heard the last of this.

The trio is just about to exit when Morgan groggily speaks.

Morgan: Alexis!

Alexis turns around and faces her stepmother, the woman she just cost the Women’s Championship.

 

Morgan: My husband might not want to wrestle his flesh and blood, but to me, you’re just another bitch with no respect. Because of you, my schedule is open for Everlasting Epic. And I can’t think of anything better to do than to take out a season’s worth of anguish and frustration on you in Jacksonville.

Alexis: Are you challenging me to a match at Everlasting Epic?

Morgan: Wow, she DOES have a brain in that pretty little head of hers.

Alexis: You’re on! It’ll be my pleasure to embarrass you on the big stage, and put you on the shelf for good.

Morgan: Very well. Now be gone.

The trio pauses for a moment, before Vulture lifts the lamp again, which prompts them all to exit.

 

Vulture: You sure that’s a smart idea?

Morgan: I don’t bloody care. At least one of us needs to make them pay for all this.

Vulture chews on that statement as the camera takes us back to the hallway, where Baccaro and the Duvals are walking. Alexis is pumped, but Chris is furious, and Baccaro tries to balance the emotions.

Alexis: I can’t believe all it took to get her in the ring was one little sneak attack!

Chris: At least you got her. I can’t believe he won’t wrestle me! All of a sudden, it’s a huge deal to compete against me? He’s out there saying that he won’t wrestle his son, like he gives a damn about me, like we have a relationship? What a joke!

Baccaro: I told you this might happen. All of this. I knew Morgan would be a lot easier to bait.

 

Chris: So what now? Who we after next? How are we gonna break him?

Baccaro: Chris, I think it’s time for Plan B.

Chris: Already? Don’t you think if we just had more time, we –

Baccaro: We DON’T have more time. This is our best bet. And trust me. This will change the equation enough that he won’t hesitate to accept.

Chris: If it gets him in the ring, then it’s good enough for me.

Baccaro: Then it’s time to execute Plan B.

Buckingham: I wonder what Plan B is!

Troy: Who knows? But I do know that our main event is still to come! Showtime Damon Savage challenges Anthony Failla for the PWA Championship later tonight! But first, the Tag Team Championship is on the line when we return! Paul Dawkins and Renegade defend against Matthew Magellan and Briggs, and it’s next!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “The Final Countdown” by the London Symphony Orchestra blares onto the speakers and the fans begin booing loudly as Matthew Magellan and Briggs make their way to the ring, accompanied by Liz Rush. All three wear looks of extreme confidence on their faces as they enter the ring. In the ring, Liz plants a kiss on Magellan for luck before exiting.

Troy: Have you noticed that since Liz Rush has come into the picture, Magellan has been even more obnoxious and more arrogant around the locker room?

Calysto: Oh, it’s beyond apparent. The guy thinks he’s absolutely untouchable right now, and I can only imagine that sentiment will grow by leaps and bounds in his mind should he and Briggs capture the gold here tonight.

Buckingham: Is there really any doubt they get this done, though? Magellan and Briggs are the perfect team. Dawkins and Renegade, in my opinion, have absolutely no chance here.

Troy: I don’t know if there are too many people that share that opinion, but nonetheless, we’re about to find out!

Moments later, “You Don’t Know” by Eminem and 50 Cent blasts onto the speakers, and the New Orleans crowd goes wild for the PWA Tag Team Champions! Renegade and Paul Dawkins make their energetic entrance, exciting the fans all the way to the ring! Finally, the champions reach the ring and hand the belts over to referee Jose Soares, who raises them high as Lee Palmer begins 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 520 pounds, the team of MATTHEWWWWWW MAAAAAGELLLLLLLANNNNNN and BRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIGGGGS!

 

And their opponents, at a total combined weight of 477 pounds, they are the PWA Tag Team Champions, RRRRRRENNNNEGAAAAAAADE and PAULLLLLLLL DAWKKKKKKKINNNNNNNS!

 

PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:

PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE (champions) VS. MATTHEW MAGELLAN & BRIGGS (challengers)

Referee: Jose Soares
The bell sounds to get the match underway, and Renegade and Magellan emerge as the men to start this contest off. They lock up in the center of the ring, and it is Magellan that establishes the immediate advantage, tying Renegade in a side headlock. However, Renegade has little difficulty escaping the maneuver, drilling Magellan with several stiff elbows to the ribs before whipping him against the ropes and downing him with a hard back body drop!

 

Magellan quickly retreats to the corner, tagging in the monstrous Briggs. However, instead of standing off with Renegade, Dawkins begs his partner to tag him into the fray. Renegade obliges and Dawkins enters the ring, ready to accept the challenge the Canadian giant brings. Dawkins immediately unloads on Briggs with several big rights, but Briggs is able to brush them off and pie-face Dawkins to the mat. Dawkins pops right back up and charges at Briggs again, but Briggs sticks up a right boot and clobbers Dawkins in the jaw, flooring him!

Troy: Paul Dawkins is having some trouble with Briggs here!

Buckingham: He might have bitten off more than he can chew!

Dawkins pops up again, and this time he’s angry. Briggs snickers at him and goes right after him, grabbing a hold of Dawkins and whipping him against the ropes, but Dawkins is able to nail Briggs with a flying shoulder tackle as he returns! Briggs is staggered, and Dawkins presses, nailing Briggs with a hard, swift dropkick that staggers him even further! Dawkins then makes a quick tag to Renegade, who climbs to the top rope and leaps off, nailing Briggs with a flying savate kick! Briggs then staggers backwards, right into a Scud Missile from Dawkins! Renegade covers… one, two, and Briggs kicks out!

Calysto: So close! The champions have all the momentum now!

Buckingham: Magellan needs to do something, and fast! Briggs might be fading!

Renegade gets himself into position for the Kick of Death, but when Briggs rises and Renegade unleashes the kick, Briggs ducks under it and instead destroys Renegade with a vicious powerslam!

 

Briggs now heads towards the corner, looking to tag in Magellan, while Renegade heads for his corner and Dawkins, however slowly. Briggs is able to make the tag in first, bringing Matthew Magellan back into the bout. Magellan charges at Renegade, looking to prevent the tag, but Renegade is able to make it, bringing Dawkins back into the ring to a thunderous ovation!

 

Dawkins downs Magellan with an immediate right hand before drilling him with a hard back body drop! Briggs then enters the ring and charges at Dawkins, but Dawkins lowbridges him, pulling down the top rope at the last instant so that Briggs’ momentum carries him over the top rope and out of the ring!

 

Magellan rises again, but this time Dawkins whips him into the corner and signals for the Stinger Splash! The fans are cheering loudly, but before he can leap forth with the move, Liz Rush slides into the ring and pleads with her ex-boyfriend Dawkins not to!

Troy: What the hell is going on here?! Somebody get Liz out of the ring!

The referee attempts to do exactly that, but Liz has Dawkins’ attention. We can’t hear what she’s saying to him, but it is apparently sufficient to cause a distraction. However, moments later, Jade charges down the aisle, storms into the ring, grabs Liz by the hair, and tosses her out of the ring!

Troy: It’s Jade!

Calysto: I guess her disdain for Matthew Magellan has finally manifested itself in actions!

Jade then exits the ring to a loud ovation and begins pounding on Liz! The two fight all the way to the back, leaving just the participants in this match remaining in the bout. Dawkins now turns around, again looking for the Stinger Splash, but Magellan has recovered and swiftly nails him with the Strait of Magellan!

However, referee Jose Soares is occupied with admonishing Liz and Jade on their way to the back and doesn’t see Renegade enter the ring and drill Magellan with the Kick of Death! Renegade than pulls Dawkins’ arm onto Magellan’s chest, and then leaps out of the ring, nailing the slowly rising Briggs with a plancha! Soares turns around and sees Dawkins covering and begins to count! One, two, three!

Troy: Yes! Dawkins and Renegade are victorious! They are still Tag Team Champions!

Calysto: What a win!

Buckingham: You mean what a joke! Magellan had Dawkins pinned! He was attacked by the illegal man!

Troy: So I suppose you thought Liz causing a distraction was also unfair, then?

Buckingham: I don’t want to discuss this match any longer. What a travesty.

The fans cheer thunderously as “You Don’t Know” replays and the champions celebrate their victory. Meanwhile, Magellan and Briggs slowly walk to the back, virtually in shock that they did not capture the gold.

WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 8:18 AND STILL PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS – PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE

 

Before Renegade and Dawkins can exit the ring, however, “Reason to Hate Me” by Krayzie Bone hits the speakers and PWA creative director Justin Schenck appears from behind the curtain.

Schenck: Let’s hear it for our PWA Tag Team Champions, Paul Dawkins and Renegade!

The fans oblige, cheering loudly.

Schenck: Gentlemen, congratulations on your victory. Really, well done. I have the utmost confidence in you as a team, and that’s why I think you are prepared for the challenge I am about to throw at you. You will be defending the PWA Tag Team Championship one more time right here tonight, and your defense begins RIGHT NOW! And here are your opponents!

Moments later, “Hallelujah” by Bishop Lamont featuring Xzibit hits and Jackie Baccaro and Chris Duval make their entrance to a chorus of boos, accompanied by Alexis Duval.

Troy: What the hell is this?!

Calysto: I don’t get this at all, Vic. What have these guys done to earn this shot?!

Buckingham: I love it! Finally, some justice!

PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:

PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE (champions) VS. JACKIE BACCARO & CHRIS DUVAL (challengers)
Referee: Jose Soares
The bell sounds to get our second Tag Team Championship bout of the evening underway, and Baccaro and Duval are immediately relentless, going right at the tired champions. Duval destroys Renegade with a vicious clothesline, sending him sailing over the top rope and to the outside. Meanwhile, Baccaro bulls his former tag team partner Dawkins into a corner and begins repeatedly crushing him with shoulder blocks to the midsection.

 

Dawkins staggers forward and Duval charges, crushing him with a running knee to the face. Dawkins then staggers right into Baccaro’s waiting arms. Duval takes his place in his corner as Baccaro lifts Dawkins up and crushes him with a vicious Baccaro Bomb! Baccaro covers… one, two, three.

Troy: I don’t believe this! We have new Tag Team Champions! Jackie Baccaro and Chris Duval have just stolen the titles away from Dawkins and Renegade!

Calysto: This is a joke, Vic!

Buckingham: It isn’t a joke! It’s wonderful! I have never been so proud to be employed by this company!

Alexis grabs the belts from ringside and hands then to her mentor and her brother, and the three celebrate in the ring to the disgust of the crowd.

WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 0:49 AND NEW PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS – JACKIE BACCARO & CHRIS DUVAL

 

Baccaro and the Duvals exit the ring, but instead of heading for the back, they linger around the announce table, before Chris clocks Jason Calysto in the skull with his title belt out of nowhere!

Troy: What the hell was that for?!

Troy stands up, demanding answers, but Alexis gets in his face.

Alexis: You just sit there and keep your mouth shut, you hear me?!

Alexis then shoves Troy back into his seat as Buckingham laughs riotously.

Buckingham: This is the best night ever!

Baccaro and both Duval Twins begin stomping away on Calysto viciously, keeping him down. Chris gets on his knees and begins strangling Calysto as Baccaro and Alexis continue to stomp away on the PWA Hall of Famer.

 

Moments later, the fans erupt in cheers as Vulture storms down the aisle, headed right for them! Alexis spots him and quickly notifies Baccaro and Chris, and the three scurry away before Vulture can get to them. Vulture checks on a groggy Calysto at ringside as Baccaro and the Duvals backpedal to the locker room , clearly proud of themselves.

 

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

We return to a chaotic scene in the backstage area, where Jackie Baccaro and the Duval Twins are being separated from Vulture, Jason Calysto, and Morgan Day, who has joined the scene, by a multitude of officials. Everyone is shouting at one another before creative director Justin Schenck hits the scene.

Schenck: Whoa! Whoa! Everyone calm down a minute here! I think I have a solution. Vulture, Calysto, you two want at Baccaro and Duval pretty badly, don’t you?

Calysto: I’m so sick of these punks! Yes, I do! V, you don’t want to fight your son? Fine. I’ll beat his little punk ass, and you can take Baccaro.

Vulture: I’ve had it with you, Baccaro! You turned my damn kids against me and you just keep pushing! It’s about damn time I push back!

Baccaro: You already tried, old man! Are you forgetting that I stomped your ass last week?!

Chris:  Are you sure you want to keep sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong, Calysto?! Because we have no problem ending you too!

Morgan: Control your brother, Alexis! He keeps running his mouth like that, he’s gonna get hurt!

Alexis: Trust me, Morgan, the only people who will be getting hurt around here are you three!

Schenck: Enough! Listen, we already have a match signed for Everlasting Epic between Morgan Day and Alexis Duval. You can settle your issues then. But I have an idea. Jackie Baccaro, Chris Duval, you are the brand-new PWA Tag Team Champions. How about defending those titles at Everlasting Epic against Vulture and Jason Calysto?

Chris: I’d love to.

Baccaro: Bring it on!

Schenck: Calysto, Vulture… you in?

Calysto: What do you say, V?

Vulture: I say let’s cut these bitches down to size and win us some Tag Team titles!

Calysto: Count us in, Schenck! It’s on!

The two sides continue to lunge at each other as the officials work hard to keep them separated.

***

 

The camera then cuts back to ringside, where we see a shot of our two remaining announcers, Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.

Troy: Oh my God! Did you hear that?!

Buckingham: Unbelievable! I guess this was Plan B! And it worked! It may not be a singles match, but Chris Duval WILL be competing against Vulture at Everlasting Epic! And not only that, but our broadcast partner, Jason Calysto, will be stepping back into the ring at Everlasting Epic, and in a Tag Team Championship match to boot!

Troy: Absolutely wild! As a matter of fact, Randall, this would be a great time for us to take a look at what exactly we have on tap for Everlasting Epic VI!

With that, “Freeky People” by Kidneythieves hits, and the announcers can now be heard inside the arena as well.

Troy: Folks, we are just 25 days away from Everlasting Epic VI, live on Saturday, August 14 from Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, and the atmosphere is going to be electric! And that electricity starts with our main event, which will be finalized tonight! We know that Dan Crowley will be the challenger, but who will enter as champion? If Anthony Failla is able to retain in just a few moments against Showtime Damon Savage, he will defend the title against Crowley, one-on-one. However, if Showtime is able to capture the gold, the three will compete in a triple threat match for the gold! One way or the other, we are in for a memorable main event!

Buckingham: And the rest of the card is beginning to shape up as well! As we just heard moments ago, the brand-new PWA Tag Team Champions Jackie Baccaro and Chris Duval will be defending the titles against the super-team of Vulture and The Iceman Jason Calysto!

Troy: Also announced tonight, a final battle that’s six years in the making, as Solomon and Scythe wage war one last time, in a 30-minute Iron Man Match!

Buckingham: Speaking of wars, we are going to see a match where falls count anywhere in Jacksonville, as hometown hero Jaguar battles his tormentor, the former International Champion Michael Grieco!

Troy: Also signed earlier tonight, Morgan Day collides with her estranged stepdaughter, Alexis Duval!

Buckingham: And that’s certainly not all! The possibility exists that we can see former TFU brethren Greg Tantalus and Hollywood Mike Griffin go one-on-one, provided Tantalus can defeat The Omega Steve Beovich next week, and Chase Stone the following week. If that happens, Tantalus goes head-to-head with Griffin, and if Tantalus is victorious, he will get PWA creative director Justin Schenck in a match immediately thereafter!

Troy: And the Women’s Championship will be defended, as Zina defends against either Keiko Ishida or Lauren Tantalus. However, after the events that took place in the number one contenders match tonight, it is still unclear who exactly will be challenging for the gold. More on that next week!

Buckingham: And of course, the International Championship will be up for grabs, as Dexter P. Wellington defends his newly-won gold against the winner of next week’s fatal fourway match between GI Jew, Kerry Cox, Evan Black, and John Wolfe!

Troy: All that and more comes to you live on Saturday, August 14, as the Progressive Wrestling Alliance presents Everlasting Epic VI! Tickets are sold out, but you can be a part of the action by ordering on pay-per-view! But first, we have a world championship to decide! Let’s send you backstage, where our colleague Scott Cornelius is with the challenger! Take it away, Scott!


***

Backstage, we see Cornelius with Showtime Damon Savage.

Cornelius: Thanks, Vic. Showtime Damon Savage, the time has come. No sneak attacks, no excuses. You are mere moments away from going one-on-one with Anthony Failla, with the PWA World Heavyweight Championship on the line. What is going through your mind right now?

Showtime: Scotty, there’s only one thing going through Showtime’s mind right now, and that is it’s about damn time! I have been sitting back way too long, watching superstar after superstar take that next step, while Showtime stays on his level. People say Showtime is one of the greatest International Champions of all time, and I wouldn’t disagree with them. But that’s just not good enough anymore. The time has come for Showtime Damon Savage’s name to be up in lights. The time has come to follow in the footsteps of the Hot Boy$, Jaguar and Romeo, and become the third African-American PWA World Heavyweight Champion. It’s all gonna happen. It should have happened two weeks ago. But it’s damn sure happening tonight. Crowley, I’m sorry to do this to you, but get ready for a triple threat, homie. Your boy is about to beat Anthony Failla’s ass all over that ring and walk out of here PWA World Heavyweight Champion. Now, Scotty, there’s just one thing left to say: It’s Showtime!

Savage then walks off, headed to the ring for the biggest match of his life.

Troy: Folks, don’t move a muscle! Showtime Damon Savage challenges Anthony Failla for the PWA Championship, right after this!

 

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

 

Back from break, “Judas Rising” by Judas Priest thumps onto the speakers and the fans begin cheering loudly for Dan Crowley, who unexpectedly makes his way out to the ring. Crowley heads down the aisle and parks himself in the seat that was occupied by Jason Calysto until just a few minutes ago, donning a headset alongside Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham. 
 
Troy: Folks, we had expected Jason Calysto to rejoin us for our main event out here, but I’ve been given word that Justin Schenck has ordered Jackie Baccaro, the Duval Twins, Vulture, Morgan Day, AND Jason Calysto to all vacate the building, so that there are no distractions for our PWA World Heavyweight Championship bout. However, THIS is a welcome surprise! Dan Crowley is here with us in the booth! Welcome, Dan! What brings you out here? 
 
Crowley: Well Vic, I'd have thought it would be obvious. I’m extremely invested in this match. One or both of these men are going to be standing in the way of me fulfilling my destiny at Everlasting Epic, and I felt this warranted a closer look. I'm going to Everlasting Epic, and I want to make damn sure I am as prepared for both of these guys as I could possibly be. Also, given what happened with them a few weeks back, I want to be out here to make sure the right man wins tonight.

Buckingham: So let me ask you. Who are you rooting for here? I know Showtime is your buddy and all, but him winning means you have to compete in a triple threat match at Everlasting Epic, where you can lose the match without even being pinned.

Crowley: It’s a good point, which is why I don’t really have a preference. If it’s me and Anthony Failla one-on-one, I think I know how to beat him, and I’ll get to focus entirely on him, which makes it a little easier. If Showtime wins, then there’s an entirely new dynamic. But as far as Savage goes, I wrestled him a few weeks back in a really long, really competitive match, and I’ve gone back and looked at that footage a hundred times since. If I get another shot at him, I am confident I know how to beat him.

Troy: One way or another, this is going to be mighty interesting!

Moments later, “Footprints” by G-Unit blares onto the speakers, and the New Orleans crowd goes wild for the arrival of Showtime Damon Savage!

 

Savage appears to be extremely pumped as he shadowboxes, eliciting a huge stream of pyro, before starting towards the ring. More animated than usual, Showtime charges down the aisle, slapping hands with many of the fans who have supported him throughout the years, before entering the ring and awaiting his competition.

 

With that, “Better Think Again” by Submersed booms through the New Orleans Arena, and the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Failla begins stalking his way to the ring. With the championship belt draped over his shoulder, Failla slowly walks down to the ring, never taking his eyes off Showtime for a moment. Finally, Failla enters the ring and hands the belt to referee Tom Stevens, who holds the belt high as Lee Palmer begins the introductions.


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

Introducing first, the challenger, from Pomona, California, weighing in at 232 pounds, SHHHHHOWWWWWWTIIIIIIIIIME DAAAAAAAMONNNNNNNNNNNNNN SAAAAAAAAVAAAAAAAAGE!

And his opponent, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 281 pounds, he is the PWA World Heavyweight Champion, ANNNNNTHONYYYYYYYYYYY FAIIIIIIIIII-LLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAA!

The fans are at a fever pitch as the referee signals for the bell, getting this match underway.

Troy: Alright, here we go!

PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:

ANTHONY FAILLA (champion) VS. SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE (challenger)

Referee: Tom Stevens

Neither Failla nor Showtime is quick to launch into an offensive at the onset of the match. The two circle each other, looking for an opening to start the match hot. It is Showtime, however, that ultimately makes the first move, jabbing at Failla with a right, which the champion brushes off. Showtime attempts another, but Failla evades it again. However, when Showtime attempts a third jab, Failla moves in, grabbing Savage’s right arm, but this just frees Savage up to drill Failla with a left hook to the ribs, Failla winces, and Showtime goes on the offensive, drilling Failla with a flurry of lefts and rights to the midsection!

 

Troy: Showtime is really taking it to the champion!

 

Crowley: If he can keep Failla from unleashing his power onslaught, he can do this!

Showtime whips Failla against the ropes, looking for a clothesline as he returns, but Failla is able to duck under it. Failla, however, stops short, so as soon as Savage turns around, he is absolutely leveled by a Failla clothesline!

 

Failla lifts Savage up and whips him hard into the corner, following him in with a hard splash. Showtime then staggers out, but Failla boots him in the gut and nails him with a stinging gutwrench suplex. Failla covers… one, two, and Savage is able to get a shoulder up.

 

The champion wastes no time now, lifting the challenge and again whipping him into the corner, before perching him on the top rope and absolutely destroying him with a vicious superplex! Failla covers again, but Showtime again kicks out at the count of two.

 

Buckingham: Failla has this match WELL under control.

Crowley: It looks that way now, but I am certainly not about to count Showtime out. I’ve wrestled him before, and the guy just does not quit.

Troy: But with that said, how much more of Failla’s high impact offense can he really withstand?

Crowley: That’s a good point too. I still think he’ll find a way to swing the momentum.

Showtime is very slow to his feet, and when he does finally get there, Failla grabs him in a front facelock, and nails him with a twisting roll of the dice. Showtime is downed again, and this time, Failla begins looking for the kill. Failla lifts Savage up, looking for the Almighty Sacrifice, his old finisher, but when he gets him up in gorilla press position, Showtime slips out and swiftly clobbers Failla with a vicious left hook that floors him!

Troy: My God! The knockout punch! Showtime absolutely nailed Failla!

Crowley: We might have a new champion here!

Buckingham: And you might have to work a little harder at Everlasting Epic, Crowley!

Crowley: Trust me, Randall, I’m not afraid!

 

Showtime takes a moment to clear the cobwebs and then opts to scale the ropes! Savage positions himself on the top rope, waiting for Failla to rise, and when he does, he leaps forth. However, just before Showtime is able to connect with a diving body press, Failla, on autopilot, springs to life, jumps up, and spinebusters him out of the air!

 

Troy: My God! My God! What ferocious impact!

Crowley: That was INTENSE!

Extremely groggy from the punch, Failla takes some time to regain his composure before rolling into a pin attempt… one, two, and Showtime just barely kicks out! However, Failla takes this opportunity to signal for the Weapon of Mass Destruction, looking to put this match away.

Failla lifts Showtime up, looking for his finisher, but just as Failla is about to drill him down for the impact, Savage slips out, grabs him in a cobra clutch, and drills him with a desperation It’s Showtime!

Troy: He nailed it! He nailed it! It’s Showtime!

Crowley: But I don’t know if he’s got enough left in the tank to make the cover!

Failla is prone, barely stirring on the mat, but Showtime is still disoriented and takes several long moments to position himself for the cover. Finally, Savage drapes an arm over the champion’s chest… one, two, Failla gets his right boot on the ropes but the referee doesn’t see it… three!

Troy: Oh my God! Oh my God! Showtime has done it! Showtime Damon Savage has won the PWA World Heavyweight Championship!

Buckingham: No! No, he didn’t! Look at Failla’s foot! His foot is on the damn ropes!

Crowley: I hate to agree with Randall, but it is, Troy! Look at that foot!

The New Orleans crowd, meanwhile, has absolutely exploded in celebration of Savage’s title win! “Footprints” briefly replays over the speakers, and Showtime Damon Savage is in absolute elation as he is handed the PWA World Heavyweight Championship belt!

 

Meanwhile, Dan Crowley puts his headset down and walks over to the ring, entering it. Showtime greets him as he enters and immediately embraces him to a wild ovation. However, Crowley then motions to referee Tom Stevens to take a look at Anthony Failla, whose foot has not left the bottom rope. Stevens looks horrified to see it there, and immediately demands to see the replay of the pinfall. With that, “Footprints” abruptly stops playing, and Showtime is incredulous.  He turns to Crowley and throws his arms up, asking how he could do this to him. Crowley simply responds that he had to, and exits the ring. With that, Stevens gives instructions to Lee Palmer, who begins speaking.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, after reviewing the videotape, the referee has determined that Anthony Failla’s foot touched the bottom rope during the pinfall attempt. Therefore, this match must continue!

Troy: My God! I can’t believe it! Did Dan Crowley just screw over Showtime?!

Buckingham: Are you kidding?! He was smart! Showtime didn’t really win this match! Why should Crowley have to wrestle a triple threat match because Savage got a gift championship win?

Savage is livid, unable to gain his composure. With the referee trying to get himself back into position, Showtime tries to lift Failla off the mat, but the PWA Champion has a grip on the title belt, which Showtime had dropped on the mat amidst the confusion, and he drills Savage in the skull with the gold, behind the referee’s back! Savage goes down like a ton of bricks and Failla immediately rolls over into a cover, just as Stevens gets into position! One, two, three!

Troy: No! No! This is a travesty! Showtime Damon Savage has been screwed, yet again!

Buckingham: He took his eye off the ball, Victor! There’s nothing else you can say!

The fans now boo vociferously, but this doesn’t last long, as Crowley immediately jumps back into the ring and tells Stevens to take a look at the footage once again!

Buckingham: No! Crowley! What the hell are you doing?! It’s over! You had Showtime out of the equation for good! The referee is gonna reverse the damn decision!

Troy: He’s doing the right thing, Randall! He’s making sure the right man wins, just like he said he would!

Buckingham: That’s preposterous!

Surely enough, Stevens reviews the footage and angrily shouts a message for Palmer to relay.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has ruled that the winner of this match, as a result of a disqualification, is SHHHOWWWTIIIIIIME DAAAAMONNNNNNN SAAAAAVAAAAAGE! However, since titles cannot change hands via count-out or disqualification, STILL PWA World Heavyweight Champion, ANNNNTHONYYYYYYY FAIIIIIIIII-LLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAA!
WINNER VIA DISQUALIFICATION AT 9:07 – SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE; STILL PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION – ANTHONY FAILLA

Failla is furious with Crowley, and immediately confronts him in the ring. Crowley, however, refuses to back down, and the two immediately begin brawling! Crowley establishes the immediate advantage, but Failla soon takes over, pounding Crowley against the ropes.

 

However, Showtime now makes it to his feet and begins taking it to Failla! The fans cheer wildly as Showtime and Crowley double-team the PWA Champion and rid the ring of him with a double dropkick! Failla then pounds the mat in frustration before grabbing his belt and walking to the back.

 

In the ring, amidst the cheers of the crowd, Crowley extends his hand to Showtime, and he shakes it. However, Savage then pulls Crowley in close, spins him around, and levels him with It’s Showtime!

Troy: What?! Where’d that come from?!

Buckingham: It looks like Showtime didn’t appreciate Crowley alerting the referee to Failla’s foot being on the ropes!

The fans continue to cheer loudly as “Footprints” replays on the speakers and Showtime lets out a yell. He points at Failla up the aisle and signals around his waist that he still wants the championship. The frustration is beyond evident on Showtime’s face as he stares down the PWA Champion with the number one contender out at his feet.

 

Troy: Showtime Damon Savage is standing tall, but he is NOT the PWA Champion! I guess that means he is out of the title picture for Everlasting Epic! We’ve got Anthony Failla and Dan Crowley going at it for the title, and I’m not sure where Showtime fits in now! In any event, folks, we’re out of time! We’ll see you next week!

 

-- END SHOW --