EPISODE # 2.16
O2 WORLD
BERLIN, GERMANY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2011

A video package airs, recapping the triangle elimination PWA World Heavyweight championship match that closed last week’s episode, where Jason Calysto held back the challenge of both Dan Crowley and Showtime Damon Savage to retain the title. After the match, we see number one contender Vulture engage Calysto in a staredown, giving us a taste of what is now the official main event for Everlasting Epic VII on Saturday, September 10 in London.

As the video concludes, “Live Again” by Ours hits and the opening credits roll. From there, we are taken inside O2 World in Berlin, Germany, where a stunning pyrotechnic display ensues and we focus on our commentators, Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.

Troy: Hello everyone and welcome to PWA: The Rebirth! I’m Victor Troy, along here with Randall Buckingham, and we are officially on the path to Everlasting Epic!

Buckingham: That’s right, Troy! Our main event is set! On September 10th, Vulture will come to London to challenge The Iceman Jason Calysto for the gold at the seventh installment of the spectacle known as Everlasting Epic!

Troy: And tonight, 32 nights before they engage in battle, the former Tag Team Champions and best friends will sign the dotted line to make their Everlasting Epic showdown official. It’s a contract signing tonight, live on The Rebirth!

Buckingham: But that won’t be all we see of SIN tonight. In fact, Anthony Failla’s going to see more of SIN tonight than he can handle, as he takes on Greg Tantalus and Markus Krieg in a handicap match in Krieg’s hometown of Berlin! Troy, Failla’s finally gonna learn not to stick his nose where it doesn’t belong tonight!

Troy: Time will tell on that one, but one thing that is DEFINITELY happening tonight is a via-satellite confrontation between the injured Evan Black and the suspended Solomon!

Buckingham: Even though neither Black nor Solomon could be with us tonight, our creative director Justin Schenck arranged for the two men to face off without being in the building, and given all that’s happened between the two over the past few months, we’re all probably a lot safer they’re not here. At least, Solomon for that matter! Though I can’t lie, I enjoyed seeing him dispose of the overrated “legend” Mike Tortorici last week!

Troy: Maybe he could go after you next time he’s here. I’m sure our audience would enjoy seeing that. I know I sure would!

Buckingham: How could you say such a thing?! I’m the voice of a generation!

Troy: Moving on, we’re going to see a huge 10-man tag team match tonight, when the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe teams with Paul Dawkins & Renegade, the Human Highlight Jon Dulberg, and… get this… Matthew Magellan! They take on GI Jew, Michael Grieco, The Miracle Mike Troha, and Synergy. But Randall, how is Magellan going to coexist with men like the uber-honorable Scythe? Or men like Dawkins and Renegade, who have had their problems in the past with him?

Buckingham: I don’t know, but I do know that the Hot Boy$ are in the house!

Troy: That’s right, the legendary Hot Boy$ are—

Suddenly, Troy is cut off by the sound of Buckingham violently vomiting into his garbage pail.

Troy: Are you serious?! Did you seriously just… give me that garbage pail! Folks… folks, it’s ok! He didn’t actually vomit on live television! Randall, seriously, what the hell is wrong with you?!

Buckingham: I was conveying the sentiment of many of our fans at home.

Troy: And how exactly do you put your finger on the pulse of our audience?

Buckingham: Well Troy, I don’t know about you, but I try to keep my finger away from our fans. There are children in the audience, Troy. Are you suggesting I touch children?

Troy: (sigh) Folks, we’ll also see a women’s division battle royal to determine Zina’s Everlasting Epic challenger, but before we get to any of that, we have some cruiserweight division action for you! Let’s get down to ringside!

***

With that, “Merciless Cult” by Dir en Grey hits the speakers and Asai Moon enters to a sizeable ovation. He high-fives fans as he makes his way to the ring, but remains focused on the match ahead.

Troy: Asai Moon has a tremendous opportunity tonight, Randall, as he squares off with the new Progressive Champion Juan Pablo Alvarez in a non-title bout. But if Asai can find a way to grab the victory here tonight, it would have to vault him into contention for that Progressive title.

Buckingham: Troy, Asai Moon is in for a world of hurt tonight. He doesn't stand a chance!

Troy: Well, the last time these two met in the ring, Moon was one reversal away from winning the match.

Buckingham: But he didn't, Troy! The kid hasn't won a match on TV, where it counts, in a long time, no matter how close he's gotten. And with Alvarez riding high from his Progressive Championship win, there's no stopping him!

Troy: You really call that a legitimate victory? The champion was laid out in the aisle, unable to defend his title, and on top of that, Saif was clearly distracted by Dex Wellington! Nonetheless, here comes the “champion” now.

Buckingham: Troy, when are you going to get it through your head that it doesn’t matter how you win as long as you win?

Calexico’s “Minas de Cobre” then hits and Juan Pablo Alvarez enters the arena to a chorus of boos. The man is all smiles as he approaches the ring, Progressive Championship around his waist. He stops about halfway to the ring and signals to the belt, taunting Moon and the crowd alike.

Troy: Look at the arrogance! I doubt he would be so carefree if his title were on the line tonight!

Buckingham: I love it, Troy! Alvarez has finally put it all together!

Alvarez enters the ring and removes the belt from his waist, shoving it at Moon's face for good measure. Alvarez hands then hands the belt to the timekeeper, and referee Jose Soares calls for the bell.

NON-TITLE MATCH:
PWA PROGRESSIVE CHAMPION JUAN PABLO ALVAREZ VS. ASAI MOON
Referee: Jose Soares
Asai approaches the center of the ring tentatively, but Alvarez walks right up to the young cruiserweight and slaps him across the face. Alvarez taunts the crowd as Moon puts his hand to his face, surprised by the insult. But as the champion turns to face Moon again, Asai downs him with a dropkick! Moon presses the advantage, taking the leg of Alvarez and twisting it before dropping down to the mat.

Troy: It looks like Moon is going to work on Alvarez’s leg this match. It would be difficult for the champion to land his Sunset Flip Powerbomb with a damaged leg.

Buckingham: That's the first smart thing I've seen this kid do all season. Can he keep it up? I have my doubts.

Moon tries to do just that, grabbing Alvarez's leg again, but Alvarez shakes him off and kicks, creating some distance. Alvarez then rolls to his feet and grabs an incoming roundhouse by Moon, countering with a dragon leg sweep! He then grabs Moon's legs and flips over into a pinning position… one, and Moon kicks right out!

Troy: He's going to have to do a lot more than that to down Asai Moon. Winning the championship has only made Alvarez more arrogant!

Despite the easy kickout, Alvarez keeps up the momentum, Irish whipping Moon into the ropes and delivering a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker on the return. Alvarez then keeps Moon on the ground with an elbow drop before walking over to the corner and climbing to the top turnbuckle.

Alvarez taunts the crowd before jumping off, hoping to cash in on a high-diving big splash! However, Moon gets his knees up at the last second and Alvarez crashes onto them, bouncing off and hitting the mat in pain! Moon is still stunned by the impact himself, but manages to get to his feet, drag Alvarez towards the corner, and climb up the turnbuckle himself!

Troy: Now Asai Moon looks to cash in, and it looks like he's going for his Asai Moonsault!

Sure enough, Moon turns his back to Alvarez and soars, completing two full backflips! But this time, Alvarez is able to roll out of the way, and Moon crashes to the mat, face and chest first!

Buckingham: That's why the call them high-risk maneuvers, ladies and gentlemen! Now both men have missed a big move and we’re back to a level playing field!

With both men on the mat, referee Soares starts the count. At the count of five, Alvarez stumbles to his feet and approaches Asai, lifting him in position for his fireman's carry gut buster! Moon senses the danger and struggles in the maneuver, trying to get Alvarez off balance. The Progressive Champion tries to hold on, but Moon gets enough advantage to bring down Alvarez with a head scissors, grabbing the legs on the way down and rolling Alvarez up in a pinning combination! One, two, three! Alvarez kicks out but it's too late! Soares calls for the bell as Moon helps himself up in the corner, while a livid Alvarez rolls to the outside, hitting the mat.
WINNER VIA PINFALL AT 5:18 – ASAI MOON

Troy: What resourcefulness and what a victory for Asai Moon!

Buckingham: What a travesty! Alvarez had this in the bag!

Troy: But Moon stole it right from under his feet! Or above his head, I guess I should say!

Back in the ring, the referee holds up Asai Moon’s arm to cheers from the Berlin crowd. However, their cheers are short lived as Juan Pablo Alvarez rolls back into the ring and hits Moon in the head with the championship belt from behind!

Troy: Oh come on! What is this?!

Buckingham: This is brilliance at work, Troy! Appreciate it!

Troy: It’s despicable! Folks, we’ll be right back!

Referee Soares tries to get Alvarez to leave the ring, but the champion pushes past him, picks up Asai Moon, and blasts him in the face with the championship belt again for good measure! Alvarez then takes his leave, cursing the crowd, as Soares tends to Moon.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Returning from break, we see backstage reporter Scott Cornelius standing by with PWA creative director Justin Schenck outside Schenck’s office.

Cornelius: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to PWA: The Rebirth. I am, of course, standing here with Mr. Schenck, who has an announcement to make regarding the cruiserweight division. Mr. Schenck?

Schenck: Two announcements, actually. First, I’d like to announce that, thanks to his impressive victory over the Progressive Champion Juan Pablo Alvarez just before the break, Asai Moon has earned himself an opportunity to claim the challenger slot in the Progressive Championship match at Everlasting Epic. Two weeks from tonight, when we’re live in Athens, Asai will get that opportunity.

But before we get to Athens, we stop off in Madrid a week from tonight. And on that night, we will finally see Dexter P. Wellington step into the ring with Saif al Abbad. These two men will fight to the finish next week, and the man that emerges keeps his Everlasting Epic title match hopes alive, at least for a week. Because the winner of the Dex-Saif match will collide with Asai Moon in Athens, and the winner of THAT contest will challenge for the Progressive Championship at Everlasting Epic VII.

Cornelius: Interesting. So you might say it’s almost like a tournament for the Everlasting Epic title shot, with next week’s Saif-Wellington bout serving as a semifinal, and the winner meeting Asai Moon in the finals. Correct?

Schenck: Yes. And thank you, Scott, for repeating exactly what I just said in a slightly different way.

Cornelius: Any time.

With that, Schenck shakes his head and returns to his office.

***

As we return to ringside, three D-Bombs whistle down and explode on impact as “We On Fire” by the Hot Boy$ thumps through the speakers to bring out the PWA’s version of their namesake. With their flaming fireball pyro blazing behind them, an amped Romeo and Jaguar play to the Berlin crowd as they walk down to the ring and climb inside. 

Troy: The Hot Boy$ are apparently back in the PWA, and this crowd is loving it! And it’s not just this crowd! Romeo and Jaguar look absolutely thrilled to be coming out in front of the crowd together on PWA television for the first time in exactly five years and a day!

Buckingham: Forgive me for not buying into the hype. Last week, we saw Jaguar run in through the crowd like a thug to attack Texas Justice and then, out of nowhere, Romeo shows up to join him. We've had questions about how this went down for an entire week, and these guys appear to be out here to answer them now. It’s about time.

As the crowd's thunderous cheers begin to die down, Jaguar begins to speak. 

Jaguar: Did it just get hot in here or what?! (crowd cheers) That's what’s up! Alright y’all, we are going to get right down to the point here. Basically, the last time anyone got to really hear from me, I was in my house via satellite, telling Texas Justice that this thing between us was far from over. As you know, Jaguar doesn't need to tell a lie, and the evidence is right in front of you. It's not over, it’s just starting now.

Before he can continue, "Mouth For War" by Pantera hits, and a highly negative reaction meets Texas Justice as they appear on the stage. Maddox Tate and Pitbull have the PWA Tag Team Championship belts in tow as Pitbull uses his own mic to speak.

Pitbull: Jaguar, we didn't come out here to go round and round with you, boy. You're right that it’s really about to start now, but you're dead wrong about not being a liar. Two weeks ago, you give the world some sob story about how you're too beat up to even fly, begging for the sympathy of these losers, and then lo and behold, here you come on your white horse out of nowhere. You're the same glory hog you've always been.

Jaguar: Listen bruh, I know you haven't seen a map in a while, but let me break it down for you. I'll keep it at a real second grade level for you right now. It's like this. Last week's show was in Canada, right? And Canada is a country that's connected to the United States, where we live. They like puzzle pieces almost. What this means is that I didn't have to fly there. When I met that doctor in Atlanta, I made a little stop, picked up a friend, and we hit I-75 right up to Toronto.

Tate: Whatever! And you get a guy who doesn't even work here!

Romeo: There you go being all premature again. If you let us finish, you would know the deal. You see, Justin Schenck wasn't too cool with y’all doing Jag dirty like you did, and he came to him willing to do just about anything to make sure he wasn't sued for such an unsafe work environment. Well, a little pulling of teeth here, and a little negotiation there, and yours truly is signed for the rest of season two with the PWA! (crowd cheers) But wait, there's more! We also have options to return in season three, with a lil’ raise in pay from what we both last made here! So in short, thanks for the money, fellas!

Pitbull: Hell no! WE are the champions here! That's our money! WE have been here busting our asses all season!

Tate: You're making a big mistake, Romeo. There was a reason you retired, and a reason you should have stayed retired. You know damn well that you have two little boys at home now, and that's where you should be. Changing diapers and checking homework. The last place you need to be is inside that ring standing across from Texas Justice, the most dominant team this world has to offer.

Romeo: I'll tell you this once, and once only. Don't you ever mention my family again or I'll kick you so hard that my boot imprint will replace your taste buds, bitch. I know what my family responsibilities are, but you're forgetting that this man right here to my left is family too. There's no way that doing what you did will ever go unpunished, and that punishment will come, sooner than you think.

Jaguar: Which brings me to that last favor Justin promised us, boys. You mentioned that you are the most dominant team this world has to offer. For the second season of The Rebirth, maybe that's been right. By hook or crook, y’all know how to win matches, but don't forget us, and don’t forget our history. This war might be new to the PWA, but it ain't new to us. It might be 15 years later, but we still know exactly how to beat that ass, and that's exactly what we will do on September 10, in Wembley Stadium, at Everlasting Epic VII! (crowd cheers)

Troy: Oh my! It's official! The Hot Boy$ and Texas Justice at Everlasting Epic!

Tate: You know what, that's fine by us. We have beaten you before and won't have any problem doing it again. You remember what happened the last time we crossed paths, and it’ll happen again.

Romeo: Nah, it won't. You won't be able to run up from behind like before, or every other time. But Justin did say that while we would get our shot at the titles, you can pick the stipulation for it.

Pitbull: That's easy. We don't want to have any excuses after we whip your asses Texas-style in London. We’ll take… Hell in a Cell!

Buckingham: Oh man, this is going to be insane! These two teams?! In the cell?!

Jaguar: Fine by us. Whatever allows us to get our hands on you. But remember this, y’all: this ain't 1991 anymore. This ain’t Tallahassee, Austin, Baton Rouge, or Savannah. This is the prime time, and you are looking at the two biggest prime time players there are. Under this banner we call Progressive Entertainment, you're looking at eight tag team titles, eight world heavyweight titles, a Grand Slam winner, one Hall of Famer, and one future Hall of Famer. We don't say it to toot our own horns, but lil' daddy, Everlasting Epic is our playground. Ten combined wins there say we got it like that, and we look forward to making you another notch on our resume.

Tate: Ok Jag, but remember it’s that same arrogance that got you picking glass out of your teeth last month. Don't try us, punk. Yeah, you might have a great record at Everlasting Epic, which is fine and good, but you haven't beaten Texas Justice there. You made sure we were held back long enough to keep us away from raining on that parade y’all created, but inside the confines of that cell, these two caged animals from the heart of Texas will eat you alive!

Jaguar: Matter of fact, I'm glad you ran your mouth, Tate. Put your money where that is. I'm cleared and ready to roll now, so let's me and you handle our business in this ring. We don't have to wait until Everlasting Epic for it. What’s up now?

Tate: You're on. Me and you, next week, and I'll be glad to finish what I started and rip that ugly face up even more!

Troy: Jaguar and Tate get it on next week! And then, these two teams will tear each other apart in Hell in a Cell! Vulture vs. Calysto and now this?! Everlasting Epic just got even better! What a war that will be!

Buckingham: And we are going to see major salvos doled out next week!

“We On Fire” now replays and the two teams exchange cold, vicious stares as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see SIN member and reigning PWA International Champion John Wolfe walking through the backstage hallway alongside his manager and fellow SIN member Alexis Duval. However, the two slow down and a smirk appears on Wolfe’s face as he comes face-to-face with his former tag team partner Paul Epton.

Wolfe: Well if it isn’t Paul Epton. You seem to be missing something, don’t you? That’s right. The Progressive title. Nowhere to be found, is it?

Epton: Let’s just cut the small talk and save it for the ring.

Wolfe: Where is that partner of yours anyway? Revis, or whatever his name is.

Epton: He’ll be there. I don’t see your partner around either.

Alexis: You don’t need to worry about my brother. At least not until the bell rings.

Wolfe: Well, I don’t suppose I have much to say to you other than to point out that, in case you weren’t aware, I’m now the International Champion, something that you will never be.

Epton: John, I—

Epton is then cut off by the arrival of Emily Walker and Fenix Clarke. Wolfe and Emily lock eyes and exchange a glare.

Emily: Would you mind excusing us for a moment, Jonathan?

Wolfe: Emily Walker. Finally found your way to the big time, I see. How’s the old geezer? He still have control of all his bodily functions? He has to be getting up there.

Emily: I’ll be sure to relay the message. Now, off you go.

Wolfe is angered by this and moves towards her, but Alexis stops him. Just then, Chris Duval hits the scene and breaks Wolfe’s stare.

Chris: Let’s get out of here, Wolfey. We have a match.

Wolfe: Fine. Epton, it’ll be my pleasure to spike you into the mat in a few moments. Emily… the pleasure has been no one’s.

Wolfe and the Duvals then exit, leaving Epton face-to-face with Emily and Clarke.

Epton: What do you want? I have a match.

Emily: I’m aware. But I have a proposition for you.

Epton: I thought we already did this last week.

Emily: Just listen. Here is my offer. Next week, you and Fenix Clarke go one-on-one.

Epton: No problems so far.

Emily: Sure, but you obviously know there’s a catch. Now, if you win this match, we leave you alone for good. We sign a contract stating we risk suspension if we meddle in your affairs in any way. But if you lose, you take me on as your manager. What do you say? If you’re so confident you can beat my man, take the challenge and rid your career of us. And if you lose and become my protégé, at least you know your new tag team partner will be superior to you, just like your old one, as much as I can’t stand him.

Epton: Let me get this straight. If I beat you, you two are out of my life forever?

Emily: Forever.

Epton: You’re on. You two have been one giant setback to my career since the day you arrived. Let’s end this next week. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to find my partner and get to the ring.

Epton then walks off, leaving a smiling Emily Walker and Fenix Clarke behind.

***

At ringside, “Electric Head Pt. 1: The Agony” by White Zombie hits the speakers and the fans boo as Alexis Duval leads her twin brother Chris and the PWA International Champion John Wolfe out to the ring.

Troy: Alright folks, we’ve got ourselves an interesting tag team bout coming up here. SIN members John Wolfe and Chris Duval are set to take on Paul Epton and Rich Revis.

Buckingham: Duval did make the offer to Revis last week to join SIN, but we haven’t heard anything from Revis on that front since then. I’d definitely be concerned about that if I were Epton. Then again, he has enough to be concerned about with Fenix Clarke on his plate next week, and if he loses, his new manager is Emily Walker.

As Wolfe and Duval settle themselves in the ring, “Map of the Problematique” by Muse hits and the fans cheer loudly for Paul Epton!

Troy: He may have a lot to concern himself with next week, but Epton needs to stay focused on tonight! Any time you’re in the ring with SIN, it requires your full attention.

Epton slaps hands with the fans as he approaches the squared circle, stopping at the foot of the ring to await the arrival of his tag team partner. Then, “Body Ya” by Fabolous hits and the cheering continues for Rich Revis!

Revis wastes little time hitting the ring, meeting Epton on the outside and sliding into the ring in tandem! Then, with Epton and Revis in position, referee Tom Stevens calls for the bell to kick off the action.

SIN [PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION JOHN WOLFE & CHRIS DUVAL] VS. PAUL EPTON & RICH REVIS
Referee: Tom Stevens
John Wolfe and Paul Epton choose to start the match off for their respective teams. Epton attempts a collar-and-elbow tie-up, but Wolfe backs up and instead insists on a test of strength. Courageously, Epton obliges, causing a smirk to appear on the much-stronger Wolfe’s face, but it is Epton who gets the last laugh, booting Wolfe in the stomach as soon as they lock up!

Troy: He outsmarted him!

Buckingham: Outsmarted?! That’s just a cheap shot!

With Wolfe momentarily stunned, Epton nails with a roundhouse kick that brings the International Champion down to a knee, before bouncing against the ropes and attempting a shining wizard. However, Wolfe sees it coming and counters with a vicious clothesline that takes Epton off his feet. Wolfe then moves to the corner and tags in Chris Duval, but before Duval can get to Epton, he tags Rich Revis into the match.

Duval and Revis nod at each other before locking up. Duval gains the initial advantage, tying Revis into a side headlock, but Revis shoves him off and downs him with a hard shoulderblock upon his return. Duval gets to his feet but Revis whips him into the corner, charging after him with an attempted splash. However, Duval gets his feet up, colliding with Revis’ jaw. Duval then gets a running start and bulldogs Revis to the mat. He covers… one, two, and Revis gets a shoulder up.

Duval now locks Revis in a front facelock, but the former Reaper battles back to a vertical base, using repeated elbow smashes to the midsection to gain separation. He then downs Duval with a flying shoulder tackle before lifting him up and setting him up for a running powerslam!

Troy: The powerslam! If Revis hits it, this match could be history!

Revis lifts Duval for the move, but Duval slips out and shoves Revis into the SIN corner, where Wolfe is waiting with a hard forearm that staggers Revis. Duval then dropkicks Revis in the back, sending him staggering into the corner, where he tags Paul Epton back in.

Epton enters and immediately takes Duval down with an armdrag before downing him again with a dropkick! Duval climbs back to a vertical base, but Epton is waiting for him and delivers a corkscrew neckbreaker! Epton covers… one, two, and Duval gets a shoulder up.

Epton then rushes the corner and dropkicks Wolfe off the apron before climbing to the top rope, signaling for his shooting star press! However, upon reaching the top rope, Epton is distracted by the presence of Emily Walker and Fenix Clarke, who emerge from behind the curtain.

Troy: What the hell are they doing out here?!

Paul Epton takes his eyes off Chris Duval for just a moment to shout at Emily and Clarke to remain where they are, but that is all Duval needs, as he pops back to his feet and slams himself into the ropes, causing Epton to crotch himself on the top turnbuckle. Then, Duval tags in John Wolfe, who has jumped back onto the ring apron, before rushing to the other corner and knocking Rich Revis off the apron.

Wolfe re-enters the ring, grabs the perched Epton by the throat, and delivers a furious chokeslam from the top that crushes Epton down to the mat hard! Wolfe covers… one, two, three.

Buckingham: What an impressive win for SIN!

The fans boo as “Charlie Big Potato” by Skunk Anansie overtakes the speakers and Alexis Duval enters the ring to celebrate the victory with Wolfe and her brother Chris. Satisfied with their dirty work, Emily and Clarke retreat back behind the curtain while Epton convalesces on the mat.
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 6:09 – JOHN WOLFE & CHRIS DUVAL

As Rich Revis gets back to his feet and enters the ring to check on his partner, Chris Duval calls for a microphone.

Duval: Hey Revis! Nice match out there tonight. Can’t win ‘em all, I suppose. But listen. You remember last week when I told you the offer to join SIN didn’t have an expiration date? Well, plans have changed. The offer expires right now. So what’s it gonna be? Yes or no?

Suddenly, James Biamonte rushes out from the back and stands inside the ring, forming a circle around Revis with the Duvals and Wolfe. After several moments, a pensive Revis asks Duval for the microphone.

Revis: You want an answer? I’ve got an answer for you. NO!

With that, Biamonte, Wolfe, and Chris Duval converge on Revis, attacking him with furious kicks and punches. However, before much damage can be done, Dan Crowley rushes down the aisle with a steel chair! Crowley enters the ring and viciously cracks Duval across the back with it, and wild swings at both Biamonte and Wolfe prompt the SIN quartet to retreat! With the fans now cheering wildly, Crowley and Revis engage in a brief staredown before Crowley gives him a nod and walks off.

Troy: Look at that! Dan Crowley has just come to the aid of his former Lost Souls partner Rich Revis!

Buckingham: He’s gonna pay for interfering in SIN business, I can tell you that much, Troy!

Troy: Folks, we’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see Vulture and Greg Tantalus conversing in the SIN locker room. Markus Krieg stands stoically behind Tantalus.

Tantalus: Those are your boys, V, and that was a miserable failure out there! Three of us, and we couldn’t manage to make a statement to Revis!

Vulture: I didn’t plan on Crowley coming out there. I guess we’ll have to rethink this.

Tantalus: You’re distracted. All you’re thinking about is this damn contract signing.

Vulture: Considering I haven’t actually spoken to Calysto since before Symphony of Destruction, yeah, it’s on my mind.

Tantalus: Are you sure this match with Calysto isn’t more than you can handle?

Vulture: What the hell are you talking about?

Tantalus: I don’t know. You’ve barely participated in the situation with Failla, you keep your hands completely clean of the situation with Stone and Griffin, you pushed the network to bring in your delinquent cousin…

Vulture: Listen, we had our backs up against the wall that night. We NEEDED to make sure I got the win, and I found a way.

Tantalus: Your way saddled us with James Biamonte, a guy who wasn’t even brought back to the company in the first place because of his problems with—

Vulture: He’s clean now. Don’t worry about it. It was a minor setback tonight. And you’re right, I’m distracted. But it’s for a good reason. Me beating Calysto at Everlasting Epic is the single most important assignment we have this season. So forgive me if I’m harping on it. We can’t afford for me to fail.

Tantalus: You’re damn right about that. Now, do you need me to fill you in on the Failla plan again tonight?

Vulture: I trust you. Take care of it. You ready, Markus?

Krieg: I am here in front of my people. I am returning to Berlin as a PWA star for the very first time. I could not be more ready. Tonight, I will make sure our mission is completed.

Vulture: Excellent.

Just then, John Wolfe, the Duval Twins, and James Biamonte re-enter the dressing room, catching Tantalus’ eye. Biamonte is chewing them out over the Rich Revis situation.

Tantalus: Ugh, why is he blaming them? I’m gonna go take care of this. I’ll talk to them. Can you handle the women?

Vulture: Sure.

Tantalus: Alright, I’ll send Alexis over. C’mon, Krieg.

Tantalus and Krieg walk off camera to approach them, while Vulture walks over to his wife Morgan Day, who is finishing getting ready for the upcoming women’s division battle royal.

Vulture: Hey.

Morgan: Hey love.

Vulture: Almost ready?

Before Morgan can respond, Alexis approaches.

Alexis: Hey Dad, Morgan. Tantalus says you wanted to see me?

Vulture: Yeah, I actually need to speak with both of you about this battle royal. Tantalus and I were talking it over, and we’ve decided that what’s best for SIN is for Morgan to win the battle royal. Now, I know you’ve both beaten Zina in the past, but it’s imperative that we walk out of Everlasting Epic with as much gold as possible, so we have to play percentages. We feel the best chance for us is Morgan facing Zina. It’s nothing personal, Lexi. But your orders tonight are to work together to ensure Morgan leaves with the title shot. Good luck, ladies.

Vulture then walks off, and Morgan can’t help but notice the disappointment on Alexis’ face.

***

We are taken backstage to Scythe’s dressing room, where we see the Modern-Day Samurai strategizing with Jon Dulberg, Paul Dawkins, and Renegade. Kerry Cox, Jon Dulberg’s manager, is also in attendance, leaning against the wall, listening in on the speech. Scythe is doing his best to rally his troops for tonight’s five-on-five battle against Michael Grieco, GI Jew, The Miracle Mike Troha, and Synergy. The team is down a member as their partner Matthew Magellan is curiously not in attendance for this crucial meeting.

Scythe is in the middle of a very moving speech, talking about the importance of honor and fighting for what is just and right, when Matthew Magellan saunters into the room with his manager Jade. Scythe completely loses his train of thought at the sight of his tardy teammate, and the rest of the room is visibly annoyed at Magellan’s disrespect and complete disregard for punctuality.

Scythe: Very nice of you to join us, finally. Something more pressing you had to do?

Magellan: I don’t have to tell you what or WHO I was doing that made me late.

Magellan then obnoxiously winks at Jade, who sighs.

Jade: Scythe, it was nothing like that, I promise you. I couldn’t find my bag and Matt was helping me look for it.

Renegade: Matt?! Now you’re on a first name basis with this tool, Jade? How quickly you forget that just one year ago you were in our corner against this idiot at Everlasting Epic. And by the way, don’t think we didn’t notice how large that bag is you’re carrying. Looks like it can fit a lot of stuff in it… like pies.

Jade: Oh, come on! You don’t really think—

Scythe: Jade, I’m sorry, we’re gonna have to search that bag.

Jade: Are you—

Kerry Cox walks over and grabs Jade’s bag off her arm and starts to search it while Magellan and Jade look on with shocked faces. The bag turns up clean, but Jade is understandably annoyed that Cox rummaged through her things.

Magellan: You honestly think I was going to bring pies to this meeting to throw in your faces?

Dawkins: Yup.

Renegade: Absolutely.

Dulberg: Wouldn’t put it past you.

Scythe: Look Magellan, we are here together with you tonight for one purpose and one purpose only. We want to make our opponents pay for their disrespectful, sleazy, and unethical ways. Now I can’t say we are pleased to have you on the team, but you have a legitimate beef with Grieco, so hopefully you can put aside your antics and help us put these guys away tonight. Honestly though, you come late to our meeting, interrupt my speech, make sexual innuendos regarding your manager, and overall just serve to make us dislike you even more than we already do. I’ll just never understand how you’ve managed to get the fans on your side.

Magellan (smiling): It’s all in the hips, baby.

Matthew Magellan then proceeds to demonstrate his signature hip thrusting to his teammates. The men all roll their eyes and exit Scythe’s dressing room, pushing past Magellan as they do so. Moments later, only Jade and Magellan are left standing in Scythe’s abandoned room. Magellan, realizing that he needs to find out what the game plan is for their match, proceeds to rush after them.

Magellan: Hey guys, c’mon! I was just joking. Wait up!

Jade sighs, shakes her head, and walks out after him before she is stopped by a production assistant.

Production Assistant: Jade, where are you going? You’re on in two.

Jade: The battle royal is now?!

Production Assistant: Yes! Where you have you been?! Get yourself together and get out to the ring!

Flustered, Jade rushes off as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “The Stone Monkey” by Kazu Matsui is blaring over the speakers and Keiko Ishida is making her way to the ring, joining Jade, Dee Licious, and her archrival Kemi Okoro, who are already in the squared circle.

Troy: Alright ladies and gentlemen, it’s now time for a six-woman battle royal that is going to determine the challenger to Zina’s Women’s Championship at Everlasting Epic!

Buckingham: It is, and no disrespect to the four women in the ring, but based on what we heard before the break, I’d have to think this battle royal is gift-wrapped for Morgan Day.

As Keiko settles herself in the ring, “Electric Head Pt. 1: The Agony,” by White Zombie hits the speakers and the fans begin booing as Morgan Day and Alexis Duval march to the ring in tandem.

Buckingham: That is a great sign of solidarity right there. Morgan Day and Alexis Duval are on the same page, and being on that same page is going to take Morgan straight to Everlasting Epic.

Troy: Well, there are four women in that ring who have something to say about it! Let’s get it started!

WOMEN’S DIVISION NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP BATTLE ROYAL:
MORGAN DAY VS. KEIKO ISHIDA VS. JADE VS. DEE LICIOUS VS. ALEXIS DUVAL VS. KEMI OKORO
Outside Referees: Dan Martin, Jose Soares
As soon as Morgan and Alexis enter the ring, the bell sounds and all four women put aside their differences to go straight at the two women of SIN! The fans cheer this, but Morgan and Alexis hang tough, outlasting the initial threat. Ultimately, the women’s personal issues come to the forefront, as Kemi and Keiko find themselves doing battle while Jade and Dee pound on each other viciously. Morgan and Alexis take the opening to hang back and take a breather.

Buckingham: Brilliant strategy!

Troy: What, sitting back and letting other people do the dirty work?

Buckingham: Precisely.

Jade and Dee keep their battle on the mat, clawing at each other viciously. Keiko and Kemi, however, are vertical, and they exchange walloping forearm shots to the face in a war of attrition. Seeing this, Morgan signals to Alexis, and the two charge over to Ishida and Okoro, sneak up on them, and dump both of them over the top and to the outside!

Moments later, after the dust has barely cleared on the eliminations of both Kemi and Keiko, Dee and Jade return to a vertical base, where Jade grabs Dee by the hair and launches her over the top rope and eliminates her!

Troy: Look at this! Kemi, Keiko, and Dee are all history, and it’s just Jade that stands in the way of SIN completing its mission!

Buckingham: A former member of the original SIN standing in the way of SIN’s master plan!

Morgan and Alexis spread out, ensuring that Jade has nowhere to go. Realizing this, Jade takes a deep breath and lunges at Morgan, nailing her with a clubbing right! Jade is able to hold her own for several moments, but Alexis quickly comes to Morgan’s aid and, before long, the SIN women take over. After a clubbing blow from Alexis, Morgan blindsides Jade with a roundhouse kick that connects with her face, causing Jade to walk right into a flip piledriver from Alexis! Alexis then lifts Jade up and tosses her over the top, eliminating her.

Troy: That’s it! Morgan Day and Alexis Duval are the final two remaining, and it would seem that Alexis will now give way to Morgan and give her the Everlasting Epic title shot!

Alexis and Morgan briefly celebrate the elimination before a somber look comes across Alexis’ face. She begins moving to the ropes, preparing to eliminate herself, but a look of compassion overtakes Morgan’s face and she stops her. Alexis is confused, but Morgan instructs her not to eliminate herself and instead battle it out for the right to go to Everlasting Epic.

Buckingham: What is going on here?! These were not the orders!

After several moments, Alexis smiles and locks up with Morgan in the center of the ring, gaining the initial advantage with a side headlock. Morgan shoves her way out of it, but Alexis hits off the opposite ropes and downs Morgan with a shoulderblock. Morgan makes it back to her feet, but Alexis charges, looking to bull her over the top rope with a clothesline. However, Morgan ducks under the attempt and instead nails her with a spinning roundhouse kick.

Alexis is staggered by the move and Morgan charges, looking to eliminate her stepdaughter, but Alexis back body drops Morgan over the top rope… but Morgan grabs onto the ropes and lands on the apron!

Seeing Morgan teetering, Alexis charges at her, looking to bull her off the apron and punch her ticket to Everlasting Epic, but Morgan sidesteps her and stops her in her tracks with a kick to the head! Then, Morgan leaps up and wraps her legs around Alexis’ neck, pulling her over the top rope and dragging her to the outside! Alexis hits the arena floor just as Morgan safely slides underneath the bottom rope to safety.

Troy: And that’s it! Morgan Day is going to Everlasting Epic!

Buckingham: She’s lucky she is, Troy! This situation got a whole lot hairier than it needed to be!

With that, “Hysteria” by Muse hits the speakers and Morgan Day is announced the victor. At length, Alexis re-enters the ring and hugs and congratulates her stepmother. Her lips can also be read thanking Morgan for the opportunity.
WINNER AT 7:05 – MORGAN DAY

As the celebration continues, the fans begin cheering when it is suddenly cut off by the sounds of Aria’s “Demons.” Morgan and Alexis appear on edge at the sound of Zina’s music, but the PWA Women’s Champion does not appear from behind the curtain. However, her image does appear on the Jumbotron.

Zina: Settle down. I am not in building. At least not this week. Next week in Madrid, you won’t be so lucky. But Morgan, I am here with message. After last week, Mr. Schenck, he allow me to pick any stipulation I want for title defense at Everlasting Epic. And now that you are challenger, I can think of none better. You put me through table. You jump off ladder. You hit me with chair. Morgan Day, prepare for battle in Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. Good luck.

Zina then laughs repeatedly as her image fades and a concerned Morgan and Alexis are left in the ring.

Troy: My God! Zina defends the Women’s Championship against Morgan Day in a TLC match at Everlasting Epic?! How much bigger can this show get?!

Buckingham: I don’t know, but we’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, backstage reporter Traci Reed is standing by with Dexter P. Wellington in the interview area.

Traci: Ladies and gentlemen, next week, the man to my left, Dexter P. Wellington, will finally go one-on-one with Saif al Abbad. And if that weren’t enough, the winner of the match will meet Asai Moon the following week to determine who challenges Juan Pablo Alvarez for the Progressive Championship at Everlasting Epic. Dexter, given all that’s on the line, what will your mindset be next week?

Wellington: Well obviously, Traci, my mindset will be to defeat that poor excuse for a rich man at all costs. He gives people like me a bad name. When you are a man of great wealth, there is a way you are supposed to carry yourself, and Saif al Abbad… well, let’s just say—

Voice: Wellington!

Wellington’s train of thought is broken by the shout of his name, and when he looks up, he sees that it has come from Saif al Abbad. Dex chuckles when he sees him, but Saif is not in a laughing mood. He charges down the hall and tackles Wellington to the ground , shouting at him in Arabic!  Traci rushes off and officials soon converge on the scene, breaking up the scuffle between the two wealthiest combatants in PWA history.

***

The camera now shifts to another portion of the backstage area, where Dan Crowley is walking through the halls. Finally, he reaches the office of PWA creative director Justin Schenck, knocks, and enters. When he walks in, he notices Showtime Damon Savage already standing in front of Schenck’s desk.

Schenck: Dan, welcome. Obviously, you see that Damon’s already here.

Crowley: What’s this all about?

Showtime: Yeah, Showtime’s not sure he gets it either.

Schenck: I’m expecting a few others, but I did want to speak to the two of you first. You see, I just got off the phone with our network liaison. As you know, I can’t book SIN in matches where championships aren’t at stake without the network’s approval, which is probably the single biggest pain in my ass this season. However, I just received approval on a match that I believe you’ll find very interesting. On September 10th, at Everlasting Epic, SIN will compete in a five-on-five gauntlet match. Each team will set an order for their five members, and we’ll start with the two number ones. Once someone is defeated by pinfall, submission, disqualification, or count-out, their team moves on to the next entry. The match will continue until one entire team is eliminated.

Now, I’ve been told that Greg Tantalus, the International Champion John Wolfe, Markus Krieg, Chris Duval, and James Biamonte will make up the SIN team. It is up to me to assemble the five men that will combat them. And, as you might suspect, I have asked you both here tonight because I want you to be the co-captains of my team. Now, I don’t need an answer right—

Crowley: I accept.

Showtime: You can count Showtime in too.

Schenck: Excellent. I have to say, I feared a little resistance.

Crowley: Trust me, after all SIN has pulled since reforming, it would be my pleasure to deliver them a crushing blow on the biggest stage this company has to offer.

Showtime: Those guys are responsible for Showtime losing the world championship on his first TV appearance with it. Showtime wouldn’t miss this for the world.

Just then, Chase Stone and Hollywood Mike Griffin walk into the office. Crowley and Showtime turn to face them, and there is a fairly awkward staredown.

Schenck: Gentlemen, meet two of your teammates. Chase, Griffin, the match is a go, and Crowley and Showtime are in.

Stone then walks right up to Crowley and offers his hand.

Stone: Welcome aboard.

Crowley shakes it, which prompts all four men to begin shaking hands. Schenck, however, looks perturbed.

Schenck: Has anybody seen Failla? He was supposed to be here.

Just then, Anthony Failla walks into the room.

Failla: Don’t get your panties in a bunch, Schenck. I’m here. In case you forgot, I have a handicap match tonight that I’m prioritizing over this meeting just a bit. So just cut to the chase.

Schenck: Fine. Everlasting Epic, five-on-five gauntlet match, SIN against these four men and one other. Will you be the one other?

Failla: Schenck, I’m never an other. But I’ll be on this team.

Stone: Seriously, Justin? We have to work with this guy? He doesn’t care about anyone but himself.

Failla: You’re right, Chase. I don’t. But the only reason I said yes is because it’s a gauntlet match. Meaning I work alone, just the way I like it. And that reminds me. It might get ugly out there in the handicap match tonight, and I know how all of you operate. So I’m gonna say this once and once only. No matter WHAT happens, DO NOT come to my aid. I am going to take down Tantalus and Krieg by myself tonight. If I see even one of you come out to try to help me, I’ll take myself off this team for Everlasting Epic. Is that clear?

Schenck: Anthony, with all due respect, if things get bad out there and no one comes to help you, you might not make it to Everlasting Epic. Please reconsider.

Failla: Schenck, the only way I don’t make it to Everlasting Epic is if one of you jackasses pisses me off and makes me quit the team, which is exactly what will happen if you stick your noses in my business. I’m not a team player. So if you think I won’t leave the team for spite, you’re wrong. Don’t forget what I said.

With that, Failla walks off and we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “War is the Answer” by Five Finger Death Punch hits the speakers and the fans boo as GI Jew rides his Chopper to the ring, leading The Miracle Mike Troha, Michael Grieco, and Synergy members The Omega and Darrin Giles into battle. Group managers Dee Licious and the Standard Sleaze Don Cerrone follow several steps behind, bickering with each other.

Troy: Look at Cerrone and Dee go at it. In a revolting and thankfully forgotten piece of PWA trivia, Cerrone and Dee were once a couple, back in the early days of PWA close to a decade ago.

Buckingham: Well, it doesn’t seem like either of them have forgotten about it.

As the five enter the ring, “With You” by Linkin Park thumps onto the speakers and the fans begin cheering wildly! The Modern-Day Samurai Scythe emerges from behind the curtain first, leading out his team of Jon Dulberg, Paul Dawkins, Renegade, and of course, Matthew Magellan. Managers Kerry Cox and Jade accompany the group, but stay close to their charges. In fact, Magellan and Jade head to the ring at least 10 paces behind their partners.

10-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH:
SCYTHE, JON DULBERG, MATTHEW MAGELLAN, PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE VS. GI JEW, THE MIRACLE MIKE TROHA, MICHAEL GRIECO, AND SYNERGY
Referee: Matt Hansen
The bell sounds to begin the match with Scythe and The Omega set to do battle.

Troy: Alright, we’re about to go into the time machine and revisit the epic battle for the International Championship at Everlasting Epic II between these two men!

Buckingham: Or maybe not! Magellan’s just tagged himself in!

Scythe is noticeably annoyed as Matthew Magellan indeed tags himself into the bout, but begs Scythe for the chance to prove himself to the team. After much grumbling, Magellan is allowed to continue. However, as soon as he turns around, he is greeted by Michael Grieco screaming for his head from the ring apron.

Grieco calls for the tag and The Omega motions to do just that. However, Magellan waves off Omega and begins shouting at Grieco, moving closer to the corner. Then, as soon as The Omega lets his guard down for a second, Magellan spins around and nails him with the Strait of Magellan, immediately rolling him over into a cover! One, two, three!

Buckingham: What?!

Troy: Magellan did it! He has just won this match for his team!

Buckingham: I don’t think anyone’s satisfied either!
WINNERS VIA PINFALL AT 1:16 – SCYTHE, JON DULBERG, MATTHEW MAGELLAN, PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE

With the fans cheering loudly, Magellan rolls underneath the bottom rope, quickly bows to his teammates, grabs Jade, and retreats to the back! Grieco and Dee follow in hot pursuit, while everyone else piles into the ring and begins brawling!

Troy: It’s pandemonium in the ring!

Cox chases Cerrone out of the ring and to the back while Scythe and Troha exchange fists. Meanwhile, Dulberg and Jew go at it, and Dawkins and Renegade go after Darrin Giles and the weakened Omega. The brawling continues in full force until officials pour out from the back to try to stop it. Amidst the chaos, we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we are taken ringside to our commentators, Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.

Troy: Alright ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to The Rebirth. We have an interesting segment coming up next, as we will be joined via satellite by two men who don’t think very much of each other.

First, coming to us from his home in Westchester, New York, we have Evan Black. Evan, how are you doing?

We now see Evan Black’s image on the Jumbotron.

Black: Vic, I’ve been better. Getting powerbombed off a stage is never really a pleasant thing.

Troy: I can’t imagine it is.

Buckingham: Evan, Randall Buckingham here. The word on the street is that you deserved everything you got from Solomon. Your thoughts?

Black: That’s the word on the street, is it? Well Randall, all I’m gonna say is—

Buckingham: Don’t bother saying anything to me, Evan. Say it to this man. Joining us from his home in Barrow, Alaska is the Alaskan Monster Solomon, who is currently serving a suspension. Solomon, it’s our pleasure to have you here.

We now see Solomon on the Jumbotron, and settle into a split-screen view of both competitors.

Solomon: Thank you, Randall. And yes, like you said, I’m serving a suspension, but I’ll be back next Tuesday. That’s more than we can say for you, right Black?

Black: I won’t be cleared to return to the ring until two weeks from tonight, but there’s nothing that says I can’t be in Madrid next week.

Solomon: So then what are we wasting our time here for?

Troy: Umm, not to butt in, but Mr. Schenck arranged this because he has determined that you two are incapable of communicating without coming to blows. So please, continue your discussion.

Solomon: What’s to discuss? This punk needs to learn his damn place.

Black: This PUNK is singlehandedly tearing down the myth that is Solomon. You’re not invincible. You never were. You just needed someone to stand up to you and tell you that you weren’t immortal, that you do feel pain. That’s why you want to be rid of me so badly. Because YOU are afraid of ME.

Solomon: (furious) I am afraid of YOU?! Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?! Do you have any idea what I will DO to you when I see you?! I will make that powerbomb seem like a walk in the freakin’ park!

Black: Your reaction proves everything I just said, Solomon.

Solomon: You know what?! I am SICK of you!

Solomon then takes a minute to compose himself before he continues.
 
Solomon: It goes against every bit of my better judgment, Black, but I’m going to do you a favor. I’m going to make your career. You don’t deserve it, but I’m willing to step into the ring and face you at Everlasting Epic, on one condition: no holds barred, falls count anywhere. Face me in an environment where there can be NO fluke victories and I’ll make a star out of you.

Black: (smirking) Nice try. Do you seriously think you have the leverage here? Did you forget you’re trying to win an argument with an attorney? I can decline your challenge and walk away from this interview right now and you will be the one who suffers more than I do. Sure, a win over you at Everlasting Epic would make my career, but let’s be honest, I could also end up worse off than I am now. I could come back to work, find another way into Everlasting Epic, and reach the top without ever wrestling you again. Now do I want to go that route? No. But could I? Absolutely. I HAVE already beaten you, after all. I have little to prove.

Now you, on the other hand, you’re at a bit of a crossroads. Two weeks ago, I exposed a huge chink in your armor. I beat you the very first time we went one-on-one. When’s the last time that happened? That’s right, that’s NEVER happened before. If you ask me, your reputation has taken quite a hit over the past few weeks. And do you really think powerbombing me off a stage or annihilating a retired Hall of Famer who was here to promote a book does anything to make it better? It just makes you seem like that much more of a desperate, pathetic has-been who had to lower himself to acts that were beneath him to hold onto his spot.

Solomon: Say these things to my face, punk! I dare you!

Black: Oh trust me, I will, and then I’ll superkick you in the face again while I’m at it. But as far as your Everlasting Epic challenge goes, with the terms as they are, my answer is no.

Solomon: Are you serious?! What the hell do I have to do to get you in the ring, coward?!

Black: You can call me a coward, but I’m not letting you bully me into your type of match with no ramifications. Solomon, I will accept your challenge for a falls count anywhere match at Everlasting Epic under one condition.

Solomon: I accept, whatever it is.

Black: Trust me, you’re going to want to consider this one a bit. Because Solomon, the only way I face you at Everlasting Epic in a falls count anywhere match is if you put your CAREER on the line.

Troy: What?!

Buckingham: Seriously?! Solomon, are you going to put your career on the line to face Evan Black at EE?

A look of pure rage is now etched on Solomon’s face.

Solomon: You want me to put my career on the line?! You want me gone?! I’ll tell you what, punk… YOU’RE ON! Evan Black, at Everlasting Epic, I will DESTROY YOU!

Black: I hope for your sake you do, Solomon. Because when you don’t, and I beat you, we can all look forward to a third season of The Rebirth free of the Alaskan Monster.

With that, Black drops his headset and walks off. After several moments of seething, Solomon does the same, flipping over his chair in the process.

Troy: My God! ANOTHER huge announcement for Everlasting Epic! Solomon will face Evan Black in a falls count anywhere match, but if Black wins, then Solomon’s career… is over!

Buckingham: Absolutely unreal, Troy!

Troy: And folks, this show keeps on rolling! The contract signing between Jason Calysto and Vulture is still to come, but up next, it’s Anthony Failla vs. Greg Tantalus and Markus Krieg in a handicap match. We’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “Hey You” by Simon Says hits the speakers and Greg Tantalus makes his way to the ring to a chorus of boos. Upon reaching the ring, he grabs a microphone.

Tantalus: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome SIN’s special guests for the evening and Germany’s own… Rammstein!

The Berlin crowd explodes as Rammstein emerges on a side stage and begins performing “Reise, Reise,” playing native son Markus Krieg to the ring to a roaring ovation!

Buckingham: Wow! More of the perks of being a part of SIN, I suppose!

A pumped-up Krieg stalks his way to the ring to loud chants of “Mar-kus Krieg,” and the emotionless monster actually cracks a smile. At length, Krieg enters the ring and stands beside Tantalus as they await their opposition.

Moments later, “Better Think Again” by Submersed hits and the fans cheer the arrival of Anthony Failla, who doesn’t take his eyes off Tantalus or Krieg his entire walk down the aisle. Finally, Failla enters the ring and goes right after Krieg, pounding him viciously!

TWO-ON-ONE HANDICAP MATCH:
SIN [GREG TANTALUS & MARKUS KRIEG] VS. ANTHONY FAILLA
Referee: Dan Martin
The bell sounds and the match begins, meaning Tantalus needs to exit to the ring apron.

Troy: Alright, here we go. Keep in mind that, in this handicap match, Tantalus and Krieg will need to tag in and out under tag team rules. This is not a free-for-all.

Buckingham: At least not yet.

Krieg and Failla exchange hard fists in the ring, with Failla gaining the initial advantage. However, Krieg feeds off the adrenaline of the capacity hometown crowd and downs him with a big double-sledge. Krieg works over Failla with repeated knee drops before Tantalus calls for the tag.

Krieg obliges, bringing Greg Tantalus into the fray, and the three-time PWA World Heavyweight Champion gets right to work, viciously stomping away on Failla. Tantalus works on Failla’s right ankle, cinching in a spinning toehold before peppering it with additional stomps. When an enraged Failla gets back to a vertical base, Tantalus tags Krieg back into the battle.

Krieg downs Failla with a big clothesline before lifting him up and whipping him hard into the corner. Krieg then charges in after Failla, but Failla gets a boot up and clobbers him in the jaw! Krieg staggers away, and Failla charges forward and spears him to the mat! Then, when Krieg rises, Failla positions himself for the Weapon of Mass Destruction, but Tantalus enters the ring and chop-blocks Failla’s right leg out from under him! Referee Dan Martin demands that Tantalus leave the ring, but he is blatantly ignored. When Martin reaches a count of five, he has no choice but to disqualify the SIN team.

Buckingham: Are you serious?! Let them fight!
WINNERS VIA DISQUALIFICATION AT 3:12 – ANTHONY FAILLA

Tantalus intimidates Martin into fleeing for the backstage area while Krieg gets Failla to a vertical base and destroys him with a full nelson slam. Then, Tantalus exits the ring and retrieves a chair while Krieg lifts him again and devastates him with the BlitzKrieg! Now defenseless, Failla can do nothing as Tantalus wraps the steel chair around his right ankle.

Troy: Someone get out here right now! This could get really ugly!

Buckingham: You heard what Failla said, Troy! No one’s coming! And now he learns his lesson once and for all!

With a sadistic grin on his face, Tantalus stomps on the chair, causing Failla to howl in pain! However, the chair remains on Failla’s ankle and Tantalus instructs Krieg to hold him down.

Krieg stomps on Failla several times for good measure before holding his leg in place, the chair still wrapped around his damaged right ankle. However, Tantalus now climbs to the top rope, looking to finish him off once and for all.

Troy: No! We need some help out here! We need some help out here bad!

Before Tantalus can complete the potentially career-ending leap, the full security detail pours out from the back and provides cover for Failla. Tantalus and Krieg are escorted to the back as EMTs rush past them, but smiles are still present on both their faces.

Troy: Thank God for security, but why are these two smiling? They didn’t finish the job!

Buckingham: Do you see Failla in there, Troy? They may have failed to fix the Failla problem permanently, but they’ve almost certainly fixed it for the rest of this season.

Troy: Failla assured Justin Schenck that nothing would keep him from Everlasting Epic, but I believe he made a huge tactical error in allowing him to come out here without backup tonight. Now, barring some miracle, he is going to need a new member of his team in London. But folks, speaking of Everlasting Epic, we’ll sign the contracts for the main event right after this. We’ll be right back.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “Reason to Hate Me” by Krayzie Bone is blaring over the speakers and PWA creative director Justin Schenck is standing in the ring. A red mat has been placed over the ring’s canvas and a table is set up in the center of the ring, with a contract right on top. Schenck then begins speaking.

Schenck: As you all know, on September 10th, in London, England, at world-famous Wembley Stadium, Vulture will challenge The Iceman Jason Calysto for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship, and tonight, both men will sign the contract to make that match official. Now, given what just happened, I have decided to moderate this contract signing myself, to ensure our champion doesn’t suffer a similar fate. And also because of what just happened, I am demanding that Vulture get his ass out here RIGHT NOW!

After several moments, VAST’s “Falling From the Sky” overtakes the speakers and Vulture emerges from behind the curtain, a smirk on his face. Decked in a black Armani suit with a red shirt, black tie, and red-tinted Rayban Aviators, Vulture strolls down the aisle and grabs a microphone before joining Schenck in the ring.

Vulture: Can I help you with something, Justin?

Schenck: Don’t play innocent with me. You know EXACTLY what I’m talking about. You think I’m just gonna stand here and let you guys get away with what you did to Failla?

Vulture: As far as I can tell, Justin, there’s really nothing you can do about it besides find a replacement for your Everlasting Epic match. I’m sure by now you’ve heard from the EMTs, haven’t you? What do they think? Seems like a break, doesn’t it?

Schenck: (sighing) They do believe Failla has suffered a broken ankle, yes.

Vulture: And the recovery period on that is, what, six to eight weeks typically?

Schenck: That is my understanding.

Vulture: And Everlasting Epic is how many weeks away? About four and a half, right?

Schenck: Listen, you son of a bitch, if Failla really did break his ankle and he’s out of the equation for EE, then I will find a replacement, and SIN WILL go down. Believe me, Vulture. That is a promise.

Vulture: We’ll have an answer for anyone you can find. But let’s stop boring the people with your troubles. They came here tonight to see me and Calysto sign the contract for Everlasting Epic, so let’s get on with it, shall we?

Schenck (speaking through gritted teeth): Very well. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the reigning PWA World Heavyweight Champion and a man who is much more important to this organization’s great history than the man standing in the ring with me, The Iceman Jason Calysto!

Vulture snickers and shakes his head as “F*ckin’ in the Bushes” by Oasis blasts onto the speakers and Jason Calysto emerges to a thunderous ovation! Unlike Vulture, Calysto actually approaches the ring dressed to compete, the world championship belt fastened around his waist. Calysto grabs his own mic and enters the ring, standing behind his chair while Vulture stands behind his. Vulture and Calysto then stare each other down before each takes a seat.

Schenck: Alright gentlemen, let’s keep it clean. The contract is right in front of you. Let’s get your signatures on this thing and go home.

Vulture: Is that really how this thing is gonna go down, Justin? I don’t think so. The people here, they didn’t come to watch us sign a piece of paper. They want one of two things. They want to hear us talk, or they want to see us fight. And since I’m clearly not dressed to compete, Iceman, let’s talk.

Calysto: What is there to talk about? You made your choice, I made mine. Now, at Everlasting Epic, I’m gonna show you exactly why your choice was the wrong one. That about covers it, doesn’t it?

Vulture: Does it? Let me ask you something, Jay. What gives you the right to judge me or the decisions I make? Do you have any idea how much I struggled with the idea of reforming SIN? Do you know why I did it? No. You know what happened? I made a decision to give myself the best shot to get back to the top of the mountain, while at the same time reuniting the family I was estranged from. I regret that you were collateral damage in making that happen at Symphony of Destruction. But your reaction – your OVERreaction – was childish and absurd. You refused to take my calls. The entire six-week break, I couldn’t get in touch with you if my life depended on. Then, I hear you’ve decided to take your ball and go home. Why? Because you didn’t want to stand and face me. And you know what? That’s fine. But then, just when our plan works, just when I’m able to walk out here and call myself champion again, you pop back up to literally steal the title from me. I can’t wait to hear your skewed perspective on all this, but if you ask me, the choice you made was a hell of a lot worse than the one I made.

Calysto: You want to know why I wouldn’t take your calls? Because I was pissed at myself for getting played for a sucker by you again. Look, outside of this world, we’ve shown that we can be great friends. We’ve been friends for 30 years, and I’d say that the four years this company was out of business were four of the best years of that friendship. But this environment, it changes you. It always has. There’s a reason why people call you Vulture. And knowing all this, I’ve been really careful about putting you in a position of trust. But after everything that happened with your neck, with Jackie Baccaro, with me being the best man at your wedding to Morgan, and with my heart, quite frankly, not really being in this anymore, I said what the hell? I went against my better judgment and let our personal friendship bleed into business. And you know what happened? You let me down.

Vulture: I let YOU down?! You know, Jay, you have a lot of nerve to sit there and judge me, to question my methods. You know why I went behind your back and reformed SIN? It was because I KNEW your heart wasn’t in this anymore. Do you think I thought for one minute you’d come on this journey with me? Of course not. I knew you didn’t have the same killer instinct you once did. I knew that you were simply here to give the people a good show and go home. Me? I wanted more. I wanted, so badly, to have what you swept in on your wave of morality and stole from me. And even though I try my best to keep my business and personal lives separate, I’ve spent the last four weeks hating you for it.

Calysto: You really make me laugh, you know that? Don’t you think I saw where this was all going? You had that look in your eyes again. That look of crazed obsession. And like I said at the time, nothing good ever comes of that. You were so consumed with becoming world champion again that it didn’t once cross your mind to say that if you weren’t good enough to do it on your own, then maybe it wasn’t meant to be. And that is really what got me off my couch, Mike. I know you, a lot of times better than you know yourself. Becoming champion the way that you did, aligning yourself with SIN, these are temporary highs that aren’t going to last. Because at the end of the day, you DO have morals, and you ARE intensely concerned with how you’ll be remembered.

I really think that coming back in 2006 to beat Jackie Baccaro at Everlasting Epic V was the finest moment of your career. It was the perfect cherry on top of an absolutely fantastic and legendary career. But you know what that was for you? That was like the guy who had quit smoking for years and has just one cigarette, for old time’s sake. You had the one last hurrah, and it was beautiful. But just like that recovering addict, one taste is never just one taste, is it? You HAD to come back for more. Fortunately for you, for four years, there was nothing to come back to. Until there was.

You had a young child at home and nothing left to prove, but you came back anyway. And I think, a year and change into your comeback, when you weren’t racking up the wins at the same rate you used to, you realized that you had ruined your storybook ending. The ending of your story was no longer going to be how you overcame a devastating neck injury and, after two years on the shelf, defeated your defiant and ungrateful protégé to prove that the old lion still ran the pride. Now, your story was about the reality of a neck injury that you never really recover from, the reason you retired in the first place seven years ago. The final chapter of your story was now going to be about the old lion’s inevitable demise, how he could no longer keep up with the young lions. You saw that happening each and every week and it started to consume you.

And I know you’ll sit there and say that joining SIN was about reuniting your estranged children, and believe me, I know that was part of it. I know firsthand how deeply that situation affected you since the day you found out exactly who the Duvals are. But this change in attitude, this reformation of SIN, it’s all about recapturing past glory. You’re not the same guy that led SIN and ran roughshod over the PWA eight years ago. And I hate to say it, but what I’ve seen from you in the ring tells me you’re not the same guy who beat me for the PWA Championship nine years ago in what was probably the greatest match in this company’s history. Deep down, you know that. And we both know that, years from now, when you looked back on your third reign as PWA Champion, you’d know it wasn’t legitimate and you’d resent yourself for it.

So yeah, I was pissed at you, pissed at myself, and content to stay home, because this whole situation made this not fun for me anymore. But when I saw the crap you pulled to steal the title in India, it made me sick. Not because I’m the morality police, but because you were cheating yourself. So when you went out of your way to prevent Crowley and Showtime from getting their rematches and Justin called me to be a last-minute replacement, I jumped at the opportunity. Because now, if you want to be champion again, you have to do it the right way. You have to beat ME for it.

Vulture: (calmly) You son of a bitch. Where the hell do you get off thinking you can play God with my career? You know, Jay, I don’t believe I asked for the psychoanalysis. The only thing I want, I already have, and that’s you in the ring at Everlasting Epic, with the world title on the line. But if you want to go there, then allow me to retort.

You have a LOT of nerve judging me for being desperate to get back to the top. Let me ask you something, Iceman. How many times have you won the PWA Championship?

Calysto: Five.

Vulture: And how many times have you competed in the main event of Everlasting Epic?

Calysto: This year will make four.

Vulture: Well, this is my first EE main event, in case you forgot. And if I let my story end with the Baccaro match five years ago, then it would have stayed zero. And my weeklong title reign last month aside, I was stuck on two reigns as PWA Champion, while you and Jaguar were off racking up close to half a dozen. I’m every bit as good as the both of you, and you know it. There are three men who set the standard for the PWA throughout its history, not two. But if you look at the record books, you’d think you and Jag were in a class by yourselves. Do I resent that? Of course I do. But you and I both know the ONLY reason that is the case is because of my goddamn neck injury. Had it not been for my neck, I would have main evented Everlasting Epics, I would have held more championships than either of you two, and I would have beaten every snot-nosed punk coming up the ranks that hangs with me today and thinks they’re on my level.

You say I’m not the same guy I was nine years ago when I beat your ass at Hellbent and won the title? You’re right. But neither are you. The guy I beat that night was passionate, determined, and the single toughest competitor I EVER stepped in the ring with. You know what you are now? You’re a joke. You can still bring it enough to outlast Crowley and Showtime, because you’re that damn good. But you’ve lost that killer instinct. And why wouldn’t you? You’ve had a perfect, complete career. You’ve accomplished every single thing you’ve set out to accomplish. You know what plagues my career? Regret. Sure, I was a first ballot Hall of Famer, but deep down, I resent I’m even in the Hall of Fame. I could have and should have accomplished SO much more. But I never had the chance. I lost the prime years of my career while you were off having classic match after classic match and winning title after title. So for you to even ATTEMPT to put yourself in my shoes is ridiculous. You CANNOT empathize with me. You got to live to your dream, Jay. Mine was cut short. And I’ve never gotten over it. So when I said a few months ago that I NEEDED to become champion again, I meant it. And I was willing to do anything for it. Now, you’ve taken it from me. So ask yourself this: what WOULDN’T I do in 32 nights to take it back?

Calysto: And if you use your SIN cronies to help you take it back, then what does that prove? But if that’s how you want to play it, go right ahead. If you take a look at the contract, you can see that there’s absolutely nothing in there that prohibits SIN from coming out to ringside. I’m leaving that entirely up to you. You’re right, neither one of us are the same guys we were. But I do know this: in the nine years since PWA opened its doors, you and I have wrestled each other twice. You beat me for the championship at Hellbent in October of ’02, and I beat you in our rematch at Requiem in April of ’03. Two of the greatest matches in PWA history, if you ask me. If you toss out our match four weeks ago, which we should, that makes us even. What we have at Everlasting Epic is the rubber match. It’s a chance for you to prove your supremacy over me, to win the PWA Championship straight up, with no excuses, and to change the ending of your story to beating the greatest of all-time in the main event of Everlasting Epic to finally become champion again, the right way.

If you have any confidence in your ability, if you take any pride in your legacy, the chance for that should be enough to sell you. What does using help from SIN to steal the title back get you? Do you really think that enhances your legacy in any way? Listen, I get it. I understand your frustration. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be in those shoes. But I do know that if you leave SIN in the back and face me like a man, win or lose, you will leave London with a greater legacy than you already have now. If you do this straight-up, we will tear the house down, and when it’s over, win or lose, I will extend my hand to you and we can move on. But if this means so much to you that you need to resort to SIN to get the job done, then that’s your loss.

With that, Calysto signs the contract and pushes it over to Vulture, who whips off his shades and engages in a staredown with the world champion.

Vulture: All I’m gonna say to you, Calysto, is enjoy your time with that title. Because on September 10th, one way or another, it’s coming home with me.

Vulture then grabs the paper and signs his name. He then stands up, prompting Calysto to stand as well. The two continue staring each other down, without either making a move, as the fans cheer loudly and the camera fades to black.

Schenck: Alright, it’s official! Jason Calysto versus Vulture at Everlasting Epic for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship!

Buckingham: Troy, I cannot wait for London!

Troy: Neither can I! Folks, we’re out of time! We’ll see you next week! Goodnight, everybody!


-- END SHOW --


Pre-Show Dark Matches:
1. Keiko Ishida def. Jade at 3:18 with the Oshimai running STO. (Referee: Dan Martin)
2. Saif al Abbad def. Fenix Clarke at 4:38 with the Dubai Dazzler. (Referee: Matt Hansen)

Post-Show Dark Match:
1. PWA World Heavyweight Champion Jason Calysto, Dan Crowley, Showtime Damon Savage, Hollywood Mike Griffin, Chase Stone, and Rich Revis def. SIN [Vulture, Greg Tantalus, PWA International Champion John Wolfe, James Biamonte, Markus Krieg, and Chris Duval] in a 12-man tag team match. Stone pinned Duval with a fisherman suplex at 6:08. (Referee: Tom Stevens)