EPISODE #3.10

STAPLES CENTER
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2012

Watch the video below for the show-opening video package and The Rebirth opening credits



***

As the video concludes, we are taken inside the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, where a stunning pyrotechnic display ensues before the camera moves to our commentators, Victor Troy and Randall Buckingham.

Troy: Hello everyone and welcome back to PWA: The Rebirth! I’m Victor Troy, along here with Randall Buckingham, and it’s time to get back to business! It’s been a long six-week hiatus but we are live in Los Angeles tonight to kick off our final nine episodes, which all build to the PWA’s swan song, Everlasting Epic VIII on Saturday, October 20th!

Buckingham: That’s certainly true, but before we start talking too much about the future, let’s take a moment to soak in the present! As we just saw in that video, Evan Black won the 30-man Symphony of Destruction match six weeks ago to become the brand-new PWA World Heavyweight Champion, and Troy, I’m still shocked by that!

Troy: Evan Black had one and only one opportunity to overcome his contractual ban on facing Solomon and challenging for the PWA title, but he made good on it and became the new champion! And now, the tables are turned, meaning that Solomon is contractually prohibited from competing against Evan Black for the title!

Buckingham: Which is a load of crap, if you ask me. If EB had any guts, he’d lift that stipulation and give Solomon the rematch he deserves.

Troy: Are you serious?! Solomon did EVERYTHING he could to hide behind that contract for as long as he could to avoid facing Evan Black, and now that the roles are reversed, you want EB to just immediately give up his position?

Buckingham: In a word, yes.

Troy: Well, we’re going to hear Evan Black deliver his championship address in just a few moments, but as far as Solomon is concerned, no one has seen the Alaskan Monster in the building as of yet tonight. Is Solomon going to be here in the STAPLES Center, and if he is, what kind of mood is he going to be in?

Buckingham: I can’t imagine it will be a great one.

Troy: Certainly not, but someone who MUST be in a great mood tonight is Justin Schenck, whose team held back the challenge of Jerry Georgatos and SIN at Symphony of Destruction. Thanks to that, Schenck’s status as creative director and part-owner of the PWA is secure.

Buckingham: It sure is, but the bigger question: what does this mean for SIN?

Troy: Well, with Georgatos gone, SIN has lost a major ally in the front office, and their future could very well be in jeopardy. But we’ll see that tested tonight, when Greg Tantalus forms a SIN contingent with John Wolfe and Chris Duval to take on Anthony Failla, Chase Stone, and Scythe. Randall, a loss tonight for SIN could be crippling.

Buckingham: It could very well be, but there are bigger questions surrounding SIN tonight. As was announced on our Twitter feed, Vulture is scheduled to be in attendance tonight to make a major announcement. Now, as far as I know, Vulture has not yet arrived to the building, and neither has Morgan Day, The Duval Twins, or John Wolfe. I’d imagine they’re all on their way. But from what I’ve heard, Vulture’s announcement will have major implications on the health of SIN.

Troy: Is this it? Is this finally going to be the Vulture retirement announcement?

Buckingham: From what my sources tell me, it could very well be.

Troy: We’ll just have to wait and see there, just like we’ll have to patiently await word from Markus Krieg and Bishop Cross. That’s right, Bishop Cross has returned to the PWA, alongside a revamped Markus Krieg, and the two absolutely decimated Dan Crowley just before the start of the Symphony of Destruction match, costing Crowley his spot in the bout. Details regarding Crowley’s condition are hazy, and there’s no word on whether or not he will be here tonight, but we can confirm that Cross and Krieg ARE in the building tonight, and we WILL hear from them.

Buckingham: I, for one, can’t wait to hear what they have to say. Bishop Cross dropped off the face of the earth after losing to Crowley in a Buried Alive match at Everlasting Epic V back in 2006, but he chose now to make his grand return. Why now? And why has Markus Krieg joined forces with him? Hopefully we’ll find out later tonight.

Troy: I’ve also been told that we’re going to be introduced to “Showtime 2.0” tonight, whatever that means.

Buckingham: I’m not sure either, but it sounds awesome to me.

Troy: Well, what sounds awesome to me is TWO titles being put up for grabs tonight! The Women’s Championship will be on the line when Keiko Ishida defends the gold against her Everlasting Epic VII opponent Kemi Okoro! But also tonight, Fenix Clarke will cash in his rematch clause and challenge Saif al Abbad for the Progressive title he lost at Symphony of Destruction!

Buckingham: Speaking of champions, we’ll see the PWA Tag Team Champions, the fantastic Hollywood Miracle, team up with the new International Champion Jon Dulberg to take on the trio of Matthew Magellan, Paul Dawkins and Renegade!

Troy: In intergender action, we’ll see Juan Pablo Alvarez take on the only female to ever compete in the Symphony of Destruction match, Zina!

Buckingham: And Michael Grieco goes one-on-one with GI Jew!

Troy: We’ve got all that and more coming up, but let’s kick this night off! Lee Palmer, take it away!

***

The camera shifts to ring announcer Lee Palmer in the squared circle.

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… JUSTINNNNNNN SCHENNNNNNNCK AND BRYYYYYYANNNNN CONNNNNROYYYYYYY!

Bon Jovi’s “Bounce” overtakes the speakers and the Los Angeles crowd gives a hearty welcome to the creative director and part-owner of the PWA, Justin Schenck, who walks to the ring alongside Bryan Conroy. Both men appear to be in exceptional moods as they head down the aisle and enter the squared circle.

Schenck: Well people, despite Jerry Georgatos’ best efforts, we’re still here! (crowd cheers) As you know, at Symphony of Destruction, my team of this man Bryan Conroy, Chase Stone, and Scythe took down Georgatos’ SIN team of Greg Tantalus, Vulture, and James Biamonte, and because of that, you will never see Jerry Georgatos again! (crowd cheers) Trust me, I’m just as happy about that as you are. With Georgatos gone, that means I get to continue running this company as I see fit until we close our doors for the last time on October 20th. Now, I’ll be talking a great deal more about Everlasting Epic VIII in the weeks to come, but before we look ahead, let’s look back to the Symphony of Destruction match. For the first and only time in PWA history, the reigning PWA World Heavyweight Champion took the title into the SOD match and defended it. At SOD, that champion was the Alaskan Monster Solomon. Now, Solomon is not yet in the building tonight, but I wanted to extend to him my sincerest kudos on the incredible performance he gave. However, on June 30th, that performance was not enough to keep the championship around his waist. So, with that said, allow me to introduce the NEW PWA World Heavyweight Champion… ladies and gentlemen, Evan Black!

The Los Angeles crowd now cheers wildly as “Ante Up” by M.O.P. invades the speakers and Evan Black makes his first appearance before a PWA crowd as the World Heavyweight Champion. Black appears to be in a fantastic mood, engaging with the crowd on his way to the ring, before entering the ring and exchanging hearty handshakes with both Schenck and Conroy.

Schenck: EB, I’m gonna give you the floor in just a moment, but before I do, I have to commend you for something that not a lot of people know about. The normal convention in this Rebirth Era would be to give you credit for being champion for four days at this point, despite winning the title 45 calendar days ago, because up until three nights ago, the PWA hasn’t held a sanctioned event since Symphony of Destruction. However, the night of your SOD victory, you came into my office and told me that you didn’t want to wait 45 days to defend the PWA Championship. You had dreamed of becoming PWA Champion for so long, and with so little time remaining, you wanted to get the most out of your title reign. So you asked for permission to defend this title at independent bookings. It was a risky move, but I approved it, and it impresses me beyond belief to say that you have made 10 successful defenses of this title all over the world since the SOD, eight before the PWA even resumed touring this past Thursday. You averaged more than one title defense per week, against the top stars of Japan, Mexico, Europe, and the United States independent scene. And it is because of that drive and ambition that I am pleased to tell you that the Board of Directors has voted to recognize your title reign as having lasted 45 days to this point instead of the traditional four. So congratulations.

The fans give the champion another loud ovation as Schenck and Conroy give him a round of applause. Black seems legitimately humbled.

Black: Wow. Obviously, I appreciate that tremendously. But I want you and everyone around the world to know that I didn’t do what I did for the accolades. I don’t do anything for accolades. Everything I do is driven by a desire to compete that absolutely consumes me. I competed in the courtroom, and when that wasn’t enough for me, I decided to fight my battles literally. Ever since walking away from my legal career, I have had to scrape and claw my way to every single achievement. But no matter how difficult the obstacle seemed, I knew that if I believed in myself, if I just kept fighting, I could find a way to win. That’s what got me out of the independent scene and onto the PWA roster. That’s what led me to the International Championship just three months into my PWA career. That’s what moved me to stand up to Solomon, and what moved me to keep going after I suffered the biggest setback of my career at Everlasting Epic last year. At Symphony of Destruction, I was given one and only one shot to live my dream and become PWA World Heavyweight Champion, but I had to go through 29 men to do it. But I found a way. And once that title was finally mine, I wanted to give others an opportunity of a lifetime. I wanted to enjoy the hell out of being champion for as long as I possibly could. But to me, enjoying a title reign isn’t about how long you can sit at home with the belt; it’s about how frequently you lay it on the line. I’ve survived 45 days as champion against stiff competition from around the world. But now the true test begins. Now, I put that title on the line against the absolute best wrestlers in the world, against the top contenders of the PWA. I promise you all that I will continue to be a fighting champion, that I will accept all challenges, and that I will defend this title with my life. But with that said, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the PWA fans. You guys have supported me since day one and I can’t tell you how much it means to me. All I can tell you is the best is yet to come, because I plan on taking this title into Everlasting Epic and closing down this company as the final champion!

Loud cheers meet the champion again and Conroy steps forward.

Conroy: Evan, I just want to offer my personal congratulations. I have a great feeling about you as champion. I think we are in for some special moments. I only wish that you had come around a decade earlier because I think we could have had some amazing matches together when I was in my prime.

Black: Your prime? I saw you at SOD, you can still go. You looked as good as most of the guys in that locker room.

Conroy: Thank you.

Black: You know what? I just got an idea. Bryan Conroy, I am challenging you to a match for the PWA Championship, right here tonight!  

The fans cheer this, but Conroy immediately waves them off.

Conroy: I don’t know about that, Evan. I don’t deserve a shot at the title.

Schenck: You’ve done enough the past 45 days, EB. I’d planned to give you the night off.

Black: We have nine episodes and one pay-per-view until we close our doors forever and it’s my first televised appearance as world champion. Why the hell would I want a night off? And Bryan, you say you don’t deserve a title shot? I say you do. You earned a slot in the SOD match, the same SOD match where I won this title, and you gave it up. You gracefully stepped aside to let someone else have a shot at the championship. I say you’ve earned this opportunity. And I’ll take it as a personal affront if you turn me down. So what do you say?

Conroy: Listen, if we do this, I’m not going to hold anything back. I respect the hell out of you, but if you’re giving me a shot at the PWA World Heavyweight Championship, a title I’ve never held, know that you’re stepping in there with a dangerous challenger. Someone with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Black: Oh trust me, I’m aware. And I want your best. Now do we have a match?

Black extends his hand and Conroy ponders. However, several moments later, Conroy shakes his hand and the crowd erupts!

Schenck: Well, I guess it’s official! Tonight, Evan Black defends the PWA World Heavyweight Championship against Bryan Conroy!

With the crowd still buzzing, “Amazing” by Kanye West hits the speakers and Chase Stone heads down the aisle to a tremendous ovation. Stone doesn’t walk to the ring with one arm raised as is typical. In fact, he doesn’t appear to be in a good mood at all. Stone grabs a microphone and joins the three men in the ring.

Stone: Am I hearing this right? After six weeks of defending the championship against nobodies around the world, Evan Black gives the first televised shot at his PWA title to Bryan Conroy?! No offense Bryan, you were a great talent in your day, but COME ON! Are you ducking me, EB? Is that what this is?

Black: Ducking you? Seriously? You want to go right now?!

Schenck: Now hold on a minute! There will be no match between Evan Black and Chase Stone right now! Chase, you were unbelievably impressive at the Symphony of Destruction, becoming the sole survivor for my team and then going on to the final two of the SOD match. But you have to be patient.

Stone: Justin, I’ve been patient since Season One. There’s no more time for patience. I should be the number one contender to this chump’s title. How am I behind Bryan Conroy in line?

Schenck: Simply put, Chase, Bryan Conroy didn’t compete for the PWA title at SOD. You did, and while you came very close, you lost. Just wait your turn and good things will happen.

Stone: I would hope so. I pulled double duty at SOD to make sure you stayed in charge around here, and that probably cost me the PWA title. So I fully expect that you will reward me for that decision. Now Conroy, good luck tonight. I didn’t mean any disrespect. And if you win, I look forward to competing against you for the world championship. But as for you, EB…

Black: I’m listening.

Stone: IF you walk out of here with the title tonight, don’t get comfortable. You caught a huge break in Solomon not being allowed to challenge you due to very same stipulation that held you out of the title picture the entire first half. But you have much bigger concerns than Solomon. Sooner than later, I’m going to get my title shot, and when I do, I promise you, you are looking at the new PWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Black: Whenever and wherever, Chase. Whenever and wherever.

Stone then exits the ring and backpedals up the ramp, keeping his eyes locked on EB the whole time. Then, with Stone out of sight, Black and Conroy shake hands one more time before their battle later this evening.

Troy: It’s gonna be Evan Black defending the PWA Championship against Bryan Conroy later tonight, but Chase Stone is none too pleased! Folks, we’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #1 – PWA PROGRESSIVE CHAMPIONSHIP:
SAIF AL ABBAD (champion) VS. FENIX CLARKE (challenger)
Referee: Jose Soares



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

The camera returns from break in the dressing room of Emily Walker, Fenix Clarke, and Paul Epton. Emily is scolding Clarke for his loss moments ago.

Emily: How could you let this happen, Fenix?! It was bad enough that you lost the championship at Symphony of Destruction, but I went out of my way to arrange for you to get your rematch immediately after the break, and this is what I get? You haven’t been yourself lately. You were supposed to be my secret weapon to conquer the cruiserweight division, and lately you’ve been barely above adequate. Do you have anything to say for yourself?

Clarke stares back at Emily but says nothing.

Emily: Let’s go, Paul. I’m done with this for tonight.

Epton then walks over to Emily, puts his arm around her, and kisses her deeply. She then smiles widely.

Emily: I’m feeling better already.

Epton then smirks at Clarke and leaves the dressing room with Emily, leaving a dejected Clarke alone with his thoughts.

***

In another portion of the backstage area, we see the Progressive Champion Saif al Abbad celebrating his victory with his friend Asai Moon. However, the celebration is short-lived as Dexter P. Wellington joins the scene, mockingly clapping.

Wellington: Bravo, Saif. Bravo. You’ve prevailed over Fenix Clarke again. But the world wonders: when are you going to step up and accept a real challenge?

Saif: And let me guess: you’re classifying yourself as that real challenge?

Wellington: I am a four-time Progressive Champion after all.

Asai: You always insist on talking about the distant past, but what have you done since you lost the International title two years ago? Between the two of us, I am far more deserving of a shot at Saif’s title.

Wellington: Is that so? Well then why don’t you put your money where your mouth is, little man? I’ve been waiting a long time to slap that stupid mask off your face.

Asai: Fine by me. I’ll see you in that ring tonight.

Wellington: I didn’t say anything about tonight. Next week. I’ll give you a week to mentally prepare for the end of your career.

With that, Wellington smirks and walks off. Saif then pats Asai on the back.

Saif: Do not let him intimidate you.

Asai then turns to Saif, staring into his eyes.

Asai: I am NOT intimidated. And after I defeat him, I WILL be Progressive Champion.

This statement causes Saif to smile.

Saif: I would welcome that challenge, Asai.

***

The camera then quickly shifts to the parking lot, where we can see Vulture, Morgan Day, The Duval Twins and John Wolfe entering the arena.

Troy: Look at this! Vulture and his family are here! And I’m being told Vulture will head out to the ring right after this! Don’t move a muscle!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, VAST’s “Falling From the Sky” blares over the speakers and the Los Angeles crowd cheers loudly at the arrival of Vulture. The PWA Hall of Famer has a somber look on his face as he walks to the ring in street clothes. He then grabs a microphone and steps into the ring.

Vulture: At Symphony of Destruction, I said I would start the six-man tag team elimination match and by the time I tagged out, at least one member of the opposition would be eliminated. Instead, I was pinned by Bryan Conroy before eliminating anyone. It was another failure in a season filled with them; a season of failures that has forced me to re-evaluate my career and my future. Now, I’m not delusional. I understand this is a young man’s game, and at 46 years old, no one is calling me a young man anymore. Through Everlasting Epic last year though, I felt like I was still one of the top competitors on this roster, age be damned. I felt like I still had something to give. But then I lost to Jason Calysto, and my body essentially shut down when I returned to the backstage area. It should have been a signal to me that it was time to retire. But I believed I could overcome it. And beyond that, I’d roped my family into SIN with me, and we hadn’t achieved our goal. I knew that if I disappeared, I’d put each and every one of them at risk. I didn’t want to be responsible for that. I thought I could coast by in this final season and then ride off into the sunset with this great company in October. But every single time I’ve stepped into the ring this season, I’ve lost. After the career I’ve had, after everything I’ve achieved, everything I’ve sacrificed for those achievements, I don’t want to be remembered as a loser.

After my latest defeat at SOD, a loss that led to SIN losing its benefactor and all its leverage in this company, Greg Tantalus approached me with a proposal. He encouraged me to retire, and said that if I did, he would give my family each individually the choice to either remain a part of SIN or to leave it. And beyond that, he gave me his word that anyone who chooses to leave SIN would be able to walk away unscathed. He will hold no grudge. So I’ve spent this break doing a lot of thinking, and the answer became pretty clear to me. Ladies and gentlemen, effective immediately, I am retiring from active competition here in the PWA.

The fans boo the announcement and Vulture nods somberly.

Vulture: I know it’s not what you want to hear right now, but I just can’t keep embarrassing myself anymore. And with a promise of safety for my family, either within SIN or without, now is the time. It was something that—

Suddenly, “Hey You” by Simon Says hits the speakers and Greg Tantalus walks to the ring to a chorus of boos. Vulture is clearly suspicious of Tantalus’ intentions as the SIN leader grabs a microphone and joins Vulture in the ring.

Tantalus: Now before you get all bent out of shape about me being out here, since I’ve already ruined your retirement once in the past, I have one thing to say to you: congratulations. Congratulations on a wonderful career. I know our relationship has been more bad than good over the years, and I know things between us have been really strained this season, but I’d be an idiot if I didn’t acknowledge everything you’ve meant to this company. Vulture, you are an absolute legend in this business and you deserve to ride off into the sunset. I know these fans probably don’t know how to react right now, but this moment is bigger than Greg Tantalus. This is the end of an era. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it, one last time, for Vulture!

The Los Angeles crowd showers Vulture with thunderous cheers, and the Hall of Famer is visibly touched.

Tantalus: Vulture, I have too much invested in SIN to not take the high road here. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this company and enjoy the hell out of your retirement.

Tantalus extends his hand, and Vulture is momentarily cautious. But then, he returns the gesture and shakes Tantalus’ hand to a roaring ovation. “Falling From the Sky” replays over the speakers and Vulture soaks in the moment… until Tantalus nails him from behind with a low blow!

Troy: Are you kidding me?! This is an absolute disgrace!

The fans shower Tantalus with boos as Vulture writhes on the mat. A sadistic grin then overtakes Tantalus’ face as he lifts Vulture off the mat and brutalizes him with a vicious G-Spot vertebreaker, the brunt of the impact narrowly missing Vulture’s surgically repaired neck!

With Vulture barely conscious, Tantalus kneels down in front of his head and speaks directly to him.

Tantalus: You should have known better, V. You don’t get to ride off into the sunset in peace.

Tantalus then gets up and rolls out of the ring, returning to the back to a mountain of jeers.

Troy: I can’t believe he’d stoop this low! He ruined the man’s retirement moment, just like he did in 2004!

Buckingham: You can’t believe he’d stoop this low? He’s Greg Tantalus! What WOULDN’T he do?!

Troy: Dammit folks, we’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see Morgan Day, The Duval Twins, and John Wolfe helping a battered Vulture out of the arena. However, just before they make it through the door, they are stopped by Greg Tantalus, James Biamonte, and Dee Licious.

Tantalus: Hey! Where the hell do you all think you’re going?!

Morgan: You have some nerve even ATTEMPTING to speak to us right now.

Tantalus: Just shut it, Morgan. I don’t give a damn about you. Chris, John, let’s go, we’ve got a six-man tag up next.

Chris: We’ve just got to get my dad into—

Tantalus: Just toss the old man onto the sidewalk and let’s go!

Chris: You know what? Screw you, Tantalus. I quit.

Wolfe: I second that. Enjoy your three-on-one handicap match.

Alexis: You’re an asshole, Tantalus. I quit too.

Tantalus is seething, too angry to speak, as the Duvals and Wolfe take Vulture out of the building. Morgan stays behind momentarily.

Biamonte: What’s wrong with all of you?! Tantalus told Vulture you could leave peacefully if you wanted, but you can’t just leave him high and dry with a match minutes away! You DO realize this means war, right? Exactly what Vulture was trying to prevent!

Dee: You go down this road, there’s no turning back.

Morgan: Oh trust me, we’re all fully aware of what we’re doing. None of us were ever afraid of any of you. And my husband may have been doing what he thought best for us, but I won’t stand beside any of you for another moment. You want to let us go peacefully? Great. You want to come after us? That’s fine too. But you might as well consider us the absolved, because after what you just did, effective immediately, we are all DONE with SIN. Good luck tonight, Tantalus. You’ll need it.

Morgan then exits the building. Tantalus is still too furious to speak.

Biamonte: Don’t worry, Tantalus. I’ve got your back.

Tantalus slowly turns to Biamonte before speaking through gritted teeth.

Tantalus: Prove it.

Tantalus then storms off, headed for the ring. Biamonte follows.

***

Watch the video below for

MATCH #2 – SIN VS. ANTHONY FAILLA, CHASE STONE & SCYTHE
Referee: Matt Hansen



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we are taken to the backstage area and backstage reporter Traci Reed, who is with the PWA Tag Team Champions The Hollywood Miracle and the PWA International Champion Jon Dulberg, alongside their respective managers The Standard Sleaze Don Cerrone and Briggs.

Traci: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to The Rebirth. A little later tonight, we’re going to see the Tag Team Champions The Hollywood Miracle team up with the man who won the International Championship at Symphony of Destruction, Jon Dulberg. But gentlemen, the three of you will take on the formidable team of Matthew Magellan, Paul Dawkins, and Renegade. How will you contend with that trio?

The Miracle Mike Troha: Contend? Are you serious? Contend? In case you missed it, Traci, Hollywood Mike Griffin and myself are the tag team champions of the world. A title we both earned and successfully defended against The Hot Boy$, a team commonly referred to as the greatest of all time. And since we’ve beaten them twice, I think it’s safe to say that The Hollywood Miracle is now the greatest team in history.

Hollywood Mike Griffin: And you know who no one has ever confused for the greatest team in history? Paul Dawkins and Renegade. What we have there are two absolute jokes who joined up to become slightly less of a joke. Sure, they have been champions a few times, but I can honestly say I’ve never been impressed with them. Who have they really beaten? Their biggest claim to fame is admirably holding the titles during a period where no one wanted them. The notion that they could even stand in there with a Hollywood Miracle is downright laughable.

Dulberg: And tonight, the greatest tag team in the world teams with the greatest International Champion of all time. At Symphony of Destruction, I cemented my legacy at the top of the list of International Champions when I won this title for a record third time. I was the first man to ever hold this championship and I WILL be the last. Matthew Magellan wants a piece of me? No problem. And it’s not even a problem that Briggs and Don Cerrone are banned from ringside. Because Jade is also banned, meaning it’s just the three of us against the three of them. And there’s simply no way those three could ever get the better of the three of us.

With that, the group walks off, pumped up about their match later tonight.

Traci: That match is coming up a little later tonight, but for now, Victor, Randall, back to you guys!

***

Watch the video below for

MATCH #3 – JUAN PABLO ALVAREZ VS. ZINA
Referee: Tom Stevens



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see the Alaskan Monster Solomon entering the building, appearing to be in a rotten mood, a scowl etched on his face. We then see backstage reporter Scott Cornelius take a deep breath and approach.

Cornelius: Solomon! Solomon! Can you tell us—

Solomon then turns to Cornelius, staring a hole through the reporter with his icy blue eyes until Cornelius puts down the microphone. At that point, Solomon continues walking and Cornelius puts his head down and does not pursue.

Troy: Well, we don’t know what he’s thinking, but we do know Solomon is here!

Buckingham: And the award for most obvious statement of the year goes to… my God, Victor Troy! Congratulations! What an honor!

Troy: Well, that was unnecessary.

Buckingham: So was your comment.

***

Back at ringside, the ominous tones of White Zombie’s “Blood, Milk and Sky” invade the speakers, signaling the arrival of Bishop Cross and Markus Krieg. The men are dressed as they were when they made their surprise returns at Symphony of Destruction: Krieg with his typical outfit shaded all in black, and Cross wearing a long hooded robe. The camera pans around the arena, capturing the frightened looks of children as the two make their way towards the ring. Finally, Krieg grabs a microphone as they enter, handing it to Cross once inside the ring. Bishop Cross then begins to speak in a slow, deliberate, and foreboding cadence.

Cross: It’s been a long, long time, hasn’t it? The date has been etched in my memory for the past six years. August 12, 2006. On that night, at Everlasting Epic V, with the PWA set to shut its doors forever, I also had the opportunity to end a long, grueling rivalry with the man then known as Speed Demon. For the few months leading up to that battle, Speed Demon had one-by-one dismantled my Army of the Damned, leaving us to settle our score in a Buried Alive match. It was the most brutal match of my career, but Speed Demon was the victor, and I found myself buried alive. After the match, after several long months of healing, I decided not to return to wrestling if there was no PWA to return to. But then, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the PWA returned. And with it, so did our Speed Demon. But he didn’t call himself Speed Demon any longer. No, now he was Dan Crowley. I thought about returning right there and then, crushing him before he had the chance to gain any momentum, but I decided to keep training, to keep biding my time. I watched Dan Crowley win the PWA World Heavyweight Championship, I watched him lose that title. I watched him make peace with Reaper, a man you know as Rich Revis and a man I knew as a loyal soldier in my Army. I watched all of this from afar, waiting for my opening. And then, early this season, the final season of PWA: The Rebirth, it happened.

I saw Markus Krieg, a man with untapped greatness, a man wasting away as SIN’s heavy, I saw Crowley put him on the shelf with a concussion. So when no one from SIN visited Krieg as he was recovering, I did. I instilled in Krieg the notion that he is a killer, that no one could stop him. And that we had a common enemy in Dan Crowley.

So at Symphony of Destruction, Krieg and I made our returns to this company, at the expense of Dan Crowley. Crowley can change his name, but he can’t run from his past. He is still Speed Demon, and Bishop Cross has found him. Now, if he is stupid enough to show his face again, we will crush him once and for all. But assuming he has learned something from his beating—

Suddenly, music blasts over the STAPLES Center speakers, but the music doesn’t belong to Dan Crowley. Rather, it is “Body Ya” by Fabolous that plays, the theme song of former PWA International Champion and Army of the Damned member Rich Revis, who makes his way to the ring, microphone in tow. Cross seems mildly amused to see him. Krieg’s expression of cold death never wavers. Finally, Revis enters the ring to confront the duo.

Cross: Nice to see you again, Reaper.

Revis: I wish I could say the same. And it’s Rich Revis now. Reaper is dead.

Cross: That much was evident six years ago, when you let your former tag team partner break your neck and begin the downfall of our Army.

Revis: You know, Cross, it’s been a long time. And for years, since I’ve realized what a mistake it was to join up with you, I’ve thought about what I’d say to you if I ever had this opportunity. I never really made up my mind, but now that we’re in the moment, I know exactly what to say. Bishop Cross, I am not going to stand here and let another Army of the Damned situation happen on my watch. I see what’s going on here. You’ve taken another angry, impressionable mind and you’ve manipulated that mind into following you blindly. Krieg, I know we’ve never seen eye to eye, but Bishop Cross is not the answer. Trust me, I know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s time you smarten up and stand on your own.

Cross: I don’t know. Krieg, what do you think? What time is it?

Krieg: It’s time… for pain.

With that, Krieg takes his microphone and quickly bashes Revis in the head with it! Revis attempts to fight back, but Cross joins in on the attack, and Rich Revis suddenly finds himself on the losing end of a two-on-one assault. However, before Cross and Krieg can do much damage, Dan Crowley darts down the aisle, steel chair in tow!

Troy: It’s Crowley! Dan Crowley is here, and he doesn’t look like he’s playing around!

The Los Angeles crowd cheers wildly as Crowley violently swings the chair at both Cross and Krieg, but the duo escapes the ring before any damage can be done! Crowley then helps Revis to his feet and grabs a microphone.

Crowley: You just don’t know when to stay buried, do you Cross?! I thought we were done with this!

Cross: We will NEVER be done with this!

Crowley: Suit yourself. Obviously, I’m not gonna take what happened at SOD lying down, and I know you well enough to know that you don’t operate one-on-one. So you’ve recruited Markus Krieg? Fine. I think I have a partner right here in the ring with me. So what do you say? Next week, the two of you against the two of us?

The fans cheer loudly, but a devilish smirk appears on Cross’ face.

Cross: Going there already, are we? The Lost Souls reunited? Hardly. Maybe Speed Demon and Reaper would have had a chance against us. But Dan Crowley and Rich Revis? Years ago, Crowley, you used to welcome people to the darkness. Well, I’ve spent the last six years immersed in it. I’m afraid neither of you know how to survive in the darkness any longer. You are no longer lost souls. You’re soulless. And deny it all you want, but those souls were taken… by me. Crowley, I turned the two of you against each other, I caused you to nearly end Revis’ career, I took your Dana and I destroyed her psyche. I ruined her for you.

Crowley is beyond livid in the ring, but Revis holds him back.

Cross: The two of you moved on with your lives by running from the shadows in which I dwell. You don’t realize it but no matter how far you run, you can never outrun me. And this man, this monster beside me, he is the super soldier that neither of you were mentally strong enough to be. No, you are no longer lost souls. You are soulless. And we… are The Soul Stealers. So we accept your little challenge. But I must warn you. It won’t be a challenge. For you have already beaten yourselves. Next week, we simply pick up the scraps.

With that, “Blood, Milk and Sky” replays and Cross flashes an evil smile at Crowley and Revis, Krieg standing stoically at his side. In the ring, a riled-up Crowley looks ready to go to war while a slightly more subdued Revis shouts “we’ll see next week!”

Troy: Unbelievable! Dan Crowley and Rich Revis will take on Bishop Cross and Markus Krieg next Tuesday night!

Buckingham: It’ll be the men formerly known as The Lost Souls taking on the men who are apparently calling themselves The Soul Stealers! I can’t wait!

Troy: It should be something else, but folks, we’ll be right back!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, backstage reporter Scott Cornelius is standing by with Paul Dawkins, Renegade, Matthew Magellan, and Jade.

Cornelius: Alright folks, welcome back to The Rebirth! With me at this time are three men who are looking to make a statement a little bit later tonight. Matthew Magellan, Paul Dawkins, Renegade: How will you attempt to overcome the International and Tag Team Champions in six-man tag team action?

Dawkins: First of all, we heard the comments our opponents made earlier tonight, and it’ll be our pleasure to make them eat those words in the ring. They don’t think Renegade and myself are in their league? They’d better think again.

Renegade: Troha and Griffin may have had tremendous singles careers, and they may have had some early success in the tag division, but Dawkins and myself, we’ve been teaming up for over a decade. And if they want to write us off that quickly, they’ll find themselves on the losing end of this match tonight.

Magellan: Which brings us to you, Jon Dulberg. You mentioned that Briggsy and Jade, and Cerrone too for that matter, won’t be allowed at ringside. Well trust me, Dulberg, that’s way more of an advantage for us than for you. You wouldn’t even be International Champion if it weren’t for poor confused Briggsy. Not only would you not have beaten Rich Revis for the title at SOD, but you wouldn’t have beaten me to earn that title shot in the first place. Tonight, you and The Hollywood Miracle are in there alone with the three of us. All of us have something to prove, and all of you are treating this match like it’ll be a walk in the park. But when this match is over, it’ll be the three of us with our hands raised, moving our hips like this.

Magellan then starts his customary hip swiveling, and after several seconds, Dawkins and Renegade look at Jade and shrug before all three of them join in with Magellan.

Cornelius: Well, there you have it! Victor, Randall, back to you!

***

Watch the video below for

MATCH #4 – GI JEW VS. MICHAEL GRIECO
Referee: Jose Soares



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #5 – PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP:
KEIKO ISHIDA (champion) VS. KEMI OKORO (challenger)
Referee: Dan Martin



***

The cameras now take us to the Hot Boy$ dressing room, where Romeo is seated, sampling ringtones on an apparently new cell phone as the door opens. A shocked look is shown on Da Playboi's face as the camera pans left and finds Jaguar, noticeably sans quite a few pounds, as muscle shows through his Justin Blackmon t-shirt. 

Romeo: Man! How you been, bruh? 

Jaguar: Just chillin’ man.

Romeo: Chillin’ my ass. Look at you! I see you dropped at least a few LBs. You been chasing Blackmon with a breathalyzer down there?

Jaguar: Zing! (laughing) Nah, man. You know he's past that. We've done dumb things too, but nothing like your old quarterback in Atlanta. 

Romeo: No need to bring up old stuff. But we back now. You ready to get back in gear? We haven't talked as much since the break. We good?

Jaguar: Oh yeah cuz. Nothing to worry about, never that. But after SOD, I went back home and did a lot of thinking. Man, I came close to taking that PWA title back. It's literally been years since I've felt that way, before Solomon put me down. 

Romeo: Well you had a lot going on that whole time. 

Jaguar: I know. You know I ain’t been right for years. But it’s time to get right about it. The whole first half of this season, it’s been all you bruh. You carried this HB thing and I didn't ask you to come back for that reason, to have to carry me out there. 

Romeo: It’s nothin’ to me. We're a team and if you need me picking up slack, I got you. 

Jaguar: Won't be no slack anymore. I'm back, in full force. I knew when I got on the plane to come out here, and then coming to this building, where I won my first PWA title. I'm back in the zone. My zone. 

Romeo: Well, it’s like I said at the Hall of Fame. I'm at that point now where I want it all. I need to know what it feels like to have everything finally lined up the right way in life. After the whole thing with Hollywood Miracle, do we really have time to keep playing around and chasing them, or do we just handle our own business before this place closes up shop again? 

The two look at each other in silence for a moment until their old "friends" Texas Justice appear at the base of the opened door. 

Pitbull: Aww, so bittersweet. Maddox, can you hand me a tissue?

Tate: They'll just give Jag some when we put him in that waaaaahhhh-bulance again.

Texas Justice then bursts into laughter.

Jaguar: Oh yeah? Meet us in the ring tonight and make that happen. Or should I wait til you jump me in the parking lot again?

Tate: No need. If you paid attention and wasn't late like you always are, you would know I already competed tonight, before we went on the air, and I'm not interested in doing it again. 

Pitbull: And before you ask for next week, we're kinda busy. We'll be taking OUR Tag Team titles from those Hollywood chumps. Doing yet another job you couldn't do. 

Tate: Face it, fellas. You’re both done. We will win the titles back next week, and whether we fight you or not, you'll never hold them again. 

The Texans make their exits cackling to themselves, leaving The Hot Boy$ pondering their words as we head to a break. 

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #6 – SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH:
MATTHEW MAGELLAN, PAUL DAWKINS & RENEGADE VS. PWA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION JON DULBERG & PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE HOLLYWOOD MIRACLE
Referee: Matt Hansen



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, Nas’ “Hate Me Now” hits the speakers and, after a lengthy intro, Showtime Damon Savage steps out onto the stage. The fans boo his entrance, and it is immediately noticeable that the former PWA World Heavyweight Champion has changed his appearance. Gone are the dreadlocks that Savage has grown throughout the entire duration of The Rebirth, replaced by a more classic Showtime hairstyle: cornrows. Wearing a personalized sleeveless hoodie, jeans, and shades, Showtime ignores the jeering crowd as he heads to the ring. Finally, he grabs a microphone and enters the squared circle, waiting for the boos to die down before he begins speaking.

Showtime: Y’all done? Showtime don’t got all night.

This, of course, only serves to prompt more boos from the crowd, which causes Savage to lose his patience and begin speaking.

Showtime: What you are looking at right now is Showtime 2.0. Too much time has been spent trying to please you people. This new look, the new music, they’re all symbols of how y’all can kiss Showtime’s ass. All y’all love Showtime’s dreads? They gone. All y’all love my Ice Cube jam? It’s gone. And like the new music says, you can hate me now. Showtime don’t give a damn. He is here for himself and himself only. And with nine episodes until Everlasting Epic VIII, the last event in PWA history, Showtime is here to be the last man to ever hold the PWA World Heavyweight Championship. And who’s gonna stop Showtime? Huh? Ain’t NO ONE can stop Showtime!

With that, “F*ckin’ in the Bushes” by Oasis thumps onto the speakers and the Los Angeles crowd gives a huge ovation to The Iceman Jason Calysto! Showtime is clearly not pleased to see Calysto, but The Iceman wears a big smile on his face. Calysto then grabs a microphone and joins Savage in the ring.

Showtime: You think YOU can stop me, Calysto? Does Showtime have to remind you what happened at SOD? You remember, when your ass got knocked out by this left fist?

Calysto: I may be getting a little older, but I can remember what happened six weeks ago. You’re right. We were both in the final five of the SOD match, and you caught me with that left hook. You caught me slightly off guard, I couldn’t react in time, and that was the end of my night. It happens. Not usually to me, but I’ve heard it happens.

Showtime: So why you out here then?

Calysto: Actually, I have a message from Justin Schenck. Next week on The Rebirth, you’re gonna go one-on-one… with The Iceman.

The fans cheer loudly at this announcement, though Showtime does not seem pleased.

Showtime: For real? Showtime already beat your wrinkled ass! He got nothing to prove!

Calysto: Listen, you may have gotten the better of me in the SOD, but you know what you still haven’t done? Beat me one-on-one. Do that next week and MAYBE I’ll be impressed. But until that happens, you’re just another chump with a big mouth that I’ll make tap like a bitch to the Crossface. See ya next week.

With that, Calysto’s facial expression turns serious and he shoves his microphone into Savage’s chest. From there, “F*ckin’ in the Bushes” replays and Calysto exits, leaving a stewing Showtime in the ring while the Los Angeles crowd showers The Iceman with cheers.

Troy: How about that?! It’s Calysto vs. Showtime next Tuesday night, when we’re live in Denver!

Buckingham: That should certainly be awesome, but we’ve still got the world title on the line tonight!

Troy: We certainly do, and that’s coming up next! Evan Black defends the gold against Bryan Conroy, right after this!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #7 – PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:
EVAN BLACK (champion) VS. BRYAN CONROY (challenger)
Referee: Tom Stevens



With the match concluded, Conroy approaches Black and offers his hand. With little hesitation, Black shakes Conroy’s hand, and the cheers of the crowd only rise in volume. Black then walks to the top turnbuckle and raises his arms in the air, only for Solomon to rush into the ring and violently shove Black off the top rope, crashing down back-first onto the arena floor!

Black writhes in pain on the outside, leaving Conroy alone in the ring with the Alaskan Monster, who stares coldly back at the former PWA owner. With a seven-foot, 330-pound giant standing in his path, Conroy chooses fight over flight, immediately clocking him with repeated lefts to the ribs! The fans cheer, but Solomon is completely unfazed, double-clutching Conroy’s throat and effortlessly heaving him across the ring! Then, Solomon lifts Conroy over his head and gorilla press slams him over the top rope and to the arena floor!

Troy: My God! Solomon is absolutely destroying Bryan Conroy!

Buckingham: And Evan Black is still knocked out after that bad fall to the outside!

Solomon stalks his prey, going to the outside and yanking a steel chair out from under ring announcer Lee Palmer. He then wraps the chair around Conroy’s throat, stands him up, and Irish whips him into the ringpost, causing Conroy’s throat to be effectively guillotined in the chair!

Conroy is in a world of hurt, but Solomon is not yet finished. With the chair still wrapped around him, Conroy is lifted onto Solomon’s shoulders and Deep Freezed into the steel ringpost, his hip smacking violently into the steel before his arm slams awkwardly onto the arena floor, smashing first against that chair!

EMTs now flood the ringside area to tend to Conroy and stop the Alaskan Monster’s vicious assault. Justin Schenck also follows, screaming at Solomon to return to the back or risk a suspension. This prompts Solomon to grab a microphone.

Solomon: You want me to stop?! Can you believe this?! He wants me to stop! Well, let me tell you something, Schenck. You can threaten to suspend me, you can do whatever you want. But until I get my rematch against Evan Black, one-on-one, I promise you, this will happen to each and every person who challenges him for my title.

With that, Solomon tosses the microphone to the floor and exits through the crowd amid a chorus of boos. Evan Black now begins to stir, becoming slowly aware of the carnage around him, as Schenck and the EMTs tend to Conroy and we fade to black.


-- END SHOW --


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