EPISODE #3.11

PEPSI CENTER
DENVER, COLORADO
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 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 Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, where a stunning pyrotechnic display ensues and we are taken to 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 certainly went off the air in a shocking manner last week. After unsuccessfully challenging Evan Black for the PWA World Heavyweight Championship, Bryan Conroy was made a victim at the hands of the Alaskan Monster Solomon.

Buckingham: We have been told that Conroy suffered a bruised trachea and a dislocated elbow in the attack, meaning he is out of action indefinitely. In all likelihood, we have seen the last of Conroy in the ring here in the PWA.

Troy: Which really is a shame. It had been great seeing Conroy back in there, and he held his own against the world champion, but Solomon just took it upon himself to end Conroy’s inspirational comeback.

Buckingham: But the scary thing, Troy, is that Solomon said he will do the same thing to every single person who challenges Evan Black for the title until he gets a one-on-one title shot. How is this man going to be stopped?

Troy: I have no idea.

Buckingham: I mean, EB could simply waive his contractual right and defend the title against him.

Troy: And reward Solomon for his behavior? Especially after Solomon clung to that stipulation the entire time he was champion to avoid defending it against Evan Black?

Buckingham: If he wants to save the careers of a number of his peers, yes.

Troy: Well, in any event, we also saw a significant development within the SIN camp last week, as Vulture announced his retirement from the ring, only for Greg Tantalus to attack him and ruin it, just as he did when Vulture retired due to a neck injury in 2004. And as a direct result of that attack, Morgan Day, The Duval Twins, and John Wolfe have all quit SIN. So what now? At this point, SIN consists of Greg Tantalus, James Biamonte, and Dee Licious. The group of Vulture loyalists – who we’re told are referring to themselves as The Absolved – now outnumbers SIN. Will the two factions simply go their separate ways, or will SIN try to make The Absolved pay for departing?

Buckingham: Well, the rational thing to do would be to just avoid each other, but when have we known Greg Tantalus to do the rational thing? And in fact, the rumor going around the locker room tonight was that Tantalus was expected to call Morgan Day out to the ring. Also, keep in mind that we are in Denver tonight, Tantalus’ hometown, so I think we can plan on a grand gesture from him one way or another, whether it’s declaring war on The Absolved or clueing us in to SIN’s next move.

Troy: We’ve also got some tremendous matches set for this evening, including a rematch from a couple months ago, when The Iceman Jason Calysto takes on Showtime Damon Savage.

Buckingham: That should be awesome, but so should our first look at Bishop Cross and Markus Krieg as a team. The Souls Stealers, as Cross dubbed them last week, will take on the former Lost Souls, Dan Crowley and Rich Revis.

Troy: That match has been hotly anticipated all week, but speaking of tag teams, the PWA Tag Team Championship will be up for grabs when The Hollywood Miracle defends against Texas Justice.

Buckingham: And in women’s division tag team action, Ana Maria Linares teams with the Women’s Champion Keiko Ishida to take on the duo of Kemi Okoro and Zina.

Troy: Also tonight, Asai Moon takes on Dexter P. Wellington, a match which could—

***

Before Troy can finish, “Ante Up” by M.O.P. blasts onto the speakers and the Denver crowd gives a raucous ovation to the PWA World Heavyweight Champion Evan Black! The champion approaches the ring looking significantly more pissed off than usual. He then grabs a microphone and enters the squared circle.

Black: Last week, I put my championship on the line against Bryan Conroy, and I really need to take my hat off to him. Conroy gave me a ferocious challenge, proving right from the opening bell that a fire still burns in his belly. It cemented to me just how valuable this title is. Conroy was willing to do anything he had to in order to take this belt from me, but in the end, he fell victim to a Blackout, and I am STILL the PWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Black holds the title belt high and the fans respond with loud cheers.

Black: But I’m not out here to talk about what happened during the match. I’m out here to talk about what happened after it ended. What we saw last week from Solomon was an absolute disgrace. But I’m not going to talk about the man behind his back. Solomon, get your ass out here right now!

Buckingham: He’s calling out Solomon?! Does this kid have a death wish?!

Troy: He’s the world champion, Randall! I’m pretty sure he can take care of himself!

Moments later, “Hear Me” by Darkseed lurks onto the speakers and the Alaskan Monster Solomon steps out onto the stage. Black stares him down from the ring, but Solomon merely smirks as he strolls down the aisle, grabbing a microphone before entering the ring and standing face to face with the man who took the world title from him.

Solomon: I didn’t think I’d break you this quickly, Black. But your morality is your weakness. I suppose you simply couldn’t tolerate the blood of the innocent on your hands.

Black: You think I called you out here to give in to your threat? You think I’m just going to give you exactly what you want? That I’m going to reward you for ending Bryan Conroy’s PWA career?

Solomon: If you don’t waive our agreement and give me the rematch I am owed, history will remember your title reign as a fraud and you as a coward.

Black: I’M the coward?! Your entire reign, you hid behind that damn contract and did everything you could possibly do to prevent me from ever coming after the title. But now that I have all the leverage, I’m supposed to just give it up? After you questioned MY honor for asking you the same question you’re asking me?

Solomon: The difference is I deserve a rematch. No one can debate that. I “ducked” you, as you say, because you didn’t deserve a title shot.

Black: No. You ducked me because you knew if I got a shot, I’d leave with the world title in my possession. And guess what? That’s EXACTLY what happened.

The fans cheer, and Solomon is getting visibly angry.

Solomon: You know, I’m out here conversing with you purely out of respect for that championship. But if you’d rather I beat the ever-loving shit out of you instead, that can be arranged.

Black: Go ahead, try. You ought to know by now that I don’t fear you.

Black drops the title belt to the mat and takes off his vest, ready for war with Solomon. However, before they can go at it, Bon Jovi’s “Bounce” invades the speakers.

Troy: It’s Justin Schenck! What is the creative director doing out here?

Buckingham: I don’t know, but we’re about to find out!

Schenck heads to the ring with a microphone already in hand, and begins speaking as soon as he reaches the ramp. He then walks and talks his way into the ring.

Schenck: Gentlemen! Hold your horses! Before you two start tearing each other limb from limb, I have some news that both of you need to hear right now. In fact, the world needs to hear it right now. Ladies and gentlemen… the main event for Everlasting Epic VIII, the final show in PWA history, has been signed!

Troy: What?!

Buckingham: What is it?!

Schenck: Now, for the final match in the history of this great company, I felt we need something larger than life, something distinctly PWA. Something that could pay homage to the 10 years of great history we’ve accumulated. Something worthy of the name Everlasting Epic. And after weeks and weeks of thought, it finally came to me. At Everlasting Epic VIII, the match that will close out this great company is a PWA original. It is also a match that has never before taken place at Everlasting Epic. Ladies and gentlemen, with the PWA World Heavyweight Championship on the line, the main event of EE8, quite simply, is… Seven… Deadly… Sins!

Troy: Oh my God! Everlasting Epic VIII will be main evented by a Seven Deadly Sins match?!

Buckingham: This is unprecedented!

There is a loud buzz throughout the Denver crowd as Schenck continues speaking.

Schenck: This means, of course, that eight individuals will have the opportunity to compete for the PWA title on the final night of this company’s existence. And I am here right now to tell the both of you that the terms of your agreement will NOT prevent both of you from entering this match. However, I have decided that NO ONE will get a free pass into the Seven Deadly Sins match. All eight spots will have to be earned with a victory in this ring. As far as who gets to compete in qualifying matches, priority will be given to any former PWA Champion who wishes to shut this company down as world champion. For starters, I can assure you that both you, Evan Black, and you, Solomon, will compete in qualifiers. Solomon, you may be a bastard for what you did to Bryan Conroy last week, but I can’t deny you your chance at history.

Now, I understand that this completely mitigates the champion’s advantage and makes the road to holding the title straight through EE very, very difficult, but EB, there’s one advantage I’m willing to give you. Being the reigning champion of this company, I will allow you to choose your own opponent for your qualifying match. And EB, choose wisely, because your qualifying match will take place right here next week on The Rebirth, when we’re live from your backyard, White Plains, New York!

Black ponders carefully for several moments amid the roar of the crowd before speaking.

Black: Well, this certainly was an unexpected announcement. I’ve never competed in a Seven Deadly Sins match before. But you know what? This is exactly the kind of challenge I’ve always longed for. I’m built on heart and determination, resilience and endurance. The SDS will be my kind of match. But of course, as you said, I still need to qualify. So since the SDS match will have the PWA title on the line, I’m assuming my qualifying match next week will be for the championship?

Schenck: That is correct.

Black: And I can choose ANY opponent?

Schenck: Anyone on the current roster, yes. If you could give me your answer by the end of the night, I—

Black: There’s no need. My mind is made up already.

Solomon: Oh come on! This is a joke! He’s gonna waltz right into the match by picking some jobber who has no business anywhere near one of these 16 sacred spots!

Black: I wouldn’t be so sure of that.

Solomon: Oh really? Prove it.

Black: My pleasure. Justin, next week on The Rebirth, when I have my homecoming to the Westchester County Center, I’m laying it all on the line. I choose to face… SOLOMON!

Troy: What?!

Buckingham: Is he out of his mind?! He has the choice of ANYONE on the roster and he chooses Solomon?!

Schenck: Are you sure? Contractually, you—

Black: I know contractually I could put off facing Solomon until the Seven Deadly Sins match, assuming we both qualified. But why wait? I’m either good enough to beat Solomon one-on-one, or I’m not. I just have one request.

Schenck: Which is?

Black: If we’re going to have this championship match next week, this match for entry into the biggest match in the history of the PWA, I want no holds barred. No count-outs, no disqualifications. Just two men who hate each other doing whatever is necessary to reach the Promised Land and deny the other entry.

Schenck: That’s fine by me. Solomon, any objections?

Solomon simply smirks and then scoffs before raising the microphone to his mouth.

Solomon: If the boy has a death wish, I have no protest.

He then turns to face the champion.

Solomon: I guess I’ve underestimated you. You are certainly no coward. An idiot, maybe. But you’re no coward. Let’s review our history. Last season, you made noise by sneak-attacking me and kicking me in the face when I wasn’t ready. I underestimated you in a match on Rebirth and you got lucky with a roll-up. Then I put my career on the line at EE7 and destroyed you. At SOD, I had eight minutes on you in that match, and I had to get through Anthony Failla before you even stepped through the curtain. You’ve eliminated me in the SOD match now two years in a row, but for some reason, victory in that match eludes me. We’ve wrestled exactly one singles match where I had anything at stake, and it resulted in you being blasted through the announce table from the top rope. Knowing all this, you STILL want to destroy your path into the Seven Deadly Sins match by losing the championship to me in your hometown next week? With no holds barred?!

Black: It sounds insane. I get that. But beating you now answers the question once and for all. It proves to the world that Evan Black is no fluke. It launches me into the main event of Everlasting Epic, something I get chills just thinking about. And it keeps you on the outside looking in. Beating you next week cements me as The Man around here.

Solomon: And losing to me next week makes you a nobody.

Black: I guess we’ll just see what happens next week then.

Schenck: So then it’s official! Next week, Evan Black defends the PWA World Heavyweight Championship against the Alaskan Monster Solomon in a no holds barred match… and the winner gains entry into the main event of Everlasting Epic VIII, a Seven Deadly Sins match with the world title up for grabs!

As the fans cheer thunderously and Schenck exits, Black and Solomon stare holes through each other. Solomon then begins trash-talking the champion, who suddenly responds with a Blackout superkick to the jaw! However, just before impact, Solomon catches Black’s foot, scoops him onto his shoulders, and absolutely vanquishes him with a Deep Freeze! The Alaskan Monster then kneels over Black and says “not this time. Never again.”

Troy: My God! Solomon just destroyed the champion with that Deep Freeze!

Buckingham: Troy, I think EB just made the biggest mistake of his life!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

A graphic appears on the screen reading “during the break.” We then see The Hot Boy$, Paul Dawkins and Renegade grouped around a television monitor. Romeo and Jaguar look at each other stunned as Dawkins breaks the silence.

Dawkins: That's crazy, man. Seven Deadly Sins at Everlasting Epic for the PWA Championship? And all former world champions are eligible for a qualifying match?

Renegade: That's going out with as big a bang as possible. You guys are going to try and qualify, right? (long pause) Right?

Romeo: Would you mind giving us a minute, fellas?

Dawkins: Sure thing. 

The former tag champions exit, leaving another set in the dressing room.

Jaguar: So what do you think?

Romeo: Well, it’s like what we were talking about last week. I'm serious Jag, I need to go after that title.

Jaguar: And so do I, but could we take another SDS match?

Romeo: We've had success in it before. Hell, you've been in every one, and you won one of ‘em. And let's face it, after it’s over, we don't have to get up for work the next morning.

Jaguar: That's true bruh. We have to go after it. But what if... man, lemme stop. 

Romeo: What if what?

Jaguar: What if one of us qualifies and the other doesn’t? 

Romeo: Well, that won't happen. But if it does, whoever makes it will have to focus entirely on that match. It’s Everlasting Epic. You know better than anyone how big that is. 

Jaguar: True, but if we both make it, I would hate to send you outta here with an L. You know what Jaguar plus Everlasting Epic means, cuz. I don't show up on those Saturdays to lose.

Romeo: Child please. Let’s handle our business, qualify, and make sure one of us leaves Citi Field with that title. If that means we gotta put the team to bed, then it is what it is. Bet?

Jaguar: Bet. 

With a fist bump, the two former world champions seal their change in focus as we head back to ringside. 

***

Watch the video below for

MATCH #1 – SHOWTIME DAMON SAVAGE VS. THE ICEMAN JASON CALYSTO
Referee: Tom Stevens



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see the Modern-Day Samurai Scythe talking with a member of the crew backstage.

Scythe: Oh yeah, I’m definitely going for it. A chance to main event another Everlasting Epic? When there’s only one left? There’s no way I’m not doing everything in my power to qualify.

As Scythe speaks, Michael Grieco emerges from his dressing room, walking down the hall in a straight line. Scythe is preoccupied with his conversation and doesn’t see Grieco coming and thus accidentally backs up into him.

Grieco: Yo! Watch it!

Scythe: Sorry about that.

Scythe then immediately turns his attention back to the crew member.

Scythe: Now back to the SDS, it would be a dream—

Suddenly, Grieco comes up beside Scythe and clocks him in the jaw with a right hand, flooring the Modern-Day Samurai!

Crew member: What the hell was that for?!

Grieco: I’m sick and tired of people disrespecting me! You wanna be next?!

Grieco then moves toward the crew member, causing him to run away. He then sneers at Scythe and scoffs before walking off.

***

Watch the video below for

MATCH #2 – PWA WOMEN’S CHAMPION KEIKO ISHIDA & ANA MARIA LINARES VS. ZINA & KEMI OKORO
Referee: Dan Martin



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, we see Juan Pablo Alvarez and Ana Maria Linares standing in a backstage hallway.

Ana Maria: I cannot believe this! There is something wrong with this Zina! She has some sort of unfair advantage! She is unbeatable!

Alvarez: I did beat her last week…

Ana Maria: Only because you had me at ringside to help! Where were you just now?!

Alvarez: I think it’s time we leave Zina alone. I beat her last week, my defeat has been avenged. What more is there to do?

Ana Maria: I’ve been embarrassed, Juan Pablo! People are laughing at me! Look! Over there! He’s laughing at me right now!

The camera zooms out, and we can see the PWA Progressive Champion Saif al Abbad talking on his cell phone, laughing boisterously.

Ana Maria: What are we going to do about this?!

Alvarez: I’m going to simply walk away. You do what you like.

Alvarez exits and Ana Maria grumbles before angrily stomping towards Saif. She rips the phone out of his hand and heaves it down the hall.

Saif: I do not understand why that just happened.

Ana Maria: Are you laughing at me?!

Saif: Excuse me? Laughing at you?

Ana Maria: This is not a joke!

Saif: I was doing—

Suddenly, Saif is clobbered down from behind by Juan Pablo Alvarez! With the Progressive Champion down, Alvarez and Ana Maria pepper him with repeated stomps until officials hit the scene, at which point they flee.

Alvarez: Nobody laughs at us!

***

The camera shifts to another portion of the backstage area, where we see Fenix Clarke walking through the hallway. He stops at his dressing room and enters, only mildly surprised to see Paul Epton and Emily Walker nestled together on the couch when he does.

Emily: Ah, Fenix. There you are. Why so late?

Fenix: You told me to meet you by catering when I got here. I’ve been standing there for an hour.

Emily: Ah yes. Well, no worries. We came without you.

Epton chuckles at this, and Clarke can only grit his teeth.

Epton: Hey Em, you gonna tell him the new plan or should I?

Emily: Oh right. I’ve got it. Fenix, in light of your recent performance and how little time we have left in the company, I’ve decided that our new focus will be returning the Progressive Championship to Paul. Now, we still need to have a discussion regarding exactly how we will make that happen, but first, I’ve taken the liberty of booking you in a match.

Fenix: A match? When?

Emily: Oh, that would be right now.

Fenix: Of course it would. Against who?

Emily looks at Epton, smiles, and turns back to Clarke.

Emily: GI Jew. But don’t worry. I won’t be at ringside to distract you like I’ve been your last few losses. Show me something!

Clarke then sighs and exits. As he heads for the ring, he can still hear the faint sound of laughter from inside the dressing room.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #3 – GI JEW VS. FENIX CLARKE
Referee: Jose Soares



***

The camera shifts to the backstage area, where we see Anthony Failla walking down the hall, headed straight for creative director Justin Schenck’s office. Upon reaching the door, he enters without knocking.

Schenck: Can I help you, Anthony?

Failla: I want in the Seven Deadly Sins match.

Schenck: Right to the point. I like that. Anyway, I figured you would.

Failla: So when’s my qualifying match? I’m ready right now.

Schenck: I appreciate that, but qualifying matches begin next week. But if you want your qualifying match right away, you can have yours next week. And it’ll be against another man who has entered the SDS field, a man you know quite well out there. A man who has won the Seven Deadly Sins match not once but twice, and a man who, in fact, once beat you for the PWA Championship. Anthony Failla, next week, you will be in a Seven Deadly Sins qualifying match… against Dan Crowley.

Failla: I don’t care who I face. If you want to put Crowley in front of me next week, that just means he won’t get the chance to win it a third time. Because Justin, I WILL go to the Seven Deadly Sins match, I WILL go to the main event of Everlasting Epic, and I WILL be the final PWA World Heavyweight Champion.

With that, Failla exits the office and walks off.

Troy: How about that?! In addition to Evan Black vs. Solomon, next week we’ll see another qualifying match in Anthony Failla vs. Dan Crowley!

Buckingham: And we’re about to see Crowley in tag team action! It’s Crowley and Rich Revis against Bishop Cross and Markus Krieg, The Soul Stealers, right after this!

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #4 – THE SOUL STEALERS VS. DAN CROWLEY & RICH REVIS
Referee: Matt Hansen



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “Hey You” by Simon Says overtakes the speakers and an initial hometown pop greets Denver’s own Greg Tantalus as he steps out onto the stage. The reaction is still predominantly filled with boos, but Tantalus doesn’t react to the smattering of cheers regardless. In fact, he appears to be in an exceptionally foul mood as he walks down the aisle, ultimately grabbing a microphone and entering the ring.

Tantalus: Before I go one step further, I want to tell each and every one of you in the audience that you can all kiss my ass! I heard a bunch of you cheer for me when I was coming out here, and I can only assume that’s because you see a little bit of yourselves in me just because I come from Denver too. Well guess what? I look around this crowd and I see disgusting fat ass after disgusting fat ass, and I know that none of you losers have ANYTHING in common with Greg Tantalus! So go ahead, boo me like the envious haters you are because you will NEVER live up to the example I’ve set. We may come from the same city, but 99% of you will live and die without anyone knowing or caring who the hell you are. Me? I’m just GREG GODDAMN TANTALUS! Now, which one of you bitches wants to—

Suddenly, “Hysteria” by Muse thumps onto the speakers and the fans burst into cheers for the four-time Women’s Champion Morgan Day! Morgan forgoes her usual entrance theatrics tonight, and instead simply walks down the aisle, grabs a microphone, and enters the ring.

Tantalus: Now THIS is a surprise. I wasn’t expecting YOU to come out and answer—

Morgan: Enough of the games, Tantalus. All I’ve been hearing back in the locker room is that you planned to call me out. Well, I’m impatient. What do you want?

Tantalus: Brave of you to come out here alone.

Morgan: You’re alone, and I can beat your arse if it comes to it, so I’m fine.

Tantalus: So be it. Now as far as why I wanted you out here, believe it or not, I’m here to talk peace.

Morgan: I don’t, but go on.

Tantalus: Look, things got a little out of hand last week. I’m sorry I had to ruin your husband’s retirement. Again. But we can move past that. There isn’t a lot of time left before PWA shuts it doors, and I have plans. And it’s actually only gotten more serious since the announcement earlier tonight about the Seven Deadly Sins match. As a former world champion, I am entitled to a qualifying match, and I’m taking this opportunity right now to publicly announce that I will compete in one. Now how can I fully concentrate on that if I’m worried about you and your cronies?

Morgan: You said it right, Tantalus. You SHOULD be worried about us. You SHOULD be worried about a union between myself, the Duval Twins, and John Wolfe, four individuals who dislike you pretty intensely and would have no qualms taking the remnants of your fragmented group and destroying them. We are The Absolved, and what better way to absolve ourselves of our sins than by putting an end to SIN, once and for all?

Tantalus: Cute. It’s clever and all, I’ll give you that, but I’m just not buying this display of confidence. You are scared to death of going to war with us, and if you’re not, you should be. But like I said, these are peace talks. I’m going to give you one opportunity to walk away and leave us the hell alone. I may not like Vulture, but I did give him my word, and that does count for something. Simply walk out of this ring and head to the back and we are done. SIN goes its way, The Absolved goes another way. We’ve only got seven more episodes after tonight. We can stay out of each other’s hair.

Morgan ponders for several moments before giving her reply.

Morgan: As much as I’d love to slap that smug look off your face, my husband sacrificed the final year of his career in an attempt to keep us safe from you. Personally, I think he overstated the danger we were in, but his heart was in the right place. So with that said, I’m going to honor him by walking out of this ring and saying good riddance to you, Greg Tantalus, and good riddance to SIN.

Tantalus then steps aside and clears a path for Morgan to exit the ring. However, as soon as she walks past him, Tantalus grabs her by the arm.

Tantalus: Oh Morgan, one more thing… I lied.

With that, Tantalus spins Morgan around and then violently clotheslines her down to the mat! The fans boo vehemently as Morgan writhes on the mat.

Troy: No! He just attacked Morgan Day!

Buckingham: This is insane, even for Tantalus!

Troy: He’s a lowlife, Randall! A dirty, rotten lowlife!

Tantalus, however, is not done. He lifts Morgan up from the mat, and while he does, video appears on the Jumbotron of Chris Duval, Alexis Duval, and John Wolfe all down and out on the locker room floor! Back in the ring, Tantalus has Morgan gripped by the hair, toying with her. However, at just that moment, a familiar figure hops the barricade from the crowd and slides into the ring.

Troy: Wait a minute! That’s Lauren Tantalus! That’s Greg’s sister, the four-time PWA Women’s Champion who has been out of action for over a year with a serious concussion! What’s she doing here?!

Buckingham: Well, it’s her hometown too, and it looks like she’s trying to reason with her brother!

Lauren puts herself in between Morgan and Greg and begins shouting at her brother that what he’s doing is insane. Greg backs off, allowing Lauren to check on Morgan and help her back to her feet. However, as soon as she does so, Lauren slaps Morgan in the face and drills her to the mat with a violent DDT!

Troy: What?! No!

Buckingham: It looks like Lauren is in cahoots with her brother!

A cold scowl now forms on Lauren’s face as she stares Morgan down, before yanking her back to her feet by her hair. She then screams at her, “you cost me everything!” Then, Lauren pulls Morgan close and swiftly delivers a thunderous Tiger Driver as the fans sit in stunned silence.

Troy: I can’t believe this is happening! This is an outrage!

The Tantalus siblings do not appear to be done with Morgan Day, but before any further damage can be done, John Wolfe and the Duval Twins come charging out from the back, a little worse for the wear, but in good enough shape to chase off Greg and Lauren Tantalus. However, while Wolfe and the Duvals check on Morgan in the ring, the Tantalus siblings stand on the top of the stage smirking, admiring their handiwork.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, doctors are tending to Morgan Day in the backstage area, while the Duval Twins and John Wolfe check on her. Backstage reporter Traci Reed is on the scene.

Traci: Ladies and gentlemen, just before the break, we saw Lauren Tantalus return to the PWA to ambush Morgan Day, alongside her brother Greg. We have been told that Morgan might have suffered a concussion and, due to the fact that she lost consciousness briefly in the ring, she is being sent to a local hospital for evaluation. What we don’t know is—

Before Traci can finish, Chris Duval walks over to her, his face filled with fury.

Chris: Sorry to interrupt, Traci, but SIN isn’t getting away with this. I’m issuing a challenge for a tag team match, right here tonight! Chris Duval and John Wolfe vs. Greg Tantalus and James Biamonte. You want to make this a war? Then let’s go to war!

Duval then walks away from Traci, turning attention back to Morgan.

Traci: Well, you heard the man. A challenge has been issued and… wait just a minute. I’m being told my broadcast colleague Scott Cornelius is standing by with Greg and Lauren Tantalus. Scott?

***

The camera shifts to Scott Cornelius, who is indeed with Greg and Lauren Tantalus.

Cornelius: Thanks Traci. Now, first things first, Lauren Tantalus. What was the meaning of what just happened out there? Why did you attack Morgan Day?

Lauren: You know, Scott, I don’t really like your tone. Let’s think back 13 months, shall we? Morgan Day recklessly dropped me on my head with the Daybreak and I suffered a serious concussion that very nearly ended my career. So what just happened out there was simply payback, nothing more, nothing less. The fact that Morgan might have suffered a concussion because of what I did is just the icing on the cake. I’ve finally been medically cleared to return to the ring, and I see no better punishment for Morgan Day than for this concussion to keep her out of action until the PWA closes its doors for good.

Cornelius: You just mentioned that you’ve been cleared to return to the ring. Does that mean you’re officially back in the PWA?

Lauren: I’m back, Scott, and I’m proud to say that I am the newest member of SIN. And as a member of SIN, I promise you, I will walk away from this company the first and only five-time PWA Women’s Champion in history.

Greg: That’s right. Scott, I’ve seen a huge change in my sister over the past several months. In the beginning, she was down on herself, blaming herself for being too injury prone. But I got her to see that this is no one’s fault but Morgan Day’s. But there’s no reason Lauren should have to go it alone to make a run at the Women’s Championship again. This time, she does it with protection. She does it with the backing of SIN.

Cornelius: Speaking of, Greg, what do you say to Chris Duval’s challenge for you and James Biamonte to meet him and John Wolfe in the ring for a tag team match later this evening?

Greg Tantalus smirks.

Greg: Oh we’re on. It actually simplifies things for me quite a bit. And they’re both going to find out firsthand why you NEVER go to war with Greg Tantalus.

With that, the Tantalus siblings walk off.

Cornelius: Well, it looks like we have ourselves a new main event for this evening! Victor, Randall, back to you.
 
***

Watch the video below for

MATCH #5 – PWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
THE HOLLYWOOD MIRACLE (champions) VS. TEXAS JUSTICE (challengers)
Referee: Dan Martin



-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Back from break, “The Final Countdown” by the London Symphony Orchestra hits the speakers and the fans begin cheering loudly for Matthew Magellan, who gives them his customary hip swivel before starting down the aisle alongside his manager Jade. The positive ovation persists as Magellan grabs a microphone and the pair enters the ring.

Magellan: Now I know you’re not used to seeing me come out here to talk to all of you, and you’re also not used to seeing me be particularly serious, but if you’ll indulge me for a moment, I have something to say. A few months ago, I was in a match on this program, competing against Jon Dulberg for a shot at the International Championship at Symphony of Destruction. Just when my victory appeared inevitable, my supposed pal Briggsy turned his back on me, gave Dulberg the win, and put me on the shelf for a while. Then, at SOD, thanks to Briggs, Dulberg won the International title. But last week, in a six-man tag team match, I pinned Jon Dulberg, just like I was about to when we faced off the first time. So now, I ask you: don’t I deserve a shot at the International title?

The Denver crowd cheers loudly, but before the cheers die down, “Welcome Home” by Coheed and Cambria hits the speakers, bringing out the International Champion Jon Dulberg and Briggs. They enter the ring and have a standoff with Magellan and Jade before Dulberg begins to speak.

Dulberg: That’s pretty funny, Magellan. You honestly think you deserve a shot at the International title? Did you not get the memo that you are a comedy character? Nobody takes you seriously. You think you would have beaten me a few months back? Briggs interfered on my behalf for the sake of drama, not because I was in any real danger. And a pin in a six-man tag team match proves absolutely nothing. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve still done absolutely nothing to warrant a title match.

Jade: If you’re so sure of that, why not just put your money where your mouth is and put the title on the line?

Dulberg: I don’t need to talk to you, woman. What’s this, Magellan? You can’t talk to me yourself? You have to have this skank do it for you?

Jade lunges at Dulberg, wanting to tear his face off. Magellan holds her back and calms her down before turning to the International Champion himself, getting in his face, bringing the microphone to his mouth, and then promptly bashing Dulberg over the head with the mic! Magellan then tackles Dulberg to the mat and the two begin brawling viciously!

However, before Magellan can gain any serious traction, Briggs rips Magellan off Dulberg by his hair and heaves him across the ring. Jade then jumps onto Briggs’ back, attempting to choke him out, but he simply flips her over his shoulder and crashes her down to the mat. Dulberg and Briggs then proceed to do a vicious number on Magellan… until Kerry Cox rushes out from the back with a steel chair in hand!

Troy: It’s Kerry Cox! The man that Dulberg and Briggs put out of action several months ago! He’s back!

Buckingham: THIS guy?! Ugh!

Cox slides into the ring and begins wildly swinging the chair at Dulberg and Briggs, giving them their cue to exit. KISS’ “War Machine” then hits the speakers as Dulberg and Briggs backpedal up the ramp, never taking their eyes off the Hardcore Icon, who helps Magellan and Jade to their feet as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #6 – DEXTER P. WELLINGTON VS. ASAI MOON
Referee: Jose Soares



***

The camera shifts to the backstage area, where we see Chase Stone headed for creative director Justin Schenck’s office. He knocks twice and enters. Schenck appears to be in a great mood. Stone absolutely does not.

Schenck: Chase! What can I do for ya, buddy?

Stone: You can tell me what the hell you were thinking with this Everlasting Epic main event.

Schenck: Excuse me?

Stone: When you said that former world champions would be given priority for qualifying matches, I didn’t realize they were going to take up nearly every spot available. Was that your plan all along? To build me up for three seasons and then screw me out of the championship when it was my time?

Schenck: Screw you out of the title? Chase, you’ve had a number of title shots and—

Stone: Save it. Do I have a qualifying match or not?

Schenck: I’ll shoot straight with you. No, you don’t.

Stone: Unbelievable.

Schenck: But listen, there is a unique opportunity that I was getting ready to announce on Twitter later this week. I might as well just tell you now. Yes, the Seven Deadly Sins match will almost exclusively feature former champions. And that has nothing to do with trying to hold you down or anything. It’s just the reality of the situation. I’m trying to put together the best finale possible. I wish you had won the title so that you could be included. But as of now, the plan is to give one individual who has never been champion the opportunity to qualify. So this Sunday, at our live event in Boston, there will be an invitational battle royal. Any contracted PWA talent who has never before held the PWA Championship may enter this battle royal. And the final six individuals left standing on Sunday will compete in a televised battle royal next week on The Rebirth. And the winner of THAT match will have themselves a Seven Deadly Sins qualifying match. I know it’s not—

Stone: It’s fine. That’s all I’m gonna need, trust me. Open the door slightly for me, and I’ll kick the damn thing off its hinges. I’m going to be the youngest PWA Champion in history, Justin. And not only that, but I’m going to be the LAST PWA Champion. You can bank on that.

With that, Stone storms out of the office, leaving a proud, smiling Schenck behind as we head to commercial.

-- COMMERCIAL BREAK --

Watch the video below for

MATCH #7 – THE ABSOLVED [JOHN WOLFE & CHRIS DUVAL] VS. SIN [GREG TANTALUS & JAMES BIAMONTE]
Referee: Matt Hansen



Tantalus continues wailing away on Wolfe with the steel chair until Chris Duval enters the ring and spears him down to the mat! Duval unloads on Tantalus with a vicious series of fists, something Tantalus’ own Denver crowd cheers on wildly! Dee Licious then tries to pry Chris off of Tantalus, only for Alexis to charge into the ring and tackle Dee to the mat as well!

The situation looks exceedingly positive for The Absolved until Lauren Tantalus charges out from the back, grabs Alexis by the hair, and tosses her out of the ring. She then lets loose on Chris Duval, kicking him swiftly in the ribs. This prompts Duval to shove Greg Tantalus under the bottom rope and out of the ring, before standing up face to face with Lauren. The younger Tantalus mouths off to the male Duval twin, but before anything can happen, a brawny, muscle-bound man hops the guardrail, slides into the ring, and powerfully clobbers Duval down from behind! Shock resonates throughout the Pepsi Center as the cameras get a clean shot of his face.

Troy: That’s… that’s Jackie Baccaro! Jackie Baccaro has returned to the PWA! But what the hell is he doing here tonight?!

A look of pure, unbridled hatred on his face, Baccaro peels Duval off the mat and torpedoes him with a furious Baccaro Bomb! He then gets in the barely-conscious Duval’s face and screams at him that his payback is only just beginning.

Meanwhile, Lauren and Dee move to the outside, stomping away on Alexis frenetically, while James Biamonte and Greg Tantalus come to. John Wolfe is also rising, and looks like he’s seen a ghost when he spots Baccaro standing in the ring. However, Biamonte rushes over to create a momentary distraction, allowing Baccaro to boot Wolfe in the gut and deliver a thunderous Baccaro Bomb to him as well.

Troy: This is absolute carnage!

Buckingham: I told you Tantalus would have something big in store tonight!

Indeed, Greg Tantalus is beaming with pride as Jackie Baccaro lays waste to the men of The Absolved. However, Baccaro quickly looks to take it a step further. After eyeing the steel chair on the mat for several moments, Baccaro lifts it up and wraps it around the throat of Chris Duval.

Troy: Oh no! He can’t do this! He’s gonna try to break Duval’s neck!

Buckingham: You mean the way Duval broke HIS neck 15 months ago?!

Thankfully, seemingly every PWA official in the back rushes out to the ring to bring Wolfe and the Duval Twins to safety, effectively ending the assault. Baccaro and Biamonte clearly want to start destroying the officials one by one, but Tantalus is for once the cooler head, realizing that doing so would be all the ammunition Justin Schenck needs to remove all of them from the company. Instead, Tantalus leaves peacefully alongside Baccaro, Biamonte, Dee, and his sister Lauren, but not before grabbing a microphone on the way out. Tantalus addresses the Denver crowd as they walk back up the ramp and The Absolved receives medical attention.

Tantalus: After last week, everyone thought SIN was finished. I hope this proves to all of you that Greg Tantalus should NEVER be underestimated. Allow me to introduce you to the new and improved lineup of SIN. There’s me, the one and only Greg Tantalus. The PWA’s resident jackal, James Biamonte. The seductive and destructive Dee Licious. The greatest Women’s Champion in PWA history, my lovable baby sister Lauren. And, our newest member, a man who was once ousted from this group in favor of Vulture, which I now realize was a huge mistake. He is a three-time world heavyweight champion and the strongest man to ever set foot in this company. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back the hammer of God and The Absolved’s worst nightmare… Jackie Baccaro! And I assure you all, not only is there still Strength in Numbers… but we just got a hell of a lot stronger.

With that Tantalus tosses down the mic and White Zombie’s “Electric Head Pt. 1: The Agony” fills the speakers. The Denver crowd showers SIN with boos as they exit, while John Wolfe and the Duval Twins struggle to stay conscious at ringside.

Troy: I don’t believe what I’ve seen! Jackie Baccaro and Lauren Tantalus have joined SIN tonight, bringing the group back to full strength, and every member of The Absolved has been laid out!

Buckingham: Looks like advantage: SIN to me!

Troy: It certainly does this week! But what will happen next week? Folks, join us next Tuesday night when we’re live at the Westchester County Center! Hometown hero Evan Black defends the PWA Championship against Solomon in a match that doubles as an Everlasting Epic Seven Deadly Sins qualifier! And what havoc will this new SIN rain down on the PWA? Find out next week, right here on The Rebirth! Goodnight everybody!


-- END SHOW --


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