PWS: APEX PRESENTS: DISHONORED 2022 RESULTS

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PWS: APEX DISHONORED
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022
SCOTIABANK ARENA - TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA

(The PWS: APEX logo flashes across the screen, before we see a shot of Scotiabank Arena, as the narration comes in.)

“Honor. Such an interesting concept. One which you can spend your whole life earning. Only to be lost in an instant. To be dishonored is to be ashamed, exiled, embarrassed. Tonight we see if anyone will be dishonored. And who will go to unspeakable lengths to emerge victorious. Not every battle can be won with righteous ways. Sometimes, only a monster can survive.”

(On the last word, an image of Slaps McKills bleeds through, as Skillet’s “Monster” starts playing, and the opening video package for Dishonored plays.)

---

(The opening video package finishes, and we get a live shot of the live crowd, as we are greeted by JR and Alf.)

JR Freeman: On the heels of one of the craziest endings in Riot history, we are LIVE for PWS: APEX Dishonored! I’m JR Freeman, alongside my broadcast partner, Alfonso Banks, and we would like to welcome you here to another great night of action!

(Before Alf can speak, ”Adrenaline” by Shinedown starts to play over the sound system, and out walks David Shane.)

Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the ring at this time, the co-founder and CEO of PWS: APEX, David Dhane!

(A mixed reaction from the live crowd.)

JR Freeman: What is he doing out here?

Alfonso Banks; Uh, being the co-founder of the company…I’d say whatever he wants.

JR Freeman: That means he can just show up whenever the hell he wants and disrupt how things are supposed to go?

Alfonso Banks: Hey, JR. Take it easy bud.

JR Freeman: No, the person in charge is supposed to do what’s best for the roster. The only thing that man cares about is what will get him over, and it sickens me.

Alfonso Banks: There’s not really much we can do about it, JR.

(By this time, David has made it to ringside, where he walks over and picks up a microphone.)

David Shane: Goooooood evening Toronto!

(Cheers from the crowd.)

David Shane: I gotta say it feels great to be back in Canada, after our last Canadian tour was cut short due to a global pandemic breaking out, I know many members of the roster have been itching to come back.

(David glances over at Alf and JR as he continues.)

David Shane: We have a great show lined up for you tonight, and all the action is gonna be called on commentary by the best color commentator in the game, Alfonso Banks! C’mon Alf, stand up and be recognized.

Alfonso Banks; I don’t..

JR Freeman: Better do what he says, Alf.

(Alf reluctantly stands up and gives a wave.)

David Shane: Very good. Maybe your partner can learn a thing or two of how to be a good employee.

(JR has had enough at this point, as he throws off his headset and walks over to grab a microphone.)

JR Freeman: Alright, THIS is how you wanna start things? Let’s talk. Let’s talk about you letting the best thing to happen to this place get shitcanned for NO good reason. Let’s talk about how you’ve lost ALL control of the locker room. Let’s talk about how you don’t actually give a DAMN about me, Alf, the crew, or hell, even the fans. The ONLY thing you care about is David Shane.

(The crowd really starts to get behind JR for sticking up for himself. David stands there for a moment with a “you done?” look on his face.

David Shane: Careful, JR, you are walking dangerously close into fireable territory.

JR Freeman: No…you’re not going to fire me…cause as long as YOU are in charge here…..I QUIT!

(JR goes to leave, walking past David, but he’s stopped by one of the camera men. The cameraman talks to him for a second, before JR nods his head and returns back to his seat at the broadcast table.)

David Shane: Whatever that guy just told you, it doesn’t matter. There’s going to be consequences for this.

(JR smirks at David, even chuckling to himself.)

JR Freeman: Ya know…it’s funny you should mention consequences…

(It is now that we see the cameraman that talked to JR has taken off his headgear and is now standing directly behind David. David turns around to see that it is none other than PWS Hall of Famer, Nick Madison.)

Nick Madison: Told ya you would pay.

David Shane: What? You here to attack me? You’ll be arrested for assault.

Nick Madison: I’m not here to attack you. I’m here….to make sure you don’t run.

David Shane: What are you talk-

(The buzzing excitement in the arena is brought to a nuclear level when Nick points up at the screen and we hear a quarter drop into a machine and an 8-Bit One-Up sound plays iGNITING the fans…)

‘WE ARE THE TRUE BELIEVERS!!!!!”

(David Shane turns bright white as Nick chuckles happily as a rather dapper looking Levi Russow comes dancing out onto the ramp before composing himself and adjusting his tie…he wore a tie. Someone is FUCKED. Rolled in his hand is a set of papers that he bops at David with like “you naughty, naughty boy!” before soaking in the adoration. He grabs a microphone and points at JR Freeman.)

Levi Russow: THAT MAN WORKS HERE AS LONG AS *HE* WANTS TO, HUH!?

(The fans erupt with a “J-R!” chant as he looks almost moved to tears…Levi dances back up the ramp and bumps fists with Nick before slithering upon his prey, David Shane, like a snake.)

Levi Russow: I know…little man…I KNOW I’m the LAST person you wanted to see comin’.

David Shane: What the fuck are you doing here, Russow? This doesn’t INVOLVE you!

Levi Russow: Oh but I think it does just a little bit…see I may not be the PRESIDENT of the Board, but I am still ON…the board. Because oops! I’M a primary shareholder IN the property known as PWS! David…David, David…did you think we weren’t watching? Did you honestly think I spent that much money just to watch you try to bully your way into this being YOUR playhouse? Oh nay, nay…monsieur…this is, and will ALWAYS be the house Russow built. Haven’t you wondered WHYYYYYY I’ve been randomly showing up after retiring for MONTHS on end? Partially because you needed the ratings spike, but David…baby girl, I was here studying YOU.

David Shane: O…k? Whatever makes you happy. But this is MY company! MY promotion! I make the decisions around here. *I* am in charge here, not you. So why don’t you go back to studying me from afar?

Levi Russow: Well because I’ve found all the information I need here, Davey boy! Abuse of power, breach of MANY contracts, doctored bookkeeping, plus that sham of a Board meeting you tried to pass as valid. I was unaware of it for obvious reasons but you went ahead and cut out Perkins, Rodriguez, and Ochongo just, what, because you knew they wouldn’t back your piddly-ass little plans for “World Domination” or whatever little rats like you dream about in the laboratory.

David Shane: I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about? This sure sounds a lot like the ramblings of a crazy old man.

Levi Russow: Yeah, yeah…crazy old man who’s kicked your ass every time we’ve squared off ANYWAY, point IS…the REAL board has decided that you’ve made a mockery of this place and an embarrassment of yourself. So as far as THIS show goes…YOU ain’t in charge of Jack SHIT. But there’s a particular favorite word of mine…what’s that word…oh! REINSTATED! This is the best part…d’...d’you wanna know WHY!? Because…THEY ARE!!!

(David’s jaw drops as the crowd POPS! At the top of the ramp stand 2 very angry looking women, Star Stormz and Laura Phoenix. Their arms crossed as they stood side by the side, the crowd started chanting “P-UB-S! P-DUB-S!”.)

David Shane: NO! They are SUSPENDED!

Levi Russow: Oh? On who’s, “No Longer Existing” Authority?

(David looks around from Levi, to Nick, to Star and Laura with a worried look on his face. That worried look melted into a… smirk? And a slight chuckle. He looked straight to Levi and took a step forward)

David Shane: Oh fine, you busted me. You proud of that? You uncovered my dastardly deeds. Yes, I manipulated the board to push Star out of the company that SHE pushed ME out of months ago! I went behind people and I pulled strings and I did what I had to do! I sat back each week and watched Star.. and Laura… and the rest of you run this company without me. Not once did anyone call me “hey, David, what do you think about this?”. Not a single thought to ME! When our World Champion vacated the belt, do you think a single one of you FUCKERS came to me to see if I had any ideas? OF COURSE YOU DIDN'T! I watched MY COMPANY move on WITHOUT ME!

Levi Russow: BECAUSE *YOU* TURNED YOUR BACK ON US. You watched OUR company simply OUTGROW you and when push came to shove YOU, David Shane, had to take a long look in the mirror…the Never-Was "Champion" and it ate you alive. YOU didn't have the CHOPS…to EVOLVE with the TIMES. And I won't lie to you, I had a grand smile on my face when I thought we'd cut the cancer of you out for GOOD. Yet here you still infest and squirm. Any famous last words before I put this bitch down?

(David shook his head slightly, still smirking through his anger)

David Shane: I’m not scared of you, Levi, if that’s what you think is going on here. You don’t intimidate me, not a single bit. Now if you are done interrupting me, I’d really like to do my big Villain speech, thank you. See… this has been brewing for a long time. When that switch finally flipped… I started plotting how to get my company back. See, you don’t know what it’s like to watch something you put so much time, effort, and money into just… poof… push you right out the door and never look back. Do yu know the tortures I endured for MONTHS? I watched as I was slowly removed from banners to merchandise and even the programs no mention of me...except if you obtained a fucking check from the company that I singlehandedly financed for its infancy… So what are you gonna do there, Mr Russow? You gonna hit me? Threaten my life? Make a bunch of your little minions take me out? Please, oh please, make your move.

(David took another step towards Levi, putting them mere inches from each other.)

David Shane: Did you really think I didn't have a contingency plan, you ego-centric dumbass? I have got a clause in my contract that states I get a chance to handle things in the ring. A Trial By Combat, if you will. Do you REALLY think I’d go out without a fight? As long as you’ve known, and hated, me… you should know I’m not giving up this place without going to war.

Levi Russow: You corroded pap smear, did you honestly think I WASN'T ready!? There's a battalion of people that can't WAIT to get their hands on you! Also speaking of this and board business…how funny of me to forget.

(Levi juggles a folder in his hand and waves it towards Star.)

Levi Russow: I don't care what match he picks. I'm in for it.

(Levi rushes forward like he might charge David but all he wanted to do was get close enough to look him dead in the eye so he can say…)

Levi Russow: I…am going…to CHANGE you, David. Ta ta.

(Levi excuses himself from the rest of the situation. As he goes up the ramp and passes Star and Laura, he gives the papers to Laura before disappearing backstage. Star takes a moment to look at the papers before raising a microphone to speak.)

Star Stormz: We’ll conclude this on Riot. For now…get out of our ring so we can start our pay-per-view.

(She says with the BIGGEST grin on her face. As David has no choice but to leave the ringside area as we get ready for our first match.)

---

Match One
Mixed Tag-Team Match
Morgan Baker & Ace Michaels vs. Hell Hounds

Alfonso Banks: I'm… speechless as to what we just saw!

JR Freeman: YOU ARE NOT! You and David are super close, you had to know this was coming.

Alfonso Banks: I plead the fifth. But let's not waste any time and hop into the first match of the night!

Meg Reynolds: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL AND IS A MIXED TAG MATCH! INTRODUCING FIRST, THE TEAM OF JESTER BAILEY AND GROG TUSKTOOTH … THE HELLHOUNDS!!!

(The opening rift of "Wash It All Away" blares as two individuals wearing hooded robes step out holding a dice tray in their hands. One of the individuals stops midway down the ramp. He turns his and lifts his arm before pointing his finger. That's when Grog and Jester step out onto the stage. The crowd is mixed with their arrival as they walk down the ramp. The two individuals in front of them circle around the ring as Grog pulls himself up and Jester slides into the ring.)

JR Freeman: These 2 are going into their second match in PWS:APEX, coming off the heels of a brutal loss to Slaps McKills and Jesse Russow

Alfonso Banks: Let’s see if they fare any better against the rag tag team of Ace Michaels and the returning Morgan Baker.

(“Welcome To The Jungle” echoes through the arena as Ace Michaels comes out from behind the curtain and stops at the top of the ramp)

Meg Reynolds: AND THEIR OPPONENT, INTRODUCING FIRST, FROM LAS VEGAS, NV … ACE MICHAELS!!!

(Krewella “Killin' It” hits the speakers as a less than excited Morgan Baker makes her way out onto the platform. She poses for the fans but is immediately stopped by Ace, who appears to be giving her commands. He is motioning with his hands, and the more he speaks the more annoyed she seems to be. She rolls her eyes and continues down to the ring, him following and continuing to bark orders to her the whole way.)

Jr Freeman: Ace seems to be trying to tell Morgan what to do… and she doesn't seem to like it.

Alfonso Banks: He is just trying to give her some advice. He wants to win.

Jr Freeman: Well, starting off by annoying his partner is probably not the way to do so…

Meg Reynolds: AND HIS PARTNER, FROM LONDON ENGLAND, MORGAN BAKER!!!

(Morgan steps into the ring and stands across from Jester. The referee checks em both for weapons before calling for the bell)

DING DING DING

(Morgan and Jester start off the match. They circle each other before locking up. Jester tries to overpower Morgan, but Morgan fights back and slips through her grasp, ending up behind her. She wraps her arms around Jester and plants her to the mat with a suplex! She keeps ahold and goes for a bridging pin on Jester!)

1… kickout!

(Jester kicks out at 1, as both ladies hop back up to their feet quickly. Jester grabs Morgan's arm and twists it behind her back, wrenching as much pressure as she can, as she lets out a scream.)

Jr Freeman: That's a hell of a grip Jester has on Morgan.

Alfonso Banks: Can Morgan gain control?

(Morgan squirms, and manages to loosen the grip enough for her to twist out a bit, making some space. She leans forward and kicks up, hitting Jester in the chest. Jester stumbles backwards and Morgan shakes it off before charging at her in the corner. Morgan elbows Jester in the chest before lifting her to a sitting position on the top rope. Morgan then climbs the ropes and grabs Jester, superrplexing her to the mat. At this point she looks up and sees that Ace is trying to tell her to go for a pin. She shakes her head as she stomps on Jester's chest a few times.)

Alfonso Banks: Seems she is directly defying Ace's "orders".

(Morgan gets Jester to her feet and they lock up. Morgan glares over at Ace, who is reaching out for a tag)

Jr Freeman: Ace looking for the tag. Morgan… well she doesn't seem keen to do so.

Alfonso Banks: Morgan looks like she has been training hard in her time off, but Ace still thinks he knows best. I have a feeling this WONT go well for him.

(Ace is reaching out for a tag. Morgan DDTs Jester to the ground and pops back up. She looks to Ace who is now DEMANDING a tag. She shakes her head and drops for a pin!)

1… kickout!

(Jester kicked out sort of quickly. Ace can be heard SCREAMING now at Morgan to tag him in. She walks over to him, just out of his reach, and glares at him. He once more demands a tag. She walks up to him and SLAPS THE TASTE OUT OF HIS MOUTH!!!)

Alfonso Banks: Told ya

(The ref calls for a tag, as Morgan raises her hands in the air. She shouts "DONE!" Before dropping down and rolling out of the ring and heading her way towards the back.)

Fans: YOU FUCKED UP! YOU FUCKED UP!

Jr Freeman: Ace did, in fact, fuck up.

(Jester grins as she turns and tags in Grog, who climbs over the top rope and stands toe to toe with Ace. Ace is still confused about what Morgan just did and a little distracted, he didn't see the tag happen. Grog huffs a little before charging, taking down Ace with a vicious "Vox Machina Toast" (clothesline from hell), which slams Ace hard into the mat. Grog drops for a pin.)

1… kickout!

(Ace, rattled, was able to get his shoulder up. Grog got to his feet and grabbed Ace by the hair, pulling him up to a standing position. He then tossed Ace like a rag doll into the corner. Grog charges at him and hip checks Ace HARD. Ace drops down to the bottom rope, where Grog just starts delivering boot after boot to the face and chest of Ace.)

Jr Freeman: That's what happens when you piss off a woman!

Alfonso Banks: Like you would know anything about THAT.

(Grog lifts Ace up over his head and just flat out TOSSES him to the mat outside the ring. Ace landed on the ground and BOUNCED upon impact. The referee started the count.)

1…

2…

3…

(Ace rolls around, gasping for air.)

Alfonso Banks: That knocked the wind right out of Ace!

(Jester, in her corner, gets in position and jumps, elbowing him right in the gut!!!)

4…

5…

(She grabs him by his hair and gets him to his feet, and rolls him in the ring where he lands right at the feet of Grog. Grog holds him by the head and goes back over to his corner where Jester was waiting! They tag and Grog lifts Ace onto his shoulders. Jester climbs to the ropes and LEAPS, spearing Ace off of Grog's shoulders. Upon impact she plops down to pin!)

1…

2…

3!!!

DING DING DING

(Jester jumps to her feet in victory and is met by a hug from Grog. He lifts her on his shoulders as they celebrate, as a lifeless Ace rolls out of the ring.)

WINNERS - Hell Hounds

---

(As the ring crew doubtlessly sets up for the next match, the PWS: Apex cameras cut backstage to a somewhat-plain, nondescript locker room. A male wrestler is seated on a bench in front of a group of lockers, head bowed, taping up his left wrist with matte black tape. The figure looks up into the camera and we recognize him as PWS: Apex Collateral Damage Champion, Devon Ryder.)

Devon Ryder: So I just found out what the stipulation will be for my match with Dylan Howell tonight…

(A beat and Ryder pauses, a slight smirk crossing his face. He stops taping his wrist long enough to look into the camera.)

Devon Ryder: A “Glass House Deathmatch”. I’m sure that must be one of YOUR inventions, Dylan; only a brilliant-but-twisted creative mind like YOURS could conceive of something at once so novel and innovative yet so incredibly dangerous and potentially career-ending.

(Ryder pauses once more, flipping the hair out of his face.)

Devon Ryder: You know, Dylan, I actually DID catch some of your words on this subject earlier tonight. How you hope the cage cracks, shatters, BREAKS into a million little pieces, showering us with glass shards in the ring below. And, honestly, Dylan, I have to say…

(Another pause. Ryder’s smirk vanishes as he stares into the camera.)

Devon Ryder: I hope for the exact same thing. I hope the glass cage DOES shatter, I hope it DOES rain shards down all over both of us…

(A beat. Ryder’s eyes harden.)

Devon Ryder: Because THEN maybe I’ll finally FEEL something again.

(With that, Ryder looks away from the camera, pausing for a longer spell as he quickly finishes taping up his wrist. He cuts off the excess tape with his teeth in a surprisingly-violent motion, then turns his head to spit out the piece of tape between his teeth. A beat, and he looks back into the lens.)

Devon Ryder: See ya in the ring, eh?

(We hold on Ryder’s stern and serious expression for a beat, and then we slowly fade back to ringside.)

---

Match Two
PWS: APEX Collateral Damage Championship Match
Glasshouse Deathmatch
Devon Ryder © vs. Dylan Howell

(The feed cuts back to the ring, where the ring is surrounded by weapons. There are some tables and ladders on the stage. Slowly, a gigantic cage made of glass is being lowered down to surround the ring.)

JR Freeman: Oh, it’s time for the Collateral Damage title match!

Alfonso Banks: I’ve been SO excited for this since it was announced, JR!

(The cage lowers most of the way, and Meg Reynolds can be seen perfectly through the solid glass structure. She looks at the camera, a passionate smile on her face.)

Meg Reynolds: The following contest is a GLASS HOUSE DEATHMATCH!

(The crowd erupts into a flurry of cheers.)

Meg Reynolds: And it is for the COLLATERAL DAMAGE CHAMPIONSHIP!

(The arena is engulfed in the first few chords of a song and then the lights go out.)

“You don't feel the pain

Too much is not enough

Nobody said this stuff makes any sense

We're hooked again

Point of no return

See how the buildings burn

Light up the night

Such pretty sight”

(At the top of the stage there is now a spotlight. In the spotlight, Delyn Howell walks out, flanked by his consultants Will S. Reston, Esquire and Fred Fredrick Hogan and bouncing back and forth on the balls of his feet as the song continues while the fans continue to cheer.)

Meg Reynolds: Introducing first, the challenger… from Malibu Beach, California, weighing in at 250 pounds… DYYYYLAAAAAAAN HOOOOOOWWEEEEEELLLLL!!!

“Adrenaline

Keeps me in the game

Adrenaline

You don't even feel the pain

Wilder than your wildest dreams

When you're going to extremes

It takes adrenaline”

(The fans start to cheer louder until the jumbotron in large electric blue writing DYLAN HOWELL IS HERE NOW. The crowd now starts to cheer wildly and chant at the top of their lungs the name "Dylan Howell" as the lights come on and Dylan sprints to the ring dressed like a biker in leather. He slides under the bottom rope and gets up looking crazy and waiting impatiently, pacing along the ropes for his match to begin while Will and Fred are in his corner on the outside shouting encouragement. However, Dylan shoos them, saying “It’s too dangerous this time, you guys!” As the duo leaves, Dylan paces impatiently, awaiting The Canadian Hero. The crowd mostly cheers, but some of them are booing, making Dylan confused, but still ready to fight!)

JR Freeman: The crowd seems split tonight between Ryder and Howell!

Alfonso Banks: Well it IS a Canadian crowd!

JR Freeman: True, but you’d think that there’d at least be SOME level of disparity between the two! It seems to be perfectly even!

Alfonso Banks: That’s the power of patriotism, JR! It does powerful things to people. Like ghosts, or Santa Claus.

JR Freeman: …What?

(As the lights dim and the Smarkstron flickers to life, the crowd preparing themselves for what would be a hero’s welcome for their champion, a hush falls over the capacity crowd. Their excitement soon turns to confusion and concern, however, as - rather than the slow, bluesy opening of “American Woman” by The Guess Who, as fans have come to expect - we are greeted instead by the sombre opening notes of Disturbed’s cover of “Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel.)

Hello darkness, my old friend…
I've come to talk with you again.

(As the first lyrics of the song kick in, the ‘tron is beset with the familiar image of white words on a black background, but this time, rather than some damning fact about the hubris of America, instead we get…)

“According to Statistics Canada, since 2009, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15-34…”

Because a vision softly creeping,
Left its seeds while I was sleeping.

(The song continues, the message changes.)

“Reasons for suicide can vary widely. No single factor is ever a sole determinant in these cases, but among the most common combinations are: struggles with mental health and depression…”

And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains

(A beat, and the message changes one more time.)

“Significant financial hardship…”

Within the sound…

(With one poignant final message, the first verse comes to an end.)

“And the breakdown of a relationship.”

…Of silence.


(As the first verse ends, and the second begins, a single spotlight clicks to life to illuminate the form of the “Canadian Hero” Devon Ryder, kneeling solemnly in the centre of the entrance stage. Fog billows out around him, and we notice the Collateral Damage Champion is absent his usual patriotic accoutrements this evening, having swapped his traditional red jacket for a black one, and with a black-and-white Canadian flag draped over his shoulders. He does not move, simply sitting in this meditative, contemplative stance as the song continues.)

In restless dreams, I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
'Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound… of silence.

(Suddenly, as the song picks up, the lights in the audience flare to life as Devon Ryder abruptly stands, gazing around at the capacity crowd with a sombre expression before he begins to make his way slowly down the ramp.)

And in the naked light, I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never shared
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence.

(Ryder pauses when he’s reached the bottom of the ramp, taking a few running steps forward and leaping directly onto the ring apron, holding on with one black-taped wrist as he gazes around at all the faces again, his traditional red-and-white pyro apparently not set up to be fired off tonight. He simply holds this position for a long moment, raising the Collateral Damage title belt to about chest-height and gazing down at it - his “Canadian Domination” championship is nowhere to be seen.)

"Fools" said I, "You do not know.
“Silence like a cancer grows.
“Hear my words that I might teach you;
Take my arms that I might reach you."
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence.

(Devon ducks into the ring through the first and second rope, now, dispensing with any of his usual arrogant fanfare and simply testing the ropes, before balling up his black Canadian flag and tossing it in a haphazard ball at ringside. He slowly removes his jacket as well, then hands a slip of paper quietly to Meg Reynolds. As she reads it off, he kneels in the centre of the ring, title belt draped across his knees, with his head bowed in deep reflection as the iconic song finishes its final verse.)

Meg Reynolds: …And his opponent; hailing from Ottawa, Ontario Canada; at a weight tonight of 92 kilograms; he is the REIGNING, DEFENDING, PWS: Apex COLLATERAL DAMAGE CHAMPION… “THE DARK HORSE”, DEVOOOOON RYYYYYYYDEEER!

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
Then the sign said, "The words on the prophets are written on the subway walls
In tenement halls"
And whispered in the sound…

(With this, Devon Ryder looks up, a kind of intensity and violence in his eyes that we have not seen before.)

…Of silence.

(The song fades out as both competitors stand in the ring across from each other. The gigantic cage lowers down around them, touching down on the ground and locking them both in. The bell rings and Howell immediately charges at Ryder, looking for a swinging neckbreaker, but Ryder uses Howell’s own momentum against him, tossing him instead into the ropes, off of which he rebounds into a clothesline from The Canadian Hero, which elicits cheers from the crowd! Ryder stands up, grabbing Howell and pulling him up to face him, hitting a Snap Powerbomb then going for the pin, which Howell kicks out of before even a 1-count can occur. Ryder picks up Howell, letting him recover, for which he earns a kick to the gut, followed by Howell exiting the ring to grab a weapon. He chooses a kendo stick. Ryder follows him out, only to be hit across the back with the stick! Ryder ducks and weaves around the next few shots, getting behind the turnbuckle, making Howell hit the turnbuckle, which in turn makes the kendo stick bounce back and hit him in the head, stumbling him enough to let Ryder hit a backdrop suplex!)

JR Freeman: Is he still trying to not use weapons after all this time?

Alfonso Banks: You have to respect the man, JR! Even in the extremest extreme match to ever extreme, he sticks to his roots!

JR Freeman: That he does, Alf, but that may prove to be to his detriment!

(Devon gets back in the ring, letting Howell follow him inside, which he does by leaping onto the turnbuckle and jumping off with a diving crossbody, sending both competitors to the mat! He slides out of the ring, grabbing a chair then sliding back in. He smacks Devon Ryder across the head with the chair and The Canadian Hero falls to the mat. Howell goes a bit mad after this, smacking Ryder with the chair again and again and again, soon finally getting bored of the chair and tossing it aside. He goes out of the ring to get another weapon, with Ryder soon coming to enough to join him. The Unbreakable One grabs a weapon himself, steadying himself on his feet as he wobbles a bit, preparing the 2x4 to hit Dylan. The crowd starts chanting “UUUUN-BREEEAAAKA-BBBLLLEEE!” to the tune of the Canadian national anthem. Devon looks at the 2x4, pondering it for a moment, before inevitably he throws it away, to a huge pop, and puts his arms in “test of strength” position.)

Devon Ryder: WRESTLE ME, DYLAN!

(The crow erupts when he says this, even chanting it along with him!)

JR Freeman: Whoa, even with everything having happened in his life, Devon Ryder still refuses to play dirty! Even when his opponent is clearly doing so!

Alfonso Banks: Fuck!

JR Freeman: That’s a… simpler way of phrasing it, but yes. Fuck indeed, Alf.

(Dylan Howell smirks and slaps Ryder across the face, making the Canadian Hero retaliate with an armbar, taking Howell to the mat as he wrenches on the hold. Dylan yells, reaching for the ropes, despite rope breaks not being a thing. Even still, he manages to get to the ropes, then realizes he didn’t have to do that and instead just starts punching Ryder repeatedly with his other arm, even grabbing Devon’s leg with his own legs.)

Alfonso Banks: Uhh… interesting strategy from Dylan Howell.

JR Freeman: That’s putting it mildly!

Alfonso Banks: Not often I’m the mild one of the two of us, is it?

JR Freeman: FUCK no!

(Howell manages to escape the armbar, with Ryder letting go of it after a few too many punches to the face and body, as well as the odd squeezing of the leg. Howell slides out of the ring and sets a table up on the outside. Ryder gets out onto the apron through the middle rope and runs at Dylan, jumping off the apron as he simultaneously turns it into a running knee strike, sending Howell to the floor. He picks him up, but Howell is one step ahead of him, punching him in the gut multiple times, then setting him up for the D.O.A! He gets beside the table, about to slam Ryder through it, but Ryder escapes out the back and whips Dylan into the wall of the glass cage!)

Alfonso Banks: Does that count as him using a weapon?

JR Freeman: Considering he’s used the environment around him to his advantage multiple times, I’d say no!

Alfonso Banks: Fair enough, I guess, but you’ve gotta consider, at the same time… I forgot about that.

JR Freeman: Why am I not surprised?

Alfonso Banks: Because you’ve known me for 17 years.

(The Canadian Hero walks up to Dylan, punching him in the head a few times, irish whipping him again, this time directly into a turnbuckle post! He walks up to his fallen foe, picking him up and slamming his head repeatedly into it! Howell falls to the floor, Ryder stepping back and letting him recover, and when Howell stands, he’s now bleeding. He runs at Ryder, who hits him with a dropkick, then grabbing him briefly in an ankle lock, but Howell kicks at him, sending him backwards into the ring steps! Dylan stands up and runs at Devon, kicking him in the knee while on the ring steps, making Ryder clutch his knee in pain and drop to his knees, groaning in pain as he does!)

JR Freeman: Oh, Dios Mio! That’s gotta hurt!

Alfonso Banks: No kidding, JR! I stubbed my toe last week, and it hurt probably only three quarters as much as that!

JR Freeman: That… no. That’s not comparable.

Alfonso Banks: Oh yeah? You ever done that?

JR Freeman: Stubbed my toe? Yes, Alf, I have done that at least once in my life.

Alfonso Banks: …Well, all I’m saying is, it’s painful.

JR Freeman: It’s nothing compared to what these men have gone through so far!

Alfonso Banks: True enough, JR, both these guys are putting each other through hell! That’s gottas be worth, like… 15 stubbed toes, at least!

(Howell takes this opportunity, grabbing the top part of the ring steps, setting Ryder’s head and body in between, then slamming the steel steps down on his back! He does this a few times, then gets bored and instead focuses on the table, grabbing Devon again and getting him into the Gorilla Press Slam position, setting up for the D.O.A., walking up to the table, and… he lands it! Sending them both through the table, he doesn’t even care.)

JR Freeman: D.O.A! Through the table, too! This one’s gotta be over!

Alfonso Banks: You never know, JR! Devon Ryder is hella tenacious!

JR Freeman: Did you just use the word hella? Unironically?

Alfonso Banks: Totes!

JR Freeman: Please stop.

(Howell immediately seizes the opportunity, going for the pin…)

1!

2!

…

(No, Ryder kicks out! The crowd erupts, chanting “This is Awesome!” as Howell gets up, walking to the side of the cage, bumping hilariously into the glass wall as he does. He looks at it, confused, and does a bit of a mime routine with the cage wall, determining that it is, in fact, a wall. He ponders for a moment, then gets an idea, reaching into his tights and pulling out a glass cutter, cutting a hole in the glass big enough for him and Ryder to fit through, pushing it out to leave said gap. He steps out of the cage and starts wandering towards the entranceway, with a now-up Ryder following him out, very much favouring the right leg that Howell had previously kicked into the steps.)

JR Freeman: Was Dylan Howell keeping a glass cutter in his tights?

Alfonso Banks: Well… yeah, JR, where ELSE would he keep it!?

JR Freeman: I mean… fair enough, I guess, but my question is why did he have it on him in the first place!?

Alfonso Banks: Look, if we start questioning why Dylan Howell does anything, we’re only going to leave ourselves confused and angry.

JR Freeman: I don’t think I’ve agreed with you more tonight than I do right now!

(Ryder catches up to Howell and the two brawl for a bit, but Ryder ends up getting the upper hand, shoving Dylan down and capitalizing with a single-leg Boston Crab! Dylan kicks at Ryder with the other leg, but that only makes The Canadian Hero wrench harder! Howell is close to tapping, but manages to elbow Devon in the bad leg, making Ryder break the hold immediately and clutch at the leg! Howell then runs to the set-up ladders on the entrance stage, looking at the giant structure around the ring and getting an idea. He grabs a ladder, putting his head through two of the rungs and spinning like the world’s worst helicopter as Ryder approaches, knocking the Canadian off his feet, and busting him wide open! Howell smacks Ryder with the top of the ladder a few times before setting it up right beside the ring!)

JR Freeman: Oh no, what is he doing!?

Alfonso Banks: He’s setting up a ladder.

JR Freeman: Yes, but why!?

Alfonso Banks: Well clearly because the ladder had to be set up!

JR Freeman: But why did it need to be!?

Alfonso Banks: Ohhhhhh… when you phrase it THAT way, I’m sort of at a loss for words.

(With the ladder having been set up, both competitors climb it, Dylan on the side closest to the cage while Devon’s on the other. Dylan Howell starts punching, but Ryder’s right there with him. They go back and forth with punches, the crowd equally cheering and booing with each one, maybe with slightly more cheers towards Howell. Ryder manages to get Howell to stumble, even nearly falling off the ladder, as the crowd pops for their home country hero! Dylan climbs the fallen rungs, getting back up to Ryder’s level. They start punching each other again, but after a moment, Dylan holds a finger up, like he wanted to take a time-out. Devon, curious as to what he’s going to do, stops, and Howell climbs to the very top of the ladder, then LEAPS from the ladder onto the top of the glass cage!)

JR Freeman: Uh-oh…!

Alfonso Banks: What’s the plan here!?

(The cage wobbles a bit as Dylan Howell takes a few steps on it, nearly buckling as his blood drips onto it. Devon climbs to the top of the ladder as well, his feet fully planted on the final rung as he leaps onto the structure as well, which wobbles and cracks slightly from the pressure! Devon’s unsteady on his feet, his right leg even collapsing under his weight at one point. Both men carefully walk across the top of the gigantic glass structure, and soon find each other and start trading blows! Devon’s the first to throw one, hitting Howell and causing him to stumble, making the crowd go “Ooooh!” as they love doing. Howell gets his balance, then punches Devon, making the crowd go “Ooooh!” again as he stumbles. This exchange happens a couple more times, before Ryder decides to cut the shenanigans, and that enough is enough, by grabbing Howell in a suplex position!)

Alfonso Banks: Oh no, what is he thinking!?

JR Freeman: Devon, for the love of god, you have a family!

(Devon follows through, hitting ONE German Suplex, which makes the glass crack and bend! The crowd audibly gasps at the visceral display! He rolls through into a SECOND German Suplex, making the structure start to break! The crowd is on the edge of their seats as Ryder rolls through one more time, hitting the third and final German Suplex to complete the “Three Territories” move, in the center of the cage, and the glass has finally had enough! It SHATTERS beneath them, not only sending both men to the mat, but also SHOWERING THEM IN BROKEN GLASS! The crowd is silent for a few seconds as the air is sucked from the room by the collective gasps. Both men are bloodied, covered in glass shards, and now splayed out in the center of the ring, each having an arm draped over the other.)

JR Freeman: OH, JESUS FUCK!

Alfonso Banks: …Nah, I like your old catchphrase better.

(The crowd starts chanting “They’re both dead!”. After a few agonizing moments of making sure both guys are okay, the referee counts the pin.)

1!

2!

3!

(The bell rings, and after another confused moment or two, Meg Reynolds comes on the mic.)

Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has declared this match a DRAW by means of double pinfall!

JR Freeman: What!?

Alfonso Banks: This is absurd! Who’s champion!?

JR Freeman: I guess we’ll have to find out!

(After the announcement, EMTs immediately rush into the ring, trying to get a response from either man. Both are breathing but not responding. Devon’s the first to be loaded onto a stretcher, being carried to the back, when he suddenly wakes up, pushing the EMTs away and standing up of his own free will! This lasts only a moment, as both legs buckle, but he uses the stretcher to help pull himself back up, regaining his balance as he limps to the ring, climbing in through the middle rope, since going under the bottom rope would have resulted in him dragging his body through broken glass. He walks up to Dylan Howell, helping him to his feet, and raising his hand! Dylan’s woozy and doesn’t really know where he is, but he excitedly yells “Adrian! I did it!” anyway, before collapsing once again, being helped out of the ring by the EMTs and helped to the back. Ryder takes a moment to look around the ring, the blood-stained canvas, the glass shards all around… then up at the crowd, looking around at all the people there supporting him. They start chanting “Devon! Devon! Devon!”, and for the first time since Desiree left, The Canadian Hero smiles. Soon the moment is cut short by his legs collapsing underneath him again, and soon he gets out of the ring of his own power, but does use an EMT to help him to the back, as the camera cuts to the announce table once again.)

JR Freeman: …Well, folks, I think THIS is why we’ve never held a Glass House Deathmatch before!

Alfonso Banks: Or SINCE, if we have any sense at all!

JR Freeman: I’m sure neither of these two will ever want to do it again, that’s for sure!

Alfonso Banks: For Ryder you’re probably right, but one thing to always keep in mind, JR, is that Dylan Howell is fucking crazy, so you can never be too sure with him!

WINNER - DRAW

---

(We cut back to the back, where we see Daniel and Levi Russow talking outside of one of the management offices.)

Levi Russow: Dan, I can’t do that.

Daniel Russow: Why the hell not?

Levi Russow: Because I’m not sending my little brother into a deathmatch against a monster that would take no hesitation in taking the name of the match seriously.

Daniel Russow: And what if that’s the only way to get through to him? Tell me, who’s going to be the next one in ICU if we DON’T get through to Slappy? Hmm?

Levi Russow: I can’t…

Daniel Russow: Yes you can. All my life, you’ve told me to stand up for what I believe in. You’ve told me to fight for what I find worth fighting for. You have your rules, I have mine. My number one rule is you don’t fuck with my family. No matter WHO you are. You do what you have to do, I have to do this.

Levi Russow: First off, the three rules are not negotiable. I’m going to do what I feel I have to do. I’ll grant you this, but I truly hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Daniel Russow: I do. Thanks.

(With that, Dan walks off, as Levi lets out a sigh, and we cut back to ringside.)

JR Freeman; Wait, did I just hear that right? Dan vs Slaps is gonna be a Deathmatch!?

Alfonso Banks: That…can’t be good.

---

Match Three
Singles Match
Max Delgado vs. Richard Rider

(The camera cuts to ringside, where Meg Reynolds is standing by.)

Meg Reynolds: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: One fall!

Meg Reynolds: Introducing the competitors…

(“I’m Sexy And I Know It” by LMFAO echoes through the arena. Richard Rider appears slowly from the back as 3 people swarm around him taking pictures with small disposable cameras.)

JR Freeman: I guess might as well get some before shots.

Alfonso Banks: Yeah, this one’s not gonna be pretty.

(Rider poses at the top of the ramp as his hair blows in the wind by a nearby wind machine.)

Meg Reynolds: Making his way to the ring first, from Hollywood, Florida…Richard Rider!

(There’s not much of a reaction as Rider makes his way past the people around him and into the ring where they continue to take pictures until their cameras are full and they head backstage. He stands in the ring awaiting his opponent, when the lights in the arena go out.)

JR Freeman: What’s this?

Alfonso Banks: Mindgames?

(What sounds like something metal being dragged across the ground can be heard, as the opening guitar rift to “Ruthless” by Nonpoint starts to play over the sound system.)

“I’m about to EXPLODE!”

(With the hit, Max Delgado walks out from behind the curtain, to a mixed reaction from the live crowd. He stops at the top of the stage, looking out at the live crowd.)

JR Freeman: What? No Carmen tonight?

Alfonso Banks: I had a chance to talk with Max earlier. He said he didn’t need her out here, and wanted to do this on his own.

JR Freeman: Fair enough.

Meg Reynolds: His opponent, making his way to the ring from Houston, Texas…Max Delgado!

(Max makes his way down the ramp, walking with a purpose, as he gets into the ring. The ref checks with both men, as Reynolds gets out of the ring, and the bell sounds to start the match.)

JR Freeman: Here we go!

Alfonso Banks: May the odds be ever in your favor, Rider!

JR Freeman: Really? Hunger Games reference?

Alfonso Banks: It’s pop culture!

(Max wastes no time, as Rider charges at him, but he decks him with a jumping knee attack. Max goes to get Rider back to his feet, but Rider gets him in a surprise rol-up attempt.)

1…

2…

Kickout!

JR Freeman: Oh man, that would have been embarrassing for Max. He’s gonna have to be more aware.

Alfonso Banks: That was never going to get him. Rider is going to have to do a hell of a lot more to get the win here.

(The two get back to their feet and lock up in a collar and elbow tie up. Max forces Rider into the corner, as the ref orders him to back off. When Max does, Rider seems to “anger up” and explodes out of the corner, nailing Max with a lariat. He taunts for Max to get back up, only to nail him with another lariat. One more time, he waits for Max to get to his feet before leveling him with a third lariat. After this one, Rider pops up, feeling good about himself.)

JR Freeman: Okay, you’ve got the momentum…keep it going!

(Instead of following up immediately, Rider waits for Max to roll to the corner, using the ropes to help himself up. Rider charges, going for a running kick to the jaw, but at the last second, Max moves out of the way, and Rider crashes into the turnbuckle rather uncomfortably. Max turns around and grabs Rider, tossing him over his head in a belly to back suplex that throws Rider damn near half across the ring, causing him to land high on his shoulders.)

Alfonso Banks: Oh Damn! That looked like it hurt!

JR Freeman: I’m sure it didn’t tickle!

(Max walks over and wraps his arms around Rider’s waist. He drags him up, and lifts him up for another belly to back suplex, but Rider manages to flip over, landing on his feet, and hits Max with the “I’d Like to Thank the Academy”! Much to the shock of EVERYONE, as he goes for the pin.)

JR Freeman: Oh my God! This could be huge!

1…

Alfonso Banks: He could do it!

2…

JR Freeman: Is it!?

3!?!?NO!!! SHOULDER UP!!!

Alfonso Banks: Holy crap that was close!

JR Freeman: It really was. Max is going to need to get things back under control if he wants to walk out of here with the win…and I did not expect to say that.

(Rider looks at the ref, as to make sure it was only a two count. Again, instead of following up, Rider waits for Max to get to his feet, allowing him time to recover. Max takes a moment to get to his feet, but when Rider charges at him, he has the awareness to counter and hit a slingblade on Rider. Max pops back up and gets Rider back to his feet. He grabs around the waist, and delivers a high angle belly to back suplex, but keeps holding on, rolls through, and delivers another. He continues to hold onto his grasp and rolls through again, delivering a third suplex before finally releasing his grip. He gets Rider back to his feet, and sends him into the corner. The camera gets a good look at Max’s face, and we see a look of absolute rage in his eyes, as he charges into the corner with a jumping knee attack.)

JR Freeman: I think Rider has only pissed Max off now. I think this is about to get ugly.

Alfonso Banks: I think you’re right.

(Max sends Rider to the opposite corner, and charges into that one with a jumping knee attack. He pulls Rider out of the corner, spins around him, and drops him with a vicious turnbuckle suplex. Max backs up, and waits for Rider to struggle to his feet, using the ropes to help himself up. When he reaches his feet, Max charges and nails Rider with a dropkick that causes Rider to slump down to the mat a little away from the corner. Max takes the opportunity to go ahead and climb the turnbuckle. He looks around at the live crowd, before leaping off, rotating in the air, and nailing the Max Velocity 630!)

JR Freeman: 630! That HAS to be it!

Alfonso Banks: You’d think!

1…

2….

3!!!

Meg Reynolds: Here is your winner, Max delgado!

JR Freeman: There we go! That one is over!

Alfonso Banks: Honestly, Rider did better than I thought he would, but the outcome is what I expected.

(The ref raises Max’s hand, as he doesn’t take his eyes off the fallen Rider. After a few moments, Max exits the ring and starts to make his way to the back. After a few moments, Rider makes his way to the back as well.)

WINNER - MAX DELGADO

---

(Scene goes backstage as we see Gracie, Eddie Jr, Brooklyn, and Crystal walking around the backstage area, Gracie is showing her brother around and showing him how to interact around the camera and stuff. Brooklyn with a notebook in handwriting things down so they understand how things work in this company.)

Brooklyn Martinez: Thanks for showing around while the show is going on, I know you have better things to do than doing this.

Gracie Lopez: It’s what veterans do? Plus I have been around this stuff for years and know how things work around here. Different buildings have different setups, but everything basically looks the same as it does now.

(Eddie Lopez Jr looks and walks off talking in Spanish thinking that the girls were behind him but they weren’t.)

Brooklyn Martinez: I guess he wants to check out the catering area, i don’t blame him, the guy eats like a horse! You should have seen him back in school, he would scuff down a whole pizza and impress the kids. He was a class clown… anyway I’ll go catch up with him.

(Brooklyn runs off to catch up with Eddie Jr making sure he doesn’t get into trouble.)

Crystal Lopez: It’s good to see another Lopez achieving the dream you, Grandpa and Dad made…

Gracie Lopez: Don't make me sound old!

Crystal: I mean it’s true!

Gracie Lopez: Listen, all of the hard is paying off. You should thank Jenn more than me.

Crystal Lopez: Speaking of Jenn, who do you think will win?

Gracie Lopez: Tough choice. I don’t want to make a choice honestly. I just hope it’s a great match between both of them, Jenn deserves it and Alexis deserves it too. But if I know Jenn, she’s not going to take it easy, and I think the match will get nasty. I’ve been in the ring with both of them and I know how nasty they can get!

Crystal Lopez: I wouldn’t even be a ref for that match!

Gracie Lopez: Trust me, it’s better you don’t involve yourself in their matches.

(Gracie starts to walk with a smile on her face before she reaches her arm out to open her locker room door before Crystal slaps it.)

Gracie Lopez: what the hell was that for!?

Crystal Lopez: Don’t go in there yet, I have a guest….

Gracie Lopez: In my lockeroom?!

Crystal Lopez: You know that person I talked to you about… she’s behind that door.

Gracie Lopez: The manager thing? Why would you put her in my locker room? Oh right, you don’t have your own…but still!

Crystal Lopez: It’s fine! Just go talk to her, don’t be stubborn.

Gracie Lopez: Don’t touch me when I do, I don’t like being touched. I swear if I open this door and it’s some random person throwing a pie in my face, I’m gonna hurt you.

(Gracie opens the door, and there stands a young beautiful black-haired woman. She’s sitting at a table with some paperwork in front of her, and Gracie slowly inches her way into the room almost hesitant to do so, almost like she’s nervous about this woman. Crystal follows suit. Gracie meets with the girl as the scene cuts away.)

---

(We cut to the backstage interview area, where Claire Anderson is standing by.)

Claire Anderson: Please welcome my guest at this time, Max Delgado.

(A mixed reaction from the live crowd in the arena as Max steps into the shot.)

Claire Anderson: First off, congratulations on the victory tonight against Richard Rider.

Max Delgado: Ain’t nothing I didn’t tell you was gonna happen.

Claire Anderson: Wll, now that you’ve gotten that “out of the way” so to speak. What’s next for Max Delgado?

Max Delgado: Short and simple Claire? One of those PWS: APEX championships. I don’t care which one. I’ll take any of the champs on. Best believe I’m gonna be watching all of tonight’s title matches very closely.

Claire Anderson: What do you think is going to happen with the Collateral Damage Championship after the draw earlier tonight?

Max Delgado: Not sure, but that’s a situation I’m definitely keeping my eyes on.

Claire Anderson: Alright, I’ll let you go so you can celebrate with Carmen.

Max Delgado/ Thanks.

(Max walks off screen.)

Claire Anderson: Back to you guys at ringside.

---

Match Four
PWS: APEX United Championship Match
Singles Match
Alexis Makarios © vs. Jennifer Makarios-Lopez

(“Hey you” by Disturbed starts playing on the PA systems, as Pyro starts to blast around the state, Jenn makes her way from the back and walks down the ramp. She does give a few high fives to the fans but not like she used to. Once she’s in the ring she looks around the arena before climbing on the 2nd rope, where she raises her arms in the air and the crowd cheer for her.)

Meg Reynolds: The following contest is for one fall! First coming down the ramp, from Los Angeles California, Jennifer Makarios-Lopez!

Jr Freeman: Jenn is looking to get some gold here, and not tag gold. She’s been waiting for an opportunity like this for a while, the last chance she got at a big moment like this was 2 years ago.

Alfonso Banks: She had the tag titles and they got stripped from her, and it’s not what she wanted but hey I didn’t get everything I wanted either, I had to be stuck with you as a partner.

Jr Freeman: And Lifelong friend!

Alfonso Banks: Stop that, creep.

Jr Freeman: Anyway, Jenn has a tough task but she has beaten Alexis before.

Alfonso Banks: How long ago was that? I’m sure Alexis would be devastated to lose her title to anyone. But she even said herself that if is going to lose it to anyone, she’s glad it’s her own sister. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t going to try!

(The lights dim as the opening chords of “MZ Hyde” by Halestorm hit. Strobe lights start to flash at the top of the ramp as Alexis Makarios comes out from behind the curtain and stops at the top of the ramp. The arena fills with a chorus of “FIRECRACKER”. She smiles big as she looks around, taking it all in.)

Meg Reynolds: And her opponent, from Sydney Australia, she is the Aussie Firecracker… and PWS:APEX UNITED CHAMPION… ALEXIS MAKAAAAAAARIOS!!!

(The lights brighten back up as Alexis starts making her way down the ramp, high fiving fans as she goes. Once she gets to the bottom of the ramp she stops and motions for the fans to keep going. As they do, she slides into the ring under the bottom rope and hops to her feet. She goes to a corner and hops up on the ropes posing for the fans. She hops down and goes to the opposite corner and does the same. She then goes to the middle as she awaits the referee.)

Jr Freeman: HERE WE GO!!!

(As the bell rings, Jenn and Alexis shake hands in the middle of the ring before locking up. The champion, Alexis gets the early advantage by doing some chain wrestling, but quickly swings Jenn down to the ground with a side headlock takedown, Alexis cranks on Jenn’s head, and with Jenn's shoulders down, the ref counts.)

1……

(Jenn gets her shoulder off the mat at the count of 1, but Alexis keeps the side head lock before bringing both of them up on their feet. But Jenn starts to fight out of it which she does but Alexis grabs her wrist and starts working on it.)

Jr Freeman: Alexis has to be careful here, Jenn knows everything Alexis has in her move set,

Alfonso Banks: That’s why Alexis is trying to control the match like she is with something different. She wants to keep Jenn grounded, she knows if Jenn moves, she can be quick.

(Alexis tries to flip Jenn over with a fireman’s carry but Jenn flips to her feet and hits a running knee strike into the chest of Alexis. Jenn hits the ropes and hits a running leg drop, all in quick succession too.)

Jr Freeman: See that’s what she needed to avoid.

Alfonso Banks: Jenn is still quick on her feet even though she’s been in the business for a long time. She has to be with who she trains with on a daily basis.

(Jenn goes for a quick cover.)

1…….

(Alexis kicks out but Jenn grabs onto her arm and tries to hook in a crossface, but Alexis slithers away from her before falling to the arena floor, shaking her head. Jenn grows a smile on her face with her fingers in a pinching sign. Alexis nods her head with a chuckle before getting to her feet, but as soon as she does that Jenn comes flying through the ropes and crashes into Alexis! Both women crash into the barricade after the suicide dive delivered by Jenn! Jenn quickly capitalizes on it by rolling Alexis back into the ring, she goes for a cover.)

1…..

2……..

(Alexis kicks out at the count of 2, but Jenn stays on top of her. She doesn’t allow any separation. Jenn hooks in an arm submission on her for a little bit but Alexis starts to fight out of it. Once she gets out of the move, she stares at Jenn before sending a hard slap across her chest..)

Jr Freeman: Was that out of frustration?

Alfonso Banks: Hard to tell, Jenn has been ahead of Alexis most of this match.

(Never the one to back down, Jenn slaps Alexis in the chest in retaliation. At this point, both of them start beating the hell out of each other’s chests until Jenn starts to overpower her with her chopping skills, now with both chests looking like chopped-up hamburger meat ..Jenn starts showing her aggression in this match, and she wasn’t going to take it easy on her sister, she’s showing people just that. One more thunderous chop sends Alexis down on her knees, and Jenn follows up with a running knee strike to the side of the head and pins her.)

1………

2…………

(Alexis kicks out and rolls out of the ring away from Jenn, she’s trying to gather herself, she wasn’t expecting this type of aggression from her sister.)

Jr Freeman: My god! These two are tearing their chests apart. There’s going to be nothing left….

Alfonso Banks: They want this title. That’s all that matters to them, and they knew once that bell rang their sisterhood went out the window. It’s survival time.

(Jenn follows her to the outside of the ring and both of them fight for a little while. As they’re fighting on the outside, the ref makes his count towards 10, the more they stay out there the closer to 10 the ref gets. On the outside the girls finally are aware of the count being made and Alexis tries her best to get back into the ring. And both of them do at the same time at the count of 9 to the crowd's delight!)

Jr Freeman: The fans are into this match.

Alfonso Planks: Why shouldn’t they be? Two athletes of this caliber?

(Jenn and Alexis look at each other, the bruises of the match starting to show on both of their bodies and they lock up in the middle of the ring again! Unlike earlier, Jenn gets the advantage of this match and as it starts to slowly inch its way to the closing, it’s been a battle between both girls. Jenn throws Alexis into the ropes, and high knee on her, and climbs to the ropes. Something she never does, and she hits a moonsault, and goes for the pin.)

1………..

2………

3?!

(Alexis just shifted her arm off the mat in time before the ref’s hand came down fully.)

Jr Freeman: How close was that!?

Alfonso Banks: Where did Jenn pull that from!? She never goes on the top rope.

(Alexis rolls to the outside and Jenn tries to stop her but at this point, she looks defeated. Instead of this slipping through her hands, Jenn’s aggression starts to kick in. Jenn follows Alexis to the outside, and they fight on the outside again. Jenn grabs Alexis’ head and slams it off the announce table, but only once. Normally on a lesser opponent, she would do it multiple times. She looks at the announcement table before growing this wicked smile across her face. She tears apart the table and places Alexis on it before rolling back into the ring.)

Jr Freeman: What’s she doing?

Alfonso Banks: I have no idea, but with the smile she had, it’s not going to be good. But I’m gonna move because of this….I don’t want to be caught.

(As Jenn starts to climb the turnbuckles with something in mind, the crowd starts to stand in anticipation for what she’s planning on doing. Once perched on the top rope, Jenn looks down at Alexis before jumping! When she jumps, she soars across the air like a bird, and crashes her elbow into the hamburger meat called a chest of Alexis!)

Jr Freeman: Jenn just drove her elbow into the heart of Alexis!

Alfonso Banks: She’s bringing everything she has, and I’ve never seen her on the top rope like this, but to drive her own elbow into the heart Alexis had to be emotional. It had to be!

Jr Freeman: I didn’t expect it to get this rough, but we have two proud women who won’t give up on anything.

Alfonso Banks: Reminds of when Jenn faced Gracie years ago, they went to war and injured each other, and now tonight these two are doing the same!

JR Freeman: But to win that title, Jenn now has to get Alexis IN the ring! She can’t take the title from out here!

(Jenn’s the first to move from the debris at ringside, as she crawls to the ring apron, she uses it to pull herself up from the floor before rolling into the ring, Alexis remains laying there as the ref continues his count. The physicality of this match is taking it’s toll on both women, Jenn realizes the ref is getting close to the 10 count and rolls out of the ring and crawls her way toward Alexis.)

Alfonso Banks: See? Jenn knew that!

( Jenn picks up the dead weight of Alexis and throws her into the ring before going for the pin.)

1………

2……..

(Alexis gets her shoulder up. After the kick out, Jenn let out a loud screech in frustration before backing away. Looking Frustrated, she stomps to her feet and picks up Alexis. Alexis palm strikes Jenn in the face before hitting her with a spinning heel kick. Alexis climbs to the rope, and hits “Down Unda Thunda”, but she doesn’t get all of it since Jenn moved at the last second, but enough to get a pin attempt.)

1……….

2………

(Jenn kicks out…)

Jr Freeman: Oh man! I think that’s the best shot that Alexis had there, she’s hurting from this match. Look at her face, every move is hurting.

(But Alexis stays on the attack, she’s not letting any space between her and Jenn. Alexis knee’s Jenn repeatedly in the head and hits a running leg drop to her, before going to the top rope again, and she hits “Greetings from Australia '' but Jenn falls half way across the ring, and Alexis has to crawl. She slowly crawls and covers Jenn.)

Jr Freeman: This is it!

1…..

2………..

Alfonso Banks: Jenn isn’t moving here!

(Jenn places her toe right on the rope before the ref got to 3!)

Jr Freeman: She got her!

Alfonso Banks: No she didn’t! Look at Jenn’s foot, it’s on the bottom rope!

(Alexis has a frustrated look on her face before yelling out….)

Alexis: Dammit Jenn, Stay down! I don’t want to hurt you!

Jr Freeman: The emotion is running high here, you can feel it, you can sense it.

Alfonso Banks: What’s Alexis going to do here? She doesn’t want to hurt her sister, but she already hit 2 finishers on her. She has to finish her off somehow.

(Alexis stands up on her feet and shakes her head for a moment, before climbing the turnbuckles again. She waits for Jenn to stand up and goes for the “Greetings from Australia” but Jenn had the quickness to dropkick Alexis out of mid-air! Instead of wasting time, Jenn climbs the turnbuckles this time and as she steadies herself on the top rope, she points to the sky for a moment before looking down.)

Jenn: I’m sorry Lexi, I love ya…..

(Jenn hits a massive frogsplash from the top rope and she bounces off Alexis with impact! Both girls squirm across the ring like worms till Jenn lays on top of Alexis.)

Alfonso Banks: WHAT A THROW BACK!!! ITS OVER!!!

1……..

2………..

3!!!

Jr Freeman: Jenn won the United Title!

Alfonso Banks: Look at the emotion on her face, and both of them. They went to war for that belt, and Jenn used Alexis’ words against her. That’s going to be one awkward Thanksgiving.

(Alexis pulls herself up and steadies herself up on her feet as she looks at the referee, who was sliding in the ring with the United Title. Jenn has gotten to her feet in time to see that Alexis snatches the title from the ref’s hand and looks at it as she turns towards Jenn. Jenn stands on her feet looking towards Alexis.)

Alfonso Banks: Are they going to fight again!?

(Alexis looks down at the championship for a moment before handing it to Jenn with a smile on her face. Jenn hesitates for a second then takes it. Alexis raises Jenns hand in victory as she looks over at her sister proudly. The two ladies embrace in a tearful moment before Alexis excuses herself to the back. The crowd is going nuts as Jenn hops on the turnbuckle and holds her new title high.)

WINNER - AND NEW PWS: APEX UNITED CHAMPION, JENNIFER MAKARIOS-LOPEZ

---

(The cameras cut to the back, in Star's office. Star was sitting in her chair behind her desk with a huge smile on her face. She looked up as she heard her door open.)

Star Stormz: Candy! What a pleasant surprise! What brings a hall of famer like yourself here?

(The cameras pan to show PWS legend Candy walking in the door. She had a large purse draped over her shoulder and a HUGE grin on her face.)

Candy: Well, I'm on a vacation from SCW for a while, and I just wanted to stop by and visit everyone! Miss Ruby wanted to say hi!

Star Stormz: She must be getting so big!

Candy: She turns 2 next month.

Star Stormz: They grow up so fast…

(Before their conversation could progress, they are interrupted by the loud sound of feet shuffling down the hallway. Their attention turns as they see Richard Rider sulking as he shuffled slowly down the hallway, his head hung low. Candy let out a shriek that caused Star to jump.)

Candy: OH MY GAAAAAAAWD IS THAT RICHARD RIDER!?!?!?!!!!

Star Stormz: Uh… yes?

Candy: EXCUSE ME! I'LL BE RIGHT BACK!

(Candy rushes out into the hallway and steps in front of the sullen form of Richard Rider. He stopped and looked at the overly cheery woman blocking his path as he spoke softly.)

Richard Rider: Do uh… do you mind? I've had a rough night and I just wanna go to my hotel and crash.

(Candy was grinning ear to ear.)

Candy: OMG YOU ARE RICHARD RIDER!

Richard Rider: Yeah… and?

Candy: OMG OMG OMG IM A HUGE FAN!!! I SAW YOU IN THE AVENGERS! YOU WERE THE GUY IN THE BACKGROUND WHO POINTED AND SAID "LOOK!"

(Rider's head slowly looked up, his expression changed to that of confusion.)

Richard Rider: You… liked that? You're not here to pull a prank on me or mess with me… are you.

Candy: No way! I'm really a huge fan and I'd love to get a selfie with you! Please please pleeeeeeeease.

Richard Rider: Uh… anything for a fan?

(Candy reaches in her bag to dig out her phone when her pomeranian pup pops her head out of the bag. Rider let's out a yelp.)

Richard Rider: WHAT… THE FUCK… IS THAT THING?

Candy: LANGUAGE! This is Fluffy! My dog!

Richard Rider: That's no dog… that's a damned rat.

(Fluffy growls at him.)

Candy: You apologize! That was mean!

(Candy spoke in a stern voice. The mom voice as some would call it, complete with the wagging finger.)

Richard Rider: Uh… I'm…. Sorry?

Candy: Good. Now give her a head pat.

Richard Rider: I'm good over… here…

Candy: She won't bite you.

Richard Rider: I'm… I'm good.

(Candy notices that Rider is shaking a little, and keeping his distance.)

Candy: Are you… afraid of Fluffy?

Richard Rider: Not Fluffy specifically… I just… I don't like dogs. At all.

Candy: PET FLUFFY'S HEAD!!!

(Candy yelled at Rider who jumped a bit before slowly reaching out for Fluffy. As soon as he comes within an inch of petting the pooches head, Candy's other dog, a 2 year old Pomsky, comes bounding down the hallway barking. He side slams into Rider's leg, who let's out the highest pitched SCREECH you could imagine before taking off running down the hall, being chased by Hero.)

Candy: COME BACK! WE DIDNT TAKE OUR SELFIE YET!

(Candy took off down the hall chasing Rider. The cameras cut back to Star's office where she witnessed this whole interaction. She chuckled as she shakes her head.)

Star Stormz: It's good to be home.

(With that, the camera cuts back to ringside.)

---

Match Five
Deathmatch
Daniel Russow vs. Slaps McKills

(The cameras cut to Meg Reynolds, who is standing in the ring.)

Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match has been made a Deathmatch, which means anything goes, falls count anywhere. There are no disqualifications, no count-outs, and the only ways to win are by pinfall, submission, or technical knock out. Now, introducing the competitors…

(The lights in the arena go out, as drumbeats and scratches as a whirling echo uprises into a vicious drumbeat, familiar to the PWS Apex Universe as Davey Havok's voice begins snarling.)

LOVE!
YOUR HATE!
YOUR!
FAITH LOST!
YOU!
ARE NOW!
ONE!
ONE OF US!

(Pyro doesn't even blast just blinding lights come flashing back on in the arena and we see Jesse Russow laughing maniacally pacing around a Terminator posed Slaps McKill who slowly raises his head and looks towards the horizon as "Miseria Cantare" by AFI continues to play.)

Meg Reynolds: Ingtroducing first, from New York, New York…Slaps McKills!

...AS WE ALL FORM ONE DARK FLAME!!!!
...INCINERAAAAATE!!!

(Jesse makes hsi way to the back, as Slaps slowly, methodically makes his way down the ramp, and steps into the ring. There, he turns and waits for his opponent, as the lights dim in the arena. The tron gets illuminated with the image of a fuse lighting up. It starts to light, running down, in a sort of design, with twists and turns. After a moment, we get a top down view of the fuse, to see it makes out the name Daniel Russow. And with that, there’s a huge explosion on screen, as well as live pyro exploding on stage, as Disturbed’s “Unstoppable” begins to blare over the sound system.)

JR Freeman: New entrance music for Dan. Hits a bit harder.

Alfonso Banks: To go along with his new attitude as of late. He’s gone…darker?

(Daniel Russow walks out from behind the curtain, clad in his usual skull facemask and Russow sleeveless hoodie with ragged blue jeans. But this time, Dan has a couple of props with him, as he’s wielding a pair of kendo sticks. From the instant he locks eyes with Slaps, the two don’t take their eyes off each other, as Dan makes his way down the ramp.)

Meg Reynolds: His opponent, from New York, New York…Daniel Russow!

(Reynolds gets out of the ring, as Russow steps in. The ref checks with both men, before calling for the bell.)

JR Freeman: HERE WE GO!

(Both men come to the center of the ring, where Slaps holds out his arms, yelling that Dan gets a “free shot”.)

JR Freeman: What’s this? He’s…letting Dan hit him with the kendo stick?

Alfonso Banks: I…think so?

(Dan stands there for a moment, before obliging, and swinging and striking Slaps in the ribs with the kendo stick. Slaps screams at Dan for another, so Dan takes the other kendo stick and strikes Slaps in the shoulder. Slaps yells again, so again Dan swings the kendo stick, but this time, Slaps catches the kendo stick. He looks at Dan, yells “my turn” and yanks the kendo stick out of his hands.)

JR Freeman: Oh God…

Alfonso Banks: RUN DAN!

(With one swift movement, Slaps whacks Dan across the head with the kendo stick, as Dan crumbles down the mat. Dan rolls out of the ring, and Slaps follows him, yelling at him to “get back and take your beating.” Slaps drops the kendo sticks and grab Dan and absolutely THROTTLES him into the ring barricade. He grabs Dan again by the belt and deadlifts him up, pancaking him onto the ring apron.)

JR Freeman: Oh geez, that had to hurt! The power of Slaps is just…scary!

Alfonso Banks: Everything about him makes me want to soil my pants…

JR Freeman: I….didn’t need to know that.

(Slaps takes the opportunity to look under the ring apron, and pulls out a small bag. The fans buzz with excitement, as Slaps gets back in the ring. He unties the bag, and pulls Dan close. He opens the bag more, and moves it closer to Dan’s mouth, as we see tiny thumbtacks pour into Dan’s mouth, with a few dropping to the mat.)

JR Freeman: Oh my God…no, don’t do this Slappy!

Alfonso Banks: It’s Slaps….and I don’t think you want to be the one to tell him no!

(Slaps drops the bag and gets Dan to his feet. He goes to deliver a knockout punch to the face, but Dan manages to spit out the thumtacks, mostly in the general direction of Slaps, before kicking himin the gut, and planting him with a sit-out facebuster.)

JR Freeman: Man, that could have been disastrous for Dan.

(Dan rolls back out of the ring, and goes to look under the ring apron. Now he pulls out a small bag of his own, and rolls back into the ring.)

Alfonso Banks: Why are there so many bags under the ring??

(Dan unties his bag and turns it upside down, as tiny little legos fall down onto the mat.)

JR & Alf: LEGOS!

(Dan has a sick smirk on his face, as he tosses the empty bag away, and goes over to Slaps to get him back to his feet. He pulls him over to where the legos are, and gets ready to suplex him onto them, but Slaps breaks the hold, stands up, grabs Dan by the throat, and lifts him up before planting him with the Fatal Fury chokeslam onto the legos! Dan screams in pain, and immediately rolls out of the ring, falling down to the floor.)

JR Freeman: Good God that had to hurt. I can only imagine what that would’ve felt like.

Alfonso Banks: I’ve stepped on a lego before and oh lord it hurt…I can only imagine what THAT must have felt like!

(Dan lays on the floor on his stomach, spitting out what appears to be blood from the thumbtacks earlier. He turns and reaches uder the ring apron, as the cameras cut back to Slaps, who is getting out of the ring to go after Dan. He gets to Dan, but when he goes to pick him up, Dan pulls out a fire extinguisher from under the ring, and blasts it in Slaps’ face! Slaps walks around, batting at his eyes blinded for the moment, as Dan gets back to his feet. Slaps staggers back into in front of the ring barricade, and Dan charges at him, spearing him through the barricade.)

JR Freeman: Oh damn! Through the barricade!

(Both men struggle to their feet, as Dan leads Slaps away from the ringside area and through the crowd. They are fighting their entire way with punches and knees, as they make their way over to the production area, with all the production crates and tables. Slaps manages to deck Dan with a big boot, as he goes looking for something. Whatever it is, he finds it, as a sick sadistic smile grows on his face, as he reaches into one of the crates, and pulls out a fluorescent light tube, much to the excitement of the live crowd. Dan gets back to his feet, only to feel the shattering of the light tube on his head, and he immediately falls back down to the floor. The camera catches Slaps, as he looks dead at the camera and takes a bite out of the light bulb.)

JR Freeman: Uh….what?

Alfonso Banks: I….I’m scared…

(Slaps apparently takes too long focusing on the camera, as Dan comes up from behind himj with a cable, and wraps it around Slaps’s neck. He pulls back as hard as he can, forcing Slaps to drop the broken light bulb. After a moment, Slaps drops to his knees, before appearing to be completely out. Dan releases the hold with the cable, but when the ref goes to check on Slaps, Dan pushes him off, and picks up the broken light bulb. After a moment, Slaps recovers and starts to stumble to his feet, but when he looks up at Dan, Dan slashes his face with the broken end of the light bulb. The only enrages the monster, as he bullrushes Dan, slamming him into the concrete wall behind them. Slaps then picks Dan up, and starts walking up the steps to the second floor seating area above the production area.)

JR Freeman: Uh…what’s he doing? This isn’[t going to end well…

Alfonso Banks: It never does…

(Dan gets up to the second floor and goes to one of the railings that is overlooking the production area. Dan manages to squirm out of Slaps’s arms, and the two start fighting before they lock up. They are both struggling, trying to get the advantage when there must be a misstep or something, because in a moment, both men go tumbling over the railing, and fall down around fifteen feet, straight onto one of the tables in the production area. It must have been the table that controls the pyrotechnics, because pyro explodes EVERYWHERE on stage.)

JR Freeman: DIOS MIO!

Alfonso Banks: THEY’RE DEAD!

(Medical personnel rush the scene as does Levi Russow. When he sees that both Slaps and Dan are trying to still fight, he finds a white rag and tosses it in before going over to the referee. The referee nods his head, as the medics check on both men. The ref runs back to the timekeeper’s table and fills in everyone, as the bell sounds.)

Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, due to immense concern for both competitors and their well-being, Levi Russow has stopped this match so that both men can get the medical attention they need. Before someone gets seriously hurt.

(There are some boos from the crowd, but most everyone understands why Levi has done this, as we don’t really spend too much time on the scene, and go back to Alf and JR.)

JR Freeman: My God that was brutal. I just hope both of them are okay.

Alfonso Banks: I may need a change of pants after all that pyro….

JR Freeman: Once again, I did not need to know that.

Alfonso Banks: Sorry!

WINNER - MATCH STOPPAGE

---

(The cameras cut to the back to show the NEW United Champion, Jennifer Makarios-Lopez, as she was talking in the hallway with Eddie Jr and Gracie Lopez.)

Gracie Lopez: I am SO PROUD of you.

Jennifer Makarios-Lopez: Thank you. I am still in shock. It’s been way too long.

Gracie Lopez: So this means that dinner and drinks tonight are 100% on you tonight? Right?

(Jenn chuckles a little as she adjusts the belt on her shoulder)

Jennifer Makarios-Lopez: Of course. I’ll go get Lexi, you know she wouldn’t want to miss this

Eddie Jr: Lexi? Crazy lady?

Jennifer Makarios-Lopez: It’s tradition. Plus, it gives you a chance to get to know her for real. Meet me at the car?

(Eddie Jr and Gracie nod as they walk off. Jenn turns around and heads off down the hallway. She turns the corner and lets out a loud scream! The cameras pan and show Alexis laying on the ground, unconscious, covered in her own blood. Jenn drops beside her sister)

Jennifer Makarios-Lopez: SOME ONE GET SOME HELP!!!

(She checks on Alexis as she continues to yell out for help. Gracie and Eddie Jr come running around the corner and see what is going on. Gracie starts yelling for help as well as she drops down on the other side, checking on Alexis too. Alexis stirs a bit, coughing a little, and with that couch a bit of blood started to drip from the corner of her mouth.)

Jennifer Makarios-Lopez: GOD DAMNIT CAN WE GET SOME HELP HERE!!!

(Some paramedics come around the corner and insist that Jenn and Gracie back up as they begin to check on Alexis)

Alfonso Banks: Who could have done this?

JR Freeman: I’ll give you ONE guess…

Alfonso Banks: NO… you don’t think it could be…

(The paramedics load Alexis onto a gurney and start to take her towards the parking lot. The cameras pan out and written in red spray paint on the wall were the word “Mors Mangone”. Jenn, Gracie, and Eddie Jr follow the paramedics as the cameras cut back to ringside to Alfonso and JR)

JR Freeman: Maybe I was wrong?

Alfonso Banks: Does she know how to speak Latin?

JR Freeman: What does that have to do with anything at all?

Alfonso Banks: Duh… Mors Mangone means “Death Dealer” in Latin

JR Freeman: You speak latin?

Alfonso Banks: You don’t?

---

(We cut to the medical area, where we see Slaps McKills and Daniel Russow getting checked on. Why they’re getting checked on right next to each other is beyond us, but here we are. Suddenly, Jesse Russow barges into the trainer’s area. He walks straight over to Slaps, and in one swift motion, slaps Slaps across the face.)

Jesse Russow: I did not choose you to realize your full potential for a draw against my brother. When I say “broken” I mean BROKEN.

Daniel Russow: Lay the fuck off, Jesse. We just went through hell with each other. The only REASON it was a draw is because our brother couldn’t stomach what was coming. If you wanna have your fuckin panties in a wad over shit, let it be at me or Levi. Not Slappy.

Jesse Russow: Oh don’t you worry, your time is comin’. But for now, this is between me and my protege.

Daniel Russow: Oh enough with the delusional bullshit, Jesse. You’re just asshurt cause you never got to where Levi and I have in this business. Despite everyone around you helping you.

(Just then, the door to the room bursts open the door, to the point it comes off its hinges, as Levi Russow steps into the room.)

Levi Russow: THAT. IS. ENOUGH! You two can tear each other apart all you want, but you leave the kid out of it.

(All three Russow brothers square up, as if they’re about to have an all out brawl, when without a word, Slaps simply stands up, sniffs the air, and walks out past the three of them. Jesse turns to Dan.)

Jesse Russow: That was YOUR fault.

Daniel Russow: Oh fuck off.

(Jesse storms off past Levi, presumably to go after Slaps, as Dan sits back down on the medical table.)

Levi Russow: You alright? Really?

Daniel Russow: I mean, I’m gonna feel like shit for a few days, but I’m fine.

Levi Russow: Well, don’t be surprised if Audrey is…overly protective of you…

Daniel Russow:....you didn’t…

Levi Russow: YOU’RE the one who picked a DEATHMATCH with a MONSTER.

(Dan looks dead at Levi.)

Daniel Russow: You see the way he walked out? If it gets him to see past Jesse’s bullshit…it’s worth it.

(With that, we cut to ringside for the main event.)

---

Main Event
PWS: APEX World Championship Match
Triple Threat Match
Cleo Phillips © vs. Mike Hawk vs. Alexandra Calaway

Meg Reynolds: The following contest is your MAIN EVENT of the evening, and it is a Three-Way Dance for the PWS: Apex WOOOOOOOOORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!

(The tron sparks to life, with a message formed by white text on a black background. “Dedicated to Artis Leon Ivey Jr.; “Coolio”. As the message plays, the lights go out, the familiar first few notes of “Gangsta’s Paradise” play. The crowd soon sees a silhouette with some familiar long hair standing in the darkness as the song first starts up.)

JR Freeman: Oh, I guess the champion’s coming out first!

(The lights come back up, however, and the audience has its expectations severely subverted as, instead of Cleo Phillips, they see that the long hair belongs instead to comedy legend “Weird Al” Yankovic, who starts singing the parody cover of the song, “Amish Paradise”, instead.)


#“As I walk through the valley where I harvest my grain,
I take a look at my wife and realize she's very plain.
But that's just perfect for an Amish like me,
You know we shun fancy things like electricity!”#

(Hawk struts out onto the stage in full Amish garb, including a long fake brown beard, a black hat with buckles, a white button-up shirt with suspenders, and black pants to match. He’s wearing a black armband with “Coolio” written on it as well, as a tribute. He holds a copy of the holy bible as well. The crowd is doing a weird mixture of booing him and laughing, so it comes off as more of a mixed reaction. Hawk fist bumps Weird Al as he walks towards the ring, pausing briefly once he’s about halfway down the ramp.)

JR Freeman: What the hell is he doing!?

Alfonso Banks: Making a statement.


#“At 4:30 in the morning I'm milkin' cows,
Jebediah feeds the chickens and Jacob plows... fool!
And I've been milkin' and plowin' so long that
Even Ezekiel thinks that my mind is gone!”

Meg Reynolds: Introducing first; from Toronto, Ontario Canada; weighing in at 245 lbs.; he is the “President of Professional Wrestling”, MIIIIIIIIIIIIKE HAWK!

(Hawk gives a knowing smirk to the crowd, as he pats the black armband he’s wearing, pointing upwards and looking up respectfully, even giving a little nod, as a sort of tribute to the deceased. After that, he struts to the ring, casually flipping off the audience as he goes.)


#“I'm a man of the land, I'm into discipline.
Got a Bible in my hand and a beard on my chin.
But if I finish all of my chores and you finish thine,
Then tonight we're gonna party like it's 1699!”#

(Hawk steps into the ring with a flourish, pyro going off in the corners in red and white, clearly a patriotic setup, except it actually startled Hawk, making him jump.)


#“We been spending most our lives,
Living in an Amish paradise!
I've churned butter once or twice,
Living in an Amish paradise!
It's hard work and sacrifice,
Living in an Amish paradise!
We sell quilts at discount price,
Living in an Amish paradise!”

(Hawk looks at the crowd after the little pyro scare, mouthing “Fuck ME!” as he holds his heart, panting a bit. He shrugs and, as the song comes to an end, he pulls off the beard, discarding the bible as he casually complains about how hot the costume was, quote, “For thagt one fucking joke”.)

JR Freeman: That’s disgusting! The man JUST passed, and Hawk chooses to go ahead with this anyway just to poke fun at the champion?!

Alfonso Banks: Hey, you call it crass, JR, but I call it a fitting tribute for a fallen rap icon!

JR Freeman: Since when do YOU listen to rap, Alf?

Alfonso Banks: What do you mean? I’ve ALWAYS loved rap! Coolio, Eminem, uh… that… other guy.

JR Freeman: You just started listening to it because Cleo Phillips likes it, didn’t you?

Alfonso Banks: No! Shut up! No!

(As the two bicker, and Hawk stands in the ring awaiting his opponent whilst stripping out of his Amish garb, the lights dim and the opening chords of “Blow” by Eva Under Fire ft. Spencer Charnas can be heard over the speaker system. Fog billows out from behind the curtains, blanketing the entrance ramp in a thick layer which is only accentuated as the lights begin to glow a deep red which can only herald the arrival of one person. The Dark Queen stands silhouetted on the entrance ramp, the beat finally dropping as she steps forward, the crowd booing as Alexandra Calaway starts making her way towards the ring.)

Meg Reynolds: And introducing next; from Dallas, Texas; weighing in at 125 lbs.; she is “The Dark Queen”, ALEXAAAAAAAANDRA CAAAAAAAALAWAAAAAAAY!

(As The Dark Queen continues down the ramp, she looks around at some of the signs the audience members have made, including (but not limited to), “Nosfera-Two”, “Scorched Earth”, with a picture of a phoenix circling the Earth on it, “Alex, throw her off the roof”, and one that’s just a huge cutout of a playing card, specifically the queen of clubs, with Calaway’s face printed out and taped onto the card where the face of the queen would normally be on each side. A sardonic smirk comes over her face that’s not dissimilar to that of Jonathan Sanders, as she stops before entering the ring, cracking her neck before rolling into the ring, quickly standing up and scowling at the crowd, simply raising a fist in the air as the song slowly fades to silence, the red lighting turning back to normal as she and Hawk await the champion.)

JR Freeman: The Dark Queen looks absolutely DRIVEN tonight, Alf. After the way we’ve seen her acting over the last couple of Riots, one has to wonder just how far she’s prepared to go to win this belt.

Alfonso Banks: She’s said it herself, JR: “Scorched Earth”. I don’t think we’ll see the Dark Queen stop at ANYTHING to achieve her goals tonight, and I would absolutely NOT like to be EITHER of her opponents at this moment.

JR Freeman: Not even if it meant you could get close to Cleo Phillips?

Alfonso Banks: Hey, JR, I’m HORNY, not stupid! As much as I think Cleo’s attractive, I’m not about to get my ASS kicked just to get within smooching distance!

JR Freeman: SMOOCHING DISTANCE? Really?

Alfonso Banks: Believe it or not, that was the LEAST-creepy phrasing I could think of!

(A loud pyro explosion that leads into the beat to "Gangsta's Paradise" echoes throughout the arena, the crowd hearing the opening beat for the second time. As the lyrics begin, the world champion swaggers out onto the stage, title draped over her shoulder. She folds her arms and looks around at the crowd from behind her shades.)


#“As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I take a look at my life, and realize there's nothin' left.
'Cause I've been blastin' and laughin' so long,
That even my momma thinks that my mind is gone!”#

(Cleo pounds her chest twice, holding her title in the air with the other hand, pointing around the arena before making her way down the ramp, as the song continues.)


#“But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it,
Me be treated like a punk, you know that's unheard of.
You better watch how you talkin' and where you walkin',
Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk.”#

Meg Reynolds: And introducing next; hailing from the Bronx, New York, USA; weighing in at 125 lbs.; she is your REIGNING, DEFENDING, PWS: Apex WOOOOOOOOOOORLD CHAMPION; “THE BODY SNATCHER”, CLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOO PHIIIIIIIILLLLIIIIIIIPS!

Alfonso Banks: There she is, JR! That's my girl! The World Champion looks as if she's ready to kick some ass and look DAMN fine doing it! Yowza!

(Alf fully wolf-whistles like a horny cartoon character.)

JR Freeman: I… I just… I don't even have words for you sometimes. Can you at least TRY to be professional?

Alfonso Banks: …Is it because I said "yowza"?

JR Freeman: Believe it or not, the "yowza" was the LEAST of my concerns.

Alfonso Banks: So that means I can keep saying it? Yowza!

JR Freeman: It absolutely does NOT mean that.

(Once at ringside, she jumps on the apron and glares holes through Mike Hawk, who stares up at her and waves cheekily. Cleo sighs and rolls into the ring, where she postures and poses for the crowd with her belt as some more pyros go off.)


#“I really hate to trip, but I gotta loc,
As they croak, I see myself in the pistol smoke.
Fool, I'm the kinda G the little homies wanna be like,
On my knees in the night, sayin' prayers in the streetlight!”#

(As the chorus comes in, Cleo glares down at Hawk, pointing down at him and mouthing some indecipherable words, with Hawk pounding his chest with both hands, as if to say “come at me!”, and Cleo looks up at the crowd, who all cheer her, singing along to the song as the chorus continues.)


#“Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise
Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise.”#

(Back in the ring, Cleo hops up onto the turnbuckle now and poses, belt held high above her head as more pyros explode to the tune of the song. She beats her chest a few times with her free hand and then crosses herself and points up to the sky, honouring the artist and his legacy before she hops down from the top rope and hands her title belt to the referee. The official then raises it high in the air again for all to see, the crowd reaction still quite strong, before lowering the belt and handing it to a ring attendant. The three competitors square off in the centre of the ring, talking trash to one another until the bell rings, and the ring EXPLODES with action! Cleo immediately LAUNCHES herself at Hawk and starts swinging, firing off right hands and elbows with intensity not often seen from the World Champion. Hawk begins to throw his own right hands back to defend himself, but before the two can get too far, Calaway interposes herself into the brawl, throwing swift and vicious elbows of her own. The trio brawl around the ring, trading blows back and forth and back, with none really gaining the upper hand in the early going. This soon changes, however, as Cleo is able to duck a huge haymaker by Hawk which sends him careening, off-balance, into Alexandra Calaway. The champ then immediately capitalizes on this advantage by flooring them BOTH with a running Crossbody, then kips up to a huge pop from the crowd.)

JR Freeman: What a move by Cleo Phillips! Really demonstrating the tactical mind of the champion, who's able to outTHINK her opponents as much as outwrestle them!

Alfonso Banks: She's brilliant AND beautiful, JR! What more could a man want?

JR Freeman: I mean… the love and respect of his family and friends?

Alfonso Banks: Ugh, LAME! Spoken like a true virgin, JR.

JR Freeman: I have multiple grandchildren.

Alfonso Banks: Suuuure you do.

JR Freeman: I- bu- you've MET them!

Alfonso Banks: That's YOUR opinion.

JR Freeman: That's… I don't even… What?!

(Back in the ring, Cleo is making the most of her momentum, taking the fight to her fallen opponents with stomps and stiff kicks, mostly targeting the arms and shoulders. She caps all of this off with a Double Legdrop to each of her challengers' outstretched arms, before locking them in two simultaneous Lockups! Cleo wrenches on the Double Armbar with gusto, causing Hawk and Alexandra to struggle and cry out beneath her, each one reaching for the ropes that are closest to them. Hawk begins to move first, throwing his hips and wildly flailing in the direction of the ropes, inching along the mat closer and closer. He reaches out his free arm, crying out with the struggle, his fingertips INCHES from finding purchase… then cries out in surprise when he’s suddenly wrenched backwards, apparently by Alexandra Calaway trying to pull the group in the direction of HER ropes! Hawk glances back over his shoulder and shouts “Oh, come on!” as Alexandra meticulously crab-walks across the mat, moving ever-closer to the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. Just before she’s able to reach them, however, Hawk tugs violently back in the OTHER direction, pulling the group back towards the ropes on HIS side of the ring! The crowd laughs out loud at this ersatz tug-of-war, with Hawk pulling Cleo to the left, then Alexandra pulling her back to the right, then Hawk pulling her back to the left, et cetera, until Cleo gets fed up and starts laying into each opponent with her free arm. This distraction provides them both an opportunity for escape, however, and Hawk manages to trap her arm with one of his legs as Alexandra Calaway begins firing kicks into the back of Cleo’s head, forcing her to break the hold.)

JR Freeman: Well, that was certainly among the more… INTERESTING ways I’ve seen of escaping a submission hold.

Alfonso Banks: You say ‘interesting’, I say ‘hilarious’, JR!

JR Freeman: I wonder about your sense of humour sometimes. You know that, Alf?

(As the announcers continue to bicker, we cut back to the ring where Calaway and Hawk have begun to return to their feet, squaring off with the World Champion once again. Cleo doesn’t waste any time in taking the fight to her opponents, but she gets caught with a boot to the gut and pulled in for a double Vertical Suplex. The arms of both competitors seem to simultaneously give out, however, and they drop the champion back to her feet. Cleo lays into both of them with stiff elbows and right hands, one for Calaway, one for Hawk, one for Calaway, one for Hawk, until they both end up doubled-over and Cleo grabs each one by the neck…and drops them both with a DOUBLE SUPLEX FROM THE CHAMP! She cries out with the effort, then spends just a moment lying on the ground after she accomplishes the move, but reassures the crowd - who once again EXPLODE with thunderous applause - by extending one arm with a “thumbs up” gesture from the mat.)

JR Freeman: DIOS MIO! Look at the raw power of Cleo Phillips, suplexing both of her opponents at the same time!

Alfonso Banks: GodDAMN, JR, you’re absolutely right! What POWER! Now THAT's what I like to see in a woman! Suplex ME, mommy Cleo!

JR Freeman: …Wow, I hated EVERY PART of that sentence, Alf. Thanks!

Alfonso Banks: I won’t hide what I am from YOU, partner; YOU’RE stuck with me!

JR Freeman: Oh. Good.

(The referee has begun a count, now, as all three competitors lie on the mat. Cleo clutches the small of her back, possibly regretting that Suplex, as Hawk and Calaway each favour an arm and recover from the move.)

1!

(The World Champion has begun to stir, but can’t quite seem to rise back to her feet just yet. Hawk, too, has begun a crawl towards one corner to pull himself back up.)

2!

(Hawk has reached the corner and pulled himself into a sitting position, as Cleo Phillips begins to make her way to all fours. The referee checks them both, but decides to continue the count.)

3!

(Cleo Phillips has made her way to one knee, now, and Hawk has slowly - with a seemingly-great effort - pulled himself back to a vertical base. Alexandra Calaway seems to be the last one on the ground, until - as Cleo and Hawk prepare to lock up once again - she suddenly sits bolt upright in the centre of the mat! This clearly startles both competitors, which Mike Hawk so eloquently summarizes by way of shouting…)

Mike Hawk: OH JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH AND TELLER!

(Much to the delight of the audience, who respond with a laugh at his reaction. The World Champion and the self-proclaimed President of Wrestling exchange glances, then they each run forward and take Calaway back to the mat with a STIFF tandem knee-strike to either side of her chest! Calway, however, simply sits back up immediately, causing the pair to turn around and regard both her and each other with looks of astonishment and chagrin, before running forward and, in one smooth motion, completing the SAME double-kick to her back! Calaway doubles over forward, but pops immediately back up, and as Hawk and Cleo come back for round three, she catches each of their legs and slowly stands up, switching up her grip to transition into a Double Chokeslam!)

JR Freeman: My god! What a comeback by Alexandra Calaway! It seems like Cleo Phillips isn’t the ONLY one in this match keen to show off her raw power!

Alfonso Banks: …Is it weird that I’m just a little bit attracted to HER now, too, JR?

JR Freeman: Oooh, does Cleo Phillips have some competition in the cold, cold heart of Alfonso Banks now, partner?

Alfonso Banks: Hey! First of all, that’s “Alfonso ‘Daddy Cool’ Banks” to YOU!

JR Freeman: I will ABSOLUTELY never call you that.

Alfonso Banks: And TWO, I could never have eyes for ANYONE but our illustrious World Champion, JR… but just don’t tell my wife I said that! HEYOOO!

JR Freeman: Did… did you just say “Heyo”? What is this, 1976?

Alfonso Banks: It’s ALWAYS 1976 in MY mind, JR!

JR Freeman: Yes, I gathered that.

(Calaway wastes little time following up after this huge power play, going for a quick cover on Cleo Phillips…)

ONE!

TWO!

NO! THE CHAMPION POWERS OUT OF IT!

(The Dark Queen pounds the mat in frustration, then simply grins a wicked grin and nods.)

Alexandra Calaway: Okay. Okay. Scorched Earth…

(She grabs the Body Snatcher by the hair, now, and slowly stands her up, firing a few stiff forearms across Cleo’s back to quash any comeback she may try to make. She then Irish Whips her into one corner of the ring, then sets her sights on Hawk, pulling him into the centre of the mat.)

JR Freeman: Uh-oh, I’m not sure I like where this is going…

Alfonso Banks: Me neither! Come on, Cleo! Don’t let her DO this to you, baby!

(It seems, however, like the Champion isn’t necessarily in a position to do much negotiating, as Alexandra Calaway returns to the corner and fully slaps her in the face a couple of times, before grabbing her by the hair once again and beginning to ascend the turnbuckle. She shoves the World Champion’s head in between her legs, clearly looking for a second-rope Apocalypse like we saw in their recent Trios match on Riot… but she stops on the second rope and shakes her head, climbing up one step FURTHER to hit the move from the very top! The audience is peppering the ring with boos, now, clearly not enthusiastic to see the Dark Queen go home with the World Title belt… and it seems they may not have to! As Alexandra adjusts her position to get up to the top, Cleo Phillips is able to regain just enough of her wherewithal to begin to mount a comeback, rocketing a right hand into her challenger’s midsection. This doubles Calaway over but does not stop her ascent, and she responds in kind with one across the back of Cleo. The champion crumples at the strike, but gathers her resolve and strikes back with ANOTHER stiff right hand. She receives yet another heavy forearm swat across her lower back for her troubles, and crumples once again, allowing Calaway to lift the Champion onto her shoulders for the move… but Hawk has made it to his feet by now, and he rushes into the corner to shove both women backwards, causing the pair to topple to the floor outside the ring! Calaway falls directly through the French-language announcers’ table while Cleo goes a little further and catches her midsection on the audience barricade, folding in half from the impact!)

JR Freeman: OH DIOS MIO!

Alfonso Banks: HOLY SHIT!

Pierre LaPierre: SACRE BLEU!

(As the two announce teams and ringside attendants struggle to pick up the pieces in the ensuing carnage, Mike Hawk poses in the centre of the ring with a self-satisfied grin on his face, to a solidly mixed reaction from the crowd. About half of them pelt the challenger with boos while the other half hail him with chants of “PREZ OF WREST-LING!” *clap clap clapclapclap* and just literally straight-up singing the tune of “Hail to the Chief”, because literally nobody knows the actual lyrics. Don’t lie, you don’t know them. Hawk basks in all of this attention and adulation, dropping to his knees with his arms outstretched, while the referee begins to count his opponents out.)

1!

(Hawk just grins, slowly returning to his feet in the middle of the ring, trying to shake out that injured arm from earlier.)

2!

JR Freeman: Wow, Mike Hawk is taking a rather… “laissez-faire” attitude to this situation, Alf.

3!

Alfonso Banks: He definitely is, JR, and why should he do otherwise? With minimal effort and maximum cunning, the President has this one in the BAG! Proving once again that he really is just That. Damn. Good.

4!

JR Freeman: Well, Alf, if he were REALLY thinking about everything so cerebrally as you suggest, I THINK he’d probably realize that the title won’t change hands on a count-out.

5!

Alfonso Banks: …Oh shit, you’re right! GO GET HER, MR. PRESIDENT! YOU CAN’T WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP YOU DESERVE THIS WAY!

6!

(As if on cue, possibly prompted BY Alf’s frantic shouting, Hawk suddenly stands bolt-upright in the ring and shouts “Oh, fuck!” Hawk then makes his way out of the ring towards the fallen twosome, realizing he should probably capitalize on the fallen champ, and lifts Cleo Phillips up to pull her back towards the ring. As they reach the apron, however, Cleo begins to fight back, launching a few stiff hands into the ribs and solar plexus of Hawk before she manages to return to her full height, trapping the former Collateral Damage Champion’s arm as he goes to fire back and slamming it with some force into the steel turnbuckle rod. She then quickly rolls into the ring to reset the count, a clever smirk gracing the champion’s features, before taking the fight to the challenger on the outside, running across the apron and leaping off to drop him with a Dropkick as he cradles his injured arm! Cleo then kips up once again, but drops to one knee clutching her lower back, the consequences of repeated offense from Calaway, her ill-advised Double Suplex earlier, AND the tumble she took from the top rope clearly beginning to take their toll. The Champion shakes her head and punches the mats outside the ring, listening to the crowd as they begin to slowly clap, which builds in speed and intensity to a crescendo as she gets back to her feet, beating her chest once again and throwing her hands out to the sides with a cry of “LET’S SET IT OFF!” This elicits a MASSIVE pop from the crowd as Cleo takes hold of Mike Hawk’s falen body, rolling him into the ring before hopping up onto the apron herself. She pulls Hawk towards the bottom rope, draping one arm out of the ring against the apron, then takes a few steps back towards the turnbuckle before taking off at a run, Cartwheeling across the ring apron to NAIL Hawk’s outstretched arm with the Way We Go! The challenger pulls his arm away in agony, clutching it close as he rolls around on the mat, and Cleo Phillips steps between the ropes to go for a cover.)

ONE!

TWO!

THR-NO! HAWK GETS A SHOULDER UP!

Alfonso Banks: Oh thank god.

JR Freeman: Y’know, Alf, I’d hate to be you watching this match!

Alfonso Banks: Oh yeah? Why’s that?

JR Freeman: You’re simping so hard for 2 of the 3 competitors, it’s hard to know who you want to win!

Alfonso Banks: Believe me, JR, I’ve been struggling with it for the last 3 and a half days.

JR Freeman: This match has only been going on for about 26 minutes!

Alfonso Banks: I know.

(The Champion simply smirks and shakes her head at the kickout, mouthing the words “Okay. Okay. We’ll do it the hard way, then!” She then moves to lift Hawk back up to his feet and pull him in for the Set it Off, but Hawk manages to counter the attempt into a Back Body Drop! He takes a few minutes to pant heavily, shaking some sense back into himself, before following it up by going for the Reckless Leg Syndrome. Before he can get the move completely cinched in, however, Cleo does her best to roll him up, taking Hawk to the mat for another surprise pinfall.)

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

(Hawk rolls Cleo over, pinning HER shoulders to the mat…)

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

(Cleo manages to roll Hawk back over, netting ANOTHER…)

ONE!

TWO!

(Before the duo trades positions again, then again, only netting a one-count each this time, and a respectable ovation from the crowd. The pair return to their feet and lock up in the centre of the ring, Hawk using his size to take the advantage by whipping Cleo injured-back-first into the corner, then takes off at a run to drop her with the Clean Up on Aisle YOUR FACE! He wastes no time in following up this time, grabbing the Champion’s limp body and lifting her onto the top turnbuckle in that very same corner…)

JR Freeman: Oh, no…

Alfonso Banks: I don’t like the look of this!

Pierre LaPierre: Sacre bleu!

(Indeed, as the announcers watch in horror, Hawk lifts Cleo Phillips up into position for a Vertical Superplex… but instead drops her straight into a top-rope Brainbuster, completing the move he calls the CTEmergency! He immediately rolls onto her for a cover, and…)

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-NO! CLEO GETS A SHOULDER UP!

JR Freeman: My god! I thought for CERTAIN we’d have a new champion there, Alf!

Alfonso Banks: I know! On the one hand, I was so excited to see my President go home with it… but on the other hand, he’d have to beat my Cleo! Oh, fuck, JR, I have no idea how to feel right now! I think I need another one of Levi Russow’s special “brownies”.

JR Freeman: You know what, Alf? I could actually go for one of those right now myself. I’m on the edge of my seat here!

Alfonso Banks: Wow, really, JR? I thought you were all about that straight-and-narrow lifestyle.

JR Freeman: First of all, what you’re thinking of is “Straight Edge”; and secondly, absolutely NOT, Alf! I love to indulge in a nice glass of wine, I just choose not to partake of things like ganja because it’s usually illegal in most of the states we tour in.

Alfonso Banks: …Wait, you mean it’s NOT illegal here?

JR Freeman: Nope! Been totally permitted nationwide since about 2019.

(Alfonso Banks suddenly stands up, hand over his heart.)

Alfonso Banks: OOOOOOOO CAAAAAA-NA-DAAAAAAAAA!

JR Freeman: I KNEW that’d get your attention, old buddy.

(Back in the ring, Hawk pounds the mat in frustration as Cleo writhes around in pain, beginning to slowly find her way back up to her feet. Hawk lies in waiting as she does this, perched on his fingertips and toes like some kind of weird predatory animal, then SPRINGS to life as soon as Cleo’s standing to take her back to the mat with the FYIA!)

JR Freeman: FYIA! FYIA! Cleo MUST be out of it now!

Alfonso Banks: We may have a new champ, JR!

(Hawk covers…)

ONE!

TWO!

THRENO! CLEO PHILLIPS GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE!

Mike Hawk: WHAT?! WHAT THE FUCK?! SERIOUSLY?! Come ON, ref, that was ABSOLUTELY three!

(The referee and Hawk trade words as Cleo slowly, labouriously gets back to her feet, leaning against the ropes for balance as Hawk physically grabs the referee by the front of his shirt, ready to trade blows. As soon as this happens, however, Cleo Phillips runs forward and leaps into the air, looking for the MILLY ROCK… but Hawk manages to toss the ref aside at the very last second and jump into the air, reversing the move into a SECOND FYIA! He covers again, even putting his feet on the ropes for good measure…)

ONE!

TWO!

THREENO! CLEO GETS A SHOULDER UP AGAIN!

JR Freeman: FYIA! Another FYIA! I can’t BELIEVE that Cleo kicked out of that one!

Alfonso Banks: That’s just why I love her, JR; she just can’t be stopped!

(Hawk literally SCREAMS in fury at this, pounding the mat with both fists like a petulant toddler.)

Mike Hawk: FINE. Fine. You wanna be like that? FUCK IT!

(He grabs Cleo Phillips and lifts her up onto his shoulders, belly up, clearly looking to drop the F-Bomb, but the champion wriggles free of Hawk’s grasp with a few well-placed elbows to the side of his neck and head. Hawk manages to lift her back up before she can mount any kind of counterattack, however, and he DOES nail Cleo with the F-Bomb on the canvas…but the Champ moved herself towards the ropes, and she rolls out of the ring as soon as the move connects! Mike Hawk falls to his knees, cradling his arm, exhaustion and exertion clearly beginning to take their toll, as the referee begins to count again…)

1!

JR Freeman: DIOS MIO! MIKE HAWK DROPS THE F-BOMB! He must be ABSOLUTELY serious about putting the Champion away this time, Alf!

Alfonso Banks: I have no doubt he is, JR, but it doesn’t look like he’ll get to capitalize on it!

2!

Alfonso Banks: Cleo Phillips didn’t fall on the inside!

3!

(Hawk just kind of laughs to himself at the entire situation, shaking his head in disbelief as the crowd pelts the ring with chants of “THIS IS AWE-SOME!” *Clap clap clapclapclap*. He slowly, actually rather humourously, collapses to the mat and rolls towards the outside of the ring, exiting beneath the bottom rope to the place where Cleo Phillips fell.)

4!

(Hawk picks up his opponent, the PWS World Champion, and rolls her back into the ring, following suit himself. The referee suspends the count as Mike Hawk goes for the cover one more time…)

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-NO! CLEO SOMEHOW GETS A SHOULDER UP!

JR Freeman: DIOS MIO! CLEO PHILLIPS KICKS OUT OF THE F-BOMB! We’ve only ever seen this once before, Alf, and it fully took him six whole seconds to do it!

Alfonso Banks: I’m absolutely floored, JR! But if you think about it, given her little soiree on the outside of the ring, Cleo had just about that much time to recover as well.

JR Freeman: An excellent point, Alf! …Oh my god, wait, did YOU just make an excellent point?

Alfonso Banks: I know! Trust me, it’s freaking ME out too!

(The audience EXPLODES with applause for their world champion at this point, beginning a duelling chant of “BO-DY SNATCH-ER!” and “LET’S GO HAWK!” The challenger, to his credit, looks more impressed with Cleo Phillips than angry at the moment, and he actually briefly applauds her as he slowly returns to his feet. It doesn’t seem like Hawk is keen to give up this match just yet, however, and he gets into position to wait for the FYIA again, but this time as Cleo gets back up she’s able to anticipate the move, and spins out of the way to send Hawk crashing and burning to the mat! Cleo then hits the opposite corner at a run and takes off toward the challenger as he gets back up, nailing him before he’s fully aware with the MILLY ROCK! Cleo covers now…)

ONE!

TWO!

THRE-NO! HAWK POWERS OUT!

JR Freeman: My GOD, Alf, ANOTHER kickout! These two remaining competitors are pulling out ALL the stops in this one tonight, I have no IDEA which way it’s gonna go!

Alfonso Banks: Neither do I, JR, and I’m shitting BRICKS just thinking about it!

JR Freeman: You can’t say that, Alf!

Alfonso Banks: Why not? It’s a pay-per-view, JR, fuckin’ LIVE a little, why don’tcha?

JR Freeman: Eh, I suppose that’s a fair point!

(The Champion exhales in frustration as the crowd applauds again, but she simply nods and lifts her opponent to his feet, firing a few stiff knees into his midsection before trapping his neck under her arm and twisting to drop him with the SET IT OFF! She covers Hawk again…)

ONE!

TWO!

THREENO! HAWK SOMEHOW GETS A SHOULDER UP!

(Now it’s Cleo’s turn to look impressed, as she simply smirks and nods, slowly returning to her feet to look over her fallen, yet indomitable challenger. She seems to be weighing up her options, nodding along the crowd as the clap and cheer their champion on, so she walks over the the down but still-moving body of Mike Hawk and lifts him back to his feet, but the challenger begins fighting back as she does. He lands a few stiff shots on her ribs and midsection, then follows it up with a HUGE over-the-shoulder haymaker that connects with the champion’s injured back, causing Cleo to stumble forward. Hawk grabs her by the arm as a result and whips the champion back-first into the turnbuckle once again, then runs forward to connect with ANOTHER Clean Up on Aisle YOUR FACE! He wastes no time in following it up, lifting the loopy World Champion up to the top rope and following her once again, a mirror of his actions previously. Rather than the CTEmergency Top-Rope Brainbuster this time, however, Hawk lifts Cleo Phillips onto his shoulders once again, looking for a top-rope F-Bomb…)

JR Freeman: Oh, no, I don’t like this ONE BIT, Alf!

Alfonso Banks: Get her, Mr. President! …But wait, no, BREAK OUT OF IT, CLEO! Oh fuck, I don’t know what to do! Who do I simp for HARDER, JR?!

JR Freeman: Alf, if I knew the answer to THAT question, my life would be a much less stressful one to navigate.

(Hawk sneers in self-superiority as he has the champion hoisted up, revelling in both the boos AND the encouragement he’s receiving from the audience, but unfortunately the punishment Hawk’s arm took earlier comes back to bite him here, as he can’t quite maintain his grip on Cleo Phillips, letting the champion slip as his shoulder and elbow give in to the pain. He clenches his teeth and steels himself, though, growling as he lifts her onto his shoulders once again… but the momentary distraction was all that Cleo Phillips needed to slip out of his grasp, kicking the challenger in the gut to double him over on the top rope. She then takes hold of Mike Hawk’s head and leaps off the turnbuckle… SET IT OFF! SET IT OFF FROM THE TOP ROPE!)

JR Freeman: OH DIOS MIO!

Alfonso Banks: HOLY FUCKING ASSCRACKERS!

Pierre LaPierre: SACRE BLEU!

(Cleo and Hawk both crash to the canvas with that move, and they actually lie there for several moments without moving, the Champion rolling over and clutching at her back with an expression of pain written on her face, and Hawk just kind of trying to curl into a ball and cradle his left arm. Slowly, though, with the crowd behind her, clearly using all of her energy to even compel her body to move, Cleo CRAWLS over the body of Mike Hawk and drapes one arm across his chest.)

ONE…


TWO…


THREE! THIS ONE IS OVER!

(Cleo rolls onto her back panting heavily as “Gangsta’s Paradise” starts up again over the loudspeakers, the crowd erupting with cheers for their homegrown World Champion.)

Meg Reynolds: The winner of the match and STILL PWS: Apex WOOOOORLD CHAMPION, “THE BODY SNATCHER”, CLEO PHILLIPS!

(Cleo slowly stands up, making use of both the ring ropes and the referee at her side to do so, and she hoists the belt up high as streamers and confetti hit the ring, the crowd showering her with cheers once again. Hawk gradually makes it back to his feet as well, his face a melange of disappointment, frustration and something between melancholy and mortal outrage, when suddenly the Champ slings the belt over her shoulder and takes a few steps towards her challenger, extending a hand in his direction.)

JR Freeman: Oh, THIS is interesting… a show of respect from the champion, what’s Hawk going to do?

(Mike Hawk looks at Cleo’s hand for a long time, looks at his OWN hand, then looks out into the crowd. Their noise level has not died down, cheering out loud for BOTH remaining competitors in this hard-fought contest. Hawk looks incredibly conflicted, holding his hand up with the elbow bent, as if he’s GOING to extend it for a handshake, but he can’t quite decide if he’s going to do it. He slowly inhales, listening to the crowd who have begun chanting “SHAKE HER HAND! SHAKE HER HAND! SHAKE HER HAND!”...and extends his hand to accept Cleo’s. Cleo Phillips shakes his hand firmly, points to her challenger, and holds the belt aloft again as the crowd erupts for both of them.)

JR Freeman: My god, Alf, that may be one of the greatest world title matches I can remember seeing in all my years as a broadcaster for PWS! It may well be a match of the year candidate already!

Alfonso Banks: I absolutely can’t disagree with you, JR, and I’m DOUBLY happy about it because now this means I get to see even MORE Cleo Phillips grace my monitor every week! Yippee!

JR Freeman: You are a deeply strange, fundamentally unbalanced man, Alfonso… but dammit, you’re my partner, and I’d be lying if I said there’s anybody else I’d rather do this with. Thanks for joining me once again for an INCREDIBLE night of PWS: Apex action, Alf, and thank you to everyone at home for inviting us into your lives once again to take part in that action as well! For PWS: Apex, I’m JR Freeman -

Alfonso Banks: And I’m Alfonso “Big Daddy Cool” Banks -

JR Freeman: And we’re wishing you a goodnight, good luck and Happy Halloween!

(Our final image for the night, as Hawk leaves the ring, is that of Cleo Phillips, standing triumphant, belt held high above her head as “Gangsta’s Paradise” plays us out. We fade to a black screen, which ends with the words “Dedicated to the loving memory of Artis Leon Ivey Jr. Rest in Power, you will be missed.”)


WINNER - AND STILL PWS: APEX WORLD CHAMPION, CLEO PHILLIPS