GCWA Crescendo IV

*The shot opens, surprisingly, with the intro chords from Linkin Parks' "No More Sorrow".*

*The lone guitarist is pictured, playing the same chords, over and over. As he plays, pictures from recent GCWA shows begin to flash on the screen.*

Voice: It all has to start somewhere. A chance meeting in the back. A look at the monitor when someone else is talking. A match that was booked with no expectations of continuation. Sometimes, it's even due to someone else's actions.

*Clips run from the TV Title Battle Royal, showing interaction between Anderson Haze, Ryot, Rogue Daniels, and the eventual winner, Tony The Spider. We go back further, showing some early moments between Mike Zybala and The A-List, taking on an Open Challenge against The Incredible One that would lead to so much more. Footage jumps even further, back to another company's days, showing Chad Vargas and Mack O'Connor, both looking far younger, staring at each other from across a wrestling ring.*

Voice: But, suddenly, there you are. You have begun the journey of a feud, finding someone that you absolutely want to defeat. Someone you have to gain victory over.

*The second level begins, adding in the drums and another guitar. The volume is beginning to increase. We see The Empty coming after PerZag, while The Reason holds the Golden Opportunity contract. Enforcer & Justice hold up the GCWA World Tag-Team Titles, welcoming the challenge from Duce Jones & Byson Kaliban. Ed Houston is shown facing Vincent "The Legend" Langston in the garden.*

Voice: Before you know it, things are moving at a quicker pace. You never know where the next attack is going to come from.

*The next level. Even heavier. Even stronger. We see Mike Zybala and Dylan Thomas brawling, with various other wrestlers fighting as well around them. Ryot & Daniels are shown taking out Tony The Spider, as a disgusted Anderson Haze walks way. The Empty takes out The Lost Soul, only to have a clip inter-spliced of The Lost Soul winning the special referee spot. Clips from Enforcer, Justice, Duce, & Byson are all slipped together, showing their growing animosity. Finally, there is Mack O'Connor taking out Treat Cassidy with a headbutt, and the subsequent brawl with Chad Vargas throughout the GCWA Arena.*

Voice: And now, you're at the point where it can't get any more intense. You've reached the peak. It's time to decide who continues at the heights, and who falls to earth.

*The music hits its final, heaviest point. The Crescendo is complete. The videos are fast and furious, showing a variety of punches, kicks, leaps, and crashes. In the end, the GCWA logo outshines it all, as the banner for GCWA Crescendo IV appears on the screen.*

*As the banner disappears, we find ourselves in the open air of Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama! The massive place appears to be heavily filled up, although you never know if that's a trick of the camera or not. There are definitely standing-room-only sections on the football field around the ring, where many college students from around the country have made their way to this event. Other seated sections are set up on other sides of the ring, while we can see there are still others isolated back in the stands, where they're evenly spaced out due to continuing fears of COVID-19. The set-up is pretty incredible, and the crowd is extremely loud. We zoom in towards where the announce tables are set up, focusing on Adrian Rockwell & Hood.*

Rockwell: Hello, everyone, and welcome to Crescendo IV!!

Hood: Woohoo, we fucking made it!

Rockwell: It wasn't easy, because, folks, we've actually got a little bit of an event happening outside of the stadium right now. Let's go to the outside shot.

*The camera shifts to outside the stadium, where there appear to be almost as many people as there are inside. These people, though, look like they're in the midst of a massive protest. Signs can be seen on one side, proclaiming how "Black Life Matters", "Chad Vargas Is A Racist!" and "Lynch Vargas!" On the other side, separated by some anxious looking police officers, another crowd has formed featuring signs like "O'Connor Burns Churches!" and "Mack Must Be Mugged!"*

Rockwell: Both Chad Vargas and Mack O'Connor had some moments over the past week that has, well, pushed the crowds into a frenzy....

Hood: Who would have expected this in Alabama??

Rockwell: It's rather serious out there, but thankfully we believe all of the wrestlers have gotten through who are wrestling tonight.

Hood: It's pretty crazy, but fuck, they're outside, so what do we care? Bring on the wrestling!

Rockwell: We're certainly going to continue, because the show must go on! Tonight, we've got six incredible matches featuring the best athletes on the planet! Five championships will all be on the line, along with a Golden Opportunity Contract!

Hood: I can't fucking wait!

Rockwell: Neither can I, and for once, we don't have to! Let's go to the ring!


GCWA World Television Title Elimination match
Tony The Spider(c) (6-3) vs. Rogue Daniels (2-1) vs. Ryot (8-6) vs. Anderson Haze (5-5)

Minos: Our first contest is an Elimination match for the GCWA World Television Title!!

*The crowd looks excited to see this opening bout take place. There are signs for all four competitors shown in the audience: "Hazey Two Belts", "We're Gonna Ryot!", "Put The Lights Out, Rogue!" and "I'll Be Your Wife, Spider!" are all pictured.*

Rockwell: The Television Title has quickly become a highly sought after prize in the GCWA!

Hood: I still don't know how that happened, but I'm not complaining! I just want to see Future Shock regain the belt!

Minos: First, coming to the ring... standing 5'7" and weighing 167 lbs... from Pensacola, Florida... he is a member of Future Shock... here is "The Killswitch" Rogue Daniels!!

*The lights circle the arena in and out until the beat drops. Rogue Daniels comes out with grey and black camo pants with a shirt that says "Killswitch" with a knife on it once the beat drops. He comes out with a serious face as he walks down to the ring while lip syncing the song. The lights continue to circle the arena while blue and white lights slowly flash the ring.*

*As he gets to the steps, he stomps on them before getting on the apron. As the first "Kill your masters" lyric comes on, Rogue Daniels climbs the middle turnbuckle and looks at the crowd while sliding his thumb by his throat signifying a knife as the lights that flash the ring turn red. He then hops down and walks to his corner crouched waiting for his opponent.*

Rockwell: Daniels spent the week lounging at the pool, getting interviewed by Lionel, and travelling to the arena on his motorcycle.

Hood: The guy has some impressive lodgings. He should invite me over sometime. I promise not to stare too much at his family members.

Rockwell: So far, both members of Future Shock have said they'll stay as a team. We'll see if that continues with the possibility of winning gold in front of them.

Minos: Next... standing 5'11" and weighing 189 lbs... from Chicago, Illinois... the other member of Future Shock... here is "The Natural" Ryot!!

*The lights cut out for the first few seconds of the theme song. When the song's loud drums kick in, the lights come back on and flash red and white.*

*Ryot slowly walks out onto the stage wearing his black padded vest with a giant "R" on the chest. He stands to look around for a second and proceeds to point two finger guns towards the ring before marching down. He locks eyes with some fans in the crowd but he pays no mind to them.*

*He runs up onto the apron and climbs the turnbuckle to hold his arms out to both sides for the crowd. He then jumps into the ring, looking around at the crowd before walking to the corner and waiting for his opponent on one knee.*

Rockwell: Ryot surprisingly met with his brother Brayden for the first time in six years this week.

Hood: That's a long time to be apart from family. Then again, I haven't seen mine in quite a while, either.

Rockwell: I'm sure that's a choice, I just don't know if it's your choice or theirs...

Minos: Our third competitor... standing 5'9" and weighing 220 lbs... from Boston, Massachusetts... here is Anderson Haze!!

*The lights go out for the first part of the song. Then the electric guitar starts, a bright flash of white light happens then goes to red.*

*Haze walks out with a black t-shirt that says, "Get Hazed!" on his chest. He stands around and looks at the crowd with a grin on his face and charges to the ring.*

He slides in and runs to the corner and climbs the turnbuckle and puts up the peace sign to the crowd. He makes eye contact with the crowd and talks to a few people then throws his shirt to a fan. Jumps down from the turnbuckle and turns around and walks back and forth waiting for his opponents.*

Rockwell: Haze definitely has a lot of anger towards Tony The Spider, blaming him for causing Haze to walk out on a match for the first time in his career.

Hood: Yeah, Tony The Spider really did him wrong. Haze should just work with Future Shock to get Tony out of this one.

Rockwell: But then it would be two-on-one against Haze!

Hood: Sure, but at least Tony wouldn't be leaving with the belt. Isn't that Haze's main goal?

Minos: Finally... standing 5'6" and weighing 190 lbs... from Smalltown, USA... he is the current GCWA World Television champion... here is Tony The Spider!!

*The Itsy Bitsy Spider by the Boogers plays, with Tony The Spider making his way out to a chorus of cheers. The Television laughs as he shows off his championship belt, before walking down the aisle towards the ring.*

Rockwell: Tony The Spider had to deal with a race relations nightmare after he was told that someone had burned down the strip club.

Hood: Gotta admit, I laughed when it came out his friend Timmy caused the fire by trying to light a cigarette with a stripper's fart.

Rockwell: And a blowtorch, don't forget the blowtorch.

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: You have to say the numbers are severely against Tony The Spider in this one. Three men want to make sure he doesn't leave here with the gold!

Hood: If they manage to work together, they can make sure that happens!

Rockwell: That is, if Tony even gets in the ring...

*The cameras watch as Tony The Spider has quickly left the apron to the floor, as Haze, Daniels, and Ryot were all starting to head his direction. Tony laughs as he steps away, waving at them all to go at it first. Haze turns, facing off against Daniels & Ryot, but the members of Future Shock shake their heads. Haze then turns and steps through the ropes on one side, while Daniels & Ryot go through the other. They start to come around on either side, working to corner Tony before he can escape! Tony looks left and right, deciding on a course of action. He slides into the ring, but quickly runs to the other side, even as the rest of the wrestlers start to follow him. Tony gets near the announce table, looking around again. As Haze, Daniels, and Ryot start to close in, Tony darts forward... going underneath the ring! While surprised, Ryot quickly tells Daniels to head back to the other side. He goes under the ring where they are, while Haze, catching on, goes in on the other side. Daniels hurries to the side facing the aisle, ready in case Tony comes out there. *

Rockwell: We've got a game of hide and seek going on to start!

Hood: This is just ridiculous.

Rockwell: Tony doesn't want to face a three-on-one fight, which I thought you would understand.

Hood: Oh, I understand, I just want to see them get their hands on hi - hey, there he is!

*Daniels looks on, surprised, as Tony The Spider has popped back out... exactly where he went under! He stands tall, seeing Daniels on the other side of the ring. Tony grins, giving him a wave, and mocking the man as he does a quick little jump-around dance. Daniels, annoyed, starts to make his way around, as Tony laughs and starts to run... only to have two different arms shoot out from under the ring, each grabbing an ankle! Tony goes down, surprised, as he's dragged under the ring!! The sounds of commotion can be heard underneath, but no one knows exactly what's going on. Daniels runs around, sliding in and taking a look. He grabs at Tony's hair, pulling him out with it!! Tony looks like he's taken some hits, as he's a little shaky. Daniels takes full advantage, pulling Tony down into an Anaconda Vice submission!!! Tony's immediately screaming in pain as Anderson Haze & Ryot both come out from under the ring. Ryot is smiling as he grabs hold of one of Tony's legs, applying an Ankle Lock!! Haze gets on the action on the other side, as Tony continues to shout, smacking against the outside mat!!! The referee, though, stays in the ring, having no authority outside the ropes.*

Hood: I think Tony just tapped out!! He's done!

Rockwell: I don't know if he did or not, Hood, but it doesn't matter, because it has to happen inside the ring!

Hood: That's a stupid rule. Who made that rule?

Rockwell: That's ALWAYS been the rule for elimination matches!

*The wrestlers all release their submission holds, standing up and staring at the fallen Tony The Spider. Ryot, still taking charge, signals to the group to get him back in the ring to end this once and for all. They drag Tony up and throw him into the ring, still working as a unit. Haze enters the ring first, keeping a careful eye on Future Shock, but still wanting to see Tony The Spider go down. Tony starts to try getting up, reaching for his fanny pack, but Ryot's quick to stop him, giving him a knee to the gut. Tony bends over, stumbling, with Ryot then snapping off a leg sweep that puts Tony back down! Haze then goes off the ropes and comes back, getting a double stomp onto Tony's stomach!! The champ rolls over, groaning, trying to crawl for the ropes, but Daniels stops him, banging his head forward into the canvas! Daniels then rolls him over, making the cover... 1... 2... and Tony gets his shoulder up in time!! Daniels looks a little surprised, but not thrown off, as he turns to his fellow competitors with a smirk.*

Rockwell: Tony's trying to hang in there!

Hood: The idiot should realize there's no hope now. He should just go back to the Mustard Factory with those other losers and sit on his hands!

Rockwell: Sit on his hands?

Hood: It's an expression...

Rockwell: I know it's an expression, it's just... never mind.

*Haze slowly works to get Tony up, still not happy with him for having betrayed his trust as a tag-team partner. He takes Tony up and back down with an atomic drop!! Tony walks awkwardly forward, his nerves not quite getting the signals correct at the moment. Haze then grabs him from behind, holding Tony by the arms, as Rogue Daniels positions himself, waiting for a moment before launching forward the Lights Out (Spinning Headkick)! But Tony manages to duck, and Daniels hits Haze instead!!! Haze collapses backwards, as Daniels curses, not having meant to do that yet. Ryot, though, stays focused, coming in at Tony with a rolling clothesline! But Tony avoids that as well, doing his own roll to end up right in front of Daniels. He bounces up, surprising Daniels by poking a thumb into his eye!! Daniels stumbles back, partially blinded. Ryot angrily comes back around to grab Tony, but Tony yanks on Ryot's hair to throw him off-balance, and then kicks him in the shin!! Ryot hops away, even as Tony staggers to the side, having used up a burst of energy.*

Rockwell: Tony The Spider is fighting to stay champion!

Hood: The guy's just gotten lucky! Plus, that thumb to the eye is illegal! Throw him out!

Rockwell: If people got thrown out for eye gouges and eye rakes, we'd have a lot of matches ending pretty early, Hood...

*The fans are cheering as Tony reaches towards his fanny pack again, digging around in there. He apparently finds an old Cheeto, bringing a smile to his face as he munches on it. Behind him, Ryot gets himself up, angrily coming at Tony again. He hits Tony from behind, sending the wrestler falling to the outside through the ropes! Ryot goes after him, going onto the apron and setting himself in place. He leaps off, hitting a Meteora off the apron to send Tony crashing down! In the ring, Daniels starts to go after Ryot to join him, but is suddenly spun around by a furious Anderson Haze! Daniels raises his arms, saying that the kick was unintentional, but since Haze doesn't look willing to listen, Daniels shrugs and spins into another Lights Out, only to have Haze avoid it by running underneath it!! He hits the ropes and comes back, surprising Daniels with a thunderous spear!!! The fans love it as Haze gets on Daniels, punching away to weaken the wrestler!*

Rockwell: One alliance is over!

Hood: Damn it, Haze!

Rockwell: Hey, it was Daniels who struck the first blow!

Hood: And Future Shock will get the last one, mark my words!

*Seeing what's happening in the ring, Ryot starts to come back in, sliding under the ropes. He starts towards Haze, intent on taking him out, but gets distracted when a weakened hand comes through the ropes, grabbing at his leg! Ryot kicks off Tony The Spider, but the distraction works, as Haze, seeing him, leaps with a big boot out of nowhere!! Ryot staggers to the ropes, stunned, as Haze is fired up! He goes to lift Ryot up, setting him in place for the Haze Effect (Attitude Adjustment)!!! But Ryot grabs at the ropes, hanging on, refusing to get pulled away from them! Haze fights, struggling to get him free, and finally manages it, carrying Ryot forward... but Daniels comes in, grabbing at Ryot to pull him down! Haze, off-balance, turns, only to have Daniels & Ryot both grab him and lift up, delivering a double suplex!! Haze rolls away, stunned, even as Daniels & Ryot get up. They see Haze on the apron, out of the way, and turn to each other, each considering the other wrestler. But after a second, the two men exchange a show of trust, before turning and heading to their respective opponents.*

Hood: Future Shock is staying united!

Rockwell: At some point, that can't be the case, as only one of them can win the TV Title.

Hood: Sure, but that's after they get rid of the riff-raff!

Rockwell: We'll see. Sometimes partners can't wait to turn on the other, if they think it's in their best interests.

*Daniels goes to pick up Haze, shooting him into the corner. As Haze comes back, Daniels picks him up, delivering a shin breaker!! Haze hobbles away, as Daniels stays on the attack. Outside the ring, Ryot has gone after Tony The Spider, looking to put him out of commission. He goes for the whip into the steel steps, no, Tony reverses it and it's Ryot who hits, flipping over the steps and landing hard on his back!! Tony stumbles away, then looks into the ring, where Daniels is dishing out chest kicks to Haze. Tony doesn't look too thrilled to step in, but he knows that if Haze goes down, it's back to double-teaming him. He rolls into the ring, coming at Daniels from behind. He spins him around, striking out with the Spider Bite punches!! All of them land, hitting all over Daniels. They just don't have that much of an effect. Daniels dusts himself off, looking at Tony to ask if that's all he's got. Tony laughs, then takes a step back. Daniels, confused, turns... and Haze takes him down with a Thesz Press!! Haze strikes away, his punches having a great deal more impact, even as Tony leans back in the corner, his work complete.*

Rockwell: This one keeps changing directions, doesn't it?

Hood: At some point, SOMEONE has to be eliminated, right?

Rockwell: We've got four strong athletes in the ring, Hood. This could go on for some time.

Hood: You didn't just refer to Tony The Spider as an athlete, did you?

Rockwell: He's pretty unique, but he's also the champion, don't forget!

*Haze has Daniels back up now, whipping him towards the corner. It's the corner that Tony's in, which is probably not a coincidence. Tony, surprised, puts out his hands, but Daniels crashes straight into him, knocking both men back! They both lean in the corner, with Haze charging forward, getting a Stinger Splash into both of them! Haze then pulls Daniels out of the corner with a quick roll-up, as the ref slides in... 1... 2... and Daniels kicks out! Haze jumps up, not letting it get the best of him. He goes over to where Tony is slumped, lifting the champion up into the corner. He climbs up with him, setting Tony up for a superplex!! Tony tries to fight back, but his punches still don't have much behind them. But as Haze gets set, Ryot comes back, hitting Haze in the back!! Haze slumps forward, thrown off, even as Ryot calls Daniels back over. The two tag-team partners set Haze up for a powerbomb off the top, even as he lifts Tony into the air for the superplex, causing a strong Tower of Doom crash!! Everyone is down, but Ryot, in the best shape, rolls over to cover Haze... 1... 2... but Haze kicks out! Daniels, meanwhile, covers Tony... 1... 2... No! Nobody is staying down!*

Hood: Damn! I thought we were down to just Future Shock!

Rockwell: We haven't reached that yet, but after a big move like that, Haze and Tony are in trouble!

Hood: They lost to Future Shock last time, and it's going to happen again!

*All of the wrestlers are working to recover now, with Ryot on his feet first. He reaches for Tony, only to get tripped up by Tony's kick at his legs. Ryot stumbles away, recovering, but Tony is up now, landing a karate chop across Ryot's chest! Ryot drops back to the corner, as Tony turns, only to be met by Daniels, who locks Tony into a Guillotine Choke!!! Tony has nowhere to go and is in serious trouble, as Daniels works hard to take every last bit of energy from the man. But Haze suddenly comes in, sweeping Tony's legs from behind... which causes him to fall backwards, basically landing a DDT variation on Daniels!! Haze quickly jumps over the pile, coming at the recovering Daniels and scoring a superkick!! Daniels falls against the ropes, stunned, allowing Haze to come in and wrap him up, pulling him over into an inside cradle roll-up!! The ref's in position... 1... 2... and Ryot comes in, nailing Haze right in the head with RYOT Time (Shining Wizard)!!!! Haze is down, as Ryot pushes Daniels aside to make the cover... 1... 2... 3!!!!*

Minos: Anderson Haze has been eliminated!!

Hood: Finally!

Rockwell: Haze put up an amazing fight, lasting a long time, but he just didn't see Ryot coming there!

Hood: Gotta have eyes everywhere in this sport!

*As Haze slowly rolls to the outside, trying to recover, Ryot gets to his feet, smiling at the crowd. They don't seem very pleased, but Ryot apparently is feeling like they're cheering him. I mean, why wouldn't they? Ryot raises both arms, then turns back to Rogue Daniels, helping his partner up. Daniels nods to him, as the two members of Future Shock unite once again. It all ends, though, when Tony The Spider runs forward, ramming into both men and sending them crashing into the corner!! Daniels and Ryot's heads collide, with Ryot slumping the corner while Daniels falls backwards into a quick roll-up from Tony! With the ref down, he can't see Tony clearly hanging on tightly to Daniels' trunks as the count is made... 1... 2... 3!!!!*

Minos: Rogue Daniels has been eliminated!!

Hood: What the... NO!

Rockwell: Just that quick, two wrestlers are gone!

Hood: That was cheating!! Tony The Spider cheated... AGAIN!!

Rockwell: And he got away with it... again...

Hood: Mess him up, Ryot!!

*Daniels is complaining with the referee, saying that he needs to get his eyes checked. The referee doesn't take too kindly to that, ordering Daniels to leave the ring. Behind the ref's back, Tony grins, as he reaches into his fanny pack, possibly getting something to deal with Ryot. But Daniels steps past the referee, nailing Tony with Lights Out!!! Tony crashes backwards, laying on the mat, his hand falling out of his fanny pack and dropping to the side, with something slipping off onto the mat. The referee threatens Daniels, ready to throw the match out, but Daniels raises his hands and steps away, leaving the ring. Seeing what happened, Ryot gets himself up, coming over to Tony and dropping his weight on top of the champion. The referee, after getting Daniels out, reluctantly comes back to make the count... 1... 2... 3, NO!!! Tony manages to get out in time! Ryot can't believe it, pulling Tony in tighter and clinging to both legs for another cover... 1... 2... and Tony still fights free of the pin!*

Rockwell: Daniels almost gave Ryot the win, but Tony won't stay down!

Hood: The guy just doesn't know any better! It's over! His luck has run out!

Rockwell: It's still one-on-one now, Hood, which means Tony's still got a 50/50 chance!

*Ryot crawls on the mat for a second, seemingly taking a moment to pull himself together. He then starts to get Tony The Spider back up, easily spinning the man around and giving him a bodyslam onto the canvas. Ryot then goes off the ropes and comes back, dropping a knee into Tony's stomach! He makes another cover... 1... 2... and somehow Tony keeps finding the will to kick out!! Ryot gets up again, growing more frustrated that he can't keep a man like Tony on his back. He whips Tony into the ropes, trying for a big boot as he returns, but Tony ducks under it, running to the other side. Tony returns, with Ryot spinning into a clothesline, but again Tony goes underneath. He hits the ropes and charges back one more time, with Ryot trying to right himself... and Tony runs straight into him, with the two colliding head-first!! Ryot falls backwards, stunned, as Tony stays up for a few more seconds. Tony then falls forward... landing right in Ryot's groin!! Ryot gasps, tucking his knees into his chest as he deals with the pain, even as Tony ends up on his side.*

Hood: He hit him in his 'Little Ryot'!!

Rockwell: Not an ordinary move, to be sure, and it's always hard to tell if it's intentional or not...

Hood: Please! No one has that good of an aim!

*The referee looks after both men, making sure they can both keep fighting. While Ryot is still down, recovering, Tony has stayed on his side. He appears to be digging around in his fanny pack, looking more and more concerned. He finally gives up, sighing, before getting himself back to his feet. For a moment, he looks around, but not seeing what he's looking for, he goes back over to Ryot, pulling him up. He takes Ryot over to the ropes, hanging him up in them in the Spider Web! Ryot can't get free as Tony laughs at him, then starts slapping away at him! The referee intervenes, working to get Ryot free. Ryot's arm gets loose, and he immediately swings at Tony, but the champion ducks back. As Ryot's other arm comes loose, Tony comes back in, catching Ryot with a DDT! He makes the cover... 1... 2... No! Ryot keeps himself alive! Tony gets up, again peering around the ring for a second before turning back to Ryot, stomping on his hand as Ryot starts to crawl. Ryot falls to his side, shaking his fingers out, even as Tony continues the assault.*

Rockwell: Tony looks like he might have lost something...

Hood: Shouldn't have opened his fanny pack so early, huh? Hah!

Rockwell: Either that, or he lost his decoder ring, or maybe his compass.

Hood: Compass? Why would he have a compass?

Rockwell: Why would he have a fanny pack?

Hood: ... When you're right, you're right...

*Tony The Spider has Ryot back up now, sending The Natural running into the corner. Tony runs after him, using his entire body to once again throw himself against his opponent. As usual, it seems to do just as much damage to both wrestlers. But Tony still manages to pull Ryot down, dragging him into another roll-up... 1... 2... and Ryot kicks out! Tony sighs, trying to figure out what else he can do. He lets out a laugh, as if he just figured something out. He then turns and pulls Ryot into a sitting position, before he goes off the ropes and comes back with a Shining Wizard kick!! At least, it was Tony's attempt at one, and it did land, at least on Ryot's left arm. Ryot falls to the side, with Tony making another cover... 1... 2... but Ryot kicks out once more! Tony, bummed, goes to grab Ryot once more... and then falls to a knee, coughing heavily as he grabs at his side!! The ref, surprised, checks on him, but then gets out of the way as Ryot suddenly goes off the ropes and comes back, hitting RYOT Time!!!! Tony's down, as Ryot drops for the pin... 1... 2... 3!!!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner... and the NEW GCWA World Television Champion... "The Natural" Ryot!!!

Hood: Alright!! He did it!!

Rockwell: What's that on Ryot's hand?

Hood: What? I don't see anything...

Rockwell: He's putting it back away now... but is that the brass knuckles???

Hood: Hmmm... I guess he scooped them up at some point, and decided it'd be fun to wear them...

Rockwell: He... Ryot did EXACTLY what you've been complaining Tony The Spider would do!

Hood: If he did, that would be fitting revenge, wouldn't it?

Rockwell: I don't believe this...

Hood: Believe it! We have a new Two-Time Champion!!

*Ryot looks proud to have his "baby" back in his grasp, quickly turning and dropping something onto Tony The Spider's prone body before rolling out of the ring. He starts down the way, with Rogue Daniels coming back out to celebrate with him. We cut away.*


GCWA World Tag-Team Titles match
Enforcer & Justice Orton-Cross(c) (1-0) vs. Duce Jones & Byson Kaliban (0-0)

Minos: The next contest is scheduled for one fall... it will be for the GCWA World Tag-Team Championships!!

Hood: When's the last time we had a true Tag-Team Titles match on PPV?

Rockwell: I think you have to go back to Darkness Falls...

Hood: That's last freakin' year!!

Rockwell: Well, that's when Tony Savage & Brady Vega won the belts, and, well, the division kind of fell apart for a while after that.

Hood: Thank goodness we're getting tag-teams again! Enforcer & Justice, Duce & Byson, Sports Entertainment Xtreme, the Wrath of the Storm...

Rockwell: The Danger Boiz...

Hood: Nah, I don't want to count them.

Minos: Introducing first, the challengers...

*The fans are buzzing, but soon turn to a mixed reaction as a voice begins to speak through the PA system.

"And the whole world loves it when you sing the blues... Da. Da.. Da. Da. Da.. Da...."

*The opening sounds of "Godspeed" by Don Trip begins to play as the lights inside of the arena turn a crimson hue color, soon the stage is filling up with smoke. After about a minute of waiting, Duce Jones and Byson Kaliban slowly emerge through the fog, mixed emotions coming from the crowd.

Minos: Coming to the ring... weighing a combined 410 lbs... here is the team of Duce Jones & Byson Kaliban!!

*Slowly making his way towards the ring, Jones ignores the cheers and jeers that the fans are giving, as he soon makes it to ringside. Kaliban seems to be enjoying the reaction a little more. Climbing onto the apron, Duce goes to the corner to his right, climbing onto the second rope and peering out into the crowd. Byson joins him on the other side. Duce jumps over the top rope, while Byson just steps through as they prepare for action.*

Hood: I don't know what Duce is thinking, having his twin brother as his partner tonight.

Rockwell: You could definitely say it puts Duce at a pretty strong disadvantage, since he's the only true wrestler on his team. But Byson has been in the wrestling business for a long while, and he has managed tag-team champions.

Hood: I've announced countless wrestling matches over many years, Adrian. Do you want ME as a tag-team partner?

Rockwell: Not a chance in hell.

Hood: So Duce is making a major... wait, you really wouldn't want to partner with me?

Rockwell: In a wrestling match?

Hood: Hey, I'm wiry!

Rockwell: You'd die.

Hood: They'd have to catch me f-, no, you're right, I'd probably die.

Minos: And now, making their way down... weighing a combined 401 lbs... here are the GCWA Tag-Team Champions of the World... Justice Orton-Cross and Enforcer!!

*Natural Born Killaz By Ice Cube and Dr. Dre starts playing throughout the arena. Smoke comes from the entrance way. As the smoke is clearing The Enforcer walks through the smoke and looks out at the crowd. The song suddenly switched to Light a Fire, with Justice walking out behind Enforcer with her arms in the air. Her thumb, index finger, and pinky are pointing upwards on both hands. She bends down and straightens up as the pyro goes off. Both have their tag-team titles wrapped around their waists. Enforcer walks with Justice down the aisle, and they get onto the ring apron. Enforcer lifts his arms out to the side, while Justice raises her own, before they enter the ring.*

Rockwell: These two have been riding high after freeing the GCWA World Tag-Team Titles.

Hood: Well, why shouldn't they be? You have The First Lady of the GCWA and the future World Champion!

Rockwell: I do say, they may be the most powerful couple we've ever had team up in the GCWA. But I hope they're not looking past the danger of Duce Jones, who has won some big matches in his time here.

Hood: It's a TAG-TEAM match, Adrian. It's all on how they work as a team, and no one will do that better than a husband and wife?

Rockwell: Twin brothers?

Hood: Only if both wrestle.

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: Can Enforcer & Justice continue their reign?

Hood: Can Duce survive teaming with his brother?

Rockwell: And will Hood eat his words if Duce wins?

*Not surprisingly, Duce has moved forward as the starter for his team. Byson doesn't appear to have a problem with this, applauding his brother and turning to the crowd to try and get them hyped up. Justice looks like she would have no problem getting in, but Enforcer talks to her, apparently set to start himself. After a few moments, though, Justice gets her husband to go to the apron, giving him a quick kiss before turning back to Duce and walking forward. Duce seems a little surprised, but more than willing to lock up with Justice. She doesn't give him the chance, though, jumping up and catching him with a leaping dropkick!! Duce moves backwards, not falling, shaking off the hit, but Justice has already sprung back up to her feet. She comes in quick, grabbing Duce by the head and coming off the ropes with a springboard bulldog!! Duce rolls away, looking completely thrown off, as Justice pushes herself upwards and stands in a defensive stand, waiting for Duce to come back.*

Rockwell: Justice has come out strong, really taking it to Duce Jones!

Hood: This is hilarious! First Duce loses to Warthog, and now I get to watch him get beat up by a woman!

Rockwell: That woman is a champion, Hood, who could probably take either or both of us out...

Hood: Why would she want to hit me? I'm always good with the ladies!

*Duce is back on his feet now, looking over at a grinning Byson and shaking his head. He turns back, facing Justice as she comes in again for the lock-up. This time, though, Duce catches Justice with a knee to the mid-section, doubling her over! Duce then quickly locks Justice up, lifting her into the air and going with a suplex into a neckbreaker, the start of the Eye of the Hurricane! He follows up twice more, easily throwing around the lighter Justice as the fans watch in a mixture of excitement and discomfort. It's still new to many wrestling fans to see a man and a woman going all out against each other. But it's a New Era, a new world, so they'll have to get used to it. Duce brings Justice back up, turning and dragging her over to Byson. He reaches out, with Byson looking ready to come in. He makes the tag, stepping through the ropes. Duce holds her up as Byson squares up against her, both fists in the air. He starts throwing punches, having no qualms with nailing Justice, even as the referee finally orders Duce from the ring.*

Hood: Well, Byson's getting what he wanted.

Rockwell: He did say he only wanted to tag in when he could face Justice.

Hood: The guy's a novice in the ring, so I can't blame him for wanting to stay away from a powerhouse like Enforcer. But punching his lady like that? It'll be hard for Enforcer to stay on the sidelines.

*Enforcer looks to be ready to tear the top rope down the way he's wringing it between his hands. We go back in the ring, as Byson cockily brings Justice up, delivering a back suplex to the champion. Byson rolls on top of her, wanting the match to be over... 1... 2.. and Justice easily kicks out, having plenty of energy left. This seems to surprise Byson, who pulls her up again. He thinks for a second, before starting to take Justice over to the corner. He goes to ram her head into the turnbuckle, but Justice blocks it, then throws an elbow back, knocking Byson off-balance. Justice then steps forward and does a leg whip takedown that knocks Byson into the 'buckle!! Byson slumps there for a moment, as Justice recovers and stumbles over to the side. She reaches out, tagging in Enforcer!! Byson, slowly getting up, sees the tag and immediately dives for his corner, barely making it in time to tag Duce back in! Enforcer looks upset, wanting to get his hands on Byson, but Duce is already stepping through the ropes.*

Rockwell: Byson sure got out of there quickly.

Hood: He looked like he saw a Zybala.

Rockwell: You mean a ghost.

Hood: Same difference.

*Duce doesn't waste time, immediately coming to lock up with Enforcer, only to have the stronger wrestler throw Duce backwards! Byson's quick to jump off the apron to avoid any accidental tag. Duce looks back at him, raising an eyebrow, before turning back and going back for the lock-up. Enforcer wins out, getting a headlock, with Duce trying to push him towards the ropes. But Enforcer blocks it by dropping to a knee, as he twists away at Duce's head and neck. He stands back up, still working over Duce, who starts throwing elbows to get free. He manages it, going to the ropes and coming back, only for Enforcer to toss him up and land a pop-up powerbomb!! The fans oooh and ahhh and the move as Enforcer makes the pin... 1... 2... and Duce shoves his shoulder off the canvas to keep in the fight. Enforcer gets up, dragging Duce with him. He lifts Duce up on his shoulder, turning and pointing at Byson before stepping away and landing a strong powerslam!! Another pin... 1... 2... and Duce kicks out!*

Rockwell: Enforcer is one of those guys who you couldn't pay me enough to get back into the ring with.

Hood: Wait, there are people you'd face if they paid you enough?

Rockwell: Sure. There's Warthog. The Janitor. Thunder or Lightning.

Hood: So only the easy wins...

Rockwell: They wouldn't have to pay me a dime to face you.

*Justice looks on with a smile as Enforcer gets Duce to his feet, easily lifting him up to deliver a piledriver in the center of the ring. Duce is down, with Enforcer looking towards Byson. He offers to drag Duce over to him for the tag. Byson looks like he's good right where he is for the moment, although he still taunts Enforcer from the safety of the apron. Enforcer shrugs and brings Duce up again, lifting him onto his shoulders in a fireman's carry. He goes to toss Duce away from him with an F-5, but Duce twists out of it, landing on his feet. Before Enforcer can readjust, Duce leaps towards him, scoring a Superman Punch!! Enforcer drops to a knee, stunned, with Duce immediately hitting the ropes and coming back with the D-Trigga (Knee strike)!! Enforcer gets knocked backwards, falling onto the mat... but he falls just far enough that Justice can lean far over the ropes and tag him, bringing herself in! She quickly goes after Duce, even as Enforcer tries to recover.*

Rockwell: Bad luck for Duce there, as he had Enforcer on the ropes for a moment.

Hood: AT least maybe Byson might be interested in tagging back in now.

Rockwell: If Byson wants he and his brother to become tag champs, he'll definitely need to be more involved in this one!

*As Byson paces on the apron, Duce is trying to defend himself from a fierce attack from Justice. He manages to block a kick and snaps back with one of his own, landing a roundhouse that knocks Justice on her back! Sensing an opportunity, Duce comes in, lifting her up onto his shoulders for the Final Tic 2.0 (Fireman's Carry Into Single Knee Facebuster)!! But Justice goes to the eyes, blinding Duce and causing him to drop her back to the mat! As Duce staggers, Justice knocks him back to the ropes and positions him, taking Duce down with a Rope-Hung DDT!! Duce is down, as Justice makes the cover... 1... 2... and Byson is in, kicking at Justice to get her off the pin! Justice sits up, rubbing her back, as Byson quickly hightails it as Enforcer charges in after him. The ref turns and blocks Enforcer, ordering him back to his corner, as Justice gets up... right into Duce's arms, as he takes her over with a butterfly suplex! Duce rolls away afterwards, trying to recover his composure. Byson, seeing him in range, quickly tags himself in.*

Rockwell: Byson's legal!

Hood: That could spell doom for Team Duce! Get him, Justice!

*Byson hurries towards Justice, intent on not letting her tag out. Unfortunately for Byson, Justice has no intention of leaving. She catches the surprised wrestler with a drop toe hold, putting him on the mat, and jumps on top, quickly applying a double underhook crossface submission!!! Byson goes from confident to crazy, kicking his legs wildly as he tries to find a way out of the surprise submission! Justice works him over, trying to keep the pressure up, but Byson's movement is not allowing her to get the full force of the hold. The ref stays close, but sees no sign that Byson's going to verbally give up. Justice looks back over her shoulder, seeing that Duce is starting to recover, so she drops the submission hold suddenly, rolling an injured Byson over. She then gets up, turning and tagging in Enforcer!! The bigger wrestler steps in with a big grin on his face as he approaches Byson, who looks up, suddenly realizing what's coming.*

Rockwell: Byson tried to avoid this, but in a tag match, you can't avoid the fight!

Hood: Byson's about to get Kalibanged!!

Rockwell: That was awful...

*Byson turns and tries to dash to his corner again, but Enforcer grabs him by the back of the neck, stopping him. He pulls Byson back in, easily putting him into the air and landing a facebreaker knee smash!!! Byson collapses to the mat, stunned, as Enforcer stands over him, knowing that he's got the full upper hand. He picks Byson back up, this time delivering a fallaway slam to put the novice wrestler back into their corner! Enforcer comes in, kicking away at Byson before tagging in Justice. He helps his wife go up the ropes, with Justice then coming down with a double stomp into Byson's stomach! Byson rolls to his side, fighting the urge to retch, as Justice immediately tags Enforcer back in. The big man comes in and picks Byson up, this time delivering a brainbuster!! Byson's barely moving as Enforcer makes the cover... 1... 2... and Duce is there to break it up, shoving Enforcer off the pin!! The ref turns, admonishing Duce, who immediately backs away.*

Hood: Duce's need for winning is overriding his love of his family!!

Rockwell: What are you talking about?

Hood: If Duce cared about Byson, he would have just let him get pinned and not take any more abuse!

Rockwell: If Byson's got any of his father's wrestling genes, he'd never want to just give up...

*Enforcer tags back in Justice, who comes in to work Byson over some more. She goes up top as Enforcer holds him in place, leaping off the top to score a missile dropkick!! Byson's down, with Enforcer staying in the ring to watch as Justice makes the cover... 1... 2... and somehow Byson kicks out!! Justice looks at Enforcer with surprise, but Enforcer's not even slowing down. He goes out onto the apron and grabs the tag rope before turning back to Justice, calling for the tag. She does so, with the big wrestler coming back in as the legal man. Justice quickly drops Byson back to the mat with a neckbreaker, laying him out, as Enforcer heads up the turnbuckle. He positions himself, setting up the clothesline from the top! Duce, though, comes around the turnbuckle and gets on the apron near him, shaking the ropes, causing Enforcer to struggle to keep his balance. As the ref orders Duce back, Enforcer gets it together, leaping at Byson... who drops to the mat, avoiding the clothesline!! Enforcer does a roll and gets up, but Byson is right behind him... scoring a low blow!!!*

Rockwell: Damn!!

Hood: The great equalizer lands!!

Rockwell: No male wrestling fan wants to ever see a shot like that land! But it's given Byson a chance to get out of dodge!

*The referee, having been busy with Duce missed the whole thing. He looks back to see Enforcer laying on the mat, in a great deal of pain. Byson barely looks able to move, having spent the last of his energy to take Enforcer out. He starts to drag himself towards his corner, where a hyped-up Duce is waiting eagerly to come in. Justice starts yelling for her husband to come her way, directing him to make the tag. Enforcer fights through the pain and gets up, staggering forward towards his wife. He drops at the last moment, reaching out... and tagging her in! Justice leaps through the ropes and starts to charge, but it's too late, as Byson is able to make contact with his brother!! Duce feels the energy from the hot tag, leaping through the ropes and running forward with a running knee smash that puts Justice on her back!! As Enforcer starts to try coming back in, Duce delivers a knee to him as well, knocking the wrestler out of the ring!*

Rockwell: Duce just gained all the momentum!

Hood: Yeah, but he'd better make the most of it! I don't know that Byson has too much left to offer at this point!

Rockwell: Byson took the low road, but it may still pay off, if Duce can capitalize fast enough!

*Justice gets up, trying to catch Duce with an enziguri, but her kick sails over Duce's ducked head. Justice lands on her hands and knees, immediately trying to get up, but Duce is there, throwing her backwards with a release German suplex!! Justice is down, with Duce feeling it, getting up and giving a yell to the split audience. Some are rooting for him, while others are not forgiving the low blow earlier. Duce pulls Justice up once more, this time landing the Final Tic 2.0!!! Justice is down, as Duce gets ready for the Krayzed Knee (Running Busaki Knee Strike)!! But before Duce can run forward, Enforcer grabs his leg from the outside, tripping him up!! Duce falls forward, as Enforcer pulls himself up and gets into the ring... only to have Byson come flying at him, sacrificing his body to knock both men back out to the floor!!! They hit hard, with Byson somehow managing to land on top, although the impact has still knocked him out for the immediate future!*

Hood: Wow! I didn't think Byson had it in him!

Rockwell: He sacrificed for the family!

Hood: He sacrificed for the gold and the pay day!

*Duce is back on his feet, hoping to take advantage of the situation. He charges at Justice, trying to still land the Krayzed Knee!! But Justice avoids it, getting up and catching Duce on the way by with an inverted DDT!! Justice makes the cover, trying to hang on... 1... 2... but Duce shoots the arm up once more! Justice takes a deep breath and gets up, looking out for a second to see that Enforcer is still down. She instead turns towards Duce, waiting for him to rise up, as she sets him up for Lights Out (RKO)!!! She grabs Duce's head, no, Duce pushes her away into the ropes! As Justice rebounds and comes back, Duce sidesteps her attempt at a crossbody, with Justice crashing to the mat! Justice staggers back to her feet, as Duce moves in, landing the Duce of Clubs (Ripcord Headbutt followed by Knee Strike)!!! Justice is out, with Duce making the cover... 1... 2... Enforcer comes in, but Byson grabs his leg to keep him back... 3!!!!!*

Minos: Here are your winners, and the NEW GCWA Tag-Team Champions of the World... Duce Jones & Byson Kaliban!!!!

Hood: Holy crap, they did it!

Rockwell: It took a few lucky breaks, and one illegal move, but Team Duce comes off with the victory!

Hood: Hey, who am I to say anything about using a low blow to win? Good to see Byson being willing to take the initiative!

Rockwell: I doubt they've heard the last of Enforcer & Justice, however. There will have to be a rematch in the near future!

*Enforcer looks steamed, going to his wife and checking on her. Byson almost falls on the way to Duce, looking exhausted, but Duce is able to hold his brother up, smiling widely as they bring in the GCWA World Tag-Team Titles to their team. Duce grabs both belts, repositioning Byson to get it on his shoulder, and the two start to celebrate. They leave the ring together, even as Enforcer helps Justice to her feet. They start to head out as well.*



Rockwell: So two title matches, two title changes so far tonight! What else can happen?

*"Dangerous" by Within Temptation begins to play, bringing the crowd to their feet.*

Hood: You were saying, Adrian?

Rockwell: Looks like we've got a visit from the owners of the GCWA, The Barrows Family!

*Jonathan, Hunter, & Deana Barrows make their way down, heading straight for the ring. The fans are pretty split, but the boos are clearly louder than the cheers. They all enter, with Deana getting the mic first.*

Deana Barrows: Is everyone having a great night?

Audience - Yes!!!

Deana Barrows: Is everyone staying 6 feet apart?

Audience - No!

*Deana laughs, shaking her head. She knows they've posted the warnings to legally protect the GCWA. Whatever the audience does, it's their fault. She hands the mic over to Jonathan Barrows, which immediately calls for another wave of boos.*

Jonathan Barrows: Hello, GCWA Universe. Hell of a night so far. Maybe we'll see FIVE title changes, wouldn't that be something?

*The crowd doesn't show Jonathan any love, causing a look of pain to come across his face.*

Jonathan Barrows: I know, I'm not really trusted anymore. People don't seem to believe that I'm working to turn over a new leaf. And you know what? I can't blame them. But I'm going to keep trying... and part of that effort? It starts right now...

*Jonathan points towards the entryway, earning the interest of everyone as they turn that direction. After a second, the music video starts, playing "Leave You Far Behind" by Lunatic Calm!!*

Hood: Oh, man, it's not...

Rockwell: It is!!

*The older man slowly comes out onto the entrance way, wheeled into view. The fans begin to cheer, recognizing a long-time icon in the business.*

Rockwell: The Accelerator is back in the place he built!

*The "Ace" chants start to echo throughout the stadium, as the wheelchair gets to the edge of the ramp. The Accelerator smiles and raises a hand to signal to stop, then slowly gets out of the chair. He gets to his feet, something we haven't seen in a while, and accepts the cane handed to him by the assistant behind him. He then starts to walk down to the ring, earning more cheers from the fans that grew up with him.*

Hood: The Barrows family is complete again!!!

Rockwell: But has Ace truly buried the hatchet with his sons, Jonathan & Hunter? They turned on him last year, taking over full control of the company!

Hood: And now Jonathan is proving he's changed by bringing his father back into the fold!

*Ace gets into the ring, helped by Deana and Hunter. Jonathan stands there, smiling at his father, who steps up to him and eyeballs him for a moment before leaning in, giving him a hug! The four Barrows members stand side by side, with the "Ace" chants still coming from the crowd. Ace, grinning from ear to ear, reaches down and gets the mic from his son, turning to the crowd.*

The Accelerator: Hello, boyos!

*The familiar catchphrase gets a good response as Ace just looks happy to be back in front of the GCWA audience.*

The Accelerator: Now, it's damn good to be here, protests or no protests. Being here with Deana, Hunter... and Jonathan... is an amazing feeling, one I didn't think I would get again. Thank you. Thank you, all.

Rockwell: It's so damn good to see Ace back with us!

Hood: Yeah, thought he was going to die in an old folks home somewhere...

The Accelerator: I'm not just here for nostalgia's sake, though, boyos. I'm here for a very special announcement, one that's been barely kept secret over the last week. We're here to announce a historic event, one that hasn't been seen in a decade in the GCWA.

*The crowd leans forward in anticipation, wondering what Ace is going to say. He turns and smiles at his family before continuing.*

The Accelerator: A long time ago, we came up with the concept of proving the toughest wrestler in the GCWA. It's happened four times over the years, with some of the greatest matches we've ever seen. It's an honor that has been won by men like Derek "The Thriller" Mobley and The Big Bifford! And now, for the fifth time, it returns, bigger and better than ever: The Warriors of the Ring Tournament!!

*The crowd pops, remembering some of the great moments of the tournaments in the past.*

Rockwell: The Warriors of the Ring!! One of the most prestigious tournaments in GCWA history!

Hood: Damn! That's what we've got coming next?? We're about to have a hell of a lot of exciting matches in our future!!

The Accelerator: Here's how it'll work, kiddos. Starting over the next week, we will have sign-ups available for all of our star wrestlers. Every wrestler, past and present is invited, as well as anyone who wants to test their luck from outside of the GCWA. We invite all comers, and in fact, we've got two men who have already expressed their interest in entering the fray...

*The screen lights up, showing two familiar images.*

Rockwell: Oh, wow! Noah Hanson's returning to the GCWA for this one??

Hood: And Zolton!! He's never been in the GCWA!! Damn, we might already have an odds-on favorite!!

*The crowd turns back to The Accelerator, who hands the mic over to his son once again. Jonathan, smiling, seems to enjoy the energy of the crowd, for once, not being too negative towards him.*

Jonathan Barrows: We expect a lot more announcements in the coming days, as the roster of the tournament gets filled. We're going to push to make this the biggest tournament in GCWA history, which means we're hoping for 32 wrestlers or more! Hell, 64? Why the hell not? But it'll all be decided by how many sign up before next Friday...

*The fans are on their feet, hoping that they could reach a tournament that large.*

Jonathan Barrows: There will be a random draw once all of our competitors are decided, and the tournament will start a week from Friday. It will continue until Sunday, July 26th, when The Warriors of the Ring V Pay-Per-View will take place! It's one of the hardest events to win in our company, so you can expect only the very best to make it to the end! And whoever wins the tournament... will go on to our NEXT event, in the best arena in the country, Madison Square Garden, for our biggest event of the year, Heat Wave!!!

*A louder pop comes from the iconic PPV name, at least from the fans who have been following the GCWA for years.*

Hood: Heat Wave's coming back too??

Rockwell: What a way to cap off a year of the GCWA! Remember, we started on August 30th in our return!

Hood: Wow, we are set for the next several months!!

Jonathan Barrows: So, folks, tickets will be going on sale as of tonight for both events, so be sure and look to lock in your tickets! As for you wrestlers, make your choice! Stay on the sidelines where it's safe, or sign on for possibly the greatest challenge of your life! We'll...

*Suddenly, "Space Lord" by Monster Magnet begins to play over the PA and the crowd begins to cheer for the newcomer Space Lord as Space Lord races down the entrance way. Space Lord runs to the ring like someone who just at Taco Bell runs to the bathroom. Space Lord slides under the bottom rope like Pete Rose sliding into a stolen base, and quickly jumps to his feet and begins running off the ropes. Jonathan Barrows frantically tries to stay out of the way by dodging, ducking, dipping, diving, and dodging... you know the 5 D's.*

Hood: What's this crazy loon doing out here??

Rockwell: You didn't think we'd have a whole PPV without Space Lord showing up, did you?

*Space Lord stops running and the music dies down. Space Lord stands face to face with the Barrows Family, clearly Space Lord doesn't understand social distancing. Space Lord breathes heavily, his exhales ruffling Barrows' hair. Barrows begins to step to the side, but is stopped in shock as Space Lord grabs the microphone from his hand.*

Space Lord: WARRIORS! You want warriors... I AM THE SUPREME INTERGALACTIC CHAMPION! I AM THE... UUUULLLLLLTTIIIMMMAAAAATTEEEE WAAAAARRRRRIIIIOOOORRRRR!!!

*The crowd pops, and Space Lord looks into the camera Zach Morris style and gives a wink.*

Space Lord: I've paid my dues. Time after time, I've done my sentence, BUT, committed no crime. Mistakes... I've made a few. I've had my share of microbial particles kicked in my face, BUT, I've come through. I am the champion... the SUPREME INTERGALACTIC CHAMPION! AND... I will be the warrior of the ring.

Jonathan Barrows: Are you saying that...?

*Barrows is cut off as "Thunder Struck" by AC/DC begins to play over the PA. The crowd once again begins to cheer as "Thundering" Terry Marshall steps out onto the entrance way. Marshall gets a big pop when he poses at the top of the entrance ramp wearing an Alabama Crimson tide football Jersey. Marshall marches to the ring with the confidence of David Hasselhoff in the early 90's.*

Rockwell: And now we've got the other member of Sports Entertainment Xtreme!

Hood: Damn, look at these guys! At least Ace seems to be pleased!

*Space Lord looks as shocked as Barrows as Marshall marches down to the ring, slapping babies and kissing hands. I mean slapping hands and kissing babies. Marshall soon is in the ring and has his own microphone.*

Terry Marshall: Space Lord, brother, I understand you want to enter this tournament, and I understand that you want to be the winner and crowned the warrior of the ring, but we came here as a team. That means where one of us goes, the other goes. It isn't time for a spinoff yet brother, we are still building this buddy cop adventure.

Space Lord: I'm Riggs.

Terry Marshall: Clearly, and clearly, I'm too old for this tournament crap, so you can call me Murtaugh.

Space Lord: If I could turn back time... If I could find a way... I'd take back those bumps that hurt you, and I'd have come to Earth sooner.

Terry Marshall: Don't you do that, don't you dare quote Cher to me.

Space Lord: They say we're new and we don't know this place. We won't find out until we get more bookings. Well I don't know if all that's true, cause you got me, and PARTNER I GOT YOU! PARTNER! I got you Terry. I got you Thundering Terry Marshall.

*Marshall looks emotional as he puts his hands on his hips and his eyes look puffy. The Alabama crowd begins to sing out loud "I GOT YOU BABE". Marshall shakes his head and you can see him mouth the words "you son of a bitch".*

Terry Marshall: Johnny Barrows, you know what this tournament needs? It needs what everyone here needs and wants, and what everyone watching needs and wants, and that is S! E! X! SEX! SEX! SEX!

Crowd: SEX! SEX! SEX! SEX!

Terry Marshall: JOHNNY BOY! The Sports Entertainment Express is in, and BABY, WE ARE IN IT TO WIN!!!

*Marshall throws the mic down and him and Space Lord high five. Marshall pulls his jersey off and throws it into the crowd. Marshall and Space Lord then begin to pose, because Marshall must pose.*

Rockwell: So we've only just begun, and we already have four known entrants into the Warriors of the Ring V Tournament!

Hood: Fuck, betting is going to be extremely difficult on this one! I mean, what if Bifford or Mobley try to go for a repeat? What about Mack or Vargas? Hey, can the World Champion enter??

Rockwell: Maybe, but would he want to, since it might mean having to wrestle so many matches?

Hood: I'd love to see it! Put the damn titles on the line in every match! If a champ wants to become Warrior of the Ring, make them truly earn it!

Rockwell: We'll see what happens with that, Hood, but right now, as big as that news was, we're not done with this PPV!

Hood: We're not?

Rockwell: Nope.

Hood: Then let's get through it!! I want to get to the tournament!!




GCWA North American Title match (The Lost Soul Special Referee)
PerZag(c) (7-2) vs. The Empty (6-2)

Minos: The next match is scheduled for one fall... and is for the GCWA North American Championship!!

Hood: I can't say I've been looking forward to this one...

Rockwell: I thought you were a huge supporter of PerZag?

Hood: I am! But against The Empty... and with the ref... I don't know...

Minos: Introducing first, the special guest referee... from Parts Unknown... he's the holder of a Golden Opportunity contract... here is The Lost Soul!!

*The theme to Halloween plays as the lights dim. A spotlight shines on the entrance way as TLS appears. The crowd brings out their phones and turns on their flashlight apps as he makes his way methodically to the ring.*

Hood: He could have at least worn a referee outfit instead of his usual get-up.

Rockwell: Because the mask would look more normal that way?

Hood: I still don't understand why The Lost Soul wanted to be the referee, instead of actually competing tonight.

Rockwell: The reasons are known only to TLS, but knowing the veteran, he's got something planned out.

Hood: It better be to help his partner, PerZag!

Minos: And now, the challenger... standing 7'0" and weighing 358 lbs... from Parts Best Left Unknown... with the Reason... here is The Empty!!

"I wanna be Jekyll but I'm always fucking Hyde!"

*This is the first line of "Jekyll & Hyde" by Five Finger Death Punch to break the silence before The Reason pushes the curtain out of the way. Strobe lights move and flicker to the beat and guitar riffs of the song. The Reason leads The Empty out from behind the curtain, the former stoic yet buzzing with sadistic glee. The Empty, once seeing the squared circle in front of him, stretches its arms out with a great roaring cry, breathing heavily and menacingly.*

*Without warning, it charges into the ring and stares at its opponent with a deep-seated hatred and desire for destruction. Its posture screams aggression as it leans forward, fingers clenching into barrel-like fists before releasing, squeezing all the muscles in its arms with each fist made.*

Hood: That room with the faces... that's going to haunt me for a long time...

Rockwell: We all knew The Empty is involved in some pretty sick shit, even if his original self tries to find a way to fight it.

Hood: Tonight, he's just coming for PerZag, and maybe The Lost Soul... hopefully not us...

Minos: His opponent... standing 6'5" and weighing 216 lbs... coming to us all the way from Australia... here is the GCWA North American Champion... PerZag!!!

*'Whatever It Takes' by Imagine Dragons plays to the crowd as the women in the audience lose their shit. The men roll their eyes, stick fingers up and boo as the 'Sexiest Man On The Earth' PerZag, walks out from the back. He wears a long blue gown as his manager and unwanted girlfriend, Rhiannon Clarkson follows in tow. He winks at all the ladies as he walks past, making them all go crazy as Rhiannon Clarkson walks on, a pissed off look on her face. PerZag reaches the ringside, and quickly slides into the ring. He stands up, walks to the centre of the ring, and stops. The lights suddenly turn off, except for one spotlight that shines on the centre of the ring, directly on PerZag. PerZag grabs at his gown, pulling it off, showcasing his fantastic bod for all the people in the arena. He drops the gown to the ground as all the lights turn back on, and he walks over to one of the corners of the ring to await the match to start.*

Rockwell: PerZag made the 'questionable' decision to help The Lost Soul win the right to be the special referee tonight.

Hood: What's questionable about it? PerZag was just helping a friend.

Rockwell: PerZag was hoping helping TLS would pay off for him against the monster known as The Empty.

Hood: Hey, if The Lost Soul isn't a good enough friend to repay the favor, that's on him.

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: And here we go, another championship on the line!

Hood: Not for long! Attack him now, TLS!

Rockwell: What?

Hood: ... Well, maybe TLS is going to wait a little longer. But now that this match is official, he can do whatever he wants to screw over The Empty!

*PerZag takes a second to talk with The Lost Soul, as if wanting to discuss strategy, but The Lost Soul just walks away from him, turning his back. PerZag looks a little annoyed, but he turns back... to come face-to-chest with The Empty! The big man just sits there, fuming, as PerZag slowly looks up at his face. After a second, though, PerZag puts on a cocky grin, nodding to the man. He then rears back and throws a heavy punch... that The Empty basically no-sells, staring back at the champion! PerZag, a little rattled, swings again, but this time The Empty catches the fist in mid-air, holding onto it! PerZag looks at the hand grasped around his in shock. He looks back at The Empty, who uses his other hand to grab PerZag around the throat!! He's choking PerZag away, tightening his grip with one hand, even as The Lost Soul has turned away again, studying the audience in attendance. Seeing this, PerZag, his face red from lack of oxygen, snaps up a kick, nailing The Empty between the legs!!*

Rockwell: A blatant low blow from PerZag!

Hood: Following a "blatant" choke from The Empty!

Rockwell: So far, the best thing we can say about The Lost Soul's referee abilities is that he's letting the wrestlers fight...

*Having freed himself, PerZag kicks at The Empty again, trying to weaken his foe. He goes off the ropes and comes back, getting a running bulldog that puts The Empty down to the mat! PerZag sits up, confident again after getting the upper hand. Behind him, though, The Empty is already starting to get up. As PerZag stands, he turns back to The Empty in disbelief. He goes off the ropes again, this time charging in with a spear! Amazingly, The Empty doesn't go down this time, instead staggering back from the hit and landing on the ropes. PerZag gets up, shocked. He rushes forward for the clothesline, sending The Empty over the ropes... with The Empty landing on his feet and grabbing PerZag's legs, dragging the champion outside! Before PerZag can do anything to defend himself, The Empty launches him into the steel steps with a loud clang, sending PerZag flipping over them to crash onto the outside mats!! PerZag lays there, stunned, as The Empty takes a quick instruction from The Reason. Meanwhile, The Lost Soul is leaning over the ropes, staring down, taking a few more seconds before finally calling "One" for the count.*

Hood: What's PerZag going to have to do to get the upper hand on this beast?

Rockwell: I don't know, Hood. Many have tried, but the only way The Empty has been stopped so far is if he's been disqualified or distracted from the action. I don't think The Lost Soul is too interested in DQ's at the moment.

Hood: He really should throw this one out, just because of... illegal use of a mask or something.

Rockwell: That would be a bit hypocritical, wouldn't it?

Hood: Hey, TLS' mask isn't made of actual flesh, is it? Wait... is it?

*The Reason is enjoying himself at ringside, watching as The Empty has positioned PerZag's head between the steel steps and the ring apron! He backs off, then runs forward, stomping on the steel steps!! But PerZag barely managed to pull himself out of the way in time! He crawls backwards, trying to pull himself together, as The Empty shakes off the stinging in his leg and comes after the champion. He pulls PerZag up, looking briefly towards the ring at The Lost Soul, who leans slightly out and raises two fingers. The slow count continues, even as The Empty picks PerZag up, carrying him to ram him into the side of the steel turnbuckle post!! PerZag groans, having no way to escape, as The Empty rears back and does it a second time, and then a third! He finally lifts the injured PerZag up and tosses him through the ropes, putting him back into the ring, then climbs up, standing on the apron for a second and studying The Lost Soul before stepping through.*

Rockwell: This is turning into a slaughter for PerZag!

Hood: The Lost Soul had the perfect opportunity there! As soon as PerZag was in the ring, he should have quickly said "10!" and counted him out!

Rockwell: You still think The Lost Soul is on PerZag's side here?

Hood: He must be! They were tag-team partners! Plus, The Empty attacked him, remember?

Rockwell: That's true, I can't deny it. But there was always a level of distrust between TLS and PerZag...

*The Empty has PerZag back up now, lifting him up into a vertical suplex position, then dropping him with a Hellevator!! PerZag's down and hurt, as The Empty makes the cover.... and keeps waiting, as The Lost Soul slowly walks over. He drops to his knees, hitting the mat once... then twice... and PerZag then raises his shoulder, beating the count! The Empty glares at The Lost Soul, wondering if he should take him out now. He turns towards The Reason, seeking orders. The Reason shakes his head and smiles. He knows that attacking The Lost Soul will just cost The Empty the match and the title. He signals for The Empty to just finish it, so PerZag can't rise up no matter the count. In the meantime, The Lost Soul has been checking on PerZag's condition, apparently making sure the champion can still continue. PerZag looks through half-closed eyes at TLS, grabbing at him for a second, with TLS pulling away. The Empty impatiently pushes TLS out of the way... and PerZag opens up with a can of mace, shooting it straight into the eyes of his opponent!!!!*

Rockwell: Oh, man! Mace! I hope it doesn't drift this direction!

Hood: Yes!! I knew it!! Yes!!

Rockwell: What are you so excited about??

Hood: The Lost Soul gave PerZag that mace! He's on the side of angels tonight!

Rockwell: Did he really? If so, that's definitely a surprise!

*PerZag is back up now, blinking rapidly due to a dose of the mace having splattered back in his direction. He sprays again anyway, blinding The Empty once more, who gives a mighty roar of rage and pain! He swings wildly, with both PerZag and The Lost Soul making sure to get out of range. PerZag then comes in from behind, pulling The Empty backwards and getting an inverted DDT! The Empty holds the back of his head, but still starts to get back up, showing incredible resiliency. But PerZag's ready, taking him back down with a Russian leg sweep! With The Empty staying down for a few extra seconds this time, PerZag heads to the nearby turnbuckle. He jumps from the second 'buckle, landing an elbow drop into The Empty's chest! PerZag then makes the cover, grabbing at both legs and holding the tights as well for good measure... and The Lost Soul slowly comes over, dropping down... and he carefully checks The Empty's shoulders before hitting the mat once... The Empty then kicks out, pushing PerZag off, who gets up and stares at TLS, wanting to know what's going on!*

Hood: What kind of count was that??

Rockwell: About the same one The Lost Soul gave for The Empty, Hood!

Hood: Come on! The Lost Soul just helped PerZag get the upper hand! He should have counted to 3 quickly!

Rockwell: I think The Lost Soul doesn't care who wins this one, he just wants both to do some damage to the other...

*The Lost Soul is standing now, not listening as PerZag demands to have a faster count next time. He finally goes back over to the recovering wrestler, pulling The Empty up. He takes The Empty towards the turnbuckle, running up it and coming off with a Tornado DDT!! PerZag makes the cover again, looking over at The Lost Soul, who moves a little bit quicker... 1...... 2...... and The Empty kicks out again! PerZag slaps the mat three times, showing how fast he wants the count to be, and makes the cover again... but this time The Lost Soul doesn't even bother counting. PerZag gets up, mouthing off at The Lost Soul, wanting him to do his job correctly. He gets in The Lost Soul's face, telling him that he got him this position out of the goodness of his heart, only to have TLS shaft him with it. As PerZag keeps talking, The Lost Soul calmly looks behind him. PerZag, realizing that he's spent too long arguing, spins around and tries to charge, only to get picked up and given a Black Hole Slam!!! The Empty gets up, still working to clear his blurry eyes, obviously furious.*

Rockwell: The Empty is back on his feet!

Hood: Hey, Reason! Be sure to tell The Empty that TLS was the cause of the mace!

Rockwell: quiet, Hood, don't get involved...

Hood: But I want The Empty to know the true enemy!

Rockwell: And for all you know, yelling will bring them over here!

Hood: *Whispers* Fuck...

*The Empty turns towards The Lost Soul, reaching towards him, with The Lost Soul quickly moving backwards, out of range. He raises a hand, as if threatening a disqualification, with The Empty clutching his hands into fists multiple times before turning back. PerZag is trying to get up, now, but The Empty gets hold of him before he can get away, lifting him onto his shoulders in a great display of strength. He then spins PerZag around, landing a Death Valley Bomb into a pinning combination!! The Lost Soul slowly comes in again, dropping down.... 1....... 2....... and PerZag gets his shoulder up, keeping his championship hopes alive. The Empty doesn't bother to go after The Lost Soul again. Instead, he grabs PerZag by the hair and slowly brings him up, glaring at his current target. He lifts PerZag into the air, no, PerZag falls over his shoulders and gets behind him, pulling The Empty down with a sunset flip! However, by the time The Lost Soul makes his way around to make the count, The Empty has already shoved PerZag off of him.*

Hood: I'm not sure this match is ever going to end if The Lost Soul doesn't start counting faster!

Rockwell: It may take someone being knocked unconscious, which puts the odds against PerZag...

Hood: Not if PerZag gets another weapon! C'mon, champ! TLS let you use mace, why not go for a chair or a table?

*PerZag is up again, although he doesn't look too happy with the current situation. He runs at The Empty, going for a dropkick, but it barely moves The Empty backwards a few steps! PerZag, seeing this, gets up and decides to head out of the ring, perhaps considering the very idea that Hood just mentioned. But The Reason is waiting there, laughing as PerZag sees him and inadvertently steps backwards into the ring again. The Empty takes advantage, grabbing PerZag from behind and throwing him bodily into the corner! The Empty follows, lifting PerZag up onto the turnbuckle and punching away at him. PerZag tries to fight back, going for the eyes, but The Empty can barely see anyway after the mace, so this isn't much of a deterrent. The Empty lands a throat punch, stunning the champion, and then gets up next to him, lifting PerZag up. Before PerZag can do anything but shout out, The Empty comes off the top with Descent Into Madness (Avalanche Death Valley Driver)!!!! The crowd groans in sympathy for PerZag, who's laying flat on his back. The Empty makes the cover, with The Lost Soul wandering over..... 1......... 2............... The Lost Soul shrugs and goes once more.... 3!!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner... and the NEW GCWA North American Champion... The Empty!!

Hood: Damn it! Why did The Lost Soul finish??

Rockwell: He may have been doing slow counts, but I guess he decided that he'd taken it as far as he could.

Hood: So The Empty is the new champion? Holy shit, that belt just went off the market! Nobody will be able to take it from him!

Rockwell: It's certainly going to be a steep mountain to climb in the North American Division from now on!

Hood: Steep mountain? Try Everest! People are going to die trying to get that belt!

*The timekeeper on the outside hands the GCWA North American Title to The Lost Soul, who makes sure to fold it up before turning back to where The Reason has joined The Empty. The Reason almost looks upset that the carnage didn't continue, as he talks to The Empty. The Lost Soul walks up behind them, reaching for The Empty's hand to raise it up, but The Empty pulls away, angrily turning and swinging right at The Lost Soul's face! But The Lost Soul gets the title up, with The Empty punching the gold instead!! The Empty stumbles away, his hand bleeding from a torn knuckle from the strike. Before The Empty can recover, The Lost Soul drops the belt in front of him and grabs The Empty's head, landing a version of the Soulbuster (Brainbuster) onto the belt!!! The Empty is down, with The Reason cursing The Lost Soul's existence. The Lost Soul, though, turns and immediately leaves the ring rather than having to deal with The Reason's fury.*

Hood: Why couldn't he have done that earlier??

Rockwell: The Lost Soul shows once again that he wasn't on anyone's side in this one. You have to think that Golden Opportunity contract of his is still set in this division. Will TLS cash in to take on The Empty?

Hood: He should have done it while PerZag was the champ! Not that he'd have a chance, but PerZag wouldn't murder him!

*In the ring, despite the devastating move, The Empty has already sat up, having learned to absorb a great deal of punishment. He slowly starts to get up, blood evident on his face, which seems to please The Reason. He reaches down and gets the North American Title, raising it up next to The Empty, even as The Lost Soul departs the stadium.*



*We go backstage briefly, as we see a bulletin board has been set up in the hallway. It has the Warriors of the Ring logo on it, as well as an old-fashioned sign-up list positioned on the board. Several wrestlers are already around it, considering putting their names on the dotted line. Actually, all the lines look solid, but the same point sticks.*

Rockwell: Who else will enter the Warriors of the Ring Tournament in the coming days?

Hood: A sign-up sheet? Kind of a weak way to do things, isn't it?

Rockwell: Oh, I'm sure most wrestlers will handle this either through face-to-face negotiations or simply through e-mail. But I'm sure, for Ace, they decided to give a nice nod to the past.

Hood: I wonder how many of these guys can read and write? How many "X" entrants are we going to have?

Rockwell: We'll get it all straightened out, I'm sure, Hood. Let's get back to the action1


GCWA Unified X-Division Title Blood Feud match
Mike Zybala(c) (6-7) vs. Dylan Thomas (9-7)

Minos: The next contest is scheduled for one fall... It will be a Blood Feud match for the GCWA Unified X-Division Title!!

Hood: Here we go! I can't wait to see what ghost blood looks like!

Rockwell: I'm going to assume it's going to look exactly like Dylan Thomas' blood...

Hood: Not a chance! His blood is almost like royalty! Plus, we won't be seeing it tonight!

Minos: Introducing first, the challenger... standing 6'2" and weighing 225 lbs... from Greenwich, Connecticut, but residing in Hollywood, California... with Lissandra Thomas... here is "Perfection Personified" Dylan Thomas!!

*'Watch Me Shine' by Fozzy starts up and Dylan Thomas emerges through the curtain arm in arm with his wife Lissandra Thomas. Both have a huge air of arrogance about them. The arena is FILLED with boos at these two. Does it phase them? Not in the least. They make their way to the ring with huge smirks on their faces and Dylan helps Lissandra up onto the apron, holding the ring ropes open for her. She climbs through and kisses her man as she does so. In the ring, Dylan arrogantly shouts at the people whilst on the nearest corner and Lissandra stays in the ring showing off her man, applauding. As the music dies down, Dylan helps his wife out of the ring before eyeing the ramp and we're underway.*

Rockwell: Thomas brought his "secret weapon" here with him tonight, a heavy-duty mask from Italy that should protect his face.

Hood: The man is a planner, Adrian, which is why he's going to be the champ after tonight!

Rockwell: I still don't quite understand why Zybala wouldn't just try to get him to bleed from other places...

Hood: Even Zybala himself admitted that a head wound is the best way to get the blood flowing. But it's not going to happen tonight!

Rockwell: Unless Zybala brought the weed whacker...

Hood: He better not have been allowed to!!

Minos: His opponent...

*Thomas is in the ring, waiting for Zybala. The lights dim to almost near black (Hood still screams) and the Barrows-Tron 9000 lights up. It starts showing footage of everything that The A-List has done to Zybala and friends. Day of Fate (Spirit vs Spirit) starts to play over the speakers.*

Minos: Standing 5'6" and weighing 175 lbs... from Buffalo, New York... here is the GCWA Unified X Division Champion... Mike Zybala!!!

*In the light of the screen we can barely make out GCWA United X-Division champion Mike Zybala stepping out on the stage and watching the footage. As the music swells and the chorus revs up, Zybala lets out a mighty scream of anger, pain and frustration. Lights and wind shoot up from under the stage as if engulfing Zybala in a golden aura. In the light, we can see Zybala has spiky golden blonde hair. He then turns and makes his way to the ring. Hood shrieks!*

Hood: Disqualify Zybala right now!!

Rockwell: Why? Because he has a flair for the theatrics?

Hood: No! Because he's a goddamned Super Saiyan!! Not only is he a ghost, but he's also an alien! That should be doubly illegal!!

Rockwell:..... Or maybe, just maybe, it's stage lighting, wind machines and hair dye?

Hood: That's what Mr. Satan said before Cell bitch smacked him into a mountain.

Rockwell: Zybala isn't a cartoon character!

Hood: Anime, Adrien. It's called anime. Fucking cheating ghost alien Zybala....

*Zybala's in the ring now, with both Dylan and Lissandra staring over his direction. They're fighting not to laugh at this display, and failing miserably. Zybala pays them no attention, handing the championship over to the referee. Dylan, seeing this, turns and gives his wife another kiss, before she pulls out the 'secret weapon', securing the mask to his face.*

Rockwell: We have never seen a Blood Feud match before...

Hood: Nobody has!

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: But we're about to!

Hood: Quick, get those protestors in here! Tell them Zybala called someone a...

Rockwell: HOOD!! Don't make me hit you!

Hood: Okay, okay, geez! Didn't know you had such a problem with the word bakemono...

*Thomas' mask is secure as he turns back to face the champion. Zybala, his blonde hair really making him stand out, positions himself in a Kame Style posture. He's set for the fight of his life. Thomas approaches him, tapping the mask and saying there's no way he's getting blood from him. Zybala studies the mask for a moment, then reaches into his pocket... pulling out a scalpel! The sharp blade glints in the light, as Thomas instinctively jumps backward. He immediately turns to the ref, arguing that the weapon is too dangerous and needs to be taken away. But the referee just raises his arms, saying that there's nothing he can do in this type of match. Zybala, smiling, suddenly darts in, doing a casual swipe with the scalpel, causing Dylan to hop away again. He goes through the ropes, dropping to the floor, as Lissandra comes in next to him, glaring at Zybala for bringing such a dangerous weapon to the ring.*

Rockwell: Well, at least he didn't bring the weed whacker...

Hood: I demand security do something!! We can't just let someone be killed!! This isn't OCW!!

Rockwell: Ooo, shots fired...

*Zybala flips the scalpel back and forth between his hands, showing that he's actually quite skilled with it. Dylan and Lissandra are having a conference, with Lissandra telling Dylan that they should just get out of there. Dylan doesn't seem convinced, as his anger towards Zybala has somehow managed to grow even greater. But he listens to his wife, with the two turning and starting to walk up the aisle!! Zybala, a little shocked that Thomas would just ditch the match, decides that he won't let the fans down like that. He comes out of the ring, jogging after them! Dylan turns, seeing Zybala on the way, and pushes Lissandra ahead of him to protect her. Zybala gets close to them, ordering Dylan to get back to the ring... when he gets blasted from the side by a running tackle from "The A-List Fixer" Dave Branson!!! It's a beautiful tackle, perfect for the edge of a football field! Zybala's down, as Branson quickly disarms him and then begins to swing away, landing some heavy hits!!*

Rockwell: It was an ambush!!

Hood: Yes!! The scalpel is gone!

Rockwell: Wait, it went into the crowd??

Hood: Yep, and I'm sure nothing bad is going to come from that!

*Branson hauls Zybala up, wrapping his arms around his head and turning him to face Dylan and Lissandra. Dylan laughs behind his mask, leaning in and giving Zybala a couple of slaps across the face. Zybala fights to get free, but can't pry Branson's arms off of him. Dylan tells Branson to keep him in place and turns, reaching into the crowd nearby to demand one of their folding chairs. It's a special edition GCWA chair, with pictures of all the wrestlers on the seat. This feels fitting to Dylan as he turns back, squaring up, preparing to bust Zybala open!! But as Thomas brings the chair back, a man comes flying in, jumping up and grabbing the chair to yank it away!! Dylan, stunned, spins around, but he takes a shot to the ribs from the chair, knocking him down! Lissandra stumbles back, yelling, as the man with the chair, Peter "The Janitor" Vaughn, turns her way!! The crowd is roaring, even as Branson quickly throws Zybala aside to go and protect Lissandra.*

Rockwell: The Janitor is evening the odds!

Hood: You really think Vaughn compares equally to someone like Branson? Are you crazy?

Rockwell: At least he's giving Zybala a chance, Hood!

*Vaughn quickly raises the chair, swinging it at Branson, but the big man easily punches it away. Vaughn looks at where the chair goes flying, then stares back at Branson... before turning and running away!! Branson immediately gives chase, trying to grab The Janitor and keep him from escaping. Dylan is getting up now, annoyed, wanting to get Vaughn back in his grasp. But suddenly Dylan gets knocked over from the side, as Zybala is back on his feet!! He punches away at Dylan's hurting ribs, trying to do more damage, even as Lissandra screams for Branson to come back. The A-List Fixer stops, seeing what's going on, and starts to come back, only to have Vaughn leap onto his back from behind, trying to apply a sleeper!! Branson struggles for a moment, then throws Vaughn off to the side, knocking him down, before continuing on his path. But Zybala is ready for him, spinning and nailing Branson with a Superkick!!! Branson falls back, even as Zybala turns back to Dylan, who cowers away from him. Zybala shows no mercy, coming in, but then Dylan ducks under and swings, hitting a low blow!!*

Rockwell: A heavy strike from Dylan Thomas!!

Hood: Anything goes, Adrian, anything goes!

Rockwell; That's not what you were saying about the scalpel!

*With Zybala down and hurting, Dylan takes advantage, grinding his face into the nearby steel barricade! He's working to get Zybala cut open, so he can put him away. Branson is trying to get back up, holding his jaw where he was kicked. But he gets chop-blocked from behind and put down by The Janitor!! Vaughn then catches onto Branson's head before he can fully rise back up, landing the Wax On, Wax Off (Zig Zag)!!!! Branson's down, as Vaughn jumps up, energized! The fans are loving it as Dylan releases Zybala and gets up, facing the man. He laughs, waving Vaughn off and telling him to go play with the kiddies. Vaughn, angry, starts coming forward... but suddenly both of his arms are grabbed! He turns, seeing Vincenzo and Tank on either side of him!!! The two bodyguards yank Vaughn up, holding him in place, as we see Lord Allton behind them sitting on the ramp!! Allton's laughing as Vaughn struggles, unable to escape as Dylan comes in towards him, grabbing him and delivering the Perfect Finisher (Double Knee Gutbuster)!!! Vaughn topples over, as Dylan gets back to his feet.*

Rockwell: And The A-List has to bring in more numbers, the only way Dylan Thomas can win!

Hood: Dylan could easily whip Zybala alone, but remember, Zybala made this match, so it's his fault!

Rockwell: You're saying Zybala's to blame for The A-List attacking him?

Hood: Should have made it something other than No Disqualification and No Countout!

*The referee hasn't had much to do yet as he watches from the side, seeing that Lissandra has leaned over Zybala, working on him with something. It's unclear what she had, but whatever it was, it worked... as Zybala is now bleeding from a cut above his eyebrow!! Lissandra calls for Dylan to come back over and finish things. Dylan looks only too happy to oblige, seemingly grinning behind his mask as he approaches Zybala once again. Vincenzo and Tank turn back to Branson, trying to help the dazed wrestler back to his feet. Branson nods to them, recovering quickly, as he turns and glares at the downed Vaughn. He grabs Vaughn by the throat, lifting him to his feet, looking for a good spot of real Bermuda grass to drop the man with the FIXED! Chokeslam!! Things are looking bleak for Zybala now, as he struggles to get back up.*

"THEY SAY THAT A HERO COULD SAVE US..."

*The crowd suddenly roars, turning, as The Uber-Man charges out of the back, running right past a startled Lord Allton and heading for the group with his own green steel chair!! Tank and Vincenzo both turn, but Uber-Man is able to blast both of them, one by one, taking the bodyguards down!! Branson throws Vaughn at The Uber-Man, trying to slow him down, but The Uber-Man leaps up, jumping off of Vaugn's sprawling form and flying in with another chair shot!!! The fans are on their feet, as The Uber-Man keeps swinging, trying to keep the three men down!!*

Rockwell: This match is turning insane!

Hood: Get this crazy fool out of here!!

Rockwell: Who knows what's going to happen next??

"Everyone knows I'm Hog Wild!"

Hood & Rockwell: Oh shit!

*Lord Allton, his eyes going wide, slowly turns his wheelchair around, looking back at the entranceway as Aaron Warthog comes walking out! Warthog, not usually a fan favorite by any means, gets a strong welcome from the crowd in the stadium as he glares at Lord Allton, the man he blames for his recent losses. Allton puts his hands up, starting to try and explain... and Warthog rushes forward, hammering into Allton with the Stampede (Spear/Tackle), taking both men as well as the wheelchair off the edge of the stage!!!!! They go crashing down in a heap, a crushing landing, as the crowd erupts!!*

Hood: No!!! Lord Allton!!

Rockwell: Aaron Warthog gets some revenge!!

Hood: He's in a wheelchair, you son of a bitch!!!

*Chaos is still ongoing, as some GCWA Security has. in fact, moved in, if only to try and protect the crowd. Medics have come out as well to check on Allton and Warthog, while Vaughn & Uber-Man are trying to double-team Branson, who's fighting back against both of them. Lissandra, meanwhile, has had Dylan Thomas drag Zybala towards the ring area, wanting to get this one over with and claim the championship. He goes to put Zybala under the ropes, but Zybala fights back, catching Dylan in the side of the head with an elbow! He turns, instinctively throwing a punch, but it bounces off the heavy mask! Dylan laughs, grabbing at Zybala... who knees him low, bending the man over! Zybala then turns, grabbing Thomas by the head and giving him a DDT into the steel steps!!! The move hurts both men, as Zybala slumps to the side. Lissandra, angry, yells at him to stop it and just stay down!*

Rockwell: This has been a crazy scene, but the fighting appears to be narrowing back down to just Dylan Thomas and Mike Zybala!

Hood: Zybala's already busted open, though! Dylan just needs to get himself together and cover the man!

Rockwell: Easier said than done!

*Zybala is back up now, wiping blood out of his eye. He knows the urgency he now faces, as he needs to get Thomas bleeding to have a chance. He grabs at Dylan, dragging him up, and takes him back to the steps, setting him up. Lissandra tries to block them, angrily yelling at Zybala, who tells her to back off. He turns back as Dylan jumps back at him, catching him with a knee that sends Zybala flailing backwards... into Lissandra, sending her falling back into the barricade!!!! Lissandra's down, as both Zybala and Dylan turn towards her, shock evident even through Thomas' mask. Zybala starts to go to her, but Thomas nails him from behind with both fists, knocking him down. Dylan then goes to Lissandra himself, checking on her. He calls for help, even as Lissandra starts to sit up, insisting that she just had the wind knocked out of her. But Dylan won't hear of it, yelling for Branson. The big man, having been continuing a war with Vaughn & The Uber-Man, manages to come back over, looking surprised at Lissandra being down. He immediately goes to help her up and get her out of the area, while Dylan turns back to Zybala, furious.*

Hood: I hope she's not hurt too badly!

Rockwell: I think she's alright, Hood. She's talking, at least...

Hood: But who knows what kind of internal injuries she could have gotten! Plus, she got touched by that alien ghost freak! Anything could have happened!

*Branson escorts Lissandra away, even as Vaughn and The Uber-Man are now fighting it out with Vincenzo and Tank, keeping them occupied. Lord Allton and Warthog have both apparently been carted out, as neither is there anymore when the camera swings that way. We go back to ringside, where Dylan has whipped Zybala into the ringpost, injuring his shoulder. Dylan then pulls Zybala up by the same injured arm, snapping at him before shoving Zybala back into the ring. The blonde hair has really made the blood stand out on Zybala's head, showing how bad it's looking. Dylan follows him in, still wearing his own protection, as he steps through the ropes. Zybala, though, hops up and launches at Thomas, hitting him with a Superkick!!! Thomas, taking the hit full in the mask, staggers but doesn't go down, so Zybala immediately steps back and leaps again, hitting a second Superkick!!! This one knocks Thomas onto his back, with him holding the mask tightly from the impact! Seeing this, the bloodied Zybala reaches into his other pocket... pulling out a SECOND scalpel!!!*

Hood: He's got another one?!?!?!

Rockwell: That's a man that likes to be prepared!

Hood: No!! Damn it, no!!! Stay away from Thomas' perfect face!!!

*Zybala drops onto Thomas' chest with a knee, while he reaches for the mask. Dylan, seeing the sharp object back in Zybala's hands, tries to push him off, only to get slugged multiple times to keep him out of it! Zybala then reaches down, swinging the scalpel... and splitting the connector that's holding the mask onto Thomas' face!! Zybala cuts through the other line as well, enabling him to yank the mask off, exposing Thomas to the world! The crowd cheers, loving it, as Zybala looks at Thomas, still holding the scalpel. Thomas raises his hands, begging, as Zybala lifts the scalpel up... and then throws it away, watching it slide out of the ring!! Thomas, relieved, says a word of thanks to Zybala, only to get punched right in the jaw!! Zybala then hauls Thomas up, grabbing hold of him and delivering The Sound of Silence (Reverse Go To Sleep)!!!! Thomas is out, as Zybala staggers away, heading towards the corner.*

Rockwell: If this was a regular match, it would be over!

Hood: But Zybala can't pin him! The mask worked! No blood!

Rockwell: No blood YET...

*In the corner, Zybala works on the padding, arranging for the exposure of the metal turnbuckle ring!! He yanks the second turnbuckle pad off for good measure, before turning back to where Thomas is trying to sit up. Seeing him rise seems to raise Zybala's power level even higher, as he lets out another yell before coming in at him. He grabs Thomas and launches him straight into the 'buckle, slamming his head into the exposed steel!!! Thomas slumps forward, out of it, but that just allows Zybala to slam Thomas' head into the lower 'buckle as well, doing more damage!!! Thomas falls to the mat and rolls out, falling outside of the ring. Zybala watches him go, again having to take time to clear his vision, as he's really been bleeding quite a lot from the injury to his head. The referee gets close, asking if he's okay, and Zybala pats him on the chest, saying he's fine. It leaves a bloody handprint that seems to seriously disturb the ref, but Zybala doesn't notice as he goes outside the ring to check on Thomas... who is now bleeding as well!!*

Rockwell: We've got blood from both competitors!

Hood: Oh no!! The worst has happened!!

Rockwell: But is this enough blood? I don't know the exact rules for "leaking out like a faucet" that's been set up for this match...

Hood: I suppose we'll find out on a pin attempt. Come on, Dylan!!

*Dylan Thomas struggles up, feeling the blood coming out from the top of his head. Zybala's there, but he doesn't look happy with the amount of blood just yet. He grabs Thomas by the head, holding him almost in a noogie position as he grinds away at the wound, trying to open it up larger!! Thomas shouts out in agony at the damage being done, even as he lifts Zybala up and drops him back-first on the edge of the apron!!! Zybala falls back to the outside mat, hurting, as Thomas takes a moment to recover. He angrily grabs Zybala by the legs, dragging him a few feet away from the edge of the ring. He then delivers his Senton Leg Drop, crashing straight down onto Zybala's neck!! Zybala's down, with Thomas sitting up, blood seemingly dripping down on either side of his head. He struggles up, feeling the rage of having been cut open. He staggers away, heading towards the announce table, with the two men there taking quick notice of what's coming.*

Hood: Hey, Dylan! Anything I can do to help you? I've got band aids!

Rockwell: I don't think he's in the mood to talk, Hood! Get out of his way!

Hood: Whoa!

*Hood and Rockwell move aside as Thomas starts clearing their announce table, throwing the monitors aside like discarded trash. He then turns back to where Zybala is starting to try and crawl to get up. Dylan comes over to him, kicking at Zybala in disdain. HE pulls zybala up, hitting him with a couple of strong shots. He then brings Zybala along, taking him over to the announce table. Hood and Rockwell maintain a good distance, knowing that this can't be good for their set-up. Thomas slams Zybala head-first into the table, then pushes him up onto it, climbing up with him. He wants to make this a definitive victory, as he sets Zybala up for a lethal piledriver on top of the table!! He lifts... no, Zybala fights it off! Thomas tries again, another block... and now Zybala lifts up, backdropping Thomas up and over and sending him over to the Spanish announce table!!!! The table explodes into shards, with Thomas right in the middle, as Zybala falls to his knees, trying to recover.*

Rockwell: Dylan Thomas takes a terrible fall!!

Hood: Dylan!!

Rockwell: Luckily, our Spanish announcers were able to get out of the way in time!

Hood: You know, we never really talk about them being over there unless something like this happens...

Rockwell: We don't talk about our German, French, and Indian announcers, either, but they're all nearby...

Hood: All that matters now is that Dylan needs to pull himself together and put Zybala down!

Mike Zybala: Not happening, Hood. Now give me a hand...

Hood: AAAGGGHHH!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME!!!

*Zybala, after using Hood's mic, has reached over and used Hood's suit to wipe his face clean of some of the blood there. Hood, disgusted, quickly throws the suit aside, even as Zybala stumbles away towards where Thomas landed. The impact with the table seems to have opened up a few more cuts, adding to Thomas' blood loss. Zybala drags him out of the pile and pulls him towards the ring, slowly rolling him underneath. Thomas comes to, crawling into the corner, as if looking for sanctuary. Zybala sees this and steps wearily to the side, focusing on his opponent. He points towards Thomas, signalling for Facial Reconstruction!! Zybala runs forward, going for the first step, a running knee to the face! But Thomas suddenly twists out of the way, causing Zybala to hit the exposed turnbuckle ring instead!!!!! Zybala falls backwards, clutching at his leg, hurting badly. Thomas takes immediate action, grabbing Zybala's legs and twisting him around to put him into the Hollywood Cloverleaf!!!!*

Rockwell: The submission is locked in!! Will Zybala tap??

Hood: Yes! Make him pay, Dylan!! For Dave! For Lissandra! FOR MY SUIT!!!

*The ref is circling as Thomas cranks the legs and back of Zybala, yelling at him to just give up. Zybala is stretching out as far as he can, looking for anything that he can grab to save himself, but in a match like this, even the ropes won't help him. Thomas keeps shouting, telling Zybala that he has to bow to The A-List! He has to give in and finally proclaim that Thomas is the better man! Zybala shakes his head, screaming "No!!" as Thomas keeps tightening his grip more and more. Zybala slumps forward, his head down on the mat, as the referee comes in to check on the champion. He has the sole authority to end the match, if he deems that Zybala can't continue. But suddenly Zybala raises his head once again, showing that his fight is not done. He raises both hands upwards, as if calling on his unique power... and the lights... get BRIGHTER!! THe spotlights shine down on Zybala as he's suddenly pushing off the mat with both arms, almost doing push-ups as he works against the grip! Thomas tries to hang on, but Zybala's too fired up, and he's able to kick Thomas off of him, breaking the hold!!!*

Hood: What the hell is this??

Rockwell: Looks like this wasn't Zybala's final form!!!

Hood: Fucking Anime Ghost Bastard!!!

*Thomas, in disbelief, shakes his head, sending a few specks of blood flying around the ring. He comes at the now-standing Zybala, throwing a punch, but Zybala blocks it and returns fire! He lands shot after shot, leaving Thomas rocking as the champion is pumped up! He shoots Thomas into the ropes, nailing him with a leaping kick to plant him on the canvas! Zybala then moves in, dropping an elbow on Thomas, then another! He then looks to the turnbuckle, dragging himself up and moving over there, his head basically blood-red at this point. Zybala gets to the top, somehow maintaining his balance as he looks down at his long-time rival. He gives him a final acknowledgement before leaping off, going for a 450 splash... but Thomas rolls out of the way!! Zybala holds his midsection as he rises, hurting badly from the landing. Thomas takes full advantage, pulling himself up with one last effort and grabbing Zybala to deliver the Perfect Finisher!!!! Zybala's down, but so is Thomas, having expended the last of his energy!*

Hood: Cover him!!! COVER HIM, DYLAN!!!

Rockwell: It might be over!!

Hood: COOOOOOVVVVEEERRR HIIIIIMMMMM!!!!!!

*The fans are beside themselves as Dylan finally crawls over, making the cover to try and hold the champ down... 1... 2... AND ZYBALA KICKS OUT!!! Thomas slumps to the side, unable to handle the fact that he got there too late for the pin, as the fans continue to cheer, loving every minute of this one. Thomas slowly struggles up, looking around as if searching for support. Lissandra's in the back with Branson, though, while the brawl appears to have sent the rest of the wrestlers away. Dylan sucks it up, angrily spitting to the side from a busted lip before turning back to Zybala. He reaches down, hauling Zybala up. He lifts the wrestler into a powerbomb position, but then starts to turn him, wanting to hit The Connecticuter (Lift & Cutter)!!! But Zybala pushes off with his hands, avoiding the last part of the cutter!! Thomas turns as Zybala lands on the mat and leaps... hitting a Superkick!!!! Thomas drops, with Zybala falling on top of him with an arm raised... 1... 2.... 3, NOOOO!!!!! Thomas gets the arm up!!! Zybala sits up, mouth open in shock as the referee shows him the two fingers.*

Rockwell: What's it going to take to end this??

Hood: C'MON DYLAN!!! GET UP!!!

Rockwell: Jesus, Hood, you're going to give yourself a heart attack!

Hood: I DON'T CARE!!!!

*Zybala slowly gets up, as if wondering if his time is indeed up, if he can't actually put Dylan Thomas away. He looks to the fans, who are cheering and chanting his name, then looks over the ropes towards the side where the Unified X Division Championship is currently sitting. After a moment, Zybala nods his head, as if coming to an agreement with himself. He goes over to Thomas... who catches him by surprise with a roll-up!! 1... 2... and Zybala kicks out in time! Both men get up, with Thomas trying to get The Perfect Finisher again! Zybala blocks it, then tries to lift Thomas up for the Sound of Silence!! But Thomas slides off behind him, dropping to a knee and going for the Low Blow!! But Zybala catches the arm, dropping his knee onto it!! Thomas falls backwards, holding his arm, as Zybala grabs his legs... falling backwards for a catapult that sends Thomas flying forward into the corner with the exposed steel!!!! Thomas hits head-first, knocked senseless as he stumbles back out... right into Zybala, who takes him up and over with the SOund of Silence!!! The pin is made, with the crowd losing their minds... 1... 2... 3!!!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner... and STILL the GCWA Unified X Division Champion... Mike Zybala!!!!

Hood: ... God hates me...

Rockwell: After a brutal contest that featured almost everything you could expect to see, Mike Zybala makes it out victorious!!

Hood: I can't even talk right now...

Rockwell: Probably because you hurt your vocal chords screaming...

Hood: ...

Rockwell: The battles between these two have been legendary, but they finally end here tonight, with Zybala putting Thomas away! What a match!

*Zybala slumps to the ground as the referee brings him his title, apparently unable to stand. Thomas is still down to the side, breathing heavily. The mat crew is already coming out with a new cover to try and hide the bloodstains that are everywhere, as the medics appear to check on both men. They call for stretchers, but Zybala pushes his guy aside, saying not to worry about it. He slowly rolls out of the ring, falling to the ground before getting himself back up. The fans are chanting Zybala's name as he makes his way down the aisle, staggering along the whole way.*



*The metal version of 'James Bond's Theme' hits! The crowd rises...they know to whom this song belongs! THE DETECTIVE, JACK PUFFER! The Good Detective appears from behind the curtain, back to the camera. The camera zooms in...Puffer turns around and raises a very curious eyebrow. The fans go wild! "PUFFER!" It seems as though absence makes the heart grow fonder. He's a bigger star now than he ever was. He hustles down the ramp and slides into the ring.*

Rockwell: It's Jack Puffer! We haven't seen him in...well, it feels like years.

Hood: I was hoping COVID got him. Shame.

*Puffer is handed a mic. His music comes to an end. The fans continue to cheer for The Good Detective. He reaches for his heart and shivers with the tingling sensation of adoration. Once the cheers reach a level acceptable for speech, Puffer utilizes the electronic device in his right hand.*

Jack Puffer: Hello GCWA! Long time, no see.

*Crowd cheers.*

Jack Puffer: I wish I had a good explanation as to why I vanished after defeating Noah Hanson at Blood on the Battlefield but...there is none. I simply ceased requesting matches. Kinda strange after the biggest win of my career, wouldn't you say?

*The crowd agrees.*

Jack Puffer: Perhaps there's more to this wrestling shindig than wins and losses. Fact is, I just felt directionless. Like I had no purpose. I mean, there was the Mustard Factory - which is still in operation.

*A ‘MUSTARD' chant fills the arena.*

Jack Puffer: But, for me, personally...the motivation to wake up, work out, and maintain focus had dwindled into the ruins of a once opulent palace. So, a silent agreement was brokered with the powers that be. They stopped booking me and I stopped asking to be booked.

*The crowd has no real reaction.*

Jack Puffer: So, I'm sitting on the Mustard Factory grounds, helping build our community when someone informs me that GCWA is scheduled to hold Warriors of the Ring as its next big event. And, well...that stirred something up inside the Good Detective that I hadn't felt in months. It shed some light onto the competitive bud, providing the nourishment necessary to promote growth...and grow, it did!

*The crowd pops.*

Jack Puffer: Derek Mobley tasked me with the unenviable job of filling his shoes. And, I fear I've failed to meet those expectations...up until now. With Warriors of the Ring on the horizon, I'm given the opportunity to completely change the narrative in one evening. So, GCWA...get ready because The Good Detective, Jack Puffer is officially signing up to compete in Warriors of the Ring!

*The crowd goes wild! "PUFFER! PUFFER!"*

Jack Puffer: I vow that The Good Detective, Jack Puffer will put on a show unlike any he's displayed thus far in his career. I vow that Jack Puffer will emerge, in the very near future, a cham-

*The lights go out. Puffer's mic is stuffed.*

Rockwell: What the?

Hood: See what happens when Puffer tries to say his name and the word 'champion' in the same sentence? The world ends!

Rockwell: There's not enough starlight to see what's happening...

*The lights return. Puffer is laid out, face down in the center of the ring. The fans gasp. He's motionless. A few GCWA medics rush to check on him. We cut to Rockwell and Hood.*

Rockwell: Puffer is down. Someone didn't like his message.

Hood: Could have been pretty much anyone, Rockwell. First off, the guy sucks. Second...he disappears for a month and then casually strolls in expecting to be handed title opportunities? Nah, fuck that guy.

Rockwell: Regardless of your stance, one cannot argue that Puffer brings a certain threat to Warriors of the Ring. I, for one, am excited to see him involved.

Hood: Yea, well you need your head examined.

Rockwell: That makes five, assuming Puffer isn't too badly hurt. The list is quickly going upwards!

Hood: Hey, maybe 32 isn't too big to shoot for!

Rockwell: Still got two matches to go tonight, so let's keep at it!


Golden Opportunity match
Ed Houston (14-4-1) vs. Vincent Langston (0-1)

Minos: The next contest is scheduled for one fall... and will be for a Golden Opportunity contract!!

*The crowd is excited at the prospects, knowing that this match could affect the future of the GCWA.*

Rockwell: We've already had two Golden Opportunity winners!

Hood: Well, three, if you count The Empty defeating Dr. Baad for his contract.

Rockwell: Tonight, we add another, giving one of these wrestlers an opportunity at any championship except for the World Title!

Minos: Introducing first... standing 6'4" and weighing 230 lbs... from Washington D.C.... he is The Face of OCW... here is Vincent "The Legend" Langston!!!

*"I Am Legend" echoes through the arena, followed by the build-up of the music. The claps and heavy beat are joined by lasers and flashing lights as the music blasts out. Vincent Langston walks out on the stage, a stoic look on his face as he walks towards the ring. He jumps over the ropes, lands in the ring, and lets out a loud yell to the crowd, before turning back to his corner.*

Rockwell: Langston ended his run in OCW the very best way possible, winning the final Face of OCW match over such names as Scott Syren, Mack O'Connor, Chad Vargas...

Hood: And don't forget Ed Houston!

Rockwell: How could I forget? Langston has been a force in other companies. Will he start taking over the GCWA tonight by winning a shot at a championship?

Minos: His opponent... standing 5'9" and weighing 175 lbs... from Miami, Floria... here is the former GCWA World Heavyweight Champion... "The Rocketman" Ed Houston!!!

*The screen turns black and then slowly starts to count down from 10. Once it hits 1 the sound of a rocket taking off echoes throughout the arena. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid starts to blare as Ed Houston slowly makes his way down the entrance ramp. He stops by fans in the crowd and high fives them. Once he gets about halfway down the ramp, he sprints and slides under the rope. He quickly jumps to his feet and makes his way up to the turnbuckle where he waves to the crowd.*

Rockwell: Houston had to rescue his new girlfriend, Hannah, this week after a misunderstanding about motorcycles.

Hood: Part of me really wanted to see that astronaut suit get ripped up.

Rockwell: Houston was hoping to face Tony Savage here tonight, but Savage's absence kept that match from happening. Instead, Houston is being given a major opportunity thanks to Jonathan Barrows.

Hood: Mr. Barrows has always been willing to give the fans what they want.

Rockwell: I disagree, but tonight, he does seem to be coming through, as he didn't have to make this match.

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: So who do you think the other champions are hoping wins tonight?

Hood: I'd be pulling for Houston. That Langston is massive!

Rockwell: But Houston's had some huge victories here in the GCWA...

Hood: Yeah, so maybe I'm hoping for an injured winner... what the?

*Both wrestlers have yet to come out of their corners as "Dangerous" by Within Temptation has begun to play!! The fans turn and boo as Jonathan Barrows makes his way towards the ring.*

Rockwell: Why is Jonathan Barrows coming out here??

Hood: He wants to see Langston destroying someone first-hand?

*Houston watches suspiciously, immediately expecting a new stipulation being added to this one to put him at a disadvantage. He glares towards Barrows, who sees the look and raises a hand, apparently saying to not overreact. He gets up on the apron and steps through the ropes, before going over to Vincent Langston. The two start talking, with Barrows pointing at the mat. Langston shakes his head, looking pissed off, but Barrows points again, more emphatically this time.*

Hood: I don't get it.

Rockwell: I think... is Barrows telling Langston to lay down??

Hood: What? No, he wouldn't do that... would he?

*Langston fumes, glaring at Barrows, who seems to be pointing out something in a contract he's brought with him. The Legend turns away, grabbing at the ropes to try and contain his rage. Houston, meanwhile, has started to figure things out. He comes over, wanting to know what's going on. Barrows turns towards him with a smile, saying that it's all getting worked out. The fans are booing loudly now as Barrows starts to turn back to Langston, wanting him to "do what's right". Houston, though, grabs Barrows by the shoulder and spins him back around! He reaches over, grabbing the contract Barrows was showing. He turns and tosses it out of the ring, sending it into the seats nearby!! The fans cheer, even as Houston faces Barrows again, telling him to leave!*

Rockwell: Looks to me Houston still doesn't want the free victory!

Hood: I mean, I'm not a fan of it either, since I personally want to see Langston kill him. But why wouldn't Ed take a free gift?

Rockwell: Things are never free when it comes to the Barrows!

*Jonathan Barrows has his hands up, trying to figure things out. He looks genuinely confused at this point, thinking this was what Houston would have wanted. But Houston is the same man he's been since he came to the GCWA: he wants to earn it. Langston is staring at him now, nodding in respect. Houston again asks Barrows to leave, wanting to get their match going. Barrows shakes his head and moves aside, getting out of the two men's way. He walks over, turning and whispering a couple of things to the referee before departing through the ropes.*

Rockwell: What did he say there? Did he tell the ref to rig this one??

Hood: He might have just said be sure to not screw this up, Adrian. Don't automatically assume the worst!

Rockwell: Still, I don't like it...

*The referee moves to the side, telling both wrestlers to get to it. Houston eyes him for a second, considering it, and it's almost his undoing, as Langston is suddenly charging him for a clothesline! Houston manages to duck under it, then turns, throwing some kicks into Langston's side. Langston absorbs them, though, then grabs Houston by the leg, pulling him in close and throwing him overhead! Houston spins, trying to land on his feet, but due to Langston keeping a grip on his leg part of the way, he only manages a half-spin to land on his hands and knees. He pushes himself back up, but Langston is there now with a running knee that flips Houston over 180 degrees to the mat!! Houston rolls, clutching at his injured ribs. He starts to get back up, but Langston is there again, this time delivering a spinning neckbreaker to put Houston on the canvas! Langston goes for the cover, holding the leg, as the ref comes in... 1... 2.. and Houston easily manages to kick out.*

Rockwell: Langston is showing the world once again what makes him The Legend!

Hood: Think Houston's regretting turning down Barrows' offer yet?

Rockwell: I don't think Houston will ever regret going for the clean victory instead of taking a shortcut.

Hood: Y'know, growing up, I always took the shortcut, and look where it's gotten me today!

*Langston gets Houston up again, dragging him over to the corner. He throws Houston into it, then starts landing punches on his opponent, pulling out the Ground And Pound. The referee starts a warning count, directing Langston to stop swinging after 4, backing him off. Houston sags in the corner, knocked senseless. Langston slowly pushes the referee aside, telling him not to get in his way again. He walks over to Houston, grabbing him and lifting him up in the corner... and Houston immediately kicks out, catching Langston in the head!! Langston stumbles back, seeing double for a moment. When his vision clears, Langston sees Houston flying over him, grabbing Langston's head on the way to land a Blockbuster!! Langston's down, as Houston gets up and rushes back to the turnbuckle. He goes up fast, his speed always seeming to be his most deadly weapon. Before Langston can recover, Houston jumps onto the ropes and comes off with a springboard 450 splash, landing it!! He covers... 1... 2... and Langston manages to kick out!*

Rockwell: It's amazing how quickly Houston can pull off a series of maneuvers like that!

Hood: Yeah, I wonder if his new girlfriend appreciates how 'fast' he is...

Rockwell: That's just rude, Hood.

Hood: What? Because he can quickly go and get take-out for them, or buy her a new bubble bag or something?

Rockwell: Oh... well, that's...

Hood: Plus in the sack. Definitely in the sack.

Rockwell: Damn it, Hood...

*Houston is already back on his feet, unknowingly adding to Hood's joking comments. He steps back, waiting for Langston to get to his hands and knees before coming forward to hit a Shining Wizard kick!! With Langston back down, Houston makes another cover... 1... 2... but Langston refuses to stay down. Houston gets himself up, running to the ropes and coming back with an attempted Curb Stomp, but Langston sits up, dodging it. Langston shoves himself upwards as Houston hits the ropes and runs at him, trying for a discus punch. But Langston blocks it, knocking Houston off-balance, which allows Langston to grab Houston behind and lift him into a German suplex!! But Langston doesn't let go, rolling with it and bringing Houston back up. He hits a second German suplex, rolls, a third German suplex, rolls, and a fourth German suplex that he turns into a bridge, trying to hold Houston down... 1... 2... but Houston shoots his shoulder off the canvas at the last moment!*

Rockwell: Houston can't afford to let Langston toss him around like that!

Hood: His spine definitely can't afford it!

Rockwell: Langston has made his career by simply taking punishment and then out-powering his foes. Houston's got to find a way to keep moving!

*The match is already starting to take a toll on both men, as they continue to dish out the punishment. Langston is up first, dragging Houston along with him. He lands a twisting backbreaker, causing Houston to fall to the mat, shuddering from the impact! Langston takes a moment to consider his next move, looking at Houston's legs. He steps around, grabbing hold of them, trying to get Houston in position for the Legendary Leglock (Figure Four)!!! But Houston starts kicking away with his free leg, managing to knock Langston away from him to avoid the agony of the submission hold. Langston shakes it off and starts back, only for Houston to kip up, surprising him! He immediately grabs Langston by the head and drops again, getting his knees up to jam them right into Langston's face!! Langston straightens back up and tumbles backwards to the mat, his fillings probably loosened in his mouth! Houston scrambles up, going off the ropes and coming in with a flipping leg drop! He covers... 1... 2... No! Langston gets himself free!*

Rockwell: We are getting a thrilling fight here between two major stars in the business!

Hood: They're really both going for it, aren't they?

Rockwell: Are you glad now that Houston turned down Barrows' attempt at a quick win?

Hood: Sure. Even if Houston wins, he'll still be hurting tomorrow morning!

*The wrestlers both get up, with Houston throwing a sharp side kick to drive Langston backwards. Langston stumbles back to the ropes, trying to pull himself together. Houston, seeing where he's at, runs forward, hitting a clothesline that rocks Langston back on the ropes. It doesn't get him over, though, so Houston immediately rushes back and charges again, getting a second clothesline! This time, Langston goes over the ropes, but he doesn't go far, managing to land on the apron. The big man struggles back up to his feet, clutching at the top rope as if using it as a lifeline. Houston, meanwhile, is taking a deep breath as he rushes back to the ropes. He charges back towards Langston, leaping over the top rope and landing a crossbody into him!! Langston falls backwards off the apron... but throws Houston at the same time with a Fallaway Slam, sending Houston high in the air, over the barricade, and into the standing room only crowd on the football field!!!! Langston's down, after a rough landing, while Houston is nowhere to be seen!!*

Rockwell: Damn!!

Hood: Holy fuck! We got any medics on hand? Because Houston just definitely broke social distancing rules!

Rockwell: I've never seen anything like that! Langston, going down, instinctively threw Houston a long way!

Hood: And Houston... wait... is that him coming back??

*As the referee watches on from the ring, barely bothering to count, we see Houston reappear on top of the standing room only crowd, as they crowd-surf him back towards the ring!!! The fans around the area are loving it, cheering for Houston as he's brought carefully back to the barricade, lifted it over it! Houston thanks the fans for having saved him, before turning back to the recovering Langston. He turns and goes to the apron, climbing up to get some height. As Langston regains his footing, Houston rushes across the apron and leaps, taking The Legend back down with a Meteora!! The crowd loves it, chanting Houston's nickname as The Rocketman gets himself up. He grabs at Langston, dragging him back up and pushing the big man into the ring. It's an effort, but Houston manages it. He then gets up on the apron, positioning himself to go off the ropes once more. He springs up, trying for a springboard moonsault... and Langston gets both feet up, catching Houston in the head on the way down!! Houston rebounds backwards, landing hard on the mat, as Langston's legs fall back down and stay down!*

Rockwell: A last-ditch effort from Langston takes Houston out!

Hood: Man! How did he even see Houston coming? What a move!

Rockwell: But can Langston capitalize after the hits he's taken?

*Langston stays on his back for a few more moments, obviously trying to pull himself together to continue the match. He sits up, shaking his head, even as Houston starts to rise once again as well. The two men turn towards each other, focusing their sights on their opponent. Langston staggers over, swinging and nailing Houston with a right hand. Houston spins from the hit, but uses the momentum, lashing out with a snap kick that knocks Langston in the side of the head!! Langston falls into the ropes, dazed, as Houston runs to the ropes and comes back, going for a bronco drop onto Langston's neck! But Langston moves, causing Houston to slide through the ropes and manage to land on the outside, taking limited damage. As Langston pulls himself up, Houston turns and jumps back on the apron. He springs in, flying in with a Phenomenal Forearm!! He connects, with Langston falling onto his back. Houston drops for the cover once more... 1... 2... and Langston kicks out in time!*

Rockwell: I will say, the referee's counts have all been pretty much the same in this one.

Hood: You see? Barrows wasn't trying to change the outcome, he just wanted the ref to do a good job!

Rockwell: Maybe...

*Houston sits on his knees for a moment, thinking about his next move. He steps back, looking at Langston as the powerhouse again begins to pull himself up, refusing to stay down. Houston sets himself, preparing for Houston, We've Got A Problem (Superkick)! He comes in... but Langston avoids the kick!! Houston looks stunned, having not expected Langston to be able to move that quickly. He spins, trying to come back, but Langston catches him, delivering a Gutwrench suplex!! Houston's down, as Langston slowly sits up, looking almost like a Terminator as he pulls himself back upright. He turns back to Houston, not letting him get away as he locks him up for The Scars of War (Double-Arm DDT into pin)!! Langston goes to take him down, but Houston fights free, struggling away from him. Houston then jumps, going for another superkick! But Langston bats the shot away, then spins into a heel kick, knocking Houston down!! Langston then falls on top of Houston, repositioning him... for No Peace (Crossface Submission)!!!!*

Hood: Yes! Houston's going to have to tap out!!

Rockwell: This move has won Langston many victories! It's nearly impossible to escape!

Hood: Give it up, Houston! Your Golden Opportunity is floating away!!

*Houston is desperate, now, as he tries to fight against the weight being placed around his head by the force known as Langston. He struggles to reach towards the ropes, but there's a decent amount of space there between his hand and sanctuary. He struggles to get Langston's arm moved to give him more leverage, but Langston is not releasing an inch of the hold, racking back on Houston as much as possible! The referee circles around, checking with Houston to see if he's going to tap out. After getting in close, the referee looks over the situation... and then starts patting Langston on the shoulder, telling him to break the hold!! Langston looks at him, surprised, as the ref does it again. Langston finally lets go, pushing himself up and wondering if he missed Houston saying that he gave up. But the referee is tapping on his own chin as he's talking to Langston, with Langston angrily grabbing the referee by the front of his shirt! The ref immediately raises his hands, but mentions a disqualification, causing Langston to release him... for now.*

Rockwell: What just happened there??

Hood: I guess the ref thought the move was too close to a choke hold? Isn't that what he's signalling?

Rockwell: But Langston's used No Peace for years! This doesn't smell right at all!

Hood: Hey, it's the ref's prerogative to make the call in these situations...

*Langston still looks infuriated, still debating taking the referee out. To the referee's relief, Langston goes back to Houston instead, dragging the lighter wrestler up. He pulls Houston in, wanting to go for The Scars of War again. He goes to double-underhook Houston's arm, but Houston surprisingly throws him off-balance by straightening up, managing to knock Langston over! Houston then staggers back, before coming back in with Houston, We've Got A Problem!!! Langston falls backwards, out of it, as Houston takes a knee, trying to refocus. He can hear a few boos coming from the crowd, which definitely puzzles him, but right now he's got to keep the fight going. He turns and struggles over to the turnbuckle, pulling himself up one rung at a time. He gets to the top, positioning for Blastoff (Shooting Star Press)!!! But the crowd is still acting negatively, causing Houston to hesitate and look around, having no clue what's going on. He was too out of it to know what happened with the submission. Houston looks again at the crowd, wondering what's up, when they suddenly react... as Langston staggers over and grabs Houston, surprising the man as Langston bodyslams him off the top!!!*

Rockwell: Houston was too thrown off by the crowd reaction to realize that Langston was recovering!

Hood: This guy is extremely hard to keep down, even after a superkick!

Rockwell: Can Langston come back even after what happened with his submission?

*Langston has made his way over to where Houston is struggling to get up. He picks the wrestler up off the ground, twisting him around to position him once more for the Scars of War!! But Houston does a unique upwards kick to knock Langston away, saving himself once again. Langston shakes off the hit, and angrily comes at Houston, who ducks under, then spins, hitting him in the back of the head with Houston, We've Got A Problem (Superkick)!!!! Langston falls to the ropes, breathing heavily, as Houston positions himself... and watches as Langston starts to get back up!! A touch of fear crosses Houston's face, but he immediately comes in again, catching Langston with a second Superkick!! Langston drops to a knee, shakes his head, and starts to rise again, but Houston nails him a third time, and Langston finally falls!!! Seeing him down, Houston wastes no time, rushing to the turnbuckle. He climbs up at record speed and leaps, scoring Blastoff (Shooting Star Press)!! He hangs on, with the ref already counting... 1.. 2.. 3!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner... "The Rocketman" Ed Houston!!!

Hood: Holy shit, that was a fast count!!

Rockwell: I'm not sure Langston was kicking out anyways, not after three superkicks and a shooting star press!

Hood: Still... fuck, who am I to complain about a successful move from Jonathan Barrows?

Rockwell: We still don't know anything was going on...

Hood: Hey, see it however you want. Houston still gets the win, still gets the contract, and hey, maybe he can turn it into something like The Empty did!

Rockwell: Could we see Houston on his way to more gold in the GCWA?

*Houston looks proud as he's handed the Golden Opportunity contract to carry, even as he leans painfully on the ropes, trying to catch his breath. Langston has already left the ring, dropping to a knee, leaving Houston to his celebration. The audience, though, still seems a little split after what they've seen. We move away.*



*We cut to the backstage area, where The Accelerator is currently greeting a lot of the wrestlers as they come by.*

The Accelerator: Howdy! Love your work, you've really turned into a great wrestler! Yeah, I look forward to talking with you about where you're expecting to go! Be sure to sign up!

*The Accelerator is having a grand old time, as he continue to talk to everyone. We see, in the background, Deana and Jonathan watching the action. Deana's got a big smile on her face. Jonathan... has a strange look in his eyes. He slowly looks away, before turning and heading off to make sure everything is good with the main event.*

Rockwell: That can't be good...

Hood: What? Jonathan's giving his father some space, and he's obviously very happy to have him back!

Rockwell: We'll see, Hood. We'll see...


GCWA World Heavyweight Title match
Mack O'Connor(c) (5-0) vs. Chad Vargas (10-6)

Minos: It's time for our main event of the evening... this match is scheduled for one fall, and will be for the GCWA World Heavyweight Championship!!!

*This brings the tired crowd back to life, as they get fired up once again for the final title bout of the night.*

Rockwell: It's been a long, crazy night, but the fans are ready to see these two go at it!

Hood: Hell, half of them probably are on the side of the protesters outside!

Rockwell: I doubt it, considering where we are.

Hood: Okay, maybe a fourth...

Minos: Introducing first, the challenger... standing 6'4" and weighing 240 lbs... from Everclear County, Tennessee... here is the #1 Contender and a former multi-time World Champion... "The Confederate Icon" Chad Vargas!!!

*"Needle And The Spoon" by Lynyrd Skynyrd begins to play, getting a strong reaction from the crowd in the stadium. Vargas comes out with an American flag draped over him, walking towards the ring as the cheers and boos both rain down. The attitude seems even stronger now, due to the split that's currently ongoing in our country. Vargas gets into the ring, taking off the flag and handing it to a nearby crew member before getting up on the turnbuckle and shouting out at his detractors, flipping them off. The camera focuses on Vargas' still-healing black eyes.*

Rockwell: Vargas really stirred up some feelings this past week, as he's definitely not on the side of the protestors.

Hood: He's got strong opinions, but that's how he's always been, and that's why he's got such a cult following!

Rockwell: Does that cult start with a KK...

Hood: Shut up, Adrian! Not cool!

Rockwell: I'm sorry, but if there's one man I will never support, it's Chad Vargas. Fuck him!

Hood: Damn, man!

Rockwell: Try and keep the black man down... I'm glad they beat the shit out of him...

Hood: Okay, Adrian's lost it. Minos, keep us moving!

Minos: His opponent... standing 6'3" and weighing 220 lbs... from Brooklyn, New York... here is the undefeated, undisputed, Heavyweight Champion of the World.... Mack O'Connor!!!

*The reaction is equally as strong for O'Connor as "Vagabond" by the Greenskeepers hits. O'Connor walks out on the stage and walks directly to the ring, dressed in jeans and a black tank top. Some of the crowd seems to fully support O'Connor, cheering him on, while others are cursing and screaming at him as a "church burner" and even one showing a sign that says "Mack O'Connor - Antichrist!" O'Connor slides into the ring and starts pacing in the corner. He doesn't talk trash to Vargas, but he makes sure to stare him down, letting him know he means business.*

Rockwell: It's been a wild week for our World Champion. From marching in peaceful protests to being linked to a church burning, you could say that he's generated a lot of press.

Hood: The GCWA should have stripped him of the title for what he did!

Rockwell: It was an accident, pure and simple, Hood. I'm just amazed at how quickly that church went up!

Hood: He probably had an accelerant planted! Mack was always good at thinking ahead!

Rockwell: Again, it was clearly an accident.

Hood: Believe what you want...

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: These two men have spent a lot of time together in the business, but with everything that's happened with Treat Cassidy, I can't see them being too friendly tonight.

Hood: Nope, I don't think we're going to see much technical wrestling tonight.

*Vargas is wearing a deep smirk as he makes his way over to the champion. The referee stands between them, holding the World Title up in the air so that both men (and the audience) can see it clearly. Both glance up, focusing on the gold, before looking back at each other. The referee moves off, taking the title to be handed off to the timekeeper, as Vargas studies his former friend. He starts jawing at Mack, pointing him in the chest and telling him how it is, and how O'Connor has really screwed himself over by attacking Cassidy the way he did. O'Connor answers... with a headbutt! Vargas stumbles back, hand on his forehead. He looks slowly back up, pissed, as O'Connor smiles back at him. Vargas charges back forward, releasing all his anger, as O'Connor matches him punch for punch!! The two men continue to brawl, fighting their way to the ropes, and falling through to the outside!! They both roll on the outside mat, still slugging it out, as the referee tries to figure out how to get this one back under control.*

Hood: Damn! That's how I like to see a fight start! None of this "sportsmanship" bullshit!

Rockwell: The question is, who does this favor? Both men like to use their fists, but if Vargas is thrown off his game, it could cost him his shot at the title.

Hood: The referee better be shouting his count as loud as he can, so these two guys can hear him!

*The brawl hasn't stopped, as both men are on their feet now, fighting alongside the aisle. Vargas takes control after a thumb to the eye, blinding O'Connor. He drags O'Connor over to the railing, trying to slam him headfirst into it, but O'Connor gets his arms up and blocks it, then knocks Vargas back with an elbow to the gut. O'Connor starts to turn around, but suddenly one of the nearby fans is grabbing hold of him, yelling at him for his defilement of the Lord's house! Security tries to move in, but O'Connor takes care of it himself, dropping the man with a Hollow Point (Stunner) on top of the steel railing!!! The fan falls away, even as Vargas is back, nailing O'Connor with some strong shots to the head. O'Connor staggers away, starting to head back to the ring, as another fan leans over the railing and throws his drink on him!!! Vargas, surprised, reacts immediately, leaping up on the railing and pummelling the fan, as well as taking a few swings at the guys around him! They all back off, with security moving in as Vargas turns and follows O'Connor.*

Rockwell: I hope Barrows is on the phone with Legal right now...

Hood: Hey, they both broke the rules and attacked our wrestlers! Throw the bums out!

Rockwell: Maybe get that one guy medical attention first...

Hood: Fuck him! Don't enter the field of play if you don't want your ass kicked!!

*Amazingly, the referee hasn't counted out either man at this point, as they always show reluctance when it's a big match like this. Given how the crowd already is, a double countout could cause a massive riot in the stadium. O'Connor's sliding back under the ropes now, with Vargas in hot pursuit. As Vargas comes in, though, O'Connor turns and drops a knee, cracking Vargas in the side of the head! This gets O'Connor control of the conflict, and he takes immediate advantage, bringing Vargas up and whipping him into the ropes. Upon his return, Vargas is met by a clothesline that floors the Confederate Icon. O'Connor throws in a couple of stomps for good measure, then leans over Vargas, throwing a right hand into his jaw. He then makes the first cover of the match... 1... 2., and Vargas easily kicks out in time. O'Connor, not surprised in the slightest, pulls Vargas up and takes him over to the corner, where he continues to work him over with body blows and knees to the gut.*

Rockwell: The champ is looking to do as much damage as he possibly can to his former ally.

Hood: O'Connor's never needed much else than his fists to get a victory. But Vargas is going to make a comeback soon!

Rockwell: Predicting the future, Hood?

Hood: I mean, these matches always go back and forth, right?

Rockwell: Unless it's someone like Gus DuBray, yep...

*O'Connor drags Vargas out of the corner, grabbing him around the head. He looks to be trying for his second Hollow Point of the night!! But Vargas, knowing the move all too well, pulls free of it, throwing O'Connor off-balance. He then spins into a discus lariat, taking O'Connor down! After a few seconds, Vargas pushes up, having gotten the chance to clear his head. He pulls himself upwards, grabbing at the champion before he can roll away. O'Connor tries to throw another punch, but Vargas blocks it and lands a haymaker of his own right on O'Connor's chin! O'Connor stumbles backwards, hitting the ropes. Vargas, meanwhile, turns and runs to the other side of the ring and returns, leaping into the air and landing a flying shoulderblock that puts O'Connor down! The champ struggles back up, but Vargas is on the move again, hitting a second flying shoulderblock, this one sending O'Connor rolling out of the ring! Vargas is up, feeling the adrenaline as he moves to leave the ring after O'Connor.*

Hood: People focus so much on Vargas' commentary, they forget the man is truly a world-class wrestler!

Rockwell: I'll give him that, even if he IS an asshole...

Hood: I'm... really not used to you being the one to hate someone in a match, Adrian. It feels so different to be the 'neutral' guy.

Rockwell: Neutral? You've been rooting for Vargas since this match began!

Hood: Yeah, but I don't HATE O'Connor. I just would love to see another new champion tonight...

*Vargas is enjoying being the aggressor in this one now, as he grinds O'Connor's face into the mat. He's saying something to him, reminding him about all Treat has done for both of them. O'Connor just tries to spit at him, with no success, as Vargas just shoves him back down. He then drops a leg across O'Connor's neck to put him hard on the canvas before rolling him over for a cover... 1... 2.. and O'Connor pushes him off. Vargas gets himself up, still talking some serious trash to the World Champion, saying that he owes everything to Vargas. The challenger goes and hits the ropes, coming back again at the struggling O'Connor and leaps for a flying crossbody! But O'Connor shockingly catches Vargas, managing to hang on as he falls back against the ropes and rebounds forward, powerslamming Vargas down into the canvas!! With O'Connor on top, the ref slides over to them... 1... 2... but Vargas gets his shoulder up in time to avoid the surprise loss.*

Rockwell: A beautiful counter from Mack O'Connor!

Hood: All he did was catch a guy and fall forward...

Rockwell: Better than falling backwards and getting pinned.

Hood: I can't argue with that...

*O'Connor struggles back to an upright position, as the toll of the match continues to build. He waits for Vargas to waste energy getting up as well before coming at him from the side, smashing into him with a spear! Vargas gets whiplashed back to the canvas, hitting hard, with O'Connor going for another cover... 1... 2... but Vargas refuses to stay down! Not with the championship so close to him! O'Connor gets up again, rotating his shoulder to get it back into a better position after that spear. He steps back, studying Vargas for a moment as the Confederate Icon starts to get up again. O'Connor was just waiting for his opportunity, though, as he steps in to lock up the Claymore (two-armed Rock Bottom)!! But as they start to go up, Vargas manages to get a few shots in, breaking free of another finisher. As O'Connor tries to regroup, Vargas moves behind him, locking in a full nelson and taking him over with a full nelson suplex!! The champ is pinned as Vargas hangs on, pushing himself off the mat for a bridge... 1... 2... and somehow O'Connor manages to get himself free in time!*

Hood: Vargas knows all of O'Connor's favorite weapons, and more importantly now to escape them!

Rockwell: He's got a lot of knowledge, but so does Mack, as we haven't seen The Stroke land yet either!

Hood: Give it time, Adrian. Give it time.

*The fans are still pretty split on this contest as it goes on. There have been more than one fist-fight in the stands, which, let's face it, you've all seen at the college football games that usually happen here. After a quick pan of the crowd, we return to the ring, where Vargas is now grabbing hold of O'Connor's legs. He drags the champion into place and, with a confident sneer, steps through the legs and twists him around, turning it into a Sharpshooter submission!! O'Connor's feeling all of it as he claws at the mat, looking for purchase to pull himself along the canvas. The referee stays to the side, out of his way, even as Vargas leans himself backwards to try and put as much strain on O'Connor's lower extremities as he can. O'Connor fights against the hold, refusing to submit as he struggles to try and get to the ropes, looking for any way out to save his title reign.*

Rockwell: O'Connor needs to fight through this if he wants to save his belt!

Hood: Call for the bell, ref! End it!

Rockwell: We don't do stuff like that in the GCWA, Hood. That's another fed.

Hood: Damn it, it would have been almost retro, too...

*Despite Vargas' best efforts, O'Connor has been making progress, and he manages to reach his outstretched arm out to break the plane of the rope area to cause the break. Vargas holds onto the move for as long as he can before finally releasing the legs, stepping away from the hurting O'Connor. He's got a big grin on his face, having known that O'Connor would never give up, yet also knowing how much a toll the move has taken on him. Vargas grabs at O'Connor, pulling him up, although O'Connor's legs are very wobbly. Vargas gives him a couple of condescending pats to the cheek before grabbing hold of O'Connor's head, snapping him down with the Lethal Strike (Swinging neckbreaker)!! O'Connor's down, with Vargas rolling him over for the cover... 1... 2... but O'Connor raises an arm in the nick of time! Vargas sits up, a little disgusted now as he works his way back up. He looks down at O'Connor, kicking at him, asking him what it's going to take to keep his Yankee ass down.*

Rockwell: Vargas still hasn't forgiven O'Connor's comments about the South never rising again...

Hood: That's blasphemy for a man like him. So if Vargas wins, can he claim the south HAS risen?

Rockwell: No, but I'm sure he'll do it anyway.

Hood: Wait, so if O'Connor wins, is it the North rising?

*O'Connor has started crawling, trying to get away from the kicks and find a way to leverage himself up. Vargas follows behind him, leaning over and paintbrushing the back of O'Connor's bald head. He laughs, before grabbing at O'Connor and bringing him up to face him. He looks O'Connor straight in the eye, glaring at him, and says this one's for Treat... setting O'Connor up for The Stroke!! But O'Connor reverses out of it, startling Vargas, who drops to a knee. As Vargas comes back up, O'Connor grabs hold of him and drops with the Hollow Point!!!! Vargas is out, but so is O'Connor as he drops to his back, breathing heavily. The fans are on their feet, waiting, as O'Connor slowly pulls himself together, looking around for a second to see where Vargas landed. He finally rolls himself over towards his competition, putting an arm onto Vargas for the pin attempt... 1... 2... 3, NO!!! Vargas shoves a shoulder off the mat at the last millisecond!! The fans are pumped, watching on, as O'Connor sits up, disappointed.*

Hood: Vargas kicked out of Hollow Point!!

Rockwell: It just took O'Connor too long to make the pin, and a loose pin at that...

Hood: Circumstances don't matter! Vargas got out of one of the greatest finishers of all time! What a story!

Rockwell: That doesn't mean he's won, Hood. The match continues!

*Looking like he's been through a war already, O'Connor reaches the ropes and hauls himself up. He looks back at Vargas, who's trying to sit up despite the heavy metal band playing inside his skull. O'Connor takes a few more seconds to pull himself together, before walking over to the still-recovering Vargas. O'Connor scores a couple of heavy hits, staggering Vargas. O'Connor then steps into Vargas, locking him up and taking him over with a snap suplex to the canvas! Vargas rolls away, hurting, as O'Connor works to find his footing again. He comes in, latching onto Vargas before the Confederate Icon can make it out of the ring. O'Connor hauls him up next to the ropes, repositioning him for another big move. But Vargas stomps down on O'Connor's foot, injuring it and throwing O'Connor off-balance. Vargas then turns and gets a grip on O'Connor, landing The Stroke (forward Russian legsweep)!!!! The fans erupt as Vargas manages to roll O'Connor over, making the cover to try and keep the champ down... 1... 2... and the ref stops counting, as he spotted O'Connor's foot making it to the ropes!*

Rockwell: I thought it was over!

Hood: Damn it, ref, it was barely even his toe touching the rope!

Rockwell: It still counts!

Hood: No it doesn't!

Rockwell: Yes it does!

Hood: Well, it shouldn't...

*The crowd is near the point of exploding, which has been noticed by the GCWA Security Guards. More have come out to make sure the barricades hold, even as the rowdy audience starts chanting "This Is Awesome!" Vargas sits up on his hands and knees, absolutely bewildered. He grabs at O'Connor, shoving him a few inches further away, and then tries for the pin again... 1... 2... NO! O'Connor gets an arm up! Vargas, furious, punches at O'Connor's face several times, starting to lose a little control. The ref steps in with a warning, with Vargas just cursing at him before struggling to get up with O'Connor alongside him. He gets hold of O'Connor's head, taking him further away from the ropes so he can set him up in the middle of the ring, preparing for the Snakeskin DDT (Modified Evenflow DDT)!! But as Vargas starts to go down, O'Connor pulls away, with just Vargas falling to the mat! As Vargas gets back up, he swings at O'Connor, who ducks underneath it, locks Vargas up.... and drops with The Stroke!!!! The stadium crowd hits an insane pitch as O'Connor makes the cover after hitting his opponent's move... 1... 2... NO!!!! Vargas gets out!!*

Rockwell: O'Connor broke out The Stroke!!

Hood: He can't do that!! That's Vargas' property!!

Rockwell: I'm sure Mack's seen it enough times that he could pull it off, but it still wasn't enough to keep Vargas down!

Hood: Because he didn't do it right, I'm sure! Otherwise, The Stroke is a sure-fire way of winning! But even with Vargas having been attacked by protestors and going through this major match, he still survived!

*O'Connor sits up, his arms resting on his knees as he sits there, contemplating life. He slowly turns to his side, looking as Vargas sits up next to him. Vargas stares at O'Connor, slowly breaking into a smirk at what just happened. O'Connor joins him, with the two men sharing a short laugh. Vargas then gets to his knees, turning and swinging a shot into O'Connor's chin! O'Connor reels, but comes right back with one of his own, with the two long-time veterans slugging it out on the canvas! They both work their way up, still fighting it out, with Vargas getting a shot in towards O'Connor's esophagus that doubles the man over. Vargas then steps in to him, saying that he's going to show the world how it's really done. He grabs O'Connor by the head, going for Hollow Point!! But O'Connor blocks it, reversing Vargas backwards, and taking him down with an inverted DDT! O'Connor keeps his arm on Vargas... 1... 2... No! Vargas kicks out again!*

Rockwell: At the end of the night, I don't see how either of these guys are walking out of here!

Hood: They're putting every single little bit of energy into this fight! The tanks have to be running on empty!

Rockwell: Somehow, one of them has to find a tiny bit more if they want to win!

*Vargas looks like he can barely stand, trying to will something more out of his shaking legs. O'Connor has already gotten to his feet, leaning on the ropes while sucking in the oxygen. He stares over at where Vargas is hanging, making note of his location. O'Connor then charges, going for a clothesline to send Vargas out of the ring! But Vargas dips his shoulder instead, mostly on instinct, and it's O'Connor who's backdropped over the top rope and out to the floor!!! O'Connor's not moving, even as Vargas slumps to a knee, still trying to get his body to cooperate with him. The referee moves over to that side, staring out at the fallen champion, who doesn't appear to be getting up anytime soon. The ref starts his count, throwing his hands in the air for one, two, three. The crowd is counting along with him, wondering if O'Connor will be able to return. Vargas looks interested in that himself, not looking pleased.*

Rockwell: O'Connor took a hell of a fall!

Hood: Brings back memories of Mack's match with Duce! Maybe he's injured his shoulder!

Rockwell: Don't say that with so much excitement, Hood...

Hood: Wait. But Vargas can't win the championship on a countout! Can he?

Rockwell: No, he can't.

Hood: So we need to stop this! I think the audience will tear us apart with an ending like this!

*The referee reaches six, and then seven... but then stops there, as Vargas is suddenly in his face, grabbing him by the front of the shirt! The ref raises his arms up, terrified, as Vargas tells him to shove those last numbers up his ass! The ref doesn't look too excited about this prospect. Vargas shakes his head and pushes the ref away and climbs through the ropes, going for where O'Connor has fallen! He pulls O'Connor up, telling him he's not going to get away with it that easily. Vargas drags the injured O'Connor towards the ring, managing to get him on the apron to roll him inside. Vargas follows, crawling over and making the pin. The ref hesitates, as Vargas' legs are still under the ropes, so Vargas twists himself to make it a legal cover. The ref counts... 1... 2... 3, NO! Again, O'Connor finds it within himself to get himself off the canvas in time! Vargas just stays on top of him for a few moments, utterly frustrated that once again, this one's not over.*

Rockwell: I don't think O'Connor's eyes even opened that time!

Hood: You think he kicked out in his sleep?

Rockwell: Hell, I still do that sometimes when I'm at home. Scares the crap out of my wife.

Hood: I can't blame her for that!

*O'Connor is cradling his side, which is probably where he landed when he flew out of the ring. Vargas slowly gets up, looking down on O'Connor with a mixture of respect and disdain, all of his emotions showing clearly on his face. He reaches down, grabbing O'Connor's arm to slowly drag the man upwards. Vargas holds O'Connor's head close, telling him about how it's time to get the fuck out of his ring. He pulls O'Connor in, setting him up for another Stroke!! He sets,,, no, O'Connor throws an elbow to dislodge Vargas, throwing him off. As Vargas comes back, O'Connor pulls him in for the Claymore!! But no, Vargas fights his way free, avoiding the hold. Vargas then ducks under an O'Connor left hand and goes for the Stroke once more... but O'Connor lifts him up instead, flipping Vargas around! Vargas somehow manages to land on his feet, but he's now unfortunately in the perfect position, as O'Connor drops with Hollow Point!!!! Vargas snaps backwards, falling backwards into the ropes and rebounding. O'Connor meets him on the rebound, taking him over with the Claymore!!! Vargas is down, with O'Connor collapsing on top of him... 1... 2... 3!!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner... STILLt the GCWA Heavyweight Champion of the World.... Mack O'Connor!!!

Hood: Damn!

Rockwell: This battle truly delivered in every way, Hood! What a fight between these two!

Hood: Damn protestors, they ended up costing Vargas the match! I really thought Vargas might have it! I wanted to see him raise that title once again!

Rockwell: He was damn close, Hood, damn close. Too close. But O'Connor once again proves to the world how great he is, taking down another threat and remaining undefeated!

Hood: I'm beginning to think that no one can take that belt from him!

Rockwell: Well, with the Warriors of the Ring Tournament coming up, plenty will get their opportunity to work towards it! It's been a hell of a night, people!

*The camera focuses at ringside as Mack O'Connor tiredly raises up the World Title. He looks over at where Chad Vargas is trying to get up, still wanting to fight, even though this one's completed. The two men lock eyes, with Vargas saying something about this not being over. O'Connor nods, knowing that they'll meet again. He turns and leaves the ring, as we slowly fade out.*

OOC: And another PPV is up!! Damn, this was a tough one for grading, but I definitely enjoyed putting the matches together, and I hope you enjoyed reading them! Thanks to Puffer and SEX for sending in some segments, which helps make the show a little more lively. I'll be posting the rules and sign-ups for WOTR soon, looking forward to see how many wrestlers we can get! See you then!

GCWA Friday Night Inferno

LIVE! Friday, June 19th, 2019

From the GCWA Arena, Dallas, TX

Opener

TBD

Mid-Card

Chelsea LeClair vs. Peter "The Janitor" Vaughn

Vincent Langston vs. Aaron Warthog

Sports Entertainment Xpress vs. The Wrath of the Storm

Anderson Haze(c) vs. Rogue Daniels, Outsiders United X Division Title match

Main Event

TBD

Roleplaying will be from Sunday, June 14th to Wednesday, June 17th, giving you 4 days to post your roleplay. Remember, each must be in before 12:00am CST to count.

Good luck to all!