GCWA Warriors of the Ring V


*The screen starts off in blackness, giving us a few moments of quiet to readjust to whatever is coming next. Slowly, the view comes up, showing us what looks to be an abandoned street in Chicago. Pieces of newspaper are blown across the road in front of us, swirling in the breeze. There are no sounds of cars in the distance, no signs of human activity. It almost looks deserted.*

*We see an older vehicle making its way up the street, the first sign of anything moving. It parks nearby the camera. From the car, a sudden sound of glass-on-glass is heard. The clinking of bottles echoes throughout the street. It continues in a regular rhythm, clink, clink clink. A man's voice comes through from the car, sounding extremely loud in the stillness of the evening.*

Voice: Warriors... come out to plaaaayaaay!

*The bottles continue to bang together, as the camera zooms in on the person in the car. It appears to be David Patrick Kelly, who infamously portrayed Luther in "The Warriors". While much older, his look is unmistakable. He shows his teeth as he continues.*

David Patrick Kelly: Warriors! Come Out To Plaaayyee!!

*Several shadows can be seen coming out from different directions, all around the car. whoever they are, they begin to move in. The bottles clang ever louder.*

David Patrick Kelly: WAAAARRRIORS! COME OUT To PLAAAAAAAAYEEEEE!

*The figures move in, all looking to be powerful warriors. The camera slowly tilts upwards, facing the night sky, as the bottle sounds suddenly cease. The camera then pans back down, with The Accelerator standing in front of it.*

The Accelerator: Let us... play...

*The camera zooms out, showing that The Accelerator is standing in a vacant ring, presumably at the United Center. The empty seats of the arena can be seen behind him, as well as the entire set-up for the upcoming Pay-Per-View. The Accelerator looks around, beaming at the sight of the mighty arena before him.*

The Accelerator: The Warriors of the Ring. One of the oldest traditions in the Global championship Wrestling Association's history. Back when it started way back in 1999, The Warriors of the Ring was less of a tournament and more of a Battle Royal, featuring 26 wrestlers. The goal was still the same: to prove yourself the best of the best.

*Footage from the 1999 Warriors of the Ring match is shown on the canvas of the ring, as The Accelerator looks down on it with a grin.*

The Accelerator: It was the next year in 2000 that we started to see the tournament coming together as it is today. This time, sixteen wrestlers met in a one-night tournament to decide a new World Heavyweight Champion, after wrestling legend Titan 3 had been stripped of the gold. Once again, the goal was to determine the greatest amongst our wrestlers, with Michael "The Man" Breaker coming out on top.

*More footage appears on the floor of the ring, showing the finals of the tournament, a Hell In A Cell match between Michael "The Man" Breaker and "The Real Deal" John Steel.*

The Accelerator: When the GCWA returned in 2009, the Warriors of the Ring Tournament was once again the determining factor of who would be at the top, as we once again needed a new World Champion. Thus began the reign of Derek "The Thriller" Mobley.

*We see Mobley taking on Shane Donovan in the finals, giving him The Thriller onto a spot of exposed concrete for the violent victory. Mobley is seen being helped up by Titan 3 and handed the World Championship.*

The Accelerator: The last Warriors of the Ring Tournament featured 16 wrestlers, again with all of them competing on the same night. Two GCWA legends, The Big Bifford and The Lost Soul, met in the finals in a glorious match of strength and skill.

*Ace looks down, still smiling at the memories, as we see The Big Bifford, with some assistance from Arachne, taking TLS down with a Biff End onto a steel chair to emerge victorious.*

The Accelerator: Throughout the years, this tournament inspired the fans. It's showcased the top stars in wrestling. And, without fail, it's led to championship glory for its stars, as all winners of the tournament have held the GCWA World Heavyweight Title.

*All four winners of previous Warriors of the Ring are shown, each holding up the World Title.*

The Accelrator: This year, the tournament reached its largest audience yet. Wrestlers from around the world came to compete, giving us a massive 32-wrestler bracket. And now, eight wrestlers remain, the ones who have survived through two rounds to get to this point.

*We see John E Depth, Lissie Hope, Curt Canon, Terry Marshall, Jason Cashe, Shawn Warstein, Duce Jones, and The Lost Soul all flash by in different poses and action shots.*

The Accelerator: All of these wrestlers have different accolades to their name. None of them have been the GCWA World Heavyweight Champion. After tonight, one of them will have the opportunity to change that fact at Heat Wave.

*We see a shot of the brackets to this point, lined up across the ring. The Accelerator is standing in the center, right where the winner's name will be placed.*

The Accelerator: Warriors... come out to play... and may the best Warrior win!

*The Accelerator looks up as the camera spins away, focusing again on the empty seats. It pans across, as the sounds of cheering gets louder and louder. Suddenly, people are appearing in the seats, screaming like mad! They fade in, as the camera continues to pan, showing a completely full United Center in Chicago, Illinois!! The view shifts to the big screen, where the banner for tonight's show is prominently displayed:*

*The camera switches around, showing more of the cheering audience, none of whom seem too worried about the proximity of their closest neighbor. Signs range from "Warrior = Warstein" to "Nothing But Hope For The Future" as we head across the crowd to go to the special announcer's table set up near the ring. Adrian Rockwell and the enigmatic Hood are there as usual, waiting for the camera to arrive.*

Rockwell: Welcome, folks, to the Warriors of the Ring V Pay-Per-View!! We started with 32, and now we're down to eight of the toughest competitors in the world! Only one of them will walk out of here with a $50,000 check and the right to face Mack O'Connor for the GCWA World Heavyweight Title at Heat Wave!

Hood: It's been a long month, but we're finally to the end of it all!

Rockwell: To get there, though, one of these eight will have to win three consecutive matches tonight!

Hood: That's a tall order for almost any wrestler, and everyone left in the tournament is World Class!

Rockwell: Suffice to say, the betting has been frantic on who's going to walk out the victor tonight. We're not just done with that, though, as we've got several other great bouts. Chad Vargas and Zolton meet for the first time in the GCWA to earn a future title shot! Ed Houston & Zybala team up to take on Enforcer & Justice Orton-Cross! We've got the Brack Friday Bunduru match!

Hood: Dear God, that one's going to be horrible... but maybe Lord Allton can save it...

Rockwell: We've also got two titles on the line in non-tournament matches, as Ryot defends the World Television Title, while the North American Title will be defended in a Triple Threat Match! That goes with Duce Jones defending the Unified X Division Title in the tournament!

Hood: Good to see champions who are willing to put their belts on the line...

Rockwell: A veiled shot at Mack O'Connor, no doubt...

Hood: Fuck veiled, the guy's not wrestling!

Rockwell: In fact, let's head upstairs to find out what Mack IS doing!



*In one of the penthouse suites high above the ring inside the United Center, Mack O'Connor enters. Not in usual rugged attire, tonight he wears a black-on-black three-piece suit. The suite is decked out with beverages and swag covered in Anheuser-Busch brands: Primarily Goose Island (being in Chicago and all) but also Bud Light, Bud Light Seltzer, Shock Top, Elysian, and Four Peaks. And, of course, plenty of Golden Road Brewing swag: The brand Mack officially endorses. An attendant takes his coat from him, and Mack moves on to reluctantly shakes hands with a few corporate looking people, forcing a smile all the while. *

*A woman, seemingly an assistant of some sort, approaches him. She has a pint of beer in her hand.*

Assistant: Mr. O-Connor, I was told you prefer IPAs, yes?

Mack: That's right.

Assistant: Great. This is for you. Wolf Among the Weeds.

Mack: Great.

Assistant: If you'd follow me, I can show you to your seat.

Mack: Sure.

*She walks with Mack towards the seating area facing the arena. She walks him to the counter, allowing him to sit in the suite and overlook the arena with the ring below.*

Assistant: This is your seat for the night. Of course, you're more than welcome to walk the suite and grab some food from the buffet.

*Mack sips his beer*

Mack: Where do I get more of these?

Assistant: There's a tapped keg in the kitchen, or you can wave one of us down and we'd be happy to bring you another.

Mack: Sounds good. Thank you so much.

Assistant: Of course.

*She smiles and walks away. Mack returns the smile, looking over the arena. He takes another sip of the beer.*

Mack: And here we go.

*As Mack settles in, we go back to ringside.*

Rockwell: The World Champion has a great view to watch the tournament unfold.

Hood: And to get himself drunk...

Rockwell: With the night off, Mack can enjoy the action. So let's get it started for him, and for the rest of our amazing audience!


GCWA Unified X-Division Title #1 Contenders match
"The Confederate Icon" Chad Vargas (10-8) vs. Zolton (0-1)

Minos: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! The winner will receive a shot at the X-Division Title. Introducing first...

*The arena darkens as the "F8" by Five Finger Death Punch plays. The peak of the song is reached and the arena begins to flash almost as though an electrical surge flows through the arena. "F8" bleeds into "Rise Cover" by State of MINE and a blue spotlight shines on the stage as it is covered with smoke/mist. A moment passes and into the spotlight stands Zolton facing away from the ring. His head lowered, hair silhouetting his face. The chorus flows from "Rise Cover" and he turns and walks down the rampway. Ignoring the crowd up against the entrance ramp. Mist covers the ring now as he climbs the steps and enters the ring as it fills with blue lighting. He leans in his assigned corner after removing his long leather trench coat. The music fades out as the arena lights rise into normalcy.*

Minos: From Amsterdam, The Netherlands...standing 6'7 and weighing in at 265lbs...Zolton!

Rockwell: Zolton looks ready.

Hood: A couple of tournament flunkies about to do battle.

Rockwell: Harsh words, especially for a favorite of yours, Vargas.

Hood: I call it like I see it.

Minos: And, his opponent...

*"Working Man" - Rush hits! The fans instantly boo. Vargas steps out draped in an opulent, shiny robe. It's silver, glittering in the stadium lights. The fans stand back oohing and aahing the beauty of this magnificent garment. Vargas, keeping the robe shut, marches down the ramp.*

Rockwell: Strange attire for Vargas.

Hood: He's in a slump. Might be looking to switch things up.

*Vargas walks up the steps and enters the ring. He nods at Minos.*

Minos: From Everclear County, Tennessee...standing 6'4 and weighing in at 240lbs... "The Confederate Icon" Chad Vargas!!

*Vargas raises his arms, opening the robe. The interior is the Confederate Flag. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Trash is hurled into the ring. Vargas soaks in the reception. Zolton stands back in the corner, not too eager to get pelted by a tray of half-eaten nachos. Minos dives out of the ring. The ref does the best he can to remove trash as it flies into the ring. Vargas spins around, showing off his robe.*

Rockwell: Of course.

Hood: Chicago isn't the friendliest place for imagery like that.

Rockwell: It's the home of Matt Meyhu. You know that has to be in the back of Vargas' mind. One of his most bitter rivals.

*Vargas laughs, lowering his arms. The bell rings. Zolton looks ready. The rain of trash has slowed. Zolton heads for Vargas. Chad holds up the 'one-second' finger, turns and climbs the nearest corner, raising his arms. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Trash flies into the ring again. Zolton does his best to dodge it.*

Rockwell: Just take the darn robe off...c'mon!

Hood: Easy, Rockwell. You know Vargas doesn't swing that way.

Rockwell: I...ya know...nevermind!

*Vargas steps down. Things die out again. The fans, as angry as they are, want to see a wrestling match. Zolton looks at Vargas, annoyed. Vargas scoffs. He starts to remove the robe. Zolton slaps both shoulders, rotates his neck – limbers up. Vargas holds up the 'one-second' finger again! He heads for another corner, climbs, stands, and raises his arms showing off the interior of the robe. BOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! Zolton is furious. Trash flies into the ring. Zolton marches across the mat, he grabs Vargas, hoists him up, and DRILLS him into the mat with a Last Ride!! Vargas hits hard, rolling onto all fours. The fans POP HUGE. Zolton rips the robe off and throws it out of the ring to another HUGE POP.*

Rockwell: I don't think Zolton expected this sort of reaction.

Hood: Sometimes the face life finds you, Rockwell.

Rockwell: I guess.

*Vargas tries to get to his feet but is knocked back down with a double ax handle to the upper back. Zolton snares Chad by his blonde hair and hooks a front face lock. He picks Chad up, deadlifting him off the mat...he gets him vertical before falling back with a delayed suplex!! Vargas hits hard, arching his back, reaching for the sky. Zolton sits up...an empty cup of soda is next to him, he slaps it out of the ring.*

Rockwell: This is bad news for Chad Vargas. Zolton is in total control and a man of that size, with that much talent and motivation...it's going to be hard to wrestle the advantage away from him.

Hood: Don't count The Confederate Icon out yet. I've seen him come back from worse odds.

*Returning to his feet, Zolton grabs Vargas by the hair, dragging him into the center of the ring before pulling him to his feet. Zolton delivers a few quick jabs into Vargas' midsection. He spins around with a back fist, smacking Vargas in the jaw. Chad's knees go weak...he nearly falls. Zolton throws a spinning back kick into Chad's midsection. Vargas doubles over. Zolton hooks him, hoists him up, and callously drops him to the mat with a dangerous Jackknife Powerbomb! Vargas hits hard...Zolton places a foot on his chest. The Ref slides in. 1!...2!...NO! Shoulder Up!! Zolton smirks, lifting his leg up and bringing it down into Chad's throat. Vargas rolls over, clutching his neck and coughing.*

Rockwell: Total domination. Had Zolton attempted a more secure pin this match would likely be over.

Hood: "Don't play with your food"...somebody once said, probably a fat person, now that I think about it.

Rockwell: And why would you assume that came from someone with a few extra pounds?

Hood: Because, they like to eat food. Watching someone play with food likely pissed them off.

*Zolton hooks Vargas around the waist. Again, he shows off an impressive amount of strength by deadlifting the Pro Wrestling legend and tossing him over with a deadlift gut wrench suplex! Vargas slams hard and remains on his back, flat on the mat. Zolton sits up and arrogantly wipes his hands together. He looks over his shoulder and smirks, saying, "This is what passes as a legend these days?" He seems less than impressed, rising to his feet.*

Rockwell: I believe Zolton is taking aim at the promotions that showered Vargas with accolades.

Hood: Well, I mean, he is sort of steamrolling the guy. I'd probably be feeling the same if I were Zolton...which I'm not because if my parents were dumb enough to give me a name like that I'd surely have changed it by now.

Rockwell: Okay, so you hate his name.

Hood: I'm not sure hate does my feelings justice.

*Standing, Zolton stomps on Vargas a few times, keeping the legend down. He extends his arms, yelling at the OCW Hall of Famer. "Is this it? What a JOKE." He turns, addressing the fans, "So much for this guy. As soon as I'm done with him, I'm coming for YOU, Zybala. I'll single handily destroy two legends from CWF!" Vargas' eyes shoot open. His mouth moves, "What the fuck did he just say?" He sits up, turning his focus toward Zolton, who has his back to Vargas. Chad reaches his feet, PISSED THE FUCK OFF.*

Rockwell: Uh oh

Hood: That idiot just called OCW CWF. That's a grave, grave error. He's going to pay.

Rockwell: It certainly woke Vargas up.

Hood: Are you calling Vargas WOKE?

Rockwell: Never

*Zolton, sensing something afoot, turns around and BAM! He's blasted in the head with a southern right hand. Zolton's head shoots back, violently...his hair flying around uncontrollably. Vargas hits him again and again and again. Zolton stumbles into a corner. Vargas throws a boot into Zolton's gut. He hops onto the second rope, looks down, snares a hand full of that long, thick hair, and begins pummeling Zolton in the head with right hands straight out of Everclear County. The fans count along...1, 2, 3, 4...11, 12, 13...21, 22, 23...34, 35, 36...48, 49, 50...67, 68, annnnnd....SIXTY-NINE! Vargas hops off the rope, shaking his right hand and working his tired arm out. Zolton takes a step forward before corpsing to the mat. The fans go wild, chanting "SIXTY-NINE!" Vargas, charged up, stomps around the ring, feeding off the energy.*

Rockwell: And, in an unprecedented turn of events, Chad Vargas has gone from the most hated man in Chicago to apparently, the most popular.

Hood: Pro Wrestling fans...they love the number 69, apparently. Even if most of them have never experienced one.

Rockwell: Harsh, but fair.

*Zolton tries pushing up to his feet. Vargas helps him, grabbing his hair and jerking back...forcing Zolton to his knees. Standing behind 'Z', Vargas throws a wicked backhand, smacking the side of Zolton's head from behind. Zolton falters to all fours. Vargas places Zolton's back between his legs, reaches down, and locks in a camel clutch! Zolton winces. Vargas pulls back, trying to wrench and/or break Z's neck. The ref asks Zolton if he wants to give it up. Zolton does not. Vargas keeps pulling back with his left hand but uses his right hand to poke, pull, and yank on Zolton's face. He grabs Zolton's nose and pulls back on it. Zolton yells in pain. The ref administers a count.*

Rockwell: He's trying to rip Zolton's nose off!

Hood: Not that big a deal, to be honest. With all that hair he can cover a missing nose up. No biggie.

Rockwell: I think a missing nose IS a big deal, Hood.

Hood: Gosh you're so superficial.

*After five seconds, the ref steps in for the break. Giving Vargas some legal cushion, he decides to force Vargas off rather than call for the DQ. Vargas stands up and shoves the ref away. The ref does everything in his power to hold back, allowing the match to continue. It appears Vargas couldn't care less. He's made it clear how he feels about the X-Division Title. He stomps on Zolton's right hand. Zolton reacts, violently to the impact, reaching for his aching phalanges. Vargas kicks Zolton in the face...the big man flattens out, sedated from the impact. Chad snares Z's hair and slowly pulls him back up.*

Rockwell: And now it's all Chad Vargas.

Hood: Yea, this is a mugging. Once Vargas found some motivation he kicked it into LEGENDARY gear.

Rockwell: Zolton needs something to flip the momentum, desperately.

Hood: Maybe a hair flip.

*Chad, with Zolton on his feet, whips him across the ring. Zolton hits the corner HARD. Chad favors his right arm...mainly the bicep and shoulder. It's worn out from the 69 straight punches. He charges in and delivers a huge lariat. Zolton leans forward, holding on to the top rope to prevent from falling. Vargas turns his back to Zolton, bending over, clutching at his arm. Zolton flips his hair back and sees Vargas in pain. But, he can't do anything about it...he's too worn down.*

Rockwell: Vargas is favoring that right arm, Hood.

Hood: All those punches wore that arm out. You probably know what that feels like.

Rockwell: I'm no longer a violent man.

Hood: I'm not talking about punching. I'm talking about hours of masturbating.

Rockwell: Better than thirty seconds.

Hood: HEY. Work smarter, not harder.

*Vargas shakes off the pain and goes back after Zolton. He reaches for the big man...but Zolton grabs the right arm and yanks down on it. Pain shoots through Chad's body. He stumbles back, holding his arm. His eyes remain on Zolton. "You fucking bitch!" he yells. He starts to move back toward Zolton...but Z fires out with a BIG BOOT! It drills Vargas in the face with a huge SMACK! Chad's body slams backward, onto the mat. He holds his face, rolling around. Zolton stumbles forward, dropping to one knee...he gathers himself, looking to reclaim control.*

Rockwell: Zolton with the big boot! Chad's arm was the catalyst for that switch in momentum.

Hood: I guess sometimes you can have TOO much offense.

Rockwell: Evidently.

*Vargas sits up, shaking the fog from his brain. Zolton returns to his feet. He turns around and approaches Vargas from behind. He reaches down...Chad throws a punch over his head with his left hand right into Zolton's crotch!! Z stumbles back, wincing...dropping to one knee. Chad laughs. The ref admonishes The Confederate Icon but Vargas tells him to get fucked. He returns to his feet, favoring the right arm. He snares Zolton in a front face lock, using his left arm. Growing frustrated over his left arm's lack of ability, Vargas does the only move he feels he can pull off – a swinging neck breaker. Zolton immediately sits up from the move. WEAK ASS LEFT ARMING.*

Rockwell: That move had little-to-no-impact thanks to Chad's left arm.

Hood: Guy needs to work on that arm a bit. LEVEL UP

Rockwell: It would come in handy tonight, no doubt.

Hood: Arm...coming in handy...c'mon, man.

Rockwell: Accidental, I swear.

*Expecting a downed Zolton, Vargas is surprised to find the big man towering over him upon returning to his feet. Vargas throws a left hand, but Zolton blocks it, easily. He lunges forward with a shoulder block into Chad's right arm. "FUCK!" Vargas yells, stumbling into the ropes, clutching his right arm. Zolton shoots Chad off the ropes. Vargas tries reversing...instinctively he uses his right arm. He lets Zolton go and bends over, clutching his arm. Zolton hits Chad with a knee lift. Vargas straightens up. Zolton throws a HUGE lariat. Chad ducks!!*

Rockwell: Vargas ducking the lariat!

Hood: He may be wounded, but the dude's instincts are ON POINT

*Zolton spins around, uncontrollably. Vargas catches him and has him locked for THE STROKE! The crowd rises!*

Rockwell: THE STROKE!

Hood: If he hits this, it's over!

*BUT – Chad is using that WEAK ASS RIGHT ARM...he can't hold on. Releasing Zolton. Zolton crushes Vargas in the head with an elbow. He spins Chad around, hooks both arms hoists him up, and DRIVES him into the mat with a Full Nelson Slam. Vargas is down. He isn't moving...Zolton walks around, stalking his prey.*

Rockwell: That right arm cost him yet again!

Hood: Not a great position to be in if you're The Confederate Icon. This is just like the civil war all over again...the NORTH IS RISING.

Rockwell: Which, for all you watching at home, was a good thing.

*Zolton doesn't waste any more time. He pulls Vargas to his feet. He knees Vargas in the gut and hooks him for a powerbomb.*

Rockwell: Welcome to the Gates!

*Zolton hoists Vargas up and gets him in the crucifix position. Vargas tries wiggling out of it. Zolton stumbles around, fighting for control. Vargas manages to land a few heels into Zolton's back. He wiggles free!! He drops to his feet, shoulder to shoulder with a stunned Zolton. Vargas spins around to the other side...he uses his left hand, grabs Zolton and drops him with THE STROKE!! The crowd rises! Vargas hooks the leg with his left arm...the ref slides in with the count. 1!...2!...3!!!!! The bell rings.*

Minos: Here is your winner and the #1 Contender for the X-Division Championship... "THE CONFEDERATE ICON" CHAD VARGAS!!!

Rockwell: Vargas did it! With basically one arm he managed to eke out a victory over a very game, very dangerous Zolton.

Hood: That's years of experiences manifesting into a victory, Rockwell. He realized his right arm was fucked so he adapted and overcame the odds. Great win for Vargas!

Rockwell: This guarantees him a shot at the X-Division Title.

Hood: Not exactly what he wanted but, hey, it could be what gets that southern train rolling.

Rockwell: That it could!



*We cut backstage where DEREK "THE THRILLER" MOBLEY is standing in the hallway, leaning up against the wall. An employee walks by and is like 'OMG, it's Derek!' Derek motions for him to move along. He's a busy man. A few feet down from Mobley is a door, it opens. Out steps John E Depth. Mobley turns and sighs.*

John E Depth: Listen, Derek -

*Derek cuts him off.*

Derek Mobley: No, you listen. I think you've gotten just enough mileage out of that autograph snafu from a few weeks back. Quit using my name to get recognition. Go out there and do it on your own.

John E Depth: Uhh, I'm already doing that in the tournament. I've defeated -

*Mobley cuts him off, again.*

Derek Mobley: Sure, sure, whatever. I couldn't care less. I'm not here for you or whatever it is you're trying to accomplish. I'm here for Jack. Which, brings up another point.

*Derek points his finger in Depth's face.*

Derek Mobley: Stay way from Puffer. You're a bad influence.

John E Depth: What are you talking about? I'm basically his best friend.

Derek Mobley: Yea, sure. Puffer's an innocent kid so I'm sure he believes that but me...I don't trust you. I've been in this business long enough to know a snake when I see one and...

*Derek doesn't need to finish his sentence. The look he's giving Depth says it all. The door opens again. Out steps JACK PUFFER.*

Jack Puffer: Hey guys, what's going on?

John E Depth: I've got a match to get ready for.

*Depth storms off. Puffer seems bothered.*

Jack Puffer: What was that all about?

Derek Mobley: Nothing. Forget about him...you need to stay focused on Ryot and that TV Title. Tonight is your night, Jack.

*Puffer nods, closing his eyes and visualizing success.*

Derek Mobley: You've got the talent. You've got the ability. You just need to get your mind right.

*Jack's eyes open up, they are filled with determination...he nods, looking up at Mobley.*

Derek Mobley: How's that head?

Jack Puffer: Good enough.

Derek Mobley: Great. Make sure you protect it. Don't take too many shots, okay?

Jack Puffer: Yessir. Oh, by the way...I'm sorry about not finding Warrick, yet. But don't worry, I'll...

*Derek waves the apology away.*

Derek Mobley: Forget about it. The spot is yours, now. If Warrick wanted it he'd have surfaced by this point. I want my spot to go to somebody who will appreciate it...and that person is you, Jack. I'll be at ringside, cheering you on. Now, finish getting ready!

*Puffer's expression says that Derek's words mean the world to him. He puffs his chest out with pride and heads down the hallway, prepared to face Ryot. While doing so, he bumps into a man with his head down. He's sporting a Florida St ball cap that's pulled suspiciously low. Dirty blonde, curly hair flows out the back.*

Jack Puffer: Sorry, sir!

*Puffer keeps walking past the man he definitely does not recognize. The man kinda chuckles. He's pretty menacing for a stranger...about 6'3 and a chiseled 200+. He walks by Mobley, doing his best to remain obscure. Derek doesn't really notice, playing around with his phone...until the man walks by. He looks up and furrows his brow.*

Derek Mobley: Is that...

*He laughs off whatever idea is rolling around in his head.*

Derek Mobley: Nah, no way. Being back at a wrestling show has me seeing ghosts.

*We cut back to ringside.*


GCWA Warriors of the Ring Tournament Quarter-Finals match
Curt Canon (4-2) vs. Terry Marshall (4-0)

Minos: The next contest is a Warriors of the Ring V Tournament Quarter-Finals match... Introducing first... standing 6'5" and weighing 311 lbs... from Huntington, West Virginia... here is "Thundering" Terry Marshall!!!

*"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC begins to play, leading out Terry Marshall towards the ring. He's got what appears to be a heavy wrap on his arm, the best he can use for tonight to try and protect the injury. He still has the mobility to throw a quick pose on the way to the ring.*

Rockwell: Marshall apparently had a reaction to the prescription pain pills he was given from his doctor.

Hood: It sure seemed that way, as I'd hate to see Marshall having actually fought XWF Man, Baghead, and worst of all, Johnny Depp...

Rockwell: I certainly would rather pretend it didn't actually happen... even though we had footage of it...

Hood: The power of television, Adrian!

Minos: His opponent... standing 5'4" and weighing 155 lbs... from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania... here is the OCW Hall of Famer... Curt Canon!!

*The opening beats of Figure 8 by Trust Company hits. Eight seconds into the song you see Curt Canon slide out from the entrance way on to the ramp. He stands there with an arrogant look on his face for a few seconds before taking both hands and pointing to himself. In the same motion he leans a bit back and throws his hands out to his side. He then slowly starts to make his way to the ring looking at the crowd and rubbing his wrist on the way down. He gets to the ring and walks up the steps....climbs into the ring heads to the center repeats the pose he did at the top of the ramp as blue pyro shoots out of all four turnbuckles.*

Hood: Canon has been creating the Catsup Cabana currently...

Rockwell: Been practicing that one, Hood?

Hood: Correct!

Rockwell: What caught my eye was Canon destroying a lot of his past in the blaze of the fire he started, including the DareDevil mask!

Hood: You would have thought that would be in the OCW museum...

Rockwell: Not anymore... Canon's on a new path, leaving his past behind.

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: So you'd have to see Curt Canon as the favorite here, being a Hall of Famer going against a wrestler with an injured arm.

Hood: Yeah, as long as Space Lord doesn't show up and interfere...

Rockwell: I suppose you could say the same for the Mustard Factory...

Hood: Almost feels weird that none of them are out here.

Rockwell: I guess that sounds how seriously these two wrestlers are taking this one.

*As soon as the bell sounds, Canon is moving, rotating around the ring, showing that he's still spry despite his many retirements. Marshall watches him closely, smiling at seeing the smaller guy move around the ring. He steps forward, pointing to his injured arm, before then raising both hands, apparently wanting a test of strength to start! Canon looks a bit in disbelief at the gesture, especially with Marshall raising his arms high over his head. Seeing it as an insult, Canon runs forward, surprising Marshall as he jumps into a dropsault, knocking Marshall back towards the ropes! The bigger man shakes it off, but Canon is already coming in again, hitting a second dropsault, then a third! Marshall is knocked against the ropes, hanging on, looking more stunned than hurt at this point. He starts shaking his head, swinging his hair back and forth as he works to get fired up... but Canon comes back at him again, this time hitting the Canon Kick (Jumping Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick)!!!! Marshall immediately falls to the ground before rolling out of the ring, collapsing on the outside mat!!*

Rockwell: Canon said this was the beginning of a new era tonight!

Hood: Looks like the old era to me, as this is the Curt Canon I've been waiting to see!

Rockwell: Marshall's already in danger of letting this opportunity slip through his fingers...

*Marshall has gotten up outside the ring, rubbing his jaw where the kick connected. He starts back up onto the apron, grabbing at the ropes with his good hand. But as Marshall rises up, Canon is charging him, leaping up and over Marshall! He slides down the wrestler, turning to land on his feet as he pulls on Marshall's legs, shockingly taking the bigger man off the apron with a sunset bomb!!! The fans are pumped about that move, as Canon jumps to his feet, energized! The Catsup Corner is going wild! Canon reaches down, dragging the hurting Marshall back to his feet before working to get him into the ring. It's not an easy feat, but Canon manages it, rolling the man in. He then gets up on the apron and steps through the ropes, getting right next to Marshall, and landing a standing Shooting Star Press!!! Canon stays on for the pin, as the fans count... 1... 2... Marshall kicks out in time! Canon is immediately up and heading for the turnbuckle as Marshall desperately tries to recover.*

Rockwell: I don't think anyone expected Canon to come out of the gate like this!

Hood: I know Marshall didn't, or else he might not have tried for a slow start!

Rockwell: If Canon keeps hitting these moves, we might be onto the next match a lot quicker than expected!

*As Canon gets to the top of the turnbuckle, looking down, he seems to be waiting for Marshall to get to his feet. He slowly does so, looking weary from such an early onslaught. Marshall takes a moment to get his bearings and turns, seeing Canon as he leaps towards him... and Marshall catches Canon in mid-air!! Before Canon can squirm free, Marshall quickly drops him onto his knee with a backbreaker slam, finally doing some damage!! Canon falls off the knee, rolling in pain, as Marshall works to get back up. He rotates his injured arm before coming towards Canon, who jumps up, trying to rush at him. But Marshall just lowers a shoulder, sending Canon flying with a back body drop! As Canon struggles to get back up once more, Marshall is there to corral the quicker wrestler, punching away at him. He then picks Canon up, bodyslamming him in the center of the ring! Marshall steps over him, teasing an elbow drop, but he realizes that he was about to use the wrong arm, and instead drops with the other one, jabbing it into the center of Canon's ribs! The cover is made... 1... 2... and Canon kicks out!*

Hood: Damn, the tide just turned quickly, didn't it?

Rockwell: Marshall's best chance is to keep Canon in his grasp, just as he did with Ryot in the first round.

Hood: And he doesn't even have to worry about Rogue Daniels tonight, which is probably a plus...

*Marshall has Canon up and in a front face lock now, wringing around Canon's neck as he holds him in position. Canon tries to fight free, but Marshall is able to throw a couple of knees up, keeping Canon contained. Marshall then shifts the front face lock into a suplex position, working to lift Canon up into the air once again! But Marshall hesitates for a second, due to his injured arm, looking unsure for a moment. He shakes it off, knowing that he's powerful enough to do it, and picks Canon up... only to have Canon drop off behind him, landing on his feet! Canon then grabs Marshall around the waist and runs him into the ropes, before trying to roll him up! Marshall doesn't go, hanging on, as Canon does a quick roll instead. Marshall turns around and comes at Canon, reaching out. Canon reacts, leaping up for a dropkick, with Marshall instinctively blocking... with his bad arm!! Marshall's face loses color as he stumbles back, grabbing at his injured arm, as Canon hops back to his feet.*

Hood: That's the clear target to aim for! He might as well have painted a bullseye on that wrap!

Rockwell: I'm not sure Canon meant to do that, but it's probably going to work in his favor...

*Canon may not have aimed the dropkick, but he's not going to let this opportunity slip away from him. He comes in, grabbing Marshall's arm and twisting into an arm wringer submission! Marshall, groaning, fights against the hold, but Canon's leverage is enough to keep the pressure on for a few seconds. But Marshall's other hand balls into a fist, giving his strength as he pumps himself up, fighting through the pain to knock Canon off of him! Canon falls back to the ropes, sizing Marshall up as the big man turns his way. Marshall advances, trapping Canon against the ropes. Canon responds with a swing into the injured arm, causing Marshall to wince back once again! Canon then gets Marshall by the arm, giving him a snapmare before nailing him in the back with a dropkick!! Marshall drops to the middle rope, hanging on it, stunned, as Canon runs to the ropes and comes back, leaping and driving both knees into Marshall's unprotected back!*

Rockwell: We heard some discussion before tonight that the doctors might not even clear Marshall. They did, but have they made a mistake??

Hood: It's going to take a lot for Marshall to somehow get back in this one down a limb!

Rockwell: Don't count the veteran out yet! Marshall's fought through the pain since the first round, and he just keeps going!

*The ref backs away as Canon pulls Marshall by the legs, working to get him in a good position. As Marshall starts to rise, Canon grabs him by the head, trying to twist him down into a Koji Clutch submission!! But Marshall fights it off, actually lifting the lighter wrestler off the ground with his good arm and slamming him down into the canvas to break the hold!! Canon rolls away, as Marshall works to recover, trying to remember all the good things in the world that inspire him to continue wrestling. He pushes himself up, looking back at where Canon is starting to recover. Canon starts towards him at a sprint, ducking under Marshall's clothesline attempt. But as Canon rebounds on the other side, Marshall turns and catches him with a big boot, putting him down! The fans are cheering as Marshall immediately goes off the ropes and comes back... dropping his weight onto Canon with a splash! The ref slides in to make the count... 1... 2... No! Canon kicks out in time!*

Hood: What was that?

Rockwell: That was Marshall almost winning the match!

Hood: But after the big boot, I was expecting...

Rockwell: What?

Hood: ... Never mind. Forget it...

*Marshall brings Canon back up, considering his options, which are limited due to the agony he feels in his arm. He still has enough left to scoop up Canon on his good shoulder, turning towards the turnbuckle. He runs forward, lifting Canon up... but Canon pushes off, saving himself from a Snake Eyes by falling behind Marshall! As the wrestler spins around, Canon throws a shoulder into his bad arm, dropping Marshall to a knee!! Canon then jumps up onto Marshall's shoulders, spinning around him to drop with a spike hurricanrana!! With Marshall down, Canon makes a cover, hanging on... 1... 2... NO! Marshall still manages to kick out! Canon gets up, looking like he felt like he had the man. But he shakes it off, reaching down to grab at Marshall's head to pull him up... no, Marshall swipes at both of Canon's legs, tripping him up and dropping Canon onto his back. Marshall then grabs both legs under his arms, grimacing as he drops back, catapulting Canon into the corner!!*

Rockwell: Incredible improvisation by Marshall there, surely pulling that from his wrestling background...

Hood: It's not like they pull off moves like that in dance class, so I'm betting you're right.

Rockwell: So you know about what happens in dance classes, Hood?

Hood: A few. The ladies love a good salsa...

*Marshall's still trying to recover, smacking his good hand against the bad arm, as if willing it to work better for him. On the other side, Canon is still hanging on the turnbuckle, looking out of it. It's unclear if he hit the ring post or not. Marshall slowly gets up, dragging himself over to where Canon is hanging. He starts to go up on the turnbuckle as well, thinking about a Super Back Suplex off the turnbuckle!! But Canon is fighting back, punching away at Marshall to try and get free. Marshall tries to lock it in again, but Canon kicks at the bad arm, sending Marshall staggering away. Canon sets himself, watching as Marshall turns his way, then leaps off, trying to get a good bounce into The Chronicles End (Essex Destroyer)!!! But Marshall is already spinning... and hits Canon out of the air with Thunder Struck (Spinning Polish Hammer)!!! Canon crashes down, as Marshall yells out, in agony after that hit. He crawls over, making the cover... 1... 2... 3!!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner, moving on to the Semi-Finals... "Thundering" Terry Marshall!!!

Rockwell: Marshall pulls off the improbable victory!!

Hood: What a stunning upset!

Rockwell: But over the last month, that move has been killing Marshall's arm, and now he doesn't get much recovery time!

Hood: If he forfeits the next round, does Canon get in, or does someone get a bye?

Rockwell: Let's see if that's an issue first...



*Terry Marshall is still in the ring with his match after Canon. The referee seems to want to check the arm, but Marshall pulls away from him, not wanting to risk being tossed from the tournament. He soaks in the applause from the fans instead, when suddenly the lights go out! When they come back on, the masked man is suddenly behind Marshall, holding a tire iron! Marshall is ready for him, though, spinning around and hitting a one-armed Thunder Struck!!*

Rockwell: The masked man is back, but he's down!

Hood: C'mon, Scooby Doo that mother fucker, I want to know who he is!

*The crowd explodes with cheers, and Marshall plays it up with the crowd. Marshall turns back around to the masked man who is still out on the canvas. Marshall grabs him by the head and pulls him up to his knees. Marshall grabs the mask and loosens the strings that have it tied to the head of the man. Marshall looks to the crowd, saying "let's see who it is". Marshall begins to pull the hood off and the lights go out again.*

Rockwell: What the hell?

Hood: Damn it, I hate the dark!!

*The lights flash back on and Marshall is still holding the masked man by the mask, but there is a new masked man standing in the ring as well!! The second masked man slams a tire iron into the arm of Marshall!!! Marshall clutches his elbow and crumbles to his knees. The original masked man gets to his feet and the two men close in on him, ready to end it.*

Hood: Now there are two of them!!

Rockwell: Someone stop this!

*The crowd comes alive with cheers as Space Lord comes sprinting down the entrance way. Space Lord slides under the bottom rope into the ring and is armed with a chair. The masked men see Space Lord swinging the chair like a maniac at them and dive out of the ring and run through the stands.*

Rockwell: Space Lord comes to the aid of his partner!

Hood: Yeah, but he was a little late, as more damage was done...

Rockwell: It's hard to see Marshall being able to continue after another savage attack!

*Space Lord drops the chair and goes to his partner, checking on him. Marshall's in agonizing pain, seemingly unable to get up. Medics come swarming to the ring to check on him as the crowd grows quiet, wondering what will happen next.*



"Gawd damnit! Where are the interviewers?"

*Backstage you quickly see Jason Cashe searching for someone with a microphone. Peeking around a corner, nobody was there. Pushing into a bathroom door, Cashe ducks to check for feet under the stalls. Nothing. Did he walked into 28 Days Later or the Walking Dead because for these handful of minutes, he seems to be the only person backstage.*

Jason Cashe: Hello?!

*Stepping back into the hallways. He stands with his hands on his hips, chin lifted almost in a Superman pose as he turns his head left to right and back to the left still seeking an interview. Shrugging, he storms off towards the Gorilla Position right before you exit the curtains to gain access to ringside. The cameras following him, he turns a corner and sees the Gorilla Table and on its surface was a microphone. He halted his progress and gave it a long stare.*

Jason Cashe: I can do this..

*Reaching for it before he is in arms reach, Cashe finally touches the handle of the mic and brings it up off the table. He turns to the camera with a newfound smile on his face.*

JASON: We are backstage with Warriors of the Ring participant and one of the Final 8, Jason Cashe. Cashe, can we get a word on how you're feeling right now?

*Standing sideways with his right side facing the camera, 'Jason' turns to put his left side facing the camera.*

CASHE: I don't have a gif for that, sorry.

*Back to the right side. The smile and expression on his face changes as he adjusts his voice just a touch.*

JASON: How far do you believe you can go tonight? Can you win this thing?

*Switching to his left side.*

CASHE: I'm sure there is a gif for that but alas.. I don't have it. Sorry.

*A subtle reference. Clearly a new rivalry was being formed out of simple mockery. He turns to his right side again.*

JASON: You made predictions on who would win the other matches and advance in this tournament. Any changes to those predictions? Has anyone stood out and impressed you?

*To the left. His smile disappears, his eyebrows curl on the inside to give him the appearance of anger ala Ice Cube.*

CASHE: I know just the gif for this one! Fuck. I left it on twitter, my bad.

*Back to the right, the smile returns and the angered eyebrows calm into a neutral position.*

JASON: Thoughts on Mack O'Connor? Rumor has it that has a very large penis and his ding dong brings all the honey yum yums to the yard.. Do you consider yourself a honey yum yum?

*As he turns back to his left, his anger expression doesn't return with him. Instead was a painted look of confusion and disturb.*

CASHE: The fuck is wrong with you? Of COURSE I am a honey yum yum.. And I am sure there is a gif for that as well...

*Motioning towards the microphone as if to snatch it from his interviewer's hand, 'Cashe' takes charge and sits down at the Gorilla Position, facing the camera, he stops the games.*

Jason Cashe: What is the hunt without the time to play a bit with your food? Orcas toss their food around, play catch with each other. Lions slap and nudge their dead bodies. House cats pounce, paw and chase the mice. Tonight, I stand.. Or sit rather and I no don't believe I can win this tournament.

*He gives time a moment to pause. A few seconds to let his confession of upcoming failure settle into people's minds. If you don't want to win, why show up but wanting and knowing are vastly different concepts entirely.*

Jason Cashe: The great thing about GCWA is that anything, anyone, at any time can win or lose a match. I have been around the block. Hell, the world and you will always have your top draws and your most talented talent on a given roster. Duce Jones is 0-3 against Big Bifford but guess what? Duce is at least until tonight, the X Division Champion.. His motivation is seeing Mariah Carey high notes and maybe, just maybe.. He takes off and wins it all here tonight!

*Thinking he heard someone or something down the hallway some, he lowers the microphone and turns towards the sound. Very much a Dog seeing a Squirrel type snapping glare.*

Jason Cashe: Lissie Hope is mad but she has done a fantastic job at trying to prove all of us wrong! Curt Canon, same story. Those that people doubted have shown up here tonight and each of them have a great chance to change the perspective...

*He lets off a grin. His head drops some but his eyes lift to see the camera as the microphone meets his mouth again.*

Jason Cashe: Three times. The number of times that Shawn Warstein has been defeated in the last year. Am I correct on that statistic? See Shawn, I admit much like you should that I didn't do as much research on you as maybe I should have. That maybe you are worth a touch more than the value I placed on you but you will have to excuse me and share the guilt because I frankly don't believe where you come from, the legacy you have are worth much more than a Peso.

*Run on sentences are fun, don't judge me.*

Jason Cashe: I couldn't give a lesser fuck about XWF. Recently signed James Raven? I've heard his name but again, I have likened the name to the place and that place outside of its own walls doesn't have much of a solid reputation. Hell I am pretty sure I called Vinnie the wrong name a few times.. Don't hold any of this against me because all of you feel the same about where I once laced my boots for. I just agree with the majority of shit said about the Four Corners where people after 2-3 years of not being there, still place me as being apart of...

So tonight, I won't seek to win it all. Tonight isn't about ONE person being a Warrior because we are all Warriors. Be it those who were already here and wanted to represent this brand. Or those invading upon invitation to compete against the preference, against the home field advantage and see where they stack up. We are all Warriors and while ONE of us will be the Ultimate Warrior, I have in my sights the one thing I need to do to call this a victory. I will beat Shawn Warstein.. I will be the four in his L column for the year. I will be the reckoning that makes him question his steps. I would bury you on social media and tonight, inside of a GCWA ring? I will show that this 4CW, APW, Mainstream, Lions Road, WCF, UWF, ISM, CWF, RWF, and now GCWA alumni will be better than a guy from XWF... Find a gif for that..

*Letting the mic flop from his fingertips, Cashe pushes up off the chair and heads down the hall to find civilization.*


GCWA Warriors of the Ring Tournament Quarter-Finals match
John E Depth (3-6) vs. Lissie Hope (2-0)

Minos: The next contest is a Warriors of the Ring V Tournament Quarter-Finals match... coming down the aisle... standing 6'2" and weighing 230 lbs... from Hollywood, Florida... here is John E Depth!!

*The song picks up. John E Depth, a changed, more composed individual, emerges from behind the curtain. He pauses, taking in the ambiance of the song filled arena. Looking out at some fans, he presses his hands together in a very peaceful gesture, nodding in their direction - a show of respect and appreciation. John E focuses on the ramp...his pathway toward his dreams...his California. He makes his way down the ramp, sliding into the ring. He calmly rises to his feet, ready for what awaits him this evening.*

Rockwell: We got a view into the seedy side of the entertainment business this week thanks to Depth.

Hood: Did I ever tell you how I first got the job of being a wrestling announcer?

Rockwell: ... No, but I'm not sure I want to...

Hood: A bribe. Worked perfectly well.

Rockwell: Well, it makes sense you bought your way in...

Hood: And you? What did it cost you to get in here?

Rockwell: Damage to my C3 and C4 vertebrae.

Hood: Crap, I knew that. Sorry, Adrian, bad taste to bring that up...

Rockwell: No problems, I knew how my wrestling career could end, and I enjoy hurting less while still being here.

Minos: His opponent...

*The downtempo bass drops. The trap-heavy outro of Billie Eilish's "bad guy" floods the arena, the booming shaking the seats underneath each audience member. They rise to their feet in anticipation of the arrival of Action Wrestling's former two-time World Champion and All-In Briefcase holder, Lissie Hope.*

I like when you get mad.

*The GCWA crowd is mesmerized but still conflicted, knowing the full capabilities of Lissie Hope but still showing caution, as they are unsure just how committed she is towards adapting to this environment. But with a personal invitation to join a tournament to crown a World Championship, deep down Lissie Hope does feel wanted. She does feel desired. And that's a feeling she hasn't had in quite a long time.*

You said she's scared of me?
I mean...

*Finally, the curtains spread and Lissie Hope emerges at the top of the entrance stage, standing for a moment and taking in the mixed fan reaction. She still has a legion of support, mainly from the young female demographic who have followed her career and watched her ascend to the moon, being a mainstay in Women's wrestling. But there is still trepidation, as Lissie Hope, in the moment, is an outsider. She slowly saunters down the stage, not really acknowledging any of the jeers thrown in her direction.*

I'm the bad guy.
Ha!

*She enters the ring, wearing a cut-off "Villain" tee-shirt, and black and red workout pants. Though she has held the belt on two occasions, she looks down at her empty waistline and with her hands, brushes her fingers along her waist to show the outline of a championship belt. She removes the Villain t-shirt, exposing her upper ring apparel, and tosses it to the timekeeper, slowly climbing up the staircase and pausing to pose for the ringside fans.*

Minos: Ladies and gentlemen, from New Orleans, Louisiana and weighing 135 pounds... "THE BLACKHEART"... LISSSSSSIEEEE HOOOOOOPE!

Rockwell: Hope is working her best to focus right now, but it can't be easy after the death of her brother, Robbie, this past week.

Hood: I thought he was coming out of the coma??

Rockwell: Yes, but there was an update in the wrestling world. There were complications afterwards, with Robbie dying from an intracerebral hemorrhage...

Hood: Well, fuck... I'm surprised she's wrestling here at all, then...

Rockwell: I assume she's dedicating tonight's contest in her brother's memory, which could amp up her fight with John E Depth...

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: Hope has been in the main event multiple times since entering this tournament. Depth would normally be in the opening contest, but he's on a winning streak right now.

Hood: I was thinking I saw Hope as the favorite, but her mind can't be right currently...

Rockwell: Plus, there's still the possibility of the referee helping Depth on behalf of the Barrows...

Hood: That's just a conspiracy theory, let it go...

*The referee signals for both wrestlers to begin. Hope does a quick stretch on the ropes to get herself ready, before turning back and facing Depth, who has a peaceful smile still on his face. He is twirling what looks to be a business card in one hand, using it as motivation. Hope sees it, looking disgusted. She suddenly is running towards him, swinging wildly, but Depth ducks under it, then grabs her head, setting for the Rough Cut (Diamond Cutter)!!! But Hope pushes him off at the last second! She looks shocked for a moment at how close that was, before coming in again and jumping at Depth with a bicycle kick towards his head!! But Depth knocks the leg away from him with perfect concentration, before again going to Hope's head, again trying for the Rough Cut! For a second time, Hope breaks free, but this time was closer. She suddenly rolls out of the ring, standing on the floor, looking up in consternation at Depth. The wrestler is standing there with his arms at his side, still looking serene even as the referee starts counting.*

Rockwell: Depth wants to end this one quickly, to preserve energy for later in the night!

Hood: I know Hope just lost a loved one, but she almost lost quickly TWICE!

Rockwell: At least her veteran instincts allowed her to go outside and regroup...

*Hope is shaking her head, trying to think of all the advice that Robbie gave her over the years to help her pull it together. She doesn't have as much time as she'd like, though, as the referee is already past 6, and seems to be speeding up his count. Depth looks on, waiting to see if this is it, but Hope hears the count and quickly slides back into the ring to break it up! The ref calls off the count, even as Depth is right there to take advantage of Hope having to hurry, grabbing her on the way up and getting a short arm clothesline! He hangs onto the arm, yanking Hope back up, and delivers a second short arm clothesline, taking her down again! He pulls her up once more, and this time after a boot to the gut, he lifts her up and bodyslams her, looking to do more damage! He jumps up, dropping a leg onto her chest, before rolling on top for the cover... 1... 2.. but Hope breaks free of the pin, staying in the contest. The referee leans back, despite Depth looking at him curiously.*

Hood: So what's Hope need to do to get back in this one?

Rockwell: Never mind that, I'd rather talk about what's going on with the referee! That count out was way too quick!

Hood: It seemed like regulation to me. And on the pinfall, he called it right down the middle...

Rockwell: I suppose, maybe... but I definitely get the feeling something is up...

*Depth has Hope back up now, taking her into the corner to give her a 10-headbutt salute into the turnbuckles! Hope slumps forward, dazed, as Depth leans around her. In the past, Depth might try to take advantage of this situation, but he seems more intent on wrestling now, as he grabs Hope around the waist and steps back, going for a release German suplex!! But Hope over-rotates herself on the way around, and manages to land on her knees, stopping the majority of the damage. As Depth gets up, Hope springs to her feet, recovering enough to jump at Depth and tackle him to the canvas! She starts throwing elbows and hammerfists, striking away at Depth, letting loose some fire! She nails him with several punches as well, enough that the referee tells her to back off and stop using closed fists. Hope just shakes her head at him, before grabbing Depth and pulling him up. She immediately takes him back down with a swinging neckbreaker before making the cover, waiting for the ref... 1.... 2... and Depth kicks out!*

Rockwell: Now we're seeing the Lissie Hope from the last two rounds!

Hood: If she can stay like this, Depth may not be able to make a comeback...

Rockwell: If the ref stays out of it...

Hood: He can't stay out of it, Adrian! He's got to make pin counts, and enforce rules, and, y'know, whatever the hell else refs do...

*Both wrestlers are back up now, with Hope delivering a snap DDT to lay out Depth once again. She then gets to her feet, firing herself up before running over to the turnbuckle. She starts to climb, going up all the way to the top. She waits there, watching, as Depth sits up, looking a little out of it. He stands up, looking towards the ref with a shrug. The ref doesn't say anything, just turning and looking the other way. Depth turns that way as well... as Hope comes flying in, nailing him with a missile dropkick!!! Depth's been turned upside-down, with Hope scrambling to flatten him out for the cover... 1.... 2.... and Depth gets the shoulder up in time! Hope looks disappointed, as she thought that was going to be it. She talks to the ref for a moment, telling him to move a little faster next time. The ref again says nothing, even as Depth suddenly reaches up from behind and pulls Hope into a pin.... 1.. 2... and Hope kicks out of the roll-up!*

Rockwell: Close one!

Hood: Yep, Hope got distracted again...

Rockwell: Because the ref's counts are all over the place, Hood!

*Depth and Hope both rise back up, with Depth grabbing her by the hair to keep her from getting farther away. He drags her by the hair to the corner, as the referee follows behind, not saying much. Depth jams Hope into the corner, then jumps over the ropes to the outside... where he yanks the hair downwards, over the turnbuckle, causing Hope to yell out!! The referee finally orders Depth to stop, starting a five count, and Depth quickly lets it go, smiling at the authority in the match. As Hope staggers away, her head likely stinging right now, Depth steps back through the ropes and comes towards her. But Hope suddenly turns, raking her fingers across Depth's eyes!! Depth falls back to the ropes, unable to see, as the ref warns Hope, threatening a disqualification. Hope lets him know what she thinks of that, before coming at Depth and spinning into a roundhouse kick to the head!!! Depth collapses to the mat, with Hope dropping for the cover... 1.... 2... No! Depth is able to get out!*

Rockwell: The Blackheart doesn't shy away from using any advantage she can get!

Hood: See, this disproves your theory, though. That was the perfect opportunity for the ref to DQ her, and he didn't do it...

Rockwell: I don't think any ref would want to do anything so blatant to affect a match like this... But I still don't trust him...

*Hope is up now, taking a few seconds to get her breath back. She gets up and goes over to where Depth is laying, grabbing him by the hair to haul him up. The referee shouts a warning, but Hope isn't listening. She instead gets Depth around the waist and delivers a belly-to-belly suplex, tossing the man over! Depth looks to be dazed as Hope rolls on top of him, grabbing his leg... 1.... 2... and Depth suddenly reaches up, twisting Hope over and rolling on top of her!! He grabs at her on the mat, before coming back to his senses about what's going on. He smiles at Hope, who throws her head upwards, hitting Depth in the nose!! Depth falls back, as Hope gets back to her feet. She angrily grabs hold of Depth, pulling him in towards her and getting him set for the Crown of Thorns (Pedigree)!!! As the ref circles around the two, Hope goes to lift... and then falls over to the side, groaning, thanks to a low blow from Depth!!! He takes a knee, as the referee looks confused about what just happened.*

Rockwell: Depth goes low! And the ref's blatantly ignoring it!

Hood: He didn't see it, hell, I didn't see it! And Hope's not a guy, so...

Rockwell: You really need to think about what you're going to say next, Hood. Women feel low blows just as much as men do...

Hood: Okay, okay, but still, it could have just been an accident!

*While Depth uses the ropes to get himself up, Hope is still on her hands and knees, her eyes closed in pain. Depth is getting booed by many of the females in the audience, raising his shoulders to them as if he understands what they're going through. But he's got more important things to take care of. He goes back to Hope, dragging her up once again and smiling at her before locking her up and taking her over with a side suplex! Hope rolls away, in bad shape, as Depth slowly gets back up. He seems completely certain of the outcome here as he walks over to Hope, pulling her up. Hope tries to respond with a right hand, but Depth ducks under it, then gets under Hope's arm and lifts, landing an atomic drop! Hope sprawls forward, the shot leaving her spine numbed. Depth raises his hands up, doing a director's pose towards Hope, signalling the end of the line. As Hope works to get back to her feet, leaning on the ropes, Depth comes in for the Rough Cut!! But Hope hangs on, blocking it once again by sending Depth to the mat!*

Rockwell: Depth forgot to take the ropes into account!

Hood: That was just plain sneaky from Hope!

Rockwell: She probably knew was what coming next, and she used that knowledge against him...

*Hope recovers herself while still hanging on the ropes, watching as Depth starts to get up again. She comes in, throwing a leg at him. When Depth catches it on reflex, Hope jumps up, scoring with an enziguri!! Depth's down again, even as Hope starts to stagger over to the turnbuckle. She starts on her way up, working to get to the top, possibly thinking about her Cherry Bomb (Swanton Bomb) finisher!! But the referee has stayed with her, and he's standing in front of her, starting a count as she stands on the turnbuckle!! Hope angrily shakes her hands at the ref, wanting him out of the way, but for one reason or another, the referee isn't moving. Depth, meanwhile, has started getting up. He shakes his head, seeing what's going on... and pushes the ref forward towards the turnbuckle!! But as the ref comes in, Hope LEAPS OVER him, flipping around to catch a startled Depth by the head with a Blockbuster!!! Depth's down, but Hope doesn't stop there, yanking him back up quickly and spinning him around with the Dreamchaser (Side Slam Backbreaker)!!! Hope makes the pin, as a disgruntled ref comes in for the count... 1.. 2.. 3!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner, moving on to the Semi-Finals... "The Blackheart" Lissie Hope!!!

Hood: Th-, that was too fast a count!!

Rockwell: Well, I DID say the referee was all over the place in his rhythm...

Hood: What, was he mad that Depth accidentally put his hands on him?

Rockwell: Accidentally??

Hood: Hey, the guy was blinded earlier, it takes time to recover from that!

Rockwell: Well, Depth has all the time in the world now, as Hope is the one wrestling again later tonight!

*Hope doesn't bother getting her hand raised by the referee, probably because she's still distrustful of him. She turns and leaves the ring, going to the back to prepare for her next contest.*



*We are shown a close view of one-half of the GCWA Tag Team and GCWA Unified X-Divison Championships. When the camera pans out, Duce is seen sitting on a chair, staring at both titles lying on a table in front of him. His demeanor is intense, appearing in deep thought as he calmly slides a forest green glove onto his right hand. Working his way now on placing his kickpads on, the door of the locker room that he's in can be heard opening, Byson making his presence known.*

Byson Kaliban: I did a full perimeter check of this place and it's just as I thought. Nowhere near secure.. What precautions are the Barrows taking to ensure the safety of his employees? Seriously, there are people out there who are trying to take our life. Duce are you listening to me? How can you be this calm right now?

*Duce continues to sit there quietly staring at the titles, the X-Division Championship in particular.*

Byson Kaliban: Bro! Are you there!?

*Jones' trance is broken as he now looks up at his brother, then over to the title that rests on his shoulder. He then looks back towards Byson.*

Duce Jones: What's meant t'be.. Will be..

*Byson becomes confused from the statement, he strokes at his beard as he tries to analyze Duce.*

Byson Kaliban: What's meant to be, will be? Tonight could be the breaking out party of your career and you're sitting here drifting off into space. C'mon bro, get it together! Tonight is a BIG night and we need you to win it all!

*Duce chuckles, standing up from his chair.*

Duce Jones: Tha only thang guaranteed in life is what's promised. Tonight, I go out there an' I'm gonna give it everythang dat I got. I'm takin' dis shit one match at a time an' I'll be damned if I try an' look ahead an' get caught slippin'. No matta' who shall step in front'a me tonight, each one will get tha same intensity dat I'm known t'brang wheneva' I step inside'a dat rang. My life's had too many distractions but tonight, nothin' is gonna get in my way of winnin' dis muh'fucka an' bein' declared Warrior of tha Rang..

*Duce takes a seat back in the chair, Byson nods his head confidently as we cut back to ringside.*


GCWA Tag-Team match
Ed Houston & Mike Zybala (0-0) vs. Enforcer & Justice Orton-Cross (2-1)

Minos: The next contest is a tag-team match scheduled for one fall... introducing first... weighing a combined 401 lbs... they are former GCWA Tag-Team Champions of the World... here are 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: Enforcer spent some time at Wrigley Field this week, while Justice and their son went down to Pier 25.

Hood: Man, I'm so damn thankful to have baseball back. I've missed sports. So much. So damn much.

Rockwell: I get it, Hood. Wrestling is great on its own, but we've all missed America's Pastime.

Hood: Now lets get basketball going, and start working on college football, and hell, give me some hockey, why the hell not!

Minos: Their opponents... teaming together for the first time in the GCWA... coming out first, standing 5'6" and weighing 175 lbs... from Buffalo, New York... here is the owner of Outsiders Wrestling... Mike Zybala!!

*The crowd pops, even as "Ready To Die" by Andrew W.K. begins to play. Mike Zybala walks out with a smile, stopping on the ramp. He raises up his hands for a second, then seems to think better of it, instead starting a walk down the aisle and greeting the fans along the way.*

Rockwell: Zybala's loss to Duce Jones cost him the Unified X-Division Title, and now he seems to be thinking about cutting back on his lights out power...

Hood: And again, I'm extremely glad that Duce won, if that means no more heart-wrenching blackouts!

Rockwell: We'll see if Zybala can stick to that oath during a competitive match, as it's become one of his trademarks over the past year...

Minos: And his partner... standing 5'9" and weighing 175 lbs... from Miami, Florida... he's a former GCWA World Heavyweight Champion... here is "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 half way 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.*

Hood: I will say it was sad to see The Rocketman get dumped this week.

Rockwell: Sometimes relationships just don't work out, especially when wrestling is involved...

Hood: Houston should follow the example of Enforcer & Justice and find a woman wrestler to pair up with...

Rockwell: You never know where love might bloom.

Hood: Too bad for Houston that Deana got herself married...

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: So it's an accomplished tag-team against two singles superstars tonight!

Hood: This is where it's always a toss-up to me, since the teamwork will obviously be better with Enforcer & Justice, but the experience edge is on the side of Houston & Zybala.

Rockwell: In some ways, this could be considered a contendership match, as Enforcer & Justice still want their rematch with Duce & Byson.

Hood: And Houston's got that Golden Opportunity contract that could be cashed in...

*Not surprisingly, Enforcer has stepped forward to begin the contest. Houston and Zybala talk amongst themselves, looking to make a decision. Apparently, though, it's made for them, as Enforcer steps up, pointing towards Ed Houston! Zybala shrugs to Houston and turns, stepping through the ropes, as Houston looks back at Enforcer with a confused look. He walks up to Enforcer, who nods with a smile, wanting this challenge. Houston stares over at Zybala, who encourages him to go get the big man. Houston nods and steps forward, throwing a right hand across Enforcer's jaw!! But Enforcer just straightens back up, staring at Houston, the smile still on his face! Houston again glances back at Zybala, who now just gives the "I Don't Know" gesture. Houston turns back, with Enforcer easily scooping Houston up onto his shoulder!! Before Houston can pull himself free, Enforcer takes a couple of steps and throws Houston down with a powerslam! He covers... 1... 2.. and Houston shoots free with plenty of room to spare.*

Rockwell: Enforcer has been wanting to face off against Houston, venturing to Miami not that long ago to scope him out.

Hood: If Zybala's smart, he'll just let Houston take all the abuse and just earn that PPV paycheck. But I've never thought Zybala was that smart...

Rockwell: I wouldn't count out Houston already, Hood. Remember, he has a PPV victory over The Big Bifford.

*Enforcer is back up now, pulling Houston along with him. He shows off his power again by lifting Houston over his head, doing a couple of Gorilla Presses before dropping Houston into his arms and throwing him overhead with a fallaway slam! Houston rolls to the ropes, looking stung. He appears to be interested in making a tag to recover. Zybala, showing his courage, is reaching out, but Enforcer doesn't let Houston get close. He pulls Houston up again, launching him into their corner. Enforcer comes over, kicking away at Houston while simultaneously tagging in Justice. She steps through, doing the kicks as well, working over Houston. They quickly tag again, with Enforcer stepping back inside. They bring Houston up out of the corner, with Enforcer getting Houston onto his shoulder. Justice reaches up and grabs Houston's head, and the two drop at once, getting a gutbuster/neckbreaker combination!! Enforcer covers... 1... 2... and Houston manages to kick out!*

Hood: We're seeing all the teamwork on the side of the former champs!

Rockwell: To be fair, they haven't really given Houston & Zybala a chance to show any teamwork yet...

Hood: The perfect strategy in a match like this is to never have Zybala in the contest at all.

Rockwell: But you say that about all Zybala's matches...

Hood: And I stick by it.

*Justice tags back in, keeping up the quick tags as they work to keep Houston contained. With Enforcer holding Houston up, Justice uses the ropes to spring in, landing a springboard bulldog! She covers... 1... 2... and Houston keeps kicking out. Zybala starts cheering on Houston, turning to the crowd to get a chant going. He looks anxious, as if thinking again about his usual method of changing the momentum in a match, but so far he's resisted the urge. In the ring, Justice pulls Houston back up, dragging Houston back over to Enforcer for a tag. But as they get close, Houston suddenly speeds up, jumping up and getting a single-leg dropkick to Enforcer, knocking him back off the apron!! Justice, surprised, still hammers Houston in the back of the head as he tries to get up. She brings him forward, wanting to put him back down with a sitout facebuster, but Houston reverses out of it, instead taking Justice down with a cradle suplex!! The fans cheer, as both wrestlers stay down for the moment.*

Rockwell: This is Houston's chance for the hot tag!

Hood: Hey, Zybala! I heard someone's wanting to book a wedding at the Red Robin! They're in the back!

Rockwell: Sit down, Hood!

*Houston is pulling himself along the mat, working to get back to his feet for better progress. Justice has cleared her head, looking back to where Enforcer is getting back up on the apron. she gets up, going over to tag him in! Enforcer steps through the ropes and heads for Houston, grabbing him from behind before he can reach Zybala! But Houston responds immediately, jumping around to score a Pele kick!!! Enforcer staggers back, stunned, as Houston jumps in the other direction, falling into the hot tag to Zybala!! The crowd pops as Zybala immediately bounces himself over the ropes and flies in, nailing Enforcer with a springboard clothesline!! Enforcer goes down, as Zybala hops up to meet a charging Justice, giving her a quick leg sweep to put her down! He turns back to Enforcer, sweeping him as well to keep him down. As both wrestlers struggle to get back up, Zybala pulls them both in close... landing a double Russian Leg Sweep!! Enforcer and Justice roll away in different directions, as Zybala is powering up!*

Rockwell: Zybala is a man on fire in there!

Hood: If only... but I doubt fire would actually kill him...

Rockwell: That's not what I meant, Hood.

Hood: But it's what I would love to see...

*Zybala grabs at Enforcer, hauling him back up. He takes him over to his partner's corner, slamming Enforcer head-first into the top turnbuckle. He then does it twice on the second turnbuckle, and once on the third, leaving Enforcer laying on the mat! Zybala then turns to Houston with a raised eyebrow. Houston nods, saying he's good to come back, so Zybala tags him in, then grabs Enforcer's legs. He starts to catapult Enforcer out of the corner, even as Houston springboards up the ropes and comes down with a 450 splash, crashing hard into the wrestler!!! Houston makes the cover... 1... 2... but Enforcer is somehow able to kick out!! Houston turns, tagging in Zybala again. This time it's Houston holding onto Enforcer's legs as Zybala goes up top, leaping back down with the M. Bison Double Foot Stomp!! Enforcer is taking a beating, as Zybala makes the cover this time... 1... 2... and Enforcer grabs at the nearby ropes, saving himself! Zybala shakes his head and gets up, dragging Enforcer with him.*

Hood: I just don't understand it...

Rockwell: I'd say it's not that surprising that Houston and Zybala could make a good team, Hood...

Hood: No, I mean... how are they tagging? How do you tag a ghost?

Rockwell: The same way I suppose that Zybala can strike and wrestle with others.

Hood: He has control over it?

Rockwell: No, he's NOT A GHOST!

*Enforcer is struggling to get up as Zybala tags back in Houston, who lands a few free shots into Enforcer's side. He then jumps up, giving Enforcer a hurricanrana to the mat! Justice is shown on the other side, anxious to get back in there and show her worth. In the meantime, Houston tags back in Zybala, with the two men walking over to Enforcer and each getting on either side of him, going for a double suplex! But Enforcer blocks it once... twice... and on the third try, he instead lifts up BOTH men, landing his own suplex!!! This astonishing display of power amazes the Chicago crowd, even as Enforcer starts moving on his hands and knees towards his corner. Zybala tries to grab at his foot, but Enforcer kicks him off, then makes a final lunge, tagging the hand of Justice!!! She immediately springs up onto the top rope, leaping off with added momentum and nailing the rising Zybala with a missile dropkick!! Houston gets up, but Justice spins into a slicing heel kick that sends Houston crashing to the mat!*

Hood: Righteous Justice!!

Rockwell: The First Lady of the GCWA is going wild in there!

Hood: She's going to prove to everyone that she's the best in the business!

*Zybala struggles back to his feet, but Justice is there, taking him down with a drop toe hold that she transitions into a half-Boston Crab/half-Ankle Lock submission!! Zybala's eyes immediately widen as he struggles against the hold, feeling his ankle being twisted in ways Nature never intended! Zybala claws at the mat, looking around for the ropes and seeing how far they area. He lowers his head to the mat, fighting against the pain. Suddenly, the lights start flickering! Justice looks up, unsure, but the lights soon balance back out, as Zybala raises his head again, shaking it from right to left, refusing to give in to the urge! He starts trying to push himself towards the ropes, using everything he has left, even as Justice fights to keep him from escaping. She actually drags Zybala back a couple of inches, keeping him in place, when Ed Houston suddenly returns, catching Justice off-guard with a running delayed dropkick!!! Justice goes down, breaking the hold, as Zybala lays his head down in blessed relief!*

Rockwell: Zybala's really trying not to use the darkness!

Hood: And it almost cost him the match, until the Rocketman saved him...

Rockwell: And it looks like Enforcer isn't taking his surprise attack on Justice very well!

*As Houston starts to get up, Enforcer is there, pounding away on him! The referee tries to get between them, wanting them to head back to their respective corners, but both men move that direction, causing the ref to trip over the downed Zybala and fall on his rear! No harm is really done, but the referee just throws his hands up, leaving it up to fate as Houston and Enforcer continue to go at it over near the corner. Zybala, having been surprised by the referee falling over him, slowly starts getting up again, limping. He turns back, but Justice is there, peppering him with rights and lefts! She takes Zybala to the other corner, looking back at her husband. Enforcer nods, and they both whip Houston and Zybala at each other! Houston and Zybala, though, do a quick turn after grabbing arms, running back at their opponents, leaping at them! But Justice dodges out of the way of Zybala, who hits the corner, while Enforcer catches Houston in mid-air and bodyslams him on the mat!*

Rockwell: It's a free-for-all!

Hood: You couldn't expect the only tag match on the card to end any differently!

Rockwell: Can Enforcer and Justice put them away here?

*Enforcer and Justice both go over to Zybala, recognizing him as the legal man. They both bring him up in the air, before dropping him across their knees in a double gutbuster!!! Zybala falls to the side, as Justice makes the cover, holding the leg... 1... 2... 3, NO!! Zybala manages to get free at the last moment! The referee steps away after the count, basically letting anything go, as Justice pulls Zybala up and tosses him into Enforcer... who lands the Death Penalty DDT!!! Zybala could be out cold, as Enforcer gets up and turns... and gets clocked in the head by the Houston, We've Got A Problem (Superkick)!!! Enforcer goes down, even as Justice jumps up from her attempted pinfall to go after Houston. He tries another superkick, but Justice twists around it, then grabs Houston by the head, trying for Lights Out (RKO)!!! But Zybala grabs her, pulling her off! Justice pushes him off, but then Houston nails her with Houston, We've Got A Problem, taking her down!! The crowd pops, even as Houston heads up the turnbuckle. He gets to the top, as Enforcer suddenly reappears, coming at him... only to be tackled through the ropes by Zybala!! Houston flies, landing Blastoff (Shooting Star Press) on top of Justice!!! The ref is there... 1... 2... 3!!!!*

Minos: Here are your winners, via pinfall... "The Rocketman" Ed Houston and Mike Zybala!!!

Hood: *throws down headset, cursing in the distance*

Rockwell: come back, Hood! Okay, he'll calm down in a minute... This was a great win for Houston & Zybala, proving that they can work well as a team. Does this mean they'll be coming for Duce & Byson's World Tag-Team Titles next? All Houston has to do is cash in his Golden Opportunity to set up the match. We'll see if that comes to be in the coming days...

*Houston helps a hurting Zybala up, lending him a shoulder. Zybala is smiling again, looking pleased with the way their team worked. He pats Houston on the shoulder, and they start heading for the back, with Zybala once again taking the opportunity to talk about a new Meteor movie.*



Rockwell: It's been an intense night thus far and things only look to increase in intensity.

Hood: Iggy Hardy is here?!

Rockwell: Not that I'm aware. We do have a special guest in attendance, however.

Hood: ...and?

Rockwell: A true wrestling legend. A man that puts the CAN in American. He's been observing the action from a VIP suite.

Hood: Sounds like a true patriot. This better not disappoint.

Rockwell: Let's send it to Jones for an exclusive interview with...Aidan Collins.



Hood: *MARKS OUT*

*We cut to an EXCLUSIVE, EXTRA LARGE VIP SUITE. Or, well, the outside of it. Jones is literally tied up and gagged in a corner. The camera shoots upward to locate the face of former OCW GM And current Mustard Factory member, Marcus Welsh.*

Marcus Welsh: Thanks. As you can see, Jones is a little tied up at the moment so I'll be conducting this interview.

Rockwell: Hey! This -

Hood: QUIET

*Welsh enters into the VIP Suite. It's decked out in red, white, and blue. A bunch of wrestling awards and trophies are strategically placed for acknowledgment and admiration. There's even a "AIDAN COLLINS 2020" banner mixed in all the hoopla paraphernalia. But the real item of interest...the TRUE treasure is Aidan Collins. Stretched out over a few chairs, legs kicked up, and a red, white, and blue beverage in hand, the pro wrestling legend seems quite cozy. Welsh looks to take a seat next to Collins.*

Marcus Welsh: Hello, King Infinity. Is it still King Infinity or have you come up with a new moniker?

Aidan Collins: Frankly, if you want to be ahead of the curve, you should be calling me the next President of the United States of America... but, I guess for now, you can call me King Infinity or Mr. Collins or Aidan. I am a man of many names and many chairs, and I only have stools for fools.

*Collins, who certainly seems inebriated, arrogantly waves for Welsh to move down a few seats. Marcus quickly complies and finds a stool a handful of feet away from the sprawling Collins, who sips on his patriotic concoction of liquors casually as he listens to Welsh speak.*

Marcus Welsh: Sorry about that, Aidan. Anyway, welcome to GCWA and welcome to Warriors of the Ring. How are you enjoying the event so far?

Aidan Collins: First off, before we continue, I just want to clarify that when I said I only have stools for fools, I meant stools as in literal turds. I shit on my enemies and remember that for eternity.

*Aidan points at the camera, an ominous threat towards all who may oppose him, including Donald Trump and Joe Biden.*

Aidan Collins: But, to answer your question, Welsh... I am having a great time here tonight. There's been some fantastic in-ring action going on, I have been drinking plenty of alcohol, I have many chairs... and I also watched you tie up some guy that screamed like a bitch the whole time, which was pretty sweet. I think he thought you were going to MeToo him, bro.

*Aidan sits up a bit, moving one of his chairs slightly so he can sit up better.*

Aidan Collins: I guess all that's needed for the end of the night is an awesome main event...or I guess, like a titty popping out somewhere. That's always appreciated.

Marcus Welsh: Too bad Bifford got eliminated last week otherwise you might have got both at the same time!

*Welsh laughs quite loudly at his rather stupid joke. Collins raises a disturbed eyebrow, debating internally if he should join in on the bodyshaming of the extremely obese Bifford, which may hurt his polling numbers with big fatsos. Welsh silences.*

Marcus Welsh: But yea, it's been great. I totally agree. So, I'm sure you heard the huge news earlier this week. James Raven signed with GCWA. Word is he's already got merchandise for sale down at the concession stands. You're a big fan of Raven, you guys are pretty tight...how do you think he'll fare in GCWA? What are your thoughts on him joining? And, will you be naming him your VP in 2020?

*Aidan sits up completely and throws his drink over his shoulder, sending it flying out of his VIP suite and probably landing on some poors outside.*

Aidan Collins: Bro! James Raven is in GCWA! What!? That's awesome!

*Aidan stands up and kicks an office chair, sending it rolling into a catering table that explodes, sending hors d'oeuvres and sauces flying everywhere.*

Aidan Collins: I came here tonight for love of sport. For love of getting extremely, belligerently drunk. For love of America...and nothing is more American than hiring a Canadian guy to do wrestling extremely good. What a fantastic signing this company has made, a move that I totally, 100% did not know about until right this minute.

*Aidan takes a deep breath, before plopping back down onto a leather executive chair.*

Aidan Collins: Marcus Welsh. If James Raven wants to be my Vice President, that would be an honor. I don't know if they let Canadians be VP, to be honest, but Obama showed that faking a birth certificate is extremely easy, so I think we can make it happen regardless...Did somebody say bunk beds in the White House? As long as Raven is okay taking the top bunk and won't peek when that thing is rocking down below on nights when my wife visits, I think we can make that happen, too.

*Welsh slaps his knee, laughing at Aidan's commentary. He stands and reaches the bar. His hand moves toward the ‘good stuff'...he pauses and catches a certain look from Aidan. Welsh detours, snaring a plastic bottle of whiskey. Not sure why it's there. No doubt somebody was fired for the oversight but...nevertheless, Welsh pours himself a drink. Struggling to keep his swallow down, Welsh clears his throat.*

Marcus Welsh: I think we've all learned over the past decade that, when it comes to the political process, laws are merely suggestions. No doubt Raven would qualify as your VP. And a damn fine VP he would make. In fact, I think I just heard your polling numbers rise to 69% electability. Don't quote me on that.

*Aidan, in fact, does not quote Welsh on that.*

Marcus Welsh: You know me as a man of fine taste. I have an impeccable eye for talent. A purveyor of in-ring excellence. I brought you into OCW and you, in my eyes, won Death March. I brought Raven into OCW and he won Block Party. Never, in my life, had I seen such dominance. Such talent. Such...charisma. I didn't think it was possible for a third to exist. Surely Collins and Raven were the ultimate. The apex of pro wrestling. It appears I was wrong...apparently, there's a third amigo out there. He's been competing in GCWA's Warriors of the Ring over the past month. His name is Shawn Warstein. Tonight he has a chance to do what Raven did in OCW and win GCWA's 32 person tournament, securing a shot at the GCWA Title. What are your thoughts on Warstein and how easy will it be for him to go all the way tonight?

Aidan Collins: When you mentioned a third amigo, I thought you were referring to Drake Komodo, since he was the third member of the Tribe with Raven and I...but, Shawn Warstein? Who in the fuck is Shawn Warstein?

*Aidan looks into the distance confused before he has a realization that jolts him back into focus.*

Aidan Collins: Oh, FuZz? Haha! Yeah! I heard he was going by his birth name these days...Wow, I haven't been asked about that date rapist in a long time. Is he still going around and sticking people with needles? That's why we called him "FuZz" back in the day, by the way. He'd sneak up behind men and women, dose them with rohypnol, and then... Well, let's just say it was a real "pain in the ass" to deal with FuZz back in the heyday of the X-Treme Wrestling Federation.

*Aidan smirks as he trash talks a former foe, but as he continues, he speaks more genuinely.*

Aidan Collins: Listen, I know FuZz has been dominating the XWF recently. That's something that is deserving of much adulation, but he's kinda been doing it under the radar. I don't think it's right to be honest, but maybe winning Warriors of the Ring will give Shawn some well-deserved shine. For awhile now, FuZz has been showing everyone who's been watching that he's one of the best in the world today. If he wins tonight, it's going to be a real wake-up call to the rest of the industry. I'll definitely be rooting for him tonight and keeping tabs on Shawn's involvement with GCWA.

*Once again, Welsh produces an unnecessary laugh, nearly spilling his glass of whiskey.*

Marcus Welsh: A pain in the ass! Haha, that's a great one, Mr. Future President. Guy sounds like a total raging homo if you ask me!

*We quickly cut away to a black screen and the following message.*

"The views expressed by Marcus Welsh are not shared by 2020 Presidential Candidate, Aidan Collins. Vote Aidan Collins for 2020. This message has been brought to you by #AidanCollins2020, official sponsor of Aidan Collins, 2020."

*We return. Welsh is far more subdued. His glass of whiskey has been replaced by a bottle of water.*

Marcus Welsh: Let's visit the hypothetical realm, Mr. Collins. Let's say James Raven and Shawn Warstein were to cross paths in GCWA. Who would win? And, if their paths did cross...is there any way in which you could be enticed to step off the campaign trail and into the wrestling ring to remind every living, breathing, shitting fan of your greatness?

Aidan Collins: Marcus, there is no medical professional in this country that will authorize my return to the wrestling ring. I put together a Task Force, the "Fix Aidan Collins Committee", or FACC, and they launched a nationwide search to find a doctor that would clear me. Sadly, FACC fucked up because fucking FACC couldn't find a quack to uncuck my fucked fucking body.

*Marcus raises an eyebrow, astounded that the hammered Aidan Collins didn't trip up on his last, tongue-twisting comment.*

Aidan Collins: As far as Raven vs. Warstein...That's something I would put money on being the match of the year. Not just in GCWA, but for the entire industry in 2020. If GCWA gets that match signed--a match that could possibly be for the GCWA Title--they're going to make so much fucking money, they won't know what to do with it. We're talking printing money like The Fed. We're talking putting asses in seats like Ikea. We're talking dolla dolla bills, y'all!

*Aidan seems to be pumped up from the potential match already!*

Aidan Collins: Now, who wins that match? Frankly, it seems like the smart money would be on Warstein in 2020. The dude has been on a tear...but, let's be serious here. James Raven is an Aidan Collins protege, just like Aidan Collins was a Drake Komodo protege. When you look at wrestling lineage, James Raven is fucking royalty... and he's done more with his career than I could ever imagine when I first saw him as an XWF rookie, trying to find his place in the lockerroom. Frankly, I always expected him to be a World Champion level wrestler, but this guy is a Hall of Famer in multiple federations, he's someone who has kept companies afloat from a management role, and he's one of the all around best dudes in the industry, period. So, who do I take in Warstein vs. Raven? The same guy I would take against fucking anyone in the industry today. I'm taking James Raven, baby boy!

*Welsh notates...'put everything you have on RAVEN'.*

Marcus Welsh: Nevermore, am I right?!

*Welsh laughs. No response.*

Marcus Welsh: Soooo....I could sit here and interview you all day, Aidan. I mean, when it comes to pro wrestling legends there's you...and, well, you! The Mount Rushmore of wrestling has standards and those standards are simple. Aidan Collins. So, Mr. Collins...future president...before I leave you to your devine devices...I have one, final question...if, by some miracle, you did return to wrestling...who would be your ideal/dream opponent?

Aidan Collins: Marcus, if the doctors cleared me, I would be prepared to fight any opponent at any time. That's the type of mentality that you need to have to be a champion in this industry...but if I had to choose? Damn. As much as he's my boy, I've never faced James Raven in a singles' encounter and I've always wondered how that match would turn out. One thing is for sure, we'd sell any arena in this glorious nation if that match were to happen. But sadly, it seems like that can never happen due to my medical status.

*The drunk Aidan Collins' seems to lament for a moment, recognizing that he may never wrestle again... but before he starts going down the rabbit hole of his own sorrow, he snaps back into his proud, patriotic self.*

Aidan Collins: But, I guess in this industry, you can never say "never"! Except to communism. Because fuck communism.

Marcus Welsh: Hell yea, down with commies! Let's go JEWS! Right?

*Collins isn't paying Welsh much attention at this juncture. It's become pretty obvious this dude has fallen on hard times and is going to do more harm than good.*

Marcus Welsh: I mean, imagine you being forced to share all your accomplishments with losers like Mack O'Connor, Centurion, Bifford, and Shawn Warstein. Downright criminal. I literally agree with everything you've said.

*Welsh digs in his pockets.*

Marcus Welsh: By the way, while I've got you here and since we've reconnected and understand each other and our goals...you wouldn't mind signing this piece of paper, would you?

*Welsh sticks a very crumpled, stained, old looking piece of paper in front of Aidan.*

Marcus Welsh: It's nothing, really. Just kinda states that if or when you return to wrestling I'd be your representative. I figured, ya know, since I hired you in OCW then you'd return the favor, right?

*Welsh stands up to hand Aidan the paper. Aidan stumbles his feet and grabs the paper. He reads it with a furrowed brow.*

Aidan Collins: Marcus, I'm drunk. Very drunk. But I'm not THAT drunk.

*Marcus looks dejected. Aidan sees this and looks a bit sympathetic.*

Aidan Collins: But hey, what do you say. The bar maiden for this suite has some solid titties. Do you want me to call her over to get you a cosmo or whatever you drink?

*Welsh scratches the back of his head. He eyes the door. He thinks he overhears security attempting to find Jones' assailant. The bar maiden enters (as fate would have it)...she does, indeed, possess majestic mammaries. A decision is instantly reached.*

Marcus Welsh: Sign me up!

*Welsh takes a seat. Aidan nods at the voluptuous waitress. She throws a super pink cosmo together, reminiscent of whatever the hell theaters were selling all the horny, middle aged women that paid to watch Sex in the City. Welsh takes a drink and smiles. Collins points over his shoulder for one, final, parting shot.*

*The banner.*

*It reads.*

*"AIDAN COLLINS 2020"*

*We cut back to Rockwell and Hood.*

Hood: That... was... so... AWESOME!!

Rockwell: It takes a lot to surprise me, but seeing Aidan Collins appear at a GCWA Pay-Per-View is definitely stunning!

Hood: Best moment of the night so far!

Rockwell: I don't know that I'd go that far... it's been an exciting night already, and we're not even done with the quarter-finals yet! Let's get to the match that features the wrestler Aidan Collins is keeping his eye on, Shawn Warstein!


GCWA Warriors of the Ring Tournament Quarter-Finals match
Jason Cashe (2-0) vs. Shawn Warstein (2-0)

Minos: The next contest is a Warriors of the Ring V Tournament Quarter-Finals match... introducing first...

*Lights strobe with the music as the chorus plays into the arena. Jason Cashe comes out from the back. His head has a bob to it as he stops at the stage. Looking around the arena before placing eyes on the ring. Cocking back, he howls and barks twice before throwing himself forward and heading to the ring.*

Minos: From Houston, Tejas by way of Decatur, Georgia.. A truly Troubled One they call DiOGee.. Jaaaassoooon! CAAAASHE!!

*Stopping as the aisle turns to ringside, Cashe drags a foot creating an imaginary line. This is the line where when passed, the talking stops. He two step jogs to the ring, leaps up on the apron onto his left knee. He stands and dips under the top rope to enter the ring. He was ready to scrap.*

Rockwell: Cashe appears to have taken care of his Micro Mafia problem, leaving him to compete freely here tonight.

Hood: You really think he didn't take out a bet on this contest?

Rockwell: I believe I heard he put money down on John E Depth...

Hood: The poor fool...

Minos: His opponent... standing 6'4" and weighing 234 lbs... from CHICAGO, ILLINOIS *HUGE POP*... here is Shawn Warstein!!

*The Centuries remix from Fall Out Boy begins playing throughout the arena. All eyes turn towards the stage entrance, but suddenly there's a lightning storm of sorts on the right side of the stage! As the flashing continues, a phone booth suddenly appears, sliding into place. A few seconds later, the doors swing open, and Shawn Warstein pops out, full of confidence. The hometown fans are going wild, cheering on Warstein, who ignores their attempts to get his attention. He gets to the apron, climbing onto it and pulling his hood down to look at the crowd before entering through the ropes.*

Rockwell: Warstein is also competing for the XWF Leap of Faith Pay-Per-View tonight. Rumor has it he had to develop a time machine so he could compete in both venues. I guess that's what we just saw...

Hood: I mean, what other explanation is there for him being in Chicago and Tokyo on the same days?

Rockwell: There's always teleportation... maybe Space Lord is helping him out...

Hood: We've talked about this, Space Lord's stuff is all made up...

Rockwell: And yet a time machine is realistic?

Hood: I... shut up, Adrian...

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: So who's the favorite in this one?

Hood: Obviously Warstein. He'll keep changing the outcome until he gets it right...

Rockwell: Wait, but wouldn't we then see countless Warsteins rushing the ring and switching out? Wouldn't that be deemed illegal?

Hood: I don't know that it's ever happened before, which probably means there's nothing in the rule books against it...

*The two wrestlers each face off in the center of the ring, with Warstein cockily telling Cashe that there's no chance for him, since he's already seen how this match ends. Cashe doesn't seem impressed by it, saying he's seen the director's cut, which is much better. Warstein looks confused, which might be what Cashe was going for, as he comes in with some snap jabs to Warstein's jaw, staggering him! Warstein swings back, but Cashe easily ducks underneath and comes back up with more jabs, keeping Warstein off-balance. Warstein angrily swings again, and again misses, as Cashe dashes behind Warstein, using his speed advantage to catch Warstein with a half-nelson side suplex!! Warstein rolls away, getting into the corner to try and recuperate. But Cashe is right after him again, climbing up and delivering his Meathook Attack (Inner Forearm Strikes) to weaken Warstein further! He then backs off from the hurting Warstein, dusting himself off, before charging back and landing a rolling Cannonball!!*

Rockwell: I wonder if Warstein saw this coming...

Hood: Hey, he just got there for the end, Adrian, and the end is all that matters!

Rockwell: If you say so, although the end might be surprisingly close if this pace keeps up!

*Cashe now has Warstein back up in the corner, landing a few more shots, asking him when the beat-up version of him is going to show up to try and change things. He then gets Warstein's legs set up on the turnbuckle, backing away and preparing for a leg split groin kick!! The referee looks nervous, as if unsure if he should legally allow this to happen. Cashe tells him not to worry, but then comes forward anyway... but Warstein has gotten himself freed, and leaps forward from the turnbuckle, getting a shoulder block that knocks Cashe down! Warstein pulls himself up, looking pissed at Cashe. He grabs Cashe on the way up, immediately taking him and giving him a release German suplex into the corner!!! Cashe hits hard, before falling back forward, ending up on his stomach, hurting. Warstein gets himself back up and comes over, putting a knee into Cashe's back! As Cashe winces, straightening up, Warstein starts ripping at his eyes, doing some damage to the man's vision!! He also grabs Cashe around the side of the head and slams him down to the canvas, rubbing his face into it!*

Hood: I think Cashe has released the Kracken!

Rockwell: Warstein looks pretty upset at the early shots from Cashe, but he needs to be careful. He can still be disqualified...

Hood: The ref wouldn't have the guts! ... Would he?

*Warstein ignores the referee, pulling Cashe back up. He talks to him again, reminding him that he told him it was all decided when he said it was. He whips Cashe hard into the corner, causing him to hit back-first. Cashe then stumbles forward, right into Warstein's arms, who picks him up and delivers him back into the corner with a Buckle Bomb!! Cashe flops forward to the mat, with Warstein kicking him over before making the cover... 1... 2... and Cashe gets out of it. Warstein immediately shifts into a ground and pound offense, working Cashe over on the mat once again. The referee moves in, asking for Warstein to break it up. Warstein doesn't give a damn, but he stops swinging and brings Cashe up instead, lifting the lighter wrestler into the air. He holds him there for several seconds, enough for the fans to start counting them up, before finally dropping with a stalling brainbuster!!! Warstein makes another cover, keeping it loose... 1... 2... and Cashe is out again, which isn't a surprise at all to Warstein.*

Hood: I almost feel like Warstein's just going through the motions right now, waiting for the signs of the ending he saw.

Rockwell: Be honest with me. You really think he time-traveled here from the past?

Hood: I just know what I saw, and I know he saw... something...

*Each wrestler is getting back up now, with Warstein looking extremely confident at this point. He's taunting Cashe again, telling him that he at least saw him putting up a fight. Cashe responds with a quick elbow, knocking Warstein off of him. Cashe then runs to the ropes and comes back... only to be caught by Warstein and taken down with a spine buster!! Warstein stays on top... 1... 2... NO!! Cashe kicks out again. Warstein shakes his head, wondering if he's changed history by watching it before and telling the world about it. He shrugs and pulls Cashe up, taking him over near the ropes. He tells Cashe to make it exciting, then lifts him up, looking to throw him over the top rope!! But Cashe blocks it, grabbing the ropes, before throwing another shot back that breaks him free. Warstein, annoyed, grabs at Cashe... who quickly ducks under it, then clotheslines Warstein, putting him over!! Warstein lands on the apron, catching himself. He seems to be smirking as he gets up, using the ropes... and Cashe comes running at him, spearing Warstein through the ropes and sending both flying to the outside!!!*

Rockwell: What a move from Cashe!!

Hood: Did the Micro Mafia teach him that one??

Rockwell: Hard to say, but it was a beautiful thing, and clearly Warstein never saw it coming!

*The referee has started a slow count, with the usual effort of keeping all tournament matches from ending in any double eliminations. He's looking over the top rope to where both Cashe and Warstein are still laying, having both taken an impact from the landing. Cashe is slowly rolling to his side, trying to call on some reserves after having taken some hits in this one. Warstein slowly sits up, wincing. He looks around, nodding his head as if to say "That's more like it". He starts to get up, holding his side, but Cashe, seeing this, jumps up as well, stomping on the back of Warstein's knee!! Warstein falls forward, hurt, but starts to rise again, so Cashe grabs him by the arm and gives him an Irish Whip into the side of the ring!! Warstein doesn't go down, taking the impact on his lower back as he stumbles forward. As Warstein tries to recover, Cashe is getting his adrenaline flowing. He pulls himself up on the apron, lining things up before running forward and getting a Blockbuster off the apron!!!*

Rockwell: Cashe is showing the fire that helped him take down two strong wrestlers so far in this tournament!

Hood: You can't underestimate anyone who's defeated The Big Bifford!

Rockwell: Nope, that's a career accomplishment, but Cashe is hoping to add Warstein's name to the list here tonight!

*Cashe gets himself up, although he's clearly not feeling great after his own landing on the outside mats. All federations seem to go cheap on the cushioning out there. He looks up towards the ring, where a more anxious referee finishes counting Seven. He nods to the ref, understanding, before reaching down and dragging Warstein up. He takes Warstein to the apron, landing another shot under the jaw before then rolling the wrestler into the ring. Cashe pulls himself up onto the apron, looking over at where Warstein is laying. He adjusts himself, getting everything aimed right, before springing himself up onto the ropes and leaping in with a Springboard Diving Cannonball!! But Warstein's knees come up, giving Cashe a horrible landing!! Cashe bounces away, almost going out of the ring on the other side before stopping. Warstein's hurting, too, grabbing at his knees from the hit. Both wrestlers look like they've been through a war so far, as the referee moves between them, watching carefully in case someone can't continue.*

Hood: This is getting brutal!

Rockwell: And whoever wins here could potentially have two more matches!

Hood: Time for your other time selves to come out of the woodwork, Shawn!

*Both wrestlers are struggling to get up now, using up a lot of energy in this quarter-final contest. Cashe is up first, making his way over to Warstein. He grabs Warstein by the head, but Warstein responds with a shot to the gut, causing Cashe to walk away, groaning. He turns back, but Warstein is there, taking Cashe over with a spinning Falcon Arrow!! He grabs at the legs, hanging on... 1... 2... 3, NO!! Cashe manages to kick out! Warstein stares at the referee, wondering where he learned to count. He grabs at Cashe's beard, yanking him upwards despite the protests of the referee. Warstein sneers at him before lifting Cashe up, no, Cashe catches Warstein with a throat punch!! As Warstein stumbles back, Cashe hits the ropes and comes back with a left-handed clothesline!! He goes off the ropes, continuing to run, and scores another clothesline! Warstein gets up a third time, and Cashe rushes at him again... and Warstein dives forward into Cashe's legs, causing him to do a flip before crashing to the mat on his knees!! Cashe tries to recover, but Warstein's already coming in... and hits the King's Crown (Kinshasa)!!!!*

Rockwell: The King's Crown lands!!!

Hood: Hey, when did that other phone booth get here?

Rockwell: Warstein could get the pin here to end it!

*The referee moves to position, expecting the pin, but Warstein is still standing there confidently. He looks over near the stage, smiling, before he lines up on Cashe again. The wrestler is slowly raising his head, trying to find a way to recover. He looks very out of it. but he's not giving up. Warstein waits for him to rise up, then comes forward again.... with a second King's Crown!!! Cashe is down and very possibly out, but again Warstein doesn't make the pin. He looks towards the stage once more, where another lightning show seems to be going on. He does a mock wave before turning back to Cashe, dusting his hands off. He turns to the referee, directing him over, before dropping to make the cover, putting a hand on Cashe's chest... 1... 2... 3, NO!!! Warstein looks stunned as Cashe gets his shoulder up just enough to break the count! Warstein looks back at the stage, then back at Cashe, this time dropping his full weight on top of the man for the cover... 1... 2... NO!! Somehow, Cashe is still able to find the reserves needed to kick out!*

Hood: But it was over! Warstein saw it when he traveled!

Rockwell: He saw the King's Crown, Hood, but he left before he saw the pin...

Hood: But it was two of them! It was a sure thing!!

Rockwell: Nothing's a sure thing in wrestling!

*Warstein is still beside himself, glaring at the referee. He gets up, berating him for not counting fast enough. The referee responds by pointing out that Warstein should have just gone for the quick pin afterwards. Warstein doesn't take this too well, grabbing the ref by his shirt, wanting to know what makes him think he can tell Warstein how to wrestle?! The referee, scared, raises his hands, while also stuttering through a warning about a disqualification. Warstein angrily drops him, then turns back to where Jason Cashe, beyond all logic, is starting to try getting up. He rolls over to get to his hands and knees, shaking his head repeatedly as if feeling something rattle around in there. Warstein pushes the referee out of the way, lining himself up for a third King's Crown! He rushes forward... and Cashe springs forward from his knees, leaping into the air and scoring the Mark of Jason (Superman Elbow)!!!! The place erupts, seeing Warstein go down, but Cashe is too wasted to even attempt a pin at this point. He lays on the mat, still trying to pull himself together after two King's Crowns.*

Rockwell: That might have been purely on instinct, but it landed!

Hood: Warstein's down! Cashe is down! Someone send Dylan Thomas down so he can pin one of these guys!

Rockwell: Not a chance, Hood. It's down to who's able to recover at this point!

*Cashe rolls over onto his back, staring up at the lights on the ceiling. He slowly gets up again, looking around, as if not knowing what he just landed. He sees Warstein still down and crawls over to him, grabbing at his leg as he pulls him over for the cover... 1... 2... 3, NO!!! Warstein kicks out! Cashe slumps to the side, knowing that'd be too easy. He reaches for the ropes, using them to help him rise up. Warstein gets over on his side, trying to focus himself. Cashe slowly limps over to him, waiting patiently as Warstein starts to get up. He stalks the man, preparing for "C.O.D." (Cashe On Delivery), a jumping cutter! He gets behind Warstein, grabbing his neck and jumping... but Warstein shakes him off! Cashe hits back-first, having nothing to hold onto to cushion the landing! He rolls, getting up, as Warstein turns and catches him... snapping him down with the Ego Trip (Future Shock DDT)!!!! Warstein gets on top quickly this time, as the ref slides in... 1... 2... 3!!!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner... Shawn Warstein!!!

*The hometown crowd pops, cheering wildly at the conclusion of this one.*

Rockwell: What a match!

Hood: I honestly thought that Cashe might actually change history!

Rockwell: It was pretty close, Hood, and it took two King's Crosses and an Ego Trip, but Warstein wins out to make it to the next round!

Hood: Damn, though, Warstein had to use a lot more energy than I'm sure he wanted to...

*The referee raises Warstein's arm, to another cheer from the crowd. Warstein pulls away from the ref, though, as he doesn't give a damn about the fan reaction. He turns and leaves the ring, already thinking about his next match.*



*The show cuts to the backstage where we see many heavyset individuals lined up at the concession stand. Men, women, children... all fat. Getting beers, popcorn, beers, chips and snacks. And of course Beers. But that's not all... hotdogs. Everyone knows the hot selling food item (maybe even compared to the Tony The Spider merchandise sales area too) is HOTDOGS. Everyone in the GCWA 'universe' fan base loves the GCWA 'dogs. They specialize in it. You can have it grilled, boiled, raw and even burnt to a crisp. Anyway way you want your hotdog, they gots' it.*

*A limey kid with a little megaphone starts shouting through his horn.*

Boy: HOTDOGS! GET YER' HOTDOGS HERE! Like'm boiled, yes? And grilled, huh ma'am??? GCWA has them for yee.... come one come all...

*BANG!*

*Suddenly a door from the boiler room slams open unleashing a room full of smoke. This silences the crowd around the concession stand as they look at the smoke.*

*Figures appear out of the smoke. It is Modern Day Crusader, Shootah, and oddly enough actor Billy Zane who is carrying an 80s boombox.. The men all wearing black and sunglasses. Leading them is Alice Knight. Who is wearing a purple and blue checkered romper as she holds a jumbo jar of OWL is MUSTARD and a spoon. She smiles looking at the silent crowd.*

Alice: Gentlemen... let's broaden our minds. HIT IT BILLY!

*Billy Zane presses play as Michael Sembello's Rock Until You Drop begins to play. Alice begins to dance as she and the Mustard Factory members scatter around the concession stand. Alice (doing the cabbage patch) approaches a heavy set woman who is about to eat her jumbo boiled hotdog.*

Alice: TRY SOME OF MY MUSTARD!

*Using the spoon she drops a thick, chunky blob on her 'dog. The heavy set woman, not caring and smiles and nods before walking back to her seat.*

*Alice struts to a man with a large French fry. Alice pours a dab of mustard on his fries.*

Man: What the hell? I wanted ketchup on my fries.

Alice: I DID YOU A FAVOUR YOUNG MAN... YOU'RE WELCOME!

*Shootah and Crusader are doing the same to other customer fans at the concession. Billy Zane still holding the boombox as a young man walks up to the stand. Alice can be seen ease dropping.*

Kid: I got an order from The Big Bifford's dressing room. Big Pop! He wants a big pop! And 50 Hotdogs. Grilled. Ketchup. Relish. And mustard.

*Alice smiles as she walks over to the kid with her giant jar.*

Alice: Tell Big Bifford, all the OWL is MUSTARD is on the house and no hard feelings between us.

Kid: Oh, hey Alice. Are you still in your rut after Big Bifford beat you not that long ago on Inferno?

*Alice frowns.*

Kid: Actually... the Biff said to specifically NOT get the owl is mustard. He said it's gross. Sorry.

Alice: Is that what he said, huh? Turn off the music, Billy...

*We see Billy Zane dry humping a heavy set woman.*

Alice: MUSIC! OFF! NOW! BILLY!

*Billy Zane presses stop. Alice now circling the kid with angry eyes. The kid waits for the hotdogs but nervously smiles at a deranged looking Alice.*

*He grabs the 50 hotdogs in a plastic crate. Putting the big Pop on top of the crate.*

*Alice can be seen setting up the jar of mustard as if it was a football and throws it at the crate, smashing it into pieces and shattering the mustard jar at the same time. Leaving the kid covered in pop, hot dogs everywhere. And worse yet, Owl Is Mustard staining him and the concrete. Everyone around stays quiet as Alice approaches the kid holding a wad of wrinkled paper bills. She bends down and puts the money in the kid's mouth.*

Alice: ... what are you looking at, Butthead? I'll tell you what you are looking at... Alice. Knight. Tell Big Bifford he is still welcome to free Owl is Mustard... oh, and also a free beating from o' OWL IS KNIGHT down the road! Hoot... Hoot... HOOT! HOOT! HOOOOOT!!

*She begins hooting as she storms back into the boiler room leaving everyone around the concession unsure what to do.*

Rockwell: That was a lot of lost hot dogs...

Hood: Alice just messed with The Big Bifford's food... I love it!

Rockwell: You love it?

Hood: If anyone can dispose of Alice for good, it's The Big Bifford! I can't wait for his spicy mustard chicken sandwiches!

Rockwell: Well, for now, we've got our final tournament Semi-Finals match. Let's go back to Minos!


GCWA Warriors of the Ring Tournament Quarter-Finals Unified X-Division Title match
Duce Jones(c) (18-7) vs. The Lost Soul (33-25-2)

Minos: The next contest is a Warriors of the Ring V Tournament Quarter-Finals match... and will also be for the GCWA Unified X-Division Championship!! Entering the arena... standing 6'3" and weighing 235 lbs... from Parts Unknown... he is 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.*

Rockwell: The Lost Soul found himself battling a Himalayan Brown Bear during a visit between Nepal and Tibet.

Hood: I thought for sure it was a Yeti, and that we were finally going to be done with The Lost Soul...

Rockwell: I'm personally curious about TLS spending time in a Buddhist temple here in Chicago...

Hood: Really? I want to know why the hell he needed to keep one of the dead bodies for RESEARCH!!

Rockwell: ... Okay, yes, I'd like to know that too...

Minos: His opponent...

*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 filling up with smoke. After about a minute of waiting, Duce Jones slowly emerge through the fog, mixed emotions coming from the crowd. Byson Kaliban follows behind, with both sporting their Tag-Team Titles. Duce's new belt is held on his shoulder, to be shown off to the crowd.*

Minos: Making his way to the ring... standing 6'0" and weighing in at two hundred fifteen pounds... from Memphis, Tennessee... one of the current GCWA Tag-Team Champions of the World, and the GCWA Unified X-Division Champion... DUCE JONES!!

*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. Climbing onto the apron, Duce goes to the corner to his right, climbing onto the second rope and peering out into the crowd. Finally done, he jumps over the top rope, landing inside of the ring and removes his hooded vest as he prepares for action. He steps to the outside, handing off the vest, while looking to the side.*

Rockwell: Something in Duce's past has caused a lot of people to apparently be hunting him and his brother.

Hood: Don't forget his uncle, who apparently lost a finger! I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have these ten beautiful digits...

Rockwell: I'm not even going to ask what you usually use them for...

Hood: That would be a smart idea.

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: Due to his victory over Mike Zybala in the second round, Duce Jones is now the GCWA Unified X-Division Champion. He's vowed to defend it in this tournament as well!

Hood: It was stupid for Zybala to do it, and it's stupid for Duce. But damn, is this belt getting some fine attention!

*The referee walks back and forth, raising the GCWA Unified X-Division Title over his head. Duce nods to it, expecting to have it back in his possession within the next few minutes. He turns towards Byson, telling him to keep an eye out for any suspicious-looking fans. The Lost Soul, as if expecting this, quickly hurries behind Zybala, dragging him backwards into a roll-up!! The referee tosses the title aside and dives in... 1... 2... Duce kicks out! Both men leap up, with Duce grabbing The Lost Soul and twisting HIM down into an Oklahoma roll! 1... 2... and The Lost Soul gets free! They jump up, with TLS now locking onto Duce's head and getting him into a roll-up... 1... 2... Duce reverses it... 1... 2... TLS reverses it back... 1... 2... both come apart, rolling away from each other and jumping to their feet. The fans cheer the series of close falls, as Duce and TLS take each other in, focusing on how close some of those counts were.*

Hood: Smart strategy from both men. Win quick, and you've got a much better chance in the Semis!

Rockwell: Plus, the championship comes with you!

Hood: Of course, that's an added bonus...

*The two wrestlers begin maneuvering around each other, perhaps having a slightly higher respect for the chance of a quick loss. They lock up, with Duce transferring into a headlock on TLS. He grinds on the head, trying to do some damage, but TLS pushes them into the ropes, then shoves Duce along to the other side. Duce comes back with a clothesline, that TLS is able to avoid by about an inch. Duce hits the ropes and comes back, with TLS jumping into a dropkick, only to have Duce stop short, avoiding contact. TLS hits the mat, rolls, and starts to get up, but Duce is behind him now, latching onto TLS and sending him back into the ropes. As TLS comes running back, Duce leaps, getting a running knee smash that plants TLS on the canvas! Duce then follows it up with a flip senton, landing on top for the cover... 1... 2.. and TLS is able to kick free. Duce immediately transfers to a reverse chin lock, intent on keeping TLS down and wearing him out.*

Rockwell: The Lost Soul had a match decades ago with Duce's father, Krayzie, defeating him in the ICWF.

Hood: It's not often you can go to a parental figure for tips on a wrestler you're facing...

Rockwell: It just shows the remarkable consistency of The Lost Soul, who continues to work at a high level even this late in his career.

Hood: It also says the best way to get TLS to lose is to offer him a $5 off Denny's breakfast coupon and pin him while he's distracted...

*Duce works over The Lost Soul's head, possibly contemplating moving around the mask, but TLS is already starting to fight his way upwards. They reach their feet, with Duce suddenly releasing the chin lock and spinning, trying for a discus punch! But TLS dodges underneath, avoiding the dangerous strike, and grabs Duce's head from behind, dropping him with a reverse cutter variation!! Duce is down, as The Lost Soul just sits there for a moment, as if thinking about the cold of the Himalayas. He slowly gets up, turning back to the recovering Duce. Before Duce can get away, TLS locks onto his head, then snaps down with a strong DDT, continuing his concentration on the champ's noggin. He rolls Duce over, making another cover... 1... 2... and Duce stops the count by raising his shoulder, forcing both men to sit up. But this works to TLS' benefit, as he immediately turns it into a Stretch Plum submission, pulling Duce's head backwards!!*

Hood: You don't see moves like that very often anymore!

Rockwell: The Lost Soul has probably forgotten more about wrestling than you and I know combined, Hood.

Hood: Then he should know that at some point, you've got to throw in the mask, I mean, towel!

Rockwell: It might be Duce who needs the towel soon, if he can't escape!

*Byson is pacing back and forth outside, looking nervous as he stares in at his brother. The Lost Soul is continuing to tighten his grip, trying to knock Duce out, although the champ is still fighting back. The referee checks on him again, then suddenly runs to the side, seeing Byson getting up on the apron!! This attracts The Lost Soul's attention, causing him to break his grip on Duce and get up. Byson is teasing coming into the ring, with the referee standing in his way. The Lost Soul waves him off, telling him to take a hike since this isn't a tag-team contest. He turns back to Duce... who suddenly leaps forward, scoring a Superman Punch!!! TLS goes down to his knees, stunned, as Duce staggers to the ropes, using them to get some momentum. He runs back, landing the D-Trigga (V-Trigger Knee Strike) to the side of TLS' head!! Byson has already hopped back down, cheering on Duce as the brother makes the cover... 1... 2... 3, NO!! The Lost Soul still kicks out!*

Rockwell: Byson caused a distraction, and it worked to change momentum!

Hood: Never doubt the advantage of having someone in your corner. TLS has clones or something, right? He should always have a couple standing there if he needs them.

Rockwell: For all we know, the clones are in the audience right now.

Hood: Really? *gulp*

*The Lost Soul works to get himself up, still wanting to keep fighting, but Duce is just waiting for him. He grabs TLS' arm, getting it bent between TLS' legs before lifting him up to score a pumphandle neckbreaker!! With TLS down again, Duce once again tries for the victory... 1... 2... but TLS just won't stay down! Duce doesn't let it concern him too much, though. He pulls TLS up and sends him towards the corner, where TLS crashes in back-first. Duce lines him up and runs forward, hitting a running crossbody and slipping through the ropes. As TLS staggers forward, Duce springs off the ropes and comes in with the second half of Duce's Wild, getting a Zig Zag!! The fans are popping at the moves, even as Duce again goes for the cover... 1... 2... 3, NO! The Lost Soul gets a hand over on the ropes, causing the stoppage! Duce, annoyed, grabs at the arm to pull it down and tries again... 1... 2... but TLS kicks out once more!*

Hood: C'mon, Duce, put the old-timer away!

Rockwell: You know, this is the second match in a row where you're rooting for Duce over his opponent...

Hood: Don't remind me. It's just the way the tournament has gone. Duce took care of Zybala, and now I'd love for him to take down TLS!

*Duce has stood up now, watching as The Lost Soul crawls towards the nearby ropes, pulling himself onto the apron. Duce waits for him to rise, then grabs at him, pulling TLS back and hitting him across the chest with a few shots, stinging him with each one. He then works to pull The Lost Soul through the middle rope, positioning him for the Nice To Knee You (Swinging Knee Lift)! But TLS pulls away at the last moment, basically dropping off the apron to the floor, avoiding the strike! The Lost Soul takes a knee on the outside, trying to recover, as Duce shakes out his own knee from the missed opportunity. As the ref tells Duce to get back, Byson comes over, telling TLS to get himself back in the ring and fight. TLS rises up, staring at him, and Byson shakes his head at him, saying he won't do anything to get his brother disqualified. TLS nods... then kicks Byson in the groin!!!! Byson falls to the side, gasping in pain, as Duce looks on in shock! He starts to comes through the ropes, but TLS greets him with a shot to the face, then another, driving him back into the ring!*

Hood: Byson's balls just got busted!

Rockwell: Hey, he's not in the match, so no disqualification is on the line!

Hood: Still, damn it, seeing a shot like that always hurts!

*The camera focuses on Byson once more on the outside, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else at the moment. Back in the ring, The Lost Soul has taken control, snapping Duce Jones down with a Russian leg sweep! He makes a cover, holding onto the legs... 1... 2... and Duce kicks free. TLS takes a few extra seconds to get up, straightening his neck with an interesting-sounding pop. He grabs Duce by the head, locking him up to lift him for the Soulbuster (Brainbuster)!! But Duce suddenly fights free, scoring a quick knee shot that staggers TLS back. He then stands up and kicks TLS in the chest, following it up with a spinning backfist. The next step of The Juice is a kick to the leg, but TLS, knowing the pattern, kicks himself, catching Duce midway up and causing him to limp away. As Duce turns back, hurting, The Lost Soul dives into him with a crossbody, taking Duce to the ground... but Duce reverses, flipping over for the cover... 1... 2... and TLS kicks out!*

Rockwell: Both men are giving their all to move on in the tournament as a champion!

Hood: Neither has given as much as Byson Kaliban, though. Anyone gotten that man some ice?

Rockwell: I think I saw someone giving up their frosted beverage for him...

Hood: A true sacrifice for someone in need...

*Both wrestlers slowly get up, with Duce landing the first punch, knocking TLS back. But TLS returns with his own shot, and the two warriors exchange a few shots back and forth. TLS gets the upper hand after a knee shot to the stomach, sending Duce back to the ropes. TLS runs in the opposite direction, hitting the ropes... and tripping, thanks to Byson Kaliban grabbing his ankle!! The Lost Soul regains his balance and looks back at Byson, as the referee heads over, trying to figure out what just happened. Byson tries to act innocent, still wincing from the hit he took earlier. As the ref points at him, Byson jumps up on the apron, pleading his case, saying that nothing happened other than TLS tripping over his own feet. TLS stands behind them, annoyed, as Duce gets back to his feet. He runs forward, coming at TLS from behind... but TLS was playing possum, quickly spinning out of the way, and Duce jumps into Byson instead, knocking him off the apron!! Duce, surprised, turns back, but TLS gives him a kick and lifts him up, landing the Soul Buster!! Without hesitating, TLS gets right back up and swings himself forward, landing the Souled Out (Somersault Leg Drop)!!! He covers... 1... 2... 3!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner, going to the Semi-Finals... and is the NEW GCWA Unified X-Division Champion... The Lost Soul!!!

Rockwell: The Lost Soul earns his first gold in the GCWA in a decade!!

Hood: Wow! How the hell did he do it??

Rockwell: People have been underestimating The Lost Soul throughout this tournament, Hood, and yet here he is, the two-time Unified X Division Champion!

Hood: So far, defending the belt in the tournament hasn't gone that well...

Rockwell: Truly a remarkable victory for a veteran of the business, one who's still earning points towards the GCWA Hall of Fame!

*The referee goes and gets the championship, bringing it over to The Lost Soul. He takes it, studying the belt, as if remembering holding it before, long ago. It's changed a lot since then, of course. He looks over at where Duce is trying to get up, staring at him before turning to leave the ring.*



Rockwell: So we're down to our four finalists! It's going to be Shawn Warstein taking on The Lost Soul, with the Unified X-Division Title on the line, and Lissie Hope facing the seemingly badly-injured Terry Marshall!

Hood: So why don't we speed tonight up and just write in Hope and Warstein in the finals?

Rockwell: Well, first, Warstein wouldn't get his shot at a belt, and second, neither one has the win in the bag. Anything can happen in the GCWA!

Hood: Well, yeah, we've got space pirate, time travel, clones, ghosts... we pretty much do it all. But that doesn't change the facts of those two matches.

Rockwell: Well, let's see what Mack O'Connor is thinking about these four potential opponents. Take us back to the penthouse suite!

*The video shifts to the penthouse suite, where Mack O'Connor has been watching all of the action. He sips on the fresh beer that was just brought to him. He takes another sip, before settling backwards.*

Mack: This is the life...

*Mack takes another drink, not hearing the person approaching him from behind.*

Hunter Barrows: Hey, champ! Enjoying the view?

Mack: I could learn to get used to it...

Hunter Barrows: So what do you think so far? Anyone you're particularly worried about in the final four?

Mack: Hah. No.

Hunter Barrows: Not even Warstein? Haven't you fought The Lost Soul before? Marshall's hurt, but he's a fighter. And Lissie Hope's been dangerous throughout...

*Mack raises his hand, gesturing for Hunter to be quiet as he takes another good sip of his beer before setting it down beside him.*

Mack: I'm going to stop you right there, Hunter. I'm taking nothing away from these wrestlers. Winning three matches in a row is an accomplishment, no matter who it's against. But if you think any of them has a chance to end the Mack O'Connor era in the GCWA, you need to get yourself checked out.

Hunter Barrows: Okay, Mack. Keep enjoying the show! I look forward to seeing you, y'know, wrestle on the next one.

Mack: Then maybe tell your brother to get off his ass and book me next time...

*Mack settles back into his seat, reaching for his beer once again. Hunter shrugs and walks off, leaving the GCWA World Champion behind.*

Rockwell: So safe to say, Mack O'Connor isn't too concerned with who wins tonight.

Hood: Hell, he's already beaten Duce, Houston, Bifford, PerZag, and Vargas... that's a murderer's row, and that's just since he came here.

Rockwell: So you think O'Connor can easily take Warstein?

Hood: In the words of Mack, "Hah. No."

Rockwell: Well, it looks like they're getting things ready for our special Outsiders PPV match!

Hood: Ahhh, hell...


Outsiders Brack Friday Bunduru match
The Uber-Man(c) (0-1) vs. (Lord Allton(c) (0-0) vs. Rogue Daniels(c) (3-3) vs. Barry Barrows (3-0) vs. Anderson Haze (6-8) vs. Aaron Warthog (5-16)

* We cut back to ringside and the fans explode with cheers as the Elimination Chamber lowers down to surround the ring. The ring crew do their magic when the Chamber lands; fastening all the bolts and everything else to prevent anything from breaking. The fans are confused when they start taking down the ropes. They open up the front of the Chamber and place a ramp up to the ring so the wrestlers (mostly likely wheelchair bound Allton) can enter. The cheers get louder as Belvedere and Mitch walk out from behind the curtain. Mitch is high fiving everyone he can, looking pumped for this match. Belvedere is more composed, but we can tell even he is excited to be here. Both men get in the ring. *

Rockwell: I can't believe we're finally here. The Brack Friday Bunduru match! Months of run ins and attacks have led to this moment.

Hood: I hate to admit this, but Zybala did a good job stirring the pot for this one. All Outsiders gold up for grabs in a winner take all frenzy!

Rockwell: Someone is going home with everything, and five guys are going to be extremely disappointed. Who do you have in this one, Hood?

Hood: I have no clue! I wanna pull for The A-Lister, Lord Allton, but I've always been a Barry fan, who is also in the A-List. Fucking Zybala making me choose like this! Let's just take it to Belvedere...

*Belvedere is looking professional inside the massive structure, despite the intimidating surroundings. Even Mitch looks sober for this one. He doesn't want to fuck this up. Belvedere raises the microphone and here we go.... *

Belvedere: Ladies and gentlemen! The following Outsiders match is a Brack Friday Bunduru Match for every Outsiders Championship Wrestling Title!!

* The fans cheer, though seem a bit disappointed they couldn't shout "One Fall!" with Belvedere. *

Belvedere: The rules are simple. Two wrestlers will start while the other four will wait in pods. A new wrestler will join every three minutes. Eliminations can take any time. The last person standing will win all Outsiders titles! Introducing first, your referee for the match, Outsiders head and only ref, MITCH!!

* The fans cheer as a brief "Mitch" chant can be heard. Belvedere let's this go on for a little bit before he starts. *

Belvedere: The first competitor! He is standing at 5'7" and weighing 167 lbs... from Pensacola, Florida... He is the Outsiders United X-Division champion..... Here is "The Killswitch" ROOOOOOOOOGUE DAAAAAAAAAANIELS!!

*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 is clutching the United X-Division belt close to his chest 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. Daniels walks up the ramp and enters the ring. 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 holds his title high in the air before hopping down. He hands the belt to Mitch and walks to a pod. Daniels enters it and sits, waiting for his opponent. The music dies down and Belvedere continues.*

Belvedere: And his opponent. He is standing at 5'9" and weighing 220 lbs... Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts... This is ANDERSON HAAAAAAZE!!

*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. Anderson Haze walks out with a black t-shirt that says, "Get Hazed!" on his chest. He has on a variation of The Crow face paint that he wore during his promos and comes out with an electric guitar. He walks to the ring, playing along with his theme song, all the while staring up at the Chamber. He stops before entering, gently takes off his guitar and hands it to a ring crew member. He then takes off his shirt, and throws it to a fan. Haze enters the ring, glaring at Daniels and enters a pod of his own and paces back and forth. His music stops and Belvedere continues. *

Belvedere: Making his way to the ring... at a height of 5'6 and a weight of 11stone, being accompanied to the ring by his ‘Family' Tank Terrell and Vincenzo Larossia... representing The A-List.....please welcome the Outsiders X-Factor Champion..... LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRD ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* Instead of "Real Good Looking Boy" playing, a familiar, melodious tune begins to play. "JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR" hits the speakers and out of the curtain rolls Lord Allton. He is smirking to the crowd who are booing their heads off - not that he cares at all - Allton rolls down the ramp with Tank and Vincenzo not far behind. Allton is wearing his usual (non Pennywise-inspired) wrestling attire with some strange leg brace contraptions on his legs. *

Rockwell: There's Lord Allton - he's seemingly himself tonight and not PennyLord. But will we see remnants of the psychotic clown here tonight?

Hood: Lord Allton doesn't need PennyLord to defeat the likes of these guys, Adrian. The next Outsiders World Champion, right here tonight - you'll see. And he's gonna bring that title back to the A-List!

Rockwell: Always a man with a plan....Allton has become even more dangerous since reuniting with Dylan and Lissandra Thomas - and arguably has made the A-List much more dangerous as a result.

Hood: Arguably?! Definitely.... Wait, what's Allton doing?

* Allton stops his chair by the ring as Haze and Daniels both collectively beckon him to get on with it and get in the ring. Allton however raises a finger telling everyone to wait. He hands his X-Factor Championship to Tank, telling him to keep it safe and Tank nods. He then tells Vincenzo to untie the straps on his legs so his feet can dangle down. He then presses a button on the leg braces and he asks for Vincenzo's hand to help steady himself, as he leans forward. He puts his feet on the ground, and using Vincenzo's hand to keep steady....Allton stands up! Everyone in the arena is shocked, including Allton's opponents. *

Hood: Oh my fucking god!

Rockwell: He's standing up! Lord Allton is....he's WALKING TOWARDS THE RING!

Hood: This is a fucking miracle! Is Lord Allton the Jesus Christ of GCWA and Outsiders?!

* Vincenzo lets go of Allton's hand as he feels more steady now and he climbs into the ring with an evil smirk towards Haze and Daniels. He then walks to a pod and starts doing little stretches to keep limber and get used to actually standing. There is a murmur in the crowd about this walking. Belvedere continues. *

Belvedere: And their opponent.. He stands at 5 foot 6 inches and weighs in tonight at 150 pounds! Accompanied by Deana Barrows and Lissandra Thomas....Also representing The A-List....He is The "UNDEFEATED" BAAAAAARRY BAAAAAARRRRROOOOOWWS!!

*The fans cheer as "Oh Yeah!" by Green Day begins to play, starting at "I am a kid of a bad education, the shooting star of a lowered expectation". Barry steps out from behind the curtain with his arms raised! The fans start chanting "BAAAR-RY!! BAAAR-RY!" Goldberg style. They can't deny the force this man has become.*

Rockwell: The fans are behind the newly married Barry Barrows.

Hood: There he is! The man! The legend! The guy who will be the Outsiders everything champion!!

Rockwell: I thought you wanted Allton to win...

Hood: I do.

Rockwell: What about Barry??

Hood:..... Fuck....

*Barry makes his way to the ring, looking confident. He enters the ring carefully, but is able to step through without injury. He smiles and climbs the turnbuckle, only getting up one rung before deciding that's enough and raising a shaking hand in the air. The Green Day song stops as Barry enters the fourth pod. *

Rockwell: Now we know who's starting the match off. Aaron Warthog and The Outsider's World champion, Uber-Man!

Hood: Good. Let them wear each other out. It'll soften them up for Lord Allton.

Rockwell: Or Barry?

Hood: Fuck!!

Belvedere: And the next competitor.... standing 6'1" and weighing 330 lbs... He hails from Charleston, South Carolina... he is a former United X-Division champion... This is AARON WARTHOG!!

"Everyone knows I'm Hog Wild!"

*Hank Williams Jr starts the intro as the fans all turn to look at the entrance. Aaron Warthog comes out, jutting out his chin on the stage and facing the audience.. Warthog starts down to the ring, looking a bit nervous. He enters the ring and looks at everyone in the pods. Warthog's music ends and the lights dim a little bit.*

Belvedere: Last but not least.... His secret lair is in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Weighing at 190 pounds of justice, he is your Outsiders World Champion! This is The UBEEER-MAAAN!!!!!

"THEY SAY A HERO CAN SAVE US"

* "Hero" by Nickelback plays as The Uber Man comes out as his music plays. He is in his hero costume and holds his Outsiders Title high for all to see. He strikes a superhero pose before turning towards the curtain. Out steps Chad Kroeger!! He's playing a guitar while singing his most famous song. Uber looks amazed and almost on the verge of tears. The hero reluctantly turns around and heads down the ramp. He high fives fans on his way ringside and slides under the ropes. Uber-Man jumps to his feet and strikes another pose with his title held high! He then hands the title to Mitch, who lifts it high before handing it to the exiting Belvedere. Once Belvedere is out of the ring, the crew closes the last part of the Chamber and locks everything in place. Mitch waits for Kroeger to finish playing and calls for the bell!! Warthog and Uber-Man circle each other, taking their time, sizing each other up, waiting for the other to act first.*

Hood: Just fight already!!

Rockwell: It literally just started. They're trying to come up with a plan it looks like.

Hood: Plan nothing! Beat the fuck out of each other and get weak for Barry!

Rockwell: You mean Allton?

Hood: I hate Zybala for making me choose!!!

* Uber and Warthog are still circling. Uber quickly drops forward on his knee and tries to grab Warthog's leg. Warthog backs up, avoiding contact, and lunges forward to grab at Uber, who also moves out of the way. They're playing it smart. They're saving energy for when the others join. Uber-Man grabs Warthog by the wrist and tries to throw him into the ropes, but Aaron doesn't budge. Uber tries again and it's the same results. The weight advantage is too much. Warthog then whips Uber into the ropes, but Uber stops himself by holding onto the top rope. Warthog charges at Uber-Man with a clothesline, but Uber-Man ducks, pulling the top rope down with him. Warthog spills over the top rope and takes the short fall to the steel floor between the pods. Warthog gets to his feet rather quickly and tries to get back in the ring, but is met with a knee to gut courtesy of Uber-Man. Uber then reaches over the ropes, grabs Warthog and tries to Uberplex the bigger man back into the ring. Uber can't lift up Warthog, however. Warthog then tries to suplex Uber OUT of the ring, but is met with resistance as Uber wraps his legs around the bottom rope. Warthog tries again, but Uber just won't let go of those darn ropes. Realizing that his opponent has nothing to hold him up, Warthog releases Uber-Man, who crashes to the mat, legs still tangled in the ropes.*

Rockwell: Warthog using some smarts there.

Hood: It's some action, but they should kick it up. Really go all out and get tired for The A-List! Haha, fuck you and asking me which one!

Rockwell: Only one can still win. If Barry let's Allton win, he won't be undefeated anymore. If Barry wins, Allton won't be a champion anymore. That may cause a rift in the A-List...

Hood: MOTHER FUCKER, ADRIAN! QUIT RUINING THIS FOR ME!!

* Hood stands up and throws a nearby chair up the ramp. Everyone looks at the tantrum, including the wrestlers. Uber-Man gets to his feet as Warthog enters the ring while still looking at Hood. Uber tries to use the distraction to his advantage and superkicks at Warthog, who sees this at the last second and manages to catch the foot in time. He pushes Uber onto his ass and is about to charge at him when the lights go dim. The crowd cheers as a spotlight spins roulette style over the pods. After several rotations, it slows to a stop on.....*

Rockwell: Anderson Haze is in the match!

Hood: Come on! Let Allton and Barry be last!

* Haze's pod opens and he rushes out and enters the ring. He immediately goes after Warthog and starts slugging away at him! Warthog fights back, but Haze is getting the better of the big man. Warthog staggers back and Haze drops him with a big boot to the mush! Warthog drops to the mat and Haze is about to continue with his attack, when Uber-Man runs up behind him! Uber-Man places his hands on Haze's shoulders, lifts himself up and over Haze, and lands a legdrop on Warthog! The fans cheer as Uber goes for a quick cover, but he gets pulled off by Haze. Haze drags Uber to his feet, shoves him in the corner, and starts chopping away at the hero's chest. Uber is in pain and it's not over yet as Haze climbs to the second rope and rains punches down on the Outsiders World champion. Mitch doesn't bother to administer a five count; he's only there to count the pins and call the submissions.*

* Warthog slowly gets to his feet and sees Haze still beating on Uber-Man. Aaron sneaks up behind Haze, bends over and lifts Haze up on his shoulders! Haze is confused at first, but quickly figures out what's going on. He starts punching the top of Warthog's head when he notices a now recovered Uber-Man has made it to the top rope. Uber-Man leaps off the top with a clothesline, but Haze ducks. Uber-Man lands on his feet as Haze manages to slip off of Warthog's shoulders. Uber charges, but Haze side-steps, causing Uber to crash into Warthog! Haze spins Uber-Man around and lifts him up in a fireman's carry, and spins him with an Airplane Spin! Both men are getting dizzy as Warthog tries to interfere, only to catch Uber's feet to his face! Haze stops spinning and nails Uber-Man with the Haze Effect!! Warthog tries to Stampede the dizzy Haze, but Haze has enough wherewithal to see this coming and trips up Warthog with a drop toe hold! Warthog falls to the mat and lands right on top of Uber-Man! Mitch goes for the count!*

Mitch: 1......2......3no!!!

* Uber gets a shoulder up at the very last millisecond! Warthog protests to Mitch about the count, but Mitch confirms it was only two..*

Hood: Fuck, fuck, fuckity fuck!

Rockwell: Despite my partners very biased opinion, Uber-Man barely escapes being eliminated.

Hood: It's a conspiracy against The A-List! Everyone is against them! Lissandra will have complaints to the Barrows about Mitch's abilities!

Rockwell: Mitch is an Outsiders ref. The Barrows have no power over him.

Hood: Conspiracy!!

* Warthog gets to his feet, pushing down on Uber to push himself up. He starts stomping and kicking away at the superhero, apparently forgetting about Haze. Haze grabs Warthog, spins him around and resumes their earlier scrap. The two men are punching away at each other with everything they have and then some! Warthog gets the upper hand, staggering his opponent. He then kicks Haze in the midsection before whipping him into the ropes. Warthog runs to the other ropes to build momentum and charges at Haze with The Stampede! Unfortunately for Warthog, Haze was thinking about using a spear too! Both men collide head first with each other and fall to the mat, clutching their respective noggins in pain. We can see a small trickle of blood on Warthog's forehead while Haze has a big lump forming on his forehead. Uber-Man is still out from the Haze Effect/Warthog splash from earlier. The fans are trying to encourage their favorite wrestler to get up when the lights dim again! The spotlight roulette begins again!*

Hood: Come on, Barry or Allton!!

Rockwell: What happened to keeping The A-List for last?

Hood: And waste this opportunity to pin three guys at once? Come on, A-List!!

* The spotlight starts to slow down and stops on..... LORD ALLTON! The Wrestling Jesus steps out from his now opened pod and enters the ring. He walks over to Uber-Man and starts stomping away at him! Allton is relishing the fact that he can use his legs, especially in this manner. He's having such a time that he doesn't notice Warthog and Haze are getting to their feet. Warthog notices Allton though, and goes to attack his nemesis, but is intercepted by Haze! The two men start to brawl and tumble through the ropes. Warthog shoves Haze off of him and gets to his feet. Haze gets to his feet too, using the side of a pod to steady himself. Haze looks into the pod and sees a worried looking Barry. Barry starts frantically pointing behind Haze. When he turns, Warthog charges at him with a Stampede! Haze manages to leap up the side of the Chamber at the last second. Warthog misses Have and goes crashing through the Plexiglas of the pod! Barry managed to back away in the pod far enough to avoid being crushed by Plexiglas and Warthog. Barry cautiously steps out of the damaged pod. He looks around as Deana and Lissandra yell at him to get out and help Allton! He looks at his stablemate who is having a blast kicking away at Uber-Man. He turns his attention to Warthog, who is slowly getting up and bleeding hard as the collision with the pod opening up his previous cut more. Barry quickly hits the dreaded Surprise Roll-Up on Warthog and pins him to the Chamber floor! The back of Warthog's head hits the steel hard as Mitch hops over the ropes and makes the count!*

Mitch: One.......Two.......No!!

* Haze jumps off the Chamber wall on top of Barry and Warthog, breaking up the pin. Haze starts raining down blow after blow on Barry, yelling that Warthog is his kill! Barry is doing his best just to cover up and defend himself. Allton sees this and stops stomping Uber-Man to go help his "friend." Allton steps between the ropes, grabs Haze and pulls him off of Barry. Allton helps Barry to his feet and the two advance on Haze, who isn't backing down. He tries to fight off both A-Listers by himself and it works for a while mostly due to Barry's inexperience. Haze throws Barry back into the ring, but that leaves him momentarily distracted for Allton to attack. As Haze turns towards The Lord of Dashing, Allton jumps up in the air for the first time in his life and dropkicks Haze into the broken pod! Everyone is stunned! The fans cheer out of support for the handicapable! Deana is shocked. Tank is stoic while Vincenzo is crying manly tears of joy! Lissandra can't believe it! Allton looks a little shocked himself, but he composes himself. He walks over to Haze, grabs his legs and drags him out of the pod. Allton, still holding on to Haze's legs, spins around one and locks Haze up in a figure four leg lock! Mitch is there in a flash, asking Haze if he wants to quit, all the while saying words of admiration to Allton for overcoming his struggles.*

Hood: TAP! TAP OUT!!

Rockwell: Jesus Christ! Will you please calm down?

Hood: TAAAAAAP!!

Rockwell: The Voice of The A-List, ladies and gentlemen. Haze is in a bad spot with that figure four locked in tight.

* Haze is trying to break the hold, but Allton has it locked in surprisingly well for someone who never used his legs before today. Uber-Man has slowly gotten to his feet and looks around. He sees Barry in the corner, thinking he may be in over his head. Uber then spots Allton, runs at the ropes towards his foe and swantons over the top rope! He crashes hard on top of Allton, causing the X-Factor champ to release Haze. A bleeding Warthog has recovered by this point and looks between Haze and Allton, not sure who he hates more. He picks Allton and goes over to help Uber-Man give The Lord of Dashing a good, old fashioned beat-down. In the midst of punching away, Warthog gets an idea. He stops Uber-Man and tells him what to do. Uber nods, enters the ring, turns around, and holds onto the top rope. Warthog picks up Allton and holds his head against the chamber cage. A buzz fills the audience in anticipation. Deana and Lissandra are yelling at Barry to do something, while Tank and Vincenzo yell at Allton to move. Barry does try to stop Uber-Man, but is cut off by Haze of all people. Haze reaches over the ropes and grabs Barry. He lifts up The Undefeated One and drops him to the mat with a front suplex. Haze enters the ring to make sure Barry doesn't interfere, and nods at Uber-Man.*

Hood: This is bullshit! Everyone is working against The A-List!

Rockwell: It does look like that for once, the numbers game is working against The A-List. Allton is in a pretty bad spot.

Hood: "Pretty bad?" This is practically attempt murder! Mitch needs to stop that costumed goof!

Rockwell: What if this was the other way around?

Hood: Then it would be fine.

Rockwell: Double standards aside, Uber-Man has taken flight!

Hood: MOVE ALLTON!!

* Uber-Man hops onto the top rope and leaps off with a flying knee at Allton! Allton can't fight off Warthog and his head gets driven into the steel by The Uber-Knee! Allton crumples in a heap when the lights dim again. There's no spotlight this time as Rogue Daniels's pod simply opens and the United X-Division champion enters the fray! Though, he's just taking his sweet time. Rogue goes to lean in a far corner to watch everyone else fight. Haze sees this and doesn't like it. Haze grabs the worked over Barry and whips in Daniels' direction. Daniels simply sidesteps Barry, who puts his arms out to grab the ropes and stops from crashing into the turnbuckles. Barry then starts to climb up the turnbuckles and even further as he pulls himself up on top of the pod! He sits up there to catch his breath and avoid the action. Daniels looks up as if he plans to give chase, but doesn't have the option as Haze clubs him with a forearm to the back of the head! Daniels stumbles forward, and quickly throws a superkick in Haze's direction. Haze dodges by backing up, only to bump into Warthog and Uber-Man. The two continue to use the numbers game by ganging up on Haze; who does his best to fend them off. Daniels watches the fight for a bit before turning to give chase to Barry.*

Hood: Why can't these guys just leave poor Barry alone?! Haven't they done enough to his partner, Allton?

Rockwell: If he didn't want to get hurt, he could have declined taking part in the match.

Hood: He didn't decline because he's a wrestler. He's a warrior! You wouldn't know anything about that.

Rockwell: I'm a former GCWA Internet and Television champion....

Hood: Those are entertainment mediums, not titles.

Rockwell: I can also kick your ass from here to next week.

Hood:..... Just leave Barry alone!!

* Rogue Daniels doesn't leave Barry alone, though. He climbs up the pod and stands right behind Barry, who is clinging to the Chamber links for dear life. Daniels reaches up to the ceiling, pulls himself up and lowers himself onto Barry's shoulders! The crowd is going wild as they start chanting "Please Don't Die!" Vincenzo and Lissandra are yelling at Daniels to go away. Even Deana looks concerned for her... "husband"... Daniels tries pulling Barry with his legs while Barry is still clinging to the Chamber. Haze, Uber, and Warthog stop fighting and look up just in time to see Barry lose his grip!! Barry stumbles backwards with Daniels still on his shoulders, as Daniels lets go of the ceiling! Daniels falls backwards with his legs still wrapped around Barry, hitting him with a Reverse-Rana from the top of the pod!! Daniels manages to land on Uber-Man, Warthog and Haze, but poor Barry crashes face first to the canvas! Chants of "Holy Shit" fill the arena!*

Hood: That asshole Daniels just fucking murdered Barry!!

Rockwell: Can we get a medic out here? Barry could be seriously injured.

Hood: And the cops! Daniels needs to be arrested!

* While the fans are cheering and encouraging everyone to get up, Tank and Vincenzo can be seen tending to a recovering Allton the beat can. Tank slips something between the links and Allton puts it in his hand. Allton shakily gets to his feet and stumbles into the ring. He sees everyone on the ground and has no idea what to do. That is until he sees Warthog starting to stir. Allton starts to slowly stomp the mat. The fans know what's coming and start cheering! Normally they hate Allton, but they love an inspirational story like a man being able to walk for the first time. Allton is stomping away at the mat as Warthog slowly gets up. Allton moves forward and when Warthog turns to face him, goes for the superkick! But it's a fake out! Half way through with the kick, Allton drops the leg down and nails Warthog in the face with a stiff left hand! Warthog drops and Allton takes off a pair of brass knuckles from his hand and pockets them. The cheers turn to boos as Allton poses smugly. He doesn't notice Haze putting an arm across Warthog. Mitch makes the count...*

Mitch: One......Two........THREE!!

Belvedere: Aaron Warthog has been eliminated!

* The fans continue to boo as the front of the chamber opens and a couple of officials help Warthog out of the ring and towards the back.*

Rockwell: Thanks to the help of a foreign object used by Lord Allton, Anderson Haze has taken Warthog out of the match.

Hood: Xenophobe.

Rockwell: Excuse me?

Hood: You're being Xenophobic. You're calling Allton a "foreign object" all because he's from England.

Rockwell: I'm calling the brass knuckles he used the foreign object, not him!

Hood: All I saw was Allton hit Warthog with the Legendary, Awesome, Gorgeous Punch and then take off a perfectly legal weapon and save it for later.

Rockwell: I guess there is no dq in the match.

* Allton goes over to check on Barry, who is looking worse for wear, ignoring the fact that Haze stole his pin. Allton drags Barry into a corner and tells him to sit tight. As Allton turns, he finds out what a real Superkick is as Rogue Daniels connects with the side of his jaw! Allton falls back into Barry! Before Daniels' foot is back on the mat, it's his turn to eat a Superkick, courtesy of Haze!! Daniels staggers and falls between the ropes as Haze turns around. Uber-Man is there to scoop him up and drop him with an Uber-Slam (World's Strongest Slam)! Haze is out on his back and Uber is looking for the kill. He goes to the corner where Barry and Allton are in, and begins to climb up the ropes, using Allton as a stepping stool. He looks down at Haze and flies off gracefully with an Uber-Crush (swanton bomb)! Haze brings his knees up at the last second and Uber crashes hard on them. Uber-Man is writhing in pain, holding his back, as Haze slowly gets to his feet. He's a little wobbly because almost 200 pounds crashed down on his knees and lower legs. He stalks Uber-Man, yelling at him to get up. Haze wipes sweat from his face, smearing his face paint and not caring. Uber-Man slowly gets back to his feet. Haze spins him around and hoists Uber up on his shoulders. He goes for the Haze Effect, but Allton is now standing in the way! Uber lands on Allton's right shoulder, which Allton is able to stay standing under the burden. He holds Uber as if he's going to hit a modified Dominator, but spins Uber-Man and drops him with a cutter! Lissandra is yelling her praises at Allton as Tank and Vincenzo clap for their boss. The fans boo the whole time.*

Hood: CONNECTICUTTER!! Allton just paid tribute to his friend with that one!

Rockwell: Interesting, albeit inadvertent teamwork there from Haze and Allton.

Hood: Maybe Haze wants to join The A-List. A few more assists like that and I'm sure Dylan and Lissi would allow him a probationary membership.

Rockwell: I highly doubt Haze wants to join...

* Uber-Man falls face first on the mat. Allton goes to make the pin, but gets pulled away by Haze. Haze starts yelling that Allton took away his finisher. He gives Allton a hard shove, stumbling the Jesus of Outsiders, but Allton recovers and shove Haze back into the rope. Haze uses them to propel himself back at Allton, hitting a forearm to the side of Allton's head. It's Allton's turn to stumble into the ropes and he returns in kind, nailing Haze. The two start smashing each other with forearms as the crowd is eating it up! Haze gets the upper hand, staggering Allton, and he tries to whip Allton into the ropes. Allton reverses and sends Haze running. Haze tries coming back with a clothesline, but Allton ducks and Haze runs right into a recovered Barry! Barry scoops up Haze and nails him with a very sloppy spinning powerslam! The crowd cheers for The Unstoppable One, then go absolutely nuts when Barry gets up and points up at the Barrows' sky box.*

Rockwell: The fans are loving Barry for paying homage to his father-in-law with that slam.

Hood: I don't think anyone expected to see The Rollercoaster tonight, especially from Barry!

Rockwell: The fans always do appreciate a bit of nostalgia.

* Barry goes to pin pin Haze, but gets rolled up in a surprise small package instead! Allton rushes over to break up the pin before Mitch could even go for the count. Allton starts kicking away at Haze and is so invested with it, that he doesn't notice Daniels getting back into the ring! He grabs Allton, spins him around and nails the Lord of Dashing with The Lights Out (spinning head kick)!!! Allton falls like a sack of potatoes and Daniels makes the cover!*

Mitch: One......Two.......Thr.....

* At the last millisecond, Barry makes the save by dragging Daniels off of Allton. Barry soon realizes that was a mistake when Daniels gets up and glares at him. Barry tries to back away, but Daniels pushes him into a nearby turnbuckle. The fans boo as Daniels goes to work with punches and chops and other strikes. He beats down Barry to his ass, then backs up. Daniels points double finger guns at Barry and charges in, nailing a harsh knee strike to Barry's head! Barry is in La-La Land, but Rogue isn't done. He backs up again, and charges in with a second knee strike! This one connects too, and Barry is out. He slumps to the mat as Deana and Lissandra look on with concern. Daniels doesn't care though. He sits Barry back up in the corner and nails him with a THIRD running knee to the head! Lissandra can't look and Deana walks over to Belvedere. She talks to him for a bit and Belvedere nods before turning on his microphone.*

Belvedere: Ladies and gentlemen, due to the orders of Deana Barrows, Barry Barrows is no longer able to physically compete in the match. Can we have a gurney down here please?

* A medical crew rushes down as the ring crew hurries to open up the cage. Deana talks to Belvedere more.*

Belvedere: Since Barry was neither pinned, nor submitted, he still remains Undefeated!

* The crowd cheers at this. The streak is alive! The medics quickly tend to Barry and get him out of the chamber. The Chamber is then locked back up and the match resumes. Daniels looks smug with himself, but that goes away when he is speared down by Anderson Haze! The two start brawling, rolling around the mat, throwing punches and trying to get the upper hand. They are so immersed with fighting each other that they don't notice Uber-Man flying off the top rope with an Uber-Crush! All three men are down as a buzz fills the audience. Vincenzo starts screaming at the top of the Chamber. The camera pans up and we see Allton scaling the cage! He stops when he is hanging above his downed foes.*

Rockwell: What the hell is Allton doing? How did he get up there?!

Hood: LORD! Allton has tremendous upper physical strength. It was the only part of his body he could train, so he did it with gusto.

Rockwell: That explains the how. What about the why?

Hood: Oh, that I have no fucking clue about.

* Allton starts swinging his legs back and forth, building up good momentum. As his legs swing forward, he releases the cage and starts falling! He manages to twist in the air from his swinging momentum and lands hard on Haze and Daniels with a shooting star press!! The crowd is going nuts and the "Holy Shit" chants start! Lissandra and Vincenzo can't believe their eyes and even the stoic Tank has a look of disbelief. Allton is having a coughing fit as he holds his ribs in pain. He manages to gather enough strength to make the pin on Daniels.*

Mitch: One........ Two........ThreeNO!!

* Daniels kicks out at the last possible moment. Allton then goes over to cover Haze.*

Mitch: One........ Two........

* Haze kicks out as well and this angers Allton. He quickly grabs Haze's arm and locks him up with the Python Grip (anaconda vice)!! Haze is grunting in pain and trying to fight off the X-Factor Champion. Daniels crawls to Haze's legs and quickly locks one up in a modified leg lock! He has a foot on Haze's knee and is pulling back on the rest of the leg. It looks horrible. Haze tries to kick at Rogue with his free leg but the pain of two submissions is too much. Haze has no choice but to tap out.*

Belvedere: Anderson Haze has been eliminated.

Hood: Final three and Lord Allton is still in it! All the gold is coming to The A-List.

Rockwell: It's not over yet. All three of these men are a champion in Outsiders.

* The cage opens as Haze gets help out of the Chamber. Everyone is standing in the crowd! Nobody knows who will win! The crowd is.cheering; trying to urge the last three wrestlers to their feet! Allton is first up, quickly followed by Uber-Man and Daniels. The three men stare at each other, daring the other to make the first move. The tension is high. Uber makes the first move as he attacks Allton. The two men trade blows while Daniels is content with watching. That doesn't last long as Allton pushes Uber-Man back and goes after Daniels. They start brawling as Uber regains his footing and makes his way to re-enter the fray. All three men start hitting the hell out of each other.*

Rockwell: And the match has broken down to fisticuffs between all three men.

Hood: Fisticuffs? Go back to the Thirties. grandpa.

* Daniels and Uber start to gang out on The Outsiders Jesus, Daniels is hitting high and Uber-Man striking low. They back Allton into a corner as they continue their assault. The duo then back up. Daniels grabs Uber's arm and whips him into the corner, but Allton sees it coming and explodes out of the corner with a lariat that levels the Outsiders World Champion! Allton continues his forward momentum and clotheslines Daniels as well. Allton mount Daniels and starts punching his head as the crowd boos.*

Hood: How can they boo this fine display of physical prowess by The Lord of Dashing?

Rockwell: Because he's a pompous ass?

Hood: It's jealousy. I bear Hater-aid is the big seller in the concession stands tonight.

* As Allton continues to pummel Daniels, Uber-Man sneaks up behind the X-Factor champ and pulls him off of Daniels. Uber-Man drags Allton over to a corner and with a show of strength, lifts him onto the top turnbuckle in a sitting position. Allton starts fighting back as the two trade lefts and rights, but Uber-Man gets in a great European Uppercut that snaps Allton's head backward!*

Hood: That's no way to treat a handicapable person!

Rockwell: But Allton has been giving as good and his getting.

Hood: Regardless! The costumed jackass should have more compassion!

* Allton is reeling from the world champs stiff uppercuts of the Europe variety. With Allton dazed, Uber-Man climbs the ropes and sets him up for a superplex. Before he can lift Allton, Daniels comes running over with a forearm to the back of Uber. The hero staggers, releases Allton and starts swinging his fists backwards trying to hit Daniels, who keeps ducking and hitting Uber-Man with more forearms. Allton takes advantage of the distraction and sets Uber-Man up for a Suplex. With a show of strength, Allton lifts up the hero and drops him over the ropes onto the hard metal floor! Uber crashes hard as Allton stands up on the turnbuckles, only to get shoved off by Daniels! Allton lands on his feet right next to Uber as "The Killswitch" steps between the ropes to join his opponents. Allton rushes over and hurls Daniels into the cage. Daniels is able to stop himself by grabbing the cage at the last second, but when he turns to go after Allton, he can't move his left foot. The fans boo as Daniels looks down and sees Tank's arm reaching through the cage, wrapping his hand around Daniels's ankle. Uber-Man starts to get up but is quickly dropped when Allton slips on the brass knuckles again and hits the hero with a L.A.G. Punch to the forehead! He tells a now bleeding Uber to stay down and walks confidently to Daniels.*

Rockwell: Even locked inside of an Elimination Chamber, The Family finds a way to interfere.

Hood: The Family watches out for each other. That's it. You call it interference. I call it having each other's backs.

* Daniels tries kicking at Tank's hand while swinging wildly at the approaching Allton. Allton ducks and weaves, avoiding the blows and slapping a few away. He's feeling cocky. Uber is knocked out, Daniels is in Tank's grasp; he's got this. That is until one of Daniels wild swings catches Allton in the jaw, stunning him. Daniels manages to stomp hard on Tank's arm, causing the big man to release the hold. Daniels turns and quickly lashes out with a wild Lights Out kick at Allton, but only hits air. Allton leaned back and when Daniels's foot is down, nails him with The L.A.G. Punch too. Daniels drops and Allton makes the pin. As Mitch gets in position, Tank and Vincenzo reach through the cage to hold down Rogue's feet.*

Mitch: One.......Two.......Three!

Belvedere: Rogue Daniels has been eliminated!

Hood: Two men left and one is as good as gone! Lord Allton has Uber-Nerd dead to rights!

Rockwell: It does look that way. After that shot from those brass knuckles, Uber-Man might be out for a while.

* As ring crew are helping Daniels out of the ring, Allton makes his way over to Uber-Man and covers him while hooking the leg. Mitch goes for the count.*

Mitch: One......Two.......ThreeNO!!

* The crowd goes wild as Uber-Man somehow finds the energy to kick out at 2 and 63/64ths. Allton is fuming and makes another pin. Mitch counts but Uber kicks out at 2 again. Allton gets up and rolls Uber-Man into the ring, then follows. He starts kicking the hero, screaming at him to get up. Allton stops kicking and allows Uber-Man to get to his feet. When Uber-Man is standing (barely) Allton boots him in the stomach and launches him into the ropes. When Uber bounces back, Allton hits him with a vicious spine buster then goes for the pin.*

Mitch: One.........Two...... KICKOUT!

* The crowd cheers as Uber-Man kicks out again. Allton is fuming! What does he have to do to put this guy away? The X-Factor champ drags Uber up on his feet again and holds a finger up. saying one more time. Once again, he throws Uber into the ropes; who comes running back. Allton catches and lifts Uber up for another spinebuster, but Uber quickly grabs Allton's head and counters with a DDT!!*

Rockwell: The Superhero saw the spinebuster coming that time and countered!!

Hood: Psssh like a DDT can put The Lord of Dashing away.

* Regardless if it can, Uber goes for the pin anyways. He barely throws his arm over Allton for a pin.*

Mitch: One...... Kickout!

Hood: See? The future world champ is too good to be pinned like that.

* Uber-Man is slow to his feet and waits for Allton to stand up. As Allton rises and turns toward him, Uber goes for the superkick! Allton catches the foot though, and holds it. He taunts his opponent as Uber-Man takes a swing at him. Allton yells at Uber that his fists can't reach him. Allton then drops Uber's foot and boots him in the stomach. The crowd boos as Allton grabs Uber in a front headlock and shoots out "BRAINBUSTER!" Allton tries to hoist Uber up, but Uber blocks it by wrapping his leg around Allton's. The Outsiders Jesus tries again, but Uber-Man reverses the move and wraps the champ in a small package pin.*

Mitch: One........Two.........Thr..NO!

* Allton kicks out and has a shocked look on his face like he can't believe he was countered. He is quicker to his feet than Uber-Man and stands waiting. Uber gets up, turns around and sees Allton running at him with a clothesline. Uber-Man ducks and captures the lariat arm in a half nelson. He wraps his other arm around Allton's waist and lifts him up. Uber-Man flips Allton's head forward and he sits out with a Storm Cradle Driver!! Allton hits the back of his head hard! Uber holds the cradle tight as Allton's shoulders are on the mat! Mitch goes for the count!*

Mitch: One........Two......THREENO!!

* It's Allton's turn to kick out at the last possible moment. The crowd is a mix of cheers and boos as the fans don't want this match to end. Uber is at his limit as he begs for Mitch to tell him it was three. Mitch just holds up two fingers as Uber-Man's shoulders sag. He rolls Allton onto his back and drags him to a corner. Uber positions Allton in front of the turnbuckle before he starts to climb. Uber gets to the top and has to use the pod to steady himself. Uber leaps off the ropes with little grace and nails an Uber-Crush on Allton. He lays on The Lord of Dashing, barely pinning him, barely having the energy to do so. The fans are loving this and The A-List are yelling for Allton to get up as Mitch makes the count!*

Mitch: One....... Two.......THREE..NO!!!

* The A-List cheer as the fans boo when somehow Allton gets a shoulder up. Uber-Man can't believe it. He moves to cover Allton properly, only to get snagged in the Python Grip!! Allton musters enough energy to lock up Uber-Man as The A-List are shouting for the hero to tap and the fans are cheering for the opposite! Mitch is asking if Uber wants to give up, but Uber is fading. Mitch raises Uber's free arm and lets it drop. He picks it up again and gets the same result. Mitch picks up the arm a third time. It starts to fall but Uber-Man stops it before Mitch can call the match. There is an explosion of cheers from the fans as Uber-Man punches Allton's head over and over until Allton reluctantly releases the hold. Uber-Man rolls away to catch his breath as Allton just lays there doing the same. Uber drags himself to his feet and goes to the nearest corner. Allton slowly stands and follows his opponent. He tries to punch Uber-Man with the brass knuckles, but Uber dodges and Allton hits the pod! He takes off the weapon and tries to shake the pain out of his fist as Uber-Man climbs the turnbuckles and on top of the pod. He sits up there, resting and trying to recoup. Allton isn't having any of this as he gives chase. Uber weakly kicks at Allton, but The Lord of Dashing climbs the pod as well. The two are trading blows on top of the pod as the audience is hanging on the edge of their seats!*

Hood: Someone is going to die! Let it be Uber so Allton can win.

Rockwell: Fatalities only work in Mortal Kombat!

* Both men are standing on top of the pod, each has one hand holding on to the cage, the other slugging away at each other! Both are running out of steam and are trying not to fall. Allton misses with a wild swing and Uber ducks under it. He lets go of the cage and wraps up Allton as if going for a Rock Bottom! Uber-Man pulls Allton's hand away from the cage, and leaps off the pod with Allton with a Spanish Fly!! Both men crash hard to the mat, surprisingly not breaking the ring. Everyone is in shock by what they just witnessed! Both men are out cold, but Uber's arm is on top of Allton! Mitch makes the count!*

Mitch: One.........Two.......THREE!!!

* The silence is broken by an explosion of cheers! Mitch calls for the bell and points at Uber-Man. The A-List are.losing their collective shits outside of the ring. Medics rush to the ring as the Chamber is being opened.*

Belvedere: Here is your winner of the Brack Friday Bunduru match and new holder of all Outsiders Championships, THE UBER-MAN!!

* Uber-Man and Allton are being loaded onto stretchers, not aware of what's going on. Mitch gathers all of the belts and places them on Uber as the crowd applauds both men, hell, all the Outsiders for their efforts. Hood is raging at the announce table.*



*The camera takes us backstage to the medical ward that has been set up specifically for the wrestlers. No testing of COVID-19 here, this is all about checking on broken bones and battered bodies. Sitting on one of the makeshift cots is Terry Marshall, still holding his arm protectively against him. Space Lord is nearby, talking to the doctor, trying to find out more information.*

Rockwell: I'm really not sure we should see Terry Marshall back in action tonight.

Hood: Nah, I can't see the doctor cleaning him. His arm's just taken too much damage recently!

*Space Lord shakes his head, turning and saying something that the camera doesn't pick up. But it seems to enrage Marshall, who jumps to his feet and grabs the doctor with his one good arm.*

Terry Marshall: LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, BROTHER!!!

*He pushes the doctor back, quieting down his voice as he talks to the man, who looks frightened out of his wits.*

Rockwell: Well, he's still got fire, at least...

Hood: Is he really allowed to intimidate the doctor into letting him wrestle? That seems unethical...

Rockwell: We'll see if he's successful in a little while. For now, let's go to Minos for another championship match!


GCWA World Television Title match
Ryot(c) (11-7) vs. Jack Puffer (12-4)

Minos: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the GCWA Television Title! Introducing first...the challenger...

*The super sexy rock hardening version of James Bond's iconic theme "James Bond's Theme" begins to play. Fans within the arena are like "Wow, this rocks HARD!" others are like "This sounds vaguely familiar..." women and feminine men are like "I think I kinda wanna fuck whoever emerges from behind that curtain." It is a song that appeals to ALL demos. Puffer steps through the curtain looking very aware...he takes in his surroundings, in search of a mystery. A singular spotlight shines on him...the camera zooms in...Puffer turns, facing directly at the camera with one eyebrow raised as his visage is captured within a very 007-esque circle. Once all that has taken place, Puffer marches down the ramp, toward the ring, with the spotlight following. He takes a detour, toward the front row where DEREK MOBLEY is standing. Puffer shakes Mobley's hand...Derek wishes The Good Detective good luck. Puffer rolls into the ring and pops to his feet, placing a hand over his eyes, scouring the fans in search of the missing Warrick Hill*

Minos: From Aurora, Illinois...standing 6'2 and weighing in at 215lbs... "The Good Detective"...Jack Puffer!!!

Rockwell: Jack Puffer returning to the ring tonight...his first match since the Mustard Factory defeat at the hands of Curt Canon.

Hood: All I remember about that match was MATT MEYHU

Rockwell: Of course. Puffer was bashed in the head and rushed to a hospital. The injury put him out of action until tonight. Some are concerned he might be rushing things as he's shown...well, signs of memory loss since returning to GCWA television.

Hood: As I've said...you can't damage something that doesn't exist. He's fine.

Rockwell: His assailant, however, remains at large.

Hood: Wish I knew who he was...

Rockwell: Me too!

Hood: So I could commend him.

Rockwell: ...

Minos: And, his opponent...

*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*

Minos: From Chicago, Illinois (HUGE POP)...standing 5'11 and weighing in at 189lbs...he is the current reigning and defending GCWA Television Champion...he is...RYOT!!!!

*Ryot steps forward, holding his TV Title high to a HUGE ovation. "RYOT! RYOT! RYOT!" Minos retrieves the title and exits the ring. Ryot turns his focus to Jack. The fans continue chanting the champion's name. Puffer nods in Ryot's direction. Ryot extends a hand.*

Rockwell: A show of respect from the champion. He's made it very clear he appreciates Puffer's friendship.

Hood: Fucking gross. You know why the TV Title sucks? Because of lame ass shit like this!

Rockwell: I disagree. It's always good to see friendly combat from time to time.

Hood: That's if Puffer accepts. He may not even realize who the fuck Ryot is.

*Puffer reaches out and shakes Ryot's hand! The fans POP. The bell rings. The competitors begin circling each other, preparing for battle.*

Rockwell: And here we go! Ryot looks to add some prestige to the TV Title by doing something TV champs rarely do...defending it. Puffer, on other hand, just wants to break through and win a title.

Hood: Sounds like a classic sissy fight, to me. Bunch of guys WANTING to do shit. Lame.

Rockwell: I think we're in store for one heck of a bout!

*Mobley, still on his feet, claps his hands together and stomps his foot. The fans join in...the entire arena is shaking with applause and stomping. Most of them firmly behind Ryot.*

Rockwell: Former GCWA Champion and current Hall of Famer, Derek Mobley leading the cheers!

Hood: Why is he out here? Could he not just enjoy retirement like Lurrr? He's got to be in the front row, hogging the lime light?

Rockwell: Puffer is his protege. His chosen one. I'm sure he's hoping his presence might be the confidence boost Puffer needs to get over the championship hump.

Hood: Championship hump? Sounds kinda gay, man.

*A simultaneous lunge results in a lock up! The crowd cheers! Puffer manages to use his size advantage, bullying Ryot into the nearest corner. The ref steps in, forcing a break. It's a clean one. Ryot sprints forward, Puffer dodges. Ryot stumbles into the center of the ring...he turns around. Puffer charges ahead with a big boot. Ryot ducks! Puffer stumbles into the ropes. He turns around. Ryot nails Jack with a clothesline! Puffer flips over the top rope but lands on his feet, atop the apron. Ryot takes a few steps back and throws a roaring forearm at Puffer...Puffer slides back into the ring between Ryot's legs. He pops to his feet. Ryot spins around...the two men stare one another down. The crowd applauds.*

Rockwell: Fast action that results in a dead heat.

Hood: They equally suck. No shock there.

Rockwell: Nope. Two competitors entirely focused on the task at hand. They brought their A-game this evening.

*Puffer moves to lock up. Ryot throws a V-Trigger!! Puffer dodges and has a look on his face that says "Whew, that was close." He snares Ryot from behind, locking him around the waist. Ryot tries to pull Puffer's hands apart...but Jack's grip is too tight. He throws Ryot over his head with a Release German...but Ryot lands on his feet. Jack snaps back to his feet and spins around, only to get drilled in the gut with a knee lift. Puffer drops to one knee, wincing. Ryot clobbers Puffer in the back with a forearm, sending the Good Detective to the mat, front first.*

Rockwell: And the Television Champion takes the initial advantage.

Hood: He had the right idea with that V-Trigger. Hit Puffer in the head!

Rockwell: I think he was acting on instinct. It appears to me Ryot is going to make a conscious effort to avoid doing any further damage to Jack's head.

Hood: Ugh...what a loser. No wonder he's in the TV Title division.

*Ryot pulls Jack to his feet using the arm. He delivers a short arm clothesline! Puffer hits the mat, hard. Ryot jumps into the air and drops a leg across Puffer's throat. He goes for a quick pinfall. The Ref slides in. 1...Kick Out! Puffer rolls away, toward the ropes. Ryot returns to his feet. Jack tries crawling out of the ring, but Ryot drags him back into the center. He flips Jack onto his back...Puffer throws a kick, shoving Ryot away. This gives Puffer time to scramble to his feet. He hits the ropes and charges at Ryot. Ryot throws a spinning back kick, aimed for Puffer's abdomen. But Jack catches it! He spins Ryot back around, clutches him and tosses him over his head with a release belly-to-belly!! Ryot hits hard, arching his back in pain.*

Rockwell: And the momentum has shifted! Jack showing a nice array of suplexes.

Hood: I guess...he's batting fifty percent which, in this league, ain't gonna cut it.

Rockwell: Still, it's obvious he's learned a few things.

Hood: I'd fucking hope so. He's been doing this damn near three years.

*Puffer rushes to his feet. He staggers upon getting there...his vertigo is a bit off. This allows Ryot enough time to struggle to his feet. Puffer rubs his head, blinks a few times, and refocuses. Ryot throws a superkick into Puffer's chest. Jack doubles over, gasping for air. Ryot stands perpendicular to Puffer and drills him in the ribs with a soccer style kick!! Jack flips over, landing on his back, struggling to breathe, grasping as his left rib cage. Ryot looks toward the nearest corner.*

Rockwell: Ryot isn't one to waste much time. He's got a ton on his plate and the sooner he can achieve victory in this match, the sooner he can get about sorting his personal affairs.

Hood: Did he bang that waitress?

Rockwell: I don't know.

Hood: It appears as though investigative journalism is dead.

*Ryot struggles with indecision. To attempt the moonsault or not. He decides on the latter, having wasted too much time. He bends down to grab Puffer...but Jack pulls him in and rolls him into a Small Package!! The ref slides in...1...2...Kick Out!!! Ryot rushes to his feet, off balance...stumbling into a corner. The near fall has him shook. Puffer pushes up to his feet and charges in, leaping through the air with a HUGE splash on Ryot! He throws Ryot into the center of the ring with a hip toss. Ryot stumbles to his feet. Jack charges in and takes Ryot down with a SPEAR!! Ryot is on the mat...Puffer rises. He's in total control. Mobley slaps the barricade with both hands, cheering The Good Detective on.*

Rockwell: Ryot is in trouble! The indecision over whether to try the moonsault or not may have just cost him the TV Title!

Hood: If Puffer wins this you may as well retire that damn belt. What an embarrassment.

Rockwell: I think it'd be a hallmark moment for GCWA in 2020.

Hood: I'm not sure if that's what you were going for...but you just strengthened my previous statement.

*Puffer gets in a 'ready' stance. He waits for Ryot to rise. Ryot does, unaware. Puffer spins Ryot around, hoists him up, twirls and plants Ryot in the mat with a SPINEBUSTER! Ryot is down. Puffer is back on his feet...he marches around the ring, feeding off the energy he's created for himself. The crowd is about half behind him. The other half implores Ryot to get up. Puffer snares Ryot by the hair, pulling the TV Champion to his feet. He sweeps his legs...Ryot hits hard. Puffer, holding Ryot's legs, falls back, catapulting Ryot through the air! He lands face first into the top buckle...stumbling back. Puffer rushes to his feet and leaps up, for a Backstabber...looking to complete Under the Lights! But...Ryot grabs Puffer by the head and drops him with a STUNNER! Puffer stumbles backward, into a corner...he slouches down, arms draped over the top rope, keeping him from falling to the mat. The crowd goes wild!! Mobley reaches for his hair with both hands, gutted over the turn of events.*

Rockwell: It looked like this was there for the taking...Jack had it...but Ryot turns Jack's finishing maneuver into a stunner!

Hood: Let's face it, Puffer sucks. We all saw this coming.

Rockwell: If this is, indeed, the end of the match...I'm just glad Ryot didn't do much damage to Puffer's already weakened head.

Hood: That kind of leniency might get him through Puffer...but he's gonna be fucked when he faces someone with a winner's mindset.

*Ryot uses the ropes to pull himself up. He leans in the corner opposite Puffer. Puffer is out of it, still reeling from the stunner. Ryot eyes Puffer...it's clear Ryot realizes how close he came to defeat...being dethroned. An internal dialogue takes place. The fans chant "RYOT!" Ryot makes a decision and heads across the ring. Puffer's woozy, dreary eyes see Ryot coming. He stands up and reaches out, trying to stop him...but Ryot shoves Puffer's hands down. He rears back and DRILLS Puffer in the head!!! Jack stumbles into the corner, already punch drunk. A concerned Derek Mobley winces from ringside. Ryot looks at his fist, swallows compassion, and smacks Puffer in the head once again. The fans cheer both punches, firmly behind the hometown hero.*

Rockwell: Ryot has thrown courtesy out the window and is zeroing in on Jack's weak spot.

Hood: Finally. About fucking time. You want to be a champion, you have to get dirty.

Rockwell: Well, he's already a champion.

Hood: Please. We all know who he beat for that belt.

*Ryot unleashes a flurry of overreaching right hands into Puffer's head. Jack leans his weight into Ryot. Ryot side steps...Puffer collapses to the mat. Ryot looks down at The Good Detective. He isn't moving. Ryot tries kicking Jack over, but it's a bunch of dead weight. So, he drops to his knees and bulldozes Puffer onto his back. He makes the cover. 1...2...NO! Shoulder up! The fans pop with shock. Ryot kneels, looking down at Jack...angry that he's being forced to do more damage to an already cracked egg.*

Rockwell: It might be wise for Jack to stay down. Instincts can sometimes do more harm than good.

Hood: If this spells the end of his career, I'm all for Jack kicking as often as it takes to send the dude into assisted living.

Rockwell: Ugh, you are disgusting.

*With an unrelenting left hand, Ryot snares Puffer by his hair, yanking his head from the canvas. He proceeds to pour a barrage of right hands into Puffer's face. One after the other after the other after the other. The camera cuts to Mobley at ringside asking if somebody has a white towel.*

Rockwell: Give it a rest, Ryot!

Hood: He's finally developing that killer instinct! THAT's how a champion operates.

*The crowd suddenly reacts. Ryot turns, staring up the ramp...JOHN E DEPTH is rushing to the ring with a chair. The TV Champion hurries to his feet. Mobley leans over the railing, staring intently at the action – wary. Depth slides into the ring, popping to his feet...he's got the chair pulled back, ready to slam it into Ryot's head. Ryot braces...preparing to dodge/evade whatever is heading his way.*

Rockwell: John E Depth is out here to protect his Mustard Factory partner!

Hood: Disqualify Puffer! This is clearly against the rules.

Rockwell: I believe these men are given some leeway in championship matches.

*Indeed, they are. The ref runs over, trying to rip the chair from Depth's grasp. Depth rips the chair away! In doing so, the ref goes flying, through the ropes, to the outside. Depth's momentum brings the top edge of the chair into Ryot's ribs. Ryot staggers back, holding his rib cage. The fans BOO. Depth rears back with the chair, looking for a skull crushing shot.*

Rockwell: I wasn't a fan of Ryot attacking Jack's head but that was well within the rules...this...this is totally lawless! Get him out of the ring!

Hood: Mobley better pay close attention...THAT's the man you should have backed.

*Depth waits...he hesitates. Ryot rises. Depth pauses. The fans are wondering when he's going to unleash...why it's taking him so long. Finally, Depth lunges forward with the chair shot to end all chair shots! Ryot ducks and Depth DRILLS a recovered Puffer right in the head! CRACK!!! Puffer collapses. The fans are shocked...silenced by the violence to a very prone area. Depth drops the chair and stares down at Puffer. Ryot rips the chair away from Depth and swings wildly. Depth dives out of the ring to avoid being struck by an enraged Ryot.*

Rockwell: Oh my gosh!! Depth just wrapped that steel chair around Puffer's head!

Hood: Haha, man...he went for a grand slam with that swing. Puffer is fuckin dead. Adios, muchacho!

*Feeling safe on the outside, Depth is suddenly shoved from behind. The crowd goes wild when they see DEREK MOBLEY at ringside, having hopped the rail, shoving Depth as hard as he can. Depth stumbles into the steps, barely catching himself in time. Ryot flings the chair out of the ring, staring down at Puffer. He looks for the ref. Meanwhile, Depth turns around to find Mobley all up in his personal space, staring down at him. Depth looks up, attempting to explain.*

Rockwell: The ref is out...Ryot needs a coherent ref if he wants to retain. Meanwhile, Derek Mobley doesn't seem totally convinced that chair shot was an accident.

Hood: He's just pissed that Depth is twice the man Puffer is. Mobley is about as good at picking a protege as he is picking up females.

Rockwell: If I were Ryot I'd wake that ref up and get this win before things deteriorate even further.

*Ryot starts helping the ref to his feet. As the case with all refs that take a bump, it seems as though this one's been shot in the head with a bazooka. Ryot stays the course...the biggest win of his career is on the horizon. Cutting back to Mobley and Depth...Depth smarts off to Mobley. We don't hear exactly what he said, but it was enough to push Mobley over the edge. Derek grabs Depth by the head and thrust backward, PINGING Depth's head against the ring post. He hooks a side head lock and marches Depth around the ring, up the ramp. The fans cheer. Ryot hoists the Ref up and tosses him into the ring through the middle and bottom ropes. He slides in, slapping the ref around, trying to bring him around.*

Rockwell: Ryot's got the ref in the ring...it's taking a lot of time. How long will Puffer stay down from that chair shot?

Hood: Well, a board game put him in the hospital. So you'd think he might be dead. HOWEVER...this is pro wrestling. So he'll probably get up and win, now.

Rockwell: SPOILER ALERT

*Mobley reaches the top of the ramp with Depth. The curtain bursts open and out steps WARRICK HILL. The crowd gasps. The missing member of the legendary team has finally re-appeared on GCWA television. He steps up, shoving Mobley down, ripping Depth away. Mobley pops back to his feet, shocked by Warrick's abrupt attitude. The two men get chest to chest, staring one another down.*

Rockwell: Oh my gosh...IT'S WARRICK HILL

Hood: He's got Depth's back...good for that dude!

Rockwell: The masters seem close to fighting over their proteges.

*Ryot continues working on the ref. Finally, he's got the ref on his knees, half awake. Ryot slaps his hands together 'three' times, indicating all he needs is a count from him...then he can go back to sleep. Back at the top of the ramp, Warrick shoves his chin in Derek's face – arrogantly. Mobley grabs the collar of Warrick's t-shirt and rears back. Warrick dares him to throw the punch...but, Derek can't. His arm falls to his side. Warrick utters, "Pussy." He grabs Depth and exits through the curtain. Derek stands atop the ramp, hanging his head...hands on his hips. He begins to hear the crowd... "RYOT! RYOT!" They are chanting for their hometown hero. He re-focuses, noticing the match is still going on...he marches down the ramp.*

Rockwell: Derek refused to hit Warrick. The friendship means too much to him.

Hood: Yea, well that wouldn't hold Warrick back. It's been awhile since we've seen him but he's as vicious and uncontrollable as they come.

Rockwell: Yep. Meanwhile, the referee is semi-cognizant. Ryot is about to lock this one up!

*Ryot stands, bending down, asking the ref if he's okay. The ref slowly nods. Derek begins slapping the canvas with both hands, yelling at Puffer. Ryot heads Jack's way. He drops to one knee, preparing for a pin. He motions for the ref to hurry over. The ref crawls, slowly. Puffer suddenly rises from the dead! The crowd gasps! Puffer yanks Ryot forward and hooks him in another Small Package!! The ref comes to life!! Mobley slaps the apron along with the ref. 1!...2!...3!!!*

*NO!!! Ryot kicks out!! The crowd pops for the kick out...before catching their breath. Derek throws his arms in the air, frustrated. Puffer is on his knees, raising both hands. Mobley yells, "It was only two, Jack! ONLY TWO!" Jack seems confused. Ryot rises to his feet...he's not fucking around now. He hits the ropes, bounces off and flies at Puffer with RYOT TIME (Shining Wizard). Blood splatters in the air from a previously unseen cut on Jack's head. He collapses to the mat. Ryot hooks both legs. Mobley folds his arms on the apron, placing his forehead against them, disappointed. The ref jumps in, counting. 1!...2!...3!!!!!! The bell rings. The crowd jumps to their feet with a standing ovation.*

Minos: Here is your winner...AND STILL GCWA TELEVISION CHAMPION... "THE NATURAL" RYOT!!!!

Rockwell: Ryot did it! He did it!

Hood: Fuck it's hard to retain. But he beat Puffer...congrats, I guess.

Rockwell: Biggest win of this man's career. He's moving up!

*Ryot is handed his TV Title. He holds it close, happy to remain champion. Mobley slides into the ring to check on Puffer. He waves toward the back for paramedics. Ryot reaches his feet, he stands over the scene, returning to his normal, friendly disposition. Mobley looks up, seeing the concern on Ryot's face. He rises. The fans get tense.*

Rockwell: Uh oh, we've already seen how protective Derek is over Puffer. Is he going to go after the TV Champion?

Hood: How the mighty have fallen. Derek Mobley, multiple time World Champion, Hall of Famer...getting angry at a fuckin TV Champ.

Rockwell: He's retired, Hood.

Hood: Nobody in this sport is retired, Rockwell.

*Ryot slings the title over his shoulder. He's not backing down. Mobley reaches out and slaps the plate of the title before giving Ryot a pat on the back and raising his arm. The fans go wild. Mobley says 'no hard feelings, you did what you had to do. Congrats.' Ryot nods...they exchange a few more friendly words before Ryot exits. He heads up the ramp and holds the TV Title high. The fans go crazy. "RYOT! RYOT! RYOT!"*

Rockwell: These fans are wild about Ryot!

Hood: Well he's got Derek's approval...for whatever that's worth.

Rockwell: He's a good man, Hood. He was concerned about Puffer. Derek, the veteran, letting him know that all is fair inside those ropes.

Hood: I guess.

*Mobley and the medics continue to look at Puffer. As the fans are still cheering for Ryot.*

Rockwell: These fans are red hot right now...meanwhile, Jack Puffer appears destined for another trip to the hospital.

Hood: I think it's time the guy retires. He fucking sucks, anyway.

Rockwell: There's some unfinished business within that 'family'. Derek and Warrick. Depth and Puffer. I'm sure we'll hear more about that this Friday at Inferno. Meanwhile, the show must roll on!



*The video cuts to a commercial of sorts, showing all of the 32 wrestlers who have appeared in the GCWA's Warriors of the Ring V Tournament. The voice of the Accelerator is heard.*

The Accelerator: This tournament would never have been a success without so many fabulous owners and executives who worked with us along the way. To the 32 incredible competitors who were in this tournament, thank you for getting us to one of the biggest events ever in the GCWA's history!

*Other pictures start showing up, those of various organizations around the world.*

The Accelerator: And thanks again to those federations who allowed their talent to compete here, showing off their talent to our loyal fans.







*The images fade away, with a single phrase appearing on the screen:*


*The picture then disappears, as we return to ringside.*

Rockwell: It's been an awe-inspiring month of action, all concluding tonight! It's time for the Semi-Finals!

Hood: Woo!

Rockwell: Let's get to it!


GCWA Warriors of the Ring Tournament Semi-Finals match
Lissie Hope (3-0) vs. Terry Marshall (5-0)

Minos: The next contest is a Warriors of the Ring V Tournament Semi-Finals match... Introducing first... standing 6'5" and weighing 311 lbs... from Huntington, West Virginia... here is "Thundering" Terry Marshall!!!

*"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC begins to play, leading out Terry Marshall towards the ring. Marshall looks to be in bad shape, cradling his injured arm, but he's still ignoring a couple of doctors who followed him out, telling him that he shouldn't compete. But Marshall has no intention of stopping, as he heads for the ring.*

Rockwell: After wrestling against Curt Canon and THEN being attacked by TWO masked men, I don't see how Marshall can compete in this one.

Hood: The guy's already got his payday, he's in bad shape, why not forfeit?

Rockwell: Because he's got the heart of a champion, and a never say die attitude!

Hood: He's also got an arm hanging on by a couple of threads at this point! This could be the last time we see him!

Minos: His opponent...

*The downtempo bass drops. The trap-heavy outro of Billie Eilish's "bad guy" floods the arena, the booming shaking the seats underneath each audience member. They rise to their feet in anticipation of the arrival of Action Wrestling's former two-time World Champion and All-In Briefcase holder, Lissie Hope.*

I like when you get mad.

*The GCWA crowd is mesmerized but still conflicted, knowing the full capabilities of Lissie Hope but still showing caution, as they are unsure just how committed she is towards adapting to this environment. But with a personal invitation to join a tournament to crown a World Championship, deep down Lissie Hope does feel wanted. She does feel desired. And that's a feeling she hasn't had in quite a long time.*

You said she's scared of me?
I mean...

*Finally, the curtains spread and Lissie Hope emerges at the top of the entrance stage, standing for a moment and taking in the mixed fan reaction. She still has a legion of support, mainly from the young female demographic who have followed her career and watched her ascend to the moon, being a mainstay in Women's wrestling. But there is still trepidation, as Lissie Hope, in the moment, is an outsider. She slowly saunters down the stage, not really acknowledging any of the jeers thrown in her direction.*

I'm the bad guy.
Ha!

*She enters the ring, wearing a cut-off "Villain" tee-shirt, and black and red workout pants. Though she has held the belt on two occasions, she looks down at her empty waistline and with her hands, brushes her fingers along her waist to show the outline of a championship belt. She removes the Villain t-shirt, exposing her upper ring apparel, and tosses it to the timekeeper, slowly climbing up the staircase and pausing to pose for the ringside fans.*

Minos: Ladies and gentlemen, from New Orleans, Louisiana and weighing 135 pounds... "THE BLACKHEART"... LISSSSSSIEEEE HOOOOOOPE!

Rockwell: Despite some questionable decisions by the referee, Hope took the victory earlier over John E Depth.

Hood: She seems pretty intelligent, so I expect her to kick that arm and try to rip it out of its socket, until Marshall finally cries uncle.

Rockwell: That's got to be the most obvious attack point...

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: One of these two is going to the finals in our main event tonight!

Hood: Can we just hand it to Hope and move on? It's been a long night...

Rockwell: Nope, if Marshall still wants to go, then Hope has to put him out to move on!

*Hope comes forward, looking more rested than earlier when she defeated Depth. She studies Marshall for a minute, making it hard to tell how she feels about him still competing with only one arm. Marshall doesn't expect any sympathy. He comes forward, grabbing at her with his good arm, but Hope is ready for it, knocking it aside and getting Marshall in a Muay Thai clinch, nailing him with knee after knee! The shots land, with Marshall being driven back into the ropes. The ref calls for the break, with Hope stepping back, on-guard. Marshall shakes his head clear, then steps forward, still willing to fight. Hope is more than willing to oblige, wading back in with stiff punches to the head and chest, along with heavy kicks to the legs, as Marshall does his best to cover up. Hope then jumps up, grabbing Marshall by the head and yanking him back downwards with a snap DDT! She rolls him over to make the quick cover... 1... 2... and Marshall is able to kick out!*

Rockwell: Not surprisingly, the fresher wrestler has taken the initiative early.

Hood: You think Hope had anything to do with the masked men attacking?

Rockwell: I can't say I know Hope well enough to judge, but considering she just lost her brother, I think she'd have other things on her mind besides a multi-tiered plan in the tournament...

Hood: Oooh, I know who one of them was!

Rockwell: Who?

Hood: Zybala!

Rockwell: *Sigh*

Hood: Hey, who else regularly messes with the lights!!

*With Marshall still trying to get up, Hope continues her offensive, twisting Marshall down and applying a Kimura lock on his bad arm!!! The double joint armlock is pulled into place, with Marshall actually yelling out from feeling his damaged limb getting stretched out. The refere comes over to face Marshall, asking, well, really almost requesting him to submit and end this. Marshall shakes his head no, though, refusing to give in. Hope keeps cranking back, waiting for him to give up, but Marshall defiantly shouts "NEVER!!" to the referee. He'll never tap out. Instead, unbelievably, Marshall rolls over for some leverage, slowly lifting Hope up off the ground while she's still applying the hold!! The fans are cheering wildly, even as a shocked Hope is thrown back down, slamming onto her back, which breaks the hold! She rolls away, even as Marshall grabs at his injured arm, trying to find a way to fight past it and continue the battle.*

Rockwell: Somehow Marshall finds the inner fortitude to survive!

Hood: But what the hell does he possibly have left?

Rockwell: We're going to find out!

*As Hope rises up, still looking a little shellshocked, she turns towards Marshall... who jumps towards her, hitting a Big Boot!! Hope falls to her back, as Marshall stumbles away to the ropes. He grabs at them, perhaps drawing a little power from them the way his partner, Space Lord, has done in the past. He turns back, slowly building himself up, raising his uninjured hand towards the crowd to feel their energy. Charged, he goes to the recovering Hope, picking her up and landing a scoop slam!! She bounces back up, but Marshall takes her up and over once more, slamming her back down! He then steps over her, using his good arm to wrap around her neck and pull her up into almost a one-armed sleeper hold!! Hope fights back, trying to get free, although she has no chance to moving someone of Marshall's size around! The referee moves in, even as Hope starts to fade, struggling against the hold with all her strength! Marshall, his eyes to the sky as if in prayer, hangs on the best he can!*

Rockwell: Oh my gosh!

Hood: If Marshall knocks Hope out here... what a miracle it would be!

Rockwell: He's using all his experience and guile to try and survive this one, and it might actually work!

Hood: I just felt a distrubance in the betting force out of Vegas...

*Hope seems to be slumped forward now, not moving, as the referee moves in to check her arm. It falls down once... twice... no, the second time, it stays up, as Hope is still in it! Marshall, shocked, tries to find a way to tighten his grip, but his bad arm just won't let it happen. Hope then pushes off with her feet, getting herself off the ground for a moment before dropping down with a jawbreaker, knocking Marshall loose!! The big wrestler stumbles away, checking his mouth to see if any teeth have come loose. He turns back to Hope, who's getting back to her feet. He comes in, reaching for her, but she's ready, hitting a spining back elbow that knocks Marshall back towards the corner! As Marshall tries to recover, Hope heads towards him, grabbing his head and running up the turnbuckle with him in tow, spinning around to land a perfect Tornado DDT!!! Marshall's flat on his back, but he's too close to the ropes, so Hope drags him further back before making the cover... 1... 2... 3, NO! Marshall gets a shoulder off the mat!*

Hood: I thought Hope had him!

Rockwell: Marshall's still valiantly fighting, despite an injury that would put most people in the hospital...

Hood: Are we sure Space Lord didn't slip him some special alien substance to allow him to keep going?

Rockwell: I doubt that, Hood...

Hood: I don't know, I think we need to require a drug test from Marshall tonight... but would it detect extraterrestrial pharmacuticals?

*Marshall's clearly in a bad way, as Hope pulls herself up. She comes over to Marshall, grabbing him by the head and giving him a swinging neckbreaker back to the canvas! Hope makes the cover once more, trying to end it... 1... 2... but Marshall refuses to give in to the pain! However, right after the pin is broken up, Hope twists around on Marshall, looking to apply End/Static (Triangle Choke)!!! She works to get it locked in, trying to end things right here! But Marshall is already pushing himself upwards, fighting against it! He drags Hope with him as he crawls towards the close ropes, reaching out before the hold can fully be set and saving himself! The ref calls for the break, which Hope reluctantly does. She gets herself up, shaking her head at the persistance of this older wrestler. As Marshall struggles to rise, Hope grabs him from behind, now trying to get a dragon sleeper! But Marshall twists himself around, doing a 180 so that he can lift Hope instead, giving her a one-armed suplex!!*

Rockwell: Every time I think it's over, Marshall finds a way to get in more offense!

Hood: I'm sure Hope came in expecting a push-over in the semis. This has to be a complete shock to her.

Rockwell: The crowd is cheering loudly now, with a split chant of "Terry Marshall/Let's Go Hope!!" It echoes throughout the United Center, as both wrestlers start to work their way up. Marshall is there first, stepping in and catching Hope with a step-up enziguri! Hope gets knocked back into the corner, sitting there, as Marshall slowly gets back to his feet. He calls on his Thunderamaniacs to get behind him, as he points over at Hope. He walks towards her, looking like he's found more energy from who knows where. Hope, though, pushes up out of the corner and gets her legs up, kicking Marshall in the chest! Marshall steps back, then does a turn, but Hope kicks him again, knocking him away. She then jumps to the second turnbuckle and leaps towards him... only to get hit by Thunder Struck (Spinning Polish Hammer)!!! The crowd roars, thinking that's it, but Marshall has fallen to the side as well, that last swing being just too much for his injured arm to handle!! He's laying there, clutching his arm, even as Hope is still down.*

Rockwell: If Marshall could just make the pin!!

Hood: I seriously think he just dislocated his arm with that last shot, Adrian!! Look at the angle!!

Rockwell: Oh, man, we might need to stop this one. Seriously, get someone from medical down here!!

*The referee is leaning over Marshall, disturbed by the look of Marshall's arm. The fans are subdued, although there a few cheers as Space Lord suddenly reappears, running towards the ring. He stops at the apron, looking through at his partner, trying to ascertain his condition. He looks extremely worried. The referee shakes his head and turns, about to stop the match... and Marshall grabs him by the leg, shaking him! The ref looks down, as Marshall starts pulling himself up!! The fans are cheering, but the ref's unconvinced, pointing at the way his arm is looking. In response, Marshall turns and rams himself into the corner... apparently popping the arm back in!!! There are a few gasps from the audience, and one or two might have fainted, but the rest are pumped as Marshall rotates his arm, having recovered! He turns back to where Hope is starting to try sitting up, making his way slowly over to her to continue the fight!*

Hood: How is Marshall DOING this??

Rockwell: Come on, ref, just because the shoulder's back in, it doesn't mean that there's not severe damage there!

Hood: You realize how much pressure these refs are under to keep this tournament as clean as possible? No WAY he's just ending this one!

*Marshall reaches down, pulling the dazed Hope up. He lifts her onto his good shoulder, taking a few steps before dropping her with a side slam into the canvas! Marshall then makes the pin, trying to get out of this one... 1... 2... 3, NO!! Hope kicks out, refusing to stay down! Marshall looks up at the sky again, asking what else he needs to do. He rises up, moving off to the side, thinking things over. Space Lord is pounding on the apron, wanting him to stay pumped up. Marshall massages his hurt arm, wondering if it can take the strike just one more time. He sets himself, preparing for another Thunder Struck!! As Hope gets up, Marshall rushes in... and Hope ducks under it!! As Marshall spins, Hope lashes out, scoring a roundhouse kick to the head to put Marshall back on the ground!! Hope collapses on top of him for the cover, barely hanging on... 1... 2... 3, NO! Marshall pushes her off, keeping this one going to the surprise of almost everyone!*

Rockwell: For a match I thought was going to be extremely short, this one's turning into a classic!

Hood: I never thought I'd be here getting excited for Hope/Marshall. Hell, I never expected to SEE Hope/Marshall!

Rockwell: You picked Depth and Canon to win?

Hood: This is why I don't gamble... with my own money, at least...

*Hope drags Marshall up, landing a couple of rights to the side of his head. Marshall falls back to the ropes, but then uses them to rebound, scoring a big right hand back at Hope! She stumbles back to the ropes herself, then returns, swinging again, but missing, as Marshall ducks down, only to catch her from behind and lift with an atomic drop! The move knocks Hope forward, dropping her to her knees. Seeing this, Marshall goes off the ropes to the side and comes back, trying to drop a leg across the back of Hope's head!! But Hope rolls out of the way in time, with Marshall hitting nothing but hard, unforgiving canvas! He sits there, hurting, before trying to get up... right into Hope's grasp, as she locks him up and drops with The Crown of Thorns (Pedigree)!!! The crowd pops, even as Hope staggers away, heading up the ropes. Space Lord can only watch in shock, as Hope gets to the top and takes flight, landing the Cherry Bomb (Swanton Bomb)!!! The pin is made... 1... 2... 3!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner, going to the Finals... "The Blackheart" Lissie Hope!!!

Rockwell: Hope continues!

Hood: Damn, I was really starting to wonder if anything could keep Terry Marshall down!

Rockwell: It took two of Hope's finishers, but his run in the tournament is finally over...

Hood: At least now the guy can go get that arm sewn back together like Frankenstein's monster, right?

Rockwell: So who will Hope face in the finals? We'll find out pretty soon!

*Space Lord is in the ring now, checking on his friend and partner. He leans over Marshall, who can only look at him and whisper that he's sorry. Nearby, Hope climbs the turnbuckle, wearily celebrating before turning to leave the ring, sliding out. She leaves the Sports Entertainment Xpress team in the ring, where a "Marshall" chant envelops the arena. The fans know to appreciate a man fighting through the odds the way he did. Marshall is helped up by Space Lord, giving a painful nod towards the cheering fans as they start to make their way out of the ring.*



*The video screen at the top of the entranceway displays a black screen, though the sounds of shuffling feet and rushed movements can be heard over the sound system by the fans inside the arena.*

? ?: Come on, man! Hurry up! We're already late!

? ? ?: I'm moving as fast as I can. You're making me carry all of the boxes!

? ?: If that's the fastest you can move, you're going to be screwed here. C'mon! Let's move! That stuffs not gonna sell itself!

? ? ?: So help me with the boxes!

? ?: Psh, I'm supposed to bring the crowd flocking to us with my name value, make the sales with my dazzling personality... AND carry all of my own boxes with these rippling guns? I think not, young grasshopper. You have much to learn about the industry.

*The footsteps stop, and there's a momentary silence. The fan's in the arena continue to watch the dark screen, dumbfounded.*

? ? ?: Uh oh.

? ?: Uh oh? I don't like uh-oh, what's wrong?

? ? ?: Is this the right hallway? I feel like the merchandise tables were supposed to be downstairs.

? ?: Oh God damn it! We look like freaking amateurs! Downstairs.

? ?: God damn it! We're supposed to be high profile signings for this place, dude! We look like amateurs! Late to the start of the show, and now we can't even find the merch tables?!

? ? ?: So... can I put these boxes down for a minute?

? ?: Fine.

*We can hear several heavy boxes being dropped on a concrete floor, the cardboard tearing. The voices mutter amongst themselves.*

? ? ?: Ah, shit. James. I think the lens is covered. I don't think we're getting any of this.

? ?: Huh? Oh FUCK ME...

? ? ?: Hard pass.

*The lens is quickly uncovered, the shot aimed directly up at the source of one of the voices. His perfect teeth and flawless hair are easily recognized by the fans inside the building. ITS JAMES RAVEN! *

*The People's G.O.A.T. has arrived in GCWA!*

*There's an explosion of cheers for the former OCW Block Party winner, and he straightens the camera out to reveal his companion; Jackson Hart! Raven and Hart grin as they hear the explosion of applause from the heart of the building, and James sets the camera down on the floor before stepping beside Jax and grinning from ear to ear.*

*Both mean sport form fitting "James Raven DID have merch for sale!" tee shirts, while Jackson Hart wears a trucker cap emblazoned with the same slogan.*

James Raven: Oh, can you guys see us now?

*There's another loud pop from the fans. Jackson Hart points down at the destroyed cardboard boxes at the two men's feet. Dozens of identical tee shirts lay spilled out on the floor.*

Jackson Hart: Hey, we have these shirts for sale, and we're... uhhhhh...

*James and Jackson both look around for any defining landmarks to describe their location with.*

James Raven: Um. We're somewhere in the building! Come find us and buy one of these fuckin' shirts!

Jackson Hart: Please. I don't want to carry all of this back to the car.

*A few fans from each section leap up from their seats and stampede towards the section exits, ready to embark on this challenge. James and Jackson continue to grin into the camera, The Peoples G.O.A.T. offering a wink.*

James Raven: To the rest of GCWA, my focus will only be on hocking high quality cotton blends for the night. We'll see you all next week. Count on it.

Jackson Hart nods his head and waves at the camera with a wide smile, then slowly kneels down and reaches for the camera. James Raven grabs the hem of his shirt and pulls it taught to make sure the slogan is clearly displayed.*

James Raven: Available now! Come find us-

*The screen goes black again, and we slowly transition back to the ring.*


GCWA Warriors of the Ring Tournament Semi-Finals match
Shawn Warstein (3-0) vs. The Lost Soul (34-25-2)

Minos: The next contest is a Warriors of the Ring V Tournament Semi-Finals match... and it will also be for the GCWA Unified X-Division Title!

*The fans cheer loudly, having already watched the title change hands once tonight.*

Rockwell: Per The Accelerator, this is the last match the Unified X-Division Title is on the line!

Hood: What? Why the hell do that?

Rockwell: Probably to make sure nothing's taken away from the actual rewards of the finale!

Hood: I guess... it doesn't really matter, Warstein's walking out here as champion either way...

Minos: Coming down the aisle... standing 6'4" and weighing 234 lbs... from CHICAGO, ILLINOIS *HUGE POP*... here is Shawn Warstein!!

*The Centuries remix from Fall Out Boy begins playing once again in the arena. The home-town fans are hyped as Shawn Warstein comes out of the back this time, rather than the phone booth. He ignores the fans on the way to the ring, focused on what's in front of him. He gets up on the apron and pulls his hood down, looking at the crowd before entering the ring.*

Rockwell: After a furious contest with Jason Cashe earlier, we'll have to see how much Warstein has left in the tank.

Hood: Please. You know he just took his time machine somewhere, slept it off, ate some great food, and then came back to this point, right? He's perfectly refreshed!

Rockwell: But we had eyes on the time machine the whole time, Hood. It hasn't moved from that spot.

Hood: Oh... well, maybe a future Warstein came back to take the present Warstein back to the past?

Rockwell: ... Maybe...

Minos: His opponent... standing 6'3" and weighing 235 lbs... from Parts Unknown... he is the holder of a Golden Opportunity contract, and is the NEW GCWA Unified X-Division Champion... 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, new championship in hand.*

Rockwell: For the last month, The Lost Soul has been trying to call out the North American Heavyweight Champion to use his Golden Opportunity against. He tried against PerZag, who left. He tried against The Empty, who hasn't been seen since his loss to Noah Hanson. He tried to call out Hanson, but kept winning in the tournament... and now he's the Unified X-Division Champion!

Hood: Since he has a belt now, does he have to forfeit the Golden Opportunity?

Rockwell: First, he has to survive Warstein to hang onto the belt!

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: So who's the favorite here?

Hood: How dare you even ask that question??

Rockwell: I'm just saying, Hood, a lot of people have underestimated The Lost Soul in the past, but there's a reason he's had such a long and rewarding career...

Hood: Yeah, he keeps getting replaced like the Dread Pirate Roberts! Only with clones!

*The Lost Soul is leaning on the ropes, still looking worn out from his earlier contest with Duce Jones. Warstein takes this in with a smirk. If he's hurting, he's doing his best to hide it from everyone. The wrestler comes forward, signalling for The Lost Soul to meet him. TLS stays in the corner, though, his head down. Warstein shakes his head, disappointed at how easy this is going to be. He comes up to The Lost Soul, grabbing him on either side of his mask... and The Lost Soul immediately comes forward, scoring a headbutt!! Warstein stumbles back, surprised, but The Lost Soul then dives into him, twisting Warstein around to drop him on his back for a roll-up!! The ref's there... 1... 2.. and Warstein kicks out! Both men leap up, with a furious Warstein aiming a punch right at TLS' head, but TLS ducks under it, grabbing at Warstein's leg and again twisting him downwards, putting Warstein's shoulders on the mat!! 1... 2... and Warstein again kicks out in time!*

Hood: Damn it, TLS was only playing like he was weak!

Rockwell: And it almost worked.. twice!

Hood: Ref, unmask that guy, make sure it's the same one who wrestled earlier!

*Both wrestlers are back up now, with Warstein on the retreat, trying to get his balance back. The Lost Soul doesn't want to allow that to happen, though, as he comes after him, swinging away at Warstein in the corner! Warstein sticks his head and shoulders through the ropes, covering up, which causes the referee to come in and tell The Lost Soul to back off. As TLS starts to step back, glaring at the ref, Warstein suddenly kicks forward while holding the ropes, catching The Lost Soul in the lower gut!! TLS bends over, stung, even as Warstein pulls himself back in and comes in, picking TLS up and delivering a thunderous spine buster!! Warstein flattens out onto TLS, holding him down as the count is made... 1... 2... and TLS kicks free in time! Warstein gets up, dragging the masked man with him, looking annoyed with himself for having lost focus for a second. He blames TLS, picking the man up and delivering a belly- to-belly suplex! He covers again... 1... 2... and TLS escapes!*

Hood: Warstein's got it figured out now. This one's over!

Rockwell: He needs to watch out for The Lost Soul's guile, though, Hood.

Hood: You mean him being a sneaky son of a bitch!

Rockwell: Well, yeah, you could put it that way...

*Warstein looks to have gotten his swagger back now. He gets The Lost Soul up, mocking him for a second before nailing him with the PPF (Past, Present, Future) (Short knee to the face, straight elbow, and a spinning back elbow to the jaw)!!! The Lost Soul collapses into the ropes, leaning on the middle one with one arm. Warstein starts in, then hesitates, remembering earlier. Instead, he moves to the side where TLS can't see him, running forward and kicking TLS in the back! This knocks TLS to the mat, where he immediately uses his wrestling instincts to roll off the apron to the outside, landing on the floor. Warstein smirks to himself, taking a moment to stretch his neck until he hears a satisfying crack. The ref has started a count, but Warstein doesn't bother waiting for that. He steps through the ropes and drops to the floor, looking around... and not seeing anyone. He quickly looks behind him, but The Lost Soul isn't there, either.*

Hood: He evaporated!

Rockwell: He went under the ring, Hood...

Hood: Oh. Right. Right, that makes perfect sense...

*The home-town fans are yelling towards Warstein, letting him know what happened. He nods to them, appreciating the info, although he'd already figured it out by himself. He starts to reach for the ring curtain, then stops, realizing this could be a set-up. Instead, Warstein turns and rolls back into the ring, standing up. The referee looks at him, but Warstein just gestures for him to keep counting. The ref shrugs and continues, getting to 5... 6... 7... Warstein looks around in each direction, trying to keep an eye in all directions at once. Finally, he spots movement to the right, as the familiar masked figure comes out from under the ring. Warstein turns his way, walking over there and waving TLS on, saying he can either come in and get stomped or stay out and lose the match. The masked man looks at him, then reaches up, yanking off his mask!!! The fans are shocked, as is Warstein, as he sees the face of Tony The Spider!! The Mustard Factory member laughs, even as The Lost Soul comes in from the other side, coming up behind Warstein and spinning him around. He lifts the startled Warstein up, delivering the Soulbuster (Brainbuster)!!!! The crowd is besides itself as TLS makes the cover... 1... 2... 3, NO!!! Warstein kicks out!*

Hood: Damn that Tony The Spider!!

Rockwell: I don't know if he was in on the deception or not, Hood...

Hood: What are you talking about? He's wearing the mask!

Rockwell: He also is legitimately one of the craziest wrestlers we've got, Hood. He might have just gotten that mask from his merchandise sales...

*In the ring, Warstein is still down, trying to recover, as The Lost Soul gets to his feet. Tony The Spider has already disappeared, to who knows where. As Warstein tries to recover, The Lost Soul moves to the side, preparing himself. He comes forward, getting a little momentum before leaping into the Souled Out (Somersault Leg Drop)!!! But Warstein sits up in time, avoiding the strike!! TLS rolls in pain from the bad landing, before trying to get up. But Warstein's already rushing towards him, nailing him with a spear!! Warstein gets on top, punching away, clearly upset at the trickery being used against him in this one. He runs his thumb across the mask, as if trying to gouge TLS' eye out through it!! The ref shouts a partial warning, not sure if Warstein's actually on his eye or not. Warstein doesn't care, pulling TLS up and giving him an Irish whip into the corner. As TLS sags there, Warstein runs forward, scoring a running corner big boot!!*

Hood: Despite TLS' little tricks, Warstein is taking full control again!

Rockwell: Warstein's a veteran who's probably seen it all. He's learned to cope with anything.

Hood: Plus, if this was a problem, he'd just use his time machine to go back and have his own clones under the ring!

Rockwell: Er... you're mixing wrestlers together now, Hood...

Hood: It's been a long night, I'm tired...

*The Lost Soul is hurting, with Warstein more than willing to add to it. He grabs hold of TLS' legs, twisting him around into a Texas Cloverleaf! Of course, here in the Windy City, it's more of a Chicago Cloverleaf, earning the cheers of the fans. The Lost Soul fights against the hold, struggling to work his way towards the ropes and freedom. Warstein lets TLS get close, watching over his shoulder, before he drags TLS back towards the center, mocking him for even trying to escape! But as they move, TLS is able to trip Warstein up with one of his hands, causing Warstein to fall forward, breakinmg the hold! Warstein's immediately back up, turning as TLS tries to get to his feet. But Warstein doesn't give TLS a chance to recover, grabbing him on the way up and dropping back with a backstabber!! The Lost Soul bounces away, stung, with Warstein following him to get on top, making another cover... 1... 2... No! The Lost Soul gets a shoulder up, much to Warstein's annoyance!*

Hood: Just give it up, old man! Warstein's got you beat!

Rockwell: It's not over until it's over, Hood...

Hood: Nah, it's over, we're just wasting time at this point, and we've still got two matches to go!

*Warstein has moved to the side now, waiting for The Lost Soul to get fully up to his knees. He signals for the end, preparing for a King's Crown (Kinshasa)!! The Lost Soul sits up... then suddenly drops back down and rolls, leaving the ring once again!! Warstein dives after him, not wanting to let him get away, but he's a second too late, with TLS falling to the floor. Warstein rolls out after him, not wanting to let him pull another trick. He grabs at TLS, making sure he doesn't go under the ring... and TLS turns, giving Warstein a jab to the throat, followed by a Russian leg sweep on the outside!! Warstein's down, as The Lost Soul rolls back into the ring, getting unsteadily to his feet. He waits as Warstein starts to pull himself together, then runs to the ropes on the other side. The fans lose it as TLS leaps forward, soaring through the ropes and crashing into Warstein with a suicide dive!! Both wrestlers are down, as the referee begins another count.*

Rockwell: The Lost Soul again shows that he's willing to risk life and limb to succeed!

Hood: I can't believe he did that to Warstein!

Rockwell: This is a man on a mission, to fix what happened at the last Warriors of the Ring Tournament! He's not going to let anyone stand in his way!

*The count continues, with Warstein trying to pull himself together outside the ring. He gets up, holding his head, and sees the masked man standing up in front of him. Warstein quickly runs forward, clotheslining him from behind!! Warstein leans there, breathing heavily, when he suddenly looks to his right... and sees another TLS!! Warstein angrily comes forward again, kicking this one in the gut and delivering the Ego Trip (Future Shock DDT)!!! He turns to the recovering masked man and runs at him, nailing him with the King's Crown!! Both masked men are down, as Warstein kicks at both of them, telling both of them to stay the hell down. The referee is up to 7, so Warstein turns and makes his way over, pulling himself through the ropes at 8. The ref just stops counting, confusing Warstein, only for his confusion to change to shock as The Lost Soul grabs him from behind, yanking him down into a Schoolboy!!! The fans erupt, as the referee dives over... 1... 2... 3, NO!!!! Warstein escapes!!*

Hood: How many of them are fucking under there???

Rockwell: At least two, but I don't think either one's getting up any time soon...

Hood: Holy shit, that would have sucked!

*Both wrestlers are back up now, with Warstein letting loose his frustration by charging at The Lost Soul, only for TLS to trip him up and send him falling into the ropes, getting clotheslined by the middle one!! The Lost Soul then turns and hits the ropes, coming back to drop a leg onto the back of Warstein's neck, choking him!! Since TLS doesn't get off right away, the ref warns him with a 5 count, with TLS lifting off at 4 1/2. He pulls Warstein up, taking him over to the corner. He hammers Warstein's head into the 'buckle, then lifts him up, getting him onto the turnbuckle. TLS goes up with him, wanting a superplex! But Warstein fights back, landing a couple of blows to weaken TLS, then turning him around, reversing things. Although TLS tries to fight against it, Warstein's got the leverage, lifting TLS off the top and delivering a superplex of his own!!! The crowd loves it, enjoying every minute of this wild contest, as Warstein pulls himself over for the cover... 1... 2... 3, NO!! TLS kicks out!*

Rockwell: Whoever wins this one is going to deserve the X-Division Championship!

Hood: Honestly, Warstein doesn't need that belt, he's got much better ones, I'm sure...

Rockwell: Hey! Stop mocking your own fed's titles!

Hood: I call it like I see it, every time!

*Warstein gets himself up, looking like he's wishing for that time machine to take a break. He goes to the nearby ropes, holding them to steady himself. Behind him, The Lost Soul is starting to get up, somehow still moving after the furious action in this one. Warstein sees him getting up and steps towards him, declaring this one finished. He gets TLS locked up, preparing for the Ego Trip!! But The Lost Soul pushes with his legs, shoving forward to send both men backwards into the corner... and into the referee, who couldn't get out of the way in time!!! All three men impact the corner, falling in different directions to the mat! The referee looks completely out of it, having hit his head on the turnbuckle pad! Both of the wrestlers are still moving, as they're made of sterner stuff. The Lost Soul grabs for Warstein, wanting to go for another Soul Buster, but Warstein grabs at the mask, yanking it to the side to remove TLS' visibility! Warstein then starts punching away at the blinded wrestler, trying to see some blood through the fabric!*

Rockwell: The Lost Soul's mask is being used against him!

Hood: Perfect!! Warstein knew exactly what to do!!

Rockwell: We still need a ref out here, though!

*With The Lost Soul dropping to his knees from the series of shots he's taken, Warstein is grinning above him. He doesn't give a shit about the downed referee, he'll just knock out everyone with a mask until someone declares him the winner. He lifts TLS back up, once again starting to position him for The Ego Trip! He locks up The Lost Soul's arms... but no, TLS is fighting, trying to keep him from holding his arms. Warstein angrily lifts a knee, smashing it into TLS' shoulder to try and get him under control... and TLS responds by swinging straight up, nailing Warstein right in the groin!!!! Warstein's face loses all color as he slumps to the side, gasping for breath. He tries to recover, lifting himself up... and TLS kicks him from behind, straight through his legs once more!! The crowd is now booing, upset at their home-town favorite getting nailed twice, even as TLS pulls him up. Seeing the ref finally pulling himself together, TLS pulls Warstein back, getting another schoolboy and hanging onto the trunks! The ref, dazed, reaches over... 1... 2... 3!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner, and STILL the GCWA Unified X-Division Champion... The Lost Soul!!!

Hood: Fuck! Fuck Fuck Fuck!!

Rockwell: I can't applaud his methods, but The Lost Soul has made it to the finals of the Warriors of the Ring Tournament!

Hood: FFUUUUUCCCCKKK!!!!!

Rockwell: Geez, Hood...

Hood: All that money, gone!!

Rockwell: I thought you didn't bet your own money!!

Hood: I don't... fuck, the Micro Mafia's going to be coming for me now...

Rockwell: Well, I'd definitely call this an upset, but we've got our finalists set! Lissie Hope vs. The Lost Soul in our main event later tonight!

*The Lost Soul has already left the ring, going to retrieve his championship. He looks around at the two downed mask wearers, shaking his head and walking over to them. He rips the masks off one, then another, revealing... people we don't know. Who knows what happened to Tony The spider. TLS takes the masks with him, departing up the aisle.*



*We see a backstage shot, showing Lissie Hope finishing off a drink of water. She spits it to the side, looking disappointed, before throwing the bottle away from her and making her way to the back.*

Rockwell: Looks like Lissie Hope isn't too pleased with this result, either, Hood.

Hood: She's been dreaming of the finals between her and Warstein for the last month. Now, it's Hope vs. TLS in the finals instead...

Rockwell: Still a classic match, though, as we see one of the longest-running veterans of the GCWA takes on one of the hottest stars in wrestling today!

Hood: I can't wait to see it!

Rockwell: You have to!

Hood: No!

Rockwell: Yes! Because it's time for the North American Title triple threat!

Hood: Oh cool!


GCWA North American Title Triple Threat match
Noah Hanson(c) (2-2) vs. Chelsea LeClair (2-1) vs. Lucas Thames (7-3)

Minos: The next contest is a Triple Threat scheduled for one fall, and will be for the GCWA North American Championship!!

*The crowd is up for it, knowing how strong the three opponents in this one are.*

Minos: Introducing first... standing 5'6" and weighing 128 lbs... from Ocean City, New Jersey... here is Chelsea LeClair!!

*"Chelsea" by STEFY hits and the fans cheer as Chelsea LeClair walks through the curtains, poised, confident and determined to make things happen in this match as she begins to walk down the aisle. She soaks in some cheers a bit as she gets to ringside and at this point, she's all business as she slides into the ring. Soaking things in a bit more, she climbs up the corner to the second rope with a smile, a fist raised in the air and a quick point to the crowd before she hops back down to the corner, leans against it and waits for the match to begin.*

Rockwell: LeClair seemed to have a political debate, of sorts, this week to prepare for tonight's contest.

Hood: I did appreciate her mocking Thames the way she did, but she took it a little far by involving Nicolas Cage.

Rockwell: You just don't want anyone to give Noah Hanson a hard time.

Hood: No, I just don't need to see Cage anymore. Did you hear he's going to play himself in a movie about himself?

Rockwell: With the lack of new movies lately? I'll probably go see it...

Minos: Next, from Detroit, Michigan... standing 6'4" and weighing 245 lbs... here is Lucas "The Icon" Thames!!

*The opening bars of Not Gonna Die by Skillet begin to play and people begin to rise, cheering. Out of the curtain steps Lucas raising his arms in thanks. After a few moments Lucas walks down to the ring slapping the odd hand of fans but mostly staying focused on the job at hand. He walks up the ring steps, taking care to wipe his feet on the apron and climbs through. He raises his hands again acknowledging the cheers with a slight nod. Then we're underway.*

Rockwell: Thames came close to being in Curt Canon's place in the tournament. Now he's been rewarded with a major title opportunity here tonight.

Hood: If he can pry himself away from his wedding plans.

Rockwell: I think Josie's doing most of the planning at this point...

Hood: She'd better plan for Lucas being depressed tonight, too, because no way he takes down Hanson!

Minos: Their opponent... standing 6'2 3/4" and weighing 228 lbs... from Kansas City, Kansas... here is your GCWA North American Champion... "The Hollywood Blockbuster" Noah Hanson!!

*"Monsters" by Shinedown bares and Noah makes his way to the ring to a mixed reaction. He proudly shows off the GCWA North American Title around his waist, threatening any fan who tries to reach too close towards it. He makes his way into the ring, shooing away both LeClair and Thames. As he poses in the middle of the ring, a gold and green pyro waterfall goes off behind him.*

Rockwell: Hanson has to still be recovering from that surprise Falls Count Anywhere match with Sean Warstein last Friday.

Hood: It doesn't seem fair, having him defend his title after that violent confrontation that nearly took us out...

Rockwell: True, but the North American Title is the most prestigious title behind the World Championship, which meant it had to be defended tonight.

Hood: Still, Hanson's going through some tough emotions right now, visiting the grave of his first tag-team partner...

Rockwell: I can't say I know that much about Johnny Blayze, but I'm sure he went down fighting the cancer that eventually took his life. Rest well, Mr. Blayze...

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: So we're ready for a major test for Noah Hanson, as he doesn't have to be pinned or submit to lose the title here tonight!

Hood: Wait, he doesn't?

Rockwell: ... You should know the rules of a Triple Threat by now, Hood.

Hood: I do, but I thought for someone like Hanson, they'd be changed! Surely if Thames makes LeClair submit or LeClair takes down Thames, the title shouldn't change hands!

Rockwell: Again, it's a Triple Threat, regular rules, which means the winner gets the belt!

Hood: Let me get Barrows on speed-dial, he'll clear this up... okay, it's ringing... it's ring, no, there, I... eh, voice mail... he's probably pretty busy right now...

*Hanson hands off his title to the referee, who does the ceremonial raising of it to the crowd to show the importance of this one, as if that's even necessary. The crowd is already split, wanting their favorite to come out on top. Hanson, LeClair, and Thames approach the center of the ring, sizing each other up. Hanson gestures to LeClair, getting her attention. He points out the height advantage of Thames, apparently declaring him the bigger threat. LeClair looks over at Thames, who looks braced to go through both of them in order to get what he wants. Hanson starts towards Thames, signalling for LeClair to circle around him... and LeClair jumps up, catching Hanson from behind and dropping with a double-knee backbreaker!!! Hanson rolls away, hurting, as LeClair springs back to her feet. Thames steps foward, seeing the champion down, but as he bends down towards Hanson, LeClair charges forward, getting a running kick to Thames' chest! As Thames straightens up, LeClair grabs him and snaps him down with a jawbreaker, sending Thames falling back into the ropes. Hanson is already getting up, but LeClair turns and gets a jumping cutter, planting him down again before going for the cover... 1... 2.. and Hanson kicks out!*

Rockwell: LeClair is running wild in there, taking over right from the beginning!

Hood: She betrayed Hanson!

Rockwell: She never made any deal with Hanson, so nothing was broken...

*LeClair brings Hanson back up, taking him over towards the corner. She holds him by the head, running up the ropes to spin around for a tornado DDT! But Hanson pushes her off at the last second, staying up as LeClair hits the ground on her own! LeClair rolls away, as an angry Hanson storms after her... only to get tackled to the ground by a charging Thames! The Icon punches away at the Hollywood Blockbuster, utilizing his MMA background to pummel away at the champion!! Hanson's only option is to cover up, trying to lessen the blows. LeClair gets back up, seeing what's going on. She comes in at Thames, who sees her coming. She jumps onto his shoulders, but Thames immediately stands up, blocking her from getting away. He spins her around, landing an Electric Chair Suplex!! LeClair's hurt as Thames gets back up, immediately targeting her again. He grabs at LeClair from behind, picking her up to deliver a snap Dragon Suplex! He hangs on, as the referee makes the count... 1... 2.. and Hanson is diving in, breaking things up!*

Hood: The scary thing about Thames is that he's still young. This kid's learning new moves every match!

Rockwell: Yes, I wouldn't be surprised to see Thames dominating the competition in the future.

Hood: The future? Aren't you watching the same match I am?

*Thames is back up now, landing a few stomps on Hanson to keep him from getting up. He steps over LeClair, grabbing at Hanson to yank him into position... and he goes for All It Takes Is Five Seconds (Anaconda Vice)!! But Hanson is immediately fighting free with a series of elbows, reacting purely on instinct due to not studying his opponents. He turns, ducking under another Thames shot, and twists him down with the Summer Bomb (Reverse Russian Leg Sweep)!!! Thames is down, as Hanson thinks about a pin, only to rethink his decision as he sees LeClair getting back to her feet. As LeClair comes in, Hanson meets her with a drop toe hold, causing her to fall hard on top of Thames! As LeClair tries to rise back up, Hanson gets behind her, picking her up into a fireman's carry and spinning her around and around, making even the fans in the audience feel a little dizzy! Hanson then lets go, sending LeClair flying with a Fireman's Carry Slam onto Thames!!*

Hood: Hanson is a master of using what's around him, and right now, that includes his two opponents!

Rockwell: It's a smart strategy, one that might help him retain his championship tonight.

Hood: There was never any doubt! This guy's a legend!

Rockwell: The legend's still got to keep one of these star wrestlers on the mat for three seconds...

*Hanson, in control now, drags LeClair to her feet. He nails her with a couple of forearms, before then taking her down with a double underhook DDT! He rolls her over, making the cover... 1... 2... and LeClair kicks out! Hanson doesn't seem surprised. He turns back to where Thames is trying to get up, going in at him and grabbing him from behind to deliver a back suplex. Hanson then turns back to LeClair, taking a few steps before landing a clothesline that puts her on her back. Hanson smirks at the two downed wrestlers, getting overconfident after taking charge. He pulls LeClair back up, this time setting her in place for the Sureshot (Spinning Fisherman's Buster)!! But as he starts to lift, Thames is there, hitting Hanson in the back! Hanson stumbles forward into LeClair, who reacts, scoring three straight knee shots in a row! Hanson falls back, his air taken away from him, and Thames is waiting, taking Hanson over with a snap German suplex!! Thames gets back to his feet, locking eyes with LeClair, as the fans cheer the action.*

Rockwell: This could be the chance for LeClair and Thames to take Hanson out of this match...

Hood: Why would you even suggest that??

Rockwell: It would guarantee a new champion!

Hood: Exactly why it's a horrible idea!

*LeClair and Thames look ready to go at it again, but Hanson starts to stand between them, trying to recover. Seeing this, Thames reacts immediately, grabbing hold of Hanson's arm and taking him to the mat with a cross armbreaker submission!! Not to be outdone, LeClair steps around and grabs hold of Hanson's legs, turning them back into a Boston Crab!! The fans are cheering the double submission, even as the referee reluctantly goes in to check on Hanson, seeing if he's going to tap out. Hanson, amazingly, is withstanding both submissions, although he's clearly in a great deal of pain. He fights through it, refusing to tap out, which appears to please the referee, since he wouldn't know who to declare the winner. Both LeClair and Thames drop the holds at the same time, apparently deciding that it's not going to work. LeClair's positioning, though, allows her to react quicker, turning around and catching Thames on the way up with a reverse neckbreaker!! She makes the cover... 1... 2... and Thames kicks out!*

Hood: Hah! Neither one of them could make Hanson submit!

Rockwell: I will say, Hanson has shown over the years that he's one of the tougher wrestlers in the business...

Hood: Yep, which has helped him outlast some of the all-time greats, like Titan 3, Dynamic Dynamite, Johnny Blayze...

Rockwell: Damn, Hood, not cool, bringing up the late Johnny Blayze...

Hood: Hey, Rest In Peace, and all that, but Hanson's the one still going!

*With Hanson taking a breather after the double submission, LeClair's working over Thames, having jumped onto his back and applied a Cobra Clutch submission!! The referee checks on Thames, having a clearer view of a potential winner, but Thames refuses to go down. He uses his height & weight advantage to stay up, driving himself backwards into the corner once, twice, and a third time, finally dislodging LeClair from the hold. LeClair shakes it off, looking to jump right back onto Thames' back, but Thames tosses her over his shoulder, sending her crashing to the mat! As LeClair gets back up, holding her stinging spine, Thames is there to greet her, taking her down with the Iconizer (Leg-Assisted Neckbreaker)!!! The fans pop as Thames rolls over for the cover, trying to hold her down... 1... 2... and LeClair gets the arm up! Thames immediately grabs at the arm, though, working to turn LeClair over to apply another cross armbreaker submission! But now Hanson is back, kicking Thames in the side to break it up!*

Hood: The champ is back!

Rockwell: We're getting deeper into this one, and it's still anyone's match to win...

Hood: Yeah, and I will admit, the longer this goes, the less it probably favors a veteran like Hanson. Time to end it, Noah!

*Perhaps thinking along the same lines as Hood, Hanson has brought Thames up again, showing his power by getting Thames up into the Big Opening Weekend (Leaping Vertibreaker)!!! Thames crashes hard, looking out of it, but Hanson doesn't bother trying another pin. Thames is already rolling without thought, going off the apron and falling out of the ring, as Hanson turns back to the recovering LeClair. He looks very confident now as he grabs LeClair, hauling her up. He locks LeClair up, keeping her from escaping, as he turns and spins her around to drop with Welcome To The Desert (Double Underhook Canadian Facebuster)!!! LeClair might be out, as Hanson makes the cover, making sure he faces where Thames landed. The ref runs over... 1... 2... 3, NO!!! LeClair still manages to get herself free of the pin, with Hanson looking the slightest bit shocked. He gets up and turns, looking at the nearby turnbuckle as he makes his way over, not wasting any more time.*

Rockwell: Hanson's looking ready for The Ladykiller!

Hood: Aptly named!

Rockwell: This is how Hanson became the first wrestler to ever pin The Empty in the GCWA!

*Hanson gets to the top rope, squaring up as he looks down at LeClair. He pats the elbow, ready to fly... but Thames is suddenly there, grabbing hold of Hanson's ankle!! Hanson works to kick him off, trying to get free, but Thames comes up with him on the turnbuckle, with the two wrestlers exchanging punches. Thames gets control, landing a couple of shots that land right under the jaw to nearly send Hanson off to the floor! But he hangs on, even as Thames steps over the ropes to get next to him. He sets the wrestlers up, wanting to take Hanson off with a superplex!! Hanson works to block it, trying to hang on, as Thames fights to bring him over. Both wrestlers are surprised, though, when LeClair returns, running and leaping into a dropkick into Thames' back!! The two wrestlers get knocked together, with Thames falling backwards off the turnbuckle into the ring, while Hanson drops backwards, hanging by one leg in a reverse Tree of Woe off the back of the turnbuckle!!! LeClair follows it up by coming up the turnbuckle, looking down at Hanson for a second before delivering a reverse slingshot corner splash to Thames!! The count is made... 1... 2... NO! Thames escapes!*

Rockwell: LeClair very nearly took advantage of the fight on the turnbuckle!

Hood: Someone go get Hanson freed! He can't hang there too long, he might pass out!!

Rockwell: If they release his foot, though, won't Hanson fall to the floor?

Hood: No! Don't drop him!

*The referee is working on the Hanson situation, trying to help him get loose without sending him on a long plunge. Back in the ring, LeClair is on her feet once more, feeling the effects of this one but running on increased adrenaline to get her through. She drops Thames with a facebuster, then turns back to the opposite turnbuckle from where Hanson is getting released. She heads up top, thinking about going for her finisher! The fans recognize the signs, cheering on the wrestler as she gets herself balanced. She takes flight, going for CANCELLED! (Corkscrew Moonsault)! She lands on Thames, who seems to twist his body as she comes in... and twists her over, reversing into All It Takes Is Five Seconds!!!! The Anaconda Vice is locked in, as LeClair frantically kicks her legs in the air, looking for any way out of the submission!!! Thames cranks it on, hanging on tightly, as LeClair starts to fade. But it's broken up by a diving Hanson, who smashes into the duo before the referee can make it back to check!*

Rockwell: That could have been it!

Hood: Whew! Thank goodness the ref got Hanson free, rather than watching the action!

Rockwell: Bad luck for Thames, as this one continues...

*LeClair slowly rolls away towards the corner, still hurting from the submission hold. Hanson is dragging Thames up, displaying that he's still got power by getting Thames off the ground to deliver the Sureshot (Spinning Fisherman's Buster)!!! The ref, who had been checking on LeClair, comes running back over for the pin attempt... 1... 2... 3, NO!! Thames is able to escape!! Hanson shakes his head, as if wondering what it's going to take. He pulls Thames back up, making sure he can stay vertical before starting to lift him up for the Big Opening Weekend!! But Thames suddenly comes alive, pushing Hanson off, then spinning into his Lights Out Roundhouse Kick!!! Hanson falls backwards to the mat, stunned, as Thames drops as well, taking a few precious moments to recover. Neither man has noticed that LeClair has dragged herself back up the turnbuckle, though, and she suddenly comes flying in, dropping onto Thames with CANCELLED!!! The corkscrew Moonsault hits perfectly, with the ref right there... 1... 2... Hanson tries to dive... 3!!!!!*

Minos: Here is your winner... and the NEW GCWA North American Champion... Chelsea LeClair!!!

Hood: No! Hanson was right there!

Rockwell: He hit the pile, but it was an instant too late, as the ref had already counted three!

Hood: Damn it!

Rockwell: We've just witnessed history, Hood! Our first woman to hold a GCWA singles championship!!

Hood: Hell, I'll give it to her, Chelsea earned it. She took advantage of the rules, but damn...

Rockwell: A hell of a fight from all three wrestlers, as this one could have gone three different ways very easily! Congratulations to LeClair for breaking through!

*The referee walks over to hand the championship to LeClair, who takes it gratefully. She holds the title close, even as the fans in the arena start up a "Chelsea" chant.*



*We switch to commercial feed one more time, as we see the beginnings of a new GCWA commercial.*

*As the commercial finishes, we go back to ringside.*

Rockwell: It's official, in four weeks, the biggest PPV of the summer takes place! Heat Wave returns!

Hood: And we're guaranteed either Mack vs. TLS or Mack vs. Hope!

Rockwell: And it's time now we find out who's getting there! Let's go to the ring!


GCWA Warriors of the Ring Tournament Finals match
Lissie Hope (4-0) vs. The Lost Soul (35-25-2)

Minos: It's now time for our main event of the evening!!

*The crowd somehow finds more energy, filling the United Center with cheers.*

Minos: This will be the Finals of the Warriors of the Ring V Tournament! The winner of this contest earns a GCWA world Heavyweight Title opportunity against Mack O'Connor at GCWA Heat Wave IV on Sunday, August 23rd, 2020!

*Everyone in the building is pumped up, knowing how much is on the line here tonight.*

Minos: Introducing First...

*The downtempo bass drops. The trap-heavy outro of Billie Eilish's "bad guy" floods the arena, the booming shaking the seats underneath each audience member. They rise to their feet in anticipation of the arrival of Action Wrestling's former two-time World Champion and All-In Briefcase holder, Lissie Hope.*

I like when you get mad.

*The GCWA crowd is mesmerized but still conflicted, knowing the full capabilities of Lissie Hope but still showing caution, as they are unsure just how committed she is towards adapting to this environment. But with a personal invitation to join a tournament to crown a World Championship, deep down Lissie Hope does feel wanted. She does feel desired. And that's a feeling she hasn't had in quite a long time.*

You said she's scared of me?
I mean...

*Finally, the curtains spread and Lissie Hope emerges at the top of the entrance stage, standing for a moment and taking in the mixed fan reaction. She still has a legion of support, mainly from the young female demographic who have followed her career and watched her ascend to the moon, being a mainstay in Women's wrestling. But there is still trepidation, as Lissie Hope, in the moment, is an outsider. She slowly saunters down the stage, not really acknowledging any of the jeers thrown in her direction.*

I'm the bad guy.
Ha!

*She enters the ring, wearing a cut-off "Villain" tee-shirt, and black and red workout pants. Though she has held the belt on two occasions, she looks down at her empty waistline and with her hands, brushes her fingers along her waist to show the outline of a championship belt. She removes the Villain t-shirt, exposing her upper ring apparel, and tosses it to the timekeeper, slowly climbing up the staircase and pausing to pose for the ringside fans.*

Minos: Ladies and gentlemen, from New Orleans, Louisiana and weighing 135 pounds... "THE BLACKHEART"... LISSSSSSIEEEE HOOOOOOPE!

Rockwell: So far, since coming to the GCWA as a free-agent entry into the tournament, Hope has had incredible matches with Chelsea LeClair, Havoc, John E Depth, and Terry Marshall. Now, she's one step away from one of the biggest tournament wins of her life!

Hood: Everyone thought that Hope was the odds-on favorite to make it here. Now she just needs to finish it, and she'll honor her brother.

Rockwell: Indeed.

Hood: Or she's blow it completely and ruin his memory forever...

Rockwell: Fuck, Hood...

Minos: Her opponent... standing 6'3" and weighing 235 lbs... from Parts Unknown... he is the holder of a Golden Opportunity contract, and is the GCWA Unified X-Division Champion... 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, new championship still held tightly in hand.*

Rockwell: If anything, The Lost Soul has had the hardest path to the finals. He defeated a GCWA Hall of Famer in Crazy Chris, took down an all-star in Pretty Ricky Stanton, won the Unified X-Division Title from Duce Jones, and managed the epic upset of Shawn Warstein just a short time ago!

Hood: Which I still think needs to be corrected. TLS used every trick in the book to get past Warstein!

Rockwell: And he just might need to have a few tricks left up his sleeve if he wants to stop the rise of Hope!

*The Bell Rings.*

Rockwell: And it's time! These two have each won four matches to get to this point! But only one of them gets to be crowned this year's Warrior of the Ring!

Hood: C'mon, Hope! TLS cost me a lot of money! Time to make him eat that mask!

*The Lost Soul hangs onto the ropes for a moment, as if rechanneling some strength. He turns, looking over at Lissie Hope. She saw the last match from the back, so she's shaking her head and smiling, not buying for a minute that TLS is too tired to continue. The masked wrestler comes forward, with the two of them meeting in the center of the ring, studying each other. The Lost Soul slowly raises his hands on both sides, straightening out his arms as he angles them towards his opponent. Hope takes a deep breath, preparing herself... then steps in, throwing a right hand into the side of TLS' head! TLs responds in kind, and within seconds, these two wrestlers are having it out, swinging wildly, not looking at all like they've already been in two competitive matches tonight! The fans are cheering as Hope gets control, nailing TLS with stiff right hands to drive him back into the corner. She then starts kicking away at him, working to weaken his core.*

Rockwell: Hope's probably the fresher of these two wrestlers, even though Depth and the injured Marshall gave her a good fight.

Hood: Yeah, but again, are we sure this is the same Lost Soul that wrestled earlier? Maybe he's faking again!

Rockwell: The body type looks right for The Lost Soul, but frankly, you never know for sure...

*Hope is up on The Lost Soul right now, standing on the middile turnbuckle as she punches away at him, getting the crowd to join in with a 10 count. When finished, Hope hops back down off the 'buckle and drags TLS out, taking him over with a belly-to-belly suplex! It's still amazing to see Hope get over the larger wrestlers, especially this late in a show, and the fans are appreciative. She gets up, grabbing TLS by the arm to pull him up once again. She gets beside him, possibly looking for an atomic drop. But TLS stops it with an elbow to the nose, knocking Hope backwards! She hits the ropes, shaking her head clear, then turns as The Lost Soul comes at her... sending both over the top to the outside with a Cactus Clothesline!! Both wrestlers are down from the impact outside, as The Lost Soul has once again sacrificed himself to get the edge in the contest. The referee shakes his head, knowing that a "non-finish" would be horrible in the finals, so he takes a lot of time before finally throwing up "1" for the count.*

Rockwell: That was a harsh tumble by both wrestlers. We'll have to see if they're okay to continue...

Hood: Hope needs to grab TLS and hang onto him before he does a switch-out! Who knows how many masked men are under the ring!

Rockwell: TLS isn't the sort to repeat a plan, Hood...

Hood: Which is exactly why he would do it tonight! He hates to be predictable!

*The Lost Soul is the first wrestler up, looking down at the fallen Hope. He grabs at the ropes, pulling himself up and back into the ring. The referee nods to him, glad he's come back in, but it doesn't look like TLS is planning to stay there very long. He takes up position on the other side, watching as Hope slowly gets herself up. TLS runs forward, just as he did against Warstein, leaping through the ropes with a suicide dive!!! But Hope MOVES!! She ducks down, letting TLS fly overhead and crash hard into the ground, rolling all the way to the barricade!! TLS looks hurt from that one, writhing on the canvas. Hope, meanwhile, pulls herself back into the ring. As the ref continues to count, TLS forces himself back up, refusing to get counted out and lose in the finals that way. He starts towards the ring, wincing with every step. But he doesn't see that Hope is now also running towards the ropes, leaping over the top rope and coming down on TLS with a suicide plancha!!!*

Hood: Holy shit!!

Rockwell: Hope is pulling out everything she's got in this one, just like TLS!

Hood: First time I've seen her take a high-risk move like that in the GCWA! Well, other than her Cherry Bomb...

*The fans appear to have shifted their allegiance, at least temporarily, to Hope at this point. They're still sore about their home-town favorite going down the way he did. Hope has The Lost Soul up now, with both looking like they're feeling every bump and strike they've taken tonight. She gets TLS under the ropes and follows behind, sliding into the ring. The referee moves aside as Hope steps around TLS, going to his legs and applying an elevated Boston Crab submission!! Hope cranks back on the hold, working to remove TLS' spinal cord from its usual alignment! The referee moves in, checking, as The Lost Soul isn't saying a word. He's barely moving at this point. The referee checks TLS' hand, lifting it up... and it stays up! But TLS shows no other signs of struggling as Hope continues to pull back, looking unsure at what's going on. She releases the hold, dropping TLS' legs to the mat, and turns back, giving him a stomp in the back for good measure.*

Rockwell: I couldn't tell if that submission was having any effect!

Hood: I know TLS is tricky, but there's not like a back brace or something to protect him, right?

Rockwell: No, I'd say wearing a back brace and getting put in a Boston Crab would probably make it hurt worse...

Hood: Yeah, so I don't get it. Is TLS just absorbing the punishment without complaint, or what? Damn mask...

*Hope is now behind TLS, putting a knee into his back while she stretches back his arms in another submission. Again, The Lost Soul is making no noise, other than to shake his head when the referee asks if he's giving up. Hope releases his arms, allowing her to stomp him into the canvas, hard. She's looking a little thrown off by the lack of response from the man she's wrestling. She reaches down, grabbing at his head, only for him to try and roll her up! But Hope, expecting this, gives a push through the roll-up, reversing it! 1... 2... TLS barely kicks free in time! Hope, now smiling at having bested him at his own game, grabs at TLS again, this time hauling him up. She gets him by the neck, wanting a swinging neckbreaker. But TLS spins out of it, catching Hope by the head and dropping with a spinning DDT in one motion!! The Lost Soul rolls on top for the cover, hanging on... 1... 2... but Hope pushes herself free, keeping this contest going.*

Hood: There's something just... spooky about The Lost Soul tonight.

Rockwell: He's had a different game-plan for every match, that seems to be for sure...

Hood: But he's just acting differently, isn't he? You think he's channeling another soul or something?

Rockwell: I... don't think that's what the name implies, Hood.

*This time it's The Lost Soul who stays on the mat, locking on a double underhook crossface submission onto Hope!! The move appears to be firmly locked in, as Hope looks to be in tremendous pain! She is kicking her feet, trying to figure a way out of this one, as The Lost Soul tries to keep her contained to the canvas. The referee is there, asking her if she gives up, but Hope refuses, fighting with everything she's got. She manages to push off with her legs, shifting TLS backwards and causing his shoulders to be on the mat! 1... 2... TLS rocks back forward, while still maintaining the submission. Hope fights again, getting TLS down again... 1... 2... and TLS rocks forward once more, this time dropping the hold due to the close falls. He gets up, pulling Hope with him. Before Hope can get her bearings and fight back, TLS drops her again with a Russian leg sweep, before making the cover... 1... 2... no, Hope kicks out once more.*

Rockwell: It seems like both wrestlers are more interested in grounding their opponents right now...

Hood: Hey, their muscles have to be aching badly by now. Neither of these two is feeling particularly strong at the moment.

Rockwell: Yes, they're both running on pure heart at the moment to keep going...

Hood: Ugh. No, it's not heart, it's greed. They want that money, they want that title shot, and they want the pride of being the winner!

Rockwell: I prefer heart...

Hood: Whatever...

*The Lost Soul drags Hope up, thinking about his next move. He goes to lift Hope up, wanting the Soulbuster (Brainbuster)!! But Hope floats through it, landing behind TLS instead! She pushes TLS into the ropes, as if to try for a roll-up, but TLS hangs onto the ropes, keeping himself upright. Hope doesn't go anywhere, either, though, and slams an elbow into the side of TLS' head! She goes to whip him across the ring, no, TLS reverses and Hope is sent for the ride instead. She comes back to TLS flattening out, leaping over him and hitting the other side. TLS gets up, swinging a discus clothesline at her, but Hope ducks under it and gets to the ropes one more time. She races back as TLS turns towards her, spearing him hard to the canvas!! Both end up near the edge of the ring after that hit, with Hope landing on top to try for the cover... 1... and the ref stops, pointing out TLS' foot sitting beyond the ropes! Hope grabs it and pulls it back, allowing the count to begin again... 1... 2... and TLS kicks out!*

Rockwell: For one of these two, the pain's going to be worth it. For the other...

Hood: Lots of drinking, drugs, and demoralization?

Rockwell: Hopefully not, but definitely a few moments of reflection at how close they came...

Hood: I prefer the drinking.

*Hope slowly brings The Lost Soul up, holding her side from where she landed after the spear. She still has enough in her, though, to grab TLS and set him up for the Dreamchaser (Side Slam Backbreaker)!! But The Lost Soul reaches up and jabs Hope in the eyes, blinding her and allowing the masked wrestler to get free! Hope takes a wild swing, nearly hitting a diving-backwards referee, even as The Lost Soul steps underneath and picks Hope up, delivering a bodyslam into the corner!! Hope's hung up, hanging in the Tree of Woe, which allows TLS to start kicking away at her, rocking her back and forth! The referee steps in, trying to free Hope's legs, even as TLS drops down and grabs her by the head, applying a unique submission!! Hope fights against being dragged down, even as the referee finally manages to free her. Hope sprawls forward to the mat, with TLS sliding onto the apron to avoid her landing on him. She's down, as TLS looks at the ropes, considering them. He then pushes himself over the ropes, somersaulting in with the Souled Out (Somersault Leg Drop)!!! But Lissie rolls away, giving TLS the clean miss!!*

Rockwell: The Lost Soul tried to add extra impact to his finisher, but it didn't work!

Hood: Well, it added extra impact to TLS' ass, but otherwise...

*The referee watches from the side as Hope uses the ropes to get up, trying to focus her vision. The match is definitely taking a toll on both wrestlers, the third time tonight they've probably felt like this, only worse. Hope shakes her head and turns back to where The Lost Soul, hurting, has rolled himself to the other side. Seeing this, Hope staggers over to the turnbuckle, making her way up as The Lost Soul tries to recover. The masked wrestler uses the ropes himself to rise up, then turns around... even as Hope leaps from the second turnbuckle, hitting him with a missile dropkick!! TLS goes down hard, even as Hope crawls over to make the cover... 1... 2... 3, NO!! TLS stays in the fight! Hope slaps the mat, visibly upset. But after a few seconds, she calms herself down, as if listening to an inner voice preaching patience to her. She moves to get up, watching The Lost Soul to make sure there are no tricks as she prepares to put this one away and claim her victory.*

Rockwell: Hope's working to keep from getting too frustrated, which can lead to mistakes.

Hood: Who do you think she's listening to? Her brother?

Rockwell: Maybe, at least metaphorically...

*As The Lost Soul drags himself upwards, Hope is ready for him. She steps in, locking him up for the Crown of Thorns (Pedigree)!! But The Lost Soul straightens up, tossing Hope over his shoulder and over the ropes!! Hope lands on the apron, though, saving herself the plunge to the outside. As TLS turns towards her, Hope jumps up, giving him a side kick to the head! TLS stumbles back, as Hope positions herself to take a risk. She jumps over the ropes, coming at her foe... who drops his shoulder, managing to catch her in a fireman's carry! Before Hope can fight free, The Lost Soul immediately twists around, dropping down with a Death Valley Driver!! The wind gets knocked completely out from Hope, as TLS drops onto her for the cover... 1... 2... 3, NO!! We're still going, as Hope survives once again. But TLS immediately twists into a stepover armlock Camel Clutch, bending her arm around his knee and holding her around the chin!!*

Rockwell: We're seeing moves we never see from these wrestlers!!

Hood: Now's the time to pull out the surprises, for sure!

Rockwell: Can TLS make Hope tap out to make his dream of winning Warriors of the Ring come true??

*Hope is fighting like mad, not wanting things to end this way. The referee is nearby, checking on her, but she's ignoring him completely, instead fighting for every inch she can manage towards the ropes. They aren't too far, but it's an extremely hard move to get any traction on. The fans are chanting "Fight, Hope, Fight" as she continues to push forward, even as TLS shows no emotion through his mask. He holds on until the last moment, when Hope finally is able to get her free hand out and touch the rope, causing the break. TLS reluctantly lets go, stepping off of Hope. He grabs her by the legs, slowly dragging her back to the center of the ring, as if to reapply the submission. But when he reaches down for Hope, she grabs him, getting a quick pin in... 1... 2... TLS escapes! Hope tries to spring back up, possibly to try again, but TLS gives her a kick to the gut, and follows it up with a stunner!! Hope's down, with TLS covering her... 1... 2... 3, NO!!*

Rockwell: Every pin has the fans on the edge of their seats!

Hood: With everything these wrestlers have been through, the simplest of moves could get the victory at this point!

Rockwell: The exhaustion must be palpable for these two amazing athletes!

*The Lost Soul slowly gets back up, shaking his head. He looks to the turnbuckle, contemplating it, but resists the urge to try something high- risk. Instead, he slowly pulls Hope up, locking her up for another attempt at the Soulbuster!! But Hope brings a knee up to block it, catching TLS in the thigh! He bends over, with Hope pulling away from him, then spinning into a roundhouse kick to the head!!! The Lost Soul falls to the ground, with Hope dropping on top of him... 1... 2... NO! Again the fans gasp, loving the action in this one. "This Is Awesome" starts to ring out around the United Center. Hope slowly gets up, making her way painfully over to the turnbuckle. She starts climbing, her intentions plain as she gets to the top. She's looking for the Cherry Bomb (Swanton Bomb) to put this away! Unfortunately for her, The Lost Soul managed to get up and come after her, attacking her on the turnbuckle! He starts to climb up, too, swinging away!*

Hood: Oh, shit! They're right above us!

Rockwell: And I don't like it a damn bit!

Hood: Get ready to run away, quickly!

*The two wrestlers teeter on the top of the turnbuckle, with The Lost Soul still landing a few more shots to keep Lissie Hope softened up. He climbs up next to her, trying to get into position for a big move. He locks her up, possibly for a superplex. No, it's more complex than that, as TLS is setting up for a Super Soulbuster!! He starts to lift, holding Hope up in the air, about ready to drop backwards, when Hope fights back, catching TLS under the mask in his throat to stun him! Hope manages to shift her weight, coming back down on the turnbuckle, potentially saving herself the loss of some brain cells. The Lost Soul tries to lift again, but Hope rakes across the mask, doing what Warstein did by temporarily blinding him. She then pulls The Lost Soul into place, locking him up. As the fans roar, recognizing the lock, Hope lifts and takes flight... landing a Crown of Thorns off the turnbuckle!!!!! The place goes wild as both wrestlers are down! Hope slowly pulls TLS over so she can make a cover... 1... 2... 3!!!!!*

Minos: Ladies and gentlemen... here is your winner of the Warriors of the Ring V Tournament.... "The Blackheart" Lissie Hope!!!!

*The place is exploding after that finish, as the crowd loved every minute of it.*

Rockwell: Incredible!! Lissie Hope takes the GCWA Warriors of the Ring Tournament!!

Hood: I knew it all the time!

Rockwell: Then why'd you lose all the money on Warstein?

Hood: Hey, I still had faith in Lissie!

Rockwell: What a finish!! What a moment!

Hood: And here comes the confetti!

*Minos gets out of the way as the referee lifts up Lissie Hope's arm, signaling her as the victor. The Lost Soul has moved to the side, holding his head, feeling the pain after a thrilling showing. The Barrows Family is all out now, with The Accelerator leading the way. They make their way down, entering the ring, with a couple of aides coming behind them with the Warriors of the Ring Trophy.*

Rockwell: It's a bittersweet moment for Lissie Hope, as she gets this huge victory the same week as she lost her brother...

Hood: No one can take this victory away from her...

*Hope accepts the trophy with quiet confidence, as she does her best to hide the pain that must be racking her body. She raises the trophy in the air, to the cheers of this Chicago crowd. She then glances up at the executive suites. Mack O'Connor is shown from the side view on camera, looking her way. He has a smirk on his face, giving a slow sarcastic round of applause. He stands up, holding his beer up in a toast to Hope. He takes a large gulp, sets it back down, then turns to leave, disappearing into the suite.*

Rockwell: Mack O'Connor now knows the next challenger to his championship run!

Hood: Mack vs. Hope! Talk about a dream match for Heat Wave!

Rockwell: As we said earlier, no wrestler has failed to get the GCWA World Heavyweight Title after winning the Warriors of the Ring Tournament, with some getting it that night, while others got it a month or two later...

Hood: So history's on Lissie Hope's side?

Rockwell: We'll find out in four weeks at Heat Wave IV! Good night, everyone!

*The cameras focus back on Lissie Hope, as she climbs up the turnbuckle, raising the Warriors of the Ring trophy above her head to another roar from the crowd. We slowly fade out.*


OOC: Oh, man, this was a huge card! I'm exhausted *lol*. Thanks again to Puffer and Zybala for putting up some matches, as well as everyone that turned in segments. This was probably the hardest grading I've ever had to do, as every match had its own challenges. Everyone involved should be incredibly proud. Now, let's get headed to Heat Wave and lock down one year in business!

GCWA Friday Night Inferno

LIVE! Friday, July 31st, 2020

From the GCWA Arena, Dallas, TX

Opener

TBD

Mid-Card

Space Lord vs. Xtreme

Tony The Spider vs. Peter "The Janitor" Vaughn

Aaron Warthog vs. Zolton

(Other matches possible if requested)

Main Event

TBD

Roleplaying will be from Sunday, July 26th to Wednesday, July 29th, giving you 4 days to post your roleplay. Remember, each must be in before 12:00am CST to count.

Good luck to all!